Today, our College community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day with a special assembly, emphasising the importance of creating a world that offers equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

Deputy Principal Ms Therese Wilson opened the assembly by discussing the UN Women theme for 2025, ‘For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ She highlighted the significance of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and the need for a balanced, inclusive, and just world, as advocated by Pope Francis.

Our guest speaker, Ms Weymouth Large from Edmund Rice Community Services, delivered an inspiring address on the role everyone plays in empowering change. She highlighted the importance of all students as current and future leaders and praised our students for creating safe spaces and being great role models in the St. Alban’s tutoring program.

The assembly featured a moving performance of “This is Me” by our SBC Voices, led by Ms Loukomitis.

Following the performance, our College Captain shared his reflections on the influential female role models in his life and the importance of being an upstander rather than a bystander. He encouraged everyone to strive for justice and equality in their daily lives.

Thank you to all who participated and made this assembly a memorable celebration of International Women’s Day.

This week, our College celebrated Rice House Week with a series of exciting events that brought our community together in the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

One of the highlights of the week was the thrilling basketball match on Tuesday, where staff took on Year 12 students. In a closely contested game, the staff emerged victorious, defeating the students with a score of 12 to 8. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as both teams gave their best effort.

The excitement continued with Year 7 students battling it out during lunch breaks in Futsal. The competition was fierce, culminating in a final match between Avila House and Rice House. In a nail-biting finish, Rice House claimed victory, much to the delight of their supporters.

Wednesday morning, we gathered for our Rice House community mass, celebrated by Fr Bernie Lane. His presence and blessings added a special touch to the week’s events, reminding us of the importance of faith and community.

Throughout the week, students also enjoyed daily quizzes and an art competition, showcasing their creativity and knowledge. These activities provided a wonderful opportunity for students to engage, learn, and have fun.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lucas, our Rice House Student Leader, the supporting student leaders, staff, and all students for their bold participation and enthusiasm. Your efforts made this week truly memorable.

Let’s continue to embrace the spirit of community and competition as we look forward to many more House Weeks ahead!

Earlier this week, our College community came together to celebrate Ash Wednesday with heartfelt Year Level Liturgies. These meaningful services were thoughtfully organised by our Assistant Principal (Identity), Mr Nick Smith, and beautifully supported by our dedicated student leaders.

During the liturgies, students were offered the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross with ashes. We were fortunate to have Fr. Bernie Lane bless the ashes during our Rice Week community mass, adding a special touch to the day’s events.

As we embark on our Lenten journey, inspired by the touchstone of Gospel Spirituality, we are reminded to reflect, give, and grow. Let’s embrace this season with open hearts and a spirit of community.

Inspired by Clean Up Australia Day and the "How Will You Step Up?" campaign, our staff and students have been making pledges this week to help improve the environment! Coordinated by Ms Fitzpatrick, this empowering activity connects with our Little Earthies program and the Laudato Si spirituality, encouraging us to reflect on our relationship with the Earth—our common home.

It's a meaningful opportunity for our community to integrate this spirituality into our daily lives. Together, we can make a difference!

Each year, the College makes available scholarships to acknowledge the outstanding academic achievement from our students.

Academic scholarships are available to students entering Years 7 through to 12. All applicants must sit the ACER examination which will be the major criteria for selection.

The ACER examination is designed to assess skills the student has been developing during their schooling including; writing, ability to interpret and think critically, problem-solving skills, comprehension skills, and reasoning skills. For further information about the ACER examination, please click here.

Please see the details for the ACER examination below:

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Further information about the testing day will be sent in the week prior to the exam.

All applicants will receive a copy of their child’s report approximately three weeks after the testing date. We will be in contact with families after the results have been released with the outcome of your application. 

Click here to apply for your son to sit the ACER examination

If you have any questions, please email the Registrar at registrar@sbc.vic.edu.au

Recently, Year 9 Engineering students showcased their creativity and technical skills in an exhilarating paper-roller-coaster design competition. In preparation for the event, students formed teams and meticulously defined the task requirements, ensuring a clear understanding of the challenge ahead.

The teams then engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate a variety of roller-coaster designs. Once the initial ideas were on the table, the teams carefully selected and developed the most effective designs, considering factors such as stability, speed, and overall performance.

With their designs finalised, the students got to work producing their paper roller coasters. This hands-on phase was both challenging and rewarding, as teams brought their visions to life using paper and other materials. The competition day was filled with excitement as each team presented their roller coaster, putting them to the test to decide the overall winning design.

Overall, the event was a resounding success, highlighting the ingenuity and teamwork of the Year 9 Engineering students. It provided a valuable opportunity for them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, fun, and competitive environment, inspiring a new generation of budding engineers.

VCE VM Real Estate Session

On Monday, 24 February, the Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students were treated to an insightful and engaging visit from Bill Karp, the Director of Barry Plant Real Estate, Essendon. Bill took the time to speak with the students about the current trends and challenges in the real estate market, focusing on renting and buying in today's climate.

This visit formed part of the students' literacy course, where they are exploring various text types and real-world applications. Bill’s expertise provided them with a valuable opportunity to dive deep into topics that are highly relevant to their future, especially as many of them will soon be navigating the world of renting or buying a home.

Throughout the session, Bill kept the students engaged with real-life examples and practical advice, helping them understand everything from market fluctuations to the process of securing a rental property or purchasing a home. The boys left with a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly prove useful in the years to come.

A special thank you to Bill Karp for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit and share his expertise with the students. His visit truly made a difference, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an experienced professional.

VCE VM Bunnings Excursion

On Thursday, 27 February, the Year 12 VCE VM students also attended a practical excursion to Bunnings Maribyrnong. Here the students gathered research for their numeracy assessment task - fitting out and furnishing a tiny home. Students explored the various departments of the Bunnings store to select tiles, paint, lights, taps and design kitchens within a budget. Students not only considered design choices, but also the measurements needed to best fit a space.

This practical experience was appreciated by the boys as it helped them to visualise the needs of their space and engage with the Bunnings departments to gain insight into the practical skills many will use in their careers.

We look forward to the Year 12s showcasing their research and tiny homes at the VCE Vocational Major presentation evening at the end of the semester.

Last week, our Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students embarked on an unforgettable camping journey at Barmah National Park, one of Australia's most stunning natural environments along the Murray River. Known as the largest river red gum forest in the country, Barmah National Park provided an ideal backdrop for students to connect with nature, explore its beauty, and understand the critical ecosystem that surrounds them.

The camp was filled with days of challenging yet rewarding paddling along the river, where students embraced the outdoor adventure despite the heat. The atmosphere was vibrant, enriched by lively banter, storytelling, and singing, all while being captivated by the area's breathtaking scenery. Evenings were spent around the campfire, sharing stories, stargazing, and enjoying plenty of hearty laughter among friends.

A highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to walk in the footsteps of Yorta Yorta Elder, Hilda. This experience allowed them to gain profound insights into the cultural and spiritual significance of the land and its people, learning about the rich history and connections that have existed for thousands of years. Additionally, a guided walk with Joel from The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre gave students a glimpse into the challenges faced by the early European settlers, illuminating the history and resources of the Echuca region that significantly shaped Australia’s development.

The camp was not just an adventure; it was a transformative experience that deepened the students' understanding of the environment and the importance of preserving our natural landscapes, flora, and fauna. It truly was a privilege for all involved, and we hope the memories and lessons learned will resonate with our students as they continue their studies in Outdoor and Environmental Studies.

On 28 February, 17 Unit 1 Geography students attended an excursion to Kinglake and the surrounding region to assess the potential for future bushfire events. Historically, Kinglake is a vulnerable location for bushfires, and the catastrophic devastation caused by the Black Saturday fires in 2009 is representative of this.

Students visited three sites in the region: Toolangi State Forest, Kinglake Town, and Kinglake National Park. In the state forest and national park, the students conducted various primary data collection methods that allowed them to assess the bark fuel, surface fuel, and elevated fuel hazards associated with the messmate and mountain ash tree cover in the area. This, combined with assessments of vegetation height and type, allowed the class to evaluate the risk of an uncontrollable fire event if conditions ignited fires within the region.

With the guidance of an educator from the Gould League, students visited a memorial honouring the loss the community suffered during Black Saturday at the Frank Thompson Reserve. Here, students discussed the evidence of the fires on both the natural and human landscapes, and how Kinglake has changed and adapted as a result of previous fire events.

The geography class will use the data collected on the day, along with additional independent research, to write a fieldwork report. This report will serve as one of the two fieldwork report assessments required across the year.

The SBOCA Bowls Day is back for 2025! Open to all members of our St Bernard’s College community - Old Collegians, Current Students, Family and Friends - we would love to see you there!
Registration opens from 9 am on the day for a 10 am start, with finals taking place from 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm.
Lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments are also included, along with $3000 worth of prizes on offer!
3 x 12 ends sectional play followed by 4 end finals, with Single, Pair or Team entries welcome (teams of 3, singles and pairs will be assigned a team).

Click here to book your place

Congratulations to all our athletes who participated in the ACC Athletics Carnival last week! The coaching staff were incredibly impressed with not only the performances of our St Bernard's College athletes but also how the College and its values were represented. Despite finishing in 5th place, it was evident that every athlete gave their absolute best, showcasing grit, composure, integrity, and determination.

Standout Performances

There were many outstanding performances across the day however I wanted to specifically call out a few that stood out:

• Charles obliterating a 38-year-old record with an 8:22 performance in the 3000m- simply outstanding. He then backed it up with a cruisy victory in the senior 1500m.
• Finn leading the way as vice-captain with classy victories in the hurdles and 400, and valuable points across the long jump, 4 x 100 and 4 x 400.
• Mitch with a true captain's knock scoring huge points across the 100, 200, 400, 4 x 100 and 4 x 400.
• Jack running up an age group and running one of the gutsiest 800m races I’ve seen, collecting 2nd place and a 10+ second PB in the process.
• Charlie winning the U16 100m hurdles in a blistering time of 15.6.
• Patrick with a smartly run race in an elite field to place 2nd in the U16 1500m.
• Hamish with a 2nd in the U17 1500m after backing up from a fast 800m earlier in the day.
• Matteo with a new PB of 12.73 in the U13 100m to place 3rd.
• Alex winning the U14 Discus with an incredible throw of 38.24 meters.
• Nicholas as consistent as ever with a 2nd and 3rd in the senior shot put and discus, competing against guys twice his size!
• Louis with 3rd in the U16 shot put after only a few weeks of throwing. Excited to see what he can do next year!
• Joshua with a perfectly executed jump to secure 2nd in the triple jump.
• Ayden making the trip up from the Santa Monica campus to secure a hard-fought 2nd in the hurdles.
• The senior 4 x 400 (Ianello, Barret, Sweatman, Daffey) coming together on tired legs to produce a time only 2 seconds away from the ACC record.
• The U16, U17 and U19 4 x 100m relays performing under pressure to obtain a hat-trick of 2nd places.

Looking Ahead

Next year, we aim to build on our 5th place position in Division 1. To achieve this, we need to maintain strong attendance at training, set high standards, and work closely with our event-specific coaches.

A special thanks to our dedicated coaching team: Mr Bryl, Mr Masseni, Mr Cox, Mr Hampson, Ms Matthews, and our old collegian coaches—Charles, Dan, Jordan, and Oscar. Your hard work and dedication in preparing the team for success have been invaluable. We also extend our gratitude to Ms James and Mr White for their continued support of the program and for preparing the early morning breakfasts.

On behalf of the coaching staff, it has been a pleasure to coach the St Bernard's College Athletics team this year. We have laid an exciting foundation for next season, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the track in Term 4.

On 21 February 2025, St Bernard's College proudly hosted the High Achiever Academic Awards Assembly for the Class of 2024 in the O’Brien Centre Gymnasium. This significant event brought together a distinguished ensemble of guests, including School Advisory Council Chairperson Ms Pauline Duggan, Ms Jane Collins from the Tertiary Preparation Program at RMIT University, and representatives from EREA, alongside the award recipients and their families.

The ceremony commenced on a vibrant note with a captivating performance by the St Bernard's College Drumline, setting an energetic atmosphere. Attendees were then treated to a poignant rendition of the Australian National Anthem, beautifully performed by student Elijah. Principal Dr Michael Davies addressed the gathered audience, celebrating the extraordinary dedication and perseverance exhibited by the students throughout their academic journey.

A central highlight of the assembly was the recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Award presentations honoured the Unit 3/4 Subject Prize Winners, which included Year 12 students and accelerated Year 11 students who attained exceptional results in their studies. The assembly also celebrated nine outstanding students with the VCE Baccalaureate Award, a prestigious honour that acknowledges those who complete the Victorian Certificate of Education with excellence in higher-level mathematics and a language, fulfilling rigorous academic criteria. 

In a testament to the College's commitment to nurturing creativity, the announcement of the Short Story Competition Winner illustrated the emphasis St Bernard's places on literary development. This initiative encourages students to explore their imagination and articulate their unique perspectives through the art of writing.

The ambience was further enriched by a performance from the College Symphonic Band, which captivated the audience with their rendition of “Dreamscape,” showcasing the remarkable musical prowess cultivated within the College community. High-achieving students were recognised for their exemplary performance, including those who achieved an ATAR of 90 or higher, along with the Proxime Accessit, Vincent and College Dux, Sebastian Khoury. In his inspiring address, Sebastian highlighted the significance of grit and personal motivation in navigating the challenges of academic life, reflecting on the invaluable support he received from the St Bernard’s community.

Additional accolades included the VCE Vocational Major Student of the Year Award, highlighting a student’s exceptional contributions in applied learning environments and structured workplace experiences. The St Bernard’s College Baccalaureate Student of the Year Award celebrated the achievements of a student from this pathway program who exemplified a commitment to academic excellence and a positive approach to learning.

The assembly concluded with a delightful morning tea hosted by the Welcome Community Group, offering a wonderful opportunity for award winners and their families to connect and reminisce with staff and fellow graduates. This gathering is a representation of the robust sense of community that defines St Bernard’s College, reinforcing the profound impact of collaboration and support in the pursuit of academic excellence.

As St Bernard’s College looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the talents and aspirations of all its students, equipping them with the skills and resilience needed to forge their own paths to success.