Applications are now welcome to join the St Bernard’s College Advisory Council and subcommittees.

The St Bernard’s College community is inspired by the Charism of Edmund Rice and our daily work is informed and enriched by the Edmund Rice Education Australia touchstones. We strive to offer a liberating education, based on Gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community committed to justice and solidarity.

The Advisory Council plays a pivotal role in the life of the College. It provides support and advice and collaboratively participates in setting the strategic direction of the College. Working closely with the Principal, the Advisory Council also oversees the College’s alignment and faithfulness to the Charter and the highest quality stewardship.

To ensure that the Advisory Council is in the best position to support the Principal and the College, it is critical that each member of the Council and its subcommittees brings skill and experience that complements the skills and experience of the other members, as well as the skills and experience relevant to the Council’s responsibilities.

The Advisory Council is now seeking expressions of interest from the St Bernard’s College community for additional members for the Council and subcommittees with excellent communication skills, commitment to the College and its mission, and substantial experience in the following areas:
· Governance and Risk
· Finance Accounting / Investment
· Property
· Cybersecurity

For a confidential conversation about the role of the Advisory Council or to request an application pack, please contact Jackie Besley GAICD, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting on 0413 633 195 or jackiebesley@devereauxconsulting.com.au

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Sunday 24 March 2024.

Music at SBC

The year has well and truly commenced and with it, a few fantastic music events.

Planning ahead for our 2024 music camp, 2025 music tour to Sydney and our 2027/2028 music tour to the USA is in motion. If parents and guardians would like to learn more about these exciting trips, please contact the Head of Music, Joshua Romeo at jromeo@sbc.vic.edu.au.

On the 18th of March, the college Stage Band will be heading to Parade College, where they will be participating in the annual ACC Jazz Ensemble workshop. This is going to be a fantastic and enriching event for all of the young men involved.

This year we are putting an extreme emphasis on students joining the music team and being a part of the college ensembles. If any student plays an instrument, they are most welcome to join our college ensembles.

We would particularly love to encourage and invite students to join the college SBC Voices (choir), which usually run on Friday’s at lunch time, and the college Drumline, which runs on Tuesday’s at 7:30am.

Upcoming Events

As the end of the term draws closer and closer, so do the upcoming music events:

• 8 March – International Women’s Day Assembly

• 18 March – ACC Jazz Ensemble Workshop

• 28 of March – Easter Liturgy Mass

Good luck to all the young men involved, particularly our Year 7 students as they take their first step in their musical journey.

Music Lessons

As of Term 1 this year, SBC is now proudly providing the opportunity for students to sign up for Violin lessons. If your son plays the violin or you would like to sign him up for lessons, please contact Michelle Puglisi at mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au.

St Bernard’s College offers a multitude of instrumental lessons too, including:

Orchestral Music:

Brass

• Trumpet

• French Horn

• Trombone

• Euphonium

• Tuba

Woodwind

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Saxophone

• Bassoon

• Oboe

Guitar

• Acoustic Guitar

• Bass Guitar

Percussion

Piano

Violin

Contemporary Music:

Voice

Piano

Drumkit

Guitar

• Acoustic Guitar

• Bass Guitar

Any parent/guardian who wishes to sign up or has any questions, please email the Music Administrator, Michelle Puglisi at mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au, or contact the Head of Music, Joshua Romeo at jromeo@sbc.vic.edu.au

Booking link for Term 2 : https://www.trybooking.com/CPWQW

Friends of Music

Friends of Music is an opportunity for parents and members of the St Bernard’s Community to get involved in the music program, and with that contribute to creating as many opportunities as possible for all the young men involved. Looking ahead, it is our hope to raise money for a more diverse collection of innovative instruments. If you would like to join Friends of Music, please email the Head of Music, Joshua Romeo.
 

Can you help?

If anyone has a piano accordion that is no longer loved and you feel that you would like to part with it, the music department (Jeff Mifsud) would be happy to take it off your hand even if it is in need of some repair.

Jeff Mifsud, one of our music teachers can be contacted via email, jmifsud@sbc.vic.edu.au.

Thank you in anticipation

Upcoming Author Talk and Writing workshop for Resurrection House

An author talk and writing workshop will be held at Resurrection House campus on Tuesday 26 March. All students onsite will listen to an author talk by accomplished author Mark Smith. Mark writes fast paced, action novels that have great appeal to Year 9 students.

Mark will also be conducting a writing workshop during period 3 & 4, where he will share strategies to advance students writing styles. Morning tea will be provided for those wishing to take part in the workshop. Mark will be a welcome guest as he was the former Director at the Santa Monica campus, he has a great well of experience engaging the Year 9 cohort.

If your son would like to come along to the writing workshop email Jacqui Gale jgale@sbc.vic.edu.au Head of Library by 15 March.

April School Holidays Careers Events

Take the opportunity to discover some of Melbourne’s tertiary institutions these upcoming school holidays. A tour or activity on campus provides insight into career and study possibilities. Some events are directed at particular year levels – please research ahead of registering for an event. Registration with the institution is necessary for each event.

MYSci Program at Monash University
MYSci is a three-day science program specifically designed for students current Year 11 and 12 students. The program has been significantly revised from the 2023 event, and so students who attended in 2023, can also attend in 2024!

This program schedule will include:

• Hands-on workshops

• Access to our brilliant teaching facilities

• Opportunities to meet some of our Research Scientists

• Exposure to potential career pathways

• Activities with the Young Scientists of Australia

• Social activities

When: Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 April 2024
Where: Monash Science Precinct, Clayton Campus
Cost: $120 per student

Registration is essential and can be done at MYSci Program.

Deakin Campus Tours

Experience your future campus and get the course information you need.

Deakin’s tours are the perfect way to begin one’s university journey and to get a feel for campus life. Students participating in a tour get to experience Deakin’s vibrant campuses and world-class facilities in a study area that interests them. In addition, staff and students will be available at the course information expo set up. Tours will depart daily from 9.00am – 3.00pm.

 

Register at Deakin Campus Tours.

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student

Want to know what uni is really like? Walk a day in a Swinburne student’s shoes and find out for yourself.

https://www.swinburne.edu.au/collaboration-partnerships/school-programs/workshop-events/immersion-days/?seid=ch_em%7Ccamp_cpnws%7Csrc_cp%7Caud_cps%7Ccre_id24ape1%7Cna&deliveryName=DM48238

Year 10 Discovery Day at Monash

Have you been thinking about your future – what you should study, how to get the best study outcomes, and what’s it like to be a Monash student? Then the Year 10 Discovery Day is for you!

Year 10 students and parents can attend tailored sessions to learn about successful study techniques, family support, and what is required for a bright academic future. There will be various workshops sessions to participate in, and after morning tea, parents have the option to explore campus, visit onsite cafes, etc.

Date: Friday 5 April 2024

Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Location: Clayton Campus

Registration is essential. Visit Year 10 Discovery Day - Discover Monash to sign up.

A Day at the University of Melbourne

An event for Year 9 and Year 10 students, on Thursday 4th April, 2024. Registrations will be opening soon – follow this link for more information:

Future student events calendar (unimelb.edu.au)

Begin the career journey!

We’ve placed career resources in the one spot to make your son’s career exploration and research easier. Head to the mySBC - Careers page to explore their post school ideas.

There your son will find links to and information on:

- What they can expect in Careers in Years 9 to 12

- Universities and TAFEs

- Job Seeking

- Traineeships and Apprenticeships

- Bullseye Posters - discover occupations grouped by learning areas and skill levels

- Careers news and updates

- Upcoming careers events

The Careers staff at St Bernard’s College are here to assist students to identify and research post school options and to help with ideas for school holiday work experience. If you have a careers query contact the relevant Careers Advisor.

Years 10, 11, 12 Avila, MacKillop and 11/12 VM Students – Jo Miles jmiles@sbc.vic.edu.au

Years 10, 11, 12 McAuley, Nagle, Rice and 12 Baccalaureate students – Sarah Woodhouse swoodhouse@sbc.vic.edu.au

Urban Engagement Reflection

As with anything else, Urban Engagement was a bit daunting at first, for catching public transport all the way into the city and navigating around this busy location without teachers or another adult wasn’t something I was used to. After four weeks in the city, I proved myself wrong. My confidence in moving around the city and its surrounds, catching different trams, trains and buses improved greatly. It was up to students to decide how to get from one place to another and if we caught the wrong tram, we had to figure it out and work out how to rectify the situation. We were trusted to get back to CTC when expected. I had not anticipated how exciting this was, and on top of that, I also made new friends and developed solid connections with my peers.

I really liked the concept of exploring the city and discovering new things. Some places were seriously incredible! I am sure that you will be amazed at the crazy number of places in the city that you didn’t even know existed. No matter what time you go this year you’ll enjoy Urban Experience more than anything else!

My advice to you before going onto Urban Experience is not to think about the worries before you go! You will be supported, you will spend time with your peers, and you will learn a great deal about the wonderful city in which you live.

Martin Galluzzo

During my stint with Urban Engagement, it dawned on me that I was having one of the most memorable experiences of my school life. For four weeks straight, I strolled through the vibrant streets of Melbourne alongside my classmates, uncovering the city's attractions. Urban Engagement wasn't just a program; it was an adventure, a journey of discovery. Throughout those weeks, Melbourne revealed itself in all its hustle and bustle. I witnessed the people scurrying about their daily lives, cars blaring their horns, and the aroma of multicultural cuisines mingling with the scent of fuel and exhaust. The city was alive with chatter, and traffic. Urban Engagement was about immersing ourselves in city life, navigating its streets via public transport, and seizing every opportunity to explore. Each day brought new activities, each one more enjoyable than the last, not just for me, but for my peers too. But it wasn't just about the fun; Urban Engagement taught me valuable life lessons. Negotiating public transport daily instilled in me a sense of independence, requiring me to manage my time, stay organized, and be accountable. I honed practical skills like navigating the city's streets, mastering the PTV app, and discerning the intricacies of tram and train routes. Reflecting on the experience, I can't help but wonder about its lasting impact. Will the knowledge and skills I've gained serve me well in the future? How will future participants benefit from this journey of discovery? For those four weeks, Urban Engagement felt like a vacation—an exciting escapade with friends, brimming with anticipation and exploration. As it draws to a close, I'm filled with gratitude for the memories created and the lessons learned. Urban Engagement wasn't just an excursion; it was a transformative experience, one that I'll cherish forever.

Harry Osman

Santa Monica Reflections

At Santa Monica, I enjoyed surfing and canoeing the most. These activities were all things that I’d never done before, and I found them both enjoyable. I think everyone has learnt that they are capable of pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. The staff there are often speaking about resilience. The challenges you face at Santa Monica are all put in front of you for your own benefit. These include the hikes, jobs, and homesickness. You need to show resilience to get through these things.

There are lots of things that we found challenging, but eventually, you realise that complaining only makes the experience less enjoyable.

You need to make the most of the opportunities to try things that you’ve never done before.

Lucas Price

The Santa Monica Experience is one not to forget. You leave your phones for the week and get to experience the world around you and get to experience one of the best coasts in the world. There are fun activities such as surfing and canoeing and also activities that will test you such as hiking, but stay confident and you will succeed and have plenty of fun. Embrace the experience and get the most out of Santa Monica with your mates because it is one of the highlights of Year 9.

James Murray

Some challenges I overcame at Santa Monica was keeping up with jobs, duties and chores. I also think most of us have overcame the fear of the hikes. The hikes were definitely the hardest part of camp only because of how far we had to walk and the steep hills we had to climb. Although with all those challenges I think we would all rather be there than school right now even though we complained way too much at the time.

Rohan Minniti

Our Year 7 Food Studies students have recently been engaged in sensory properties analysis.

Exploring sensory properties can be a fun and educational way for students to understand various aspects of different materials, substances, or even experiences.
 

This type of hands-on learning helps develop their observational skills and scientific thinking.

The St Bernard's Old Collegian Association is excited to host the inaugural SBOCA Bowls Day on Friday, 5 April!

Open to all within our Community, click the picture to register your team!