Our school provides opportunities for students, staff and parents to know and celebrate their Catholic faith. This is done through the religious life of our school. Members of our community experience a rich liturgical and prayer life, celebration of the Sacraments, faith formation, social outreach activities, and opportunities to share faith with each other and with youth from other schools in the Archdiocese.
At St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Botany we are committed to developing an authentic Catholic school in which Jesus Christ is central to the lives of our children, parents and teachers. As a Catholic community, we foster the Gospel values of love, care, respect and justice. These are integral to all aspects of school life.
The children at St Bernard’s are given many opportunities to engage in Liturgy and prayer. The whole school gathers for Mass regularly. Each day begins with a prayer led by our student leaders, emphasising the needs of particular families and our local and global community. The school pauses at midday to pray the Angelus. The school community also engages in non-sacramental Liturgies. Throughout the year, the school and parish unite for family Masses to celebrate special occasions including the Feast of St Bernard, Sacramental programs and a welcome Mass for new enrolments to our community.
The role of our family educator is to nurture strong and meaningful parish/parent/school relationships and to explore new models of supporting the spiritual, social and educational formation of families. Our family educator leads initiatives to further strengthen well-established parish and school links, also incorporating social justice. Initiatives include involvement in ministries within parish Liturgies, prayer celebrations at school, take home activities to support faith talk at home and activities to support the St Vincent de Paul Society.
At St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Botany, a range of opportunities are provided for our staff to further strengthen their connection to Christ. These include:
- Annual staff spirituality days
- Weekly staff prayer and reflection
- Staff Masses to begin and conclude each academic year, in addition to other Liturgies throughout the year
- Social outreach
- Retreats/pilgrimages with colleagues within and beyond the school
- Professional development to strengthen their capacity as religious educators.
The staff at St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Botany work collaboratively with Fr Augusthy to plan Liturgical events during the school year. The school community is represented at most Friday Masses. Each class organises at least one class Mass a term. In addition to this, staff Liturgy teams are responsible for organising whole school Masses for feasts or significant occasions at 9.00am. Parents are always welcome to attend these Masses.
Students in Years 2–6 participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation once per term. The programs for Confirmation (Year 6), Eucharist (Year 3) and Reconciliation (Year 2) are formed in partnership with the St Bernard’s Parish. Prior to the Sacrament, parents are informed and supported through information evenings and the opportunity to engage in reflection days with their children. For the Sacrament of Confirmation our school works successfully with the parish catechists.
At St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Botany, students undertake various outreach activities, such as visits to Sir Joseph Banks Nursing Home and giving service within the parish and school community. Students in Year 6 have the opportunity to attain the Pope Francis Award which involves them volunteering their time throughout the year to assist others, whilst being mentored by a staff member.
In addition, the school has an active Mini Vinnies group that meets together to learn about and promote awareness of social issues. This group raises funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society and other Catholic charitable organisations and its activities include an annual winter appeal for donations of warm blankets/clothes, a market stall day and winter sleep-out.
Parents are also invited to get involved with social outreach initiatives facilitated by the family educator. The majority of these support the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, locally and nationally.