From the Principal's Desk

Dear St Bernard’s Community, 

Yesterday we gathered as a school to acknowledge and remember those who fought in wars to protect our country and our freedom. Ms Lesa led a paraliturgy reminding us to be thankful for those who served our country so we may have peace. It reminds us to appreciate the freedoms we have today and the importance of working together so that future generations can live in a peaceful world. We continue to pray for peace and harmony across all nations. 

I thoroughly enjoyed welcoming our 2026 Foundation students and families to our first ‘Mini Bernie’s’ orientation session held yesterday. The children spent some time in the classroom with Ms Tess and Ms Leah getting to know each other. It was also lovely having a chat and cuppa with many of our Foundation families. I look forward to seeing all the children again at our next session on Tuesday 18th November 9.15 am-10.45 am. Over the next couple of weeks, Ms Tess will spend some time at the Kinders and Childcare settings in order to gain further insights about each child, to ensure a positive transition experience for all. 

Gathering feedback from our students across Foundation to Year 6 has provided valuable insights. Their responses were thoughtful and reflective. Some reasons students value St Bernard’s include friendly staff and students, sports, buddy program, kind teachers and everyone feels included. Popular suggestions according to our students in terms of improvements that would further enhance St Bernard’s school include having an ART specialist and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) classes, cooking lessons, gaga pit, extended playtimes, chess boards outside, a swimming pool, chicken coup, nicer looking classrooms, a cafeteria and more downball courts.  

The feedback I have gathered from the St Bernard’s parent/carer community has provided me with a deeper understanding of varied perspectives. It is clear that the size of our school, caring teachers, the nurturing community, camp experiences, student and family buddy programs, the sense of belonging and varied curriculum activities is valued by many families. Some opportunities for enhancement included a focus on expanding kinder connections, communication, parent engagement opportunities, enhancing literacy resources, sustainable practices, maintenance of buildings, and increased lunchtime activities and equipment. Collecting feedback from students, parents, and staff has provided valuable insights to inform future strategic planning.

Last week I visited the Foundation students who wrote me some very interesting persuasive letters about what they would like to see at St Bernard’s. Some ideas were a disco room, a Nintendo room, a water slide, Timezone area and even a water park! Their persuasive techniques were very convincing including promises to me of keeping the school clean and even cooking spaghetti for my pet bird Coco! 

We have an updated School Fee and Levy Policy for 2026.  Whilst we aim to limit any increase, our rising costs necessitate this as we need to be able to meet our financial obligations. A letter has been sent out to families on Audiri and is attached for your information. If any family experiences any difficulties paying their fees, please contact the Office to arrange a time to meet with me.

Have a wonderful and blessed week. 

Julie Di Noto 

Principal

Reminders

Assembly this Friday at 3pm - 3/4 classes are hosting

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