During Week 6, many science classes celebrated National Science Week by participating in engaging quizzes themed around science and innovation. Students also had the opportunity to join the Science Week Trivia, with exciting gift vouchers awarded to the winners.

A special highlight was the Balloon Race competition, which saw around 30 selected students from Years 10 and 11 put their physics knowledge to the test in a fun and hands-on challenge. This activity encouraged students to apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios in a creative and enjoyable way.

Congratulations to all the winners, who received canteen vouchers in recognition of their outstanding efforts and enthusiasm!

During the 4-week unit, Year 9 students explored the history of bread, examining technological, health, social, and cultural factors that have influenced food production in Australia.

As part of their design task, they created their own bread products to represent their family traditions and culture. A beautiful blend of food, identity, and creativity!

On Thursday, 7 August, we were honoured to welcome back to St Bernard’s old collegian and co-founder of ANCA Pat McCluskey, for an enlightening presentation to a group of aspiring engineers from our Year 11 and 12 cohorts.

With a glowing introduction from our Principal, Dr Michael Davies, Pat’s presentation was a rare insight into the world of modern manufacturing. Pat talked about the story of ANCA, an engineering company he founded in the spare bedroom of his house with his best friend Pat Boland. The audience learned how ‘the two Pats’ combined their special skills – McCluskey’s technical skill and practical engineering with Boland’s mathematical and coding abilities – to create one of the first CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. Today, ANCA is a global leader in CNC tool and cutter grinders. 

Pat brought some examples of the cutting tools and applications ANCA produce – including a replacement prosthetic kneecap – showing how wide-ranging the engineering field is.

This was followed by a Q&A where students asked insightful questions about starting a business, the role of AI in the field and technical details of the machines. Pat’s key piece of advice was to think outside the box and have a strong process, encouraging our students that “being different generally means being better!”

We had some wonderful news to cap off the day, as Dr Davies announced Pat’s desire to provide university scholarships and placements at ANCA, making them available for St Bernard’s students studying engineering degrees. Pat also announced further funding for equity scholarships. As a scholarship student himself while at St Bernard’s, Pat knows firsthand how life-changing they can be, and we can’t thank him enough for his generosity.

We thank Pat, Laura, Caroline and Sean from ANCA for being so generous with their time, our students for their excellent participation, and our Partnerships and Events Coordinator, Erin Mepham, without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible.

In Year 10 Civics, students have been learning about state politics. To support their learning, they were taken on a tour of Parliament House Victoria. The class explored the workings of parliament, as well as its history. Students experienced the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, Parliamentary Library, and dining rooms.

They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see in real life what they’ve been learning in the classroom. The visit also served as a valuable lead-in to their upcoming incursion with Deputy Premier, the Hon Ben Carroll.

Theme: Every Conversation Matters – Shifting Conversation to Action

National Child Protection Week (NCPW) is an important opportunity to engage, educate, and empower Australians to better understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect — and to work together to prevent it.

This year’s theme, Every Conversation Matters, highlights the importance of turning discussions about child safety into meaningful action. Whether at home, in schools, or across communities, every conversation can help build a safer future for children.

We encourage all families to explore the official program and webinar series, which offer valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting child wellbeing. Topics include emotional abuse, online safety, healthy masculinities, and more.

🔗 Program and webinar details available at:
https://www.napcan.org.au/official-program-webinars-events-2025/

📅 Featured Webinars:

• Mon 8 Sept, 11:30am–12:15pm – Launch of National Child Protection Week
• Tue 9 Sept, 11:30am–12:45pm – Unpacking Netflix’s Adolescence: Building Healthier Masculinities in Today’s Online World
• Wed 10 Sept, 1:00–2:00pm – Preventing Childhood Emotional Abuse: Prioritising Action
• Thurs 11 Sept, 11:00am–12:30pm – Power, Shame & Screens: Protecting Young People from Image-Based Abuse
• Wed 22 Oct, 11:30am–12:45pm – What Children Tell Us: Listening, Trusting and Taking Action

Introducing the SBC Emerging Athlete Academy!

In partnership with Phillips Coaching, St Bernard’s College is proud to launch a game-changing program for Year 7 students passionate about sport.

Mind. Body. Craft.

The Academy blends expert coaching, innovation, and holistic support to build skills, confidence, and resilience—empowering students to thrive both on and off the field.

Whether striving to make a school or club team, or chasing elite pathways, students are supported with the structure, coaching, and belief to grow.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for a Term 4 start (current Year 7 students only)—with plans to expand to Year 7 & 8 in 2026.

Further details and EOI are available via the MySBC Parent Portal.

Spots are limited—get in early!

The Year 8 Literature Festival was held on Wednesday, 27 August, and attended by our entire Year 8 cohort.

Award-winning author Suzy Zail delivered an inspiring keynote, sharing insights into her books, which explore powerful themes of justice. Her latest novel, Inkflower, is based on her father’s experience of the Jewish Holocaust during World War II.

Students enjoyed sessions with a vibrant mix of authors, comedians, a slam poet, and illustrators. Each group participated in engaging workshops led by guest presenters.

The Literature Festival aims to create a positive and memorable experience with literature—encouraging students to read more widely and develop their creative writing skills.

An enjoyable day was had by all, and our Year 8 students were widely praised by our guest presenters.

It was wonderful to come together as a community on Friday, 22 August, to celebrate the feast day of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. What made it even more special was welcoming back old collegians Fr Ray Scanlon and Fr Joe Giaccobe, who joined Fr Tony Feeney in celebrating Mass.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the celebration—especially those involved in preparing the liturgy and our incredible musicians who brought the service to life.

It was also lovely to see some familiar faces return to the College as part of our Golden Years reunion. They joined us for Mass, enjoyed a tour led by our student leaders, and shared lunch and stories that reminded us of the deep connections that span generations.

Moonee Valley City Council is excited to offer a range of free and low-cost school holiday and Youth Month activities this September for young people aged 12–25 across Moonee Valley!

Activities include an Intro to Coffee course, Podcasting workshop, Medieval Fantasy Festival, Wicked Scented Movie, and much more.

Students can register here: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/youth/youth-events/. Places are limited, so we encourage early sign-ups.

We’re also on the lookout for short films made by young people! If a student’s film is selected for screening, they’ll receive a $250 voucher. Students can learn more and submit here: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/youth/youth-groups-and-programs/#call-shortfilms

Please reach out using the Valley Youth contact details below if you have any questions.

Valley Youth – Moonee Valley City Council

Ph: 9243 1225 I Email youth@mvcc.vic.gov.au