Yesterday, our Year 9 Japanese students participated in their second Zoom session with our partner school in Kyoto.

Building on their initial interaction, students continued to use the Japanese language skills they’ve been developing in class. The session provided another valuable opportunity for authentic communication and cultural exchange, strengthening the connection between the two schools.

These ongoing interactions support language learning in a meaningful context and highlight the importance of global engagement in education.

Looking ahead, some of our students will be travelling to Japan in 2026 and are excited about the chance to meet their Kyoto peers in person during the trip.

As the last week of Term 3 unfolded, St Bernard’s College not only celebrated McAuley Week but also embraced HPE (Health and Physical Education) Week, creating a festive atmosphere filled with engaging activities.

The week kicked off with the 101 Step Challenge, encouraging students to stay active and enjoy the benefits of movement. This was followed by a series of exciting competitions, including the half-court basketball goal challenge and the soccer crossbar challenge that put students’ skills to the test. 

For those seeking something new, students had the opportunity to try jiu-jitsu, while the "Burn It Off" challenge provided an energetic outlet for everyone. A highlight of the week was the friendly netball match between staff and students, held in collaboration with McAuley Week, where competition was fierce, and spirits were high.

Thank you to all participants for your enthusiasm and camaraderie, which made HPE Week an enjoyable experience for the entire school community!

As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive education and global collaboration, I recently had the privilege of visiting one of our Cluster Schools—Ardscoil Na Mara in Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland.

This enriching experience was shared with Aoife Denton, Deputy Principal – Wellbeing and Diversity, as we explored and exchanged practices in the field of Learning Diversity.

Our visit was a vibrant exchange of ideas, strategies, and shared values. Together, we examined the tools and programmes both our schools have implemented to support the diverse learning needs of students. A key focus of our discussions was the use of data-gathering tools—how we collect, interpret, and act on data to inform personalised learning pathways and ensure every learner is seen, heard, and supported.

A particularly inspiring part of the visit was when Aoife Denton guided me through their Autism unit, a government-funded initiative designed to increase the independence of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The unit not only provides targeted support but also plays a vital role in integrating students into the mainstream school environment, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. The thoughtful design and dedicated staff reflect a deep commitment to empowering every learner to thrive both academically and socially.

We also explored the frameworks that underpin our respective approaches to inclusive education—from targeted intervention programmes to whole-school wellbeing initiatives. It was uplifting to see the alignment in our goals and the innovative ways Ardscoil Na Mara is embedding diversity and inclusion into daily practice.

This visit not only deepened our professional understanding but also strengthened the bonds between our schools. It reaffirmed the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and reminded us that, while our contexts may differ, our commitment to nurturing every learner’s potential is universal.

A heartfelt thank you to Aoife Denton and Padraig Cawley, Principal of Ardscoil Na Mara, for their warm hospitality and for sharing their inspiring work in Learning Diversity.

In the last week of term, St Bernard’s College joyfully celebrated McAuley Week, honouring the spirit and mission of our foundress, Catherine McAuley.

On Tuesday, students engaged in a creative Art Mindfulness activity with our talented art teacher Ms Reeves-Williams, before gathering on Wednesday for a special Community Mass celebrated by Old Collegian Fr. Bernie Lane. In this Mass, we reflected on the spirit of Catherine and her remarkable legacy of supporting social services and caring for those most in need.

We also enjoyed a fundraiser barbecue, with proceeds going to our partners at the St Vincent de Paul Society, and on Thursday, the week ended on a high with a spirited staff v students netball match — with the staff team comfortably sealing the win!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and took part in making McAuley Week such a meaningful celebration of faith, service, and community.

Thank you to the St Bernard’s College community — together we raised $866 for Polished Man.

A further thank you to everyone who participated, and to those who sparked meaningful conversations around this important cause.

We’re especially proud of our Wellbeing Captain and the Student Leadership Team, who chose to take on this campaign and led it with heart and purpose.

St Bernard’s College was fortunate to welcome Samuel Karanja from Edmund Rice Foundation Kenya, who has played an instrumental role over the years in connecting our community with Edmund Rice projects in Kenya.

During his visit, Karanja addressed our Year 9 cohort, sharing insights into the life-changing work of these projects and the exciting prospects of visiting Kenya on Immersion in 2027. Donations from events like the Marby150 Charity Run and Edmund Rice Solidarity Day continue to make a real impact—often prompting recognition and heartfelt connection when our staff or students visit communities in Kenya.

He also delivered the keynote address at our Winter Sleepout, where he reflected on homelessness and the reality of sleeping rough, reminding us of our place within the global Edmund Rice community. We are deeply grateful for his visit and the inspiration he continues to bring to our College.

Join Jo Briskey MP and Minister Anika Wells for a town hall discussion on the new social media policy.

Date: Monday, 10 November 2025

Time: 6 pm – 7 pm

Location: Rosehill Secondary College Auditorium

RSVP: www.trybooking.com/DFZVP  

We’re excited to welcome the special people in our Year 7 students’ lives to St Bernard’s College for a morning of celebration, connection, and community.

🕤 Arrive from 9:30 AM | 🕙 Event starts at 10:00 AM
📍 O’Brien Centre Gymnasium
📅 Bookings essential – visit the MySBC Parent Portal for full details and to register.

Join us on Wednesday, 22 October from 6:00–8:00 PM in the O’Brien Centre for a vibrant evening celebrating our Art & Technology students!

Explore stunning student artwork and folios from Years 7–12, enjoy finger food & drinks, experience live performances from Music, Drama & Media and discover creative projects in Food Studies, Product Design & Digital Technologies.

📍 O’Brien Hall
🎟️ Free event – Register now: https://www.trybooking.com/DFJQN

We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us as we honour and remember members of our College family who have passed away. A time to reflect, unite in faith, and celebrate enduring connections.

📅 Saturday, 8 November 2025

🕤 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Marian Chapel, St Bernard’s College

☕ Light refreshments to follow

🔗 RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/DFVXH

Join us for an afternoon of racing spirit and community!

📍 Venue: The Moonee Ponds Club
🕧 Time: 12:30–3:30 PM
👗 Dress Code: Race Theme / Smart Casual
🍽️ $100 for a delicious two-course meal
🍷 Drinks available at bar prices
🎁 Prizes to be won!

🎟️ Open to all parents and St Bernard’s Old Collegians
👉 Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DFVUZ

We warmly invite our alumni, parents, and past parents who are working in or studying the medical and allied health fields to join us at the College for our first industry-based networking event.

This is a great opportunity for our young alumni studying in the medical and allied health fields to meet professionals in these industries.

This event is free to attend and includes beverages and canapes. 

📅 Thursday, 16 October
 🕡 6.30 PM – 8.00 PM
 📍 Peter Hogan Boardroom, St Bernard’s College (Parking via Gate 6)

Please book your ticket in the link below:-
https://www.trybooking.com/DDCMB

Please note that we will be hosting different industry-based events throughout 2026 - stay tuned!

The 500 Supporters' Group invites our community to one of Melbourne’s most iconic sporting lunches at the MCG!

Since 2000, these events have become renowned for their marquee guests, vibrant atmosphere, and support for a great cause. Held just before Melbourne Cup Day, this Spring Carnival Lunch is always a highlight!

📅 Tuesday, 28 October
📍 Members Dining Room, MCG
🕐 12:15pm – 3:00pm
🎟️ $175 per ticket
👥 $1750 for a Table of 10

To learn more about the 500 Supporters' Group and to book, visit https://www.500supportersgroup.org/events-lunch-racing