St Bernadette’s celebrates 70 years in Castle Hill

Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta, alongside parish priest, Father Fernando and Bianca Cooke

More than 500 students, staff, parents and members of the Castle Hill community helped celebrate St Bernadette’s Primary’s 70th Anniversary through a special day of reflection, celebration and community connection, honouring the school’s rich history and strong culture of learning and belonging.

Located in the heart of Castle Hill, the school honoured its remarkable journey with a special Mass led by Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta, alongside parish priest, Father Fernando. The celebration welcomed past principals Sister Venera, Ted Langford and Leanne Nettleton, as well as Chief Executive Officer Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Jack De Groot, representatives of the Mercy Sisters, former staff and members of the wider parish community.

Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv

Following the Mass, Bishop Vincent spent time greeting students and speaking with them about their school experiences, before joining the community on the playground to sing “Happy Birthday” and cut a commemorative cake.

“This is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to our pioneers,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Planning a school that endeavours to model an inclusive, a caring, a wholesome way of being together. Lives have been touched, nurtured and transformed over 70 years.”

Students spent the morning learning about the school’s history in their classrooms, before families and visitors explored a special heritage display in the hall, affectionately dubbed the “St Bernadette’s Museum”. The exhibition showcased historical photographs and artefacts from across the decades.

Parents also enjoyed open classrooms and shared morning tea, while the school’s senior band officially launched the afternoon program with a performance.

“Celebrating 70 years is just epic,” said Year 6 student Olivia Inchaustegui-Herrera. “I didn’t fully realise until recently that I would be here in my final year and be able to celebrate such a big birthday. I love being at school here.”

St Bernadette's provides a nurturing environment for your family

Principal Bianca Cooke said the day was a powerful reminder of the school’s journey and the community that continues to shape it.

“It's such a joyous day and a great way to celebrate our 70-year history in Castle Hill,” Ms Cooke said. “From the humble beginnings of 66 children to what we are today, it's just magnificent. I'm really proud of what we've achieved in the seven years that I've been here, but for all of those people who've gone before, what a legacy we have today.”

Opening in 1956 in the original church building, with just 66 students taught by two Sisters of Mercy, St Bernadette’s has grown into a thriving, multicultural school community while remaining grounded in its faith and values.

“We're very central to the whole area of Castle Hill,” Ms Cooke said. “When I speak to families about why they want to come here, they say we've heard about you, we know about and have heard great things about your school.”

Teacher Alexandra Buscall, a former student of the school, said the sense of belonging is what makes St Bernadette’s so unique.

“It's absolutely beautiful,” she said.

I think that's why you see multiple generations come back to this school, year after year. Families keep returning because they belong, and that's something that's really special to this place.

“I always come back to our motto, 'Strength through gentleness'. I try to show the students the importance of being strong, but also always being gentle and having at the core of you, compassion and mercy and all of those great qualities.”

“As a former student and now current class teacher, to walk down that memory lane is just surreal… St Bernadette's really makes everybody feel like they belong and that they are part of something special that continues long after you leave school.”

“St Bernadette's is a huge part of Castle Hill,” Ms Buscall said. “Our people, the diversity and how welcoming our community is is what makes Castle Hill such a great place to live.”

The celebrations concluded with a lively “Buddy Dance Off”, where students from different Year levels come together to dance. A fitting reflection of the friendships, support and joy that defines life at St Bernadette’s.

View photos from this event

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

09 Jun 2026
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