A Place to Belong
As part of a system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, our students are treated with dignity and respect. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and exceptional pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school.
Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta have a strong focus on pastoral care, and in addition the support of our school counsellor, additional resourcing is provided for wellbeing initiatives overseen by the Wellbeing Coordinator. The Wellbeing Coordinator is supported by staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of these wellbeing initiatives.
St Bernadette's is committed to providing a learning environment where students can thrive, feel safe and supported, and are nurtured to grow, belong and be confident.
St Bernadette's equips students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their wellbeing through Religious Education, health, and wellbeing classes. We believe this sense of wellbeing and connectedness promotes healthy personal development in students and contributes to their academic success.
We support the social and emotional welfare of students and their families through effective strategies, recommendations, policies and procedures, guidelines and tools. Our strong focus on pastoral care includes school counsellors and wellbeing initiatives to support students.
Our school celebrates the inclusion of all students, supporting the learning needs of every individual and providing learning opportunities to build their social skills.
Our Wellbeing Initiatives and Pastoral Care Programs
Social Skills Program for Students
We aim to provide a safe and secure learning environment which is based on both trust and respect.
Through our K-6 social skills program we address cyber safety, resilience and anti-bullying among other important issues. We are committed to building independence and courage within each student.
Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L)
PBS4L is a whole school program that actively promotes positive behaviour.
It enables students to develop a clear understanding of required expectations, become responsible for their own behaviour and work together to create a positive, productive and harmonious learning community. Our student award system is an important part of PBS4L, giving recognition for demonstrating school values and community service, in addition to academic and social achievements.
Learning Support
Our Learning Support team works in conjunction with the class teacher as required, to support the particular learning needs of students.
Support can happen within the classroom context, in small groups or one-to-one. Learning Support programs at St Bernadette's emphasise Literacy, Numeracy, Social Skills, and Study Skills.
Kindergarten Transition
We know starting school is a big step, so we aim to make the move to 'big school' as easy as possible.
We arrange for a series of meetings with parents, and school visits for children, the year before they attend St Bernadette's. This builds familiarity and confidence as the new students interact with one another and their new teachers. For more on starting Kindergarten feel free to contact us.
Buddy System
Our buddy system is a vital part of both student development and support, providing encouragement to students across the school.
Our Year 5 and 6 are students buddy up with Kindergarten and Year 1 students to mentor them and help them adjust to life at school. Our buddy system was recently expanded to all grades, with students buddying with each other at significant school gatherings such as masses, liturgies and assemblies. We want every student to feel like a valued member of our community.
Student Leadership
We recognise the importance of preparing students to be leaders in the future.
Year 6 students are given significant roles of responsibility as school and student leaders. This includes School Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains, and the Year 6 student leadership. Our leaders take part in an extensive program of leadership skills and qualities development which can include interaction with leaders from other local Catholic schools, and a program of planned events, where student leaders are involved in organising, to help refine and build their leadership and teamwork skills.
Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 also have the chance to be part of the Student Representative Council (SRC).
Building Child Safe Communities
We are committed to providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed and participate, and where the adult community works together with them towards making this happen.
Building Child Safe Communities
We care about every student!
Contact St Bernadette's today to find out how we can help your child.
OUR VISION
Transforming the learning of each student every day.
OUR DIFFERENCE
Discover what sets us apart from other schools.
OUR FAITH
Schooling that connects faith, learning and life.
HOW TO ENROL
Let us help you get started on the enrolment process.