Gazing upon St Bernard’s, a sense of history washes over you. It whispers tales of devotion and community. St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School Botany stands as a testament to faith and education. It has served the Botany parish since 1885.
St Bernard’s began its journey under the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. They nurtured a small group of twenty students. The school grew quickly. By 1894, five sisters guided almost 200 pupils. This number swelled to 328 by 1907. The school’s location changed in 1955. It moved to its present site. This new St Bernard’s welcomed girls from Kindergarten to Year 6 and boys up to Year 4. By the 1960s, it educated around 200 students. The Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart continued to lead St Bernard’s until 1994. Then, the first lay principal took the reins.
The spirit of the OLSH Sisters remains. Their charism is woven into the fabric of the school. The daily prayer, “May the sacred heart of Jesus be everywhere loved,” echoes their devotion. St Bernard’s fosters a culture of unconditional love, respect, and inclusion. The school maintains a connection with the Sisters. They now reside in Kensington.
St Bernard’s mission is multifaceted. It celebrates faith by educating students in Catholic traditions. It encourages them to live out Jesus’ message. It instills hope and resilience. It provides stimulating learning experiences. It empowers students to achieve excellence. It cultivates a love of learning and fosters collaboration. It strives to build a socially just world.
St Bernard’s enjoys a strong bond with its parish. Father Augusthy, the parish priest, actively engages with the school community. He encourages participation in Masses, sacraments, and parish groups. The school also promotes family involvement in the parish. It plays a key role in sacramental programs and Sunday Eucharist. Some parents and older students lead children’s church during the 9:00 am Sunday Mass. Year 6 students can earn the Pope Francis Award through community service. A family faith educator supports parents in nurturing their children’s faith.
St Bernard’s stands as more than just a school. It’s a vibrant hub where faith, learning, and community intertwine. It carries a rich legacy of dedication to education and spiritual growth.