Principal's message
Dear Parents,
This week we celebrated the Feast of St. Brigid, whose legacy continues to inspire our school community.
Our school began in 1963 under the guidance of the Brigidine Sisters and we proudly carry the spirit of St. Brigid which inspires the heart of our school community.
St Brigid, a 5th‑century Irish saint, is honoured for her hospitality, compassion, leadership, and commitment to learning.
In 1807, Bishop Daniel Delany founded the Brigidine Sisters in Tullow, Ireland, naming the new congregation after St Brigid to reflect her spirit of welcome, justice, and education. He believed their mission would continue the work of her original monastery at Kildare—a place of learning, service, and community.
To symbolise this continuity, Bishop Delany planted an oak sapling from Kildare at the first Brigidine convent in Tullow. The oak tree in our school yard, planted by the first enrolled student, honors this heritage.
One of St Brigid’s well‑known sayings captures her vision for the world:
“I would like an abundance of peace.”— St Brigid of Kildare
This simple yet powerful wish reflects the heart of the Brigidine tradition, a call to live with generosity, peace, and compassion. This year our diocesan motto is "Seek peace and pursue it" which aligns beautifully with Brigid.
Foundation Students
On Monday we welcomed our youngest students for their first day. They arrived with a mix of excitement, nervous energy and curiosity. Many were polished with fresh haircuts, proudly wearing new uniforms, hats and new shoes. They carried their backpacks but most importantly they wore brave smiles, blinked with excited eyes, held their parent's hand or bounced in full of enthusiasm.
They beamed with an aura of a new adventure and the promise of learning, explorers of new horizons without constraints, it was a joy to witness.
We are privileged and delighted to welcome these beautiful children walking tall through our Foundation doors.
Important Parent meeting
I remind parents of the importance of attending the meeting on Tuesday 10th February at 6.00pm in our school hall. As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we are fortunate to have the continued support of global expert and advisor to the e-Safety Commission, Kirra Pendergast and members of the Ctrl-Shft team visiting our school to speak with students, staff and parents. Whist it is required that one parent attend for children in grades 3-6, we also extend an invitation for parents of grades Foundation to 2 to attend this meeting.
This is a parent only session where Kirra will speak to you, the parents, regarding the safe use of Social Media and Technology devices.
Kirra will be sharing sensitive information, children do not attend this session.
Our Online Safety / Media Team at St. Bernard's led by teachers Prue Everitt and Louise Cummins will share important information throughout the year with you via our school newsletter and via your Parent Access Module (PAM) account, to support you with the ongoing safety of your child in the online world.
PAM.
The Simon Everywhere App, is still unavailable for your use.
Our experts in our diocese are awaiting further diligence around this before releasing it to parents. In the meantime you are able to access your PAM account by- https://pam.sbwangaratta.catholic.edu.au/
We appreciate this is an inconvenience for you but also understand the need for security around your information.
Congratulations Duke!
We congratulate Duke Mendoza in grade 6 on his selection as a member of the Country Victoria state team for the 2026 Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) held in January.
In March, Duke will fly to Manila to represent Australia-Filipino grassroots at the 2026 Global Hoops International Showcase and the National Basketball Training Centre in his association with MIC Basketball Australia Academy in Melbourne, competing against teams from the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Japan, and beyond.
We wish Duke all the best with his basketball adventures.
Advisory Council
Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited is committed to working with principals, leadership teams and local communities to support each school to thrive. A key dimension of this collaborative work is the effective operation of Advisory Councils to support the work of both the principal and CESL.
The Advisory Council serves as a consultative and advisory group for the Principal, a means through which the Board receives information and feedback from the broader school community and an active forum for parent and local community participation, providing support and advice primarily in strategic planning and school improvement,
Due to one of our Advisory Council members reaching the end of a three-year term, we require a new member to join this council to fill the vacant role.
The Parent Advisory Council meets approximately 2 times a term in the evening. Advisory Council members are required to attend an online induction conducted by CESL (held biannually). This induction will include:
- An introduction to Catholic Education Sandhurst and our schools
- These Terms of Reference
- Catholic Identity
- Child Safeguarding
If you believe you that you would like to and have the time and skills to fulfill this role, please email myself with a letter outlining your expression of interest by Friday 13th February.
pboak@sbwangaratta.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to a rich and rewarding year with your child as we strive to achieve our Vision of providing the best possible Catholic education for the children in our care, every day.
Have a great week everyone
Patricia Boak
Principal