From the Principal's Desk

Prayer for our Earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.  

Amen.

Dear St Bernard’s Community, 

This week is the Jubilee of the World of Education which recognises and celebrates Catholic Education. As a Catholic school we are reminded that education is a sacred pilgrimage, a journey that shapes minds, forms hearts, and transforms societies. Rooted in faith and guided by wisdom, teachers at St Bernard’s nurture life, dignity, and solidarity in every learner. This Friday is 'World Teachers' Day' and I thank the St Bernard’s staff for all they do to ensure St Bernard’s students flourish. 

Last Friday I had the privilege of meeting many Grandparents in our school community. It was wonderful to see the smiles, love and pride shown by both our students and grandparents working together in the classroom. Many stayed to enjoy a barista made coffee from Ms Franca and some morning tea. The scones were a big hit! I would like to thank all who were able to attend, particularly those who travelled from interstate. 

Last Saturday I dropped into Bunnings Coburg to enjoy a delicious sizzling sausage! A huge thank you to our St Bernard’s Parent Community (BPC) for all their hard work in organising this fundraiser and to all the volunteers who were able to assist on the day and those who donated items to sell. Congratulations on raising $3500 for our school. From the moment I started at St Bernard’s I could sense the incredible generous community spirit!

As of this week all classrooms have sunscreen available for students to use. Hopefully we will be graced with some sunshine and warmer weather soon. A reminder that 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. Teachers will be reminding the students that the sunscreen is available for their use. 

Tomorrow, 30th October, 2.30pm or 6pm. I look forward to hosting two community conversations with parents. Please RSVP your attendance to schooladmin@stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au. It will be a great opportunity to meet many families and learn about what is valued at St Bernard’s school and share ideas for improvement. I also look forward to the Grade 6 captains taking me on a learning walk around the school and hearing their perspective about the teaching and learning processes happening at St Bernard’s.

From next Wednesday 5 November, we will trial opening the school gates about 10-15 minutes before pick up time. I invite parents and guardians to wait inside the school premises when picking up their children, rather than on the nature strip which can potentially be dangerous being so close to the road. This will allow Foundation to Year 2 families to wait in the courtyard outside the Foundation classroom and Years 3-6 families to wait in the school yard area. Please ensure that toddlers are supervised at all times. The children will not be permitted to use the playground equipment before or after the bell. By staying within the school grounds, we can prevent congestion near the road and reduce potential safety risks. Thank you for your co-operation with this and for helping us keep everyone in our community safe. 

I would like to sincerely thank Father Leo for purchasing a set of Catholic Children’s Bibles for each classroom. These Bibles are bright, colourful and engaging, and serve as a vital tool for nurturing a child’s relationship with God and the Church community. Reflections help to unpack the meaning of scripture passages and describe how key learnings can be lived out in their everyday lives. Thanks again to Father Leo and St Bernard’s Parish.

Have a blessed week. 

Julie Di Noto 

Principal

Reminders

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

BPC Meeting - this Friday 31 October at 9.00am 

Assembly - This Friday the 5/6 classes will be hosting our assembly which will begin at 3:00pm in the hall.

A reminder that next Monday 3rd November is a School Closure day and Tuesday 4th November is the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. 

School Advisory Council Meeting Recap - Thursday 23rd October

Gabrielle Marr 

So inspiring to experience first-hand the energy, enthusiasm, intellect and drive of our new principal during the recent SAC meeting.  Thankyou Julie!

Julie explained how she has been surveying the students for their visions at St Bernards.  She also looks forward to the community conversations that are to be held this week.  Wonderful to analyse and celebrate some solid 2025 Naplan results.    

Fr Leo shared "The Mission of my Life", written by St John Henry Newman a newly proclaimed Doctor of the church - a thoughtful reflection for all - see last week's newsletter if you are interested in reading.