Our theme for 2026: LEAN IN 🙌
Every year, we search for a unifying theme, a rallying call that brings students, staff, and parents together, and sometimes, inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.
On a chilly, overcast Melbourne morning, students from Year 12 to Year 7, lined up for the triathlon. The water was cold, the sky grey, and it certainly wasn’t a morning for the faint-hearted. Yet what stood out most was their collective response: they chose to lean in.
From that photo, the message rang clear: when the task is daunting, lean in; when the path is uncertain, lean in; when the right thing is the hard thing, lean in.
This is our call to action for the year ahead. Let us lean in, into challenges, into choices, into doing what’s right even when it’s tough. In unity, in courage, in encouragement, we lean in.
We hope that this photo will serve as a reminder that our greatest inspiration is often found in the quiet strength and togetherness within our community, and that, as a community, we are always at our best when we lean in. #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing
#LEAN_IN
Buongiorno and おはようございます to you all - today marks the start of Languages Week!
Our amazing LOTE teachers have organised a week of fun activities where students can immerse themselves in Italian and Japanese culture.
With music, drama, martial arts, and of course plenty of food, it’s going to be a great week! #SBC #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing #LanguagesWeek #ItalianClass #JapaneseClass
Last Tuesday our Year 9 students had the privilege of hearing from author Alice Pung OAM, as she gave an insightful presentation about how our students can find inspiration for their own writing.
Alice’s childhood experiences as the daughter of immigrants living in Melbourne’s north-west serve as a major inspiration for her work, and she really related to our students with illuminating anecdotes of growing up in Footscray, Essendon and surrounds. Her first two books are moving memoirs of the life of her and her family, and she has gone on to write novels, children’s books and anthologies.
Following her talk, some students were fortunate enough to participate in a writing workshop with Alice, learning techniques to unlock their unique voice and create compelling characters.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alice for dedicating her time to guiding and inspiring our students, to our Head of Library Ms Jacqui Gale for organising this opportunity, and to the students for their enthusiastic participation.
Students can find a selection of Alice Pung’s books available in our College library for further reading and inspiration. Laurinda, Alice’s YA novel set in a Victorian private school, is an ideal entry point. #SBC #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing #WritingWorkshop #AustralianAuthor
That's a wrap on our first-ever Giving Day, and we could not be more grateful for the generosity and support of our community.
Not only did we reach our goal of $150,000, we also smashed our bonus goal of $250,000 — a result beyond what we could've wished for, and a result that speaks to the character of all of you in our College community.
Every dollar raised will go towards getting the best out of our students, and supporting them from the boys they are now to the men they will become.
We cannot thank you enough for this day!
*Donations (non-matched) will remain open until 24 May 2026. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.* #SBC #StBernardsCollege #SBCCommunity #GivingDay #BuildingTheMenOfTomorrow #QuaysProject #TheManHeWillBecome #LEAN_IN
Last Friday, our Year 12 Italian students visited Lygon Street - Melbourne's 'little Italy' - to learn about how Italian culture has developed and shaped our city.
The students attended an informative workshop at Museo Italiano in Carlton, learning about the history of Italian immigrants to Australia. After fuelling up with lunch at the famous Universal Restaurant, the boys embarked on a series of activities to complete throughout the day.
They were encouraged to explore Lygon St, comparing its past to its present and reflecting on the experience of the Italian immigrants who made a new start in Melbourne. The boys should be congratulated on their exemplary behaviour. Gracia Bravi Ragazzi! #StBernardsCollege #SBC #LEAN_IN #EducationExcellence #MelbourneCommunity #LygonStreet #ItalianClass
The Careers Team warmly invite students in Years 10-12 and their families to a special presentation exploring multiple industry pathways.
🗓 Monday, 18 May
🕑 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
📍 Margaret Tierney Ampitheatre, SBC Essendon
Register for free at /DMDQF
Dan McKenna, an alumnus of St Bernard’s and CEO of Housing All Australians, will be speaking about his journey and the career opportunities in the social and affordable housing sector.
Niv Fernando, Senior Associate of the Australasian Housing Institute Victoria, will also speak about how pathway areas such as engineering, construction management, business, commerce and laws are critical to the delivery and operation of social and affordable housing.
This event is free to attend. Seats are limited, so registration is essential. #StBernardsCollege #SBC #LEAN_IN #schoolevent #SBCCareers #OldCollegians
Our Giving Day is not just about new buildings—it's about building the men of tomorrow.
Every gift on Thursday 14 May will be tripled, and every gift will have a lasting benefit for our students now and in the future.
Your Impact:
🎓 Students – helping them to achieve academic excellence, co-curricular growth, and support them beyond the standard school day.
👩🏫 Educators – attracting and retaining outstanding teachers who inspire and challenge our young men every day.
🏫 Campus – enhancing the daily experience of every student with dynamic and vibrant learning spaces, connected by a community-oriented piazza.
All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible, and all our amazing donors will be recognised for your generous support! #StBernardsCollege #SBC #LEAN_IN #GivingDay #BuildingTheMenOfTomorrow #QuaysProject #TheManHeWillBecome #SBCCommunity
We know what you're thinking, but this is not an episode of Grand Designs—the refurbishment of the Frank FitzGerald Auditorium is taking shape!
With a fond farewell to the old seats and decor, we're excited to bring you this time-lapse update of the renovations.
As our new space for the arts takes shape, we invite you to take your seat. Learn more about how this project will honour our school community at the link in our bio. #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing #SBCCommunity #TakeYourSeat #SecureYourLegacy #PerformingArts #SchoolProduction
Last Friday, we had a fantastic time hosting the St Bernard's College Mother's Day Breakfast! It was a heartwarming morning filled with joy and gratitude as we honoured all the incredible mothers and special mentors who joined us.
A huge thank you to our wonderful Welcoming Community Group and staff for organising this special event. Your hard work made it a memorable celebration for everyone.
Happy Mother's Day and here’s to you all – thank you for being such an important part of our community! #StBernardsCollege #SBCCommunity #TheManHeWillBecome #MothersDay #MothersDayBreakfast
Over 24 hours next week, our community has the chance to come together and be part of something truly lasting – the Quays Project, a transformational learning precinct designed to support students before, during and long after the school day ends.
Hear from our students, staff and community as they share what the Giving Day is all about. More than just new buildings, your gift is an investment in wellbeing, opportunity and a legacy that will shape generations of St Bernard’s men.
On Thursday 14 May, every gift made will be tripled, maximising your impact and helping bring this vision to life. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible, and every contribution helps us realise the potential of our young men.
Give today. Build for tomorrow. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
#SBC #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing #LEAN_IN #TheManHeWillBecome SBCCommunity QuaysProject GivingDay BuildingTheMenOfTomorrow
Do you have a son starting in year 7 in 2028? Don't miss the chance to join the St Bernard's College community!
Applications will close next week on Friday 15 May.
Explore our vibrant curriculum and campus life via our College website, and learn about the world of opportunities for your son at St Bernard's.
Applications are due 15 May 2026. Visit www.sbc.vic.edu.au to apply today.
#Year72028 #TheManHeWillBecome #StBernardsCollege #AchievingExcellencebyLearningandDoing #CatholicEducation
