Last Bernardo for the year!

As this is the final full edition of the Bernardo for the year, I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to 2019 being such a successful year.

Fr Leo for his amazing support of everyone and everything in our community.
To Angie Villani at the Presbytery, who is always there to help and support us.
The parents who have contributed in so many ways, the School Board, the B.P.C, L.I.T Centre helpers, and all those who have attended Learning Conversations, Think Tanks, concerts, and the other activities held. Your support is much appreciated and valued.
The Leadership Team, Phil Pearson, Shane Crawford, Iain Reed, Franca Fragomeni and Marnie Petkovska for their dedication to ensuring the children receive the best possible education.
The staff who give so much to ensure that the students of our school experience learning success and have the opportunities to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Carmel Carpinteri and the staff at OSHC who take such good care of our students.
The students who make every day exciting, challenging and push us to provide the best learning we can.

Next Tuesday, we will provide a list of 2020 staff and a calendar of dates for your information.

End of Year Mass

We will celebrate our End of Year Mass on Wednesday 18th December at 9:30am. We warmly welcome all families to attend as we give thanks for our year.

Parent Helper Morning Tea

Thank you to all of those who joined us for our Parent Helper Morning Tea on Monday. It was so nice to see so many wonderful faces and we can't thank you enough for everything you do to support St Bernard's.

Year 6 Graduation

As we farewell our Year 6 students, we will celebrate the end of their primary education on Thursday 12th December with a Mass at 5:00pm in the Church. This will be followed by a family dinner at the the Abruzzo Club. The students will also enjoy a fun excursion on Friday, to the Sun Theatre in Yarraville to watch a movie together. Many thanks to Vincent Gallagher, Mario Callejea and their team for organising the Graduation dinner. Without the efforts of these parents, we would not be able to have this celebration for our students.

Farewell

We farewell our Year 6 students, who leave us to take the next step in their educational journey at secondary school. We thank each of you for your contribution to our school and wish you every success in your future.

Congratulations to: Cosimo, Campbell, Aleisha, Hunter, Jonathan, Andre, Lewis, Tanner, Ursula, Angus, Neriman, Georgia, Dana, Lily-Marie, Lucy, Sienna, Rylan, Gabriel Jett, James, Adam, Alesha, Beth, Isabella, Lucille, Jacqueline, Sarah, Antoinette, Jake, Fabian, Max, Dimitri, Oliver, Lara, Aiden, Aidan & Tristian.

We also farewell Fionn and Michaela who are moving to new schools next year. We wish them and their families well.

New Blocks

This week the new sets of blocks for the yard arrived much to delight of our students. Many thanks to the BPC for the Zooper Dooper initiative which has funded the purchase of these blocks.

Assemblies

This Friday 13th December (3.00pm) is our final Friday assembly for the year. We welcome all families to attend. On Monday 16th December, at 2:45pm Lizzie Blandthorn, the local member for Pascoe Vale, will be presenting certificates to all those students who participated in her colouring competition earlier this term. She will also announce the winner of a voucher, from our school. All parents and families are welcome to attend.

Report Feedback Sessions

There is an opportunity for parents, on Tuesday 17th December, to meet with teachers, after reports are sent home next Friday 13th December. This is not compulsory but an option offered as part of our Home School Communication Plan. Details about booking a time, for those who are interested, can be found below. Bookings are now open. The session will go from 3.30 pm until 6.00pm. The booking code is: nd8q8 . Visit our 'School Links' page to find the direct link to the School Interviews website.

Save the date- 2020

Mark Friday 31st January in your calendars! We will once again hold our Welcome to 2020 event for all families with a Ride in Cinema event at the Coburg Velodrome. Bring a picnic and come and enjoy a family movie under the stars. Information will be sent out early next week.

Term Dates

The school office will close on Wednesday 18th December and re-open on Tuesday 28th January. Whilst staff will be at school on 28th and 29th January, they will be participating in professional learning and team building activities over the two days.

Years 1-6 begin school on Thursday 30th January and our Foundation students begin on 31st January 2020

Message from Brian - our Lollipop Man

Brian, our lovely lollipop man, has kindly requested no Christmas gifts this year. While he thanks everyone for the thoughts and gesture, he would like everyone to save their money for the kids instead. Thank you!

'Something to think about'

Planning Holidays

As the holidays approach, attached is an article about family holidays and traveling with children. It may provide some helpful tips and ideas.

Merry Christmas!

I wish everyone a blessed and holy Christmas. I hope that you all have a relaxing , enjoyable and safe break and I look forward to seeing you all back in 2020.

Merry Christmas all.

Yours Sincerely

Joanne Doherty

Principal

Physical Education & Sport

South East Melbourne Pheonix Visit - A Reflection by Fabian