We took the bus to Meadowbank wharf and caught the RiverCat to the island. For some of the students this was the first time on a RiverCat and even a boat!
Once we were on Cockatoo Island we made our way to a giant old factory where we were introduced to our tour guides. Each student was given an outfit, which showed their role, either boss, guard or convict. We were also allocated historical people who lived and worked on Cockatoo Island in the 1700s.
On the tour we got to see where the convicts slept and ate. We saw the tremendously large silos and long tunnels the convicts dug out of the sandstone. We heard about the story of a convict who escaped off the island by swimming across the water, he later became a bushranger! Each student got to explore the solitary confinement cells that convicts were sent to if they misbehaved.
The excursion was exhausting with all the walking we did. We learnt so much about the history of Cockatoo Island...it is more than just a place where Australian Ninja Warrior was filmed!
St Bernadette's Primary Dundas
www.stbernadettesdundas.catholic.edu.au
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06 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we extended a warm welcome to Mr White into our school community. Mr White will collaborate with the FIAT Team to support student formation and engagement across the school, assist with community events and contribute to the preparation and delivery of our social justice initiatives. We are very excited to have him onboard!
04 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we welcomed our Kindergarten students. They have smiled throughout the entire day and they have learnt lots of new things already 💕
Latest News More news
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
06 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we extended a warm welcome to Mr White into our school community. Mr White will collaborate with the FIAT Team to support student formation and engagement across the school, assist with community events and contribute to the preparation and delivery of our social justice initiatives. We are very excited to have him onboard!
04 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we welcomed our Kindergarten students. They have smiled throughout the entire day and they have learnt lots of new things already 💕
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our year of peace John 20:26 🕊️ Peace be with you 🕊️ This morning we welcomed back our Year 1-Year 6 students. It was so lovely to see their smiling faces. We did notice the parents were very happy too 🤔 We are looking forward to a wonderful year!
28 Jan 2026
From Facebook
At St Bernadette's, our students are at the centre of everything we do. With expert staff, state-of-the-art technology and well-designed facilities, we have so much to offer your child! We're enrolling now for 2027 and invite registrations. Learn more here: https://www.stbernadettesdundas.catholic.edu.au/enrolment
12 Jan 2026
Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know
The first day of Kindergarten! It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
17 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Today we bid a heartfelt farewell to our outstanding Year 6 students. To commemorate this momentous day they enjoyed Kindergarten Cafe with their kindy buddies, The Amazing Race, sausage sizzle for lunch and a spectacular farewell at the end of the day with the final hat toss on the bell. There were beaming smiles and a few bittersweet tears but we have every confidence that you will soar to great heights and we wish you all the very best ♥️💙♥️💙
16 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Today Year 6 embarked on a transformative reflection day. Inspired by the scripture ‘I am with you always, to the end of time’, students crafted meaningful micrography, colourful rice mandalas and calmly walked the labyrinth. The day brought profound reflection of their primary years and aspirations for a bright future.
16 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Bernie’s certainly does have talent - and lots of it!! Congratulations to the students who participated in our talent show yesterday! It was a wonderful display of gifts and talents that entertained and wowed the audience
15 Dec 2025
From Facebook
The beautiful Thanksgiving liturgy celebrated this morning with the whole community. It was an opportunity to thank and farewell our beloved Mrs Onorato who has been at a teacher’s assistant at our school for more than 24 years. Thank you for all that you are and all that you’ve been to our community Mrs. Onorato.
11 Dec 2025
From Facebook
What a great night! Christmas Concert 2025. Talented students and parents performed for the community and sharing the story and meaning of Christmas. A magical evening .
09 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Year 6 on their Graduation Day! A special time spent with family and friends celebrating their primary school journey. We are so proud of you and look forward all that you become and achieve.