Welcome to Bernie's Two Minute Friday where we will invite you to take a couple of minutes out from your busy schedule to read about what is happening in the world - all with a St Bernard’s Old Collegians focus.
We wanted to provoke some reminiscing of years gone by, so we're going to dig into the St Bernard's Archives and fish out some memories! We'd love it if you have photos from your time at St Bernard's and would be willing to send them in to share with us!
By request, The year was 1961, Lord Fury wins the Melbourne Cup! Australia signed the Antarctic Treaty, Richmond become the only team since 1922 to fail to score a goal in a VFL/AFL match, Four Corners TV current affairs program first screened on ABC TV.
Want to request a specific year or photo for the next "The Way We Were"? Reach out via email - cnicholl@sbc.vic.edu.au or hit the socials!
We had the opportunity to catch up with Old Collegian Phillip Barravecchio to help launch a brand new Bernie's 2 Minute Friday segment, The Business Spotlight!
The Business Spotlight is aimed at highlighting our extensive network of Old Collegian's who own businesses and how they continue to innovate in their respective industries in an interview based fashion
Without further ado, let's jump in!
Years of operation:
MNG Lawyers has been established since 2006.
Firm Partners are: Phillip Barravecchio (SBC 1989) and David Gonzalez.
Qualifications :
Phillip Barravecchio (SBOC 1989) was admitted to practice in 2004, after completing a Bachelor of Legal Studies followed by a Bachelor of Laws. He is a Solicitor Advocate and is registered to practice in both State and Federal Jurisdictions.
Phillip is proud to have been on the Executive Committee of the North West Lawyers Association since 2010.
Tertiary Qualifications: Bachelor of Legal Studies and Bachelor of Laws.
Operating Area’s :
Areas of Law:-
Many school students dream of careers in law – I definitely did! Some have strong feelings about fairness, equity, human rights and social justice, others want to defend those who can’t protect themselves, and some just dream of working for a large law firm and making money. In any case, lawyers have the unique privilege of upholding the rule of law and championing the public good.
The principles that were instilled in me during my studies at SBC (particularly in subjects like Legal Studies, Politics and Religion) gave me a strong sense of social justice and helping others. Like all other students, we are empowered to transform our world into a better place for all.
As an Old Collegian, how important is it to maintain a relationship with the St Bernard's & wider Essendon Community
I maintain my relationships by sponsoring Old Collegian events and other community events, speaking at Careers Days (when time permits) and taking current students on for work experience. A past student should consider the “Old Collegian’ network like a family that continues to grow and connects strangers with a common experience. I enjoy speaking about my experience at school and hearing about those of other “Old Collegian’s”, especially when I first meet them and find out they too are “Old Collegians”.
Networking is not overrated. In addition to learning about potential openings that may not be available on employment websites or advertised, networking also allows you the opportunity to learn from someone in a similar field, who has learned some valuable insight into how to prepare for a successful journey in such a role.
A lot of my previous jobs were actually not posted online or advertised — they were through word-of-mouth, through my network (especially the ‘Old Boy’ network)
MNG Lawyer's have been fantastic supporters of the College since their establishment in 2006, always willing to go the extra mile for the College and are our main sponsor for the Chris Lane Golf Day.
A progressive legal practice with a hands-on approach.
MNG Lawyers aim is to provide clients with practical plain English advice from our first consultation to the conclusion of each file, and ensure that our clients are receiving regular communication about the progress of their matter. Ensuring that our clients' needs and concerns are addressed is our main priority.
We are also a local firm with strong community ties and we are proud of our heritage.
If being asked “what are you going to do after you graduate?” makes you want to bite your nails, you’re not alone. Every student and new graduate goes through ups and downs — juggling doubts, taking detours, soul-searching — to figure out what they’re going to do in life.
It’s all part of the adventure of self-discovery: stressful at times, but also full of exciting new possibilities.
What are you good at? How can I be of value to this world? How do I balance those two things with what I enjoy doing, and what I am passionate about? Once you nail those questions down, a career naturally ensues from the choices to follow.
The best professional advice I was given is to find your niche and be relentless at chasing your dreams. Nothing is achieved without hard work and dedication.
A massive thank you to Phillip for his time & if you need legal advice, make sure you're contacting MNG Lawyers first!
Interested in being featured in the Business Spotlight? Reach out to cnicholl@sbc.vic.edu.au for further info.
The College was greatly sadden to hear of the passing of St Bernard's College Hall of Fame Inductee, Ches Baragwanath. Ches was a great supporter of the College and enjoyed fantastic success in his personal life through hard-work and dedication to his various jobs.
Most will remember Ches from his time as Victoria's Auditor General, with plenty of media coverage of him during his 11-year tenure from 1988 to 1999, most famously Ches redefined public accountability in Victoria through his meticulous and extensive work in ensuring Government figure's were held accountable for their decisions.
A funeral service was held for Ches last week and can be viewed here
Rest in Peace Ches - You will ALWAYS be a Bernard's Boy.
With the regular AFL season finished, the time has come to crown our 2021 Tipping Champion!
In a photo finish and only separated slightly but margin, 14a.stock is our 2021 AFL Tipping Champion! TheBlackFlash has taken out second place and Josh Mantello our third place winner!
We will keep the competition open through-out the AFL Finals series for a bit of fun, but the current standings are final.
Please email cnicholl@sbc.vic.edu.au or message us via the ESPN website to claim your prizes
Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone for participating, we'll be back again in 2022!
With our Reunion's due to start last week on St Bernard's Day, 20 August just around the corner we wanted to continue provide an update to Old Collegian's, with the current COVID situation in Victoria we are diligently watching the state government's announcements and information on a daily basis to assess the viability of our Reunion's going ahead as planned.
At this stage we have had to make the tough decisions to cancel the 50 & 60 Year Reunion, and the 40 Year Reunion.
We will ensure all Old Collegian's are informed of any changes to Reunions as they occur, we want to give the best opportunity for the Reunions to proceed as planned so decisions about changes may only occur in the days leading up to the specific Reunion.
Old Collegians Greg Catterall (SBC 86') & Pat Saundry (SBC 86') have taken the reigns to organise a 35 Year Reunion for the class of 1986
With the full support of the College, The Old Collegians are currently planning the event and can be contacted via the below details - the date and time will be set as soon as possible as we navigate the COVID landscape.
Greg Catterall - 0427 546 610 / Greg.catterall@hotmail.com.
Pat Saundry - 0403058058 / pat.saundry@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing as many Old Collegians we possible!
2021 will mark the 40th year St Bernard's in conjunction with St Columba's College have come together to raise funds via an iconic running event.
Initially the run would start at the Town Hall in Bendigo and end at St Bernard's, in 2002 however this format was revised and the Bendigo 150 became the Maribyrnong 150, a far more practical locale to host the event with less permissions and support vehicles needed to hold the event
Unfortunately due to the current COVID lockdown in Victoria, we have made the decision to cancel hosting Old Collegian's during the event to participate
We will revisit the 150 in 2022 so stay tuned!
Pictured: Some of the runners during the 2011 event!
We received quite a few updates after the last edition, be sure to keep them coming in!
Please click here to update your details!
Annual Giving at St Bernard's College Foundation
Our College’s determination to create the best available Learning Institution for boys is certainly a high priority. Since 2008 through the generous support of the St Bernard’s College community, the Foundation has been able to provide over $600,000 in bursaries and scholarships, as well as over $750,000 to assist with the provision of the state of the art buildings and facilities.
But there is still so much more to be done.
A Gift to our Annual Giving Campaign from you will have a direct and immediate impact on the students of St Bernard’s College.
With your help, we can continue to provide Catholic boys of Essendon the opportunity to fulfil their dreams at St Bernard’s College.
Gifts are tax deductible.
We are always on the look out to highlight the achievements & successes our Old Collegians have attained. If you have a story to share, or any feedback to provide regarding what type of content you like seeing in Bernie's 2 Minute Fridays please let us know!
Please follow the link below to view the event calendar.
If you have moved house recently or changed email address please send your new details to development@sbc.vic.edu.au
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