History

St Bernadette’s school opened on 31st January, 1956 sharing a building which was also a church for the Castle Hill parishioners who were then part of St. Michael’s parish, Baulkham Hills. Two Sisters of Mercy taught the children, the first principal being Sister Mary Dunstan. The Sisters of Mercy continued to provide their sisters as teachers and principals until the early 1980’s. From the 1960’s through to the 1980’s, the school continued to grow rapidly, reflecting the growth of Castle Hill and nearby suburbs until it became a three stream school of some 630 pupils in classes from Kindergarten to Year Six.

The school is administered through the Executive Director of Schools, delegated by the Bishop of Parramatta. The parish priest retains the role of pastoral care and is trustee for the parish property on which the school is built. The day to day management of the school is the responsibility of the principal. Enrolments for the school are based on its Enrolment Policy and determined by a committee for Kindergarten children, and by the parish priest in consultation with the principal for all other grades. The school has a quality Religious Education programme based on the Diocese of Parramatta's document 'Sharing Our Story'. The Parish Priest provides regular opportunities for the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments. The Catholic Education Office offers staff and resources to the school for children with special educational needs. The school offers a wide-ranging, comprehensive and exciting curriculum for the students in line with Catholic Education Office, Parramatta and Board of Studies guidelines and policies.

In 1997 major renovations of the school were completed and the school was officially blessed and opened on August 27, 1997. New buildings included a new administration block and library, and two classroom blocks with six and four classrooms respectively. A new canteen, additional toilets and extensive renovation of the former administration and library block were also completed. Funding for this purpose was provided by the Catholic Education Office of the Diocese of Parramatta, with some supplementary assistance from the parish and St. Bernadette’s Parents and Friends Association.

St. Bernadette’s school Parents and Friends Association is the active body of parents of the school and other interested parishioners who meet several times a year to plan fundraising activities to benefit St. Bernadette’s school, organise working bees and receive reports about the school's activities and functions and from the principal and other members of staff.