St Bernard’s College Old Collegians Association

SBOCA Grants in 2024

In 2023, the St Bernard's Old Collegian Association proudly supported four Old Collegians through the SBOCA Grant Program - we are looking forward to continuing the tradition in 2024!

Mr Simon Vitelli (SBOC 2019) who received a Global Gateway Grant in 2023 sat down with us to share his experience and the importance of the support received from SBOCA.

Get your application in today!

The annual beloved SBOCA footy tipping competition is back for 2024.

With the AFL Season nearly upon us, don't forget to sign-up to the competition so you are ready for Round 1.

The last few years have been won on razor-thin margins, showcasing the fierceness of the SBC competitive spirit, cash prizes up for grabs and more importantly, bragging rights, you do not want to miss out!

Click here to sign up!

St Bernard’s has always had a longstanding connecting with the Essendon Football club, and its great to see that connection is being further developed with some of our most recent Old Collegians enjoying an opportunity to work with Essendon F.C via their EEA Program.

The program is managed by Old Collegian James Polkinghorne (SBOC 2006) who has a tremendous wealth of knowledge of the sporting industry, with 100 AFL games under his belt, he is highly passionate about ensuring the success of everyone who involved in the EEA.

We had the opportunity to speak with Luke Matarazzo, Marcus Bocchetti and Oscar Mula about their experiences with the program which they completed in 2023 – all 3 graduated from St Bernard’s in 2022.

What appealed to you about the EEA program, what are you wanting to achieve?

Luke

What appealed to me about the EEA program was its comprehensive curriculum offering, and the opportunity to work on real-world projects. The chance to do this via Essendon F.C has been a dream come true, as a passionate bombers fan I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the day-to-day operation of the club and gaining insight into the business aspect too.

Marcus

Working inside the Essendon Football Club appealed to me as the EEA provides inner access to the club in both football and administration departments, this provides a great opportunity to understand how much work the club does to deliver success.

Oscar

What appealed to me about the EEA program was the 100 hours of work experience we were able to get within the club. As a football fan, it was always a dream of mine to gain an understanding of how the entire operation works, as many of us only see the end result of a game on the weekend.

More to come on this exciting program in the first edition of The Strand for 2024 - Keep a lookout!

Recently at the 2024 Australia Day Honours, Old Collegian Mr Paul Hede (SBOC 71)' was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to architecture, and to the community.

Paul is renowned for his work in design that recognizes and assists people with disabilities. He has been involved in overseeing the design of many building typologies including respite accommodation, schools, community centers, libraries and sports pavilions.

During his career Paul had a way of listening with understanding and then discerning a response that not just met functional needs but also created sensitive designs that uplifted the human spirit. His approach was innovative and showed an exemplary commitment to not only clients but also to the community. There are many examples of his skill that can be found in and around Melbourne. A recently completed building is the Mentone Lifesaving Club. A fine example of coastal civic infrastructure that responds effortlessly to the beach environment. A further example is the McAuley House in Footscray which is an amazing beacon of hope and a shelter that nurtures and protects.

Congratulations Paul, a tremendous achievement

The St Bernard's Old Collegian Association has been hard at work to organise a brand-new event for our Old Collegian community!

The inaugural SBOCA Bowls Day has been moved to Friday, April 5

This is sure to fill up fast as we have a limit of 32 teams, so be sure to get your team together and booked early!