Tuesday, 8 March was International Women's Day for 2022

At St Bernard's, we understand the importance of this day and striving for a gender equal world. Being an all boys school we want to ensure we are instilling a culture of respect in our young men, so that we can work towards a future where gender inequality is a thing of the past

On Tuesday, Our fantastic VCAL Students catered a morning tea for our staff to celebrate International Women's Day.

This was followed by a virtual whole school assembly on Friday, with our College Leaders each speaking on the importance of the day. We also invited guest speaker Naomi from One Girl to speak to our young men about her important work, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa to bridge the gender inequality gap.

A massive thank you to Naomi for her time, her speech certainly provided plenty of food for thought to our young men and how they can be proponents for change.

On Friday, 4 March, four of our Year 11 History students represented St Bernard’s College in a flag raising ceremony at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

They were there because of our commitment to the Shrine’s Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation, which connects schools with veteran’s service units. We have an association with the Australian 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion who saw service in the Middle East, Java and New Guinea in World War Two.

As far as we are aware all service men from that group have passed, so this association keeps their memory alive. The relatives of ex-servicemen in attendance were honoured to have our students represent their loved ones.

Ms Swingler and the four students Felix O’Kane, Lewis Farrell, Finn Curwood and Zach Van Hees took part in the service leading readings and prayers.

The ceremony was recorded and can be viewed by clicking here

We are proud of our young men in their involvement in this important program.

On Thursday our VCE Studio Arts students visited the National Gallery of Victoria. This excursion enabled the boys to view the fine works of art that form part of our State's valuable collection. Some of the works they admired include paintings by Salvador Dali and Lee Krasner, ceramics by Pablo Picasso and sculptures by Henry Moore. Seeing these works and others will undoubtedly provide inspiration for the students as they develop their art folios throughout the year.

In Year 10 Food Studies on Monday, 28 February , our students cooked with St. Bernard's Free Range pork.

The class is currently studying ethical meat production as part of the course and this company are a wonderful example of sustainable meat production.

The pork, plus aprons, shopping bags and caps were very kindly donated by St. Bernard's Free Range and North Essendon Gourmet Butchery . We would like to add a special thanks to Vincent at St Bernard’s Free Range Pork and Phillip at Essendon North Butchers - Thank you for your wonderful support

Writing & manga art workshop to be held in the Library.

Is your son interested in creative writing or Manga art? Would they like to take part in a workshop with award winning author James Phelan (author of The last thirteen series, Jed Walker series, The Alone series, Lachlan Fox series) or a Manga art workshop with artist Kenny Chan, whose artwork is displayed in Manga books and various TV cartoon series and movies.

The workshop will take place in the Mitchell Library on Wednesday, 6 April from 9.45am - 12.30pm during Library Week. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. The event is free and all are welcome to attend, but there are limited spaces

If your son would like to be part of this event or would like further information contact Ms Jacqui Gale (Head of Library) on Jgale@sbc.vic.edu.au RSVP's close on 1 April

Our Year 7 & 8 students will also attend an author talk with James Phelan in period 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 6 April as an incursion.

Instrumental Music lesson enrolment for 2022 – There’s still time!

Please contact jstewart@sbc.vic.edu.au and mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au for further information and to enrol your son in instrumental music lessons for Semester 1, 2022.

Instrumental Lessons are on offer for the following instruments in Semester 1, 2022:

• Guitar - electric/acoustic
• Drums/percussion
• Piano/Keyboard
• Vocals
• Bass Guitar
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Tuba
• Saxophone
• Clarinet
• Flute

What are some benefits of learning to play a musical instrument?

1. Learning a musical instrument can help to increase your cognitive ability (makes you smarter!!)
2. Relieves stress
3. Makes you feel proud!
4. Builds confidence
5. Improves patience
6. Improves memory
7. Improves creative thinking skills
8. Many more…..

Music opportunities in 2022!

There are many exciting music opportunities planned for 2022 that St Bernard’s music students can become involved in, including performing at Hamer Hall, as part of the ACCent on music concert with other ACC schools.

Ensembles running in 2022 include:

- Concert/Symphonic bands

- Show band

- Big band

- Rock bands

- Choir

- Guitar ensemble and more.

Want more info?

For further information about Instrumental music lesson enrolment or the music program at the St Bernard’s College, please contact: jstewart@sbc.vic.edu.au and mpuglisi@sbc.vic.edu.au

On Thursday, 10 March during lunch our Debating A Grade team delivered a masterclass focusing on the 3rd speaker, to the rest of our Debating squad to help prepare for the first debate next Tuesday

It is fantastic to see the boys be able to learn from each other and truly encompasses our values.

As of Tuesday 9th February, 2022, the Uniform Shop will be operating by appointment only. This will help alleviate lengthy queues during peak periods.

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, please email rbuhagiar@sbc.vic.edu.au or phone 9289 1176.

Congratulations to our ACC Lawn Bowls team on winning the 2022 ACC Lawn Bowls Tournament!

They are now back-to-back champions!

What an effort - Well done Boys!

An Excerpt from the 2002 Clairvaux

Weights and Gym

This year has marked the start of a new era in health and fitness at SBC with the opening of a fully equipped weights and gymnasium in June. Our facility is air-conditioned and very conducive to training all the year round. The students have responded enthusiastically, with consistently high numbers attending the four afternoons the gym is opened. Many thanks to the staff who have given of their time generously throughout the year to supervise the students. All weight trainers at SBC are indebted to them for their unfaltering commitment.

We look forward in 2003 to a full year of training in our new gym.

WORK EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT UDPATE FOR YEAR 10s (20-24 JUNE)

Following on from the Yr 10 Parent Information evening held on the 10^th of February, we have had a rush of student enquiries. As noted last year (when we started the planning) and on the 10^th of February - 20-24 June might seem like a long way away. However, the earlier the students begin their planning, the greater the chances they have of securing a meaningful placement. Students can find the Industry Engagement Information book on their Year Level MYSBC page. Click Careers/Year 10.

Secured a placement and yet to pick up the Work Experience Arrangement Form (including the COVID 19 document)? These can be picked up from the careers office.

Career as a Firefighter
Every workday has meaning. Every workday makes a difference. Firefighting is suited to people with a genuine desire to serve the community, and who thrive on working closely in a team. Firefighters need to -

• have appropriate all-round strength and fitness
• exhibit problem solving skills
• demonstrate high level interpersonal skills
• genuine desire to work with the community
• have appropriate physical and psychological capability

There is a diverse range of roles available to firefighters, with great opportunities for specialisation and career progression.

Emergency response activities may include:

• suppression of all types of fires
• search and rescue
• high angle rescue
• road accident rescue
• emergency medical response (EMR)
• marine Response
• industrial accidents and hazardous material handling and storage incidents
• assisting other agencies in emergencies
• fire investigation analysis

Community resilience activities may include:

• educating the community about fire safety
• working with diverse community groups, across all age groups, to promote emergency prevention and preparedness activities through a variety of community resilience programs.

Other activities may include:

• training - skills maintenance and acquisition
• involvement in exercises with the public through evacuation drills
• installing smoke alarms for senior Victorians
• participation in joint emergency training exercises (Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management and SES)
• building inspections
• checking water supplies, cleaning vehicles and maintenance of fire station.

Find out more, including salary scales and work hours, by browsing Victorian Fire Services.

Tax File Number (TFN)

A student will need at tax file number if he/she starts work (part-time and full-time) and all students planning on a tertiary education require one when they start.
Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Support Place) course at university without a Tax File Number, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early!
Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.

To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit TFN Application