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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28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic book week! We have loved every minute of the soundscapes, book reading, games and fun that 2026 book week has brought. We love reading and we love book week!
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Going Faceless You might notice something a little different on our school social media page and we wanted you to hear the why straight from us. We have a new approach to social media, taking a proactive stand on protecting our students’ online safety. We’ll keep sharing what our students are learning and achieving, the wins, the projects, the everyday moments that make our school community special. But we will not be posting identifiable photos of children’s faces on our public social media pages. This follows new guidance from the e-Safety Commissioner about how AI tools are being used to misuse photos taken from school social media pages. Our school takes online safety seriously. We’ll continue to share event memories directly with families through our newsletter. We ask that these photos aren’t used on personal social media platforms. Families who have selected ‘not for publish’ will still not appear in these photos. To update your permission, please contact the office. This is a new endeavour and like any new approach, we may not get it perfectly right every time as staff adjust. We appreciate your patience as we find our feet. Thank you for backing us as we take this step. 💙
Latest News More news
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic book week! We have loved every minute of the soundscapes, book reading, games and fun that 2026 book week has brought. We love reading and we love book week!
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Going Faceless You might notice something a little different on our school social media page and we wanted you to hear the why straight from us. We have a new approach to social media, taking a proactive stand on protecting our students’ online safety. We’ll keep sharing what our students are learning and achieving, the wins, the projects, the everyday moments that make our school community special. But we will not be posting identifiable photos of children’s faces on our public social media pages. This follows new guidance from the e-Safety Commissioner about how AI tools are being used to misuse photos taken from school social media pages. Our school takes online safety seriously. We’ll continue to share event memories directly with families through our newsletter. We ask that these photos aren’t used on personal social media platforms. Families who have selected ‘not for publish’ will still not appear in these photos. To update your permission, please contact the office. This is a new endeavour and like any new approach, we may not get it perfectly right every time as staff adjust. We appreciate your patience as we find our feet. Thank you for backing us as we take this step. 💙
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
23 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Another fun-filled trivia night! Parents, friends and staff gathered last night for an evening of trivia, music bingo, dancing and laughter. Thank you to those who attended and supported our school. Thank you to DJ Louie who brought the fun!!
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last chance to purchase your tickts this week for our Trivia and Music BINGO Night this Saturday 22nd August. Come and join us for a great night!
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Mass and the Rite of Baptism. Congratulations to the students from our school and their siblings, who received the Sacrament of Baptism today. We feel truly blessed to have shared in the special and joyful occasion with you. May God continue to guide and bless each of you as you grow in faith, hope and love. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Andrew for leading this special mass and for guiding our school community in faith with such warmth and care. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Nicholas Ng for leading our choir and to all the students who sang so beautifully, helping to make this celebration even more meaningful.
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated our wonderful Principal, Mrs Yager, on World Principal Day! We would like to thank Mrs Yager for her incredible dedication, positivity and the care and love she brings to our school each day. We are so lucky to have you Mrs Yager 🌸 Thank you for all that you do for us 💕
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
An awesome night of dancing amid an explosion of colour! Thanks to the Year 3 parents and DJ Louie for 2 awesome discos tonight! 🕺🏽💃🏻🪩
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a beautiful day for a carnival.!! ☀️ In the beautiful sunshine the students enjoyed the athletics events. They competed with great sportsmanship and team spirit.
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together for a meaningful day of prayer, reflection and action as part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout Experience. During the school day, our Kindergarten to Year 3 students explored the importance of compassion, kindness and caring for those in need through prayer and reflection. In the evening, our Year 4–6 students participated in the Vinnies Sleepout Experience, spending time outdoors with minimal comforts, sharing a simple meal of rice, and reflecting on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in our community. We were also privileged to welcome Pat McArdle from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared valuable insights into the work of St Vincent de Paul and the importance of serving others with dignity and compassion. #faithinactioncspd