St Bernadette's Primary School Dundas Valley

Wow it’s week 6 already!!

This term is flying by but thankfully we have not had to go back into remote learning. It’s so nice to see the children back and socialising with their friends. This is partially due to the fact that as a community we are really trying to observe the Covid safe practices. I know it’s not easy to keep children home when they may just appear to have a cold but we know that it's better to be safe than sorry.

This Sunday we have our students receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. I know it is going to be a very special celebration and I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of these students. I can still remember the day I made my First Communion, it was a very special day in my faith journey. 

Stay well and take care,

Love & Light

Lisa Gerrard

(on behalf of the St Bernadette’s staff & students)

 Attendance Rate: 85.7%  - To unpack this a little more, this means that 85.7% of our students have an attendance rate of 90% -100%. 

REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA

The gospel does not say that Jesus will gallantly step forward, take suffering upon himself, and thus demonstrate his power. Instead, his fate will be a demonstration of his vulnerability. He will be taken forcibly and will suffer at the hands of others. He will do this willingly, but not as a volunteer. Jesus will be a victim. This picture of Jesus carries implications for discipleship. Whoever follows him must follow him to the cross. If we participate in his success, we must also share in his shame. Disciples have a choice to follow or not to follow, but if they choose in his favour they must be ready for suffering and humiliation.

Paul exhorts us to reject the standards of the world. This is a very difficult path to follow, especially when it seems that those who conform to this age prosper. Following Christ can place barriers between ourselves and others. If we no longer share their values and their interests, we may feel alienated. Suffering is bound to invade our ministerial lives as well. We must remember that Jesus’ message antagonised many people in his day. Those who proclaim the same message in their own contexts must be prepared for a similar reaction.

After witnessing the marvellous feats that Jesus accomplished, we discover that he is going to suffer and be put to death. How can this be? With Peter we protest. With Jeremiah we wonder: Have we been duped?  The realisation that we too will have to suffer becomes a crucial test of our faith.

Our prayers and congratulations are with the children receiving their First Holy Communion this Sunday. May the Eucharist you receive for the first time on Sunday, nourish and sustain you throughout your life.

PLEASE NOTE: For any family members unable to attend on Sunday due to covid restrictions are invited to view the ceremony via the Friars of St Francis youtube channel. Please follow the link below to access the live stream of the event - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvvWPXGVbkrG4wDb0foO1NA?reload=9

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code 9BK 8ZG AKF. Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day. 

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by advancedlife on Tuesday 1 September 2020. 

PLACING YOUR ORDER

It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day. 

As a large number of our families have purchased their photo packages already online, envelopes will not be distributed home. If you would still like to pay via cash your child may request an envelope at the office. On photo day these envelopes and money are to be given to the classroom teacher. NO ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED  AT THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day. 

• All students will have their individual and class photo taken on the day. Please note that any late orders will need to be purchased 24hours after photo day and will incur a late fee. 

SIBLING PHOTOS:

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Please place this order online. 

UNIFORM:

All students must be in their full winter uniform. Photos will be taken without jackets and jumpers. Please ensure that:

• Students are wearing their ties - boys and girls

• Students are not allowed to wear skivvies, undershirts, etc that can be seen under their school shirt or blouse. 

• Girls should wear grey stockings or grey knee high socks

• Boys should be wearing their grey pants - no shorts

• All ribbons, bows, headbands etc must be in the school colours otherwise they will be asked to remove them.

• Sports uniform and sports shirts should not be worn for any class photos 

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS TAKEN ON THE DAY:

• Choir and Altar servers

• SRC

• Year 6 and Kindergarten Buddy Photo, Year 6 Fun Photo

You would have received a note about our major school fundraiser for 2020:

The Amazing Race Through Time

The children will ‘race’ through 9 different stations with different teachers based on activities in schoolyards in the last 200 years. We will have activities that encourage teamwork as students will be placed into groups to achieve a goal.

We encourage dressing up with the theme of ‘old school yard’. 

You should have received your child’s fundraising log card. Sponsors can pledge money on this and it can be paid electronically at the school or cash can be brought in by the students after our event. 

Next Friday 4th September, we will be joining in Jersey Day to raise awareness about organ donation. This is not a fundraising day but an awareness raising day. 

Students are encouraged to wear their favourite team jersey on the day and we will present some (age appropriate) information about organ donation and the Donate Life network. 

Students can wear any team jersey they like with their school sports shorts. If they do not have or prefer not to wear a team jersey, they may wear their school sports uniform. 

The Challenge is quickly drawing to a close. Friday August 28 is the final date for entry of Student Reading Records by students. Please ensure you have added all your books by this date.

We would like to express our joy and thankfulness to each and every family who purchased chocolates to support our Year 6 students.

$1200 was raised!

Last week MacKillop received their recognition for the most tokens. They enjoyed an afternoon of free time - using technology, playing games and chatting with friends.

15/8 - Lachlan B 

17/8 - Louis R

19/8 - Benjamin G 

21/8 - Tracey L

25/8 - Youssef E K H 

26/8 - Mia L 

27/8 - Marie-Elise B