Bernie's Bulletin

2026 Event Calendar

Bold = updated events

Michael Valastro (Class of 2020) is a driven young entrepreneur whose journey since graduating from St Bernard’s College reflects resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

During his time at St Bernard’s, Michael's aim was to achieve a high ATAR and pursue a successful professional career in architecture. However, like many students graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, his final year brought unexpected challenges. After receiving an ATAR that didn’t align with his initial goals and briefly exploring university pathways that didn’t feel right, Michael decided to carve his own path, making the bold decision to build his own business.

While balancing full-time study, retail work, and industry experience as a student quantity surveyor, Michael simultaneously launched and grew his activewear brand, ELITE N TITLED PTY LTD, from his family home.

Through relentless hard work and consistency, Michael transformed his vision into a rapidly growing international business. Shortly after graduating from university in October 2024, he opened the company’s first commercial warehouse, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion. Today, his team spans across Australia and internationally, supporting the continued growth of the business.

Michael continues to expand his business ventures with new projects on the horizon, including the launch of a business-focused platform that guides aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to execution while providing direct access to trusted overseas manufacturers. 

His upcoming induction into the St Bernard’s College Hall of Fame as our second Rising Star winner is a testament to his values of perseverance and determination, and along with his fellow inductees, Michael sets an inspiring example to current St Bernard’s students.

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!

You are cordially invited to the St Bernard's College Foundation Hall of Fame Gala Dinner, an evening of fine dining, celebration, and reminiscing in the Atrium at Hyatt Place Essendon Fields.

This year we have the pleasure of inducting two exceptional nominees into our Hall of Fame who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields:

Pat McCluskey (Class of 1964) (co-founder of ANCA) - Honouring a distinguished career in engineering, and global leadership in innovation and advanced manufacturing in CNC grinding technology.

Associate Professor Alf Nastri (Class of 1985) (Royal Melbourne Hospital) - For excellence in Dentistry and Medicine (Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon) and commitment to teaching future generations.

The Rising Star Award is recognising exceptional talent and leadership potential for those between the age of 25 to 35.

The 2026 Rising Star Award recipient is Michael Valastro (Class of 2020) (Elite N Titled and Valvero) for entrepreneurial excellence in Activewear, Fashion Design and Jewellery Design.

Friday, 1 May, 2026

6:30 pm arrival

Hyatt Place, 1 English St, Essendon Fields

$170 per person, $300 for couples

(Current Hall of Fame members may book a complimentary ticket)

2-course meal and drinks included

Exclusive discounts for attendees to book a stay at Hyatt Place - use event codes BQST (room only) or BQTB (bed & breakfast) when booking.

Book your tickets now: https://www.trybooking.com/DKSXB

Don't miss this premier event celebrating the best of our school community! Proceeds from the evening help the Foundation assist the College with various scholarships. 

St Bernard’s College warmly invites alumni from the graduating classes of 1940 to 1976 to attend our Easter Liturgy, celebrated alongside our current students, followed by a complimentary morning tea.

We also respectfully extend this invitation to the widows of past students from these years. Your continued connection to the College community is deeply valued, and you are most welcome to join us.

Please confirm your attendance in the below link before Tuesday, 31 March: https://www.trybooking.com/DKSBX

Thursday 2 April 2026 

9:00 AM - 11:45 AM 

St Bernard's College

41 Rosehill Road, Gate 8 across from 53 Hampton Road, Essendon VIC 3040

Guests are asked to arrive at 9.00 am for a 9.30 am commencement of the Easter Liturgy, to be held in the College Gymnasium. Morning tea will follow at 10.40 am in the Peter Hogan Boardroom, concluding at 11.45 am.

Please advise Erin Mepham at emepham@sbc.vic.edu.au if you have any dietary requirements and/or require wheelchair access.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the College for this special occasion.

Thank you to all who attended our first Old Boys Night of the year at the Laurel Hotel! It was a great night to catch up and relax with a few drinks.

For those who are available, don't forget our first Old Boys Lunch of the year, coming up this Tuesday 31 March at the Moonee Ponds Club. Register your attendance here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKLZG

We’re excited to announce that after a brief hiatus St Bernard’s will again be participating in the World’s Greatest Shave! 

Our College Captains are leading the way in 'braving the shave', as our amazing team of students and community members volunteer to shave, cut or dye their hair in support of an incredible cause. 

Blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis, with 55 Australians hearing the words “you have blood cancer” every day. The funds raised by the Leukemia Foundation will pay for medical research and critical support for all Australians affected by blood cancer.

We’re halfway to our fundraising goal of $5000, and we encourage our whole school community to lean in and get involved however you can at the link here: https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/TEAMSBC

Keep an eye on our socials on Tuesday to see the results and get around the team!💇♂️

Construction on the Quays Project is moving forward beautifully. We thank our community for your ongoing support as this state-of-the-art learning space takes shape!

October 2025

January 2026

March 2026

In 2018 our students also participated in the World's Greatest Shave and raised $17,400 for the Leukemia Foundation, a school record that still stands!

You might be able to spot current SBOCA President Jasper Brettell leading the way as the school captain of that year!

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.