St Bernadette's Prospectus

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

ANCHORED ANCHORED IN FAITH I FAITH

GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE

SERVING WITH LOVE

1264 Mountain Highway, The Basin, VIC 3154

WHY CHOOSE ST BERNADETTE'S? St Bernadette’s is a nurturing and engaging environment founded upon authentic partnerships with students, families and the community.

Wellbeing and learning are at the forefront of all that we do. We are dedicated to the holistic development of each student, whereby children can flourish both socially and academically.

We have a commitment to providing high quality education incoorporating evidence based practices to ensure that teaching methods are supported by research and have a positive impact on student outcomes.

We foster the growth of young individuals, empowing them to play a role in shaping a more harmonious world through their embrace of intercultural understanding and respect for diversity.

Faith Education at St Bernadette’s provides opportunities for students to develop a curiosity and wonder about the world, to search for beauty and truth, to inquire about the world and their place within it.

St Bernadette’s acknowledges our Indigenous elders, past, present and future and welcomes all to our schoiol on the land of the Wurunjeri People.

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

OUR LOCATION & STORY St. Bernadette’s Primary School is nestled at the base of the Dandenongs on Mountain Highway, The Basin. The Dandenong ranges tower over the school and provide a stunning backdrop to the natural environment and expansive grounds upon which the school is built.

Opening in 1983, St Bernadette's started with 164 students and 8 full time staff members.

In 2023 we celebrated 40 years of teaching, now with 200 students and 28 staff across leadership, teachers, LSO's and administration. We are excited for what 2024 brings with our numbers growing to 230 students!

Over our 40 years, our school has expanded to include the Hall opened in 1997, Cafe Kids in 2009, Library Centre in 2011, and new Senior Building & STEAM LAB in 2023.

We are always striving to further develop our spaces and are busily working on our new Sensory Garden learning space now.

St Bernadette’s is a Catholic school where the student is at the centre of everything that the school strives for.

We provide Catholic school values and education for all school members, but also celebrate and serve the diverse wider community that we are part of, by welcoming those from other traditions and faith backgrounds.

Our desire is for the full flourishing of each of our students – their physical, cognitive, religious, emotional and social learning.

We believe learning and wellbeing is strongest when learners are engaged within the school community and it is this community that sets us apart from others.

ST B’S IS RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE HIGHEST ACHIEVING SCHOOLS IN THE REGION

OUR FACILITIES WELCOMING SAFE SPACES We have created three dedicated learning zones in the school Junior: Prep, Grade One & Two Middle: Grade Three & Four Senior: Grade Five & Six We also have a dedicated library, media/music room, Cafe Kids space, and hall.

The grounds have dedicated spaces for the Junior, Middle and Senior cohorts as well as shared areas to encourage social skills and development.

THE THIRD TEACHER It is the child's relationship with parent, teacher, and environment that ignites learning. The ‘third teacher‘ refers to the classroom environment. Wall space is intentioally designed to be not only functional, but also reflective and supportive of current student learning.

We are an inclusive school and thoroughly believe all children can thrive, regardless of their abilities, if given the opportunity.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

WE HELP OUR STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.

MISSION

Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenongs, we at St Bernadette's The Basin, as part of the Parish of Boronia, provide a Catholic and comprehensive education for Primary School students.

VISION Alive in the Spirit, We journey with Christ.

Striving for excellence, We shape our future.

“I am extremely proud to be the Principal of St Bernadette’s and have the opportunity with other staff members to shape the future of the children within our care. The

MEET THE PRINCIPAL

single word that resonates with everyone at St Bernadette’s is the word “Community”. Our community is filled with wonderful students, supportive and welcoming parents and amazingly dedicated staff. The students at St Bernadette’s are supported to engage in a broad range of learning experiences both within and beyond the classroom.”

Peter Steward

MEET THE STAFF

At St Bernadette's we have a diverse group of people with a passion for education and helping students strive to achieve their best.

All our staff undertake professional development and are specialists in their focus areas to help your child succeed and flourish at St B's and beyond

LEARNING FINNISH MODEL

We have adopted aspects of the 'Finnish Educational Model’ at St Bernadette's.

This model has had great proven success where students have a 40 minute 'learning block', followed by a 15 minute 'brain break'.

The learning blocks are focused, explicit instructional sessions while the brain break give the students opportunity to reset and refresh, so they come back ready for the next learning block session.

DATA WALL

We understand that every child is different and learns in their own unique way.

This is why we have created our Data Wall and data cards for every single student. On your school tour we will discuss with you how vital this is to track the progression of every child so that we can target their learning journey.

PRACTICES MULTI-AGE LEARNING We run a straight prep year level as we feel this is an integral stage in schooling and want to focus on making the transition smooth.

We then move to blended classes of grades 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6. This allows for further opportunities to extend or support students as necessary as well as fostering

LEARNING SUPPORT We are committed to providing strength-based support in a neurodiversity affirming learning environment, that respectfully empowers students and celebrates differences within our community. Our dedicated Learning Support Officers run specialised literacy intervention programs such as MiniLit, MacqLit and Toe

By Toe

positive relationships between ages

OUR CURRICULUM Learning at St Bernadette’s is based on an explicit and responsive approach.

Complimented by the Finnish Educational Model’s short learning blocks, our explicit instruction involves breaking down student learning into smaller learning outcomes and modelling each step so that students can see what is expected of them.

Providing explicit instruction limits the mental load for students, allowing them to process new information more effectively. Modelled demonstrations of each new skill and the opportunity for guided practice leads students into supported independent practice complimented by descriptive and timely feedback.

Life at

ST B's

OUR CURRICULUM St Bernadette’s implements the Victorian Curriculum.

Our students experience a personalised learning journey via our strategic tracking protocols throughout the academic year. This means, many students learn in higher levels for various subject areas.

For example, a student in Year 3 may join a Year 4 group for Spelling or Reading.

It is important that all our students experience targeted learning, addressing their very next steps learning goals.

Our Faith curriculum respects the diverse cultures, beliefs, worldviews and backgrounds of all people and actively engages students with Catholic beliefs and values relevant to their learning.

Life at

ST B's

OUR SPECIALISTS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

CHINESE (MANDARIN)

At St Bernadette’s, the aim of the Physical Education Program is to instill a lifelong commitment to the overall health and well being of our students.

Our PE lessons focus on developing confidence, strength and knowledge in the fundamentals of the body and movement.

Learning languages broadens students’ horizons about the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that are available in an increasingly interconnected world.

Students participate in a weekly PE lesson as well as extension programs such as swimming for Prep-Grade 2, Bike Education for Grade 3 & 4, Hooptime for Grades 3-6, and Interschool Sports for Grade 5 & 6.

The whole school also participates in an athletics carnival and cross country event.

At St B’s we follow an innovative approach called “teachers as co-learners”.

Students participate in a weekly lesson with the Chinese-Mandarin LOTE teacher, then the classroom teacher will continue practicing and teaching short sharp lessons of Mandarin throughout the week incorporating the functional words and phrases they colearnt into everyday classroom language.

OUR SPECIALISTS PERFORMING ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

Performing arts is a great opportunity for students to express themselves and find new skills and passions.

When you walk around St Bernadette’s you will always see a floury of art work from our students.

Our students participate in a fortnightly performing arts class in our dedicated media room.

Students also work towards bigger events such as the whole school production, ‘Arts Alive’ night, Christmas Carols and more.

We have external instructors who run weekly one-on-one classes at school for piano/keyboard or guitar.

Our students participate in a weekly visual arts class in our dedicated art room.

Students also work towards bigger events such as the ‘Arts Alive’ night and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making production sets, backdrops and costume creation.

CAFE KIDS

Cafe Kids is our flagship program that operates at St Bernadette's throughout the year. Students throughout all year levels get an opportunity to prepare, cook, serve and dine at our inhouse Cafe.

We ensure that all children get a chance to complete all job roles, so they learn and gain skills in all areas, as well as getting to enjoy a yummy hot lunch!

Cafe Kids has proven to be a great initiative with students able to interact and make friends with students from all year levels and attain great life skills - we certainly can see some budding masterchefs in the kitchen!

“COOKING WITH KIDS IS NOT JUST ABOUT INGREDIENTS, RECIPES, AND COOKING. IT’S ABOUT HARNESSING IMAGINATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND CREATIVITY. “ – GUY FIERI

STEAM

STEAM has become a very popular specialist program at St Bernadette's, with a dedicated STEAM LAB created.

This provides students with cutting edge and future focused learning opportunities - with a focus on technology, science, coding, robotics and creativity..

This is an interdisciplinary approach at the forefront of contemporary education that develops skills in collaboration, experimentation, persistence, ingenuity and critical thinking.

It’s a hands on, practical based learning method which allows students to explore scientific thinking in line with the Victorian curriculum.

STEAM STANDS FOR SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS MATHS

WELLBEING At St Bernadette’s, the wellbeing of our students is viewed as integral to learning excellence and ultimately overall health and life success.

Wellbeing underpins everything we do and is enacted through our schools vision, policies and programs. It is fostered through environments that are safe, supportive and inclusive.

St Bernadette’s implements the ‘Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships‘ program. This resource was designed to develop students social, emotional and relationship skills. Learning experiences are provided to promote resilience, build self-esteem and improve social and emotional competencies.

All staff at St Bernadette’s are trained to use the Restorative Practice approach to support the children in maintaining positive relationships.

Restorative conversations are discussions that use questions and provide opportunity to listen to other points of view whilst promoting reflection, problem solving, and repairing harm.

Creating a space that students feel safe, nurtured and supported to help develop well rounded and balanced individuals

WELLBEING

At the start of every year, students are selected by their peers to represent their voice through the Student Representative Council (SRC). This team of students meet several times each term. SRC’s focus on what students would like to see actioned around the school and run fundraising initiatives for our World Vision Sponsor Child - Sumaya. Another student led team, ‘The Kindness Crew’ focuses on promoting positivity, comradery and friendships throughout the school.

This links into our ‘Buddies’ and ‘House Spirit’ programs which meet on alternating weeks to strengthen the bonds between students of all ages.

We are very excited to introduce the newest member of our St B’s commUNITY - our Wellbeing Therapy Dog, Nala. The Cavoodle breed was selected due to it’s student friendly disposition, hypoallergenic qualities and intelligence. Nala has very quickly become a beloved member of our team.

We will work with you to help your child develop their gifts and chase their dreams

COMMUNITY At St Bernadette's we try to foster a great sense of commUNITY and enjoy strong and productive relationships within the wider community, thanks to the support given by parents and other family members, alongside our school staff.

Every family is warmly welcomed, included and encouraged to become an active member in our school community.

Be sure to check out our Community Tree on a school tour.

Some of our events include: Parent Helpers: reading, Cafe Kids, sporting events, excursions School Advisory Board Working Bee Learning Fairs Mini Vinnies - Winter Appeal (food drive) Mini Vinnies - Christmas Appeal (presents & food drive) School Liturgies and Celebrations Christmas Carols School Production School 'Arts Alive' Night Grandparents & Family Mornings Twilight Family Picnic New Year Parent Morning Tea's 100 Days of Prep Year 6 Graduation Celebrations and MORE

COMMUNITY We also have a Parent & Friends Association (P&F) which works hard every year to fundraise for more exciting things for the students as well as hosting community events: Mother's Day - morning tea and stall Father's Day - breakfast and stall Easter Raffle Trivia Night Comedy Night Colour Run School Disco Hot Lunch Days Bunnings BBQ fundraiser and MORE Monies raised by the Parent & Friends Association have gone towards school facility improvements and programs to benefit the students, such as:

picnic benches artificial grass play areas shade sails sensory garden creation playground equipment resilience project and MORE

EXPLORE CREATE COLLABORATE

LEARN

ENROLMENT

01

School Tour We hold one-on-one school tours with the Principal. We find this way you get a more personalised experience where we can focus on your child and their specific needs and any queries or concerns you would like to discuss

02 Complete enrolment application Our enrolment form can be found on the school website. We recommend completing this as soon as you feel that St B's might be the right fit for you as some years we do reach a waiting list.

03 Notification of acceptance We will then notify all families by the end of Term 2 (end of June) in the year prior to Prep commencement. If there is a waiting list, we will then recontact you if a spot becomes available after the initial offers are sent.

04 Transition

PROCESS

In Term 4 (between October and November) in the year prior to Prep commencement, we will have several touch point days. This will include: parent and child interview with St B's staff transition days for the child - one of these sessions parent(s) will attend, two of these sessions parents do not attend and one session parents have an information session while the child attends the program prep parent gathering evening combined Parish family mass

Learning at St Bernadette’s is engaging, differentiated and highly personalised.

Understanding each students’ learning needs is at the base of all curriculum design.

HANDY INFO / FAQ'S 01 SCHOOL TIMES Supervision in the classroom

3.00pm marks the wrap up for

starts from 8.30am with 15

the day with reflection, pack up

minutes allowed for students to

and ready for dismissal at

arrive and settle in while some

3.15pm.

music plays in each classroom.

8.45am - 9.00am allows time for the rolls and any housekeeping to be covered before the learning blocks commence for the day. Children are given the opportunity to graze during the day to help fuel their brains and bodies, with special focus times for a 'brain food' snack, recess and lunch time.

02 COMMUNICATION At St B's we use Compass as a one-stop shop platform with families. On Compass you are able to: communicate with your child's classroom teacher, specialist teachers, school leaders and administration staff. complete absence notes see the school calendar read the weekly newsletter see the newsfeed for updates and notices receive school reports receive sick bay notes and more.

03 UNIFORM We have a Summer (Term 1 & 4) and Winter (Term 2 & 3) uniform.

There is also a Sports uniform.

Our uniform is available from our supplier: Spartan School World, which is located in Bayswater North. You are able to go in for fittings and purchasing off-the-shelf, or can purchase online with delivery to school for free.

We also have a second-hand uniform rack at school.

04 STATIONERY Book lists and stationery packs will be created to assist you to prepare your child for the school year ahead. Items will vary depending on the year level and we ask that you ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your child's name.

Students all require a 'take home pack' to assist in ensuring notices, homework, reading, artwork etc all makes it home safely.

05 START OF YEAR Every year we start with two days of testing. Students would only come in for a schedule time slot of 30 minutes within this two day period. This is done to provide one-on-one time for the student with their new teacher and so that the teacher can identify the education strengths and challenges for each child.

For the first month of school, preps will not attend on a Wednesday to help them adjust to the full time schedule of primary school. After this they will maintain the same times as all other year levels.

AS A SCHOOL COMMUNITY, WE ARE COMMITTED TO OUR VISION OF ‘STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE’ AS WE EDUCATE AND PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THEIR FUTURE.

06 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE St Bernadette's has a partnership with OSH club to provide before and after school care within the Cafe Kids area of St B’s You contact the service provider to enrol your child and then book in for the sessions which assist your family.

Operating times are: Before School from 7:00am After School from 3:15pm - 6:00pm Check out the website for more info

07 FEES Our school fees and levies are extremely reasonable in comparison to other Catholic Primary Schools. This relates to the school’s belief that a quality Catholic education should be available for all. Fees go towards providing the high level of teaching programs, student support and physical facilities that are offered.

08 CANTEEN Instead of having a canteen on site, we run the Cafe Kids program as well as hot lunch special order days several times each term.

CONTACT US 1264 MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY THE BASIN, VIC, 3154 www.sbthebasin.catholic.edu.au office@sbthebasin.catholic.edu.au 03 9762 5135