“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds”
The St Bernadette’s Team
Leadership Team
Peter Steward - Principal
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 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.
Jennifer Kennedy - Deputy Principal
St Bernadette’s has been my second home since 2001, with my five children starting their educational journey here. I began teaching at St Bernadette’s in 2011 as Performing Arts teacher, which quickly lead into Senior classroom teaching and leadership roles. I am now a very proud Deputy Principal who leads Learning and Teaching and Faith Education for our amazing teachers and students. Teaching students is my absolute pleasure. Building positive learning relationships has been the highlight of each day. As Learning and Teaching leader, my vision is focused on developing an innovative learning community centered on the full flourishing of every student. As Faith Education leader, my mission is to ensure our students have an environment that nurtures faith formation with values that empower them to be responsible and compassionate global citizens.
I am absolutely motivated to make St Bernadette’s the top performing primary school in Melbourne.
Learning Diversity Leader - Kate Roper
Numeracy Leader - Katelyn Dickson
Student Wellbeing Leader - Tracey Lewis
Sacrament & Liturgy Leader - Maria Harper
Teaching Staff
Amber Lyon - Prep Teacher
Alice Ryle - Prep Teacher
Tracey Lewis - 1 / 2 Teacher
Thi-Thi Hong - 1 / 2 Teacher
Kelvin Ferdinanto - 1 / 2 Teacher
Samantha Petrova - 3 / 4 Teacher
Katelyn Dickson - 3 / 4 Teacher
Andrew Brown - 3 / 4 Teacher
Matthew Robb - 5 / 6 Teacher
Ben Williams - 5 / 6 Teacher
Specialist Programs – Nurturing Diverse Talents
Steph Graham Nellor - STEAM
Jo Reid - PE Teacher
Xiaoying Chen - LOTE (Chinese)
Yvonne Lyon - Visual Art Years Prep - 2
Maria Harper - Visual Arts Years 3 - 6
Learning Diversity – Supporting Diverse Needs
Charmaine Brown - Learning Support Officer
Steph Chamberlain - Learning Support Officer & Cafe Kids Program
Jill Cosgriff - Learning Support Officer
Glenn Curran - Learning Support Officer
Serena Fermaner - Learning Support Officer
Kate McKellar - Learning Support Officer
Sue McMaster - Learning Support Officer
Leanne Rech - Learning Support Officer
Faye Schenck - Learning Support Officer
Administration – Welcoming our Community
Rosanna Chircop - Administration Officer
Fiona Hosking - Administration Officer
A Word
From Our Principal
“The learners are at the centre of all curriculum design within our learning community. One of the most important parts of our role is to provide an environment of learning where children feel supported and happy. The students develop their skills and knowledge and are inspired to develop a love for learning throughout their lives. St Bernadette’s strives to engage all students and community members to be 21st century learners through the effective use of the very latest contemporary learning approaches. The learning experiences are designed to build self-esteem and improve social and emotional competencies, so that our students are better placed to develop a deep understanding of their unique potential. The school leaders at St Bernadette’s are passionate and dynamic educators who are continually striving with all staff to provide a comprehensive education for students that is second to none. As you look around this website, you will have the opportunity to click on links and meet some of these leaders who strive to make St Bernadette’s the vibrant and future focussed learning environment that it is renowned for.“
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
“As a student myself at school, I was one to ‘fall through the cracks’. The teaching programs at St Bernadette’s show the elimination of that happening now with students due to the direct education methods.
It fills me with confidence, the individual attention each student gets so as not to be left behind.”
“I like how every child is assessed on their work and then put into level so no is left behind.”
“We have been blown away with St Bernadette’s from the moment we stepped foot inside. It doesn’t take long to realise that it is a school that truly prides itself on our children’s happiness and accommodating all of their needs.
We really love the small community feel and the very genuine student/teacher interactions. Thank you very much, we would not hesitate in recommending St Bernadette’s to our friends and families.”
“I think the way that you and your team have adapted to this new phase of remote learning is commendable. The content is great, the delivery is excellent and my boys are both engaged and happy with each day’s
lessons. From our end the transition seems almost seamless, although I know this is only due to the hard work, adaptability, professionalism and caring of the wonderful teacher group we have. Please pass on our
gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all your team. Once again St. B’s is a shining example to the larger community.”