Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you’ve had an enjoyable week. Last week at Mass, Fr Tom spoke about God’s love for each of us. He reminded us to embrace who we are, focusing on serving others and not our imperfections. God loves us no matter who we are. Brendan Nicholls (2022) writes “We spend much of our lives worried about what others think of us and wondering how we can create an image of ‘perfection’ that we believe may be more acceptable to others. As a concept this approach is flawed as we are not perfect and can never be in this life. But we have been created through God’s perfect love and therefore whole and complete just as we are”. https://www.madonnamagazine.com.au/article/be-kind-to-yourself  

We know in life that things go wrong sometimes and no one expects perfection. Just like at home, when students feel they belong, they are comfortable to take risks and show the truest version of themselves. At St Bernard’s, we actively promote a positive culture of love, inclusivity and respect amongst our students, staff and families. Our teachers and staff are here to support your child as they journey through Primary school.

The term is certainly intensifying with significant sporting and academic activities in full swing. Last week, we had a great week celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week.  The purpose of this week is to celebrate our Catholic schools, highlighting our catholic identity and our inclusiveness. We are very fortunate to have a strong K-12 Pathway for Catholic Education on the coast. Throughout Catholic Schools’ Week we joined together as a Catholic community for many events and purposes. The week started with our Open Day, followed by Year 6 Leadership Day hosted by St Mary’s Primary School Moruya. St Mary’s Kindergarten students joined us for the Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Wednesday. The students were excellent and certainly enjoyed the week of activities! 

Online Family Forum
Coinciding with National Families week - Australia’s annual celebration of the importance of families, The Council of Catholic School Parents Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (CSPACG) in collaboration with Catholic Education are hosting an online family event in Term 2. This event is an opportunity for families to learn more about the Catholic School Parent Council and the ways it provides advocacy, leadership, representation, and support for families in our Archdiocese.  There will also be an opportunity to discover some practical ways for families to engage in their child’s learning. Please find the flyer with information below. Registration can be done via the link on the flyer.

NAPLAN
Well done to our Year 3 & 5 students who have been undertaking national literacy and numeracy testing this week. I thank their teachers for their preparation in ensuring the children felt confident and equipped to meet this challenge. NAPLAN continues next week with catch up sessions available for any students absent this week.

CATALYST
All schools in the diocese are implementing evidence-based teaching practices, meaning every student in every classroom across St Bernard’s is provided with highly impactful lessons that improve learning outcomes. These teaching practices take place in all year groups and subjects and are contextualised with relevant learning materials and complexity.

Catalyst also places a strong focus on literacy, providing intervention programs and shared literacy curriculum resources for all year levels.

How do I support my child at home?

Parents are encouraged to discuss how they can best support their child’s learning at home with their teacher. Some ways parents may support teaching could include:

• Read with your child daily. Encourage daily reading and help them explain what they learnt or enjoyed in the book. For younger children, ask them to read aloud at least four times per week.
• Share learnings. Encourage your child to talk about a topic, idea, or skill they have learnt at school and ask detailed questions.
• Build vocabulary. Help your child learn new works by using tricky and complex words, explaining what they mean and how they can use them.
• Ask your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher can provide specific support and advice for learning at home.

Congratulations…

Congratulations to our St Bernard’s students who competed in Canberra last Monday for the Archdiocesan Cross Country Competition. The students commented that they had a great day. A huge congratulations to Beatrix F, Keira A and Mikinley B who will now compete in Sydney at the NSWCPS Cross Country Championships. We wish you all the best at the next level.

Blessings on the week ahead.

Johanna Wain
Principal

LIVING FAITH IN THE EVERYDAY Discipleship –

 Being Good Enough for God

Part 2 of this focus on responding to God with ‘just who we are!

 God’s view of the world

Consider a time when you experienced a profound or transcendent experience. When in your

 life did you encounter a moment that was whole and perfect? Reflect on this experience.

What occurred that made the moment perfect? Consider this experience again from another point of view and look for the imperfections. In considering the imperfections is that moment

now less superb? I am sure your answer was, ‘no’. This is how you can learn to view the world

God does. The real skill and the transformative practice is to apply this approach to the

way in which you view yourself.

When you pause to contemplate yourself in this way you must begin by being intentionally

kind. Accept all of you. Do not judge, just observe. You are who you are, and while there may

be some things that should be adjusted, these points need to be discerned without prejudice

and must be weighed against your perfect self – your soul. In being kind you will begin to

strip away the critical and unnecessary judgments that obscure your vision.

 Essence of charity

Kindness is in essence charity – it is essential but also finite. Kindness does not bring about

 lasting change. To allow oneself to be transformed we need to bring about justice.

South African theologian Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died 26 December 2021, offers a

vivid metaphorical image of this need in saying, ‘There comes a point where we need to stop

just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.’ Justice is more difficult than kindness as it forces us to identify and remove the destructive thoughts that drive our negative self-talk and develop the courage to remove the masks we

wear that hide our vulnerability.

To be true to our perfect and eternal self we must enter into a challenging voyage of self-awareness and acceptance. Developing the practice of observing non-judgmentally is the

essence of the secular practice of mindfulness. In overlaying our spiritual beliefs we can align

our observation point with God’s.

 Beyond the flaws

The Ignatian value of detachment is an essential element of this method. One must be

comfortable with leaving behind what is not helpful in expressing one’s true self. Those who

love us also view us in this way. They see beyond our flaws and through the false or

exaggerated aspects we hide behind, and they love us all the same.

As you move through this autumn season, be intentional in your desire to be transformed. Be comfortable in knowing that the authentic you is perfect and loved. Also be aware that the

things that you will find need adjustment are the things that are not truly you.

 Have courage and let go of all that is limiting the expression of who you truly are. With this you will not only be able to offer kindness to yourself, but you will ensure justice, wholeness and perfection illuminate our world. Shine brightly.

Part 2 of this article first appeared in the autumn 2022 edition of Madonna magazine

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last night we held our Family Enrolment Evening for the sacrament of Confirmation. There are currently 16 candidates who have registered for this sacrament. Confirmation will be held on the 25 June in St Bernard’s church at 5.00pm. Candidates preparing for confirmation are: Akein A, Harry B, Dominic B, Amy C, Lukas C, Remi C, John F, Samuel H, Ethan K, Max L, Ryan L, Noah O’S, Erica S, Alex McD, Ashton W and Elyssa W.

Thank you to Father Tom, the leadership team and Year 6 teachers for their support at the meeting last night.

Family Baptism

Congratulations to Lisa and Ben G on the baptism of their children Lilly and Kai last Sunday. It was a beautiful mass, and the baptism brought a great sense of happiness to the parish congregation gathered on Mother’s Day. Welcome to God’s family Lilly and Kai.

Begin with the Heart Awards

Our Begin with Heart Awards are based on the importance we place on core values. Core values support our vision, shape our culture, and reflect what we value as a school. They are the essence of our school’s identity and reflect our community’s beliefs about what we consider to be the most important qualities which guide everybody’s behaviour.

Core Values

Our core values can be found on our St. Bernard’s Student Behaviour Matrix. They are - Honesty, Empathy, Appreciation, Responsibility and Tolerance (HEART).

Congratulations to the following students who have been acknowledged for showing our school’s core values since returning to school this term. These children will go into our BWTH draw on Friday.

Ethan K, Mishell F, Ashton W, Lachlan J, Malachai C, Levi C, Isla B, Jonah T, Harper Br - kindness, Ava J- responsibility, Kingston A- kindness, Indie A, Lucy B, Remi C, Quinn S, Xavier L, Johana T, Addison G, Gracie H- always being honest and doing here best, Juliette - showing empathy towards her friends, Mace Mc A - for taking on classroom responsibilities, Eva H- responsibility, Makenzie W – appreciation, Johana D - responsibility, Holly B – responsibility, Auroralise C-N – honesty, Louis C- kindness, Jack C- respect, Juliette – creativity, Ivy A – kindness, Harlo W- compassion, London B- resilience, Isla T – perseverance, Emie A, Ellena D, Christian F and Ollie L. 

Our School Vision

St. Bernard’s is an inclusive Catholic School Community that begins with the heart and nurtures and empowers future learners.

School Mission

In partnership with families, we are committed to educating students to be:

• Curious, creative, critical thinkers who aspire to be their best
• Respectful and accepting of difference
• Courageous to live their faith
• Independent and resilient learners who believe in themselves and their place in the world

Blessings on a fabulous weekend

Sharon Beashel REC

 

Dear Parents and Carers

Our school Facebook page is an important way that we connect with our school community and share the everyday and special happenings that take place. We thank you for following us and encourage you to like and comment on our posts. Recently we have launched the St Bernard's Instagram page which links in with our Facebook content. We hope you continue to enjoy our social media presence in your news feed.

This coming week is National Volunteers Week and it seems very fitting to promote and hear from our wonderful P&F who give their time to help our school be the wonderful place it is for all! Over the coming weeks we would like to introduce you to the members of the P&F who will let you know why they are members of this volunteer group in the hope that you might also like to be involved.

A Message from our Parents & Friends Association

Did you know that St Bernard’s have an active P&F (Parents and Friends Association) and are always looking for volunteers?

Have you considered becoming an active member with the St Bernard’s P&F?

St Bernard’s P & F is always on the lookout for volunteers to help with fundraising events that we hold and would love parents and friends of St Bernard’s to be involved.

The P & F meet twice a term on a Monday evening, with our next meeting on this coming Monday 16 May at 5.30pm

Come along, say hello, we would love to meet you and would love to know if you have any skills to help us in raising funds for our school. You’re sure to meet other parents and make new friends that share common interests, values, and outlooks.

If you are unable to make this meeting, have a look on the school calendar to see when our next meeting will be.

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier.

Meet our P & F Volunteers

Nicole Powell

I have been a parent in the St Bernard’s Community since 2014 and I also attended St Bernard’s as a child, back when Sister Patricia was the school principal.

I grew up in Batemans Bay and remember in my childhood my parents were always involved in local volunteering groups. Dad was in Apex and Mum was involved in St Bernard’s P&F, back then it was called “The St Bernard’s Mothers Group''. She, along with Jeni McCarthy’s mother and Jo Wain's mother in law, and I’m sure many other parents, were involved. My parents made lifelong friends during their volunteering days and my sister and I as children also connected with their children that we still have connections with today.

I guess, having my parents involved in local community groups has instilled a great culture in volunteering. I am grateful my parents set this example for me so that I could learn the value of volunteer work in my own life and can hopefully pass this on to my children as well.

My current role on the P & F is treasurer. I find this role to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It’s lovely to be involved in some way with our children and volunteering at the school is a great way to do this. I believe volunteering can teach both children and adults so much about being selfless, appreciating others, remembering how connected we all are, and understanding that one of the greatest gifts in life is giving to others.

Nicole Powell

Walk Safely to School Day

Next Friday 20 May, students and their families are invited to join with staff members at Corrigans Beach Park to walk to school together. This national annual event is one that the St Bernard's school community have supported over a number of years. The walk to school promotes safe pedestrain awareness as well as the health benefits associated with walking. We will gather at Corrigans Beach Park from 8.00am to depart at 8.15am, walking along Beach Road on the footpath to school. We hope that you can join us!

Personal Learning Pathways 

We are committed to supporting Aboriginal students to achieve their best at school and to learn about their culture and feel connected and supported to do this. In Week 6 over three days we will hold meetings for Aboriginal students, their parents and teachers. We value the opportunity to set learning and cultural goals together. 

Year 6 Mini Tuckshop in Term 2

The Year 6 students have proposed an idea to sell treats at recess and lunch one day a week this term while we are without our canteen. The students will sell Zooper Dooper iceblocks at lunch time on Tuesdays and cupcakes at recess on Thursdays. Each item will cost 50 cents. Money raised will go towards outdoor furniture for the Year 5 and 6 students. We think this is a wonderful idea and thank the Year 6 students for running the mini tuckshop for students this term. 

Local Hero Award Nominee

We wish Trish Ellis the very best for her nomination in the Local Hero Award that will be presented next Wednesday at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden. Nominees were recognised for an extraordinary effort or act of compassion, generosity, bravery or ingenuity in our community. Congratulations on your nomination Trish! 

Have a restful weekend

Karen Hadley

Welcome to a snapshot of Year 3!

Year 3 have made a sensational start to Term 2.  The teachers would like to commend the students for the enthusiastic, diligent and cooperative attitudes they bring to school each and every day.  

We are very proud of the way our Year 3 students participated in two NAPLAN Assessments this week. NAPLAN Assessments capture a snapshot of students' learning, monitors their progress against a national measure and identifies teaching programs strengths and areas for improvement. 

On Tuesday our students participated in the writing assessment. Students enjoyed the opportunity to display their creative skills. On Wednesday (3DH) and Thursday (3W) Year 3 students participated in the online NAPLAN Reading Assessment in the iCentre. Students demonstrated determination when answering the various questions.

Students enjoyed the creative time in Visual Arts this week as they worked on their Creation pieces focusing on the Book of Genesis. They experimented with line, colour and shapes as they completed their masterpieces using oil pastels. Here are a few of their great artworks.

Year 3 have not only excelled in the classroom. They have savoured the opportunity to get outside and start to prepare for the St Bernard’s athletics carnival. Students have impressed us when refining their skills in the disciplines of high jump and shotput. We may have some future Olympians on our hands.

Last Friday we participated in the EnviroMentors workshop on “Waste” with Bridgette. During this workshop students learned about the types of items that could be included in a worm farm. Many of us didn’t realise that citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are not good for worms. The worms are very beneficial animals to have in our gardens as they improve our soil structure. At the end of the workshop we had a relay race to sort out the different foods that are good and bad for worms.

Archdiocesan Cross Country

On Monday 9 May Henry A, Elyssa W, Brodie M, Lawson M, Mikinley B, Keira A, Tyler M, Annie F, Beatrix F, Aurora B and Lilly G took part in the Archdiocesan Cross Country Championships. Running 2 or 3km at Mt Stromlo in the ACT, the students were outstanding. We are so proud of their efforts, competing against the best athletes from Southern NSW Catholic Schools. Congratulations to all the students who achieved personal best times and placings. Keira A placed second in the 11yr 3km and Mikinley B third in the same event. Beatrix F was fourth in the 8/9yr 2km event. These three amazing athletes now compete at the NSWCPS Cross Country Championships held in Sydney where they will race the best runners in Catholic schools in NSW. What a wonderful achievement. We wish them well in their training.

Save the Date

St Bernard’s Athletics Carnival

Thursday 23 June

Term 2  

Week 2 Class Awards

Presented : Friday 6 May 2022.

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