Prayer for Grandparents

(adapted from Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer for Grandparents)

Lord Jesus,

Look with love on grandparents and the elderly in St Bernard’s community.

Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents.

May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love.

Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them.

Amen!

Dear St Bernard’s Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already in Week 3. Students have settled into Term 4 and are immersed and engaged in their learning. Today as part of our LOTE (Language Other than English) curriculum, the students enjoyed an Italian Incursion featuring the play ‘La favola dell’ingrediente segreto’ performed by Lea Porcaro. On Friday Grandparents are invited to spend some time in the classroom with their grandchildren from 8.45 to 9.30am, followed by morning tea in the hall from 9.30am. I am looking forward to meeting many Grandparents in the St Bernard's community. For all deceased Grandparents may their memory give you a sense of love, hope and gratitude. I pray for their peaceful rest and for strength for loved ones.

As a SunSmart school we have a sun protection policy that meets the Cancer Council of

Victoria criteria. The purpose is to reduce student and staff exposure to ultra violet (UV)

radiation to reduce sunburn and the risk of skin cancer. We encourage the wearing of

sunscreen and sunglasses and enforce the wearing of hats from September until the end

of April. To encourage the use of sunscreen I will be organising sunscreen to be readily available in classrooms for students to use. Teachers are unable to apply sunscreen to children, so please ensure you teach your child how to apply sunscreen effectively. If your child has an allergy to regular sunscreen, you are welcome to send your chosen sunscreen to school with your child’s name clearly labelled.

In the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing a feedback survey with students to find out their thoughts about learning, the playground and what aspects of St Bernard’s they value and ideas for improvement. I look forward to hearing student perspectives from grades Prep to 6. This week I also look forward to my first meeting with the School Advisory Council (SAC).

Parking at schools can be challenging due to limited spaces and increased traffic during peak drop off and pick up times, but doing it correctly can save lives. Children are unpredictable and often move quickly, so as adults, we need to ensure their safety. Please be mindful about parking in designated areas around our school and abiding by the parking limits shown on the street signage on Patterson Street. Being patient will ensure the safety of children at all times.

See below link for further reminders

Parking at Schools Reminders.pdf

I am starting to work on promotional material to update our website and social media pages, and have a presence in the local community. You might like to view a short video created introducing myself as the new Principal of St Bernard’s.

251020_St Bernards Coburg East_Website_Full Version.mp4

Have a blessed week.

Julie Di Noto

Principal

Reminders

Bunnings BBQ - Saturday 25th October

A reminder that we have our Bunnings BBQ at Coburg Bunnings on Saturday 25th October. Please let your family and friends know and pop on down to Bunnings to grab a delicious sizzling sausage and support our community fundraiser.

Thank you to the wonderful families who have volunteered to help on the day.

To ensure this major fundraiser is a success, we kindly ask our school community if you are able to please donate cans of soft drink (Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Lemon Squash etc), bottled water, bottles of sauce (tomato, mustard, bbq etc) to be sold and/or used on the day. Please drop them off at school by this Friday.

Community Conversations - 30 October, 2.30pm or 6pm

A reminder that all parents are invited to join me for a Community Conversation on 30th October, 2.30pm or 6pm. This will be a great opportunity to share with me what you value about St Bernard’s and how we can make St Bernard’s even better. Please RSVP your attendance to schooladmin@stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au. I am looking forward to meeting many families at these sessions.

Carols 2025 - Save the Date Monday 15 December - 5.30pm-7pm

School Fees Due

A reminder the balance of the 2025 School Fees and Charges are now due. Accounts are being sent home this afternoon. If you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact the office to make an appointment to meet with the Principal Julie Di Noto.

School Closure Day - Monday 3rd November

The next School Closure Day is on Monday 3rd November. There is no school for students on this day. Tuesday 4th November is Melbourne Cup Day, as this is a public holiday the OSHC will not be open on the Monday or Tuesday.

Wellbeing