ENROLMENT PROCESS YEAR 7 2023

St Bernard’s aspires to be faithful to the four touchstones of a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. These touchstones are Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Inclusive Community. In committing to be an inclusive community we aim to be accepting and welcoming to all families and aspire to accommodate all who seek enrolment. This is consistent with our nation's commitment to democratic principles, a commitment which St Bernard's College shares. Where this is not possible we undertake to engage respectfully, honestly and transparently with families who do us the honour of seeking a place at St Bernard’s College.

In order for St Bernard’s to make fair and informed decisions relating to enrolment, it is important that families follow all steps in the enrolment process as set out below and meet the relevant deadlines.

Important Links for Enrolment Year 7 2023 - Please click the pictures below to view the information

Families are asked to:

• Submit an online application click here, complete details on enrolment form and lodge these by the due date together with a $300 (non-refundable) application fee, along with all required documentation (Please note that the link for an online submission of application will be activated upon completion of the virtual online presentation)
• Attend a pre-enrolment interview. The College will request pre-enrolment interviews with families who meet the qualifying criteria (refer to the enrolment criteria below).
• First round offers will be made to families in November while the student is still in Year 5.

On receiving an offer, families are asked to:
Confirm acceptance of the offer in writing by completing the acceptance form and returning it to the College together with the Advance Payment Scheme instalment as outlined in the letter of offer by the due date (usually within 3 weeks).
Should a family choose not to accept an offer, we would appreciate being advised as soon as possible to enable the College to make an offer to another family.

DECISIONS ABOUT ENROLMENT

Criteria

• Whether the student is a Catholic (any Rite) [requires presentation of Baptism Certificate]
• Whether the student attends a Catholic Primary school within one of the Priority Parishes [as outlined by Catholic Education Melbourne] *
• Whether the student has a family connection with the College by having:
  • A sibling who is a current or former student;
  • A father or grandfather who attended the College;
  • A mother whose brothers attended the College;
  • A parent who is a staff member.
• Whether the student's family supports their parish and primary school to the best of their ability;
• Whether the student works and participates in his primary school to the best of his ability.

* The partner Catholic Primary Schools considered part of the priority parishes are:

• Overall Catchment Area
• St Christopher's - Airport West
• St Mary's - Ascot Vale
• St Margaret's - Maribyrnong
• St Martins - Avondale Heights
• St Peters - Keilor East
• St Augustines - Keilor
• St Therese's - Essendon
• Our Lady of the Nativity - Essendon West/Aberfeldie
• St Monica's - Moonee Ponds
• St John Bosco - Niddrie
• St Vincent de Paul - Strathmore
• Resurrection House - Essendon

(Click each link to view a map of that parish's boundaries.)

Waiting list applications for current positions in Years 7-12 may be made at any time by contacting the College Registrar on 9289 1103 or registrar@sbc.vic.edu.au. All applicants will be placed on a Waiting List. Priority will generally be given to Catholic boys who meet the criteria for enrolment who are moving from another Catholic school due to a change in residence. Catholic boys currently attending another Catholic school within the area may be enrolled after consultation with the school's Principal.