Bernie's Bulletin

The SBOCA Bowls Day is fast approaching so don't forget to book!

The event will be held on Sunday the 13th of April at Aberfeldie Community Bowls Club - it promises to be a cracking day where you can win cash prizes - need we say more!

Get your team of 3 together or come as a pair or individual. There will also be lunch and refreshments provided - so whether you want to bowl for glory or simply kick back in the autumn air, this is the day for you. Who knows, you might secretly be a bowling prodigy!

We invite all from the St Bernard's family - Old Collegians, current students, staff, family members and friends - to participate. Bookings are $50 per person and can be made at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXMJM or through the QR code above.

For inquiries or any further information please contact:

Gerard Mahoney (Community Bank Keilor East)   Mobile: 0412 165 912    Email: rollston@optusnet.com.au 

or Ben Lamaro (St Bernard's)    Phone: 03 9289 1106    Email: blamaro@sbc.vic.edu.au

Reunion Calendar

From humble beginnings at St Bernard's, Pat Comerford's career has taken him across the globe as a commentator, race caller and broadcaster.

Since graduating from the College in 2013, Pat studied journalism at LaTrobe University, specialising in broadcast media. He got his first international opportunity when he travelled to the University of Missouri in the US, and worked on both radio and television. he has since travelled around Australia and the world, putting together an impressive freelance commentary and media career. He's worked across the ditch in New Zealand, up in Singapore and most recently took up the position of Race Caller in Dubai for the 2023/24 season. He is currently underway with his second season in the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Racing Club. 

Pat works hard in his role and is always ready to hone his skills, as a capable MC and host outside of the commentary booth. For his career he stands by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi - "the future depends on what you do today."

An old collegian whose career is only going up, we wish Pat all the best with his work and adventures!

We love to highlight the success of our old collegians - so if you or someone you know has done some exciting things since their time at St Bernard's, please write in and let us know! development@sbc.vic.edu.au 

Image via LinkedIn

Our Partnership Lunch with the Essendon FC Academy was held on Thursday 20 March and was a resounding success!

Members of our community  gathered at the Michael Perrett Pavilion to hear from some Bombers legends and the brilliant team at the Essendon Academy, as they shared valuable insights into professional sport, business, education, and the great game of Aussie Rules. 

Former players Dyson Heppell, Steve Alessio, and Scott Lucas shared some great stories of times on and off the field. They were joined by Essendon Strategy and Growth Lead Kristen Bull and Player Development Manager (and old boy) Chris Byrne, as they were interviewed by our wonderful MC and Bombers champion, Simon Madden. 

A heartfelt thank you to all our guest speakers for their time and insightful contributions to the panel.

From Left: Dyson Heppell, Chris Byrne, Steve Alessio, Kristen Bull, Scott Lucas

MC and Bombers legend Simon Madden

Calling all alumni in the trades sector!

The College has some students seeking trade apprenticeships and work experience, who can fill a role in your business and gain valuable experience to jump-start their careers. 

We have:

A 2024 graduate looking for a Carpentry apprenticeship

A 2024 graduate looking for an Electrical apprenticeship

Several current Year 11s and 12s in our VCE and Vocational Major program, seeking work experience as a vital part of their curriculum.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact our Careers Advisor Sarah Woodhouse at swoodhouse@sbc.vic.edu.au. We and our students would greatly appreciate it!

Looking to buy a new car? St Bernard's are excited to announce our partnership with Essendon BMW, who have an exclusive offer for old collegians and current families!

The offer includes an exclusive discount on any BMW vehicle, as well as a complimentary 5 year/80,000km service package - for further information please contact emepham@sbc.vic.edu.au.

A short trip back in time this week to celebrate an outstanding College achievement. In 2018 our participation in the World's Greatest Shave was impressive, with massive buy-in across the school. With students, staff and our community getting together to raise money, their efforts were rewarded with recognition from The Leukaemia Foundation. The trophy proudly sits in our archive room today and is a great reminder of the wonderful community and camaraderie we have here at St Bernard's.

Honouring our esteemed old collegians is deeply important to the College. If you wish to submit Vale notices for inclusion in The Strand magazine, please send them via email to development@sbc.vic.edu.au. Your contributions allow us to respectfully remember and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have been part of our community and have sadly passed away since our last publication in late 2024 and throughout 2025.

We greatly appreciate your support in helping us honour their memories.