St Bernadette's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 1 | WEEK 3 | 18 February 2022
Message from Geordie
Afternoon everyone,
Another busy week here at St Bernie’s. Our students are settling into the year really well and I have enjoyed my time in classes this week. For those parents who have had some tears at home and at the start of the day, we are here to support you and your child. Jacquie, our Social Worker has some tips and reading below and as always, please keep the lines of communication open. When we work together, we will have a positive outcome.
Our Junior Primary staff have been implementing their Bernie’s Words and Home Readers Program and as I have walked through all our classes, you can see that teachers are really thinking about how they use whole class mat sessions, explicit instruction and differentiated group work to engage and tailor the curriculum for their students. A highlight for me was spending some time in Mrs Schofield's Year 3 Recount Writing class. It was fabulous to see the kids understand the learning intention and engage in the discussion before moving to their groups to work independently. They were very excited to share their new knowledge!
On Wednesday night we had our first School Advisory Council meeting for the year via a Teams Chat and this year we welcome Monique Kinnest to the council in the role off Secretary. This was a chance to discuss the goals for 2022 and begin the conversation about a new Masterplan for the physical environment of our school. Definitely an exciting time to be on the Council.
On Wednesday we also had our Swimming Trials, organised by Mrs Bowe, Mrs Watson and Mrs Resuggan. It was the perfect day to get in the water and well supported by an awesome group of volunteers. Huge thanks to everyone for making the day run smoothly.
Finally, as COVID cases increase in WA, we are seeing more of our families being affected. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has been in this situation; your communication and transparency has made it easy to manage at our end. Obviously, there is a long way to go in this space so please stay vigilant and let us know what is going on. We will continue to review and refine our processes too – keeping you in the loop when we get new information.
Hope you all enjoy the sunshine this weekend, look forward to seeing you all next week!
Geordie Thuijs
A message from Father Francis
Dear Bernies Families,
I have been appointed to St Charles Seminary in Guildford and Fr Giovanni Raffaele will succeed me as our new Parish Priest. The handover and transition are still being worked out and may take place in early March depending on Fr Giovanni’s availability as he is currently in Northern Territory and has applied for permission to return to Perth.
I am acutely aware that this news may come as a real surprise and a shock to many of our school families and children as it has been to me. If you feel upset, disappointed and confused (or rejoicing!) or have any query, please come and talk to me. We’re taking this journey together.
However, I have been assured that it was one of those decisions that has been carefully deliberated and unanimously endorsed by the Archbishop and the Diocesan Curia (Bishop, General Vicar, Vicar for Clergy and Vicar for Education).
It was by no means easy for all concerned but necessary for the Seminary and its future. As a priest, I pledged my obedience to the direction of the Archbishop and I do take it seriously, including where I may be sent. At times it may not be my preferences and choices but sacrifices are required for the good of the Archdiocese.
It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to know and work with you. I will certainly treasure many fond memories of my time and you will always have a special place in my heart
Father Francis
Farewell to Father Francis
FAREWELL MORNING TEA
A farewell morning tea for Fr Francis will be held after 9 am Mass on 27th Feb in the Hall.
Food and drinks are provided. If you would like to bring a plate to share, please feel free to do so.
FAREWELL SOCCER GAME
A friendly farewell soccer game for Fr Francis will be held after morning mass on 27th Feb at St Bernie’s Oval. Mums and dads, girls and boys are welcome, please join us for some fun! The challenge is on!
RECONCILIATION COMMITMENT MASS
Takes place this Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9 am Mass. All families are welcome to join us!
Year 6 Graduation Polo's
Changes to our usual assemblies
Unfortunately with the current Covid restrictions we are not able to have our assemblies in our usual format. We will still be having an assembly but it will be filmed and then uploaded for each class to watch and will also be added to the school newsletter for our families to watch. Our first assembly will be on Friday 25th February.
Merit certificates will also be manage in a slightly different way. Any child receiving a merit certificate will be presented with their certificate by one of the leadership team in their classroom. One of our student leaders will take a photo and we will then upload the image onto Seesaw. All merit certificate recipients will have their names published in the newsletter alongside the assembly video.
We will keep you posted of any changes as soon as we are aware and hopefully we will be able to. meet together sooner rather than later.
Fume Free Friday Sucess!
Separation Anxiety
A few reminders for Parents
How do we pick up our students early (from 2.50pm)?
School still finishes at 3pm, however, if you choose to come and get your child 10 mins early then that will help spread the traffic. We have asked teachers to be ready so they can let students go when a parent arrives. If they do not see you waiting outside the (outside) door, just give a knock so they can let your child know it’s time to leave. Parents can then exit using the side gate, past the church, to the carpark.
I need to pick my child up early for an appointment, but I am not allowed into the office?
No worries! Please let us know as early as possible via email or phone (By 8.30am where possible) and we will organise to have your child waiting at the front office. Please try not to only call when you are already here as it does take us a few minutes to get them ready and down to the office.
Do I have to wear a mask while outside on school grounds?
This is strongly encouraged. All adults are asked to wear a mask while on school grounds where they can’t socially distance. Parents are discouraged from standing in large groups and where they are in close proximity and, having a chat, they should wear a mask. On occasion, parents have forgotten a mask – please just ask a staff member and they can sort one out from the office. We have all done it!
Crunch & Sip
Due to COVID and our altered timetable, we have noticed that the majority of students are not requiring an early morning snack (crunch and sip). Most students are able to have their fruit and vegetable snack at recess, therefore not interrupting their morning learning session.
With regards to the ‘sip’ aspect, children have their water bottles in their classrooms that they are able to access throughout the day.
Therefore, as of Monday the 21st February, teachers will no longer be providing a ten minute crunch and sip break. Please contact the class teacher (via administration email) if there is a valid reasons your child/ren need to continue this practise.
As the COVID situation resolves or dissolves, we will once again review this practise.
Library
Pre-primary to Year 6 students are lucky to have fortnightly Library sessions. During these sessions they have the opportunity to borrow books that interest them which we hope will foster a love of reading.
Students are required to have a library bag in order to be able to borrow. Please can you organise for your child to have a library bag - they can be purchased through the uniform shop if you would like a durable bag with our school logo.
Senior Swimming Trials
Uniform Policy
Jewelry:
- Earrings which are small sleepers or plain studs - one only in the lobe of the ear.
- Wristwatch / Smartwatches - Smartwatches are to be used as per iPad Code of Conduct Agreement.
- One chain with religious symbol, to be worn under clothing
Rainbows Registration
If you feel your child may benefit from a program such as Rainbows, we invite you to complete the nomination form below. If you have any additional questions about the program please our Social Worker Mrs Deshon through the school office. The Rainbows program runs for ten weeks, with the final week being a celebration for all Rainbows participants. In order for children to gain to gain the most benefit from the program, group sizes are usually between 4-6 children of similar age who are facing similar anxieties.
To register your child/ren please use the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/BLdZT7RusL.
Things to look out for next week
- Kindy Speech Screening - Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 February 2022
- Ricky Grace Basketball - Wednesday 23 February 2022
- Assembly Friday 25 February - this will be in a video format
- Farwell to Father Francis Sunday 27 February 2022
Parent Handbook 2022
School Canteen - Kingston's Kitchen
Our school canteen is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please follow Kingston's Kitchen on Facebook for updates.
https://www.facebook.com/Kingstons-kitchen-101214291627431
Menu and ordering details can be found at Spriggy Schools
St Bernadette's Parents & Friends Association
Welcome to the school P&F where everyone is welcome to join.
If you would like to find out what is happening at our school, please join our P&F Facebook page:
Live Calendar link
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Email: admin@stbernadettes.wa.edu.au
Website: https://stbernadettes.wa.edu.au
Location: 252 Grand Ocean Boulevard, Port Kennedy WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9593 4066
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stbernadettescps/