From the Principal

Principal - Ms Julie Di Noto

Heavenly Father,

We pray for our Confirmation candidates who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fill their hearts with wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder in Your presence.

Guide them to live with faith, kindness, and compassion, and help them to use their gifts to serve others and share Your love in the world. Strengthen them to follow the example of Jesus each day and to grow as faithful    members of our community.

 May the Holy Spirit inspire and guide them always.

Amen.

Dear St Bernard’s Community, 

Last week it was an honour to witness St Bernard’s students receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The children were prayerful and reverent, demonstrating their preparedness for this special sacrament. Thank you to Father James Parady for presiding over the Confirmation supported by St Bernard’s Parish Priest Father Leo De Marzi. Please continue to keep these children in your prayers. 

Our school choir recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to Academy of Mary Immaculate Secondary College to watch the musical Mary Poppins. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience outstanding stagecraft and performances by talented secondary students. The choir is now busy learning new songs and is looking forward to sharing them with the community at an upcoming assembly.

Congratulations to St Bernard's Primary School. A Herald Sun analysis has shown 27 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) schools featured in Victoria’s Top 100 non-government primary schools and St Bernard's PS is listed as number 5! Check out the full list here .

As part of our commitment to embedding explicit teaching strategies, new mini whiteboards, markers, wipes and storage cases have been purchased for students across the school. The use of whiteboards encourages active participation in learning tasks, facilitates student engagement, allows teachers to quickly assess student understanding, and provides opportunities to scaffold learning effectively.  Whiteboards are used extensively in Literacy and Mathematics lessons, as well as in Inquiry and Religious Education. 

Along with the whiteboards, art supplies and sports equipment have been purchased as part of our grant money received. Some popular sports resources were downballs, footballs, soccer balls, softball gloves, skipping ropes and basketballs. These will be a well received addition to our outside play equipment available for use during recess and lunch. 

Last week, we enjoyed a special Cultural Diversity celebration day. The day began with great excitement as students proudly took part in a parade that showcased the many cultures represented within St Bernard’s school community. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities and had opportunities to share and celebrate their cultural heritage. Students also created an image connected to their cultural background, resulting in a wonderful “melting pot” display of cultures now proudly showcased in our school. Thank you to Ms Daniela for her hard work in organising the day. 

Last Tuesday St Bernard’s hosted a Maths Games Day in partnership with The Mathematics Association of Victoria. Four schools participated in the competition including St Bernard’s, St Joseph’s Brunswick, St Fidelis’ Coburg and Antonine College Coburg with 8 students selected from each school. This day provided an opportunity for students to:

• develop their mathematical talents and thinking skills 
• work with like-minded students from a diverse range of schools
• participate in mathematical activities without the usual classroom pressures
• win prizes and rewards
• get excited about maths!

Congratulations to St Bernard’s students Ayla, Aimee, Matteo and Andy for winning the most points throughout the day and being awarded first place. The overall winner was St Bernard’s, followed by St Fidelis in second place and St Joseph’s in third place. What a great team effort for our students! Thank you to Mr Nick Flavel, our Maths Leader, for organising the day supported by Ms Lisa Geary and Renee (parent to Henry and Frankie). 

Our BPC have been busy organising St Bernard’s annual school disco. This will be held on Thursday 18th June from 6-7.30pm. See the BPC section of this newsletter for more details. I am looking forward to seeing many students attend this evening of colourful fun! You are also invited to take part in the Gnoccheria drive. Get your orders in by this Thursday 4 June. Orders can be picked up on Thursday 11th June 3 - 3.45pm at the school. 

Our 3 way collaborative learning conferences will be open for bookings on Monday 15th June from 5pm. Please see the flyer below for more information. A reminder that there will be no school for students on Thursday 16th July. 

Our final two Mini Bernie’s Little Scholars Taste of School sessions have been well attended, which have included a Story Time session and a STEM session. It is so lovely seeing friendships begin to blossom between children and parents. 

Next Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June, I am looking forward to attending the 3/4 camp at Benloch. Thank you to Ms Prue, Ms Lesa, Ms Kate, Mr Nick and Ms Simone, for their dedication and commitment to our students which includes spending time away from their families. It’s normal for children to feel both excited and nervous about camp. You can help by talking positively with your child, listening to their concerns, and reassuring them about what to expect. Please communicate any concerns with your child's teacher or myself. 

Thank you to all the families that have downloaded the Nportal App and registered. Attendance notifications can now be communicated to the school through the app. 

A reminder that Audiri will no longer be used from the beginning of Term 3.  

I have been informed by Merri-bek council that the Barrow St road closure trial will be extended for another 12 months. The transport team will continue to investigate traffic flow. A letter will be sent to all residents impacted.

Last week, my Principal’s Award recipient was Darius G from 3/4P. Darius lets his light shine through the care and compassion he shows to others and willingness to support those around him. Darius consistently strives to improve, asks thoughtful questions when challenges arise, and always gives his best effort with a positive growth mindset. I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate his friendly greetings and regular principal check-ins. Congratulations, Darius!

A reminder that next Monday is the King’s Birthday public holiday. Have a wonderful fortnight and enjoy the long weekend.  

Warm regards

Julie Di Noto (Principal)

Reminders