Bernadette Fabri, Principal at St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta.
Name: Bernadette Fabri
Title: Principal at St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta
What do you do in your job?
One of the most satisfying things about being a teacher or a principal is that no two days or weeks are the same. There are so many different aspects to the role ranging from administrative tasks to watching children learn and achieve.
How long have you been doing this job, and what first sparked your interest in this area?
This is my ninth year as a principal, but I didn’t have this aspiration as a young teacher. I think you recognise that you have the ability and desire to make an enormous difference in the lives of a community and become confident to give it a go.
What do you like most about the job?
There are many aspects that I love but the most satisfying is watching children and staff grow and flourish and increase their confidence and skills. They contribute to the school in the most extraordinary ways that far exceed what one can do alone.
What was the most unexpected thing you have had to do in your job?
Without doubt, having to lead a school during a pandemic was the most unexpected thing that I had to do. Never in a million years, as they say, did I see that coming.
How have you adapted to greater demand for online learning during COVID? What other challenges have you faced during the pandemic?
Online learning was a steep learning curve for both students and staff with the pressure and desire to achieve success in a short period of time.
Supporting children from diverse situations meant continually adapting things to suit as many families as possible.
Decisions focused on safety first and maintaining good relationships when most people were feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Guideline changes were also challenging and most principals experienced decision fatigue.
How transferable are your skills? Are there any other jobs that require similar skills and qualifications?
I have always been in education. [But] I think they are extremely transferable. Solving complex problems, developing strong interpersonal skills, patience and an even temperament under stress. Leading a school also requires a positive and hopeful attitude and an understanding that success is best achieved when people feel valued and supported to contribute in their own unique ways.
What advice do you have for people wanting to get into a career related to your skills and experience?
The satisfaction gained from teaching is indescribable. I’m sure many people remember a teacher that changed their lives because they believed in them in some way. Most teachers do this as part of their natural tendency to nurture and a love of learning. Our future depends on the brightest and most capable young people entering the profession.
What skills and personal skills do people need in teaching?
It’s highly relational, and people skills are a must. It requires a deep interest in learning the most effective ways to increase student achievement growth and the ability to foster quality relationships in the workplace and solve complex problems.
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21 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🕰️💚 Way Back When Wednesday! 💛🕰️ It's time for another trip down memory lane as we dive into the St Patrick's archives! 📸 Can you guess the year? Here are a few clues... 🇦🇺 John Howard became Australia's Prime Minister. 🎶 The Macarena had everyone up and dancing! 🎬 Toy Story was delighting Australian cinema audiences, while Independence Day was a box-office hit. 🏅 The Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, with Australia bringing home nine gold medals. 🏉 The Manly Sea Eagles were celebrating an ARL premiership victory! Meanwhile, at St Patrick's, another generation of students was busy learning, laughing and making memories that would last a lifetime. 💚💛 Have you guessed the year? Yes, it is 1996. Do you recognise anyone in these photos, or were you part of the St Patrick's story back then? We'd love you to share your memories in the comments! #WayBackWhenWednesday #GuessTheYear #StPatricksParramatta #SchoolMemories #OurHistory #100YearsOfCatholicEducation #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats20 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⚽🌍 World Cup Fever is Back at St Patrick’s! 🌍⚽ The ball hasn't even been kicked yet, but Season 2 of our Primary World Cup Soccer is already building excitement! Our Year 3 and 4 students have been gathering around the team announcements, eagerly discovering the new countries, checking out their teams and getting ready for another season of soccer fun. ⚽ Who will be the team to watch? Which country will rise to the top? And who will become our next World Cup stars? 🏆 One thing is certain: there will be plenty of teamwork, friendly competition, encouragement, and excitement! Let the games begin! 💚💛 #PrimaryWorldCup #Season2 #WorldCupFever #Stage2 #StPatricksParramatta #LearningIsFunAtStPats
Latest News More news
21 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🕰️💚 Way Back When Wednesday! 💛🕰️ It's time for another trip down memory lane as we dive into the St Patrick's archives! 📸 Can you guess the year? Here are a few clues... 🇦🇺 John Howard became Australia's Prime Minister. 🎶 The Macarena had everyone up and dancing! 🎬 Toy Story was delighting Australian cinema audiences, while Independence Day was a box-office hit. 🏅 The Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, with Australia bringing home nine gold medals. 🏉 The Manly Sea Eagles were celebrating an ARL premiership victory! Meanwhile, at St Patrick's, another generation of students was busy learning, laughing and making memories that would last a lifetime. 💚💛 Have you guessed the year? Yes, it is 1996. Do you recognise anyone in these photos, or were you part of the St Patrick's story back then? We'd love you to share your memories in the comments! #WayBackWhenWednesday #GuessTheYear #StPatricksParramatta #SchoolMemories #OurHistory #100YearsOfCatholicEducation #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats
20 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⚽🌍 World Cup Fever is Back at St Patrick’s! 🌍⚽ The ball hasn't even been kicked yet, but Season 2 of our Primary World Cup Soccer is already building excitement! Our Year 3 and 4 students have been gathering around the team announcements, eagerly discovering the new countries, checking out their teams and getting ready for another season of soccer fun. ⚽ Who will be the team to watch? Which country will rise to the top? And who will become our next World Cup stars? 🏆 One thing is certain: there will be plenty of teamwork, friendly competition, encouragement, and excitement! Let the games begin! 💚💛 #PrimaryWorldCup #Season2 #WorldCupFever #Stage2 #StPatricksParramatta #LearningIsFunAtStPats
19 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⚽🏆 Celebrating Our Season 1 World Cup Stars! 🏆⚽ Before we kick off Season 2, let's celebrate some wonderful achievements from our first Primary World Cup Soccer competition! Our players earned medals and special awards for their efforts on and off the field. 🏅 Golden Boot 🥅 Amazing Goalie ⭐ Most Consistent Player 🏆 Player of the Season 🛡️ Best Defence 👏 Encouraging Team Leader Congratulations to all our award recipients and every student who participated! These awards remind us that soccer is about much more than scoring goals. It's about teamwork, perseverance, encouragement, sportsmanship and giving your best. A huge thank you to Mrs Cadman for her enthusiasm and dedication in making Season 1 such a wonderful experience for our students. Now, bring on Season 2! ⚽💚💛 #PrimaryWorldCup #Season1 #CelebratingAchievement #Teamwork #StPatricksParramatta #learningisfunatstpats #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats
18 Oct 2026
From Facebook
💚💛 The Sound of St. Patrick’s is Back! 💛💚 There’s something special about the sound of a playground filled with laughter, chatter and the excitement of friends seeing each other again! After the quiet of the holidays, St. Patrick’s energy returned quickly on Tuesday. From happy reunions to friends greeting each other like they hadn’t seen each other in years, our playground was full of life again! 😊 We’re already a week into Term 4, and it's a wonderful reminder that the people make our school such a special place to belong. Welcome back, everyone! Here's to a fantastic final term of learning, friendship and making memories together. 💚💛 #WelcomeBack #Term4 #StPatricksParramatta #Belonging #learningisfunatstpats #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd
17 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🕰️💚 Way Back When Wednesday 💛🕰️ Is it time to dive back into the St Patrick’s archives... but can you guess the year? 📸 Here are a few clues: 🎬 Ghostbusters had us asking, “Who you gonna call?” 🎶 Wham! had everyone singing along to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 🇦🇺 Bob Hawke was Prime Minister 🏉 The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were celebrating premiership success 💻 Computers were getting into more homes... although they looked VERY different from the ones we use today! Meanwhile, at St Patrick’s, another generation of students was busy learning, laughing and making memories. Can you guess the year? And, even better, do you recognise anyone in these photos? Share your memories with us in the comments! 💚💛 #WayBackWhenWednesday #GuessTheYear #StPatricksParramatta #SchoolMemories #OurHistory #100YearsOfCatholicEducation
01 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⚽🏅Celebrating Our World Cup Stars!🏅⚽ Our Primary World Cup may be over, but there were a few more achievements to celebrate! Throughout the tournament, our players demonstrated skill, determination, teamwork, leadership and wonderful sportsmanship. Our Season Awards recognised some of the students who made a special contribution both on and off the field. ⚽ Golden Boot: Mahli 🛡️ Best Defence: Joseph A and Paul D 🥅 Best Goalies: Zac A and Jordan A ⭐ Most Consistent Players: Josh Y, Noah Y, Josh N, Mason, Roman, Nicholas P and AJ 👏 Encouraging Team Leaders: Frank and Joey K 🏆 Overall Player of the Season: Jesse J Congratulations to all our award recipients! While trophies and awards are wonderful, we are equally proud of the qualities celebrated through them: teamwork, perseverance, encouragement, courage, sportsmanship and having a go. Well done to every player who made this season such a success, and another big thank you to Mrs Cadman for creating such a fantastic opportunity for our students. ⚽💚💛 #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats #PrimaryWorldCup #SeasonAwards #SoccerAtStPats #Teamwork #StPatricksParramatta #LearningIsFunAtStPats
29 Sep 2026
From Facebook
⚽🏆 The Final Whistle! 🏆⚽ What an incredible Primary World Cup Soccer tournament it has been! Over the past weeks, Australia, England, Spain, Brazil, Portugal and France have battled it out on the field, bringing energy, determination, teamwork and plenty of excitement to every game. From Australia holding strong at the top, to England’s late charge, Spain’s skill and teamwork, and Brazil, Portugal and France continuing to improve and challenge throughout the competition, every team had something to celebrate. But the final results are only one part of the story. The real win has been watching our students play together, develop their skills, encourage one another and demonstrate fairness, perseverance and respect. Congratulations to every player who took to the field and helped make our Primary World Cup such a memorable event. ⚽💚💛 And a huge thank you to Mrs Cadman for bringing the World Cup to life for our students! #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #learningisfunatStPats #cspd #PrimaryWorldCup #SoccerAtStPats #Teamwork #Sportsmanship #StPatricksParramatta #LearningIsFunAtStPats
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
26 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🎭✝️ Faith Comes to Life ✝️🎭 Our Year 5 and 6 students had the wonderful opportunity to experience 'Be the Witness', a contemporary Gospel musical bringing the story of Jesus to life through the eyes of St Peter. Through music, drama and storytelling, students experienced the Gospel in a completely different way, exploring Peter’s journey of faith, courage, doubt, forgiveness and discipleship. What a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of live theatre while deepening our understanding of our Catholic faith. Sometimes a story we know so well can take on new meaning when we experience it in a new way. 💙💛 #BeTheWitness #FaithInAction #CatholicFaith #Stage3 #StPatricksParramatta #CatholicSchools #BelongToSomethingGreater #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats
25 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🕰️💚 Way Back When Wednesday 💛🕰️ Different faces. Different classrooms. Different ways of teaching. The same purpose. For generations, St Patrick’s staff have been united by a passion for learning and a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Teaching continues to change and evolve, but our commitment to moving student learning forward has always been, and will always be, at the heart of what we do. Here’s to all those who have taught, supported and inspired generations of St Patrick’s students, and to those who continue that story today. 💚💛 Who do you recognise? We’d love to hear your memories. #WayBackWhenWednesday #StPatricksParramatta #OurStory #TeachingAndLearning #CatholicEducation #100YearsOfCatholicEducation
25 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🎭🎶 A Night to Shine! 🎶🎭 What an incredible celebration of the Performing Arts at St Patrick’s! On Thursday evening, our students took to the stage to share their gifts with our community. Ms Gaudry and our talented choir filled the space with music, while individual students showcased an extraordinary range of talents through singing, piano, violin, drama and dance. 🎹🎻💃🎤 There is something very special about watching young people find the confidence to step onto a stage and share something they love. Our students were simply fantastic, and we could not have been prouder of them! A very special thank you to Ms Gaudry for the time, energy, and passion she put into organising such a wonderful evening and giving our students the opportunity to shine. The curtain may have closed on this year’s Showcase, but we’re already looking forward to next year! 🌟💚💛 #PerformingArtsShowcase #LetYourLightShine #Music #Drama #Dance #StPatricksParramatta #LearningIsFunAtStPats #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #catholicschools #cspd #learningisfunatStPats
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🌟🎸 One Stage. So Many Talents! 🎸🌟 Our Stage 3 students continued the entertainment at St Patrick’s You’ve Got Talent, stepping forward to share their gifts, including some fantastic guitar playing! 🎶 It takes courage to stand in front of your peers and share something you have practised and worked hard to develop, and we were incredibly proud of every student who took to the stage. Our Talent Show was also a chance to reflect on how fortunate we are to have opportunities to discover, develop and share our gifts. Not every child has access to the same opportunities, resources, or experiences, which makes it even more important to appreciate our gifts and look for ways to use them for good. Congratulations again to our wonderful MacKillop students and Ms Arida for bringing everyone together for such a joyful celebration of talent. 💚💛 #StPatricksYouveGotTalent #Stage3 #CelebratingOurGifts #Gratitude #StPatricksParramatta #CatholicSchools #BelongToSomethingGreater #cspd2026 #100yearsofcatholiceducation #learningisfunatstpatsparramatta #learningisfunatStPats #cspd #catholicschools