From the Principal's Desk

“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity.

 There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. 

 There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.” 

 St Bernard of Clairvaux

St Bernard’s School Prayer

This is our school.

Let peace dwell here.

Let the rooms be full of contentment.

Let love abide here,

Love of each other,

Love of humankind,

Love of life itself

And love of God.

Let us remember that as many hands build a house.

So many hands build a school.

Amen.

Dear St Bernard’s Community, 

It’s hard to believe we’ve already passed the halfway point of Term 4 and are now approaching the end of the 2025 school year. Planning for 2026 is well underway, with classes and staffing close to being finalised. As part of our class-placement process, students are invited to nominate five peers they feel are strong learning partners. This information, along with teacher insights, learning and behaviour data, helps us create balanced and supportive class groups. Our staff put considerable thought into these decisions to ensure the best possible learning experience for every student.

I understand that the end of the year can bring some worry or uncertainty. I encourage you to acknowledge these feelings with your child and help frame upcoming changes as opportunities for growth and resilience. Students will take part in a ‘Step Up’ Orientation Session on Friday 12th December, during which they will meet their new teacher and classmates. Teachers will also have multiple opportunities to share information to support each child’s transition into their new year level. 

Yesterday our 2026 Foundation students attended their second ‘Mini Bernie’s’ orientation session. There were lots of smiles and laughter as they entered the classroom, confidently waving goodbye to their parents/carers. Next Tuesday 25th November I will be holding an information session for our Foundation parents from 9.15am-10.30am. I look forward to witnessing the parent buddy program in action, and thank all the existing families who have offered support to our new families and to welcome them into our school community. 

It is wonderful to see so many St Bernard’s students and families choosing to ride to school. 

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it’s also a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you for your support in reminding students to walk their bikes in and out of the yard and to park their bikes in the bike rack so the passageway remains clear.

A huge thank you to the entire school community for all your support with fundraising efforts in 2025, led by Bernie’s Parent Collective (BPC). A total of $15000 has been donated to the school from BPC which has partly been used for the replacement of turf near the Junior playground. There has been a delay in the installation of the games, which will now be completed over the January school holidays. The remainder of the funds will go towards enhancing our literacy programs and resources in 2026. 

I am looking forward to our Christmas Carols evening to be held on Monday 15 December 5.30pm-7pm (weather permitting). Please see the attached invitation for further details. 

Have a wonderful and blessed week. 

Julie Di Noto 

Principal