Between March 6^th-10^th, St Bernard’s College celebrated our first ever ‘Rice Week’ being the first of our new house celebration weeks. In celebration of ‘Rice Week’ various events and activities were put together for the boys to get involved in and contribute to the culture surrounding our College Houses. We had events and activities such as Rice Week Quizzes in the library, our first Year 7 and 8 House Futsal Tournament, Rice House Community Mass, Student VS staff Netball game at Resurrection House along with so much more like the band ‘Encapsulate’ creating an amazing atmosphere alongside our fundraising BBQ for Edmund Rice Foundation and Disability Australia on the Friday.

Without a doubt, a highlight of the week was our Year 7 and 8 House Futsal Tournament which would not have been possible without our college Sports Captain, Charles Saunders. Here is his report on the tournament.

“It was a busy week with matches running every day at lunchtime in a controlled chaos fashion. After the first two days there were only 4 teams that remained for the semi-finals. 8 Avila B prevailed over 7 McAuley B in a dominant 3-1 performance, while 8 Mackillop A managed a victory over 7 Nagle A in a suspenseful penalty shootout (2 –1), eliminating the last of the year 7 teams with an all year 8 final taking place the next day.

The rest of the year 7’s and 8’s had gathered around the first pitch to watch the final, beginning at 1250 with 20 minutes of game time. It was an even game with both teams sharing the time with the ball equally and looked like it was going to be a penalty shoot-out, before Lewis Linardon managed a header on the end of a fast break to put Mackillop A up 1-0. The game finished 5 minutes later rendering 8 Mackillop 8 as the inaugural 7/8 House Soccer Tournament winners.”

It gives us great pleasure to say the week was big success! It was great seeing everyone from all the houses coming together and participating in everything on offer, a real attestation to the sense of belonging the College House system seeks to create and a great sight to see everyone having some fun. We hope everyone enjoyed the week and are ready for the welcoming and celebration of the rest of our up-and-coming House Weeks further on in the year!