Newsletter
International Men’s Day: Advocating for Boys’ Wellbeing
21 November 2025
College Principal, Dr Michael Davies, shares his video newsletter with the community.
The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual competition that encourages students to explore scientific concepts, share their discoveries, and express their creativity with a wider audience. Each year, STS presents a unique theme to inspire young minds. This year’s theme was:
“Decoding the Universe: Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language.”
For the first time, our school proudly participated in the Creative Writing Competition (Junior Division). Nineteen imaginative entries from students in Years 7 and 8 were selected for submission, showcasing a wonderful blend of science and storytelling.
We are thrilled to announce the following award recipients:
Winning entries will be available online soon, so stay tuned and get ready to explore the creativity of our students at https://stav.org.au/science-talent-search/.

Earlier this week, on International Men’s Day (19 November), St Bernard’s College proudly recognised The Man Cave Organisation for their incredible work supporting young people—particularly boys and young men—as they navigate the challenges of developing healthy masculinity, fostering caring and connected identities, and building positive relationships within their communities.
On this day, The Man Cave joined leaders in Canberra for the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Healthy Masculinity group, supported by Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn. We are proud that our Assistant Principal (Identity), Mr Nick Smith, was in attendance at this important event, representing St Bernard’s College and supporting this national initiative to amplify advocacy and evidence-based work that creates meaningful cultural change for young people across Australia.
With more than 100,000 boys engaged in their programs, The Man Cave’s research continues to highlight the increasing pressures young men face—including anxiety, loneliness, disengagement from school, and the pressure to perform. Their work has never been more critical.
We are proud to acknowledge and continue to support an organisation that is driving connection, cultivating character change, and fostering positive development for the next generation of young men.

Together we made 34 donations in October, the biggest monthly total so far this year:
…and I am absolutely delighted to announce to the St Bernard's College community that we have already achieved our Lifeblood team goal of 210 donations for 2025...prior to the set date of 1st Dec!
Another magnificent effort from all our donors and Lifeblood advocates!
As of 20 November 2025, we are sitting on 230 donations (690 lives saved!) with a few more weeks to go...let's see what our final tally in December can reach!
Remember to add St Bernard's College as your team in the Lifeblood app.
Alumni Kevin Conlon stepped back into the spotlight this week as he helped break the world record for the most Pipers playing “It’s a Long Way to the Top” by AC/DC.
What makes this achievement truly extraordinary is Kevin’s unique place in music history.
Back in 1976, he was one of the original Pipers riding on the back of the now-iconic truck as it rolled down Swanston Street for AC/DC’s legendary film clip. Nearly fifty years later, Kevin found himself centre stage once again—this time surrounded by a record-breaking assembly of pipers delivering the same electrifying tune in Federation Square.
Kevin first walked through the gates of St Bernard’s College in 1949, beginning a family connection that now spans generations. His grandsons—Isaac Cullen (alumnus) and Patrick Cullen (Year 9)—have followed in his footsteps, proudly continuing the family tradition at the College.
It’s not every day a St Bernard’s old boy gets to make history… twice.
Kevin Conlon did just that, proving that some legacies aren’t just remembered—they’re lived, replayed, and celebrated for generations.
Exciting times ahead for Charles, Class of 2025. He has officially signed with Oklahoma State University for 2026 to pursue his career in elite athletics, while also studying business.
Congratulations, Charles, on this incredible achievement! Your dedication and hard work are a true inspiration for our students—showing what’s possible when you combine ambition with perseverance.
Wishing you every success as you embrace this new opportunity and prepare for your upcoming events in Australia over the next month.

Recently, our 2026 Portfolio Captains took part in the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) 'Student Leaders Global Dialogue'. With over 25 schools from across the global network in attendance, including our Cluster partners Vancouver College (CAN), Colegio Cardenal Newman (ARG), and Colegio Stella Maris (URU) , this virtual gathering provided an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas about leadership in an Edmund Rice school, share social justice initiatives, and build meaningful international connections.
We’re proud of our student leaders who represented St Bernard’s College with great pride and gratitude, and we celebrate being part of such an inclusive, inspiring global community of Edmund Rice schools.
Year 10 civics class had the pleasure of participating in a Zoom call with one of our EREBB cluster schools, Vancouver College. The students had the opportunity to chat about school, sport, house cups, discuss First Nations cultures and perspectives, as well as chat about why Drake posted their school on social media.
This was an invaluable experience for students to collaborate and share experiences across the world. This marked the beginning of a promising connection between our schools, one we hope will blossom into a lasting and meaningful friendship.
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Fr Frank. A cherished Old Collegian and proud member of the St Bernard’s College Hall of Fame, Fr Frank’s bond with our College was lifelong. He was a devoted presence in our community—regularly celebrating Mass and, for many years, leading the Deceased Old Collegians Mass with deep reverence and care.
Fr Frank embodied the Salesian spirit and St John Bosco’s wisdom: “It is not enough for young people to be loved; they have to know that they are loved.” His sincerity and generosity touched generations of St Bernard’s students and families, earning admiration and lasting friendships.
Beyond our College, Fr Frank was renowned as one of Australia’s leading Biblical scholars. His academic journey spanned Melbourne, Rome, Oxford, and beyond, and his internationally acclaimed research on the Gospels and Revelation shaped theological understanding worldwide. His distinguished service included appointment to the International Theological Commission by Pope John Paul II, recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia, and leadership as Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through all these roles, he remained deeply connected to his Salesian family and to St Bernard’s College, where his presence was a source of inspiration and faith.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the Salesian community, Fr Frank’s family, and all who were blessed to know him. His wisdom, humility, and dedication will continue to guide our College community.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
St Bernard’s College stands side by side with our community.
We are proud to support Side by Side Against Lymphoma, a 100km charity run organised by two of our Old Collegians, Ned and Flynn Gentile, in honour of their friend and fellow alumnus Josh Pardo, who is courageously fighting lymphoma.
Every kilometre of this incredible challenge was sponsored within 24 hours – a true testament to the strength and generosity of the community!
The run will take place on Saturday, 22 November, from Tootgarook to Airport West, raising vital funds for Lymphoma Australia.
Join us in cheering them on and spreading the word.
Learn more and show your support here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/19xanfSxES/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Together, we make a difference.