Enrolment
St Bernadette's Primary School Ivanhoe
We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming environment. As a Catholic, co-educational school, we cater to students from Prep to Year 6. Our school is open to all individuals seeking to be a part of our educational community. We extend a heartfelt welcome to families who desire their child to receive the benefits of a Catholic education.
Our main year of intake is in Prep, however, students are accepted into all year levels where vacancies exist. Class sizes vary in order to cater for all students and are capped at the discretion of the Principal.
To enrol at St Bernadette’s we ask you to complete an enrolment form, available from your tour pack or from the school office.
Prep Enrolments:
Children must turn 5 years of age by the 30th of April in the year they are commencing school.
Enrolment Application Forms should be accompanied by:
-
Immunisation Certificate
-
Birth Certificate
-
Baptismal Certificate
-
Passport if the child was born overseas
Places at St Bernadette’s are offered in accordance with the school’s Enrolment Policy.
New Enrolments at Other Year Levels:
Families are welcome to make an appointment to tour the school and meet with the Principal. Families of new applicants are required to complete the Enrolment Application Form and attend an interview.
Prep Transition Timeline
At St Bernadette's, we aim to support parents and children in making a smooth transition to school life. For students to begin school in 2025, they must be 5 years of age by the 30th of April 2025.
Our comprehensive transition process includes the following steps:
School Tours
Tours are always welcome, so please fill in the form or call the office to arrange a time that best suits.
Letters of Offer
Letters of Offer for Prep will be emailed to families in May.
Interview
Parents and prospective students will meet with the Principal and members of the Leadership Team for a short interview in early June.
Kindergarten Visit
A member of our Wellbeing Team will visit students at kindergarten for an opportunity to interact with them in an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable. We will also provide a Social Story to each child that explains and celebrates the important parts of starting Prep.
Orientation Mornings
In November 2025, we will begin our orientation sessions where students have the opportunity to visit St Bernadette's, meet other students, and some of the teachers who will be teaching them once they begin school.
Orientation Morning with 2025 Class Teacher
The final piece of our Prep transition process is an orientation morning for students in their classroom for 2025 with their teacher.
Play in the Park
During the orientation time, families are invited to get to know each other over a cup of tea and are encouraged to arrange an informal play date at the local park so that both children and parents can connect, support each other, and plan to meet up again before starting school. We also provide contact lists for Prep families so that you can connect with each other over the summer holidays and set your child up for success. Please be in touch with any questions that you may have. All the very best as you make this important decision of primary school education for your family.
FAQs
Do you have to be Catholic to join your school?
No. St Bernadette’s warmly welcomes all families seeking a Catholic education for their child, regardless of their religious background. While preference is given to baptised Catholic students residing in the local parish, we value diversity and invite families from neighbouring parishes and other religions to enrol. Active participation in the religious life and culture of our schools is expected. Our aim is to serve the needs of all families within our community.
Do you have straight classes or composite?
At St Bernadette’s we currently have 1 straight Prep class and 8 composite classes. We design our classes around the needs of the students at the time.
What are the fees at St Bernadette’s?
Click here for more information
Do we have to wait for an Open Day to tour the school?
Not at all.
School Tours are a wonderful way to discover all that St Bernadette's Primary School has to offer your family. The tours will provide an overview of our curriculum, our specialist program, the importance of student wellbeing, as well as showcasing our amazing staff and students. If you are unable to attend a school tour, please contact us on 03 9499 3914 to discuss alternative arrangements.
How do I enrol my child?
Please see the Enrolment Tab on the school website. All families are welcome to contact the school for a tour or phone us on 9499 3914 if you have any questions.
Do you have Out of School Hours Care?
Yes. Our before and after school care program is provided on site by Kelly Club. It operates in our school hall from 7am until 8.45am, and from 3.30pm until 6.00pm
Buddies
The Buddy program helps to promote relationships and support between older and younger students through regular collaboration between their classes. This fosters a sense of whole-school community and creates friendships that enable students to bond more closely with their school.
Each year our new Prep students are partnered with a student in Year 5/6. During the Prep Transition period, Year 5/6 Buddies play an important role in familiarising Preps with the playground, ensuring they feel secure at recess and lunchtime, and assisting them in understanding routines and practices in the playground. This teaches them the values of caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility.
Uniform
The children at St B’s are very proud of their school. The purpose of the school uniform is to identify each student as a member of this community, and thereby to establish a common bond. The parents and staff together believe that wearing a simple school uniform enhances this feeling of belonging. The wearing of uniforms establishes attitudes of pride and cooperation and adds to the tone of the school. Parents are urged to ensure children wear their correct uniform and take pride in their appearance.
New uniforms can be purchased from Spartan School World 97 Main Road, Lower Plenty 3093 or online at https://www.spartanschoolworld.com.au
The second-hand uniform shop is open twice per term and is run by a fantastic team of St B’s parents. Keep an eye out in the newsletter for upcoming dates!
Term 1 and 4 Summer uniform; students must wear a school hat.
Term 2 and 3 Winter uniform.
Before & After School Care
Kelly Club is available for all children at St Bernadette’s School from 7:00am until 8:45am in the morning and from 3:30pm until 6:00pm each school day. During School Holidays and Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 7:00am until 6:00pm. Families wishing to use this service can visit the Kelly Club website: sbivanhoe@kellyclub.com.au
Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 90%.
More information can be obtained by contacting the school or contacting Nathan at Kelly Club on 0481 589 469. Kelly Club provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.
Hear from Our Community
"St. Bernadette's is more than a school, it's a welcoming community. The dedicated teachers inspire a love of learning, and the supportive environment fosters growth in all students. From school plays to sports to cultural celebrations, there's a strong sense of belonging. We're so grateful for this enriching environment for our children where they can thrive!"
- Andrew
Hear from Our Community
"From our initial tour of St Bernadette’s we immediately felt welcome into their warm, inclusive and supportive community. We knew it was the right school for our children.
All the teaching staff, from the classroom teachers, leadership team, specialty teachers and learning support officers have created such a safe, supportive and positive learning environment. This has enabled our children to strengthen their love of learning and for school, in an environment where they are both challenged and nurtured.
The community of St Bernadette’s is a special and unique one, where bonds amongst staff, families and students are strong. It’s the type of close knit community where we say goodbye to our children at the gate whilst being greeted by name and a warm smiling face by members of staff. Where our children’s learning, growth & development is tailored to them and their individual needs."
- Cassie
Hear from Our Community
St Bernadette's is a warm, welcoming and inclusive community. It is a place where children thrive, supported by the Christian faith.
St Bernadette's is large enough where a wide range of extra curricular activities are offered, yet personalised where all teachers know each student. Children are encouraged to reach their potential, supported by the caring staff.
- Annette (Grandmother)
