St Bernard State School is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs Sam Birch as the school’s new permanent Principal, beginning in Semester 2, 2025. Mrs Birch joins the St Bernard community from Bellevue Park State School, bringing with her a wealth of experience, deep commitment to student success, and a passion for community-driven leadership.
“It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself as the newly appointed Principal of St Bernard State School,” Mrs Birch shared. “After only one visit, my heart has already been stolen. I am thrilled to join your wonderful school community and can’t wait to meet students, staff, parents, and the wider community.”
With a teaching career that began in a small village school in the UK — complete with pet sheep in the playground — and more than two decades of leadership roles across respected Gold Coast schools including Varsity College, Surfer’s Paradise SS, St Hilda’s, Picnic Creek SS, and the Gold Coast Regional Office, Mrs Birch brings a unique blend of warmth, innovation, and experience to her new role.
“I’ve always loved the close relationships that small schools foster,” she said. “St Bernard is truly a small school with a big heart, and I look forward to working closely with families to build on the strong academic foundation and reconnect our school with the wider community.”
Following a period of renewal, St Bernard State School is entering an exciting new chapter. With a dynamic leadership team and a dedicated group of experienced educators — including in the early years — the school is focused on academic excellence, student wellbeing, and strong family partnerships.
St Bernard is proud to be recognised as one of Queensland’s top 10 performing state primary schools in recent NAPLAN results. Guided by the belief that “Every child can learn, and every child can achieve,” the school fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where every student is empowered to thrive.
As part of its future-focused vision, the school is now welcoming registrations for its 2025 Pre Prep Program — a free, play-based school-readiness initiative for children starting Prep in 2026. Designed and delivered by experienced early years educators, the program supports children to develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning while gently introducing them to the routines, relationships, and environment of school life. Open to all families — no catchment area required.
Pre Prep Program 2025 Session Dates
• Term 3 (fortnightly Thursdays): 24 July, 7 August, 21 August, 4 September, 18 September
• Term 4 (weekly Thursdays): 16 October, 23 October, 30 October, 6 November, 13 November
• Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
• Location: St Bernard State School, Tamborine Mountain
Register now via the school website, by calling the front office, or by scanning the QR code on promotional materials.
