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Dear Parents and Friends,
Pastoral Care
The staff at St Bernard’s Primary School agree that Pastoral Care and Welfare seeks to protect personal and school community safety, heal destructive behaviours, restore relationships, encourage reconciliation, enhance wellbeing, foster responsibility, enable personal growth, and promote the common good. Yesterday the students at St Bernard’s enjoyed Wellbeing Wednesday. The students mixed amongst grade levels and participated in a variety of fun activities led by Year 6. The day was a credit to our Year 6 students who showed excellent leadership and guidance of the younger students. The day was very much enjoyed by all, especially when we all sat together for lunch. Thank you to Mrs McRae and Mrs Coggan for their organisation.
Little Sellers Art Prize
This year students from Year 1 - Year 6 have been working on a piece of artwork to submit for the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Little Sellers Art Prize 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Drink the Wild Air'. Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively in a way that is meaningful to them. There are four school year categories:
- Years 1 - 4
- Years 5 - 7
- Years 8 - 10
- Years 11 - 12
Six finalists will be chosen from each school year category, with all entrant submissions being exhibited at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre from 2 – 10 September 2023. A winner and a runner up will be chosen from each finalist category. Winners of each category will receive a $100 voucher and runners up will receive a $50 voucher to spend on art supplies at Amanda’s of Mogo. I have seen some of the students’ artwork and it is spectacular, we have some very talented artists in the school!
Kindergarten Interviews
It has been great to welcome students for Kindergarten 2024 and their parents over the past couple of weeks. If you know of anyone who is yet to fill in their enrolment form, please let them know that enrolments are now open. Places are filling up fast!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Just a reminder that Years 3-6 students will be attending the Carroll College Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, next Tuesday 27 June at the College. Please complete your child’s permission slip on Compass. The College is requesting a gold coin donation. Mrs Hopman will be playing in the band as part of the musical. This is just another example of the great work across our K-12 Pathway. Tickets are available to purchase for the evening performance through Carroll College.
Overnight Excursions
Each year, a number of grades organise excursions to various locations. The purpose of these excursions is to support the learning that is occurring for that particular year group and provide the students with an experience beyond the classroom. The cost of excursions is quite significant and we are conscious of this in our planning. Below is an approximate cost for all our overnight excursions planned for 2023.
These figures are approximate costs for 2022 and may vary slightly:
- Year 6 - Term 4 Week 4 (Wednesday 1 November - Friday 3 November) p/student $400 p/student
- Year 5 - Birragai Term 3 Week 2 (Wednesday 26 July - Friday 28 July) $360 p/student
- Year 4 - Canberra Term 3 Week 10 (Wednesday 20 September- Thursday 21 September) $240 p/student
Kindergarten will be hosting their first assembly tomorrow morning at 8.45am. I welcome family and friends to join us in the Hall. Enjoy the week ahead as we move into our final week of Term 2.
Blessings to you and your family.
Kind regards
Johanna Wain
Principal
“Do not be afraid…”
The readings from the Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity Sundays remind us that we are never alone, “I am with you always…” and have an emphasis on the love God demonstrates and indeed, has for each of us.
This week however, the readings suggest that whilst we should feel secure in what we have heard previously, we need to be aware that we may be faced with what could be regarded as our own human roadblocks or limitations. We can also be confronted by challenges thrown up by issues surrounding us- media attention, societal pressures, social media to name a few. It would seem that some people in Old Testament times faced challenging issues too.
This is evident in the reading from Jeremiah whose frustration/ anguish is strongly reflected as he states he is aware of and feels “disparaged” in his quest of spreading the “faithfulness” of God.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul establishes a link between Adam and Jesus. He talks about one man (Adam) being the conduit between sin and one man (Jesus) saving/rescuing us even though we are sinners. Another reminder that we are loved and also a reminder of the faithfulness of God.
“Do not be afraid,” the opening statement of the Gospel should be a reminder to us that Jesus looks at our humanity through His eyes and sees our worries, fears and uncertainties. That same phrase is repeated. It is as though we are reminded again to “ fear no one”, as we are loved and cared for by God. We are to trust in God’s faithfulness as we endeavour to be disciples.
In being Gospel messengers we may encounter opposition, and experience fear. We are encouraged to persevere, be steadfast and trust. Knowing that fear can be / is a powerful motivator we need to be strong and understand that the words and actions of others should not control our choices. God is with us in difficult times. We sometimes forget to look for and/or seek God.
Do I sometimes do nothing for fear of criticism or rejection?
Am I afraid to stand up and be counted?
Rather than seeing the readings as only being relevant to “ back then and there” can we recognise them as being relevant to the hear and now - the future of the Church or indeed the world? None of us can do it all but we each can do something.
Joyce Rupp in her book, Inviting God In leaves us with the following:
“ Kind and loving God
fill me with the courage and inspiration
to let go of my insecurities
when they keep me from following You.
May I become more trusting of your care for me.”
Ken and Carolyn Evenden
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Thursday evening nine families gathered in the church for a final catch up meeting before Confirmation. After prayer and sharing from Fr Loi, students were given the opportunity to workshop three of their favourite learnings from home, school, and the Retreat Day.
- What have you enjoyed about your Religious Education unit at school?
A unanimous response to this question was learning, researching, and choosing a saint’s name for Confirmation.
“About choosing our saints. It was really fun seeing which one interests you the most. Mine is St. Camilla.” Hailey I
- What was your favourite rotation during the Retreat Day?
There were mixed responses to this reflection question which included:
Making cards, heroes’ poster, scripture bookmark, banner painting and rock painting.
“Creating my own bookmark, because I got to choose a word that stood out to me from the Bible story.” Chloe JP
- What is your key learning about the sacrament of confirmation?
Responses included learning more about the values of Jesus, relating to my saint and their history, receiving the Holy Spirit, strengthening my connection to God and understanding the link between all sacraments.
“Learning about not only confirmation but all the sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders.” Cici S
Thank you to families who attended this meeting.
We look forward to celebrating our special Confirmation Mass with our eighteen families this Saturday evening 24 June at 5.00pm in St. Bernard’s Church.
Congratulations Confirmation Candidates 2023
Keira A, Kobi B, Ruby B, Caprice F, Hailey I, Chloe JP, Xanthe K, Isabella L, Alice McD, Alex McD, Kiera O’S, Lavina P, Samuel SD, Lily S, Cici S, Jonah T and Molly W.
Winter Appeal Mass
Our Winter Appeal Mass last Friday was a very special occasion. A big thank you for your generous donations of gold coins, blankets, beanies, and gloves for those in need. Donations collected from the appeal totalled $461.90. What an amazing effort!
A special thank you to our Mini Vinnies team from Year 5 who supported the Winter Appeal so well this year. I know that Mr Maynard and Mrs Metcalf were so proud of your leadership.
Begin With the Heart Awards
This fortnight our BWTH focus has been around keeping our school grounds free of rubbish. We have been doing this by using the correct bins to dispose of our rubbish.
A special thank you must go to Year 4, Mrs Coulter and Mrs Keough for their enthusiastic care and leadership in caring for our school environment.
Congratulations to the following students on their efforts in this area:
Reeve T, Alex H, Milo D, Nate K, Evie Pow, Charlotte F, Paige L, Elsie F, Lilly G, Levi T,
Nalu G, Elijah D, Milli B, Charlie M, Beatrix F, Eva C, Yulo A, Noah S, Mitchell B, Mia B x 2,Holly , Harper Bourke, Harper Bray, Scarlett C, Beau C, Ava G x 2, Eva, Finn, Ava J, Leila, Ollie, Rowan, Molly, Levi, Taj, Isaac, Michael, Jace, Georgina, Makenzie, Cruze x 2, Scarlett W, Charlotte H, Mason L, Brent G, Toby S, Nynika B, Franki S, Anabel D, Kate W, Astrid B, Elsie W, Lachlan H, Lilli H, Deric B, Piper B, Blake B, Alyssa D and Heidi F.
Sacrament of First Eucharist/Holy Communion
Next term students from Year 4 who have been baptised Catholic and received the sacrament of Reconciliation, are invited to enrol and begin their preparation for First Eucharist during Term 3.
Please find the key dates below for this sacrament. Please be in touch if you have any questions about this sacrament.
FIRST EUCHARIST DATES
- Thursday 3 August: First Eucharist Family Enrolment evening 5.00pm St. Bernard’s Church.
- Saturday 5.00pm/Sunday 9.00am: First Eucharist Family Commitment Mass St Bernard’s Church.
- Wednesday 30 September: First Eucharist Retreat Day to be held at St Mary’s Moruya.
- Saturday 9 September: First Eucharist Mass 5.00pm St. Bernard’s Church.
Blessings on your weekend
Sharon Beashel
Religious Education Coordinator
Year 2 News!
This term Year 2 have been extremely busy with a variety of learning activities and events. In English, students have been busy learning the structure of and writing Information Reports. Year 2 have worked hard on correct structure, paragraph writing and spelling. We have delved deep into different types of sentences including, statement sentences, command sentences and a question sentence.
Our Mathematical learning has been rich and diverse. Students are continuing with a combination of Daily Review and Explicit Lessons each day. Year 2 have particularly enjoyed learning how to write and solve addition and subtraction algorithms. Another highlight has been our focus on learning two, fives and tens times tables. Students should be very proud of their enthusiasm and engagement during Maths lessons.
In Religious Education we have explored a variety of parables. Some of our favourites have been Jesus Heals the Blind Man and the Prodigal Son. Year 2 were excited to participate in the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Mass. The toy swap led by Mikayla, Alice M and Bexley was a great success. All money raised has gone to the Winter Appeal.
In our PE and Sport lessons with Mrs Holmes and class sport lessons we have been preparing for the Athletics Carnival in week 10. Students have participated in trials for Long Jump, Discus, High Jump and Shot Put. We have also been practicing track and novelty events.
In Creative Arts students are very proud of their artwork that they created for the theme ‘Drink the Wild Air’. Students are to be commended on the attention to detail and creative thinking that took place when completing their artwork.
