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Welcome back to Bernie's Bulletin! This informative publication provides updates on all things St. Bernards, including news on our students and exciting happenings across our campuses. Of course, there are lots of interesting snippets relating to alumni and our old collegian association groups – including our regular ' In the Spotlight" and ‘Flashback Friday’ features, opportunities such as job postings and grants, and lots more. We have now added in our 2026 Events list, so please check it out and don’t forget to pencil in any event you want to attend.

2026 Events Calendar is Here!

2026 Event Calendar

Bold = updated events

EventDateTimeLocationRegistration
Bernies Old Boys Night 1Thu 19 Mar6:30pmThe Laurel Hotel, Ascot ValeOpen - Register Here!
Bernies Old Boys Lunch 1Tue 31 Mar12:00pmThe Moonee Ponds ClubOpen - Register Here!
Alumni Easter Morning TeaThu 2 Apr9:30amSBC Essendon - O'Brien GymnasiumSave the Date
Foundation Gala DinnerFri 1 May6:30pmHyatt Place, Essendon FieldsSave the Date
Bernies Old Boys Night 2Fri 29 MayTBAAscot Vale HotelSave the Date
Golden Years Reunion and MassFri 21 Aug9:30amSBC Essendon - O'Brien GymnasiumSave the Date
Bernies Old Boys Night 3Thu 3 Sep6:30pmThe Laurel Hotel, Ascot ValeSave the Date
Bernies Old Boys Lunch 2Wed 9 Sep12:30pmThe Moonee Ponds ClubSave the Date
SBOCA AFL Grand Final Eve LunchFri 25 Sep12:00pmThe Moonee Ponds ClubSave the Date
Foundation Cox Plate LunchFri 23 Oct12:00pmThe Moonee Ponds ClubSave the Date
Deceased Old Collegians MassSat 7 Nov9:30amSBC Essendon - Marian ChapelSave the Date
SBOCA Chris Lane Golf DayFri 13 Nov11:30amMedway Golf ClubSave the Date
Bernies Old Boys Night 4Fri 20 NovTBAThe Moonee Ponds ClubSave the Date
Reunion NightFri 27 Nov6:00pmSBC EssendonSave the Date

Bernie's Spotlight - Patrick Kisnorbo (1998)

Old collegian Patrick Kisnorbo (Class of 1998) has forged an outstanding professional career in football, both on the field and now from the touchline, with a journey that has taken him from the playing fields of St Bernard’s College to the international stage.

During his time at St Bernard's, Patrick was already demonstrating the leadership, determination and discipline that would later define his career. He proudly represented the College in ACC Soccer and was a pivotal member of the First XI team that went undefeated in 1998 to secure the Division 1 Championship. Playing through the centre, Patrick’s commitment to the team was recognised when he was awarded Best Team Player.

Following his graduation, Patrick began his senior career with South Melbourne FC, where he quickly made an impression. In his debut season he was part of the club’s 2000–01 premiership-winning side, and his performances soon attracted international attention.

Patrick subsequently embarked on a distinguished career in Europe, representing Heart of Midlothian in Scotland before moving to England to play for Leicester City and later Leeds United. He eventually returned home to conclude his playing career with Melbourne City in the A-League.

Patrick proudly represented Australia on the international stage, earning 18 senior matches for the Socceroos and making 39 international appearances overall. Playing primarily as a centre-back or defensive midfielder, he became widely respected for his toughness, positional intelligence and reliability in defence, which made him a trusted teammate and fan favourite.

After retirement, Patrick continued to demonstrate his leadership in the game by transitioning seamlessly into coaching. His managerial career highlights include:

  • winning the W-League Championship with Melbourne City in 2017 and 2018
  • leading Melbourne City to their first ever A-League Premiership and Championship in the 2020-21 season
  • following up with another Premiership in the 2021-22 season, qualifying Melbourne City for the Asia Champions League for the first time in their history
  • and becoming the first Australian to coach in one of the world's top 5 leagues.

Patrick’s journey reflects values long associated with St Bernard’s—commitment, resilience and leadership. The College community takes great pride in his achievements and looks forward to the next chapter of his already remarkable career.

If you know any old collegians who have been successful lately, let us know at development@sbc.vic.edu.au - we'd love to celebrate them!

New in 2026 - Old Boys Nights!

Come along to the first of our Bernies Old Boys Nights!

Coming off a huge 2025, the appetite for coming together seems as strong as ever, so we’ve decided to add some more events to the calendar so we can do just that.

New to our calendar are four Old Boys Nights and two Lunches. It’s a simple formula, we’ll book a venue, you show up! We begin at The Laurel on Thursday March 19, book in for free and bring whoever you wish! Order food and drinks at your discretion.

You can register attendance for the first night here: https://www.trybooking.com/DJWNX.

Look forward to seeing Old Collegians of all generations throughout the year!

Old Boys Lunch

The first of our Old Boys Lunches is also open for free bookings! 

It will be taking place from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, 31 March at the Moonee Ponds Club.

Register your spot here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKLZG 

SBOCA Bowls Day - POSTPONED

The SBOCA Bowls Day has been postponed, and will no longer take place on Sunday 15 March. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change.

Stay tuned for further updates on this event and a potential new date!

POSTPONED - College Captains and Hall of Fame Dinner

The Past College Captains and HOF Dinner has been postponed, and will no longer take place on Friday, 20 March. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change.

We will advise a new date in the near future—stay tuned for further updates!

Save the Date - Alumni Easter Mass and Morning Tea

We're pleased to announce another event for our 'Golden Years' cohort. All old boys from the classes of 1975 and earlier are invited to join us at the College for our annual Easter Liturgy, followed by a special morning tea in the Peter Hogan boardroom.

Save the date for Thursday, 2 April. Registration details will be emailed out soon!

Flashback Friday

This week we're revisiting some of the incredible productions that have lit up the Frank FitzGerald Auditorium over the years. 🎭✨

Each musical was a crowning achievement for the students and staff from St Bernard's and St Columba's, whose hard work and dedication created something truly special. Audience members have frequently commented on the high standard of these productions, with many being comparable to a professional show!

West Side Story (2003)

Guys and Dolls (2004)

Cabaret (2006)

The Wiz (2010)

Strictly Ballroom (2022)

Chicago (2024)

Newsies (2025)

Archive copies of past production tickets

As we look back with pride, we’re also looking forward. The refurbishment of the Frank FitzGerald Auditorium is underway, and you can take your seat with a tax-deductible donation. Your name and story as an old collegian will feature on our digital display, inspiring the next generation of talented St Bernard’s performers. 

If these memories made you smile, please consider supporting the refurbishment at the link here: Take Your Seat. Every contribution helps set the stage for future students to create moments just as magical as these.

Submitting a Vale Notice for The Strand

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.

Vale notices submitted will be acknowledged in the next edition of the Strand in Term 2 of 2026.

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