Recently we have had the Geelong city council at school at both pick up and drop off time and they have issued fines based on their observations. 

PICK UP/DROP OFF ZONE

For those who use the drop off/pickup zone or drive down Reynolds Road you would understand that more often than not it becomes very congested.

We have had the Geelong Council review the situation and there has been a LEFT TURN ONLY sign installed at the exit closest to the staff car park. Cars will not be able to turn right or drive straight ahead when exiting the drop off/pick up zone. You will need to go up to the Laura Avenue roundabout to turn back the other way.

We appreciate this is a change but it is very welcomed by the school and we hope it makes a significant difference to the flow of traffic.

Please do not double park on the right hand side of the drop off zone. This is a two way street for bus access and it is illegal to park or stop on the right hand side of the road. Children are not permitted to cross the road to enter a vehicle which is parked illegally. If you are unable to pull in to the left hand side of the curb please drive on and come around again.

STAFF CAR PARK

Another reminder that we consistently need to be communicating is for parents NOT to park in the staff car park at any time. This is clearly signed. We have staff coming and going at all times of the day and especially at pick up and drop off time we are trying to keep the movement to a minimum. Children should not be walking through the staff car park other than on the yellow crossing from the gate to the footpath.

CHURCH CAR PARK

Please ensure you are conscious of where your children are playing in this space and keep ball use under control. We keep children behind the yellow line until they are with their parent/s. It is important that you as parents are also reinforcing safety in this area and keeping in mind that cars have right of way.  Ideally we would like children walking on footpaths at all times.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

We have some accessible parks around our school at gate 2 and also in the church car park. Please do not park in these parks unless you have a permit displayed. We do have families who require these parks and it can be difficult to collect children if access to these is not available.  We appreciate your respect and consideration for those who rely on these spaces."

BIKES
If your child rides their bike to school could you please have a conversation with them about bike safety and expectations in the school yard. We love seeing children being independent but ask that they be respectful of after school crowds particularly along the path to McDonalds Reserve and around the Church car park. We also do not allow any scooters or bikes to be ridden in the school yard.

PLAYGROUND
We welcome parents into our yard after school however ask that toddlers and all school children are not on the play equipment. We kindly ask this from a risk point of view in regards to accidents, supervision and children who should be waiting at gates for their parents to arrive.  

Christmas at St Bernard’s 2024 

Wednesday 18th Dec 7:30 pm Penitential Service (Reconciliation) Tuesday 24th Dec 6:00 pm Family Mass (Carols beginning at 5:45pm) Tuesday 24th Dec 9:00 pm Vigil Mass (Carols beginning at 8.30pm) Christmas Day 9:00 am Christmas Mass (One mass only) 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to those who enjoy his favours” (Luke 2”14) 

As we approach our celebration of Christmas – the birth of Jesus into our world – we take  time to reflect on the words of the angels on the first Christmas night. In our troubled world  of wars, famine, homelessness, it’s hard to imagine what a peaceful world would look like,  and what we can do to make that happen. 

Each of us can look into our own heart in the search for peace, and share that with our  families, friends, fellow parishioners, work colleagues. Within our communities, we can be  mindful of those in need, struggling to meet day to day living costs. We acknowledge and  give thanks for all who support the poor, sharing their time and gifts of compassion. 

Within our community of St Bernard’s, we give thanks for all who contribute to sharing the  heavenly message of peace and spreading the Good News of God’s love for all. 

May this Christmas be a time of peace, joy and love, nurturing hope for our world and  offering the cup of love to all. 

St Bernard’s Parish Team