Annual Activities
Nature’s Classroom
Our Bernardian students enjoy a fun-filled week in Ocean Park, ME. They learn about Science using a “hands on” approach. Adventures included investigating the habitat of the local terrain – the woods, the ocean and the marsh. There are so many memories of great experiences and lots of happy, smiling faces!
Catholic SchoolS Week
Bishop Robert McManus and Gabriel Lopez
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week. Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.
Some of our Catholic Schools Week events include a sports rally, Grandparents’ Day, Student Appreciation Day and Teacher Appreciation Day.
Scholastic Book Fairs
STB sponsors a Scholastic Book Fair each fall and every spring.
Book Fair weeks are full of fun and are highly anticipated by families, students, faculty and staff. And yes, all the Fair materials are delivered by beloved Clifford, the Big Red Dog or at least a truck with his pictures on it!
Each fair has its own theme that transforms STB’s Library into an even more magical place for book lovers of all ages and interests.
Every class come to visit multiple times during the Fair. There are contests with prizes to be won, books to peruse and lists to be made. Families and friends have opportunities to share in the fun, too.
Not only do many books find their way to new homes, the profit from each Book Fair provides Scholastic Dollars to support purchases of new books for the STB Library and individual classroom libraries.
Field Day
Crazy 8’s
Crazy 8’s is a math club unlike any other! If offers unique, high-energy math activities that appeal to kids of all math abilities. The club is designed for after-school programs in schools. Our club services students in Grade 1 – 5.
Book Buddies
St. Bernard’s has a cherished tradition of pairing older and younger classes together as Book Buddies. Pre-K and Grade 5, Kindergarten and Grade 8, Grade 1 and Grade 6, and Grade 2 and Grade 7 students meet to share their love of books and many other things, as well. Our older Bernardians provide strong role models for the younger children as important relationships are formed across the school.
Christmas Program
December finds our Kindergarten reminding all Bernardians of the true meaning of Christmas. The story of the Nativity is told by the Holy Family with support from Shepherds and their flocks, the Magi and their camels and Choirs of Angels. Grades 1, 2 and 3 share the program singing Carols and traditional Christmas songs.
Art Show and Ice Cream Social
St. Bernard’s ends the year with an event that draws all Bernardian families. An evening of Art work on display from Pre-K to Grade 8 fills every space in the cafeteria. Ice cream sundaes sweeten the evening for all. This year’s Ice Cream Social was sponsored by the PTO.
Father – Daughter Dance
Bernardian ladies dance the night away with their Dads or Special loved ones. Each year has a different theme and creates special memories for all. The evening is held at the Fitchburg Senior Center (the former Amory) which is transformed into a beautiful space for dining and dancing.
Mother – Son Bowling
Bernardian boys challenge their Moms and Special loved ones to a Sunday afternoon of Galactic bowling. Pizza fuels the fast paced action which makes the time at Gardner Ten Pins fly by.
Read Across America Day
Every March, St. Bernard’s joins schools across America celebrating the birthday of Ted Geisel more famously known as Dr. Seuss. The morning sees our primary classes hosting Guest Readers and enjoying all things Seussical! Guest readers have recently been the Mayor of Fitchburg, the Principal of St. Bernard’s High School, Fr. Dolan, Trooper Sean Maki, and our beloved gym teacher, Mr. Steve Maki. Books, art activities and Seussical snacks – what’s not to love?
Fiesta Shows Carnival at STB
St. Bernard’s hosts the Fiesta Show Carnival each spring to coincide with April vacation. This is a major event that draws families from across the region every year. Rides, games, entertainment and food galore for all.
Grandparent and Special Loved Ones Luncheon
STB is a true community. Students invite their grandparents and special friends to luncheon each fall. Hundreds of guests come to visit their children and to enjoy time together. Eighth Graders offer service as wait staff that afternoon. It is always a wonderful day of celebration, appreciation and love.
Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis is one of our most beloved saints – known for his humility and charity, as well as his great love for all of the natural world. Our families are invited to bring their family pets to our Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4 (or the school day closest to his Feast day.) Father Dolan always reminds us that all living creatures must come on a leash, in a carrier or in a bowl. Younger children are welcome to bring their beloved stuffed animals to receive a blessing, as well.
