We are the St Bernadette’s Dundas Valley community.
We are a learning community that nurtures each person in a respectful atmosphere centred on our faith.
Our school motto, Come to Learn, Live and Love, is an invitation for the school community to grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
We invite you to learn more about all that St Bernadette’s Primary Dundas Valley has to offer.
OUR STORY
St Bernadette’s has a long and interesting history. Come and learn more about who we are and how we became the vibrant school community we are today.
LEARN MORELEARNING IN ACTION
Discover what life is like at St Bernadette's Primary by browsing our latest news articles.
LEARN MORE
What we offer at St Bernadette's
Places to play, think, imagine and create
Located in a residential area of Dundas Valley, St Bernadette’s provides its students with a leafy, tranquil setting. Since 2000, all buildings have been extensively renovated and all general learning areas are air-conditioned to maximise student comfort.
Refurbishments have provided a space for the library and dedicated learning support room. The library is a valuable resource centre, not only for students but for the school community as a whole. It has a collection of relevant resources for children and teachers.
In order to prepare our students to think and respond effectively to the challenges of a rapidly changing world, we utilise the latest technological tools in our classrooms. Access to email, the internet and intranet, enables our students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other areas of information.
Making a difference to the world
At St Bernadette’s Primary, we come together as a learning community to nurture each person in a respectful atmosphere centred on the love of Christ.
Our school motto, Come to Learn, Live and Love, is an invitation for the school community to take the opportunities offered at St Bernadette’s and to grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Living the Gospel
Every day there is evidence of children and staff living the Gospel values of justice, co-operation, hope, and compassion. These values are integrated into all aspects of school life. There is mutual respect between staff and children. It is evident that the staff demonstrates a commitment to the wellbeing of students, and demonstrates sensitivity to the individual needs of the children. They are dedicated to providing Christian witness and in promoting the concept of Christian community. Staff are seen by the parents to be welcoming and accessible.
The school has established a climate which will enable us to work towards fulfilling our mission statement of coming together as a learning community to nurture each person in a respectful atmosphere centred on the love of Christ.
Social Justice Events
The children are involved in a number of outreach programs, including Project Compassion, the Manning Foundation, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Tebbut Lodge. As well as this involvement, there is a concerted effort to raise children’s understanding of many social justice issues and to encourage action.
A community that works together
The Parish Priest, Principal, staff and parents work together to develop the faith community, and as a result, the relationship between the school and the broader parish community is positive.
There is a whole school Mass at the beginning and end of each year, and every First Friday. Planning with the Parish Priest is done at the class teacher’s request and children are involved in planning the liturgy. Children from Years 2-6 are involved in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation during the year.
The Franciscan Friars look after the Altar Server and choir opportunities for the children.
Student Well Being
The Student Management Policy directly relates to our three school rules;
- I am respectful
- I am safe
- I am a learner
Our Student Management Policy calls upon our students to reflect upon their actions and they are supported in finding a positive way forward as a respectful, safe learner by all staff members.
Sound structures are in place to deal with disruptive behaviour. These structures are sensitive to the self-esteem of children and the retention of the dignity of each child. Valuing each child is of utmost importance to us.
The Protective Behaviours and Bounce Back Programs run each year with the whole school taking part.
The Buddies Program is most effective. Year 6 Students are peer support friends to the Kindergarten children.
The Student Representative Council represents the children and is involved in many worthwhile activities. They meet fortnightly under the supervision of the Assistant Principal and discuss issues that they see could improve St Bernadette’s.
Before and After School Care
Need your child minded after 3pm and you're working?
Need to get to work and have to drop off your child before school starts at 8:30am? Fear not... help is at hand!
Operating from 7:00am to 9:00am and from 3:00pm to 6:30pm, St Bernadette's Catholic Out of School Hours Care (COSHC) provides an interesting, caring and safe environment for our students.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
St Matthew's Primary has a number of policies and procedures that govern various aspects of our school life. Learn how we operate.
Learn more
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual School Report provides parents and the wider school community with accurate information about various aspects of school performance and development.
Learn more
