As we finish the final day of term, we give thanks for a wonderful year of learning, growth, and community.

Today, we gathered as one for our end-of-year liturgy, where Fr Bernie Lane shared a blessing and reminded us of the “B”s that shape our journey – Belong, Believe, Become – along with this year’s call to Be Bold and the challenge from the 2025 College Captain to “Be the Buffalo”.

We celebrated the many achievements of 2025 through reflections from our 2026 Portfolio Captains and heard from our 2026 College Captain about exciting plans for the year ahead. Dr Davies spoke about boldness and the spirit of Advent – a time to pause, reflect, and mend what weighs on us, so we can begin the new year renewed and ready.

Wishing all our students, families, and staff a joyful Christmas season and a safe, restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026 for another year of opportunity and achievement!

Last night’s Music Soirée was an incredible celebration of talent and community among our music students. The evening began in the Margaret Tierney Centre, where we all gathered to start the night together. From there, the College came alive as we moved into various locations to perform alongside our instrumental teachers. Each space was filled with music and energy as students showcased their skills and creativity.

The performances were a true reflection of the hard work and dedication shown throughout the year. It was inspiring to see students performing with confidence and passion, supported by their teachers and peers. The variety of music and the collaborative spirit made the night truly special.

To finish the evening, we came together for a BBQ to celebrate the year and share stories, laughter and great food. It was the perfect way to end a night that highlighted everything we love about music and community.

Congratulations to all performers for your outstanding efforts and achievements. Thank you to our instrumental teachers and everyone who contributed to making the soirée such a success. Here’s to another amazing year of music ahead.

The 2025 Container Collection Sustainability Challenge has officially concluded, and we are proud to share an outstanding achievement: 5,053 containers collected throughout the year. This represents a significant increase from last year’s total of 2,793 containers.

Through our partnership with OzHarvest, these efforts have provided over 1,000 meals to those in need—one meal for every five containers donated. This remarkable outcome reflects the commitment of our community to sustainability and social responsibility.

A special commendation goes to Nagle House, who led the challenge from start to finish, driven by the dedication of Ayden and the innovative cross-country juice box collections.

We extend our sincere thanks to all students and staff who contributed to this initiative. Your participation has made a meaningful impact.

As we look ahead to 2026, we invite everyone to continue this momentum and strive for an even greater result next year.

239 donations = 717 lives saved!!

WE DID IT!!...we smashed the goal of 210 donations by 1 December 2025!

An absolutely amazing effort by the SBC Lifeblood team- a huge thank you to each and everyone of you who sat in the chair!

All donations made until the end of the calendar year will be added to our 2025 total- if you can, please continue to donate over the holidays. 

If you donate from 1 January 2026, this will then be added to our new goal for 2026…details to come! 

I look forward to updating you in the new year with our SBC Lifeblood team's final 2025 tally.

Wishing you all a safe, peaceful holiday season.

If you can’t donate…please advocate!

Are you ready to elevate your game? After a highly successful Term 4 program, the SBC Emerging Athlete Academy is set to expand in 2026, offering even more opportunities for aspiring athletes to develop their skills and passion for sport. This exciting program is designed to nurture talent and build confidence through expert coaching and structured training.

Expressions of Interest are now open for current students entering Year 7 and Year 8 in 2026 (Terms 1 & 2). Next year’s Academy will feature AFL Footy, Basketball, and Soccer, giving participants the chance to train like professionals and learn from experienced coaches.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a growing program that champions excellence and teamwork. 

For full details and to submit your Expression of Interest, visit MySBC.

We are delighted to share some outstanding news from our St Bernard’s College community. Lachlan, a talented member of our SBC Tennis Academy (run in partnership with iTennis Coaching Academy), has achieved a remarkable milestone in school sport.

Earlier this term, Lachlan was selected by School Sport Victoria (SSV) to represent Team Victoria in the prestigious Bruce Cup Tennis Championship. This national-level event, hosted by School Sports Australia, took place in Ballarat from 26 October to 1 November, bringing together the best young tennis players from across the country.

Lachlan competed with skill, determination, and sportsmanship, proudly showcasing the values of St Bernard’s College on a national stage. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, is an inspiration to our community.

Congratulations, Lachlan! We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing your continued success in tennis.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) was a joyful celebration of our Catholic faith, held over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year ACYF was held in Melbourne for the first time since Perth in 2019. In attendance were 6,000 pilgrims from every state and territory.

The festival began on Sunday when pilgrims gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral under rainy skies. From there, we walked behind the World Youth Day Cross and Icon to the Convention Centre via a winding route through Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens.

In the evening, all 6,000 pilgrims gathered in the huge plenary room to sing, worship and listen. The atmosphere was electric, with pilgrims dancing in their seats and cheering to an almost deafening level. The speakers included Archbishop Peter Comensoli who told us all are welcome in the Church, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, and Pope Leo XVI via video. 

Pope Leo reminded us that, “Our lives find their ultimate purpose in becoming who God made us to be, by living out his will. You are not the result of a random process. Each of you is willed, each of you is loved, each of you is necessary.” Here is a link to Pope Leo’s full speech: 'Become who God made you to be': Pope Leo XIV's message for pilgrims at ACYF2025

Monday started with the entire festival attending the plenary again, where we listened to different speakers and joined in the worship music. In the afternoon attended workshops on ‘How to Hug Porcupines’ (difficult people), the Bible, and a talk from Catholic and Western Bulldogs player, Matthew Kennedy. 

The final day started with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We then heard about hearing God’s voice from Sister Mary Grace of the Sisters of Life, a former Australian Olympic hopeful who chose religious life and is also famous on YouTube. We also visited the Expo where we met religious brothers and sisters and took the opportunity to ask them some questions.

The festival concluded with the Commissioning Mass in the plenary room. It was announced that Pope Leo XIV will be visiting Australia in 2028 to attend the International Eucharistic Congress. At the conclusion we were encouraged by Archbishop Anthony Fisher to “Carry this fire home. Share it with your families, your friends, your peers at school or university or at work, with your world. Let these days … be the start of something beautiful in you, not the end.”

We look forward to the next big events, World Youth Day Korea in 2027 and the combined ACYF and International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.

On Thursday, 27 November, St Bernard’s College proudly hosted the Semester 2 Year 7 Music Concert, an evening dedicated to showcasing the incredible musical talent of our Year 7 students. The concert was a vibrant celebration of creativity, teamwork, and dedication, leaving the audience inspired and impressed.

The program featured a diverse range of performances that highlighted the depth of our music program. The SBC Saxophone Ensemble delivered a polished and harmonious performance, while the SBC Drumline brought energy and excitement to the stage. The College Symphonic Band added a powerful and dynamic presence, demonstrating the strength of ensemble playing at St Bernard’s. Adding a personal touch were two outstanding soloists: Zachary S, who captivated the audience with his artistry, and Benjamin B C, whose moving performance was beautifully accompanied by his father, Darren.

We extend our congratulations to our five bursary winners for their exceptional commitment to music: Liam K, Alerio H, Dan D, Noah I, and Will H. A special mention also goes to classes 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, and 7.0 for their outstanding group performances, which showcased collaboration and creativity at its finest.

A heartfelt thank you to all our instrumental staff and class teachers, Mr James Chapel and Mr Chris Smith, for their guidance and support throughout the semester. Their dedication ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive musically.

Friends of Music

Friends of Music is an opportunity for parents and members of the St Bernard’s Community to get involved in the music program, and with that, contribute to creating as many opportunities as possible for all the young men involved. Looking ahead, it is our hope to raise money for a more diverse collection of innovative instruments. If you would like to join Friends of Music, please email the Head of Music, Joshua Romeo.

Last weekend, our Assistant Principal (Identity), Mr Nick Smith, was honoured with the Gospel Spirituality Award at the EREA Charter Leadership Awards 2025.

These awards celebrate four exceptional educators from across the national EREA network, recognising those who embody the very best of what a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition represents—a living expression of the Touchstones in action every day.

National recognition speaks volumes about who Mr Smith is. He is a leader of integrity and vision, deeply committed to faith, justice and community. His work demonstrates compassion, collaboration and a global outlook, fostering meaningful partnerships with schools and organisations both locally and internationally.

These qualities continue to shine through his time at St Bernard’s College, as shown in the accompanying photos, which offer a glimpse into the man behind this well-deserved award—respected by all and leading with heart and purpose.

Congratulations, Mr Smith, on this outstanding achievement!

On Wednesday, 26 November, we proudly celebrated the Most Valuable Players from across all sports, honouring those whose exceptional commitment, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions have defined this year. Each recipient was presented with a medal—a symbol of their hard work, resilience, and passion for their sport.

A sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us to mark this occasion, and to all who make our sporting community flourish—our passionate students, encouraging parents, inspiring coaches and mentors, and the Director of Sport, alongside the tireless support staff who orchestrate every detail behind the scenes.

Your efforts have made 2025 a year of outstanding participation and achievement in sport. We’re excited to see what triumphs await in 2026!

On Tuesday, 25 November, as part of their return to the Essendon campus, our 2026 Year 10 cohort jumped straight into a vibrant afternoon of House Spirit activities, supported by our dedicated House Guardians and House Captains.

Following a formation session on the values, mission and symbols of their Houses, students rolled up their sleeves to design House banners and Canva posters that will feature proudly in our celebrations throughout next year. 

We look forward to sharing the finished products with our community soon!

What an incredible season! Our ACC Year 7 Division 1 Tennis Team has finished undefeated, capping it off with a thrilling Grand Final victory — 8 sets to 4!

Congratulations to our talented players for their hard work and determination, and a huge thank you to our dedicated staff, parents, and caregivers for their support throughout the season.

We also commend the opposing team for their skill and sportsmanship, making the final a fantastic contest.

This achievement marks a proud moment in the College’s sporting history and reflects the commitment and excellence of our students.

On Monday, 24 November, members of our 2026 Student Council took part in a transformative Man Cave Retreat.

This session equipped participants with Level 4 accreditation and training, empowering them to serve as facilitators alongside The Man Cave staff during junior engagements and to provide mentoring and support within this vital area of student life.

As leaders in our community, Student Council members are called to champion mental health and wellbeing across the College. This retreat offered meaningful upskilling and formation, ensuring they can lead with confidence, care, and purpose.

After squeezing all his exams into one week, Year 11 student Harris is now in Rome, joining fellow participants from Catholic schools across Melbourne for the ACU School Leaders Program. This three-week overseas immersion, which will later take Harris to London, is designed to form future leaders through a deep engagement with the Catholic tradition and Western civilisation.

The program explores major themes in the Church’s history and the development of the West, aiming to deepen participants’ reflections on their faith and sharpen their intellectual curiosity about the traditions that shape their lives. These experiences provide a strong foundation for leadership and service beyond school.

Each teaching session combines assigned readings with visits to significant historical and cultural sites. Students are supported by teachers throughout, with regular opportunities to reflect on what they are learning and how it connects to their own journey.

We wish Harris every success as he immerses himself in this extraordinary experience of learning and leadership!

On Sunday, 23 November, St Bernard’s College proudly fielded a team of 12 athletes at Race #1 of the WSTC Triathlon Series, held at the picturesque Altona Beach foreshore.

The triathlon followed the traditional format of swim, bike, and run. Competitors began with a challenging swim in choppy waters, followed by a scenic bike leg along the full length of the Esplanade, and concluded with a run along the ever-pleasing Altona foreshore path. Despite the mix of wind and rain, our students demonstrated resilience and determination, finishing strong across all stages.

What truly set the day apart was the sense of community and teamwork. Older students supported and encouraged the younger boys, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and care. A special mention goes to Christian, whose leadership and enthusiasm rallied the team together.

This event was more than a race; it was a celebration of connection, growth, and shared achievement. Our athletes not only showcased their physical endurance but also embodied the spirit of St Bernard’s—where strength comes from unity and encouragement.

As part of the High Performance Football Program, students took part in an intensive two-day training camp at Santa Monica on Friday and Saturday. The camp provided a valuable opportunity for participants to enhance their physical conditioning while strengthening team unity. Through a series of challenging activities, students worked collaboratively to build resilience, trust, and cohesion—key qualities that will underpin their performance in the 2026 Senior Football season.

As we approach the Christmas season and the close of another school year, we give thanks for the blessings of 2025 and look forward with hope and joy to the year ahead.

Please note our office hours during the holiday period and the commencement dates for students in 2026.

May this festive season be a time of peace and renewal for all in our community.