Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have had an enjoyable week. A reminder to our Year 3 families that the Reconciliation Enrolment evening is tonight starting at 5.00pm. Deacon Eden is looking forward to supporting the students in preparing for this Sacrament. When I think back to my own First Reconciliation, I remember feeling well supported by my family and the school community. It’s not about what we have done, it’s about Jesus comforting us and strengthening us as we continue on our faith journey. Through this Sacrament the Church celebrates Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and each time I experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I feel closer to God and a sense of healing. If you have any questions, please come along tonight to the Parent Session or do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support our families.

Congratulations...

Congratulations to the students this term who have been travelling to try out for interschool sports. It has been wonderful to see your enthusiasm and team spirit. 

This week Mikinley B trialled for the Touch Football and Jackson M, Jackson F and Henry A for AFL. A special congratulations to Jackson M and Henry A who have made the Archdisocesan Team with Jackson F as a reserve.  

Catalyst

At St Bernard’s, your child’s education will stretch beyond their academic results, to take in their social and emotional development as well. We achieve strong academic foundations in reading, writing and maths, as well as strong social foundations in resolving conflict, navigating relationships, and behaving in line with your core values.

This year at St Bernard's we are continuing to focus on embedding High Impact Teaching Strategies to achieve our system goals:

• Every student is a competent reader
• High Impact Teaching Practice is visible in every classroom

We have begun the year focusing on a low variation curriculum by implementing the Catalyst Scope and Sequence Curriculum Documents in Literacy and Numeracy. This means that each teacher is following a scope and sequence aligned with the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriclum. To begin the year, the staff have engaged in professional learning facilitated by Dr Lorraine Hammond, focusing on the following two areas:

• Implementing the Literacy Scope and Sequence
• Vocabulary

Dr Lorraine Hammond is an experienced academic, lecturer and teacher, researcher, workshop facilitator, conference presenter and keynote speaker. She is an Associate Professor at the School of Education at Edith Cowan University and was recently appointed a member in the General Division of the Order or Australia, or AM, for her contribution to educational improvement in Australia. Lorraine is a specialist in teacher-led instruction, early literacy development, literacy-based learning difficulties and classroom coaching. Lorraine is also the President of Learning Difficulties Australia.

I encourage you to follow our School Facebook Page where we will continue to share the learning and teaching happening across the classrooms. 

School Board
We continue to seek interest for a new representative to join the School Board. The Board meets twice a term. Matters that concern the Board relate to the big picture planning for all aspects of school governance. The representation of parents on the Board is important to us and we would be very interested in your nomination. Please refer to the form to express your interest or to nominate someone you know who would suit this position. Alternatively, please feel free to send me an email at jo.wain@cg.catholic.edu.au Nominations close tomorrow, Friday 18 February.

Parent/Teacher Introductory Meetings
Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings have been planned for next Monday 21 February, Tuesday 22 February and Wednesday 24 February. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teacher and discuss the year ahead and goals for teaching and learning. If you are having trouble making a booking time, please don’t hesitate to email your child’s teacher or contact the Front Office.

iPhones and SMART Watches
I understand that some students may need to bring a phone or Apple watch to school to be able to contact parents on their travel to or from school. Just a reminder to all parents that these are not to be used at school. All phones should be handed into the teacher at the beginning of the day or left zipped up in their school bag. Smart watches are to be treated the same as phones at school if messages/calls can be sent to them. Any messages for students during the day can be received via the Front Office. We want to remove the distractions to support students to focus on teaching and learning.

Kindergarten are enjoying their first full week at Primary School and they have settled in beautifully.

Blessings on the week ahead.

Kind regards
Johanna Wain 

Principal 

Does Jesus ask too much of us?

Let's face it. Life in First Century Palestine was not easy. It was an outpost of the Roman Empire. It was governed by a Prefect who had the awesome power of choosing the High Priest for the year. He had a garrison stationed within the Temple precinct to control Jerusalem. Four rural provinces were ruled by local kings/chiefs, not always of the Jewish race, who swore allegiance to the Emperor.

The Jewish elite in Jerusalem was dominated by the Pharisees, who were religious pedants and their allies the Scribes, who interpreted the Law for the common folk. The Sadducees were conservatives accepting no tradition beyond the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. They curried favour with the Romans in order to make sure their man became the High Priest each year. They had many rich landowners in their ranks. Two other groups (l use the term loosely) were the Essenes, who isolated themselves from the elites in Jerusalem and led ascetic lives in the desert waiting for the Messiah. And the Zealots, in today's parlance religious freedom fighters, who were prepared to use violence to prevent the People of God being subject to a foreign power.

Then there was the occupying force, Rome, whose religion was polytheistic. Even their Emperor was a god. The Romans despised the Jews with their belief in a One True God who was no match for Mars, the Roman god of war. Decades of simmering discontent led to the Jewish Revolt in 66AD and the subsequent destruction of the Temple  in 70AD.

This was the volatile mix of Politics and Religion in which the early Christians had to survive and at the same time try to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. For about 250 years the Church was a proscribed organisation. Christians were forced to meet in secret for worship, instruction and the sacraments. They were very dependent on the sacred writings which became the New Testament, to learn about Jesus and his teachings.

Try to imagine a group of Christians in the catacombs listening to today's Gospel (Luke 7: 27- 38) being read by a deacon. He would instruct his congregation in the same way a Rabbi reads the Hebrew Scriptures in the synagogue. He would read a sentence, pause, then give a commentary. Then at the end he would take questions. Here's an example: Text: Jesus said to his disciples; “I say this to you who are listening.”  Deacon: Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus is talking to you. He is the Word of God. You are listening to him through the power of the spirit. Etc...

Text: Love your enemies.  Deacon: Sad to say, we Christians have many enemies. Jesus had many enemies. From the moment he was born he had an enemy - King Herod of Judea, who wanted to kill him. Herod saw in this baby a potential rival to his position. He was paranoid. He knew he held power only at the pleasure of the Romans. He saw threats everywhere. He was more to be pitied than despised. Etc...

If we continue reading through this extract we see how generous Jesus wants us to be towards everyone. No exceptions.

And what's in it for us? Jesus says there will be gifts for us like when precious seed is poured into a peasant's basket, a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over into his lap. God will not be outdone in generosity.                                                                                                                                                                                        Joe Quigley

NOTICE OF PASSING OF FR HENRY BYRNE

It is with great sadness we inform you that Fr Henry Byrne passed away yesterday, Tuesday 15^th February 2022.   Many of you would remember Fr Byrne fondly, as he was Parish Priest here for 20 years and was instrumental in building up the parish. 

For your information here are some details of Fr Byrne’s ministry of 69 years in the Archdiocese.

Born 7 April, , Bega 

Educated: St Patrick’s School Bega and later, St Patrick’s College Goulburn

Seminary: St Columba’s College Springwood 1945 – 1947, St Patrick’s College Manly 1948 – 1953 

Ordained: Deacon in 1953 at St Patrick’s College Manly; Priest 23 July 1954 in Bega by Bishop Young  

Assistant Priest: Yass, Weethalie, Candelo, Grenfell, Bombala, Braidwood, North Goulburn, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Tumut  

Parish Priest: Jindabyne (1973); North Goulburn (1978); and Batemans Bay for 20 years (1983 – 2003). Retired 2003 

Fr Byrne served as a Dean and the Archdiocesan Archivist and undertook short periods of study in Ireland, Jerusalem and Chicago.  In 2004 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. 

O Lord, we pray for the salvation of the soul of Henry, your servant and Priest, who devoted himself to your ministry, may he rejoice in the company of the Saints. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

THE FUNERAL NOTICE WILL BE SENT OUT ONCE WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN DETAILS

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week staff have been involved in Professional Learning around Christian Meditation. Our staff meeting on Tuesday was led by Helen Bramanathan who has introduced and used Meditative practices extensively in our Catholic schools in the Canberra Goulburn Diocese.

This year we will embed the practice of Christian Meditation into both staff and classroom prayer. The curriculum table below shows that forms of Christian Meditation should be explicitly taught in all grades K-6. 

The scientific benefits of Christian Meditation have been well documented. They include the reduction of depression, stress and anxiety and the improvement of cognitive function, attentiveness, and mindfulness.

Taking time to be silent and still is important for everyone. Learning to quiet our minds and open our hearts to be with God will take us some practice and time.

Our Meditative practices will include:

• Setting up a special prayer space where students can sit up comfortably
• Ringing a chime to start and begin meditation
• Closing eyes and relaxing bodies
• Keeping bodies as still as can be and trying to quieten thoughts
• Concentration on breathing
• Using a special mantra or prayer word: Ma-ra-na-tha, which means: Come Lord Jesus!

Reconciliation Enrolment Evening

We look forward to meeting with Year 3 families this evening for our Reconciliation Enrolment meeting on TEAMs. The meeting will begin at 5.00pm.

Many blessings on your weekend

Sharon Beashel REC

Dear Parents and Carers

Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings

Next week we are conducting Parent Teacher Introductory Meetings via MS Teams video conference on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The partnership we make between between home and school is very important to us as we know that children learn best when the significant adults in children's lives- parents, teachers, and other family and community members work together to successfully meet all of a child's developmental needs. Each of us has a piece of the picture of a child's development, and each can be more effective when information is shared. Constant communication helps ensure that both schools and homes are responsive to students' unique needs and therefore support children's overall development.

The Introductory Meetings next week are an excellent way for you to get to know your child's teacher and to begin a two way conversation.

The booking portal on Compass closes this Friday 18 February. Please contact the office if you require assistance in making the booking using Compass or contact your child's teacher to arrange an alternate meeting time. 

Explicit Direct Instruction- Let's Decode

The Let's Decode program is used at St Bernard's school each day in K-2 as part of Structured Literacy learning. Phonemic awareness is the ability to get to the individual sounds in words by listening and to identify and manipulate those sounds orally. While this skill is emphasised in the infants grades, we make sure all students at St Bernard's have this necessary foundation. Students in Years 3 and 4 may need to practice these skills until they have firmed up this foundation of reading. This is an area that the research into the Science of Reading has indicated is hugely important and one that we emphasise at St Bernard's. 

Questacon Science Visit

The Questacon Science Circus show was a huge hit on Monday, with our curious St Bernard’s scientists! Jam-packed with fun, fizzing and thrilling experiments, students explored everything from aerodynamics to chemical reactions, from fluid viscosity to frog calls. A few of our bravest front-row thinkers even volunteered to be slimed! A zooming bottle rocket finale ended Monday’s science extravaganza with a bang! We are so grateful for the exciting discoveries and giggly fun that Matt and Caitlin brought to school.

ICAS Assessments

This week we received the 2021 ICAS assessment competition certificates for English, Mathematics and Science.

Special congratulations to Taavi W, now of Year 6, who achieved a credit in each of these areas. This is a wonderful result!

School Uniform

This week there has been a whole school focus on the wearing of school uniform with pride. There have been a large number of students who have made an extra effort to ensure that each part of their school uniform is correct and that they are presented neatly. We know that classes are keen to earn the reward of a heart token each day over the next two weeks when all members of the class wear the correct uniform items.

An iceblock reward will be issued to the winning class at the end of next week.

Please keep in mind that St Bernard’s observes the NO HAT ~ PLAY IN THE SHADE sun safe practice and that jewellery items are restricted to the wearing of a wristwatch, religious medal with chain and signet ring, sleepers or studs for pierced ears with no more than one earring in either or both ears.

SUMMER UNIFORM ITEMS

GIRL’S SUMMER UNIFORM
Blue check dress or Navy Skort/ St Bernard’s pale blue shirt
Short white socks (not anklets)
Black polished leather shoes
Navy blue jumper with school crest
St Bernard’s navy broad brim hat

BOY’S SUMMER UNIFORM
Grey shorts NOT cargo shorts
St Bernard’s blue short sleeve shirt
Shirts to be worn tucked in
Grey socks
Black polished leather shoes
Navy blue jumper with school crest
St Bernard’s navy broad brim hat

GIRL’S SPORTS UNIFORM
Navy shorts with ‘St Bernard’s’
embroidered Sports Polo T–shirt
Short white socks – ankle length socks (not anklets)
St Bernard’s track suit.
Sandshoes/joggers

BOY’S SPORTS UNIFORM
Navy shorts with ‘St Bernard’s’
embroidered Sports Polo T–shirt
Short white socks – ankle length socks (not anklets)
St Bernard’s track suit
Sandshoe/jogger

UNIFORM SUPPLIERS:

STITCHES                                  HIP POCKET WORKWEAR
13 Fenning Arcade                      7 Hughes Street
BATEMANS BAY                           BATEMANS BAY

Supervision of students

A reminder that the school grounds are open to students from 8:10am each morning and remain open until 3:00pm each school day. Supervision is not provided by staff outside these hours. We do understand however, that there may be an arrangement made at various times. We thank you for your understanding in noting this safety aspect and for remaining in communication with us in regards to drop off and pick up.

I hope that you have a lovely weekend.

Karen

Assistant Principal

Year 3 are to be commended for their magnificent start to 2022. From the opening school bell the students have dazzled us with their high levels of enthusiasm and commitment to their learning.  Students have taken to the Year 3 routines like ducks to water.

Students have enjoyed the opportunity to create a T-shirt design that is all about themselves. Students used their artistic skills to draw their self-portrait along with their favourite sport, animal, movie, song etc. We have discovered that we have some very creative and artistic students.  We can’t wait to see what future artistic creations they will amaze us with.

Students are relishing the opportunity to display their learning during our daily reviews in both Literacy and Numeracy. It is great when students explain why they have selected their answer. We have also been refining our persuasive writing skills. We can be very convincing.

It hasn’t been all work and no play.  Students have been able to explore new areas of our school like the primary equipment and playing on Top Oval.

This will continue to be a very busy and exciting term as we learn about Reconciliation and our Geography unit – Our Place Australia. So much to investigate.  We can’t wait!   They say a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Archdiosesan Touch Trials

Last week Mikinley B from Year 5 competed at the Canberra-Goulburn Representative Touch Football trials. She participated in skills, drills and games against students from Year 5 and 6. While she was not chosen this year, she impressed the selectors and has been asked to trial again in 2023. Mikinley said she loved the day and really enjoyed playing against the older girls. Congratulations Mikinley on your terrific fitness.

Archdiosesan AFL Trials

On Tuesday Henry A, Jackson F and Jackson M travelled to Wollongong for the Canberra-Goulburn and Wollongong AFL selection trials. They were very proud ambassadors for St Bernard’s and enjoyed playing despite the heat. They played a number of games against students from Catholic schools from across the state. Congratulations to all three boys on competing at such a high level. Jackson M and Henry A were successfully selected to play in the Canberra-Goulburn and Wollongong team to compete at the MacKillop AFL Championships on Friday 25 March in Wagga. We hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy this exciting event.

Swimming Champions

Congratulations to Mackillop who were the house champions at our 2022 Swimming Carnival. Charlie J and Henry A, House captains of Mackillop, very proudly accepted the trophy from Mrs Wain this week.

We also announced our age champions:

Junior Girl Annie F, Runner-up Beatrix F.

Junior Boy Oscar J, Runner-up Arthur S-D.

11yr Girl Ruby B, Runner-up Molly W.

11yr Boy Samuel SD, Runner-up Rogan H.

Senior Girl Remi C, Runner-up Elyssa W.

Senior Boy Charlie J, Runner-up John F.

Congratulations on your outstanding swimming across multiple events, your stamina and school spirit shone throughout the day.

Good luck to our Southern Region Swimming team who will compete in Narooma next Thursday

Beatrix F, Addison G, Hayley D, Evie P.

Mia A, Sophie B, Indi A, Georgina W, Evie P.

Arthur S-D, Beau C, Ethan S, Milo D.

Annie F, Isla B.

Campbell R, Oscar J, Tyler M, Matthew S.

Ruby B, Lily D, Laila C, Molly W, Hailey I.

Rogan H, Kobi B, Samuel S-D, Dylan M.

Remi C, Amy C, Elyssa W, Mishell F.

Charlie J, John F, Henry A, Samuel H.

Malua Bay Boardriders

Congratulations to Sam S-D, Jonah T, Parker W, Astrid B and Keira A who surfed in the Cadets division at the Malua Boardriders on the weekend. Congratulations to Keira A and Samuel S-D who were second and third. Wonderful to see our students out in the community enjoying our beautiful coast.

  Week 3 Class Awards

Presented : Friday 11 February 2022.

Congratulations to the following children who received class awards this week. It is great to see so many children working hard and receiving acknowledgment for their efforts - well done to all!

Students who need a travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.