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.

Andrew Catterall is a prominent figure in the sports and media industry, known for his leadership roles across various organizations. 

He currently serves as the Australian CEO of major corporate bookmaker PointsBet. Before joining PointsBet, Catterall was the CEO of Racing.com, where he led the company through significant growth in broadcasting, digital media, and commercial development.

Andrew's career also includes senior leadership positions at Racing Victoria and the Australian Football League (AFL). He worked in the AFL as General Manager of Strategy and Marketing, and had a key role in media rights deals and the project to bring the Adelaide Oval back to the league. He was no slouch on the field either - playing over 200 games for the St Bernard's Old Collegians Football Club, including in the 2003 reserves premiership.

Please note: the Madden-Bedford Shield run sheet has changed slightly - first bounce is now at 1:30PM.

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.

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 Francis Leach, 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 strategic communications expert, Francis has over 30 years of valuable experience to draw on.

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

You may have spotted St Bernard's College's very own Paul Menta on the Project last night! An old boy himself, Mr Menta has taught at the school for many years and is one of our current Assistant Principals - specialising in data, research and professional development. He put this expertise to use when asked on the Project to talk AI, answering the hard-hitting questions - is AI truly better than humans when it comes to teaching?

You can watch it here: https://10play.com.au/theproject/news/2025/teachers-fear-ai-takeover-as-companies-cut-staff/tpv250529spqyg 

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!

This Flashback Friday brings you some happy snaps from the Year 9's of 2005 enjoying their trip to Santa Monica!

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.