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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16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our FIAT and SRC students participated in the Big Water Walk💧A Caritas Project Compassion event that raises awareness and funds for communities facing water scarcity. The children developed empathy and a deeper understanding of global inequality by physically experiencing a small part of the daily challenges others face as they carried their buckets of water around the Parramatta area. 🪣 #faithinactioncspd
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A great day for a run! The boys and girls ran the cross country with spirit and determination last Friday. Well done to all of the children.
Latest News More news
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our FIAT and SRC students participated in the Big Water Walk💧A Caritas Project Compassion event that raises awareness and funds for communities facing water scarcity. The children developed empathy and a deeper understanding of global inequality by physically experiencing a small part of the daily challenges others face as they carried their buckets of water around the Parramatta area. 🪣 #faithinactioncspd
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A great day for a run! The boys and girls ran the cross country with spirit and determination last Friday. Well done to all of the children.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
07 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A wonderful afternoon of rug reading! It was a hot afternoon but it didn’t stop us from getting our rugs out and enjoying a book with great company. Thank you to those who joined us to finish off a wonderful Catholic schools week.
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Tonight several of our Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. It was a beautiful and prayerful celebration. We are so proud of the reverence, faith and reflection our students showed as they took this important step in their sacramental journey. Thank you to the families and to Rita who supported and prepared the children for this special Sacrament.
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
So proud to show off our amazing school yesterday at our open day. With huge crowds our student leaders led the tours and showed off our incredible learning spaces and beautiful grounds. Thank you to everyone who came along and shared in the morning. 
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Catholic School Week at St Bernadette's. Join us for our Open Day tomorrow and Rug Reading on Friday afternoon.
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated the beginning of Catholic Schools Week with a special liturgy. We celebrated faith-filled learning and mission, where every child is empowered to thrive and strive for greatness. Catholic Education- Education for all.
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a whole school liturgy. Parents and carers are welcome to join us at 9.15am in the hall.
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Join us for our Open Day at St Bernadette’s on Tuesday 3rd March at 9am. Tours included. Please book online on our website.
20 Feb 2026
From Facebook
This morning we celebrated our Welcoming and Commissioning Liturgy. Our SRC and FIAT leaders proudly recited their pledge and received their badges. Our Kindergarten students, new staff, and students were warmly welcomed into our school community. May we walk with open hearts and curious minds, ready to embrace all the opportunities that await us in 2026. May peace be at the centre of all we do this school year.
20 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of our season of Lent. Our primary students attended an Ash Wednesday Mass and our infant students participated in a lovely liturgy to mark this special time.