The Strand - St Bernard's College

Vol 11. No. 1 Jan 2004
The Strand
News From
ST. BERNARD’S COLLEGE
41 Rosehill Road, Essendon
Tel: (03) 9337 8699 • Fax: (03) 9337 1741
http:/www.sbc.melb.catholic.edu.au
SAINT BERNARD’S COLLEGE VISION STATEMENT
“Achieve Excellence By Learning and Doing”
PRINCIPAL’S
MESSAGE
It was the best of times; it was the
worst of times….
These words which opened Charles
Dickens classic novel The Tale of Two
Cities could well describe this year at
St. Bernard’s College. We have been
faced with immense challenges as students,
families and staff came to terms
with the most difficult of circumstances,
as we saw two of our students
die in the saddest of circumstances.
Events such as these then give rise to
close scrutiny from the broader community as we come to terms
with our grief and other consequences of these events.
In the face of these difficulties our community was able to go out to
those in their moment of need with great dignity and in a true manifestation
of Christ’s love. Some would say that the true test of a community
is its capacity to deal with the most difficult of times – if this
is the case then we can be very proud of all who see St. Bernard’s as
a centre of their community.
At the same time there have been many wonderful things happen
within the College in the past twelve months. The Year 12 class set
a commendable example for the rest of the student body with their
approach to their study, leadership and extra curricular activity.
Special credit goes to College Captain Joel Egan and deputies
Damien Iannazzo and Andrew Morello for their work in this area.
Further to this we witnessed the introduction of the Discere program,
which further extends our capacity to cater for the individual
needs of students – this time on The Strand campus, with capacity
within the program for extension learning and for students who in
the past have experienced learning difficulties.
The year has been very successful for the Old Collegians’
Association. Our two main events for the year, the Annual Dinner,
and Golf Day were well supported.
Old, new and continuing friendships highlight these events. Thank
you to sponsors and reunion organisers who add to the event success.
The second annual dinner held in Sydney for Old Boys was also a
great night and looks like becoming a regular event. An objective
next year is to add another city to reunite Old Boys.
At the Annual General meeting President Justin Monaghan and vice
president James Henderson were unable to continue in their roles
due to employment relocation. We thank them for their efforts and
look forward to continuing support in their new areas. Thank you
also to the committee members continuing with their roles. I have
ed. Early in the year we saw the Athletics team take out the ACC title
for the second time in three years. Another series of successful music
concerts were held, which showcased the increasing talent of our
students in this area. One memorable weekend in August saw the
opening of this year’s musical – West Side Story and our First XVIII
win the coveted Herald Shield in yet another tight tussle against the
highly talented De La Salle team. The year finished with SBC winning
the Year 7, Year 9 and Year 10 ACC aggregates and finish the
closest of seconds in the senior division – this is a great tribute to our
sport staff, coaches and students.
At this time of year we are mindful of those who are finishing their
time at St. Bernard’s - be they students, families or staff, I sincerely
thank them for their time with us. The good reputation the College
holds in the community is due to the wonderful work and contribution
of people such as these.
Finally I wish to acknowledge the contribution of the many people
who assist in the ministry of this Edmund Rice College. The Board
and its committees provide great direction by means of their wisdom
and expertise; the senior leadership of the College are very generous
with their time and energy, ensuring all aspects of SBC work at their
best; the dedication of our staff is essential in ensuring our students
receive the best of educations; the parent groups and the broader
parent community are generous supporters of our College, and we
are indebted to them for this. Finally we have come to appreciate
that, whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, being a
“Bernard’s Boy” is all about being there for others…and for doing
this so well in 2003 my greatest thanks go to the 1220 young men
who this year were our Bernard’s Boys.
Frank FitzGerald
B.A.,M.ED.,Dip Teach,Grad Dip Ed Admin.
There were certainly many “best of times” as our school year unfold-
St.
Bernard’s Old Collegians’ association
been given an opportunity as the new president and Ron Stobaus
was elected vice president.
Continuing with the success of our two main events in 2004 the
committee also is looking forward to establishing a comprehensive
website and an Old Collegians booklet to distribute to graduating
Year 12 students as a reference to the association and its affiliates.
The committee would like to thank Michael Perrett for his efforts
as the liaison officer for the school and association in 2003 and
continuing to help grow our association.
Andrew Vinecombe
President

In
the race for Excellence there is no finish line
I am pleased to advise that the administrative matters to appropriately
incorporate the St. Bernard’s College Foundation have
been completed.
The Foundation provides a facility through which we can show
our appreciation of what we, our families and friends have
gained from St. Bernard’s.
The Foundation is established to encourage a programme of
giving by old boys, their families and friends of the College.
Funds obtained by the Foundation will build over time ensuring
the goals of the Foundation of assisting the College to improve
facilities and maintain high educational standards are met.
The forward looking spirit of our predecessors has established St.
Bernard’s on a sound footing. That foresight has assisted and
benefited old boys and friends over the past 50 years.
The pace of educational change brings with it pressures on St.
Bernard’s and the College facilities. The demands to maintain
and improve on the already high standards are ever present.
The current generation of students and families provide sufficient
to cover the day to day running costs of the College.
In a competitive environment the College requires continuous
improvement of facilities and the ability to create the resources
to enable St. Bernard’s to establish scholarships for retention and
encouragement of gifted and or disadvantaged students.
The foundation is seeking members.
ROM THE EDITOR
FAnother big year completed at St.Bernard’s and very pleasing to
report of many successes.
Academically the year produced what could easily be the best
results in the College’s history.
In the sporting scene the highlights were certainly the outstanding
ACC Athletics win, the Herald – Sun Shield win in the football and
the Gold Medal in the Australian Schoolboys’ Senior Volleyball
Championships. In addition other ACC premierships were obtained
in the areas of Basketball, Debating, Football, Hockey, Soccer and
Tennis at various Year levels.
Drama provided a magnificent production of West Side Story, which
performed to sell out crowds on all nights.
Old Boys’ sport witnessed a wonderful performance by the Football
Club, as even though they were defeated in the A grade grand final,
the Reserves won the premiership and the Under 19’s went through
their Division 1 year as undefeated premiers and champions. In
addition the Athletic club completed their most successful season
ever.
The St.Bernard’s Foundation, under the chairmanship of Peter Reilly
B
Br. Anslem Dunstan Collopy, former Principal of
St.Bernard’s College from 1961 - 1967 died in
Perth on 17/9/2003 aged 87 years.
Br.Collopy had been sent from Perth, at the end
of the 1960 school year, with the express purpose
of building the Essendon Campus. He had been
instructed by the Provincial Council that; “we’re
relying on you to get this building up.....if you
don’t do it then it just won’t be done.”
The first building on the Essendon site was duly completed for the
1963 school year, in accordance with Br.Collopy’s plans. In that year
Forms 1V - V1 were relocated to Essendon. The Brothers’ residence
was also completed during his time as Principal.
has now completed its legals and will launch with official functions
in 2004. The Board comprises Graham Sherry, Peter Hogan and
Martin McGrath. We thank these people for taking on the
responsibility of assuring St. Bernard’s financial future.
The Old Collegians’ Association continues to prosper and the
Annual Dinner, Golf Day, Mass for Deceased Old Collegians’ and
further Anniversary Reunions attract big numbers.
Next year promises to be another big year in the history of the
College, as approval has now been granted for the building of a new
Year 7 Block, new Laboratory complex and a new Sports Pavilion.
It is envisaged that construction of the Year 7 Block will commence
in March and the Sports Pavilion in August.
We continue to thank the many past students and friends of the
College who have made this possible by their generous donations to
the Building Fund. All donations are 100% tax deductible and
further information can be obtained by contacting me at the College
on 9289 1106.
Michael Perrett
r. Anslem Dunstan Collopy
A number of giving programmes have been designed to encourage
membership at various levels of monetary contribution (as
low as $1,000) and including payment over time. Gifts received
by the Foundation may be tax deductible to the donor.
Ideally in the Foundation’s inaugural year it would be fantastic if
some significant contribution could be achieved.
As a consequence a classification as a “FOUNDATION” member
of the St. Bernard’s College Foundation has been coined to
apply to donors who gift $50,000 or more in this the
Foundation’s inaugural year. Donors to the Foundation can be
individuals or a corporate body.
There will be a Register of Members
maintained at St. Bernard’s College.
In the race for excellence there is no
finish line, however there is a starting
line and today is the day to present
yourself at that starting line. Please
telephone Michael Perrett (03 9289
1106) or myself (0419 556 106) for the
St. Bernard’s College Foundation
explanatory booklet.
Peter Reilly
Chairman
Peter Reilly, is pictured
here with Michael
Perrett and his wife Joy,
at the launch of the
Foundation, held at
Peter’s magnificent
home “Astolat”.
He was also a great supporter of all old boy associations and seldom
missed a match of the Old Collegians’ Football Club, during his
years at the College. He was ultimately awarded the first life membership
of the Football Club.
Brother Collopy had a profound affect on the life and growth of the
College and will be fondly remembered by all from that era. He had
spent over 60 years as a Christian Brother and as an educator of
Australian youth.
A life well spent - may he now Rest in Peace.

Rev. Francis J. Moloney
The Rev. Francis J.
Moloney, S.D.B.
The Very Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M.,
president of The Catholic University of
America, has announced the appointment
of the Rev. Francis J. Moloney, S.D.B., as
dean of the university’s School of Theology
and Religious Studies.
A professor of New Testament studies
since 1999, Father Moloney holds the
Katharine Drexel Chair of Religious
Studies. Pope John Paul II appointed
Father Moloney to the International
Theological Commission to the Holy See in
1984, and he remains on that important
advisory body to the Vatican as one of its
longest-serving members.
In announcing the appointment, Father
O’Connell praised the dean’s international reputation, “both as a
scholar and a professor-mentor.”
"I have great personal and professional respect for him and his ability
to lead CUA's School of Theology and Religious Studies forward,
especially now that its long-anticipated reorganization is fully
implemented,” Father O’Connell said. “Despite the burdens of a
demanding schedule, Father Moloney has generously agreed to
serve as dean. I am grateful to him for his generosity and I offer him
my support and prayerful best wishes."
Father Moloney replaces Monsignor Stephen P. Happel, who died
suddenly on Oct. 4, 2003. He will serve as dean through the 2004-
05 academic year.
Another Successful Reunion of the “SBC Forty-seven to Forty-niners”
Group.
Several attendees remarked on a more relaxed atmosphere this year,
presumably due to the fact that at last year’s function, quite a number
of those present had not seen one another for about 50 years or
more! Name tags proved useful again, mainly for the benefit of the
half dozen who were making their first appearance this year, and the
success of the function guaranteed that it be held annually. It was
therefore agreed that the function be conducted each year on the
Born in Melbourne, Australia, and educated by the Christian
Brothers at St. Bernard’s College, Essendon and graduating in 1957,
Father Moloney joined the Australian Province of the Salesians of
Don Bosco in 1960. He pursued graduate studies in theology in
Rome, earning a license in sacred theology from the Salesian
Pontifical University and a license in sacred scripture from the
Pontifical Biblical Institute. He earned a doctorate of philosophy
from Oxford University in 1976.
Father Moloney returned to his native Australia to serve as professor
of New Testament at Catholic Theological College, within the
ecumenical Melbourne College of Divinity. In 1992 he was elected
a fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities – the first
theologian to be given recognition by this body. In 1994 he was
made a member of the Order of Australia, in recognition of his services
to Australian religion and culture. In 1994 he was appointed the
foundation professor of theology at Australian Catholic University.
Father Moloney joined The Catholic University of America faculty in
1999, and in August 2001 was elected president of the Catholic
Biblical Association of America, the first non-U.S. citizen ever to
hold the position.
A founding editor of the Australian theological journal Pacifica and
an associate editor of The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Father
Moloney is the author of 38 books and a large number of articles,
both scholarly and popular, in journals from all parts of the world.
SBC Forty-seven to Forty-niners Group
Tuesday before the Caulfield Cup and that the same venue would be
used again next year, viz. the Moonee Valley Tabaret.
On the downside, there are still ten past students from that era
whose addresses we have been unable to trace, and we would
appreciate any assistance which readers of “The Strand” might be
able to give us in this matter. The “missing” list comprises Kevin
Bolton, Bernie Clancy, Laurie Clancy, Ronald Coburn, Brian Doyle,
John Fitzgerald, John Guthrie, Raymond Kan, John O’Loughlin and
John Walsh.
Pictured at this Year’s
Function:
Back Row: Leon Pain
Peter Venosta Graeme
Laffy Kevin Bourne
Kevin Beardsley Frank
Garvey Graeme Wood
Brian Burke Peter
Hemingway Alan Trusler
John Brennan Maurie
Doyle Phil Power Dick
Coyne
Front Row: Maurice
Goodings John
Andressen Dave
Dennett Eddie Doherty
Paul Shannon John
Perham Brian Jackson
Arthur Adams (in front)

ECHOES FROM THE ARCHIVES
Following the publication of the Under 12 Champion football team
of 1953, in the last edition of The Strand, Mick Turner, captain of that
side, took on the task of organising a reunion at the Old Collegians’
Dinner. He was remarkably successful with 17 attendees and apologies
from Bill Goldsworthy and Gerald Mills, who is living in
Queensland.
Back Row: Paul McManus; Fr.John Prest; Brian Mahoney,
Brendan Kruger, Lou North, Ian Hamilton;
Centre: Gavan Rafferty; Barry Baguley; Wally Trusler;
Joe Bongiorno; Br.Michael Stallard; John Hibbert;
Front: Mick Turner; Pat Morgan; Ron Hancox; Bill Thomas;
Below: Geoff Tobin, who unfortunately arrived after the photo
had been taken.
It was especially pleasing to see Br. Stallard able to attend and for so
many to make the effort to attend. Bill Thomas made the trip from
Sydney to attend. Bill Badger, who believed he was unfairly treated
by the coach 50 years ago, by not being selected in the team for disciplinary
reasons, attended and made sure the Coach was advised of
his error!!
How or why Ron Hancox is in the photo is a mystery to all! - here
he is seem holding the original photo.
It was a great night and enjoyed by all.
Graeme Healy
College Dux 2003 John McIntyre
with the Principal
It was wonderful to receive a visit from Graeme Healy ’60, upon his
return to Australia recently. Graeme married a South African and
moved there in 1968. Since then he has been back to Australia on
holidays on a number of occasions but is deeply entrenched in
South Africa, where he conducts an accountancy practice in
Johannesburg.
Graeme's, brother Don ’63 also attended the College as did Don’s
son Brendan ‘88. His parents Fred and Chris were great workers for
the College and in fact Chris was Treasurer of the Ladies Committee
from 1956 until 1963.
Graeme was amazed at the growth of the College since his last visit.
Herald Sun Shield Victory SBC 10.8.68 d D.L.S. 7.6.78
Jason McGrath

Sports Round Up - ACC Results 2003
COACH
CAPTAIN ACC PLACING
ATHLETICS Gerard Brown Adrian Mott / 1st
Anthony Albanese
BASKETBALL
Senior A Daniel Ioannidis Daniel Goldsworty 4th
Senior B Daniel Ioannidis Shannon George 2nd
Year 10 A Rebecca Scott no appointment 4th
Year 10 B Rebecca Scott no appointment 6th
Year 9 A Brendan Douglas no appointment 3rd
Year 9 B Jenny Purdue no appointment 1st
Year 8 A Marilyn Gilligan Ben Somerton 2nd
Year 8 B Cathy Aranyos David Wickerson 6th
Year 7 A Craig Osborne Michael Angel 6th
Year 7 B Vittoria Alcorace Daniel Spiers 2nd
CHESS
Senior Michael Goold Dominic Navarro 8th
Junior Clare Duncan Albert Cao 6th
CRICKET
Senior 1st’s Tim Grant Greg Sheehan 6th
Senior 2nd’s Mark Sheehan Simon Cave 4th
Year 10 Tim Grant Daniel Slevison 3rd
Year 9 John Garth Nick James 3rd
Year 8 Cathy Aranyos Michael Gentile 7th
Year 7 Mike Kellerman / Joel Greaney 4th
John Garth
CROSS COUNTRY Gerard Large Mark De Campo 2nd
DEBATING
Senior Kevin Nunan / Bryce Harris 1st
Louise Crook
Junior Robyn Sullivan Tim FitzGerald 3rd
FOOTBALL
1st XVIII Dominic Legudi Damien Iannazzo 2nd
2nd XVIII Ross Klancic Tim Murphy 1st
Year 10 1st XVIII Hayden Kennedy Daniel Slevison 2nd
Year 10 2nd XVIII Frank Bonavia Finn O’Sullivan 4th
Year 9 Napoleon Rodezno Andrew Horne 2nd
Year 8 Anthony Daniher no appointment 4th
Year 7 Peter Kelly Thomas German 1st
GOLF
Senior Jamie Watson Jarrod Stivala 4th
Junior Will Klinge / Robert Simone 4th
Russel Wright
St. Bernard’s Old Collegians’
Cricket Club
St. Bernard’s Old Collegians’ Cricket Club has commenced its
36th season. The club has entered 4 senior teams on turf in the
Victorian Turf Cricket Association (V.T.C.A.) and 4 junior teams in
the North West Cricket Association.
Although there has been some inclement weather during
October and November, the First and Second Elevens have
managed to post wins on the board or share the points due to
drawn games. The senior teams have started the season well with
two teams (Firsts and Seconds) in the Four, the Thirds just one
game outside, but the Fourths struggling at the moment. The club
has established relationships with Essendon and North
Melbourne Premier District Clubs and been able to draw on their
coaching expertise to assist Club Captain Coach, Quinton
Gleeson. This coaching and the pre season involvement with
Lindsay Walker – a qualified cricket coach with the Victorian
Institute of Sport, has already reaped benefits for both our Senior
and Junior players.
The club has 2 players in the V.T.C.A Under 21 representative
team with Nick Serrano, named as Captain, and Lucas Fielding.
This team has reached the semi finals of the Victorian Cricket
Union competition.
Hockey
Senior Jamie Watson Jordan Magdalani 3rd
Year 10 Frank Bonavia Daniel Baker 2nd
Year 9 Caroline Sheehan James Polkinghorne 1st
Year 8 Frank FitzGerald Kevin O’Shannassy 1st
Year 7 Bruce Wallace Andrew Athaide 1st
SOCCER
Senior A Manny Gambin Andrew Sacchetta 2nd
Senior B John Samanna Nicholas Epifano 2nd
Year 10 Vince Cosentino Marc Gervasi 1st
Year 9 Brian Hall Andrew Epifano/ 1st
Robert Bazzano
Year 8 John Soler Michael Karlis 4th
Year 7 Garth Cupido Fabio DiLizia 3rd
SWIMMING Carol Iannazzo Damien Iannazzo 4th
TABLE TENNIS
Senior Phil Noonan Steven Pham 8th
Year 10 Louise Crook Jake Dunell 6th
Year 9 John Nocci Brendan Boyle 4th
Year 8 Anthony Waters Keith Williams 2nd
Year 7 John Nocci John Giramondo 2nd
TENNIS
Senior Jamie Watson Kevin Henshall 3rd
Year 10 Orla McLynskey Shane Henshall 1st
Year 9 Bernadette Kirkwood Andrew Edera 5th
Year 8 John Soler Nicholas Familari 6th
Year 7 Bernadette Kirkwood Thomas German 2nd
VOLLEYBALL
Senior A Geoff Caulfield Luke Hande 2nd
Senior B Geoff Caulfield Dean DiSipio 4th
Year 10 A Tony Dib Chris O’Keefe 2nd
Year 10 B Vince Cosentino Chris Hughes 2nd
Year 9 A Daniela Acquaro Daniel Makdessi / 3rd
Scott Robinson
Year 9 B Daniela Acquaro Ryan Attard / 8th
Daniel Peric
Year 8 A Michael Dolan Ashford Dolan 2nd
Year 8 B Michael Dolan Pat Welham 3rd
Year 7 A Garth Cupido Tom O’Connor 5th
Year 7 B Garth Cupido Tom Fraser 5th
The junior teams, under Junior Co-Ordinator, Michael Overman,
have had varied performances at the commencement of the season.
The Under 12’s, under Mick Overman, are playing good
cricket, showing continual improvement and are currently in the
four having lost only one game. The Under 16 (1)’ s, under Tony
Isaacs, and the Under 14’s, under John Garth, are both in “A”
Grade and have been competitive in all games, but are probably
just a couple of good players short of competing with the top
teams in what is a very strong competition. The Under 16 (2)’s,
under John Hughes and Tony Caven, are improving with each
game after a slow start and are starting to win games. In addition
to their junior cricket, 13 of our Junior players have played turf
cricket in the Thirds and Fourths this season, thus giving them the
opportunity to further develop their cricket skills at the higher level.
The Club is holding a Past Players’ day at the clubrooms on 10
January 2004. The First Eleven are playing a one day game at
home on the day so there should be plenty of action. Anyone
interested in attending this day or wishing to obtain further information
about the St. Bernard’s Old Collegians’ Cricket Club
should contact Terry Davis on 9337-4984 (h) or 9282-3979 (bus).

In Profile
Jason McGrath ’89 is the young self-published author of two
books, an Adult Crime Thriller called “Blood is Thicker” and a
childrens’ Picture book called “Holly and the Pussycat.”
These two works of fiction have been created from an idea to the
final product. Since their production, Jason has marketed the
books himself, and has since won ranging at all Dymocks Stores
Victoria -wide and is on the Collins database (a difficult feat
without a big publishing house). Furthermore, staff at many of
the stores have read his Crime novel and voted it a 'staff recommended
read! This includes the Collins Chadstone store, which
has given his novel front billing at the counter!
Jason is possibly the most Melbourne-centric person you will
meet - and his Crime book is based in and around the suburbs -
most of which, he has lived in, or had some connection to. He
grew up in Gladstone Park and attended St. Bernard’s from 1984
- 1989 and upon graduating studied Accounting at Swinburne
University. After working during Uni as a projectionist, he
travelled overseas extensively and is currently the Finance and
Planning Manager for Mistral in Dandenong! He has lived in
Lilydale since 1997 and has an 8 month old daughter,
Hannah - for whom Holly and the Pussycat was written.
Whilst at St.Bernard’s, Jason won first prize in the Moonee Valley
St. Bernard’s Football Club
Although unable to deliver the ultimate prize of back-to-back A
Section premierships, the Old Collegians Football club had a
very successful year in 2003. Highlights of the year included:
• Under 19 Section 1 team were premiers and champions. This
was our first Section 1 premiership since 1983.
• A Section Reserves also took out the premiership, giving
Darren Handley a premiership in his first year at the club
• A Section Seniors were runners up to Old Xaverians for the
second time in four years
• David Law was named VAFA Under 19 coach of the year and
was a finalist in the AFCA Junior coach of the year
There were also a number of individual highlights with Ben
Jordan, Danny Byrne and Tim Harvey gaining all-Australian
honours for their performances in the State games. Also Ben
Jordan (A Grade) and Michael Hooper (Under 19) were runners-up
in the competition best and fairest awards, as well as winning the
club best and fairest awards. Chris Davis won the club award for
Reserves best and fairest. Brett Pitts, in his first year at the club,
won the Under 19 competition goal-kicking award.
The Keilor St. Bernard's Athletic Club had its best year ever in
2002/ 3 winning a total of 10 Premierships - 4 Cross Country and
6 Track - finishing as runners up in a number of other divisions,
including division 2 in the Cross Country, which saw the Club,
promoted to Division 1.
Promoted in all Senior grades for the Cross Country Season in
2003, the club took out a further 2 premierships - in Division 6
and Men 40 Plus. The division 1 team finished in 7th position in
its 1st year and had 2 creditable third placings during the year.
Our womens division 2 team finished second, missing the
premiership by one point, but as a consequence they have been
promoted to division 1 for 2004.
Track premierships went to u/14 boys and girls; u/16 girls;
Division 2 women and division 4 men. The division 4 men went
on to win the State Association Premiership. We had some great
results in the National Cross Country Championships; Mark
Blicavs taking out the National Championship in the under 14’s
Regional Library competition for writing a 'Hardy Boys' style
mystery. Since then he has written many pieces, but two years
ago decided to concentrate on one project from beginning to
end. He undertook many courses in writing, including the John
Marsden Writers' Conference to ensure that his books were of
professional quality.
The Crime novel, “Blood is Thicker”, which has generated huge
interest, has murders in St. Kilda, Mt Waverley, Sorrento,
Gladstone Park, Sunbury, Mill Park and Ivanhoe! The main
protagonist - a likeable character, McAbbey, lives in Lilydale - to
escape the dark and cold realities of crime and murder in the
city. Jason’s accounting background helps to balance the creative
side of his writing and ensure that his novels not only have
conflict and imagination to engage the reader, but also the smarts
and degree of resolution to sate a reader's desire for a powerful
ending with a twist.
Writing has always been his dream, and he has fulfilled it
through hard work and determination.
We wish Jason well for his future as an author and if you would
like any further information on his work, he can be contacted on
0419 006 708.
Preparations are in full swing for season 2004. All coaches from
this season have been retained and the recruiting committee
under the guidance of Neil Loughlin is working hard to ensure
that we continue to be a force in A Section.
The committee has a number of new faces after the retirement of
some of the current committee. Special mention needs to be
made of the contribution of outgoing chairman Keith Goullet,
who has worked tirelessly in that role for the past three years. His
work built on the efforts of previous administrations to make St
Bernard’s one of the most respected and professionally run clubs
in the VAFA.
Once again our major sponsor for the year was The North Suburban
Club of 622 Mt.Alexander Road Moonee Ponds and we urge you
all to support them, and all our sponsors, whenever possible.
On a sadder note, the club mourned the passing of Des Smith and
Maurie Bond during the year. Des helped found the club in 1963
and leaves a legacy that will be hard to replace. Maurie served the
club for many years and was on the committee in 2003.
For continued updated information on the Club, please refer to
Keilor St. Bernard’s Athletic Club Inc
and Marco Pitissano finishing 3rd in the under 16’s and Mitchell
Brown 14th in the under 14. Girls Stephanie Kondogonis and
Jessie DiCecco finished 9th and 10th respectively.
Recently Rob McCubbin broke the Australian Record for the 40
plus 800metres, with a time of 1.54.57. The previous record was
set by Noel Clough, 800 metre Gold Medallist at the Jamaica
Commonwealth Games and this record had stood for 27 years.
Ironically Noel trained at St. Bernard's when he set that record.
Must be the grass!
The club has members from 10 to 70 plus, so if you feel like a
jog, sprint, throw or jump come on down. Training is at the
College Ovals from 5.30 to 7.00 Monday and Thursday nights or
9.00 to 10.30 Sunday morning. Or at Salesian College
Wednesday from 5.00 to 6.00 p.m.
Ron Stobaus

In The News
Fr.Kevin McKelson ’41, our first old
boy priest, was honoured recently
with a Doctorate of Laws from the
University of Notre Dame in
Western Australia. He is pictured
here at the ceremony.
Australian Federation of Ukrainian
Organizations Chairman, Mr.
Stefan Romaniw OAM ’73, was
appointed a 2004 Australia Day
Ambassador in an official ceremony
at Melbourne’s Federation
Square on 10 December 2003.
The Premier of Victoria the Hon
Steve Bracks welcomed the 2004
Ambassadors, a group of prominent
leaders – media identities,
sports and business leaders, entertainers,
former Premier’s of
Victoria and community leaders. The Premier in his address indicated
the group will be responsible for promoting Australia Day
throughout 2004. He commended them for their involvement in
community life and for taking on added responsibilities in building a
closer and stronger Australia. Australia Day Committee Chair Mr.
Tony Beddison AO emphasized the importance of Australia Day and
the need to unify the nation around these significance dates in
history. Australia Day 2004 central themes will be multiculturalism
and the elderly in recognition of their contributions in building
Australia.
Mark Fitzell ’74, is the performing arts teacher at St.John Bosco’s
Primary School, Niddrie, and in addition is running Cuban street
latin dance classes in the parish hall on Wednesday evenings. Mark
became interested in dancing at school and progressed through
ballroom, rock ‘n’ roll and swing until he took up latin dancing
about five years ago. He won a trip to Cuba where he attended the
Havana University to study folkloric dancing.
The Western Jets Under 18 TAC Cup team have replaced one former
Geelong player with another for season 2004. Leigh Tudor ’87, who
played 75 games with the Cats, including the ’94 & ’95 Grand
Finals, has won the coveted coaching position. After graduating from
St.Bernard’s, Leigh played eight games with North Melbourne before
cementing his position at Geelong. He finished his career with
Glenelg in the SANFL and for the past three seasons has been part
of the successful Calder Cannons coaching panel.
A newly formed group of real estate agents, aged 35 and under, will
provide a training ground for industry leaders of the future. One of
the young agency owners and a group member is John Morello ’94.
John said that “As a boy I said: ‘One day I’ll be an auctioneer’. It was
a drawcard, I had a fascination for the street theatre and seeing the
elation of people once they secured a property.”
Former state auditor general Ches Baragwanath ’52 stated recently
Golf Day
Another extremely successful Golf Day was held at Medway Golf
Course on Friday 24 October. Unlike the past few years we were
blessed with beautiful day weather wise and the capacity field
certainly enjoyed, not only the golf, but also the food, drinks and
camaraderie. Pictured here is the winning team, being presented
with the prestigious St. Bernard’s Old Collegians’ Ausdoc Trophy, by
major sponsor Peter Reilly. Next to Peter is Gus Mitchell ‘61; John
Perrett ‘63 and Graham Sherry ‘68. The other member of the team
Pat Brady, had been forced to leave prior to the presentations to
“attend to his veterinary duties.” The winning team came in with a
net 53 in the Ambrose Event.
that “fraud has been rife in the taxi industry for at least a decade.” A
1994 report by Ches identified a need to reassess the adequacy of
the program’s fraud management.
Retiring Essendon FC chairman Graeme McMahon ’57, ranked the
Brisbane lions of 2003 as the best team he had seen. However,
Graeme prefaced the accolade by accusing the AFL of preferential
treatment of the Lions under the salary cap.
A new life in the country awaits one of Moonee Valley’s most
vigorous community voices. John Brogan ’64 and his wife, Elaine,
are taking up farming in Tatong, between Mansfield and Benalla,
after spending all their lives in Essendon. The Brogan’s have bought
Fernhills BoerGoat Stud, a 100ha property with a trout stocked creek
and mountain views.
1st X1 Bowling award winner of 1999, Chris Marantelli, recently
was selected for his first senior game for Essendon in district cricket.
Congratulations Chris and best wishes for a long career at this level.
Adam Bentick, son of Terry ‘71, and nephew of Craig ’79, completed
a big year of football by being rookie listed at Carlton. As well as
captaining Calder Cannons to the Under 18 premiership on grand
final day at the MCG, Adam won the CE Overman Trophy for Best &
Fairest in the 1st XV111 and the Neale Daniher medal for his best
on ground performance in our winning Herald – Sun Shield team.
Good luck for your future in AFL football Adam.
Year 11 student Mario Giramondo won two gold medals at the
National Cycling Championships in Adelaide. He was successful in
the Australian Schoolboys’ Scratch Race Championship and the
Australian Schoolboys’ Teams Pursuit Championship. A marvellous
performance – congratulations Mario.
Congratulations are also extended to Patrick Morgan ’58, who
received a Federation Centenary Medal earlier this year, for ‘service
to Australian society as a writer and social commentator.’
Also whilst discussing the Morgan family, Pat’s son Daniel ’92, who
also played league football for Essendon and captained our 1st
XV111 in 1992, is now working as a journalist, and is chief of staff
at the Shepparton News. In addition he keeps his ties with the
Essendon Football Club by acting as runner for the Bendigo
Bombers. Essendon’s affiliate in the VFL.
Jason Gollant ’87, a great player with the Old Collegians’ Football
Club, will spend the next three years far away from Australian Rules
football, after his wife Julie accepted a post in London. Along with
their two young sons they left Australia in late December.
One of graduating Year 12 students and this year’s 1st X1 captain,
Greg Sheehan, played a fine knock in District Cricket recently.
Opening the batting for Footscray Vic Uni 2nd X1, Greg carried his
bat throughout the afternoon to register a score of 129 not out - a
fine achievement considering it was only his fourth game at this
level, and that the game was played in 33 degree heat. For the
statisticians amongst us, he hit 12 fours in his innings and batted for
109 overs, giving one chance at 62.
If you wish to be a starter in next year’s event, diary note it now for
Friday 22 October, with a shot gun start at 1:00pm.

Sportsman
of the Year
The Sportsman of the Year Award was a three way tie this year,
when Adam Bentick, Ben Jolley and Damien Iannazzo could not
be separated. At the Awards ceremony the trophies were presented
by former Dux of the College Tim Pianta ’96, on the left,
and current treasurer of the Old Collegians’ Association David
Sullivan ‘00. This is one of three awards sponsored by the Old
Collegians’ Association. The others being the Jubilee Award for
the College’s outstanding student of the year. This was won by
Damien Iannazzo and the Arts award, which was won by
Stephen Nicolazzo.
Tim Pianta has just completed his medical course at the
University of Melbourne and graduated MBBS with Honours. He
was named on the Dean’s list, which indicates that he finished
his degree in the top 5% Congratulations Tim.
Vin
Egan
Vin Egan recently paid
his first visit to
St.Bernard’s since his
days at Moonee Ponds,
when the whole school
was at The Strand
campus. As Br. Vin
Egan he had his first
teaching assignment at
St. Bernard’s and
remained there from
1947 until 1956.
After teaching at
many Christian Brothers
Colleges since that date
he still maintains that his
most enjoyable years as a
teacher were those at
St. Bernard’s.
His memory of events
over that time were remarkable and he certainly has been a great
help in getting our Honour Boards from that era up to date.
Cadets
The Australian Army Cadet Corps historian has requested that if
any past students have any puggaree’s – this was the distinctive
hat band worn by the cadet, which was in school colours – or
any shoulder titles, they would be grateful to receive them. The
Army is endeavouring to put together a Cadet collection and any
VALE
John Anthony O’Connor ‘58, brother of Michael ‘69, died in
Tasmania, from cancer on 17/ 6/ 2003. John leaves a wife Robin
and 3 children.
His sister advised us recently, that Edward Semcesen ‘94, was
tragically killed in the year 2000 in a car accident.
Emilia Niemiec, mother of Stan ‘70 and Ed ‘72 was tragically
killed whilst on a pedestrian crossing in Bulla Road, North
Essendon on April 27.
Past student and current committeeman of the St. Bernard’s Old
Collegians’ Football Club, Maurie Bond ‘55 died of cancer on
26 July 2003 at the age of 65. Even though he was ill he
conducted the very successful membership drive for season
2003. Maurie had been a stalwart of the Club for many years
and as well as other duties goal umpired for the Reserves for 12
years. Maurie’s son Craig ‘86 is also a past student.
Moya Glynn, mother of past student Peter ‘64 died peacefully at
her home on 2 August 2003 at the age of 82. Moya was a great
worker for the College in the early ‘60’s and was a sister in law
of the late Joe Saundry ‘48 and an aunt of past students Bernard
‘79; John ‘80 and Patrick ‘86.
Joseph Pirronello ‘64, who now resides in Sydney, had a tragic
week in June 2003, when his mother Betty (“Esme”) died on the
10th at age 78, in Melbourne, and his son Leon, passed away at
age 30, in Sydney, on 16 June.
Alan Oreo passed away early in 2003. He was the father of the
late Ray ‘60 and Gary ‘62 and great uncle of present student
Robert Woodward.
The mother of the late Jim, College captain 1957, and Pat, life
member of the St.Bernard’s OCFC, Mollie Kirby, passed away
peacefully on 16 October at the age of 93.
Gerard McManus ‘74 died on 6 August 2003. Gerard was the
brother of Kevin ‘66 and Brian ‘67.
Denis Edmonds left SBC after matriculating in 1957 and commenced
his training with the Christian Brothers in 1958. He
took his final vows in 1966. He spent the majority of his life as
a Christian Brother, in regional schools in Geelong; Colac;
Ballarat and Hobart. He died suddenly from a heart attack, in
Sydney, whilst on a renewal program on 1 November 2003. His
two brothers Richard ‘56 and Joe, who was Captain of the
College in 1960, survive him.
Barry Sexton, father of past students Steven ‘87, Michael ‘87,
Gerard ‘89.
Christopher Williams, Year12 student, brother of Keith Year 8,
son of past student Greg ’76.
memorabilia would be appreciated.
If you happen to have anything that you feel would be of
benefit, it can be directed to the College Archivist, Maureen
Kavanagh, at the College, or phone 9289 1106 for further
information.