News and Events
Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents,
First, let me thank you for choosing St. Bernadette School. Your decision to send your children here shows that you value the ideals that are taught through Catholic education. In selecting St. Bernadette School, your family has become part of a community which strives to develop each child to his or her full potential spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, physically and culturally.
We believe that the program of study at St. Bernadette School is of the highest caliber, evidenced by the full accreditation granted in November 2007 by the National Catholic Education Association. Moreover, the ever-expanding list of extracurricular activities available to the students—including our award-winning Band, Drama Club, CYO teams, to name a few—seeks to develop the whole student, beyond what is learned in the classroom. And the many opportunities for service, including altar servers, safety patrols, student council and National Junior Honor Society, provide our children the means to give back to this community.
Since the heart of our faith is the Eucharist, St. Bernadette School provides constant opportunities for the children to grow closer to Our Lord. Each homeroom attends Mass every week, and the entire school comes together once each month for a very special School Mass. Classes spend time in the Chapel every First Friday for Adoration. And during Lent, the children participate in Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross every Friday afternoon. We invite you, the parents, to join us for these and the many other liturgical celebrations that make the St. Bernadette community unique.
As you read through the school handbook, you will see that our aim is to guide the children as they grow, through a challenging curriculum and encouragement. We ask you, the parents, to partner with us in this Christ-centered learning environment, where every student is valued as a unique child of God.
I look forward to the many exciting events of this coming school year and invite you to always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
God be with you,
Mrs. Trish Beeks
Principal
SAINT BERNADETTE SCHOOL REGISTRATION
What a difference Saint Bernadette School can make for your child –
surrounded by the signs and symbols of the Catholic faith,
nurtured by daily prayer and Mass once a week,
bolstered by opportunities for regular confession,
taught by caring, dedicated, talented teachers and priests
who stress excellence and integrate Catholic principles and
values across the curriculum.
Come for a visit and experience the difference at St. Bernadette School.
Tours are also available upon request. Please contact the school office at (703) 451-8696.
A Message From The Superintendent Of Schools
Dear Catholic School Supporters,
The Diocese of Arlington continues to offer students many opportunities for learning and spiritual growth. This year we were able to open one new high school in Prince William County in addition to maintaining and strengthening our current programs. This could not have been accomplished without a great deal of support from those who believe in the mission of Catholic education.
At our Catholic schools, students will receive the proper foundation to become faithful and devoted leaders. I believe the Diocese of Arlington offers the resources for our young people to evolve adapt and prepare for new and exciting challenges.
As our students, faculty and staff continue this year of growth and education please pray for them to develop into enthusiastic, courageous leaders of the Church.
And, as always, I thank you for your support of the mission of Catholic education.
Sincerely,
Sister Bernadette McManigal, BVM
Superintendent of Schools
Parent Teacher Organization
Child Protection and Safety Program
The Diocese, the parish and the school are committed to providing a safe environment to all children entrusted to their care. The primary support that the PTO provides to the school is volunteer power, some of which involves direct contract with the children. A critical prerequisite for such volunteer work is compliance with the Child Protection and Safety Program instituted by the Diocese of Arlington. Compliance involves application procedures, including background checks. Information and forms about the application procedures can be obtained from Ms. Corlin Hanrahan on the parish staff, at chanrahan@stbernpar.org.
Compliance also involves completing - within 6 months of the start of volunteer work -- a PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN training program (otherwise knows as the "VIRTUS" program). More information is available on-line at http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/offices/protect/.