The Church School

The Saint Bernard’s Church School is in session during the school year, September to June. Registration for the new season is promoted on Rally Day each September and by special mailings in late summer.

To register a child in the Church School and to get your name on the mailing list, please see Amy Byrnes, our Church School Director. Registration is now between 60-70 children.

CHURCH SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Meeting each Sunday, with the exception of the third Sunday each month and on holiday weekends (as announced), our Church School offers classes for grades 1-8.

Classes meet during the 10 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist in the rooms of the Parish House. Rooms are marked with signage by grades. Children join the congregation for Holy Communion at about 10:45 a.m. and are welcome to receive the sacrament with their families.

TEACHERS

Parents are invited to serve as teachers. Sign-ups to teach are arranged through Amy Byrnes. Teaching materials are organized and laid out each week by the director for our classroom volunteers.

The curriculum we currently use is The Hands-On Bible Curriculum, published by Group Publishing, Loveland, Colorado.

CONFIRMATION CLASS 2008

Our Confirmation Class is designed for grades 6-8 and is a two year program of learning. The class is organized by our Church School Director and taught by our priest. It meets on designated Sunday mornings (September-May) at 9 a.m. in the Children's Chapel.

This year's class is 17 in number. Our confirmands will be confirmed in June 2008.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASS

Once a year the Church School offers a First Communion Class for children in grades 1-3. This class meets 3-4 times, usually in the season of Lent (February-April). It teaches children about the significance of Holy Communion and prepares them to receive the sacrament with a sense of appreciation and respect.

The class is taught by the clergy and the Church School Director. We use the stories of Moses and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, as well as the story of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. In the re-telling of these we communicate the ancient beginnings of Holy Eucharist. Children experience a simplified Seder meal and hear about Jesus’ fellowship with us in The Lord’s Supper.

To register for a First Communion Class, please speak with Amy Byrnes.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

The Church School News is a weekly E-mail communication sent out by the Director of the Church School. It informs parents of scheduling changes, promotes up-coming events, and serves as a tool to recruit volunteers. To get your name on the E-mail list to receive the Church School News, please contact Amy Byrnes.

CHILD CARE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

Professional child care is offered for children ages infant-toddler (-1 to 4) every Sunday morning during the 10 a.m. service.

The infant-2 year old child care room is the second door on the left in the lower hall of the Parish House, as you enter through the double doors at the west end (the doors facing the church building). The 3-4 year old toddler care room is the third door on the right.

Parents are welcome to place their children in care for the 10 a.m. service and return to pick them up at Coffee Hour (about 11 a.m.).

Amy Byrnes, our Church School Director, supervises our child care program. For more details, please speak with Amy, whose contact information is available through the Parish Office (Telephone: 908-766-0602, extension 5 or E-mail: saintbernards@verizon.net).

SPIRITUAL GOALS

Pre-K & Kindergarten (4-5 year olds)

Learn

• God made us and loves us.
• We can trust in God's care.
• Jesus is God's gift.
• God wants us to share the Good News about Jesus.

Grades 1-2

Learn

• God made us and loves us.
• About Jesus' birth.
• About Jesus' ministry.
• About praying to God.
• What Jesus' death and resurrection teaches us.
• About worshipping God.

Grades 3-4

Learn

• To trust God, even if we don't understand God.
• About Jesus' birth and miracles.
• What Jesus teaches about friendship.
• What Jesus' death and resurrection teaches us.
• About church and worshipping God.

Grades 5-6

• Develop healthy, bible-based attitudes and actions toward others with whom we interact daily.
• Use God's plan to handle the stress of school and growing up.
• Learn about the Holy Spirit.
• Learn what Jesus' death and resurrection teaches us and how it relates to our lives today.

Grades 7-8

Confirmation Class