Advent Prayer for Our School Community

Loving God,

As we begin this holy season of Advent,

we pause in the busyness of our days

to prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, Jesus.

Fill St Bernard's school community with hope -

the hope that reminds us that Your light shines

even in the smallest acts of kindness.

Help us to be people of peace -

bringing calm, understanding, and compassion

to everyone we meet.

Teach us to live with joy -

finding You in our learning, our friendships,

and in the moments we share together.

And guide us to show love -

especially to those who feel lonely, worried, or in need.

Lord, open our hearts so we may walk together

on this Advent journey with faith and anticipation.

May our words, actions, and choices

prepare a place for Jesus to be born anew within us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dear St Bernard’s Community,

It is hard to believe that there is less than two weeks to go until the end of the 2025 school year. As we enter the season of Advent, I want to take a moment to thank you for the care, dedication, and support you continue to bring to St Bernard’s school community. Advent invites us into a time of quiet reflection, hopeful waiting, and joyful anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

You may have heard in the news that from 10 December 2025, Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. This is not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts. Being logged into an account increases the exposure under-16's have to design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing. The delay is an opportunity for them to build their digital literacy skills and resilience.

The restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube among other platforms. See the latest list here.

Information and resources to support parents and carers, and young people to prepare for the change are available at eSafety's Social media age restrictions hub. Visit eSafety.gov.au Further information can also be found on this document Social Media Age Restrictions.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Anthony Cianflone MP State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale ( representing the suburbs of Pascoe Vale, Coburg and parts of Brunswick West) for his invitation for our students to participate in the Christmas card competition. We had a huge range of entries from budding St Bernard’s artists. At our assembly on Monday, Anthony awarded prizes presenting Palace Cinema vouchers and certificates to the top six winners. Congratulations to the following students:

1st Prize of $50 - Mila 3/4P

2nd Prize of $25 - Romina 3/4P

3rd Prize - $25 - Ivy 3/4L

4th Prize - $25 - Allira 1/2R

5th Prize - $25 - Zac Foundation L

6th Prize - $25 - Harry 3/4T

Anthony also presented a student endeavour award in recognition of one St Bernard’s student's effort, determination and willingness to try their best - no matter the outcome – whilst endeavouring to make the school a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.

Congratulations to Isabel (3/4T) who was awarded a certificate and a $100 Palace Cinema Voucher. Isabel was a worthy recipient as described below:

Isabel shows effort, kindness and determination every day. She always tries her best and never gives up, even when tasks are challenging. Whether it’s a tricky maths problem or improving her writing, she keeps going until she achieves her goal. Isabel is grateful for her teachers, friends, and the opportunities she has at school, and she truly lives our motto, Love Serves. She comes into school with a big smile, remembers personal things about her friends and teachers, and always ends the day by saying, “Have a great afternoon!” Isabel makes sure everyone is included in class, on the yard, or during group work, and is always ready to help others. She is a very deserving recipient of the Endeavour Award. Well done, Isabel!

Pope Francis reminded us that the natural environment is a shared resource that belongs to everyone and encouraging all to care for creation, and calling people to be stewards who cultivate the Earth rather than destroy it. Two wonderful Grade 6 stewards of creation (Herb and Isabel) conducted a poster competition to remind students to pick up rubbish and place it in the bin. Well done to our leaders for organising the competition, encouraging participation, determining winners and providing prizes. The students who were awarded with a prize were Francesca, Chloe, Grace and Ariana.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing my first Grade 5/6 Christmas market and doing some Christmas shopping! The students are to be commended for all their efforts and hard work in planning, designing and producing such wonderful items. Classes across the school thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous shopping experience! Thanks to everyone in our community for your ongoing support. The money raised will be donated to Catholic Mission.

Report Feedback bookings are now open. These sessions will take place on Tuesday 9 December between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Please note that report feedback sessions for parents from 3/4P will now take place on Thursday 11 December between 3.30pm and 5pm, as Ms Prue is now unavailable on Tuesday. If any families from 3/4P have already booked, you will need to change your appointment to Thursday evening. Sorry for any inconvenience caused. A reminder if you would like to meet with any of our Specialist teachers, please contact them directly to organise a time.

On Friday 12 December at 2pm, I would like to invite all our wonderful volunteers who have supported our school community in 2025. Please see attached Thank You Afternoon Tea Invitation and RSVP your attendance to schooladmin@stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au. Following the afternoon tea we will have our final assembly for the year, hosted by our fabulous Foundation students. Families are also invited to St Bernard’s end of year Thanksgiving Mass on Tuesday 16th December at 9.30am. St Bernard's Thanksgiving Mass Invitation to Parents

We are asking for an expression of interest from families of Year 4–6 students who would like to be considered for the District Swimming Carnival to be held in February 2026. Please see Expression of Interest Guidelines and criteria for selection*

On Monday 15th December, students are invited to dress up in ‘Christmas Themed’ Casual Clothes to celebrate the season. See this invitation for more details.

Our current Year 5 students have the opportunity to order the Year 6 Jacket for 2026. Please see the attached letter for more information and the order form. Please complete payment by this Friday 5th December.

Wishing you all a grace-filled and hopeful first week of Advent.

Julie Di Noto

Principal

Important Dates Reminders

Grade 6 Graduation Thursday 11 December 5pm (ARRIVAL TIME FOR STUDENTS - 4.45PM)

Christmas Carols Monday 15 December 5.30pm Please see the attached invitation for further details.

Please see the Calendar Page for 2026 Commencement Dates

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