Search Results

Sisters of Mercy The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was founded in 1831 in Dublin by Catherine McAuley, now Venerable Catherine. She worked as a carer for a Quaker couple called Mr & Mrs Callaghan. This gave her access to a bible and led to eighteen years of bible reading and this together with the example of her own father gave her a deep compassion for poor families, especially women and children in Dublin City. During her eighteen years as carer to the Callaghans she was free to share some of the household’s food with the poor of the area. On the death of Mr & Mrs Callaghan Catherine received a large legacy which would amount to more than a million pounds now. Now she had the opportunity to do something really special for the poor. She had a huge house built in Baggot Street, Dublin. Some women joined her and the house was used to give shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, medical care to the sick and education to the children. Catherine was encouraged to become a religious Sister so she went for training and returned to the House of Mercy in Baggot Street on 12th December 1831. So began the Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy. Due to the great poverty in Ireland Convents sprang up in almost every town across the country because the Sisters were able to fulfil the great needs of the people and to fulfil the Gospel of Jesus -to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, cure the sick and educate the children. The first Convent of Mercy Catherine founded in England was in Bermondsey, London and the second, her last Foundation, was in Handsworth, Birmingham in August 1841. Catherine spent a month in Handsworth helping the Sisters to begin their ministry and Community life there. Not long after returning to Baggot St. Dublin she died at the age of 61. She had been a Sister for only ten years and in that short time had inspired many women to follow her example. The Sisters of Mercy spread across the world because the Mercy and Compassion they shared with people was so needed. They were women of prayer and practical action and so they fulfilled the command of Jesus to Love God and Neighbour. There is still a Community of Sisters in Bermondsey and in Handsworth five Sisters live in Community. Many of St. Bernadette’s Staff have experienced a Retreat Day in St. Mary’s Convent, Handsworth and have learned the history of that beautiful House. In Stechford there is a Community of two Sisters whose mission is the same as Catherine’s was back in Dublin in 1831. Of course we now have hospitals, schools and some support for the homeless. The needs have changed but the poor are still with us and always will be. So many are spiritually poor, poor in spirit. We feel called now to minister to all people through prayer and action, especially in compassion and Mercy. Although the number of Sisters is decreasing, we have a network of Lay Associates, people from our local parishes who love to hear the story of Venerable Catherine. They pray with the Sisters at their regular meetings and carry out the Works of Mercy in their own lives. Some of them have visited the original House in Dublin and have prayed to Mother Catherine at her grave there. Through them Mercy will live on for many years to come. There are over 20 Mercy Associates in the Stechford group and they are always ready to welcome new members.

Pastoral Support Please take a look at the following websites where you will be able to access support from various organisations if needed. BARNARDO’S – Support for children, young people and families in need. Contact details: www.barnardos.org.uk , Helpline telephone: 0121-550-5271. SHELTER - Housing advise and homelessness. Contact details: www.shelter.org.uk , Telephone helpline number 0300-330-1234 MIND - Adult support for mental health, benefits and housing. Contact details: Birmingham mind.org.uk, Telephone 0121-262-3555 Support for key worker practical advice for staying at home taking care of your mental health support for work, benefits, and housing talking to children about coronavirus how to talk to your anxious child or teen about Coronavirus and much more WOMEN’S AID - Provides front line domestic violence and abuse support to women and children in Birmingham and Solihull area. Contact details: https://bswaid.org/ Contact telephone number: 0800 800 0028 (freephone helpline)/   07891 492327 for anyone who would have accessed the drop-in centres. Any women at risk of homelessness as a result of domestic violence and abuse in Birmingham can call the Housing Options HUB. Telephone number:  0800 169 9604   EDWARDS TRUST - Support for Children and Families facing loss and surviving bereavement across the West Midlands. Contact details: admin@edwardstrust.org.uk Bereavement telephone: 0121-454-1705 CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE - Support for Children and Families facing loss and surviving bereavement. Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Contact Telephone number: 0808 808 1677 Email: www.cruse.org.uk BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST - https://www.@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY - Offer family telephone support for those living in Solihull - 5 days a week  Contact telephone number: 0121 779 1734 Email: socialsolihull.org.uk How best to look after your own and/or your child mental and emotional wellbeing on a daily basis How to talk with children about COVID - 19 and their worries relayed to it How to support children to engage with learning at home How best to maintain social connections whilst complying with social distancing How to manage behaviour that can be challenging or difficult to manage  FOOD BANK VOUCHERS - These can be obtained from school. Your local Children’s Centre will also be able to offer you advice and may sign post you to other appropriate organisations. We also know that lots of children will be over hearing adult conversations, listening to the news, and have access to social media etc. all of which may leave them feeling confused and frightened. Please have a look at these links with your children to help them understand about coronavirus, social distancing and self-isolation as they may benefit from a simple explanation; https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus_INSwith-cover.pdf Further support can also be accessed through: CHILDLINE- 0800 1111 SHOUT 24/7 - free text service for children- text to 85258 CHILDMIND HTTPS://CHILDMIND.ORG/ARTICLE/HOW-MINDFULNESS-CAN-HELP-DURING-COVID-19/ provides simple mindfulness activities to do with children PAUSE - is a drop in mental health and emotional well-being service for under 25s it is currently offering telephone support from 10 am - 6 pm 7 days a week for children and their parents. contact no: 0207 841 4470  email: askbeam@childrenssociety.org.uk OUR ROOTS CIC offers free telephone counselling (CBT or talk therapy) info@ourrootscic.co.uk Telephone : 0121 439 9045  For support, advice and information in a crisis please contact one of the following: - YOUR GP or out of hours service - SAMARITANS on 116 123 free 24hr support - POLICE -Call 111 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) - SANELINE on 0845 767 8000 (open 4:30 pm – 10:30pm every day) - CALM HELPLINE 0800 58 58 58 open 5pm – Midnight 365 days a year

Gospel Values Pupils at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School are growing to be: Grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others. Attentive to their experience and to their vocation; and discerning about the choices they make and the effects of those choices. Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words. Faith-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future. Eloquent and truthful in what they say of themselves, the relations between people, and the world. Curious about everything; and active in their engagement with the world, changing what they can for the better. Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good. Curious about everything; and active in their engagement with the world, changing what they can for the better. Intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example they set to others. Gospel Values: Student Life Eloquent & Truthful Learned & Wise Intentional & Prophetic Curious & Active Generous & Grateful Attentive & Discerning Compassionate & Loving Faith Filled & Hopeful Gospel Values: List The Summons Mission Vocation The Passion Legend Five Types of Prayer Being a Catholic List Values & Virtues Our School Mission Statement School Rules List Item Title Gospel Values: List

All About our School Our School: List Head Teacher's Welcome I warmly welcome you to St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At St Bernadette’s, we provide a safe, secure and happy environment where every child is supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. Our school motto, ‘Learn to Love, Love to Learn’, is at the heart of all we do. Our curriculum places Jesus at its centre and reflects Gospel values, nurturing a sense of purpose and faith in our children. We are delighted to share that our recent Catholic Schools Inspection report praised the exemplary behaviour of our children, recognising their deep understanding of Christian values. The report also highlighted that our staff are outstanding role models, creating a loving and nurturing environment where children are happy, confident and proud to be part of the St Bernadette’s family. We celebrate the uniqueness of each child, recognising every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Alongside academic achievement, we offer a wealth of enrichment opportunities, encourage pupil leadership, and support the spiritual and social development of our children. Our talented and dedicated staff work closely with families, our parish and the local community. We believe that education is a true partnership and greatly value your involvement and support in your child's educational journey. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to St Bernadette’s. Miss E. Finnegan Headteacher Our School: About Us

Computing Computing Policy 25/26 Computing Acceptable Use Policy 25/26 Computing Intent, Implement, Impact 25/26 Online Safety Policy 25/26 Knowledge & Skills Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Key Figures Each year, our computing curriculum highlights a key figure in the field of technology, offering students a chance to explore their life, achievements, and contributions to the digital world. Through engaging activities and projects, students learn about the impact these pioneers have had on the development of computing, helping them understand the diverse career paths and opportunities available in this dynamic field. This approach not only inspires curiosity but also fosters an appreciation for the innovative spirit driving the world of technology. (Click on an image below to find out more) Steve Jobs Steve Jobs – Reception Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Apple Inc. and a visionary in the field of personal computing. He played a key role in revolutionising technology through the development of iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which transformed how people interact with computers and digital devices. Jeff Bezos Jeff Bezos – Year 1 Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon, a company that revolutionised e-commerce and cloud computing. Through Amazon Web Services (AWS), Bezos played a key role in advancing cloud technology, which has become essential to the modern internet and computing infrastructure. Grace Hopper Grace Hopper – Year 2 Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist and U.S. Navy officer who developed one of the first compilers, making programming more accessible. She also contributed to the creation of COBOL, an early programming language that became widely used in business and government applications. Alan Turing Alan Turing – Year 3 Alan Turing was a British mathematician and computer scientist widely regarded as the father of modern computing. He developed the concept of the Turing machine, a foundational model for computation, and played a crucial role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II, significantly advancing both cryptography and computer science. Sir Tim Berners-Lee Sir Tim Berners-Lee – Year 4 Sir Tim Berners-Lee is the inventor of the World Wide Web, a system that revolutionised how information is shared and accessed globally. His creation of the first web browser and the introduction of key web technologies like HTML and HTTP made the internet widely accessible to the public. Annie Easley Annie Easley – Year 5 Annie Easley was a pioneering computer scientist, mathematician, and NASA rocket scientist who contributed to the development of software for spaceflight and alternative energy projects. She also worked on complex code that laid the groundwork for future space missions and helped break barriers for women and minorities in STEM fields. Ada Lovelace Ada Lovelace – Year 6 Ada Lovelace was a 19th-century mathematician who is considered the world's first computer programmer. She is best known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine, where she wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine.

Altar Servers ‘Let the children come to me’. (Luke 18:16) Our altar servers play an important role in the spiritual life of our Catholic school community. Being an altar server is a valuable opportunity for our pupils to grow in their faith and to serve others at the Ch urch’s liturgy. As altar servers, they have the privilege of serving the altar, assisting with the preparation of the altar and communion elements, as well as performing other duties during the Holy Mass. They also help the congregation to pray by being good role models and setting a good example. We are blessed to have such devoted pupils, willing to serve the Lord, their school and church community in the worship of God in a prayerful and reverent manner. Any child who has completed the First Holy Communion programme can become an altar server. Please talk to Fr. Fretch if your child is interested in deepening their faith and fulfilling their vocation to serve others by becoming an altar server. School Altar Servers The Guild of Saint Stephen Our altar servers have recently been enrolled into the Guild of Saint Stephen. The Guild of St. Stephen is an international organisation of altar servers, founded in England in 1904 by Fr. Hamilton McDonald. The Guild has spread and developed since then, and is active in many parishes in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Altar servers take Saint Stephen as their patron saint. Saint Stephen is one of the first seven deacons chosen to assist the apostles in service (Acts 6) and the first martyr of the Church. The objectives of the Guild are: To encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church's liturgy and so contribute to the whole community's participation in a more fruitful worship of God. To provide altar servers with a greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life. To unite servers of different parishes and dioceses for their mutual support and encouragement.

St. Bernadette's Policies & Admissions Policies Safeguarding Child Protection Policy 2025 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 865KB 2025 Behaviour Policy 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 337KB 2025 Complaints Procedure 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 344KB 2025 4. Charging and Remission 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 100KB 2025 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy 2025-26 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 366KB 2025 Admissions Policy 26-27 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 181KB 2026 Accessibility Plan 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 48KB 2025 Parent Code Of Coduct 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 78KB 2025 Computing Policy 2025 - 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 122KB 2025 Online Safety Policy 2025 - 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 126KB 2025 PE policy 2025-2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 495KB 2025 Mathematics Policy 2025 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 103KB 2025 1. EYFS Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 1.45MB 2025 2. Year 1 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 1.20MB 2025 3. Year 2 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 1.60MB 2025 4. Year 3 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 1.63MB 2025 5. Year 4 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 6.25MB 2025 6. Year 5 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 6.51MB 2025 7. Year 6 Calculation Policy .pdf Pobierz PDF • 7.31MB 2025 Geography policy 2025-2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 186KB 2025 History policy 2025-26 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 195KB 2025 Design Technology policy 2025-26 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 199KB 2025 English Policy 2025-26 with HWr Progression .pdf Pobierz PDF • 563KB 2025 Art policy 2025-2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 195KB 2025 Science Policy 2025-2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 209KB 2025 MFL Policy 2025- 2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 174KB 2025 Privacy notice (pupils) .pdf Pobierz PDF • 104KB 2025 Religious Education Policy 2025-2026 .pdf Pobierz PDF • 89KB 2025

St. Bernadette's Staff Senior Leadership Team Miss Finnegan – Head Teacher Mr Carroll – Deputy Head (On secondment) Mrs Hill – Assistant Head Miss Di Pierri - Assistant Head Mrs. Canning - Acting Deputy Head Mrs Taylor - SENCo The Hub Miss White - HUB Teaching Assistant Miss Mohamed - HUB Teaching Assistant Mrs Kehoe - HUB Teaching Assistant Year 6 Miss Z Boron - 6ZB Teacher / History and Geography Co-ordinator Mrs C Brownhill – 6CB Teacher Miss Connaire - 6CC Teacher/KS2 Co-ordinator Mrs O Armanaviciute – Year 6 Teaching Assistant Year 5 Miss M Friar - 5MF Teacher Miss C Grant - 5CG Teacher / MFL Co-ordinator Miss Taylor - 5ET Teacher Mrs K Yakoob – Year 5 Teaching Assistant Miss Elliot – Year 5 Teaching Assistant Year 4 Miss K Lakin – 4KL Teacher / English Co-ordinator KS2 Mr A Markham-Jones – 4AMJ Teacher / PE Co-ordinator Ms F Mohamed - 4FM Teacher Mrs S Khan - Year 4 Teaching Assistant Ms Baker – Year 4 Teaching Assistant Year 3 Miss E Gibbs - 3EG Teacher Miss D Adu - 3DA Teacher Miss Di Pierri – 3DH Class Teacher Mrs Hill – 3DH Class Teacher Mrs T Emilton - Year 3 Teaching Assistant Mrs S Richards– Teaching Assistant Year 2 Mrs S Hussain - 2SH Teacher/Science Co-ordinator Miss E O'Brien - 2EOB Teacher Mr R Wayne - 2RW Teacher / DT and Art Co-ordinator/KS1 Co-ordinator Mrs J Robinson – Year 2 Teaching Assistant Year 1 Miss O Bowden – 1OB Teacher/EAL Co-ordinator Miss O’Toole – 1CO'T Teacher / English Co-ordinator KS1/EYFS Mrs Clarke – Year 1 Teaching Assistant Mrs Begum – Year 1 Teaching Assistant Reception Mrs L Canning – REL Reception Teacher Mrs Lennon - REL Reception Teacher Miss C Belcher - RCB Reception Teacher Miss L Coley - RLC Reception Teacher Mrs Colclough – RCB Teaching Assistant Mrs Thomas – Reception Teaching Assistant Ms T O'Neill – RLC Reception Teaching Assistant Mrs McCartan - Reception Teaching Assistant Mrs Mayers – Reception Teaching Assistant Nursery Mrs S Rainey - Nursery Teacher / EYFS Co-ordinator Miss E Barron – Nursery Teaching Assistant Mrs S Buchanan - Nursery Teaching Assistant Miss Nield - Nursery Teaching Assistant Miss Thomas - Nursery Teaching Assistant Mrs J Docker – Teacher Ms J Ryan - Teacher Miss C Corkery - Teacher Mr E Baker - Teacher Mrs K Harston – Teacher Mr Lavin – Teacher Miss Lavin – Teacher Miss Finn– Pastoral Support Maternity Leave Mrs C Kidner – Teacher/Computing Co-ordinator Mrs Jones – Teacher/EYFS Co-ordinator Mrs Smallwood – Office Mrs Byng – Office Miss K O'Neill – Office Mrs Apted – Technician Mr Abbott – ICT Operations Manager Mr Malone – Building Site Supervisor Mrs Worth - School Cook

St. Bernadette Our Patron Saint was born January 7, 1844 and baptized Marie Bernarde Soubirous. The oldest of six children, born to devout but poor parents, she was known by the pet name Bernadette. Bernadette was a sensitive, sickly child, plagued by chronic asthma. She was a notably good girl with a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin. On February 11, 1858, Bernadette, her sister and her sister’s friend went to gather wood on the bank of the Gave river in the French Pyrennes. To reach the gathering site, the three girls had to cross a small millstream. While the two younger girls went on ahead, Bernadette stopped to remove her shoes and stockings. Just then she heard a rustling sound which caused her to look up toward a small cave. There, in the opening of this little grotto, she saw “a girl in white, no taller than I, who greeted me with a light bow of the head.” The vision was very beautiful, clad in white with a blue girdle, whilst a long rosary hung over the arm. She seemed to invite the child to pray, and when Bernadette took her rosary from her pocket and began to say it, the vision also took her rosary into her hand and passed the beads through her fingers, although the lips did not move. When the five decades were finished, the vision smiled and disappeared. This was the first of 18 visions of the Blessed Virgin given to this humble peasant girl. The last one took place July 16th of the same year. The story of Lourdes is well known. Millions of people have visited this remote spot where Our Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette almost one hundred and fifty years ago. Bernadette remained a shy, sensitive child of God, shunning the attention of the world that the apparitions afforded. She delivered the message of Our Blessed Mother only to the proper authorities of the Church and left the outcome to God. Finally, in 1866, at the age of 22, she filled one of her heart’s desires when she was accepted into the convent of the Sisters of Notre-Dame de Nevers. Her work at Lourdes was done. The shrine to the Mother of God that Mary had requested was being visited by ever increasing numbers. Mary’s message of prayer and penance had been delivered to the world. God had blessed the work with miracles. Gladly, Bernadette faded from the picture. She likened herself to Our Lady’s Broom: “Our Lady used me, they have put me back in my corner,” was her way of expressing it. But her work for souls was not done. Our Blessed Mother had asked for penance at Lourdes. While many were cured of their afflictions in the waters at Lourdes, the heavy cross of illness still lay on Bernadette’s shoulders and she suffered this penance throughout her life. On April 16th 1879, in her 36th year, she died peacefully in the arms of her sisters in religion at the convent of Nevers. Her life of suffering was over. In 1933, just 54 years after her death, Pope Pius XI added the name of this humble peasant girl to the canon of the Saints. For all time in the official records of the Church, she will be known as Saint Marie Bernarda, but in the hearts and on the lips of faithful she will always be St. Bernadette, little Bernard. May Bernadette, our glorious patroness, remember us, and with her prayers intercede for us at the throne of God, and may she direct toward us the mercy and kindness of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. The Grotto at Lourdes Full website for The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes can be found here https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/ Live stream from the grotto at Lourdes can be accessed below

Celebrating our Faith Throughout the academic year, we celebrate our faith with a number of special events. This academic year we have celebrated the following. Nie ma jeszcze żadnych opublikowanych postów w tym języku Po opublikowaniu postów zobaczysz je tutaj.

Catholic Social Teaching Catholic Social Teaching (CST) underpins the work of the school and the principles are interwoven within our curriculum and wider school life. As members of the Catholic Church, we are called upon to preserve the dignity of all human beings, to care for creation and to reach our sisters and brothers in need. These principles form part of Catholic Social Teaching, a body of work developed by Church leaders over the centuries. Pope Francis emphasizes that it is our duty to work together to bring about a more just and peaceful world: to put love into action. At St. Bernadette’s we place great emphasis on the importance that our children can articulate the connection between Jesus’ teaching and doing good deeds. We teach our children about the importance of putting the needs of others before ourselves, respecting the dignity of all people and how we are stewards of God’s beautiful creation with a duty to do all we can to preserve it for future generations. We use the CAFOD CST characters with our children to help them recognise CST within lessons. The following video is useful to watch to become familiar with the seven principles: CST in the Science Curriculum Click here for an Overview of 'CST in the Science Curriculum' All of God’s creation is sacred and reflects something of who God is. Caring for this earth is part of what it is to be a Christian. The Catholic Church has a long tradition of teaching about the God-centeredness of the earth, which clearly focuses on the responsibility all people have for caring for creation. The golden thread of ‘Care of God’s Creation’ runs through each science unit which links to the CST principles of: The Common Good Stewardship This ensures children develop their environmental awareness and understanding of their role in protecting our God given planet. What does Scripture say? ‘Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation.’ Genesis 2:15 ‘Creation proclaims the glory of God.’ Daniel 3:56-82 ‘God loves and cares for all creation.’ Matthew 6:25-34 ‘Creation and all created things are good because they are created by God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:26 What does the Church say? Charity in Truth: Caritas in Veritate – ‘The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole…Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person, considered in himself and in relation to others.’ What does Pope Francis say? “Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.” Laudato Si (24th May 2015) – ‘A scientific consensus says climate change is real and caused at least in part by human activity. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades, this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon.’ Loving God, We believe that the world is for everyone. We thank you for the gift of Creation. Help us to take care of the planet and all people who live on it. Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is at the heart of our learning at St Bernadette’s, especially in Topic. Topic allows us to develop our historical skills, pursue geographical enquiry, express our creativity, and build valuable projects based on a purpose. However, CST allows us to approach these lessons from a wider viewpoint. We use the CAFOD CST characters with our children to help them recognise CST within lessons. Here are a few examples of where CST has been linked to our Topic lessons. A lesson focusing on how men and women were split in Athenian and Spartan society. Is it right for women to be told what they must do based on their gender? A lesson focusing on the invasion of Greece by Alexander the Great. How would God react to slavery? A lesson focusing on the Viking raids in Lindisfarne. Why is it wrong to harm our fellow man? A lesson focusing on WW2 evacuation and the Blitz. A lesson focusing on the birth of democracy in Greece. Is it right for only rich men to vote? A lesson looking at the impact of Gandhi on British rule. Why did he protest for people who were the most in need? A lesson focusing on the differences between rich and poor Tudors. What can we learn from these indifferences? A lesson focusing on rationing. Why was it important for all members of society to receive the same amount of food? A lesson focusing on natural disasters and how we can help those that have been left in disasters. How can we help those in need? In Year 2, the children learn about important people that have helped other. Including Florence Nightingale, Edith Cavell, and Mary Seacole. Why do you think these people gave up their lives to care for others? During Black History Month, we learn about inspirational black people. Why is it important we celebrate these achievements? A lesson focusing on climate and biomes. How has our impact changed God’s creation? A lesson focusing on the structure of rivers, mountains, and earthquakes. How can we better understand God’s creation? A lesson focusing on glaciers. What can the rising sea levels mean for God’s creations? A lesson focusing on sustainability; reduce, re-use, recycle. Why should we make small changes?

St Bernadette's Governors Information School Governors Governor Portal Governors: About Us St Bernadette's Governing Body Our Governors are an amazing group of volunteers who serve the parish of Holy Family in Small Heath. They support our school in educating children in a happy, calm and safe environment where they feel surrounded by God’s love. Governors play an important role in the leadership and management of the school. They are involved in the recruitment of staff, formulating the school budget and ensuring the curriculum we offer to the children in school is engaging, challenging and appropriate. The Governors are regular visitors in school, offering support and challenge in equal measures and holding the Head and senior leadership team to account. The Governing Body's aim is to work closely with the Headteacher, the leadership team and the staff, in order to help the children at the school achieve their full potential. They meet as a Full Governing Body four times a year and in addition to this, will meet in smaller sub- committees to focus on finance, staffing, admissions or curriculum. Our Governing Body is made up of 7 Foundation Governors who are appointed by the diocese, two parent governors, appointed by the parents, a Staff Governor and a Local Authority Governor. All serve for a term of four years. If you would like to contact the Governing Body, please forward hard copies of mail to Mr John Lenihan c/o St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley Birmingham, B258QL. Emails to be sent to m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk and given the title 'For the attention of Mr John Lenihan'. The School Governors Mr John Lenihan Chair of Governors (FG) Curriculum Governor / Finance Governor / Mathematics Governor Mrs Quinlan Vice-Chair Parent Governor / Foundation Governor Mrs Gemma Wrench Chair of Finance / Curriculum Governor Mrs Maria Winters Foundation Governor / RE Governor / Chair of curriculum Fr Fretch Ballesteros Foundation Governor / R.E Governor Mrs Vas Panayiotou Parent Governor / Safeguarding Governor Mrs P Moran Foundation Governor Mr Carlos De la Cruz Foundation Governor / Finance Governor Mr Iqbal Local Authority Governor Mr Carroll Staff Governor / SEN Governor / Finance Governor Services 4 Schools Clerk to Governors Admissions Committee Pupil Discipline Committee School Hearings Committee Curriculum & Standards Committee Terms of Reference Resources Committee Governor Information Terms Of Reference Dismissal Appeal Terms of Reference Curriculum & Standards Terms of Reference School Hearings Terms of Reference Admissions Terms of Reference Pupil Discipline Presentations to Governors RE KS2 English.pdf KS1 English.pdf PE.pdf Maths.pdf School Financial Benchmarking Governors: List Any correspondence to the Governors should be addressed c/o St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School. Miss A Cowings Head Teacher I joined St Bernadette’s School in 2002 as Deputy Head and was appointed as Head Teacher in 2006. Since my appointment I have always been a member of the Governing Body and work closely with the dedicated team of volunteers to develop provision within school. As Head teacher it is my duty to deal with the day to day management of the school. As a member of the Governing Body we provide the strategic management. We set the general direction of the school and consider ways that it can best be developed. As a team, we monitor the school’s progress and set annual targets for the school’s performance. The team of governors act as a critical friend to the Head, whilst providing me with the necessary support required to lead the school. John Lenihan Chair of Governors I was appointed as a Governor in March 2019. I am currently a member of the Resources Committee. I previously served as a Governor at Corpus Christi School in Stechford. After spending 50 years in the Printing Industry and having grandchildren in the school I am now looking forward to supporting St. Bernadettes pupils and staff in the challenging world of education. Mr C. Dela Cruz Foundation Governor I have been a school governor for a number of years and have seen a lot of changes throughout the years. I have really enjoyed being on the school governing board, and doing my best to contribute in ensuring the school provides the very best facilities, support for the teaching & non-teachingstaff, and to ensure all pupils to have opportunity and encouragement toreach their full potentials. Kristin Quinlan Foundation Governor I've been a Foundation Governor at St Bernadette's since 2016. My day job is working as Head of Legal and Company Secretary at a water company, so I have experience of working in corporate governance and I hope that I bring some of my skills and experience from that role to my role on the Governing Body. For me, the role of the Governing Body is to support and provide healthy challenge to the leadership team at St Bernadette's for the benefit of the pupils, and I really enjoy playing my part in that. G Wrench Parent Governor I have been a parent governor at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School since 2018. As part of my role, I am the link Governor for Literacy and also the Chair for the Resources Committee and a member of the Admissions Committee. I believe the children’s education, progress, personal welfare and development should be at the heart of all decision making at school. I am happy to be part of the Governing Body that will support the school in order to get the best outcomes for the children. T Moran Foundation Governor I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in February 2023. I was a teacher at St. Bernadette’s for thirty-three years, and I retired from St. Bernadette’s and teaching almost seven years ago. I hope that I can bring some of my skills and experience from my years of teaching to my role on the Governing Body. I look forward to supporting the pupils and staff of St. Bernadette’s in any way that I can. Fr Fretch Ballesteros Foundation Governor Vasiliki Panayiotou Parent Governor I would like to introduce myself as the new Parent Governor of St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School. My name is Vasiliki Panayiotou (please refer to me as Vas) and I joined the Board of Governor's on 20th December 2019. I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity to represent the parents of the children that attend the school by Miss A Cowings. I will do my utmost for the best interests of all concerned, in connection with the school. Before I became a full time mother to our 2 girls I worked in telesales for a wholesale food distribution company for around 8 years and prior to that, I co-owned a business in floristry for around 20 years in Solihull. My eldest daughter, who is five, is in Year 1 at St Bernadette's and our youngest is 16 months old, going onto 6! I can't speak highly enough about St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School or all the staff in connection with the school. I remember when we visited the school during an open day and my first thoughts were about the impeccable behaviour of the children. Also, during the classroom visits we observed how the teachers interacted with the children and we saw the passion and commitment they have in everything they do. I turned to my husband and said, this is where I want our daughter to come and he agreed. We feel blessed that our children are and will be attending the best school Alex Carroll Staff Governor I have worked at St Bernadette's since 2001 and have been staff governor since 2020???? It is my privilege to be part of such a vibrant and hard working school community, both as a member of staff and governor. Cllr Zafar Iqbal Foundation Governor I was previously a Governor at St Bernadette’s, I have a long association with the school and was previously a Governor some years ago when my son attended. I am now an LEA appointed governor and as I live close by I have a genuine interest in supporting my local schools. Governors: List Governors: List