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CORONA VIRUS - Updates and Information ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Risk Assessment Covid Catch Up Premium Remote Education Provision Blended & Remote Learning Covid Management Plan For the latest information relating to Corona Virus, please visit the Government website and World Health Organisation. ​ https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response ​ https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public ​ ​ ​ ​​ For any urgent queries regarding Corona Virus, you can contact the Department of Education Helpline using the contact information provided below. This is for Staff members and Parents. ​ Department for Education Helpline: Phone: 0800 046 8687 Email:DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) ​ NHS Information: NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do. Use this service if: you think you might have coronavirus in the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see travelling advice you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus enquiry@stberns.bham.sch.uk What are Covid 19 Symptons? The main SYMPTOMS OF Covid-19 are: - A new continuous cough and/or - Fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees or higher) - Loss of or change in, normal sense of taste of smell (anosmia) What is the mode of transmission? Covid-19 is passed from person to person mainly by large respiratory droplets and direct contact (close unprotected contact, usually less than one metre). These droplets can be directly inhaled by the person or can land on surfaces which another person may touch which can lead to infection if they then touch their nose, mouth or eyes. When is a person infectious? A person is thought to be infectious 48 hours before symptoms appear, and up to seven days after they start displaying symptoms. Are pupils at risk of infection? Pupils of all ages can catch the infection, but pupils make up a very small proportion of Covid-19 cases with about 1% of confirmed cases in England aged under 19 years. Pupils also have a much lower risk of developing symptoms or severe disease. If setting has been notified of symptomatic pupil/staff member, should the rest of the class/bubble be excluded? No, the class/bubble should continue to attend the education setting as normal. The symptomatic case should stay at home and follow the stay at home guidance: the staff member/pupil’s parents encouraged to get tested. Any siblings of the pupil attending the setting/staff’s household member should self-isolate for 10 days. Should a pupil/staff member come to School if a member of their household is unwell? No. If a member of the pupil’s/staff member’s household is unwell with COVID-19 symptoms then the pupil/staff member should isolate for 10 days starting from the day after the household member(s) became ill. If the pupil subsequently develops symptoms then they should isolate for 10 days from the date. Can the siblings of a pupil who is self-isolating because they are a contact of a case attend the education? Yes, other household members of the contact do not need to self-isolate unless the pupil, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms. If a pupil has Covid-19 symptoms, get tested and tests negative, can they return to the education setting even if they still have symptoms? If the pupil is NOT a known contact of a confirmed case the pupil can return to the education if the result is negative, provided they feel well, and they have not had a fever for 48 hours. Should close contacts of a positive case get tested? No, they are not required to get tested unless they develop symptoms during the 14 days of isolation. Key Worker Contact Form A message to all the children at St. Bernadette's

RSE Relationships and Sex Education in Schools In June 2019, the Government released the final guidance document of what schools will need to deliver around RSE as part of the basic school curriculum. This guidance replaces the SRE guidance of 2000 The new statutory requirements come into effect from September 2020, although the DFE is encouraging schools to begin teaching the new curriculum now. ​ As a minimum, all schools will be required to cover a number of themes and topics by the end of the primary or secondary phase. Relationships education Families and people who care for me Caring relationships Respectful relationships Online relationships Being safe Physical health and mental well being Mental wellbeing Internet safety and harms Physical health and fitness Healthy eating Drugs alcohol and tobacco Health and prevention Basic first aid Changing adolescent body Delivery Many schools currently deliver these topics as part of their timetabled PSHE (personal social and health education) The content also complements national curriculum subjects such as science, PE and computing. It is a requirement that all schools have a written policy in place for RSE and this is freely available to parents and stakeholders. The policy should reflect the needs of the children, parents and the community they serve. Schools are allowed to devise a policy that reflects the faith background of their pupils. Right to withdraw There is no right of parental withdrawal from Relationships Education or Health education elements. Parents do have the right to withdraw from some or all of the sex education, outside of the mandatory requirements ie that stated in the science national curriculum. RSE at St Bernadette’s At St Bernadette’s we have subscribed to an online RSE Programme provided by a Catholic company called Ten:Ten. Ten:Ten are an award-winning theatre, film and educational organization working in Catholic Primary Schools throughout the UK. We currently use the Collective Worship and Assembly materials provided by Ten:Ten. The program provided by Ten:Ten is called Life To The Full. It is being promoted by the Birmingham Diocesan Education Service. Further information can be found by downloading the PDF presentations below. RSE - KS1 RSE - KS2 RSE: Text

RE Curriculum As a Catholic Primary School, the basic religious ethos is to be found across the whole curriculum and not just within the Religious Education timetable. The whole aim of St Bernadette’s school is the Christian growth of the children, not simply their growth in their faith, but their growing awareness of the world as a maturing Christian. RE is a core subject and covers 10% of the curriculum. The Religious Education programme incorporates the Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools (Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales). RE Policy 22/23 RE Curriculum: About Us Below are the units of work covered this academic year in the RE curriculum for each Year Band. Nursery Knowledge.pdf Reception Knowledge.pdf Y1 Knowledge.pdf Y2 Knowledge.pdf Y5 Knowledge.pdf Y3 Knowledge.pdf Y6 Knowledge.pdf Y4 Knowledge.pdf RE Curriculum: Text As a Catholic school, the RE curriculum predominantly focuses on Christianity and Catholicism. However, during our annual International Week, each Year Band explores another World Religion. During this time, children have the opportunity to visit different places of worship. Reception – Christianity Year 1 – Hinduism Year 2 – Buddhism Year 3 – Catholicism Year 4 – Sikhism Year 5 – Judaism Year 6 – Islam RE Curriculum: Text Assessment of RE ​ The RE Curriculum covers four strands: Scripture, Sacraments, Liturgical and Living as Christians. Three different units are assessed annually in each year Band, with each academic year focusing on a different strand. in line with Diocesan guidelines. Samples of work are gathered throughout the year and moderated against the diocesan end of phase expectations. RE Curriculum: Our Mission

Our Building Dining Hall Computing Suite Computing Suite Nursery Nursery Nursery Reception Main Entrance Reception KS1 Playground Pirate Dining Hall Reception StBerns Mosaic Dining Hall Rohan Garden Entrance KS2 Hall Entrance Mosaic Library IMG_8026 Year 2 Spring Entrance School StBerns IMG_8027_edited Year 1 IMG_8022 Year 1 Playground KS2 KS2 Playground Nursery Outdoor Play Dining Hall Year 2 School Library DSC07903 Entrances & Drop Off Points Exits & Collection Points Our School Library

Collective Worship Collective Worship Policy At St Bernadette’s Catholic School, the children participate in communal acts of prayer and /or liturgical celebrations every day. Sometimes this will be in class prayer, other times it may involve children in the year band joining together in prayer or it may be in a key stage assembly or a whole school mass. Children are encouraged to learn a selection of traditional prayers in each year band, but are also encouraged to devise their own personal prayers. A list of prayers can be seen here for each year band. Prayers take place at the beginning of the school day, before and after lunch and again at the end of the school day. Every classroom has a focal point for prayer, which is appropriate to the liturgical season. Each classroom is also named after a Saint and the children learn about their saint and the lives they lead. ​ Every year band will prepare a year band mass each month, which is held in school. We also have a key stage mass in school every term and a whole school mass which takes place at Holy Family Church every two to three weeks. Parishioners are invited to celebrate mass with the school and are asked to become prayer partners for children who are receiving the sacraments. The children are able to experience the liturgical Life of the church in many ways throughout the year, such as the Stations of the Cross during Lent, Rosary Club during the months of October and may and a Carol Service at Christmas. They also celebrate their Saint’s feast day and join in Mass, with their Sister school of Holy Family, during Holy Days of obligation. ​ In addition to the children’s prayer life, the staff in school begin every meeting with a prayer. Different members of staff will lead the prayer, providing the staff with the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel Values. One training day every year is set aside for a staff retreat, with staff having had the opportunity to attend a retreat in Lourdes and Fatima in recent years. Father Fretch is our Parish Priest, who is a regular visitor in school. Sister Maura Halpin is also a regular visitor and together they support the children in the sacramental year bands of year 3 and year 6. They also visit the other year bands to support them in their RE lessons and in the preparation of mass. Collective Worship: List

Policies Attendance 2022-23 Accessibility Plan 2023-26 Anti-Bullying 2022-23 Behaviour Statement 2021-22 Behaviour Policy 2022-23 Breakfast Club British Values & SMSC Charging & Remissions 2022-23 Child Friendly Anti Bullying 2019-2020 Collective Worship Complaints 2023-24 Computing Acceptable Use Policy 23-24 Educational Visits 2021-22 Equality & Diversity 2022-23 Exclusions 2021-22 Food GDPR Data Protection Policy GDPR Privacy Notice Pupils & Their Families Homework Policy 2023-24 Gender Equality 2019-2022 Health & Safety 2023-24 Inclusion 2023-24 Intimate Care Policy 2020-2021 Parent Code of Conduct Online Safety Policy 2023-24 RSE Policy Social, Emotional & Mental Health 22 23 SEND 2023-24 Uncollected Children Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions 22 23 Uniform Policy Sept 2023-2024 Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2023-24 Uniform ​ Winter Uniform (September to Easter) ​ Grey straight legged trousers Grey school skirt or pinafore dress Formal white shirt School tie Plain grey/black/white knee or ankle socks Plain grey/black tights Plain black shoes ​ Summer Uniform (Easter to July) as above or ​ Blue gingham dress Grey shorts White polo shirt. PE Clothing Indoor PE Black shorts White round neck Tee shirt Black pumps Outdoor PE Black jogging trousers White round neck tee shirt Grey hooded sweatshirt Black pumps Swimming One piece swimming costume Swimming trunks All school uniform should be clearly labelled. Uniform Policy 23/24

Physical Education Curriculum At St Bernadette’s we offer a range of sports both within the PE curriculum and as extra-curricular activities, for both boys and girls. These include: - Football, Basketball, Tag Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Fitness clubs, Fundamental skills, Gymnastics, Tennis, Netball, Swimming, Rounders, Boxercise, Yoga, Dance and Archery. Our main focus at St Bernadette’s is tackling obesity; pupils are given the opportunity to attend extra-curricular clubs and competitions as well as high quality PE specialist teaching, with at least one unit of work a term having a health and fitness focus (e.g. Boot Camp Circuits and Boxercise). Hopefully, this will continuously show a visible improvement in fitness levels and working towards developing a healthier lifestyle as well as reducing obesity levels at St Bernadette’s. This year, we have been given the chance to extend our curriculum by allocating funding from the Sports Premium to purchase specialist Archery equipment. There is a lot of excitement about archery and the skills being developed by children in KS2 are commendable. Later in the year, the children will have the opportunity to use live arrows, when they visit the various archery competitions. Inclusion is an important aspect of our ethos, and this is supported throughout the teaching of PE. Staff continue to share knowledge, attend courses and INSET courses are provided to the staff in order to update our teaching of P.E. St Bernadette’s are currently a member of the Erdington and Saltley primary schools football league, East Birmingham Football Partnership and Birmingham Junior Netball League. So far this year we have also participated in numerous football, netball, hockey and basketball matches, developing the children’s confidence on and off the field of play. We are also a part of the BCSSA and through this; we will participate in a variety of sports; Netball, Badminton, Football, Rounders, Volleyball and Cricket. The children at St Bernadette’s are extremely privileged as they are also given many opportunities to take part in a selection of competitive sports offered by outside agencies such as the Birmingham Schools Games. Intent, Implement, Impact PE Progression of Skills Athletics Gymnastics Outdoor Adventurous Activities Dance Games Health & Fitness Knowledge Organisers EYFS - Learning in PE KS1 - Athletics KS1 - Invasion Games KS1 - Dance KS1 - Sending & Receiving KS1 - Fitness KS1 - Gymnastics KS1 - Target Games KS1 - Yoga KS1 - Team Building KS1 - Striking & Fielding Lower KS2 - Athletics Lower KS2 - Dance Lower KS2 - Gymnastics Lower KS2 - Cricket Lower KS2 - Hockey Lower KS2 - Netball Lower KS2 - OAA Lower KS2 - Rounders Lower KS2 - Tag Rugby Lower KS2 - Tennis Upper KS2 - Athletics Upper KS2 - Dance Upper KS2 - Cricket Upper KS2 - Hockey Upper KS2 - Netball Upper KS2 - Gymnastics Upper KS2 - OAA Upper KS2 - Rounders Upper KS2 - Tag Rugby Upper KS2 - Tennis PE Curriculum: Projects PE Curriculum: Projects PE Pupil Premium Funding What is PE Pupil Premium Funding? The government is providing additional funding of £150 million per annum for academic years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 to improve provision of Physical Education (PE) and Sport in Primary Schools. This funding - provided jointly by the Departments for Education, Health and Culture, Media and Sport - will be allocated to Primary School Headteachers. This funding is ring-fenced and therefore can only be spent on provision of PE and Sport in Schools. The grant for 2013 to 2014 is paid in 2 instalments. Schools will receive the initial payment in the Autumn Term and the second payment in April 2014. 2019-2020 July Report on Primary PE & Sport Premium 2019/2020 2020-2021 July Report on Primary PE & Sport Premium 2020-2021 2021-2022 July Report on Primary PE & Sport Premium 2021/2022 PE Kit All children should have a white t- shirt and black shorts to wear for P.E. which are available from the School Uniform Outfitters or any local Supermarkets. All children should also have a pair of basic black pumps to wear when required. Children in KS2 are permitted to wear trainers for outside activities for health and safety reasons, however they are responsible for them while they are in School, so they should not be expensive ones, as School is not liable for any loss or damage. Trainers should only be worn during P.E. Lessons so children must have normal school shoes with them too. * If there is a problem with damaged school shoes, children will be required to wear their black pumps in and around School until they are replaced. During cold / bad weather children should have a basic black tracksuit in School to wear. Children in Y2 and Y5 will need a swimming kit for the term they go swimming. The pool regulations state this means proper swimming trunks / costume. For health and safety reasons long hair should also be tied up and no jewellery or watches should be worn. PE Curriculum: Image

Pupil Absence Please complete the form below to report a pupil absence. Name of Child Class Date of Absence Reason for Absence Name of Parent Contact Phone Number Email Address Submit Thanks for submitting!

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?

Promoting British Values The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” As a Catholic Primary School we believe that everyone is made and loved by God as unique individuals, made in His image. Our Mission Statement and Catholic ethos embeds the foundations of British values: At St. Bernadette's Catholic School you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you. British Values & SMSC Policy British Values: About Us Democracy We encourage our children to actively take part in democratic activities, throughout the school. Each class has an annually democratically elected school councillor, who form part of the School Council which meet regularly throughout the school year. In Year 6, pupils vote for their Head Boy and Girl. These opportunities are used as an avenue to promote and teach about the democracy and electoral process. Children in Key Stage 2 are also given the opportunity to visit the council house in Birmingham and a group of children visit Parliament and Downing Street. Our local MP also visits school and brings their role to life through a question and answer session, annually, with Year 5 and 6 pupils. Democracy is also taught in the curriculum (e.g. through historical research of Ancient Greek civilisation and looking at how Historical figures influenced democracy). Pupils’ opinions are highly valued at St. Bernadette’s School and their views and ideas are sought via their school councillor and through the annual Pupil Questionnaires. The Behaviour Policy identifies both rewards and sanctions, both of which the children and parents (through our Parents’ Forum) have contributed to. There is a strong ethos of pupils volunteering in and out of school time. This includes activities such as Nursery Prefects, school prefects, rabbit prefects, buddy partners. adette's Catholic Primary School. We’ve created a safe and accessible environment where students are encouraged to discuss ideas, collaborate on projects, share their work and receive feedback with pride. We give students the foundation to reach their potential and gain confidence both academically and socially. British Values: Student Life Rule of Law The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country are constantly reinforced at St Bernadette’s. We have high expectations of behaviour in school and this is observed throughout the school. Our behaviour policy reflects our expectations and has been influenced by pupils contributing to our school rules, rewards and sanctions. Pupils have created an Anti-Bullying Charter, displayed in our dining hall. Pupils and parents have suggested rewards such as: behaviour badges, behaviour assemblies, Head Teacher, class and year band certificates, stationery rewards, star pupil and star table. Sanctions include missed play time or missed equipment time. Weekly discussions take place in class regarding behaviour and pupils self-evaluate their own and their peers performance and responsibility throughout the week. British Values: Text Individual Liberty At St Bernadette’s, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries from where pupils can make informed choices. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons, Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspirations. They are encouraged to have broad horizons and the opportunities provided include, theatre visits, theatre performances, musical instrument lessons, a rich breadth of PE in and out of the curriculum and art. ​ Our school values its local environment and pupils are given opportunities to explore and visit the local recreation area, Eco Park and playing fields. During these visits road safety, stranger danger and life skills are reinforced. Children are taught the importance of keeping safe and taking responsibility for their safety on line and in reality. They are given opportunities to explore this through annual Life Bus visits, regular ICT teaching, NSPCC assemblies, emergency service visits, visits to Safeside and visits from our school nurse. British Values: Text Mutual Respect Mutual respect is at the heart of our Mission Statement. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own right and the rights of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Pupils are taught to respect their school, adults, peers, other pupils and themselves through our ethos, RE and PSHE curriculum and behaviour policy. Pupils are taught to have morals and will inform staff if they feel there is discrimination evident in school. Our school has strong links with a local school for children with a wide range of learning difficulties, encompassing moderate learning difficulties and increasingly more complex needs including autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), behavioural issues, sensory impairment and language disorders. We celebrate the breadth of talents and support the needs that our own pupils have and children are encouraged to recognise effort and achievement. British Values: Text Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs Pupils demonstrate an understanding and awareness that people in school and our community have different faiths and beliefs to the individual pupil and to the Catholic faith. They understand that these differences are part of our liberty and should not be the cause of prejudice or discriminatory behaviour. We value our local community links and children annually visit a many places of worship. The children, each year, visit at least one place of worship. This has been timetabled so that children will visit a place of worship for each major religion by the time they leave our school. Our school celebrates and recognises many faith festivals and we encourage children and parents from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds to share experiences and knowledge with our children. We encourage our children to interact with children from other schools, through organised activities and events. There are clear procedures and guidance in school for pupils who demonstrate a lack of respect or racist behaviour. British Values: Portfolio

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.

School Meals At St Bernadette's our school meals are provided by Cityserve. They provide a nutritionally balanced meal for our children who have a school meal at lunchtime. The menu provided runs on a 4 weekly rolling cycle and includes healthy and nutritious options each day. If your child has a school meal please complete the menu choices below. Please only complete this once as this information will be used by the cook to order ingredients and produce the correct number of meals Dear Parents/Carers ​ I am writing to introduce myself as the Schools new Catering Supervisor. My name is Sharon Worth and I have twenty four years experience in this role. ​ I am passionate about providing our children with a tasty, healthy school lunch. Almost all of the food we serve is cooked from scratch using fresh locally sourced ingredients. We provide a salad cart with fresh bread daily. ​ I am developing a new menu for 2022 and have lots of ideas for the coming months which include tasting sessions at parent evenings and regular theme days. ​ If you would like to contact me about your child’s dietary needs, or for any queries about school lunches please email me at sharon.worth@birmingham.gov.uk ​ Kind Regards Sharon Worth