Shalom College
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9 Fitzgerald Street
Bundaberg QLD 4670
Subscribe: https://shalomc.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: shalom@shalomcollege.com
Phone: 07 4155 8111

23 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Reflection

We had a couple of special guests at our last College Assembly. One of those was Mr ‘Nobby’ Dittman - a local Bundy resident. I happened to meet Nobby at the end of the ANZAC Day march a few weeks ago. We got chatting and Nobby told me a bit about himself. Nobby is a Vietnam Veteran. He was called up in National Service and went to Vietnam in 4RAR in their last tour to the country. Nobby’s unit were the last Australians sent to Vietnam and the last ones to leave. He told me about the Battle of Nui Le which I had never heard of. In that battle, Nobby’s company lost five mates killed and twenty-four wounded. They may well have been overrun altogether if it weren’t for fire support throughout the night of 21 September 1971 and the arrival of a New Zealand company the next morning. Nobby spoke about how he and his mates were booed by a crowd as they left Australia and how, on arrival back in Sydney at 11:00pm one night were given their pay and told to make their own way home. We did not treat our Vietnam servicemen at all well. Nobby loaned me a book, written by one of his mates in 4RAR, about their time at war and the Battle of Nui Le. The book is called, ‘Last Out’ and it is a very good read.

I asked Nobby to attend our Assembly and to tell our young people a little bit about his experience. He received a standing ovation from our Shalom students and was, I think, very appreciative of the support. In our conversation, Nobby also told me that the last few years had been difficult for him. His wife died earlier this year and their daughter died last year from an autoimmune disease. Despite all of that and his memories of Vietnam, Nobby is an engaging and very likeable individual. Along with the book he loaned me, he included a copy of the poem his daughter wrote some years ago about her ‘experience’ of the Vietnam War. With Nobby’s permission, I have included it here for you and in testament to all of those wives, mothers, children and family members who suffered with our Vets as they navigated coming home from conflicts around the world. There is certainly a ripple effect and another reminder of why we say each year, ‘Lest we forget’.

I am The Strangest Veteran of a War I Did Not Fight (By Bronwyn E Dittman)

Those who served in Vietnam my dad was one of them
Who never left the war behind but brought it home with them
The pain, the fear, the anger
That they were all forced to feel
Came home with them as luggage
A burden too large to bare.
Why is daddy so sad?
Have I been bad or done something wrong?
Why won’t he look at me?
I feel I don’t belong
What makes him look so far away?
What haunts him in his thoughts?
If I were just a better child, and never made a fuss
Do you think that that would bring Daddy back to us?
What have I done to make him turn away and cry
I would give up everything to know the reason why
He is laying on the bed right now
Just staring at the wall
My Mum just says everything is fine
Just go outside and play
I see the pain that’s in her eyes
I know she is telling lies
I know that in my deepest soul
The fault is all of mine
Why won’t my Daddy smile and cuddle me?
As I grew up and learnt about the ghosts that haunt my Dad
The horrors seen in battle in some far off distant land
Still doesn’t give me solace for the child in me feels blame
Though never have I served in war or been to Vietnam
I still feel and suffer from the pain that war brought home
To see my Dad wake up at night screaming from bad dreams
To know there are things that haunt him still
That I will never know
Leaves me with my burden of seeing
My Daddy hurt so

This Week

This week will feature the Bundaberg Show Holiday and the Year 12 Formal. The Formal will be a significant and enjoyable event for the students and their parents I hope. I am very grateful to Mrs Austin-Campbell and Mrs Medcalf for all the organisation that goes into such a huge event. Mr Hutchins has done a great job again this year teaching some smooth dance steps to the students. All will be on display Friday night. Friday is an ordinary school day for Year 7 to Year 11.

Addams Family Musical

I have been lucky enough to have been able to have a sneak peek at this production as we near opening night. It is a great show and I strongly recommend it to you. The costumes, music and sets are fantastic. All the students and staff who have put in so much work to this point would love the support of the Shalom community. It will be a great night out.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal

Student Welfare and Information

Camps - A Reminder to Parents

If your child needs medication it must be sent to camp with the child in clearly marked packets. If your child needs an epi-pen, this must be supplied by you - the school does not supply epi-pens for camps.

Year 8 Camp Schedule

The Year 8 Camps are well underway, and continue this week.

Camp

Class

Dates

Teacher

6

8 CSB E

23, 24, 25 May

Mr David Gahan (in place of H. Ambrutyte)

7

8 CSB Focus

30, 31 May, 1 June

Mr Steve McKay

8

8 CSB G

31 May, 1, 2 June

Mrs Jade Van Krimpen

9

8 CSB C

1, 2, 3 June

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell
Assistant to the Principal – Students
AcampbellE@shalomcollege.com

Curriculum Notes

Year 11 and 12 End of Semester One Examinations

Year 11 and 12 end of Semester One examinations commence on Thursday 16 June (just under four weeks away). The examination timetable has been posted on the College intranet (‘Assessment & Reporting’ tab), the College website (Curriculum/Senior School/Forms & Publications) and Daily Notices (pushed to students via Student Café). Most students will have at least one examination during the block, some will have quite a number depending on the subjects they study and how assessment is conducted in these subjects. Not all subjects use the examination block.

While most students will have only a few examinations during the examination block which will give them some time in between to prepare, rest and study, others may have up to six examinations during the examination block and even two examinations in the one day. This can contribute to stress levels of all concerned, but the challenges can be managed through planning, prioritising and communication. In particular, students are encouraged to:

  • adopt a systematic approach to the use of the examination timetable and the Record Book where the Annual Planner, Homework/Study Plan and daily Homework entries sections are effectively used to establish a study plan to manage time and prepare emotionally, physically and mentally for examinations (a student responsibility - supported and monitored by parents and teachers);
  • make realistic choices about priorities and expectations that balance family, homework/study, extra-curricular school activities/responsibilities, sports and cultural activities, paid employment and personal/social interests (again, a student responsibility - supported and monitored by parents and teachers); and
  • maintain contact with teachers, especially if things appear to be going wrong or if something unexpected happens that interrupts study plans or affects attendance at examinations (this is what ‘special provision’ is for).

Year 12 Trial QCS Test

All Year 12 students who have indicated that they will be sitting the QCS Test will sit a complete trial test on Tuesday 31 May and Wednesday 1 June. The students have been briefed on expectations regarding attendance and participation in the trial. Please note that the preceding Monday (30 May) is a normal school day for all students. In addition, on the trial test days Year 12 students will be dismissed early at approximately 2:30pm. Should you require any information about your child’s participation in the trial QCS Test, please contact Mr Brendan Maher; maherb@shalomcollege.com .

Students not sitting the QCS Test are expected to attend school if required to complete outstanding assessments (this will be formally communicated by teachers) or continue with work experience, structured workplace learning or attendance at their usual workplaces if they are involved in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Should you require any information about participation in work experience, structured workplace learning or school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, please contact College VET Coordinator, Mrs Liza O’Donnell.

Mr Christian Taylor
Assistant to the Principal – Curriculum
taylorc@shalomcollege.com

Bus Fare Assistance

Please visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at www.schooltransport.com.au . Applications close on Tuesday 31 May 2016. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Musical Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are now on sale from the College office for the ‘The Addams Family’ College Musical. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly so don’t delay. There are three shows only, Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June. All performances commence at 7:00pm in the Performing Arts Precinct. To make the night even more fun, come dressed up in your favourite Addams Family outfit.

Quiet Achiever

Recently I went out to Bucca for the Second Rowing Regatta. At the end of the day I was most impressed during the reloading of the boats. At the end of a long and hot day all are tired and anxious to get home ASAP.

It was fantastic to see the rowers voluntarily and willingly assist with the reloading of the boats. All are our Quiet Achievers.

Our Sports Master, Mr Simon Gills and Mr Rod Silcox, Director of Shalom Rowing, have found it a pleasure dealing with the students for the two lead up regattas.

Br Rochford

ROSA - Recognition of Student Application Award

The Recognition of Student Application (ROSA) awards will again be presented to nominated Middle School Students towards the end of this term. It was wonderful to see the proud expressions on the faces of those students awarded last term and hear chatter amongst the students eager to know who received a ROSA!

A conversation around work ethic is certainly a conversation worth having with your children. Too often children believe that motivation will just come to them with no effort on their part, and that in order to be motivated they need to be entertained. We must all contribute to our own learning, rather than merely being a bystander. All students, no matter what their current academic ability can reach achievable goals by putting in their best effort consistently.

Mrs Megan Munckton
Middle School Coordinator

Edmund Rice Camp

Tomorrow, Tuesday 24 May, Edmund Rice Camp will be holding a ‘Sausage Sizzle’. Please support the Edmund Rice Camp and buy a sausage or two; cost will be $2.50 each (sausage in bread with or without onion/sauce).

Uniform Shop News

The Uniform Shop is no longer stocking the navy jacket. The options for winter are the College V Neck Jumper in either polyester/cotton for $75 or 80% merino wool $80-$85. The College Blazer can be worn by all students, available by order cost is $200. The shop sells Sports jackets black/red but these are only to be worn for sport and not with the College formal uniform. Please contact Sharon at the Uniform Shop during opening hours of Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 12:00pm if you have any queries.

VET News

Attention current Year 10 Students

If you are currently in Year 10 and a school based traineeship or apprenticeship in Engineering, Hairdressing or Childcare while studying Year 11 and 12 interests you, the Bundaberg Talent Program offered by MRAEL and TAFE is something you need to give your attention to.

An information session will be held in the Loyola Centre on Wednesday 20 July 2016 at 3:15pm for interested students and parents. I would strongly suggest that you attend the information session to obtain more information. Application forms will be available at the information session. For further information, please click on the link below which will take you to the Expressions of Interest form that you will need to complete and return to Mrs O'Donnell at Student Services.

Mrs Liza O’Donnell
VET Coordinator

Library News

May Reading Month – Reading a road to success – for the whole family

A love of reading sets up students for academic success. Encouraging children to read avidly and develop a love of books, lasts a lifetime. Please make time to read - be involved in reading.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Students can register individually for this activity that encourages students in Years 7 to 9, read fifteen books between 15 May to 26 August. All the details can be found on the link below.

http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge/registration.html

Shalom Book Swap – Goondeel Resource Centre

Books on our ‘Book Swap’ shelves in Goondeel Library are very grateful for new homes.

Please come and browse, before or after school Monday to Thursday. There is a great selection of books on variety of topics to choose from, and will only cost a donation between 20cents to $2.00.

Shalom School Library Partners with Bundaberg Regional Libraries

In addition to the reading resources we have available in both our school libraries, you and your children can take advantage of the variety of reading resources available through Bundaberg Regional Libraries by organising a BRL card of your own.

From the Bundaberg Regional Libraries’ site, you can site read ebooks and emagazines using four apps:

  • Overdrive
  • Borrow Box
  • Wheelers ePlatform
  • Zinio for Libraries

Through our partnership with Bundaberg Regional Libraries we are able to assist students have a BRL card of their own and know how to use the eresources freely available to them. Simply complete a BRL registration, ensuring it is signed by the Parent or Carer and bring to our school’s Beerarlem Library for processing.

Mrs Carolyn Wyatt-Hopper
Resource Centre Manager

Sports News

Nathan Donaldson recently travelled to Canberra to participate in the Athletics Australia U17 Development Squad. Nathan had some coaching sessions with Fred Periac who is an accomplished wheelchair racer and has come away with so much knowledge and ideas to move forward at a higher level of training.

Date Claimer

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June - Head of River Regatta
Thurs 23 June - Shalom Track and Field (half day)
Fri 24 June - Shalom Track and Field (all day)

Correction to date

Winter Sport Finals day is Friday 2 September 2016. Please change your College calendar to reflect this.

Your Sporting Fanatic

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

Arts in Performance

Instrumental Music

Rockhampton Diocesan Music Camp

An information letter and google doc application form has been distributed to all instrumental music students. Forms were due back last Friday. Accommodation for those who need it will be billeted and I have been reassured by the music staff at The Cathedral College that they will be billeted together in groups of 2-3. This has been the arrangement since the camp started and lifelong friends have been made as a result. Payment of camp fees ($120) plus travel ($25) both to be paid to the College Finance office.

Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival

I have entered the following groups for this year’s music festival: Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert and Senior Jazz Bands; Chamber and Rochford strings; Thursday morning Concert Band; Friday morning Jazz Band B and the full Orchestra. Please note that we are not taking the year 7/8 Concert or Jazz Band this year. We will participate over a three day period from Friday 12 August to Sunday 14 August. As soon as I have the schedule, I will let everyone know as many students will need to make a day trip while many others will need to stay overnight. Bookings have been made for Friday and Saturday night. More details to come soon.

Drama

The first public performances for the Drama department will be Thursday 16 June where Year 10 public performance students will present eight One Act Plays as their assessment items. The night begins at 6.30pm in the Performing Arts Precinct theatre with entry cost being a gold coin donation. All welcome, so please come along and support our drama students.

Dance

Please note in your diaries that the major Dance Night concert for the Dance department will be Friday 28 October and Saturday 29 October.

Mrs Robyn Edgar
Arts in Performance Coordinator
edgarr@shalomcollege.com

The Premier’s Anzac Prize 2017

Entries are now being taken for this competition where you could win a place on a study tour to visit Gallipoli and the Western Front. To enter the competition, you need to submit a three to five minute multimedia presentation answering the following question:

How relevant is the Anzac tradition to modern Australia?

Your multimedia presentation should refer to what the Anzac tradition has come to mean and its historical background and present a historical argument in response to the question above.

Applications close Friday 16 September 2016.

See Mrs Bolam for further information or visit www.education.qld.gov.au/anzac-prize

Mrs Debbie Bolam
bolamd@shalomcollege.com

College Activities

Aeromodelling

Come and join us for a ‘Come and Try Aeromodelling’ evening on Wednesday 8 June from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in our Shalom Sports Centre.

The evening will include lots of fun activities, with free pizza and drinks. On display:

  • 3D printing RC plane parts and pilot wings
  • Flying on the Phoenix RC SIM using our 60inch TV
  • Flying a P47 Thunderbolt over Bundaberg using the FSX SIM
  • Flying our Sport Cubs outside if the weather is good
  • Flying our Vapors and Quads in the Sports Centre with Smart Lights and Music
  • RC Plane display in the Sports Centre Foyer

Shalom College Youth Group

Tuckshop Roster

Monday

23 May

Stefanie Hale

Tuesday

24 May

Fiona Canniffe

Pauline Shaxson

Wednesday

25 May

Kate Crook

Thursday

26 May

SHOW PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Friday

27 May

Michelle Arvidsson-Smith

Monday

30 May

HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Tuesday

31 May

HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Wednesday

1 June

Leanne Grogan

Katrina O’Sullivan

Thursday

2 June

Cheryl Carroll

Merna Cook

Friday

3 June

Donna Habermann

Cianna Moore

Monday

6 June

Dianne Collins

Kym Russell

Tuesday

7 June

Suzanne Weedon-Smith

Susie Zunker

Wednesday

8 June

Ann Holliss

Thursday

9 June

Paul & Caroline Simms

Merna Cook

Friday

10 June

Michelle Arvidsson-Smith

Leah Whaleboat

Marilyn Wootton

Monday

13 June

Kathryn Hanlon

Tuesday

14 June

Cathy Duffield

Wednesday

15 June

Claire Hamilton

Sharon Pole

Thursday

16 June

Merna Cook

Jennifer Pimm

Friday

17 June

Jenny Beveridge

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Sunday

29 May

6.00am-9.30am

Michelle BAUMGARTNER

Carolyn CALDWELL

Tracey CLARKE

Yvette JENKINS

Ros MCCAIG

Patricia/Robert SMITH

9.00am-12.30pm

Damon/Kate Crook

Lauren EMMERTON

Neil/Karen GARSON

Neil HIBBERD

Josephine MEDCALF

Sunday

5 June

6.00am-9.30am

Glen BOYS

Jan BUNN

Trish INGALL

Susie MANT

Karen MARRIOTT

Bradley/Robyn ROYAN

9.00am-12.30pm

Roberto/Trina BARAZZA

Lynda CROSSETT

Helen GLASS

Roselyn HUNTING

Sunday

12 June

6.00am-9.30am

Linda ADCOCK

Peter ANDERSON

Carol BARAZZA

Michael/Sally DOYLE

Nikki ELLIS

Penny GREEN

9.00am-12.30pm

Kylie AMIES

Deborah BRIGHT

Sue/Molly/Sophia BURFITT

Katherine CHURCH

Brenda JAY

Sunday

19 June

6.00am-9.30am

Vince/Donna HABERMANN

Orinda MARTIN

Robert/Carol MCGILL

Cheryl O’DONNELL

Louise STALLARD

Cathy WILSON

9.00am-12.30pm

Kristine ARNOTT

David/Karen HUMPHRIES

Kym MURPHY

John PAPPALARDO

Joy POHLMAN

Markets BBQ Roster

29 May

Relay for Life

5 June

St Joseph’s School

12 June

Cambodia

19 June

St Vincent De Paul

26 June

Cambodia

Community News

Echo Youth Group