St Bernadette's Primary School
NEWSLETTER |WEEK 1 TERM 4 2026
Good afternoon.
The role of a principal is multifaceted, and, at times, incredibly challenging. There are days filled with complex and difficult decisions to make and many competing priorities, however there are also so many moments that remind me why this work really matters. Being able to support staff, partner with families and, most importantly, make a positive difference in the lives of our children is something I never take for granted. It is the people, the relationships, and the small, everyday moments that make it such a privilege to lead this school community.
On Monday, our staff participated in a unique, local Cultural Tour along the Rockingham Foreshore that brought together perspectives from different cultural backgrounds, with guides Monique Boucher and Whadjuk Noongar guide Steven Jacobs sharing stories of both First Nations and European history from past to present. Using silent disco technology, staff were immersed in a powerful ‘truth-telling’ journey that deepened their understanding of the rich cultural heritage of our local area.
Experiences such as these are invaluable for educators as they build cultural awareness, empathy and understanding, helping us create more inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all students and families. By learning about the histories, experiences and perspectives of First Nations peoples, our staff are better equipped to foster respect, belonging and meaningful connections within our school community. This ongoing commitment to cultural understanding reflects our dedication to ensuring every child feels seen, valued and proud of their identity
So that everyone has plenty of time to plan, I wanted to let everyone know that from 2027, Catholic schools in Western Australia will introduce a three-week mid-year term break, providing students and staff with additional time to rest, recharge and reconnect with family. This calendar has been used in individual schools across the country over the past 10 or so years with the research and experience from other education sectors suggesting that longer breaks can support improved wellbeing, increased attendance (due to illness and travel), stronger academic outcomes, and enhanced staff retention. Across Australia, schools are continuing to face the challenge of declining student attendance rates, with many families choosing to travel during term time to access more affordable flights and accommodation. To accommodate this change, our students will return to school a few days early, and our school day will officially begin at 8.35am (with doors opening at 8.30am). Our draft ‘Key Dates’ calendar can be found below.
TERM DATES 2027 - DRAFT
A big welcome to Nora M and her family. Nora has joined KGB and we hope that she settles quickly into our Bernie's community!
An update from Warnbro Shopping Centre
With just 2 weeks to go, time is running out to upload your receipts for Shop For Your School!
Don't miss your chance to support your school. Head to our website to learn more and upload your receipts today! https://warnbrocentre.com.au/whats-on/shop-for-your-school/
Medication
Please note that school staff are only able to administer antibiotics at school if they have been prescribed by a doctor four times per day. If your child’s antibiotics are prescribed three times per day, we ask that the doses be given at home before school, after school, and before bed.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Absentees
Please remember to complete an absentee form whenever your child is away from school. This helps us keep accurate attendance records and meet reporting requirements. Notification must be in writing and can be submitted via our website - https://stbernadettes.wa.edu.au/families
Thank you for your cooperation.
Year 6 SEQTA
A quick reminder to all Year 6 families, and other students who are leaving us to please ensure that you download all your child's school reports and Naplan results before the end of Term 4. Once the students leave Bernie's the accounts are moved to an archived status and reports are no longer accessible. There will then be a charge to retrieve these documents after archiving occurs. Thank you for your understanding.
A reminder for our families
Our school canteen is only open on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Orders can be placed online via the Spriggy App before 8.30am
or in person at the canteen.
Should you need to contact the ladies regarding issues with your online order, please call the number below.
This number should however not be used to place orders, please use the SPRIGGY APP for this.
Year 2 - 6 Piano, Guitar & Drum lessons 2026
Keyed Up Music is the largest music school providing music lessons for kids in Perth. With over 550 guitar students per week, the professional guitar teachers at Keyed Up know how to not only teach guitar competently to your child but also engage, inspire and create learning opportunities for them. Coupled with some basic practice discipline and good ol’ fashioned grit, there are simply no limits to your child’s musical potential! They too could be a Rock n’ Roll star of the 21st Century.
Guitar and Drum lessons are held at Bernie's after school on a Tuesday & Thursday. Please hop onto the Keyed Up Music website for more information - https://www.keyedupmusic.com.au/
Term Dates 2026
2026 TERM DATES:
Term 3: Tue 21 July – Fri 25 Sept:
Term 4: Tue 13 Oct – Fri 11 December
Term Dates 2027
2027 TERM DATES:
Term 1: Thur 28 January - Fri 9 April
Term 2: Tue 27 April - Fri 25 June
Term 3: Mon 19 July – Fri 24 September
Term 4: Mon 11 Oct – Fri 10 December
In the Catholic tradition, our parish and school are closely connected.
The parish, led by Father Giovanni, provides spiritual leadership and is responsible for ensuring we nurture students’ faith alongside academic learning. The school supports the parish by helping children grow in Catholic values, preparing them for sacraments, and encouraging family participation in parish life.
It’s essentially a partnership — the parish is the faith community, and the school is one of its key ministries. For more information about our Parish, please click here: