From The Principal
Dr Davies is joined by Year 7 students Oscar Tilovski and Sebastian Lunardi who shares their St Bernard's experience so far!
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.
Day | Time | Ensemble |
Monday | 7:30 – 8:30 | Symphonic Band |
Monday | Lunch Time | Flute Ensemble |
Monday | 3:00 – 4:00 | Improv Class |
Tuesday | 7:30 – 8:30 | Super Sevens (T2/4 ONLY) Drumline Liturgy Band |
Tuesday | Lunch Time | Rock Band |
Tuesday | 3:00 – 4:00 | String Ensemble |
Wednesday | 7:30 – 8:30 | Showband |
Wednesday | Lunch Time | Music Club |
Wednesday | 3:00 – 4:00 | Clarinet Ensemble |
Wednesday | 3:00 – 4:00 | Violin Ensemble |
Thursday | 7:30 – 8:30 | Guitar Ensemble Concert Band Year 9 Concert Band |
Thursday | Lunch Time | Year 9 Music Academy |
Friday | Lunch Time | SBC Voices |
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.
Melbourne Campus | Wednesday 3 April |
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus | Thursday 4 April |
Warrnambool Campus | Monday 8 April |
Geelong Waterfront Campus | Tuesday 9 April |
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus | Wednesday 10 April |
Melbourne Campus | Thursday 11 April |
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.
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
What does a Radiation Therapist do?
The Good Universities Guide states that Radiation Therapists design, and administer radiation treatment to cancer patients, and provide related care to patients in conjunction with radiation oncologists or other medical specialists. The Health Times website indicates that a Radiation Therapist is also responsible for collecting relevant patient information and using this information to plan a patient’s treatment. A radiation therapist will work under the guidance of a Radiation Oncologist, in a team of health professionals who care for and treat cancer patients.
Radiation therapists are responsible for supporting the patient throughout their treatment. They must have compassion and strong interpersonal skills. Part of their role is to listen to the emotional concerns and anxieties of the patient and refer them appropriately if needed. The radiation therapist will also assess the patient’s reaction to treatment, providing advice on the side effects of treatment and methods of alleviating these. Radiation therapists often develop close relationships with their patients, as they usually see them five days per week for between three and seven weeks.
To become a Radiation Therapist, students must study radiation therapy at university. Studies in Radiation Therapy in Victoria are offered by Monash University and RMIT University, and Radiation Science units are offered in the Medical Imaging degree offered by Deakin University.
What does a Neuroscientist do?
According to the Medical News Today website neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on behaviour and cognitive functions, or how people think. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that works closely with other disciplines, such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, and medicine. Neuroscientists carry out tests, using various types of technology to help them to diagnose conditions, and they usually specialise in specific areas. These include study of the way the nervous system grows and develops; the way the brain deals with thought, language, memory, and its ability to solve problems; or molecules that help with the way the nervous systems work.
To become a neuroscientist, students generally have to complete a science degree - such as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine with a major in Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne, for example. Completion of a postgraduate qualification is regarded as of great value - such as Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology) and Master of Neuroscience. The following link is very interesting to browse - Master Programs in Neuroscience.
What is Land Surveying?
Interested in Geography, Maths, Science, IT and/or the outdoors? Looking for a job that won’t tie you to a desk? Surveying is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environment using mathematics and specialised technology. Land surveyors are involved with a diverse variety of projects from land subdivision to tunnel building and major construction. Importantly though, there is much more to surveying than taking measurements outdoors and then analysing them back in the office. Surveyors are often the first people on site during any construction process; they are the guardians of property law, and the creators of land titles. They are also the ones who can sign off on the position of new title boundaries. In all, surveyors are an integral part of the process in a wide variety of scenarios.
Note: Surveying courses are offered at Federation University, RMIT, and Victoria University.
Students who wish to find out what surveying is, what surveyors do, where to study, and what it takes, might like to browse A Life Without Limits.
Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
Gain the skills necessary to design, develop, and evolve software solutions that takes advantage of the latest advances in artificial intelligence.
Deakin’s Bachelor of Artificial Intelligenceequips students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop and evolve software solutions that harness the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI). Students get hands-on experience developing AI-driven software solutions with the support of academics who are leaders in this emerging field. Deakin’s world-class research in AI feeds directly into its classrooms, ensuring what students learn is at the cutting edge of industry expectations and capabilities.
With a minimum of 100 hours of industry experience, students will develop in-demand skills working side-by-side with experienced AI specialists.
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!