2022 saw the return of our Immersion experience. On September 12^th a very excited group of year 10, 11 and 12 students and 3 staff headed to the Northern Territory to spend 10 days experiencing life within two remote communities in the Northern Territory Watjan and Nauiyu. Watjan is situated in wild dog/dingo country and Nauiyu lies on the Daly River.

Immersions have a long been part of the SBC culture, with over a decade of strong relationships between our two communities.

Off the back of the COVID pandemic, this year’s immersion was only the second undertaken by the school in the last three years, and the first to return to the Northern Territory. It gave this group of students the opportunity to begin the process of reforming our connection with members of the Nauiyu community. It was also the first chance for us to begin forming connections with the Watjan community.

Highlights of this trip included, cave paintings, carving a didgeridoo, making clap sticks, cooking wallaby & kangaroo tail, star gazing on the flood plains, and watching the sun set. The opportunity to play football and basketball with members of the Nauiyu community, a visit to flat rock, the privilege of being welcomed to country, and the inaugural SBC Daly River Ashes cricket match added even more to our experience.

Whilst our time away was not without its challenges (relentless heat and red dirt, a croc sighting not far from our swimming hole, a close encounter with a brown snake, sorry business in Nauiyu) they served their purpose, helping to deepen our understanding of the reality of living on country. But above all, it was the connections made with the members of both communities that was central to the uniqueness of this opportunity.

Nightly yarns around the fire and discussions about culture, engaging in men and women’s business, talking about family and traditions, and understanding the importance of respect, are the things that will stay deeply etched within the memories of everyone lucky enough to be involved in this trip.

The immersion program provides students and staff with the opportunity to involve themselves within culture and community, and to learn about cultural traditions and history from traditional owners, elders, and other members of these indigenous communities. It is an integral part of our school’s journey in understanding this country’s indigenous history and gives students the chance to bring back to the college a deeper and richer understanding that they can share with their peers. St. Bernard’s College is committed to developing each student’s understanding of our rich indigenous history, as we all, both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, move toward acknowledgment, acceptance, and reconciliation.

In 2023 we will continue to broaden the Immersion program with plans to return to both Nauiyu and Watjan, as well as potentially engaging with other Indigenous homelands in Cape York and Lake Mungo.

The aim is to provide opportunities for students and staff across a broader range of year levels to be part of these unique and unforgettable experiences. Along with the reestablishment of the F.I.R.E. (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) carrier program, immersions to Indigenous communities will be central to enriching and extending the cultural education of our students.

Last Monday, Our 8 Year Students had the exciting opporuntity to be involved in a Football Academy, , ran by current Year 12 students at Essendon Football Club’s training facilities

The day involved a tour and Q&A with AFL player Dyson Heppell!

A fantastic opporuntity for our Students to be involved with an elite sporting body - We are extremely exited to grow this program in 2023!

Last Friday, 11 November, some of our students attended the Remembrance Day service held at the Shrine of Remembrance in the city.

Andre Mihocic (Year 11) wrote the below powerful reflection of the trip, Speaking to the importance of this day within our history.

The Remembrance Day Service was an experience I have never done before, and I am truly grateful that I chose this activity with my group. The service was a memory that I will never forget because of seeing how people from around the city came to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for our country. It was a very touching ceremony and it really made me think about what it would have felt like if I had a past family member who fought and served in the War. At the service, I could see soldiers, police, the governor, Daniel Andrews and opposition leader Matthew Guy. I could hear the cannons go off with a big bang that surprised me

Last week, Some of our Year 11's alongside VCAL students, Went on an excursion to FairShare as part of their Food Studies class to understand how food insecurity and food scarcity affects our community.

FareShare is an Australian not-for-profit food rescue organisation that operates Australia's largest charity kitchens located in Melbourne and Brisbane. Its mission is to mobilise volunteers to cook delicious, free meals from rescued, donated and homegrown ingredients to improve the lives of Australians in hardship.

The boys helped to prepare various meals for FoodShare, including cracking a grand total of 2500 eggs, which became 1224 veg & egg pies!

A fantastic effort from our Students & a valuable insight into an important social issue

As of May 2020, the Uniform Shop will be operating by appointment only. This will help alleviate lengthy queues during peak periods.

Uniform Shop Hours of Operation during January 2023

Monday 23^rd - Friday 27^th January 10am - 4pm

Closed Thursday 26^th January (Australia Day)

Click here to make an appointment

If you know the sizes of the items you require, visit https://shop.sbc.vic.edu.au/ to order online.

For all other uniform enquiries, or to volunteer in the uniform shop, please email rbuhagiar@sbc.vic.edu.au or phone 9289 1176.

Technology Studies

Reference: Clairvaux 1990 (Celebrating 50 years 1940 - 1990)

This is a new area where students are given a real option towards learning and experiencing both practical and theoretical applications. Technology Studies is based on the old format of practical studies; however, it is now far more diverse in its educational application. It incorporates engineering and scientific knowledge to give students a broader, more in-depth look at the use of materials, systems and design and how these affect everyday existence.

Students are involved in applying real-life situations to come up with solutions to problems as part of the design briefs. The central aspect of these studies is the research and investigation of information used to find practical solutions. This includes conducting surveys, interviews, and excursions to design and analyse the appeal and quality of products through testing materials and producing a three-dimensional project.

As you can see, the program has become very broad and diverse. When successfully applied, it gives students a great sense of satisfaction through learning in both a practical and theoretical manner. As a result, Technology Studies is now considered a viable selection option for students wishing to learn about science and engineering.

Mr Ray Stevens