St Bernadette's Primary School Dundas Valley

The Stage 2 Religion Learning Cycle for this term is 'What Is A Sacrament?' We have read Mark 1:1-11 The Baptism of Jesus and discussed the spiritual sense of the Scripture. Students in Year 4 created headlines to capture the key message that resonated with them in the Scripture.

Over the past two weeks a number of staff members have attended collegial visits to other schools. The idea behind this is to provide staff and students with professional learning opportunities where they can learn and share ideas around learning. This time the visits were to observe and reflect upon how literacy blocks are facilitated in other settings.

I would publicly like to thank and acknowledge the gracious principals and staff at Christ the King, North Rocks, St Mary’s, Rydalmere and St Bernadette’s, Castle Hill who welcomed us openly.

Every now and then I come across incidents between students where personal space is not respected. As a part of our PBS4L framework, we remind and teach students that their bodies are theirs alone. We are often using time to reteach students about what is appropriate use of our body in social settings. 

These social norms can also be reinforced at home. Children are naturally curious about their bodies and it is our job as their educators to assist them in knowing what is socially acceptable. For some students, a hug from a friend is ok, for others it's not. Friendly tipping while playing bullrush may be ok but slapping backs etc is not.  

As always I know that you will support us in reminding your children that consent is important and without it you have no right to touch another person’s body. This is a lesson that will serve them well in the future.

Dear Parents/Carers, 

As in previous years, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) collects data from schools to determine the Index of Community Socio-educational Advantage (ICSEA). CEDP is currently working to provide relevant details to the Catholic Education Commission of NSW. Data collected is de-identified of personal information​​. 

Parents and caregivers must advise their school by Wednesday 14 July 2021 if they do not want their child's data included in this report. Please do so in writing, to the school office. 

The Standard Collection Notice and Privacy Policy can be accessed from the School Office if you require it.

We have almost concluded the enrollment process for 2022. Many families have submitted completed enrolment forms, had their interview and are in the process of securing a place in Kindy. If it is your intention to enrol your child for 2022 please fill in the necessary paperwork as there are limited spaces available.

After some recent poor weather, we were finally blessed with some beautiful weather for our Athletics Carnival on Tuesday. It was great to have so many of our community members attend this event, especially after the difficult times we have all been through recently.

Our children had a great day of competition and cheering, supported by our army of parent helpers. A huge thank you to you all on behalf of the staff of St Bernadette’s! Days like this can only be a success with your generous support.

All of the children gave it their all and as always there were some outstanding performances. A squad of children who will represent us at the Cumberland Zone Athletics will be selected in the coming weeks. The final points tally, as well as the junior and senior age champions will be announced at this Friday’s whole school assembly.