Dear St Bernard's College Community,

I am writing to you today to share our excitement for the upcoming Project Compassion fundraising initiative. Caritas’ Project Compassion is an annual advocacy campaign our College supports that brings together Australian schools, parishes, and supporters to raise awareness and much need funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. All funds raised through Project Compassion go towards providing essential services and support to people in need, including access to clean water, healthcare, education, and emergency relief.

Our 2024 Student Council has again set a goal of raising $10,000 for all the communities struggling to provide essential needs and services. To achieve this goal, each homeroom will has a Project Compassion Fundraising Kit, with homeroom teachers directing this fundraising initiative. We are urging all members of our community to contribute a minimum of $6.70 to help us reach our target. At this stage, we have raised $1582.82. With your generous support, we believe that we can make a significant difference to the lives of those in need.

As part of our fundraising initiative, on Monday 25th March, students have a unique opportunity to show their support for Project Compassion by participating in the "Colour’s for Compassion" Day. This day encourages students to wear casual clothes and incorporate a community group they belong to, such as sports, music interests, or advocacy groups etc. into their outfit. Students will be asked to contribute money (gold coin or small note) towards Project Compassion, which will be collected by their Homeroom Teachers.

Let's come together as an Inclusive Community to make a difference in the lives of people who need it most, both today and for all future generations. Thank you for your ongoing support.

What is the ‘Live for Lily’ fundraiser?

Every year, Live for Lily, a non-profit charity, organises an annual 1000km bike ride over the first week of term one holidays. The aim is to raise money to help find a cure and raise awareness of childhood cancer. Our very own Oliver Hester will be partaking in this year’s ride for Lily around Victoria for the 3rd time, in memory of his mother and sister who lost their battles with cancer. For more information, feel free to click on this link: Velo-De-Vic

Here is an overview of the activities planned for the week:

Combined 40,000km Ride/Run/Walk Challenge: We are embarking on an ambitious collective endeavour to cover a total distance of 40,000 kilometres through various forms of physical activity, including riding, running, and walking over a 2-week period (Monday 18th week 8-Friday 29th week 9). For seamless tracking and communication throughout the challenge, we have established a dedicated club on the Strava app. Please ensure to download the app if you haven't already done so and join our club using the provided link: Strava link

In recognition of individual efforts and achievements, a special prize will be awarded to the participant who records the highest distance covered for each category (running, riding and walking) during the challenge period. We encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of friendly competition while striving towards personal fitness goals.

Pink Splash Day: During week 1 of Term 2, on 17 April, we invite all students to wear a splash of pink.

We will also have a sausage sizzle on the same day where students can purchase lunch and a drink!

Rice Week

Thanks to everyone involved in rice week, it was a huge success.

The Year 7 lunchtime futsal tournament saw crowds flock to watch their homeroom compete for glory. The teams competed well. By Thursday we were ready for our semifinals series, teams Rice B, Mcauley A, Nagle A and Avila B, played competitive close games, seeing Nagle A and Rice B through to the final.

Friday, the final. Early controversy sparked when Nagle had a goal disallowed. With tensions high, until Rice B scored to make it 1-0. Soon after Nagle were awarded a crucial penalty, however the Rice keeper made an excellent save. Soon after Nagle were able to equalise. The game stayed at 1-1 until the final whistle, where penalties were required to separate the teams.

After 4 penalties, scores tied, 2-2, A set of missed penalties then sent the game to sudden death. Nagle’s goalkeeper made a crucial save to put the pressure on the Rice goalkeeper. Nagle scored.

The crowd erupted into frenzy. Nagle A were crowed winners of the Rice Week futsal tournament.

On Thursday Mr. Smith and the team hosted a successful barbecue, selling out of sausages. Students loved the sausages with all proceeds going to a worthy cause.

A big thanks to all student council members and teachers who helped facilitate this week, especially Mr. Smith and Mr. Lonsdale for their constant support.

Mr. James Cruse - Rice House Captain

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!

All applications for Year 7 2026 students are due May 10. Parents of existing students still need to complete an application for their son to be offered a place.
 

Please contact the College Registrar if you need any assistance - registrar@sbc.vic.edu.au

History Students attend the Shrine of Remembrance.

Mr Ryan Leahy and four history students from Years 10 and 11 recently represented the College at the Shrine of Remembrance, as part of our partnership with the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion.

The boys were involved in the Flag Raising Ceremony, reading parts of the service.

Our boys were commended by the families of the 2/3rd Battalion group on their respectful and interested attitude during the ceremony.

We look forward to continuing this partnership with this group.

On Friday 15 March, St Bernard’s College was invited by the Melbourne Archdiocese to attend the Mass of St Patrick for Schools as a part Catholic Education Week, 2024.
 

On the day, a group of nine St Bernard’s students assembled before the grand doors of St Patrick’s Cathedral alongside many other Catholic primary and secondary schools who make up the Melbourne Archdiocese.

The mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend, Peter Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, and was well accompanied by a congregation of bishops and priests from across the Archdiocese. Also, in attendance were numerous Victorian Parliamentarians including former St Bernard’s student and current Deputy Premier and Minster for Education in Victoria, Mr Ben Carroll MP.

The Mass was a tremendous gathering, commencing with a procession of students bearing their school banners down the centre aisle. The liturgy was complimented with hymns performed by a choir of Students from Sacred Heart Girl’s College, lead chiefly by a Cantor from the girl’s college who all the boys agreed was equally entrancing with her incredible vocals.

A powerful part of the liturgy was the homily by Father Peter Comensoli. He opened by welcoming the congregation home and proceeded to reflect on the power of being a part of a family, particularly the guiding effect of mothers and fathers in our lives. He likened the Archdiocese to that of a family and truly highlighted what the liturgy was about.

Through the coming together of Catholic schools to this mass, the realisation dawned upon our students that us, as a College, are a part of such vast and broad network of schools. There is a powerful acknowledgment to be made in that despite being a part of our own St Bernard’s community, the collection of Catholic schools demonstrated to the students the strength that lies in unity of faith and the meaning of being righteous adherents to our own beliefs.

As an inclusive community, practicing justice and solidarity, and guided by gospel spirituality, this experience was valuable in allowing our students to grasp the importance of faith, the power of our religious community, ultimately amounting to a truly liberating aspect of our education.

Student Leadership at Resurrection House is comprised of team of student leaders who serve as Class Captain and Portfolio Captains. The Class Captain is responsible for representing their class and coordinating activities.

The Portfolio Captains oversee specific areas of focus within the school community. Together, these leaders work to promote a positive and inclusive environment, encourage academic excellence, foster a sense of community through sports and arts, and support the overall wellbeing of students. They play a key role in organising events, leading initiatives, and being role models for their peers. The Year 9 student leadership team meet regularly with the Dean of Campus and Year Level Leaders to collaborate and ensure student voice is heard and actioned. Leaders at Resurrection House model servant leadership qualities that promote an inclusive community inside and outside of the St Bernard’s College community.

The 2024 captains are:

Academic - Xavier Dinh and Caesar Yacoub

Arts - Caden Daly and Ben Norrish

Ministry - Kurt Sumayao and Jude Barrett

Sports - Charlie Tudor and Tevita Rodan

Wellbeing - Fionn O'Brien and Paul Smith

Class Captains
 

9A - Shawne Essendi

9B - Jack Carlier

9C - Walid Darwish

9D - Caeden Amy

9E - Zach Pernasilici

9F - Hayden Saunders

9G - Joshua Gorman

9H - James Darmanin

9I - Marcus Longo

9J - Kristijan Clark

Below are reports about Term 1 in the various portfolios, written by the captains.

Academic

As the first term of school nears its end, the students of Year Nine have been completing their final set of NAPLAN tests vigorously. Upon this, summative tests from numerous subjects have been assigned to the students of the campus. Each test is used to examine how well each student has understood the topics of all subjects they have been learning about for the past 8 weeks. Overall, the Year 9 students have had a great start to the school year, and we hope for the best to come for all students at Resurrection.

Arts

During our time as the Year 9 Art portfolio captains, we have so many open opportunities for the Year 9s to get involved. That includes Chicago the Musical, that is currently holding rehearsals, and the upcoming Year 9 play. If you want to be involved with the Ave Maria and St Bernard’s Play, feel free to email Ms Crane (BCrane@sbc.vic.edu.au). They don’t just want actors, they need help with back stage, set design and more. It is always a very fun time with everyone no matter what you do.

If you would like to be in Media Crew and handle cameras and take photos at assemblies or year level/school events, please email Mr Cimino (jcimino@sbc.vic.edu.au). That is everything from Ben and Caden at the moment and there will be more to come!

Ministry

Ministry at Resurrection House has gotten off to a great start this year. It is incredible to see so many people getting involved in Masses and the CARITAS Project Compassion campaign. We would love to see more students stepping up and donating to this cause, if all of us contribute $6.70 then our school will have raised over $10,000 which will go towards helping the less fortunate. On Monday 25 March, we will be hosting the casual clothes day where it is expected that you bring a gold coin donation which will also go to Project Compassion. Overall the term is off to a great start and we look forward to the events planned in the future.

Sports

In Year 9 there has been plenty of sport on display. To start the year we had training commence for the Cross Country squad, and the ACC Athletics. Midway through the term ACC high performance classes began, with sports including AFL and Soccer. Also the Year 9 students had a fiery netball game against the staff, with the controversial calls from Mr Waters, the teachers triumphed.

Wellbeing

During the past 7 weeks, we have all noticed a mindful approach to thriving in school. Most people have adapted to the different campuses with a positive mindset and dealt with the struggles they have faced so far this year. I can't wait for a positive year working with you all.

With 44 donations this year (as of 19/3/24) we are looking good for our semester 1 goal of 100 donations!

If you can make time over the coming break to donate, blood or plasma, not only would you be adding to our team tally but more importantly you’ll be giving the gift of life.

Can’t donate? Advocate

There are more ways to give back than just giving blood. Why not start by following Lifeblood across socials? A simple share could be the reason someone else books a donation and saves up to three lives. Just search for @lifebloodau across all channels, hit that follow button and share the posts to help amplify our message to your networks. Lifeblood

Remember to add St Bernard’s College as your team! 😊

On Tuesday March 19, we hosted the first round of the Debaters Association of Victoria School Debating Competition. It was a wonderful event held in our new Year 11 and 12 Margaret Tierney Building. There were many complements from visiting students and families, all resoundingly impressed in our new surrounds. Congratulations to the students and coaches for their hard work, teamwork and preparation. Hopefully, they enjoy the rest of the season. Here are a few photos to convey the scene.

A couple of student reflections also:

"The hall was filled with a palpable sense of competition. Although I wasn’t one of the debaters, I could feel the excitement coming from all the schools. A lack of adjudicators left everyone feeling a little bit frustrated, but regardless, from every room you could hear the frantic writing and whispering as everyone tried to get their speeches to perfection.

All the debaters were practising their speeches anticipating the arrival of the adjudicator. In the room that I was spectating, there was no adjudicator at the start, so all the debaters were having a lively conversation. As soon as the adjudicator entered the room the mood became tense. The debaters having one final rehearsal in their head before their speech.

Overall, the debate was tense with both teams delivering quality arguments. Although the debate was very close each person stood out and they all gave worthy ideas on their topic.

Our third speaker did an outstanding job as he was able to win the best speaker of the night, even though we lost! We put up a great fight – just a margin of 2 points. Overall, it was a night filled with joy, excitement and anticipation. We all cannot wait for round two.

Oliver Italiano Year 9

Last Tuesday marked the beginning of another successful year for the A Grade debating team. Against strong opponents in Sirius College, it was Suny Trimboli, Patrick Currie, and Hayden McDonald who brought home the win. “Great to have the debating in the new Margert Tierney building and seeing all the various schools come together.” – Suny. Even Hayden McDonald exclaimed it was a “Strong start to the season, with lots of potential for the rest of the year.” In the end, it was a collective effort from the boys and the small Bernard’s crowd that had Sirius College crumbling in defeat. Throughout it all, and as the night ended, we all remembered the job was not yet finished, but round 1 was.

Lucas McKinnon Year 12

Back Row back: Coach Siobhan Loukomitis, Lucas McKinnon and Vincent Dong

Front Row: First and best speaker Suny Trimboli Second speaker Patrick Currie, and third speaker Hayden McDonald

Year 9C, 9D, 9E, 9I and 9J attended Sovereign Hill in Ballarat as part of our humanities classes.

The students during the day all went down the Quartz Mine to learn about working conditions and how gold is found.

Whilst they were exploring Sovereign Hill they also took the chance to see how immigration affected the gold fields. All classes had the opportunity to see a Gold Pour as well.

The sweet shop at Sovereign Hill was also a huge hit with our boys!

All of this information is being used in their Humanities classes to apply their understanding of the content in Year 9 History. The remaining 5 classes are attending this excursion in May.

This is what one of our boys said about the trip:

“Our favourite part of the Sovereign Hill trip was the Mine Tour. This is because it showed us what it was like to be a miner during the gold period. We also learnt interesting facts along the way and got to see a very big gold nugget.” Liam N

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

La Trobe University

· Snapshot of La Trobe University in 2024
La Trobe is over 50 years old having enrolled its first students in 1967.

· La Trobe University is ranked in the world’s top 300 universities by Times Higher Education World University rankings 2024, is one of the world’s best young universities, and in the top 1% of universities worldwide - Rankings & Ratings.

· La Trobe has more than 36 000 students and over 3 000 staff, with many courses on offer including numerous double degree options, and postgraduate courses too.

· La Trobe has three metro and four regional campuses plus a number of residential facilities.

· Over 50% of students who study at the Bendigo campus come from outside of Bendigo - La Trobe - Bendigo with over 500 students living on campus - La Trobe Bendigo Accommodation.

· La Trobe offers many scholarships – both access and equity scholarships, and academic merit scholarships.

· Student Exchange opportunities are extensive at La Trobe.

· La Trobe ensures that there are opportunities for students to develop skills beyond the knowledge they are gaining at university through work experience, volunteering, and student exchange opportunities, etc.

· The excellent Global Markets Accelerator Program is one example of aiding entrepreneurial students in connecting with markets beyond Australia.

· La Trobe has the following Schools and Departments:

• La Trobe Business School

• La Trobe Law School

• La Trobe Rural Health School

• School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment

• School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport

• School of Applied Systems Biology

• School of Cancer Medicine

• School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

• School of Education

• School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• School of Nursing and Midwifery

• School of Psychology and Public Health

· La Trobe’s Student Excellence Academy provides life changing support and enrichment opportunities that expand on current study and give employment advantages to students.

· La Trobe offers an early admissions program called the Aspire Early Entry Program which is a way to access an adjusted Aspire ATAR for a preferred course and secure an early conditional offer. There are multiple streams to choose from, so students who give back to their community and achieved good results in Year 11, may be offered a place in their preferred course before they complete Year 12. These students are also eligible for one of 40 Aspire Scholarships.

· There has also been a recent restructure of some courses offered in Allied Health - Health. Some interesting allied health courses offered at La Trobe include:
Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours)
Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Honours)

Snapshot of RMIT University in 2024

· One of Australia’s original educational institutions founded in 1887, RMIT University now has more than 93,000 students, including more than 12,000 at postgraduate level.

· Based on the QS World University Rankings for Art and Design 2023 | Top Universities, RMIT ranks #1 in Australia and #12 in the world in Art & Design, and ranked 140th universities in the world - Top Universities.

· RMIT provides a range of education options, from an apprenticeship, traineeship or certificate to an associate or bachelor degree, or a postgraduate degree by coursework or research - RMIT - Levels of Study.

· RMIT is regarded as a world leader in Art and Design; Architecture and the Built Environment; Engineering; Computer Science; and Business and Management Studies.

· RMIT has a reputation for delivering innovative academic programs within stunning modern and historic buildings located in Melbourne’s CBD. The Academic Street project has transformed the heart of the RMIT City campus creating laneways, gardens, new student spaces and better library facilities. Its campuses are continually evolving to meet the demands of modern study.

· RMIT University offers programs of study in 16 schools across four academic colleges - RMIT - Academic Colleges.

· Students are encouraged to browse the ATAR Course Finder to discover the right degree for them at RMIT.

· RMIT has three Melbourne campuses, made up of vibrant student communities, modern learning and teaching facilities and open and informal social spaces, as well as two campuses in Vietnam, and a research and industry collaboration centre in Spain - RMIT Campuses.

· RMIT engagement with industry has always been central to RMIT’s mission, and industry and enterprise is at the heart of every RMIT program – RMIT and Industry.

· Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at RMIT makes up a significant component of a student’s program, whereby they use their academic learning in a ‘real life’ situation with a real industry or community partner.

· RMIT Activator is a unique experience designed by RMIT to connect students, staff and alumni to a network of transformative experiences all designed to help students, staff and alumni learn enterprise skills, innovate alongside industry and innovation experts and launch new businesses – it is the home of entrepreneurship.

· RMIT has a strong pathway program to courses providing students an opportunity to transfer from one RMIT program to another - RMIT and Recognised Pathway Courses and Student Experience.

· RMIT offers students a world of global opportunities and adventure through exchange and study abroad opportunities. Students get to expand their horizons: immerse themselves in a different culture and experience the world through the eyes of others.

· Information about student accommodation options for students and visitors can be found at RMIT Student Accommodation.

· RMIT makes sure its support services and networks help students to succeed at university and stay healthy and happy - RMIT Support Services, and RMIT Connect is a great platform for students to access these student services and support.

· Students have access to a range of activities and events that provide them with a university experience they will never forget.