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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11 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Today, Year 5 students led a meaningful Remembrance Day Liturgy, taking time to remember and honour the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Mrs Yager and some of our Year 6 student leaders also attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony at Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta led by Parramatta RSL. Our school joined others to lay a wreath and pay our respects. Lest We Forget09 Nov 2026
From Facebook
A bright, colourful and fabulous start to the morning! Our vocab day has started off with a wonderful parade. The costumes and interpretation of the vocabulary list has been sensational. Great efforts by everyone!
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11 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Today, Year 5 students led a meaningful Remembrance Day Liturgy, taking time to remember and honour the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Mrs Yager and some of our Year 6 student leaders also attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony at Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta led by Parramatta RSL. Our school joined others to lay a wreath and pay our respects. Lest We Forget
09 Nov 2026
From Facebook
A bright, colourful and fabulous start to the morning! Our vocab day has started off with a wonderful parade. The costumes and interpretation of the vocabulary list has been sensational. Great efforts by everyone!
07 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday we celebrated the amazing teachers at St Bernadette’s with teachers day. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to our beautiful School. Every day they inspire and teach our students patients love and kindness. A very big thank you to our parent reps who prepared a beautiful lunch for our staff and to Father Andrew for his teacher blessing at our whole school mass.
04 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 5 and 6 students have kicked off their Generative AI journey, exploring how technology can support creativity while developing the critical thinking and discernment needed to use it safely, thoughtfully and responsibly. In their introductory lesson, students explored what generative AI is and touched on how it works. Using Adobe Firefly, a classroom-friendly generative AI tool trained on licensed, copyright free content, students discovered the power of prompting and how carefully chosen words can transform an idea into an image. A key focus of the course is helping students understand that AI is a tool to support and extend human creativity, not replace it. Studying these tools also helps students build essential AI literacy by understanding how AI works, its limitations and how to use it responsibly and ethically.
02 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Kindergarten enjoyed their excursion to the Sydney aquarium today. Lots of fun, discovery and learning taking place amongst the sea life.
27 Oct 2026
From Facebook
📸 Let creativity shine! ✨ This term, all classes will take part in Photography lessons, exploring their creativity, discovering new perspectives, and capturing the world through their own unique lens.
25 Oct 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, our students were spoilt for choice with a delicious array of treats at the Year 2 Canteen Day 🍦 A big thank you to all our wonderful Year 2 families for providing such yummy goodies.
20 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Motiv8 dance lessons are in full swing 🎶🎵All classes are enjoying moving and grooving 🕺
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This morning, Year 1 met with Father Andrew in the church to learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding by seeing, smelling and touching the sacred items used during Baptism. Through this hands-on experience, students were able to make meaningful connections between their learning in Religion and the sacramental life of our Church. A beautiful opportunity for our young learners to encounter and celebrate our faith!
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to our wonderful Kindergarten parents for hosting the school canteen today! Lots of delicious treats were enjoyed 🍭
15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This morning, some of our Stage 3 students experienced the spectacular ‘Be the Witness’ musical at Riverside Theatre. The production shared the life of Jesus through the eyes of Peter, bringing the story to life through powerful song, dance and theatre. Our students were immersed in the story of Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection and had the opportunity to reflect on His message and mission in a truly engaging way. We are very grateful to CSPD for providing our students with this wonderful experience of faith, allowing them to encounter the story of Jesus in such a meaningful and memorable way.