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Dear Parents and Carers
What a wonderful start to the term we have had at St Bernard’s. Last night we showcased the first performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The students were amazing as they sang, danced and acted in their roles. I know they are excited to now perform for St Mary’s today and showcase the final performance tonight!
Sisters of St Joseph Celebration
It was lovely to celebrate the history and significant contribution that the Sisters of St Joseph have made to St Bernard’s Primary School and our Church last weekend both at school and with the parishioners. The history of the St Joseph nuns began when Mary MacKillop opened her first school in a stable in the South Australian town of Penola, on the feast of St Joseph, marking the beginning of the Sisters of St Joseph. We acknowledge and thank the Sisters of St Joseph for their dedication and commitment to Catholic Education and the support they have provided to many in our community. Sr Marie, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us on the weekend, was the final nun to reside at the convent. Sr Marie was a very important part of our school during her recent time in the parish and contributed to our school through her active presence in such a positive and affirming way.
Thank you to Sr Margaret, Sr Karen, Sr Julie, Sr Judith, Sr Beryl, Sr Frances, Sr Kerrie Cusack and Sr Anne for being part of our celebration last week. I thank the Sisters for the many ways they have supported St Bernard’s. We have a beautiful school that is in no small way a result of their vision and hard work over many decades. Last Friday we unveiled a timeline that we have created to represent the Sisters of St Joseph's contribution to the school and the church. This will be mounted in our foyer for all visitors to witness and celebrate in our history. A special thank you to Sharon Beashel for her leadership and organisation with the celebration.
Class allocations for 2023
During this term, we will be finalising our staffing arrangements for 2023. I would like to take the opportunity to discuss our Class Allocation procedures. We are currently preparing for our 2023 Kindergarten Parent Expo to be held on Thursday 10 November. Kindergarten class groupings are being developed at present and in conjunction with Preschool teachers and parent information. Creating class groupings is a collaborative process involving class teachers, specialist staff and the school executive team. St Bernard’s consists of grade levels of 2 and 3 streams. Each year, class combinations are changed. When creating classes, we consider the following:
- Gender
- Individual learning needs
- Interpersonal relationships
- Social dynamics
- Medical needs
- Class size
Every child will be placed in the best grouping to enhance learning and social development. Classroom teachers will create class groupings in consultation with their grade partners, paying particular attention to the factors highlighted above. All class lists are sent through to the Principal and confirmed with the Classroom Support Teacher and School Executive Team. Students will be advised of their class and teacher during the “Step Up” session held in the last week of Term 4 on Tuesday 13 November.
I believe our teachers make the best decision for each student. Parents who wish to raise particular concerns regarding the placement of their child/ren in particular classes should put the concern in writing and email it to me by Friday 4 November jo.wain@cg.catholic.edu.au
St Bernard’s Behaviour Policy
At St Bernard’s we believe that every student has the right to feel safe. We pride ourselves on teaching the students to develop healthy and positive relationships. The staff are regularly discussing behaviour expectations and students are encouraged to inform an adult if they are concerned about an incident. We are currently focusing as a school on explicitly teaching the students what respectful behaviour looks like.
St Bernard’s undertakes a restorative approach to incidents. However, in the event that an incident has occurred, there are also consequences for the student/s. These include addressing ways that he/she can mend the relationship, but, depending upon the frequency and seriousness of the behaviours, a more serious consequence may occur and a conversation with parents will take place. A copy of our Pastoral Care and Welfare Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy is available on our School Website.
We encourage parents to please contact your child’s classroom teacher as the first port of call if an incident occurs. Our door is always open and we are here to support all students and families in any way we can.
This year we have had a particular focus on encouraging all students to focus on 'Begin with the Heart'. This week I saw this in action. I was with a Year 5 class and they were moving off to another classroom. A student was still in the classroom, finding what she needed. When I walked out the door, one of the girls was standing there and I asked if she was okay. She replied that she was waiting for the student in the classroom, to make sure she knew where she was going. The Year 5 girl waiting could have gone off with her friends to class, but she made the decision to wait and ensure her peer was okay. This is what 'begin with the heart' means and what we strive to foster and nurture in our students everyday.
Blessings on the week ahead.
Kind regards
Johanna Wain
Principal
World Mission Sunday
The theme this year is “We cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard’ [Act 4: 20]
Pope Francis states ‘It is a message of hope – Jesus Christ is risen and we cannot keep his love, compassion, and mercy to ourselves. It also challenges us to stand up and speak out on behalf of those who are weaker. All too often, the voices that need to be heard are not the loudest. For them, we cannot remain silent.’
Pope Francis continues in his message for World Mission Sunday reminding us ‘that as Christians we cannot keep the Lord to ourselves’ as ‘ we recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel’.
As we recall the many missionaries who leave behind their families and friends to take the Gospel to so many in other countries we are inspired by their witness and ministry to be courageous ourselves. Today Jesus ‘needs messengers and agents of compassion’
Concluding his message, Pope Francis stresses that, ‘always but especially in these times of pandemic, it is important to grow in our daily ability to widen our circle, to reach out to each other who, albeit physically close to us, are not immediately part of our ‘circle of interest’
To be on Mission, Pope Francis adds, ‘is to be willing to think as Christ does, believe in Him that those around us are also our brothers and sisters.’ [Quotes taken from Pope Francis’ World Day Mission Message, October 2022]
Praying with the right attitude
In contrasting the prayer of the proud Pharisee with the prayer of the Tax Collector in today’s Gospel [Luke: 18: 9-14] Jesus teaches his disciples to pray humbly. Jesus again surprises his listeners by showing the Tax Collector as an example of faith rather than the Pharisee. The parable reminds us that when we pray we must remember our need for God in our lives. If we are too full of ourselves, there is too little room for God’s grace to work in us. Marie Weatherall
Dear Parents and Carers,
What a wonderful start to the term!
Last Friday we gathered for a special assembly to acknowledge the amazing contribution that the Sisters of St Joseph have made to Catholic Education in our local parish and community. The Sisters loved the presentation of musical items and the unveiling of a special timeline sharing their story over 85 years.
A special congratulations to everyone involved in our school musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. It has given our talented students the opportunity to share their love of music and drama with you all. The curriculum experiences that we can offer at St Bernard’s really gives every child the chance to shine.
All Saints and All Souls –
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may they rest in peace. Amen
Mission Fundraising
With the busy start to Term 4 we have decided to hold our annual Mission fundraising on Thursday 24 November (Week 7). This will coincide with a special disco and visit by the Lyneham High Band. Ice creams will be available, and students can wear Mufti for a gold coin donation. More information about this day will be placed on Compass.
Mini Vinnies - Christmas Giving
Gary Norris from St. Vincent de Paul has let me know that this year they would appreciate Kmart Gift vouchers. Donated vouchers would assist families in buying Christmas gifts for their children. Gary will be coming to speak to the Mini Vinnies team about this appeal during Week 5.
Parish Priest Appointed
Archbishop Christopher Prowse has announced the appointment of Fr Loi Viovicente as Parish Priest of Batemans Bay. Fr Loi will begin his appointment on Tuesday 10th January 2023.
Fr Tom has been appointed to the parish of Wanniassa. We will farewell Fr Tom towards the end of the school year.
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 31st October - All Saints Day
Tuesday 1 November - All Souls Day Parish Mass 9.00am
Friday 11 November – Remembrance Day
Thursday 24 November – Mission Fundraising: Mufti, disco, ice-creams, and Lyneham High Band
Blessings on your weekend
Sharon Beashel REC
Dear Parents and Carers
I am sure that like me, you have had the opportunity recently to feel grateful that restrictions have lifted and that life feels back to normal. The school musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been one of the moments at school when we have really appreciated the joy of once again gathering together. We are delighted that parents and friends can be in our school to celebrate the wonderful students of St Bernard's. Congratulations to all of the children on their performances, especially the main cast. Special thanks to Performing Arts teacher, Ms Jessica Guthrie on your direction of the musical.
Over night Excursion
Next week students in Year 6 will attend a three night excursion to Jindabyne. This over night excursion for Year 6 has not been possible for the past two years, and I know that students and teachers are really looking forward to being off-site, enjoying the Snowy Mountains environment and participating in the range of character building and adventure activities that the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation teachers faciliate.
Archdiocesan Public Speaking
Next Wednesday, while on camp in Jindabyne, Erica S will represent our school in the Archdiocesan Public Speaking held online for a second year. Erica will be delivering her speech on the topic of If I were Prime Minister, which led to her selection as the winner in the Southern Region competition back in August. We wish Erica all the very best as she competes against other Year 6 students from the Canberra Goulburn diocese.
Screen time for your child
How much screen time is too much for your child? According to the eSafety commissioner advice, the right amount of time depends on a range of of factors like your child's age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. The eSafety Commissioner recommends considering your child's screen use in the context of their overall health and wellbeing.
Factors to consider include:
- Is online time getting in the way of your child's sleep and exercise?
- Is it impacting on their face-to-face connections with family and friends?
The answers to these questions are posed as a way to guide you to help decide on the right balance of online and offline activities for your child. Tips for managing your child's screen time include being involved, working with your child to set boundaries for screen use, being clear about the consequences of not switching off and setting device-free zones and times at home.
More information can be found at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/screen-time
Have a lovely weekend.
Karen Hadley
Sisters of St Joseph’s Celebration-
Last Friday, Year 3 students were honored to begin the Sister’s of St Joseph celebration Assembly. Students led the school in saying the Acknowledgement of Country in Dhurga followed by the school song. Year 3 students displayed amazing leadership skills during their delivery of the Acknowledgement and school song. Trish Ellis complimented the students on their commitment to learning the Acknowledgement and their wonderful presentation. Well done Year 3!
Literacy
This term Year 3 have begun exploring the structure of an Explanation. This week students have investigated the Life Cycle of a Butterfly. Students have identified various stage of how the butterfly evolves. Students have explored vocabulary like metamorphosis, chrysalis, larva, pupa and moulting. We are currently constructing an explanation of this process.
Maths
Students have proved to be very industrious during our Numeracy Daily Reviews. Concepts that are being covered included, times tables, fractions, converting grams to kilograms, reading time on analog clocks, drawing regular and irregular two-dimensional shapes. We are also busy collecting data from class surveys and representing this information using column graphs.
Inquiry
This term students are exploring Australia’s Neighbours. During Inquiry each Tuesday morning, students are utilising Google Classrooms in the iCentre to support their investigative and inquiry skills whilst researching. During Week One and Two we have explored New Zealand and identified key features including the capital city, population, and Prime Minister. Over the next few weeks students will also explore Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the Pacific Islands.
Dress Rehearsal – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
On Tuesday, students were very excited to participate in our Whole School Dress Rehearsal for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! The costumes are very impressive and everyone enjoyed having the opportunity to view the other grades perform in their costumes with sound and lighting.