Bernie's Bulletin

Event Calendar

Reunion Calendar

Save the Date for your class reunion! Registration will open closer to the date so we can track numbers. Each year level will receive emails with more information closer to the date as well.

Since graduating from St Bernard's in 2015, Nick Volpe has become a trailblazing wildlife photographer and conservationist! 

Nick earned our Geography subject prize in Year 12, an indication of future success as he went on to complete a Bachelor of Environmental Science and take up a career combining photography and video with his passion for the environment. Teaming up with fellow naturalist Lucyna Kania, the pair work together to raise awareness on our threatened eco-systems and wildlife, through video, photography, teaching programs and educational content. 

Some may remember Nick's name from the Strand in June 2020, where we shared his amazing news that he'd discovered a new species of spider in South Australia.  Volpe's Peacock Spider (maratus volpei, shown above) was officially named after him- not many people can say that! He and Lucyna recently discovered another new species in the Northern Territory - the mam-burrumurl, or ghost wasp (below). 

Nick is incredibly passionate about his work, and the duo are continually making a difference in a time where protecting the natural world is crucially important. Well done Nick!

You can find Nick's work on Instagram and Facebook, and visit he and Lucyna's website here: Nature Media | NLwild

Photos via ABC and Nick Volpe

We're pleased to announce this term's Business Lunch is open for booking! A fantastic opportunity to hear business insights and strategies for success from expert guest speakers.

The event will take place on Friday 6 June, at 12:30PM down at the Michael Perrett Pavilion. The lunch will feature old collegians Matthew Lloyd and Agostino Giramondo, who both have a wealth of experience in broadcast media to share. Matthew brings his expert knowledge of the AFL from both on and off the field, while as a media executive with NewsCorp, Agostino has leadership and management experience few can match. More speakers are to be announced soon!

Tickets are $60 and can be booked here: https://www.trybooking.com/DBVJZ 

The College Foundation's premier event of the year is now open for bookings!

The event will take place on Friday 30 May at the Conversation Quarter of the State Library Victoria, commencing at 7:00pm. We invite our community to attend an enjoyable evening of fine dining, celebration and reminiscing, with a 3 course meal and refreshments included.

As part of the evening, we will be inducting two highly accomplished old collegians into the St Bernard's College Hall of Fame, Mr Terry Tobin KC (Class of 1960) and Dr Anthony Slavin (Class of 1985), for their incredible work in the legal and medical fields respectively.

This year the Foundation has introduced the Rising Star Award – recognising exceptional talent and leadership potential in those under 40 in our community. The inaugural recipient of the award will be Dr Jameson Trainor (Class of 2014).

Bookings can be made at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DALVX or the QR code above. Please book by Monday 26 May to confirm your spot, we look forward to seeing you there!

Some sad news of an old boy doing it tough with illness - Mat De Pretto has been battling a brain tumor since February. His wife Mariane and the De Pretto family now hope to fund a range of treatments for him, so he can have the best chance of survival and gain precious years with his family.

If you're able, any support for Mat and the De Pretto family would be highly appreciated. You can support them at their GoFundMe link here: Fundraiser for Mariane Francis by Brooke Vukelic : Support for Mathew De Pretto and Family. You can also use this page to send a message of support and share Mat's story far and wide.

All the best Mat - the College community is behind you all the way!

Wednesday 4 June is a big match for our 1st XVIII as they take on Parade College in the annual Madden-Bedford Shield. Parade won last year - time for us to get the shield back on our home deck!

Come down to the Michael Perrett Pavilion at 12PM for a special buffet lunch and pre-game panel with the Shield's namesakes, Bombers champion Simon Madden and South Melbourne legend Peter Bedford. you'll also hear from the coaches of each side - Steve Alessio from St Bernard's and Ricky Dyson from Parade. The match then begins at 2PM - be there for what promises to be a cracking game of footy!

Please register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DBUAQ for catering numbers.

On Friday, 2 May, our College community came together to celebrate the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice. The day was filled with meaningful activities and heartfelt moments that brought us closer as a community.

The celebration began with a Mass, beautifully led by Fr Bernie Lane, whose presence and guidance we deeply appreciate. Following the Mass, we were honoured to hear a moving address from Mr Carlos Tinsey, who shared insights from his recent trip to Africa. His words resonated with many and set a reflective tone for the day.

After these inspiring words, our students embarked on the Solidarity Walk, demonstrating their commitment to the values of compassion and unity. Upon returning to school, the afternoon was filled with engaging activities that fostered a sense of camaraderie and joy among students and staff alike.

We were incredibly lucky to have special guest Dyson Heppell join us, taking the time to interact with our students and staff. His presence added an extra layer of excitement to the day.

We extend our gratitude to Fr Bernie Lane for celebrating our Mass, to our special guests from EREA, and to our amazing sponsors: McDonald Upton, BMW, Hunter Industries Pty Ltd, and Paul Sadler Swimland. Your support and contributions made this day truly special.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the Edmund Rice Feast Day and Solidarity Walk a memorable one.

This week we've found an excerpt from the 1987 Clairvaux highlighting former college caretaker Peter Dymus. Old boys from 1970 through to 1987 may remember Pete, who looked after the grounds and facilities, and also took care of mascots Bernie and Bernie Jr - with how big St Bernards can get, this was no small task! He is remembered in this piece as "always having a smile and cheer for anyone passing him by" and recognised for his upkeep of the College grounds.

Pete lived for many years in the caretaker's cottage on Hampton Road with his wife Maria and their family. He passed away in 2006, but he is still remembered at the College with a beautiful plaque outside our reception building. And in a nice bit of family and school history, Pete was the grandfather of old collegian and our current Alumni Coordinator Ben Lamaro. Miss you Poppa! - Ben

Honouring our esteemed old collegians is deeply important to the College. If you wish to submit Vale notices for inclusion in The Strand magazine, please send them via email to development@sbc.vic.edu.au. Your contributions allow us to respectfully remember and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have been part of our community and have sadly passed away since our last publication in late 2024 and throughout 2025.

We greatly appreciate your support in helping us honour their memories.