Newsletter
Debating News
10 March 2022
Tuesday, 8 March was International Women's Day for 2022
At St Bernard's, we understand the importance of this day and striving for a gender equal world. Being an all boys school we want to ensure we are instilling a culture of respect in our young men, so that we can work towards a future where gender inequality is a thing of the past
On Tuesday, Our fantastic VCAL Students catered a morning tea for our staff to celebrate International Women's Day.
This was followed by a virtual whole school assembly on Friday, with our College Leaders each speaking on the importance of the day. We also invited guest speaker Naomi from One Girl to speak to our young men about her important work, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa to bridge the gender inequality gap.
A massive thank you to Naomi for her time, her speech certainly provided plenty of food for thought to our young men and how they can be proponents for change.
On Friday, 4 March, four of our Year 11 History students represented St Bernard’s College in a flag raising ceremony at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
They were there because of our commitment to the Shrine’s Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation, which connects schools with veteran’s service units. We have an association with the Australian 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion who saw service in the Middle East, Java and New Guinea in World War Two.
As far as we are aware all service men from that group have passed, so this association keeps their memory alive. The relatives of ex-servicemen in attendance were honoured to have our students represent their loved ones.
Ms Swingler and the four students Felix O’Kane, Lewis Farrell, Finn Curwood and Zach Van Hees took part in the service leading readings and prayers.
The ceremony was recorded and can be viewed by clicking here
We are proud of our young men in their involvement in this important program.
On Thursday our VCE Studio Arts students visited the National Gallery of Victoria. This excursion enabled the boys to view the fine works of art that form part of our State's valuable collection. Some of the works they admired include paintings by Salvador Dali and Lee Krasner, ceramics by Pablo Picasso and sculptures by Henry Moore. Seeing these works and others will undoubtedly provide inspiration for the students as they develop their art folios throughout the year.
In Year 10 Food Studies on Monday, 28 February , our students cooked with St. Bernard's Free Range pork.
The class is currently studying ethical meat production as part of the course and this company are a wonderful example of sustainable meat production.
The pork, plus aprons, shopping bags and caps were very kindly donated by St. Bernard's Free Range and North Essendon Gourmet Butchery . We would like to add a special thanks to Vincent at St Bernard’s Free Range Pork and Phillip at Essendon North Butchers - Thank you for your wonderful support
Writing & manga art workshop to be held in the Library.
Is your son interested in creative writing or Manga art? Would they like to take part in a workshop with award winning author James Phelan (author of The last thirteen series, Jed Walker series, The Alone series, Lachlan Fox series) or a Manga art workshop with artist Kenny Chan, whose artwork is displayed in Manga books and various TV cartoon series and movies.
The workshop will take place in the Mitchell Library on Wednesday, 6 April from 9.45am - 12.30pm during Library Week. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. The event is free and all are welcome to attend, but there are limited spaces
If your son would like to be part of this event or would like further information contact Ms Jacqui Gale (Head of Library) on Jgale@sbc.vic.edu.au RSVP's close on 1 April
Our Year 7 & 8 students will also attend an author talk with James Phelan in period 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 6 April as an incursion.
Instrumental Music lesson enrolment for 2022 – There’s still time!
Please contact jstewart@sbc.vic.edu.au and mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au for further information and to enrol your son in instrumental music lessons for Semester 1, 2022.
Instrumental Lessons are on offer for the following instruments in Semester 1, 2022:
Guitar - electric/acoustic
Drums/percussion
Piano/Keyboard
Vocals
Bass Guitar
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Saxophone
Clarinet
Flute
What are some benefits of learning to play a musical instrument?
Learning a musical instrument can help to increase your cognitive ability (makes you smarter!!)
Relieves stress
Makes you feel proud!
Builds confidence
Improves patience
Improves memory
Improves creative thinking skills
Many more…..
Music opportunities in 2022!
There are many exciting music opportunities planned for 2022 that St Bernard’s music students can become involved in, including performing at Hamer Hall, as part of the ACCent on music concert with other ACC schools.
Ensembles running in 2022 include:
- Concert/Symphonic bands
- Show band
- Big band
- Rock bands
- Choir
- Guitar ensemble and more.
Want more info?
For further information about Instrumental music lesson enrolment or the music program at the St Bernard’s College, please contact: jstewart@sbc.vic.edu.au and mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au
On Thursday, 10 March during lunch our Debating A Grade team delivered a masterclass focusing on the 3rd speaker, to the rest of our Debating squad to help prepare for the first debate next Tuesday
It is fantastic to see the boys be able to learn from each other and truly encompasses our values.
As of Tuesday 9th February, 2022, the Uniform Shop will be operating by appointment only. This will help alleviate lengthy queues during peak periods.
Click here to make an appointment
If you know the sizes of the items you require, visit https://shop.sbc.vic.edu.au/ to order online.
For all other uniform enquiries, please email rbuhagiar@sbc.vic.edu.au or phone 9289 1176.
Congratulations to our ACC Lawn Bowls team on winning the 2022 ACC Lawn Bowls Tournament!
They are now back-to-back champions!
What an effort - Well done Boys!
An Excerpt from the 2002 Clairvaux
Weights and Gym
This year has marked the start of a new era in health and fitness at SBC with the opening of a fully equipped weights and gymnasium in June. Our facility is air-conditioned and very conducive to training all the year round. The students have responded enthusiastically, with consistently high numbers attending the four afternoons the gym is opened. Many thanks to the staff who have given of their time generously throughout the year to supervise the students. All weight trainers at SBC are indebted to them for their unfaltering commitment.
We look forward in 2003 to a full year of training in our new gym.
WORK EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT UDPATE FOR YEAR 10s (20-24 JUNE)
Following on from the Yr 10 Parent Information evening held on the 10th of February, we have had a rush of student enquiries. As noted last year (when we started the planning) and on the 10th of February - 20-24 June might seem like a long way away. However, the earlier the students begin their planning, the greater the chances they have of securing a meaningful placement. Students can find the Industry Engagement Information book on their Year Level MYSBC page. Click Careers/Year 10.
Secured a placement and yet to pick up the Work Experience Arrangement Form (including the COVID 19 document)? These can be picked up from the careers office.
Career as a Firefighter
Every workday has meaning. Every workday makes a difference. Firefighting is suited to people with a genuine desire to serve the community, and who thrive on working closely in a team. Firefighters need to -
have appropriate all-round strength and fitness
exhibit problem solving skills
demonstrate high level interpersonal skills
genuine desire to work with the community
have appropriate physical and psychological capability
There is a diverse range of roles available to firefighters, with great opportunities for specialisation and career progression.
Emergency response activities may include:
suppression of all types of fires
search and rescue
high angle rescue
road accident rescue
emergency medical response (EMR)
marine Response
industrial accidents and hazardous material handling and storage incidents
assisting other agencies in emergencies
fire investigation analysis
Community resilience activities may include:
educating the community about fire safety
working with diverse community groups, across all age groups, to promote emergency prevention and preparedness activities through a variety of community resilience programs.
Other activities may include:
training - skills maintenance and acquisition
involvement in exercises with the public through evacuation drills
installing smoke alarms for senior Victorians
participation in joint emergency training exercises (Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management and SES)
building inspections
checking water supplies, cleaning vehicles and maintenance of fire station.
Find out more, including salary scales and work hours, by browsing Victorian Fire Services.
Tax File Number (TFN)
A student will need at tax file number if he/she starts work (part-time and full-time) and all students planning on a tertiary education require one when they start.
Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Support Place) course at university without a Tax File Number, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early!
Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.
To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit TFN Application
Virtual Tours
Students are invited to take a virtual tour of RMIT’s campuses and facilities. Students can get a taste of what life is like as a university student at RMIT, including the best spots to eat, study and hang out. The suite of videos covers the Melbourne campuses, with a look inside specific interest areas including media, art, engineering, and health science.
Take a tour here.
Tuckwell Scholarship for 2023
Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013. The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. A Tuckwell is not just about a students’ intellect. It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world. All up one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!
So, Tuckwell Scholar students will receive:
$22,350 per annum (2021 rate) (increasing with inflation) for each year of the length of their undergraduate degree, to cover on-campus residential costs, books, and general living expenses
priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation
an annual allowance of up to $2,000 to assist with their move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g., airfares) between their home and the University for each year of their degree. The allowance will be dependent on the proximity of their family home to ANU.
an allowance to help cover the transport costs for your parents to attend Commencement Weekend at the start of the program, and
an ANU Sports Centre membership for the length of their degree.
Scholarships are awarded based on four criteria:
academic potential and achievements to date;
other significant achievements to date, of any type;
demonstration of the Attributes of a Tuckwell Scholar; and
Applying for a Tuckwell Scholarship is a three-stage process which commences with an initial application from yourself and a recommendation from a schoolteacher. Applications will begin in March 2022.
For more information browse Tuckwell Scholarship.
Career in Veterinary Nursing
The Good Careers Guide * states that Veterinary Nurses provide support to veterinarians in the management and care of animals receiving medical and surgical treatment.
The Personal requirements for a Veterinary Nurse include -
Enjoying working with animals
Able to handle animals with confidence and patience
Able to make accurate observations
Having good communication skills
Having good organisational skills
Being able to work as part of a team
Being caring and understanding
Some of the tasks a Veterinary Nurse might have to do include –
Providing animal care advice, and preparing, delivering, and reviewing animal care education programs.
Assisting Veterinarians to administer anaesthetics and oxygen during operations.
Holding animals to allow examination and treatment by Veterinarians.
May act as receptionist, accept payments, and undertake clerical work.
Giving medications to animals.
Placing animals in cages for recovery from operations and monitoring their condition.
Maintaining stock control and records.
May perform diagnostic laboratory tests.
Preparing instruments and handing them to the Veterinarian.
Cleaning and sterilising examination tables and equipment.
* The Goods Careers Guide – Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurses need to have a minimum of a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, although qualifications can include diplomas and bachelor degrees. Some of these can be found at Box Hill Institute, Melbourne Polytechnic, and La Trobe University.
Pathway to Physiotherapy
In 2021, Monash University introduced the Doctor of Physiotherapy, a three-year graduate-entry degree based at the Peninsula campus. This offers students with a passion for physiotherapy another pathway to a qualification, if unsuccessful in their application to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).
A Monash Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Science, or Health Sciences degree is a great foundation for the Doctor of Physiotherapy. Students must also meet specific unit requirements.
Find out more at Doctor of Physiotherapy.
University Clinical Aptitude Test
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs. Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT. Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test.
Bookings will open on 1 March 2022 and close 17 May 2022. The testing dates will be from 1 July 2022 to 12 August 2022.
Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation.
Find out more at UCAT.
Economics Explored
What does a career in economics actually look like? Whether you’re interested in government, private enterprise or social sciences, the world of economics is as vast as it is inspiring.
The University of Queensland has a useful online resource for students interested in economics. Students are encouraged to visit Economics Explored and watch a couple of interesting YouTube clips and also read through some Q & A, and also some valuable
New Master of Climate Science from 2022
We know that climate change is the biggest threat we face. We need climate scientists who can unravel how we got here, build models to predict where we’re going, and communicate those learnings effectively. We need people who understand the science behind climate change and can translate this to policy and action across every industry.
With the above mentioned in mind, the University of Melbourne is introducing the Master of Climate Science. The Master of Climate Science is a two-year program that is topical, interesting, and something that the University has deep, long-standing expertise in. The course is linked to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, which means students will be learning from scientists who have made significant contributions to the latest IPCC report – an assessment report detailing knowledge on climate change, its causes, potential impacts, and response options. Students in the Master of Climate Science can complete an industry-based internship or a research project and can choose between specialisations in Climate Dynamics and Climate Science.
Entry into this post-graduate program will be -
undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineering, environmental science, and
undergraduate mathematics equivalent to Calculus 1 (Calculus 2 may be necessary for some electives).
Find out more at Master of Climate Science.
Bachelor of Arts Reimagined
Swinburne’s Bachelor of Arts is changing, majorly from 2022.
Instead of choosing from a range of single arts subjects, the university has woven disciplines such as politics, history and sociology together into new themed majors including Politics, Power and Technology; Climate and Social Justice; and Ethics and Technology. So, students can connect their passion for a cause, to a course and a meaningful career.
Arts students will look at humanity and the complex issues the world is facing from multiple angles and look for innovative solutions. In addition, students will develop skills such as critical and creative thinking, problem solving and digital literacy – all of which are sought after in a range of industries now and in the future.
Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts in a double degree, including a new Arts double with Psychological Sciences to add depth to their chosen field or industry. A reminder too, that with Work Integrated Learning guaranteed as part of the course, students will graduate with real industry experience and ready to turn their passion into a profession.
Students can find out more at New Bachelor of Arts.
News from La Trobe University
New Pathways to the Bachelor of Education Programs
The Diploma of Teacher Education and Associate Degree of Teacher Education are the new pathways at La Trobe to the Bachelor of Education programs. These pathways replace the Bachelor of Educational Studies. Both pathway courses build the qualifications to transition directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education with full credit.