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Dear Parents and Friends,
I hope you are having an enjoyable week. Tomorrow we are celebrating the Feast
Day of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), the patron saint of our school and parish. Words of St Bernard; “There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.”
By his life, St Bernard shared his passion for education and how he cared about God and God’s people. We are very fortunate here at St Bernard’s Primary to be under his wing.
On Sunday 20 August, St Bernard’s Parish Batehaven is celebrating St Bernard’s Feast Day.
- WHERE: St Bernard’s Church
- WHEN : Sunday 20 August
- TIME : 11.30 am
An Aussie BBQ and Philippino lunch will be provided, preceded by morning tea and coffee. All parishioners, families and friends are welcome to attend. A Gold Coin Donation would be appreciated.
Please note: Mass on that Sunday will commence at 10:00 am instead of the usual 9:00 am.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Sebastian C in Year 6 who has just come back from Darwin after winning the Ash Barty Cup with his NSW team mates at the Indigenous Tennis Carnival. What a fantastic effort, we are so proud of you!
Reading
St Bernard’s has adopted evidenced-based instruction that is underpinned by The Simple View of Reading and Cognitive Science. This research-based approach informs the design of our instruction and classroom delivery.
At St Bernard’s Primary School, we offer high quality learning programs to our teachers to ensure they meet the learning needs of all students living in the 21st Century. Our learning programs provide a range of educational experiences that will challenge, motivate, and encourage teachers and students to reach their full potential.
In classrooms across the school at St Bernard’s, teachers are engaging their students with a Daily Review in English and Mathematics to assist students to recall words, concepts, and procedures effortlessly and automatically. This will then support students when they need this material to solve problems or to understand new material. These five-to-eight-minute review activities incorporate vocabulary, spelling and previously learned concepts. Daily Review allows students time to practise their knowledge through recall and dialogue. Teachers develop a strong profile of student learning, making judgement about when to re-teach difficult and complex concepts, and when it is appropriate to move to new material.
High Impact Teaching Practices are evident in all classrooms. Some of these include the use of paddle pop sticks with names for calling on students randomly. This means that students can’t sit back and rely on their peers to answer questions. Students must be ready to be called upon to respond. Through our approach to teaching and learning, all students are set up for success. We teach first. Then we work through the model of “I do, we do, You do”. Similarly, observers may see students responding to their learning using whiteboards. When the teacher calls for response, all students ‘chin the board”. A teacher can immediately see how well their students have understood concepts. This is excellent feedback for the teacher. Our aspiration is to ensure students and teachers are provided with the very best opportunities to learn and thrive in a positive, safe, and supportive environment.
Parents are encouraged to discuss how they can best support their son or daughter’s learning at home with their teachers. Some ways parents may support teaching could include:
- Encourage daily reading and development of a regular study schedule.
- Encourage your son or daughter to seek support on topics or ideas they are challenged by.
- Designate a home learning space and moderate device usage.
Teaching and learning is a priority at St Bernard’s. We want every child to succeed and grow as they journey through their primary school years at St Bernard’s.
Public Speaking
Last week we had students from Stage 2 and Stage 3 represent St Bernard’s at the Southern Region Public Speaking Competition. I would like to congratulate finalists who made it to this level, it is a great achievement! A special congratulations to the following students who will now represent the Southern Region at the Archdiocesan Competition at St Peter & Paul’s School, Goulburn.
Year 3: Beatrix F (Year 3 runner up)
Year 5: Annie F (Year 5 First Place)
Year 6: Isabella L (Year 6 First Place)
Next week, I am part of a School Registration panel for St Thomas the Apostle, Kambah. We will be supporting the school through their review process which includes Stewardship and Resources. School Registration occurs every 5 years for all Archdiocesan schools. On Friday I will be attending the Annual Key Personnel Day for Parish Priest, Religious Education Coordinator and Principal Day in Canberra. Mrs Karen Hadley will be Acting Principal from Wednesday to Friday next week in my absence.
A reminder that next week is Book Week and we have our annual parade occurring on Friday at 9.00am in the Hall. All families are invited to join us. I know the staff of St Bernard’s are getting their costumes ready!
I would like to finish by thanking the dedicated staff of St Bernard’s who are committed to nurturing the students in their learning each day.
Enjoy a relaxing weekend and I look forward to catching up with many families tomorrow.
Kind regards
Johanna Wain
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Tomorrow we look forward to celebrating the Feast of St Bernard. As a whole school community we will attend Mass at 9.15am at the church, followed by a French inspired morning tea. During the day on Friday, students will be learning more about St Bernard as our school patron saint, including learning about the significance of the colour team named Clairvaux, where St Bernard spent much of his life. We look forward to the special celebration of our patron saint and school tomorrow.
WHO BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD?…
The readings remind us and even highlight the differences socially, politically and religiously relevant and prevalent during the time of Jesus as He travelled, telling as many people as possible about God. Jesus was anxious to assure people that we are all part of one body held in God’s love.
Isaiah sets the scene by his use of the word “foreigners” and those “ who observe the Sabbath, not profaning it” suggesting that inclusivity is important for “ my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples”.
Paul uses the word pagan stating he is there as their “apostle” speaking of his work which was easing the relationship between Jews and Gentiles at this time. He was assuring them that they were all loved by God.
The Gospel has Jesus moving geographically, but more importantly beyond His comfort zone where His audience had been primarily Jewish. He was now in what was regarded as the Gentile region. One can’t help but wonder about the reason for this move. Can we read into this as it being a lesson to be taught/explained?
There, we read of a loud, outspoken Canaanite woman desperate to attract the attention of Jesus. Initially, He seemingly ignored her and the disciples encouraged Him to give her what she wanted in order to shut her down and out.
Jesus continued with the encounter, even incorporating the word “dog” which to us could seem to be rude/harsh but “dog” was a common colloquial expression among Jews for Gentiles. It is as though Jesus kept engaging with the woman to test her persistence and her sincerity. She did refer to Him as Son of David, acknowledging with respect His beliefs. He saw her faith even though she was not a member of “His” people.
Is this Gospel revealing to us Jesus modelling particular behaviour and attitudes towards someone who could be regarded as “an outsider”? The woman with her persistence may also be teaching us something!
The two of them exhibit the beginning of a real relationship going beyond race, socio economic status, political and religious affiliation. Is it a reminder to us to reflect on and consider some of our relationships? Are we being asked to go beyond our comfort zone, encouraging real relationships by being inclusive, fair and letting go of any prejudice?
The readings, each with their own message are reminders of God’s love for us all. Jesus came to restore/renew us so we know
WE ALL BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD!
Ken and Carolyn Evenden
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope that you have had a wonderful week. It certainly has been a busy but enjoyable one here at school. On Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption with a special liturgy to Mary. Fr Loi spoke to us about his love for Mary through the prayers of the Rosary. He encouraged us to say a Hail Mary during our days of learning and work. His own mother taught him to say the Rosary as a child. Parents have such a pivotal role in sharing their faith with their children. A special mention to Dusti-Rae L who assisted me in preparing the altar space for the liturgy.
Religious Education Curriculum
The focus of our staff meeting on Tuesday afternoon was the Religious Education Curriculum. An area of priority was around designing rigorous summative assessment tasks for our teaching and learning units this term. Teachers spent time designing rubrics which could be used to allocate grades based on the knowledge and skill levels shown by the student at the end of a unit.
The Religious Education & Faith Formation Officers at Catholic Education have been busy working on a Scope and Sequence using the Brisbane Curriculum. It will be shared with schools during Term 4.
- The Scope and Sequence has been designed for mainstream non-multiage classes.
- Content is sequenced to ensure that prior knowledge is built on and enhanced.
- Each unit in the sample Scope and Sequences has a series of questions which move from knowledge and skills acquisition to application.
- K-6 Scope and Sequences have been reviewed by a panel of Principals and RE Leaders.
- Are compliant with both NSW and ACT Scope and Sequence requirements.
The staff are looking forward to working with this document when it arrives.
Sacraments
The Celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of Christian life. Since its institution at the Last Supper, the Church has been entrusted with the memorial. By active and wholehearted participation in the Mass, faith is nourished and strengthened.
It was lovely to see the families of our First Eucharist candidates attending Commitment Masses last weekend. Mrs Keough shared a short Memory Video on Facebook on Sunday evening. I hope you had the chance to view it.
First Eucharist will take place on Sunday 10 September at 9.30am Mass. We have 13 children who are currently preparing for their First Eucharist. Please remember them in your prayers during their preparation time.
A special congratulations to Lilly G who made her First Reconciliation yesterday afternoon with Fr Loi. The sacrament of Reconciliation is a special way to experience God’s loving forgiveness.
St Bernard’s Day
You are invited to join us for our Feast Day celebrations tomorrow the 18 August. Mass will be held at 9.15am followed by a French morning tea at school.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Bernard of Clairvaux as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You he showed through his openness to Your will in his life. Amen
Blessings on your weekend
Sharon Beashel
Religious Education Coordinator
Year 6 are well into their Storyline Migration unit. The students are currently working on developing an autobiography of their chosen character. This character can be either a migrant or a refugee. Several students have chosen to research a family member. We even have some who go back to the Second Fleet!
Our read aloud novel, Refugee by Alan Gratz has captivated the children with its vivid storyline and cliff hanger technique at the end of each chapter. Over the last two weeks, the children have been creating their dioramas based on The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild and Freya Blackwood. The standard of these artworks is outstanding, and the children are very proud of their creations.
We have many imaginative stories on the theme of Change, to submit to the Mayor's Writing Competition. Entry forms will come home for parents to sign this week.
Wednesday was Matilda’s Day in Year 6. The children wore green and gold and enjoyed a variety of activities, particularly a game of soccer! We also shared lunch with our Year 1 Buddies.
Year 6 will present the Father’s Day Assembly in Week 7. Thanks to the families who have emailed us photos – we look forward to receiving many more this week.
Canberra Goulburn Athletics Championships
Next Tuesday 22 August we have 25 students competing at the Canberra Goulburn Athletics Championships.
Astrid B, Beatrix F, Charlie M, Aurelia S, Lucas VD S, Noah S, Lilly G, Georgina W, Harper B, Ollie L, Arthur SD, Ethan S, Annie F, Matthew S, Tyler M,Brennan C, Chase W, Korban S, Ruby B, Keira A, Hailey I, Isabella L, Rogan H, Sebastian C, Samuel SD.They have been training and practicing at school and at home and we wish them save travels and a fantastic, fun day of competition.
Angela Holmes
Term 3
Week 4 Class Awards
Presented: Friday 11 August 2023.
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!
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KB: Neve B, Jasper G, Kyla S, Korra T. |
KL: Hunter G-T, Florence N. |
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KT: Elenna B, Isabella C, Joseph S. |
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1C: Charlie L, Joseph O’S, Jayla R, Fraser S. |
1M: Tigerlily B, Annabel H, Indie M, |
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2B: Anabel D, Charlotte H. |
2J: Emily G-B, Casey M'N, Annabelle T. |
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3D: Yulo A, Oliver C, Macy L, Abel M. |
3W: Deric B, Xavier L, Avia N, Matilda R. |
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4C: Charlotte F, Paige L, Benjamin T. |
4K: Indiana A, Ava G, Rowan L. |
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5D: Annie F, Joshua S. |
5M: Romy B, Micah T. |
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6C: Xanthe K, Lawson M. |
6M: Chloe J-P, Kiera O’S. |
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is on now!
All student’s from K-2 have been participating in the challenge during class time at St Bernard’s. Teachers read eligible books and entries will be completed by the school.
Students in Years 3-6 are encouraged to participate by recording the titles of books they have read this year. To complete the challenge student’s are simply required to read 20 books and enter these titles on-line before the closing date on 18 August 2023. Student log-in details remain the same each year (a copy of these is with Mrs Hopman in the iCentre).
For further details and booklists please visit: www.premiersreadingchallenge.nsw.edu.au