Bernie's Bulletin

2026 Event Calendar  Bold = updated events

A certified sommelier with over 25 years of experience in all facets of hospitality, Greg Lightfoot is a highly respected name in the industry.

Greg began his career as a waiter in Melbourne and in London, and had a brief stint as a chef, before finding his calling as a sommelier. He has worked at high-end restaurants across Melbourne, including Rockpool and Vue de Monde. 

Not only an expert on wine, Greg is a capable leader and operations manager, and is currently a crucial part of the operations at Vintage Wine Co. (formerly Sante Wines) as an Area Manager. His passion for food and wine continues to sustain him. He runs an initiative called Vino & Velo in partnership with Rik Symes, where the two give exclusive cycling tours across Victoria’s wine region.

Whether he is mentoring new faces, connecting people and businesses, or recommending a hidden gem winery, Greg is always generous with his time and advice, and his extensive industry network is a testament to his character.

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!

The SBOCA Bowls Day returns in 2026! A fantastic opportunity to connect with Old Collegians, enjoy friendly competition, and win some cash from our $1500+ prize pool. Open to all in our St. Bernard’s community– Old Collegians, Current Students, Family and Friends.

This year's event will have teams of two - sign up together or join as a solo player and pair up with someone on the day. Who knows - you might be partnered with a secret prodigy!

📅 Sunday 30th August 2026
🕒 Registration opens from 9:15am for a 10am start
      Play finishes at 4pm
🍽️ Lunch and afternoon tea provided, refreshments available.
🎟️ $50 per person or $100 for a team of two.

Book Tickets Here!

For more info/enquiries please contact:

Gerard Mahoney (Community Bank Keilor East)
M: 0412 165 912    E: gerard.mahoney@ekcfs.com.au

or Vinnie McGuire (St Bernard's)
P: 03 9289 1105     E: development@sbc.vic.edu.au

Our Golden Years Reunion is open for registration!

The classes of 1976 and earlier are warmly invited to return to the College for this complimentary event sponsored by the St. Bernards Old Collegians Association. The day includes a Mass, morning tea, guided tours of the grounds and exclusive access to the St Bernard's archive collection.

The day will run as follows:

9:00 am – Arrival & Sign-in
O'Brien Gymnasium

All guests attending Mass must sign in at the doorway to the gymnasium

9:30 am – Mass Commences
O'Brien Gymnasium

10:45 am – Morning Tea, College Tour and Archive Room Experience
Peter Hogan Boardroom

12:00 pm – Complimentary Lunch and Beverages
Peter Hogan Boardroom

2:00 pm – Event Concludes

As the staff car park will be full, please enter via GATE 8 for parking down near the ovals. Transport from there will be provided to the registration point at the gymnasium. Those not attending Mass may arrive from 10:45 am, park in Beryl St and enter via Gate 4. You must sign in at Reception before proceeding to the Peter Hogan Boardroom.

Bookings are essential - please register your spot at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DNEZF or by contacting the College at the below details:

Email: development@sbc.vic.edu.au
Phone: 03 9289 1000
Name: Vinnie McGuire

Whether it has been 50, 60 or even 70 years since your graduation, we look forward to welcoming you back to St Bernard's College to reconnect with old friends, revisit cherished memories and celebrate the lifelong bonds that make our community so special.

Congratulations to old collegian Patrick Kisnorbo (Class of 1998) on his recent appointment as head coach of Sydney FC in the A-League Men's! 

Patrick signed a three-year deal after impressing as interim coach in 2026, leading the Sky Blues to the Grand Final. We wish him the best of luck for his tenure at the A-League's most successful club.

We invite all our old collegians to join Alumnly, our social platform helping our old collegians to connect and grow.

Whether you're browsing through photos from cherished moments, exploring or posting job opportunities, staying updated on upcoming events, or curious to know where your old classmates are now, our platform is here to cater to your needs. You can also share your own achievements and stories, fostering deeper connections within our vibrant community.

It has been great to see lots of sign-ups already and Old Boys have begun networking, updating their profiles and reminiscing with photos from back in the day.

Sign Up Here

2026 will see most of our alumni reunions occur on the same night.

Lock in Friday, 27 November, where the College will host all 1 to 50 year reunion cohorts in one big extravaganza in the brand-new Tobin Building cafeteria and the adjoining spectacular Piazza. All from the classes of 2025, 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981 & 1976 are invited for one big reunion party! Tours will be organised to view our new facilities with food and beverages available. 

Invites will be sent directly as we approach the event dates.

St Bernard's students have travelled to many places on school trips over the years, but did you know we've been to Samoa?

This week we have an excerpt from the 1997 Clairvaux detailing the Year 11 three-week trip to Samoa, where they had the chance to immerse themselves in the Samoan lifestyle. As Mr Paul Quinn wrote at the time: "The aim of the trip was to expose the students to a different culture, and to provide opportunities to experience the villagers' way of life. It is possible to travel as wealthy Australian tourists...but the students entered into the opposite experience with open minds and a willingness to adapt: sleeping, eating, working, relaxing and mixing with the local communities as closely as possible to the way Samoans outside of their local village would." It's a philosophy that has stayed with us to our immersion program today.

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 4 of 2026.

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