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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31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Beautifully led by Br Anthony and Br Nicholas our primary students embarked on a profoundly moving spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. This sacred experience allowed for reflection and a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion.
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31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Beautifully led by Br Anthony and Br Nicholas our primary students embarked on a profoundly moving spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. This sacred experience allowed for reflection and a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion.
27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our students hosted Mission Marketplace to raise funds for Caritas Australia Project Compassion, a truly inspiring event that demonstrated the power of compassion and generosity. It was a huge success and we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our parents, students and teachers for your kindness and overwhelming support. #faithinactioncspd
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This term, our Year 3 and 4 students have had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Darug culture through their involvement with the Jannawi Dance Clan. Over the past six weeks, students have been guided in both traditional and contemporary cultural dance practices, exploring storytelling through movement with a focus on the Australian Native Honeybee. Today, they were excited to share a dance that communicates the significance of the Native Honeybee and highlights the sustainable practices of the Dharug People when sourcing honey. Throughout the program, students have also developed an understanding of how music, props, and language play an important role in cultural storytelling.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Monday our Year 4 students participated in a Passover Incursion as part of their Religion learning this term. This experience supported their Scripture focus by helping them deepen their understanding of the Jewish celebration of Passover and its connection to the story of Exodus.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our FIAT and SRC leaders joined thousands of students at The Halogen National Young Leaders Day, where they were inspired by remarkable life stories from diverse speakers and equipped with valuable guidance on how to become exceptional leaders, amidst an exciting day of dance, games and reflection.
20 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning we celebrated Harmony Day with a beautiful liturgy and vibrant cultural celebration. Today we are reminded that our unique differences make us truly special and our community stronger 🧡
17 Mar 2026
From Facebook
☘️💚Wearing a touch of Green we are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day! A big thank you to our Year One parents for supporting our first canteen day for 2026. The Saint Patrick’s Day treats were a hit! Thank you to the parents who came and set up and served this morning.☘️💚
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.