You must receive God well; give Him a loving welcome, for then He has to pay us rent. —Saint Bernadette
On behalf of the students, parents, faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to Saint Bernadette School Community. Since 1960, Saint Bernadette School has been a Christ-centered learning environment, focused on cultivating the potential of children and adults within our faith community. Every student is valued as a unique child of God and we strive to develop each to their full potential spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and culturally. Our Pastor, Parochial Vicar, Parish community and active parent community work with us to ensure that we meet the needs of our precious children.
We offer a challenging, integrated curriculum in a safe, nurturing environment. In November, our school will participate in the Design for Excellence–a year-long accreditation process culminating in a review by a visiting team. I am so proud of all the work of the priests, faculty, staff, parents and students in ensuring that the traditions we hold dearly continue to help us grow in faith and learning for our future.
I invite you to learn more about our lovely school by coming to the School Office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or by contacting the School Office at 703-451-8696. We will be happy to give you a tour where you can see first-hand our wonderful students and dedicated faculty and staff. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
God be with you,
Mrs. Trish Beeks
St. Bernadette Catholic School is truly a community of faith and learning. Principal Patricia Beeks, with the support of Pastor Kevin Larson, has rallied this community of faculty, staff, students and parents to work together with enthusiasm and synergy toward common goals. As a result of this shared vision and teamwork, the students of St. Bernadette experience a well rounded, challenging education in a faith-filled environment.
The teachers of St. Bernadette School demonstrate in word and action their dedication to student success through efforts to integrate the curriculum, enliven instruction with technology, and make real world connections. Their efforts go beyond the classroom to serve the extra curricular activities of the school. They show a caring connection to their students and model the virtues that they teach.
The PTO parents provide an amazing array of services and financial support of which the school should be especially proud. Volunteers serve with enthusiasm and help to spread the good news of Catholic education through active participation in the life of the school.
St. Bernadette staff exhibits a true pride of ownership of their school. Office staff, facilities manager and staff, custodians, cafeteria and playground personnel, extended day program staff are committed to their school and the work that they do to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming place to learn.
Students live up to the expectations of administration and faculty with their respectful, friendly attitudes and good self-control. They are successful academically, as reflected in their high test scores. They are connected to issues of Catholic Social Teaching and concerned about their world. They are eager to share their talents and the wonderful things they are learning. They exhibit leadership through the Student Council.
St. Bernadette Parish and Pastor Kevin Larsen, in their commitment to Catholic education support the school both spiritually and financially. There is generous subsidy of the operational budget. The school facilities have been renovated to meet the needs of students and provide space for services for school and parish. System upgrades, a newly renovated gym, and plans for increased security and energy efficiency further demonstrate the financial commitment.
Recognizing the combined efforts of this school community to meet the Minimum Standards of the Virginia Catholic Education Association and provide a community faith and learning, the Visiting Team recommends the re-accreditation of St. Bernadette School.
From the moment students gather for prayer in the morning, to the end of the day when they assemble again for spiritual reflection, children experience the Christ-centered education integral to St. Bernadette Catholic School. For over 40 years, St. Bernadette has been a faith-filled parish school providing a quality education to children in the greater Springfield area. Our shared commitment to Catholic education sparks this ethnically diverse community where school faculty, administrators and parents work together to help each student realize his or her true potential as a child of God.
In addition to a strong core curriculum of religion, math, science, social studies, and language arts, St. Bernadette students are enriched by weekly classes in art, computer science, library, music, physical education and Spanish. A newly designed computer lab provides a state-of-the-art computer for each child and after a full eight years of Spanish instruction, St. Bernadette graduates are prepared to enter second year Spanish in high school. Our full-time professional art teacher integrates art from different cultures and historical periods into a program that inspires students to create unique pieces which are displayed throughout the school and community and at the Annual St. Bernadette Art Show.
St. Bernadette School prides itself on being more than just an academic institution. We are a community, focused on developing Christian character in each child by teaching them to live their faith in word and deed and to share their blessings with the less fortunate through numerous service projects. Daily prayer, religious instruction and seasonal religious activities guarantee students a strong foundation in the Catholic faith.
Students are also offered the opportunity to learn and grow through participation in the school's varied extra-curricular activities. Even students as young as kindergarten may act in one of the school plays or join one of the many scout troops. Older students may play an instrument in the award-winning school band or perform at the Diocesan Shakespeare Festival. They may join the math club, play CYO sports, run for Student Council, work on the school yearbook, or participate in the safety patrol program.
The St. Bernadette Parent Teacher Organization is one of the most active in the Diocese of Arlington. Through the dedication and diverse talents of St. Bernadette parents, the school has a new playground, and the new computer lab that is electronically linked to every classroom. The Parent Teacher Organization also operates a daily hot lunch program with well-balanced meals prepared on-site, organizes social activities, and sponsors a cultural arts program that brings professional musicians, storytellers and other artists to the school to perform for the students and their families. St. Bernadette School is accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) whose accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education Committee on Accreditation as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education.