Principal Iassogna’s Welcome Message
Let me begin our 2024-2025 school year with a prayer for our St. Bernadette community:
God, thank you for a new year. May everyone in our St. Bernadette family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another. As we begin a new year, it reminds us of our truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time. Amen.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! This is my 2nd year at St. Bernadette, and I look forward to strengthening the relationships with all those who touch the lives of our children and motivate them to do their best. The days ahead will be exciting and anxious for us all as we begin the school year.
Over the last few weeks, our staff have been preparing the classrooms for our students. The classrooms look fantastic, and a big thank you goes out to all staff. I would like to personally thank our custodians, Mr. DiCesare & Mr. Filice, who have spent a great deal of time cleaning, organizing, and getting our school ready for our first day. The school looks great!
Welcome & Congratulations to Our New Staff and Students
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff,returning staff, and students to the best school in Hamilton! Below is a list of staff at our school. In bold you will see the new staff and those who have returned to us.
We are blessed to have a staff here at St. Bernadette that is truly exceptional. They are not only highly skilled and dedicated but also incredibly caring and loving. They are committed to nurturing and motivating our students to achieve their best. They continue to lead like Jesus and are excellent Catholic role models. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful team supporting our students every day.
St. Bernadette 2024-25 Staff List
-
Educational Assistants: Ms. Bojin, Mrs. Bucci, Mrs. Filonova, Mr. Patterson, Ms. Parchem
My goal as your principal is to continue to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere where parents/guardians, staff, and students can collaborate and develop an environment where each child can be successful and reach their potential. I would like to share, as I did last year, a part of my philosophy of education that is near and dear to my heart. In the book, “The Leader in Me,” the late Stephen Covey wrote, “If you treat all students as if they are gifted and you always look at them through that lens of being gifted in at least some aspect, they will rise to that level of expectation." These words are what we as Catholics need to live by if we plan to find the strengths in each child. We must find creative ways to empower children so they can unleash their talents within our Catholic school setting.
Communication is key in supporting the teaching and learning process. Our staff is committed to developing and maintaining strong community relationships. If you are concerned about your child, please call the school and tell us. Early and ongoing information sharing can help to clarify and often alleviate concerns quickly. Begin by contacting your child’s teacher. If your concerns are not resolved in a reasonable and timely manner, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance.
Important Information Regarding FDK Classes for the Upcoming Week
We would like to share some important information regarding the attendance schedule for our Year 1 and Year 2 FDK students.
-
Year 2 Students (Week of September 3rd to 6th):
-
-
Year 1 FDK Students (Staggered Start Dates):
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implement these staggered start dates. Our priority is to create a positive and safe learning environment for all our students. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to the school office.
Exciting News! Our First School Fundraiser is Here!
We’re thrilled to announce our first school fundraiser, and we need your support! We’ve partnered with Mabel’s Labels to help raise funds for our school. Mabel’s Labels offers a range of high-quality, personalized labels that are perfect for keeping track of your child's belongings.
By participating, you’re not only getting great labels for your family but also helping to support our school’s programs and activities.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Our New S.E.R.T. is Mrs. Marino
I am delighted to introduce our new Special Education Resource Teacher, Mrs. Marino. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Marino to our wonderful school community. Mrs. Marino is dedicated to supporting and empowering every student to reach their full potential. With a passion for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, Mrs. Marino looks forward to collaborating with our students, parents, and staff.
Feel free to contact Mrs. Marino anytime. Let’s make this a fantastic and memorable year together!
St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School is a place where all children need to feel safe and have a sense of belonging. To ensure the safety and well-being of all children, please note the important information from Food Allergy Canada:
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Very small amounts of certain foods can cause severe reactions when eaten. This may happen if a person at risk touches an allergenic substance and then subsequently touches the mouth. Even a very small amount “hidden” in a food or transferred to a serving utensil has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction. Direct ingestion of an allergy-causing food poses the greatest risk for people with food allergies.
Cooperation from parents and guardians in adhering to the guidelines below is most appreciated and expected. There are students at this school who are allergic to the following foods and items: nuts, eggs, shellfish, pine nuts, sesame seeds. Parents will or have already been advised through an email of allergens specific to a classroom; please avoid bringing these allergens into the designated classroom. Food must only be eaten in classrooms. Reinforce hand washing practices: wash hands/sanitize before and after eating. Remind children not to share or trade food, food utensils, or food containers.
Celebrations: Please do NOT provide food items. Non-food items (i.e., pencils, erasers, etc.) are permitted for various celebrations and special events and activities. Thank you for your help in keeping all our children safe.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with all partners in at St. Bernadette community.