Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week, as we celebrated the feast day of St Bernard, I took some time to reflect on my journey at St Bernard’s. I began my time here as a Year 2 student, not long after

the school first opened. Back then, there were fewer than 80 students. Even as a child, I could sense that there was something special about the St Bernard’s community—the warmth, the spirit, and the genuine care from the staff made a lasting impression on me.

One of the people who inspired me most was my Year 6 teacher, Gary Norris—now representing St Vincent de Paul. His dedication and passion for teaching planted the seed in me to one day return as a teacher myself and contribute to the community that shaped me. Throughout my journey, I have felt the presence and guidance of our patron saint, and I feel a deep connection to his spiritual influence on our school. It’s this sense of purpose and faith that continues to drive me. I hope all students who participated in this week’s St Bernard’s Feast Day activities felt a meaningful connection with St Bernard and our wider community.

Increased Age Restrictions for Online Platforms

As parents and educators, one of our key responsibilities is helping children understand how to use social media safely—before they are exposed to it.

We’re increasingly supporting families with issues related to students accessing inappropriate content or struggling with online behaviours. My first piece of advice is always to check the age restrictions. No primary school student should be using age-restricted social media platforms.

New rules mean under-16s won’t be allowed to create or keep accounts on some platforms. This is because being logged in increases the chances of exposure to harmful content and unhealthy online pressures. Social media is designed to keep users engaged, which can impact a child’s wellbeing and development.

While most platforms currently set the minimum age at 13, delaying access until 16 gives young people more time to develop digital skills, impulse control, and resilience. It allows more time to teach them about online risks, how to stay safe, and where to go for help.

By waiting until they’re older, we give young people the best chance to use social media in a healthy, informed, and safe way.

Resources to support families: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Father’s Day

The Community Council is preparing for our annual Father’s Day Stall! This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to purchase a small gift for a special father figure in their lives.

Vouchers are now available for purchase via the Qkr! App.
Students will be able to make their selections from the stall on Friday 5 September.

We are also seeking parent volunteers to assist with packing the gift bags on Wednesday 3 September at 2:00pm. If you're available to help, please let us know—with a few volunteers, the task should take no longer than 30 minutes.

Thank you for your continued support!

Book Week

Tomorrow, students and staff will come to school dressed as their favourite Book Week character!

This year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure’, celebrates the exciting journeys that stories can take us on.

The 2025 Book Week feature artist, Jess McGeachin, has beautifully captured this theme in his artwork—a whimsical map filled with imaginative characters and magical places. His illustration invites young readers to embark on fantastical journeys and discover the limitless worlds that books open up. As an award-winning Australian picture book illustrator, Jess’ work encourages children to imagine, explore, and create adventures of their own.

We invite parents, carers, and younger siblings to join us for the Book Week Parade at 9:00am in the hall. We look forward to seeing everyone there and celebrating the joy books bring to us all. 

Kind regards,

Jeni

Ms Jeni McCarthy

Assistant Principal