Pope Leo's Lenten message

"I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour."

His whole message can be viewed here

https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/news/2026/cuaresma-2026-mensaje-de-papa-leon-xiv.html

Dear Parents,

This week we begin a new liturgical season, the season of Lent.

On Tuesday we have our traditional Pancake breakfast as a sign of ridding our pantries of treat type foods in preparation for participating in the three important elements of Lent: Fasting, Almsgiving and Prayer.

The pancake breakfast is the beginning of our Caritas efforts.

Caritas is a humanitarian agency, that uses the funds raised through schools like St. Bernard's, to support all people, regardless of religion, race or political differences.

Caritas is guided by dignity, hope and compassion, they accompany people to drive their own development, drawing on local strengths and resources. They advocate for a more just and equitable world—working together for dignity and a thriving future for all.

We ask that everyone donate a gold coin for their pancake in order for us to support Caritas.

On Wednesday Lent begins. To mark this Ash Wednesday liturgies will be held in our chapel on Wednesday.

Year 5 and 6 at 9:10 - 9:45 am

Year 3 and 4 at 12:30 - 1:00pm

Year 1 and 2 at 10:30 - 11:00am

Please feel welcome to join one of these liturgies.

Pope Leo has some wise words to say regarding Lent. His complete message can be found in the link below. Please take time to read this, it will provide you with great food for thought for when you are speaking with your children.

https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/news/2026/cuaresma-2026-mensaje-de-papa-leon-xiv.html

Ctrl+Shft Parent meeting.

Thank you for attending Kirra's meeting last Tuesday evening. I was able to speak with only a few of you after the meeting but was delighted to hear how well her session was received.

If anyone has a comment you would like to share with me regarding the session, please do so.

For your information, Louise Cummins (one of our online coaches) has provided me with some statistics from the evening. We had 67 out of a possible 84 families represented at our evening with Kirra, which is 79.76 percent. Our staff also attended along with some parents from grade Foundation to 2.

Thank you to those parents who were able to attend and to those who apologised due to work commitments etc. I believe we have a remarkable school community.

It was pleasing to have so many parents and teachers prioritising our children's online safety and wellness.

Opening of the year mass

Our Mass on Friday was a beautifully sacred celebration; we thank the families who were able to join us. Our children participated reverently and prayerfully. The music provided by our staff and the joyful singing by the children and choir enhanced our worship.

It is such a delight to witness their talents being shared so enthusiastically.

Get to Know you Interviews

Get to Know you Interviews have been scheduled over the coming weeks, dates and information on how to book can be found in the newsletter Important Dates section.

Reminder of driveway use.

The entrance to our school from Skehan Ave is one way, cars then continue down to either the carpark or use the drop off zone before heading out past the school hall and onto Williams Road, using either the left hand turning lane or the right hand turning lane.

When using the car park please cross at the internal school crossing where the teacher in the orange vest facilitates the crossing.

If using the drop off zone please have your child exit the car from the passenger side.

Parents do not leave their cars at the drop off and the cars keep moving down the drop off zone.

Have a great week everyone,

Patricia Boak

Principal

Design & Technologies