13 February 2017

Principal’s Reflection

I read the following article this week from an educator who has become a parent of a school aged child. I thought it had some worthwhile wisdom for parents of any school aged children. It is written by Luke McKenna and he was writing about Parents as Partners in Education.

This year, I have jumped the fence! I have now joined many educators who experience schools from both sides of the fence - as an educator and as a parent.

With many schools hosting Parent Education sessions in coming weeks, it has got me thinking: What few pieces of advice would I want to share with the parents?

• Praise kids for their effort, not their performance (but only do it when the child actually deserves it - our praise must be authentic). Kids need to be encouraged to work hard and push their own limits. Sometimes we spend too much time ‘pumping up their tyres’!
• Let kids struggle (sometimes). We all want to help kids be more resilient and persistent - more gritty. Sometimes, as parents and teachers we can be too eager to help. Don’t finish their sentences and carry their school bags for them. When it comes to building young people who stick with tough things, life is a good teacher. In a modern society where trampolines have nets and no springs and when every layer gets a prize in pass the parcel, we must be willing to let kids struggle in the little things some times. Wilson McCaskill suggests that “for kids to develop perseverance, they need to be challenged by things that make them want to give up.” If we jump in and help too soon, we can take away any chance the child has to hang in there and do it on their own. At the same time, give them opportunities to stretch their skills and be successful at something. Scaffolding is good and the gradual release of responsibility is a useful mental model in this regard. There is certainly a balance here and I know it’s not easy to get it right. But the point is: a lack of support for children is not helpful, while too much support inhibits growth. They will get some answers wrong, they will mess up. Support them, love them and let them have a go at tasks that will challenge them. They might surprise you - and even if they don’t - they’ll learn about the process of sticking with things, struggling and working at it. They might even learn a little about disappointment - and that’s not the end of the world.

• Turn off laptops / TV screens at a regular (and reasonable) time each evening - a few hours before bed is ideal. An article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concludes that the blue light emitted from these devices suppresses the release of melatonin, which prolongs the time it takes to fall asleep, delays the circadian clock, suppresses levels of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, reduces the amount of REM sleep and reduces alertness the following morning. This may have adverse effects on performance, health and safety.

• Parents need to be Parents not BFFs. Kids need someone to set boundaries for them. They might not like them but they are a lot happier with them than without them. Parents might not enjoy saying ‘no’ and setting limits but that is our job and what we signed up for.
• Attendance matters: 1 day absent per week adds up to 40 days per year. This equates to 2.5 years during their 13 years at school - or the equivalent of finishing school half way through Year 10.

It must be said that not all of these bullet points would be as pertinent in every school setting. You’re the expert when it comes to your school, your students and your parent community. Let them know what they need to know for their context. But be proactive in educating the parents and let them know how they can be good partners in the education of their kids. Because excellence in education is everyone’s responsibility.

Internet Safety

Through the initiative of our Parents and Friends Association, Shalom parents have access to a big range of ‘self-help’ videos built to assist parents understanding many internet safety issues that will be faced by young people. This is professionally developed by Mr Brett Lee who is an expert in this area. I strongly advise parents to have a look at this site which is accessed through our website. After logging on to the Parent Lounge, click on the ‘Information’ tab and it is there under Internet Safety. This site helps parents understand some of the social media platforms young people commonly use.

Bishop’s Inservice Day

Bishop’s Inservice Day is on Wednesday this week. This is an annual feature on our calendar and is a Student Free Day at Shalom and the three Catholic primary schools in Bundaberg. I am conscious that days like these can cause a problem for parents but it is an important day for teachers in Catholic schools to fulfil their accreditation requirements. It is a great opportunity for Bishop Michael to speak with teachers about the invaluable role they play. Bishop Michael will lead the 8:00am Mass in our Chapel on Wednesday. All are welcome.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

Year 7 Camps

Below is the camp schedule for the Year 7 Camps 2017. Your son/daughter should have returned all completed paperwork for the camps.

The FOCUS Class Camp has had to be shifted to Term 2 with dates to be advised.

It is important that you read the Equipment List but please note the following (which is mentioned on the list).

Students need to remember that they are to be sun-safe at all times – they must have t-shirts with sleeves and preferably collars. They are to have longer shorts – particularly the girls as they will be using harnesses for some of the activities. Each student needs to have their own sunscreen as well. A raincoat is a must because even if it is raining the activities will still go ahead; obviously they won’t if the instructors feel it unsafe.

Elizabeth Austin-Campbell
Deputy Principal
AcampbellE@shalomcollege.com

Student Free Day

This Wednesday 15 February is a Student Free Day, for Bishop’s Inservice for staff. Please note all students do not attend school on this day. After school Summer Sport will be held as normal, please ensure that if you have signed up for after school sport you still attend on Wednesday.

Shalom Facebook

Don’t forget to like our Shalom College Facebook page and keep informed about upcoming events.

A link is now on our website or click the link below:

School Photos

The Shalom School Photo Day this year will be held in Term 3 on Thursday 17 August, as noted in the calendar.

This Friday 17 February, photos are being taken of all new students including all Year 7 students. The purpose of this is for the Shalom ID cards. No permission forms or payment is required.

Ministry

Upcoming Event

BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION are the four sacraments of the Catholic Church that young people are able to prepare for and receive, usually in primary school. For many reasons this doesn’t happen or is delayed. Would you like to find out how we could help you prepare for and celebrate these sacraments? Contact Mrs Petersen on 4155 8111 (Shalom Campus Minister) or the Parish Office (4151 6666) for more information.

P & F Monthly Meeting Notes

At our first meeting for 2017 on Tuesday 7 February, the committee was delighted to welcome new parents and friends to the committee. We would like to remind everyone that as a parent/guardian you are automatically a member of the P & F and are very welcome to attend our monthly meetings.

The committee will host a Volunteers Thankyou Event on Friday 5 May to coincide with National Volunteers Week. More information will be made available as this draws closer.

Thank you to those parents who have returned their CCA forms for 2017. We are now collating all the volunteer forms that have been submitted to organise our rosters for 2017. If you still would like to submit your form, please hand into the main office.

In the Principal’s Report, Dan McMahon reported that it has been a great start to the year for all the students and staff. He highlighted Br Rochford’s 70th Jubilee celebrations, the current building projects and timelines and we also look forward to having our Bishop’s Inservice Day on Wednesday 15 February.

Mr Kerry Devine on behalf of the 2017 Rowing Committee was pleased to announce that so far this year we have had 58 students sign on to Rowing. He outlined the fundraising events that the committee have planned for 2017. A High Tea at Rowers on the River is to be held on Saturday 25 February and a Golf Day is planned for Sunday 30 April. Kerry also outlined the dates for our local rowing meets: Lead Up #1 – Monday 1 May; Lead Up #2 – Sunday 21 May and Head of River Series – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.

For further information, see the full meeting minutes on the P&F web page on the College website or click on the link below

Please forward any comments to the Secretary via email at pandf@shalomcollege.com. If you have an agenda item please address it to the P&F Secretary either at the school office or by email pandf@shalomcollege.com.

To all P&F Members, you are reminded that our monthly meeting is held in the staff common room – all parents are welcome. Please note the next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 7 March 2017 after the Annual General Meeting which will begin at 5:30pm.

Quiet Achiever

Our Quiet Achiever for this week is Grace Straub, Year 12 MacKillop. On Tuesday afternoon Grace assisted at the MacKillop meet and greet by selling drinks throughout the afternoon and was there to support her buddy, which Brother was very impressed with. Grace has displayed a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards all House activities so far this year.

I would also like to mention that I was very impressed with all of the MacKillop Year 12 students who attended the afternoon taking the time to support our wonderful MacKillop House.

Mrs Michelle Moller
MacKillop House Coordinator
MollerM@shalomcollege.com

College News

QISSN Netball Fundraiser

On Tuesday 14 February, the QISSN Netball Squad will be selling chocolate hearts for Valentine’s Day before school and during lunch. Hearts will be on sale for 50 cents each or 3 for $1. Spoil yourself or that special someone in your life.

Mrs Nikki Somerfield
QISSN Team Manager

Shalom Rowing

Bundaberg Catholic Schools Race Day

The 2017 Race Day will be held on Saturday 18 March. We look forward to your continued support of this annual fun day out for the Catholic Schools Community.

Maths for Parents

Mr David Magner will be running some maths classes for parents, with the first being held this evening.

These classes will cover the type of maths the children are learning in Years 7, 8 and 9 and the course is designed to provide parents with some basic maths knowledge, so that they can support their children with their homework.

These classes will run for about an hour each Monday evening starting at 6:00pm in the Student Services classroom (please use Student Services reception entry). Lessons will continue for the rest of Term 1 and will cater for all skill levels.

If you would like to take advantage of these classes, please contact Mr Magner on his email below. It is not too late to register for this evenings class!

Mr David Magner
magnerd@shalomcollege.com

Science and Mathematics Competitions for 2017

This year Shalom College students have the opportunity to participate in the following national and international competitions:

ICAS Science Competition: Tuesday 30 May
Australian Mathematics Competition: Thursday 27 July

Students are assessed against other students in the same school year, state and country. The competitions are designed to be a fun event, removed from the pressures of formal assessment with problems and questions designed to stimulate the interest of students. All students receive a certificate showing their level of achievement and a detailed report outlining their performance.

If your student would like to participate in either the ICAS Science Competition or the Australian Mathematics competition parents need to complete the appropriate nomination form and return to Student Reception. Parents are encouraged to make the required payment online through Tours and Excursions in the Parent Lounge Portal by Friday 21 April.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above competitions, please contact me via the email (below).

Mrs Debbie Bishop
Competition Coordinator
bishopd@shalomcollege.com

Sports News

Summer Sport Week 1

U15 Cricket

Shalom played Kepnock State High School last Wednesday, week 1 of Summer Sport. Kepnock batted first and made a very competitive 7/146 from 15 overs. Shalom boys all had a bowl with Matthew Jackson taking 3/1, Braden Henricksen 1/27, Jack Gray 1/21 and Harrison Gardiner 1/23. In reply, Shalom made 4/171, with Kynan Hard 50 (21) retired, Matthew Jackson 35 (17) retired and sundries 33 the main contributors. First up win for the boys!!

Open cricket

Shalom started the season in style with an 87 run victory over Bundaberg Christian College despite giving every player an equal involvement in the game. Openers co-captain Rory Delaney and Louis Myers-Macdonnell and No. 3 Matthew Pozzebon laid the platform for a total of 3-156, scoring 32, 22 and 26 respectively before being three of the five batsmen whom we retired. We then gave the bulk of the bowling to 4 players who did not bat, and they all did great jobs, restricting BCC to 7-69, with Simon Rathbone taking 2-23 including a superb caught and bowled. Lachlan Sarnadsky took his first ever wicket in his 1-20, while other highlights included a classical outfield catch by Lachlan Dullaway.

Mr Vince Habermann
Open Cricket Coach

Volleyball

The Shalom 1 Open Girls Volleyball team had a convincing 2 sets to nil win in their match against St Lukes. Strong serving from Sarah May, Isabelle Matebau and Krysten Green allowed the team to race ahead in points. When rallies eventuated, the Shalom girls were consistent in their approach to playing attacking volleyball. A great team effort. Well done girls!

Mrs Shelley Greenhalgh
Volleyball Coach

Championship Swimming Carnival

Results from this carnival will be published in the next Newsletter.

BDSSS Summer Sports Trials

Last Monday saw a large number of Shalom students successful in gaining Bundaberg selection. They will now move onto the next phase, trialling for Wide Bay teams on February 16 at various venues around the region. All students who made Bundaberg teams will need to collect an information sheet from me about the Wide Bay trials, costs and bus times.

Upcoming Events

Sports Information will be placed on the notice board in the Undercover area. When students need to collect forms and other details from me, I am in the Sports Office located at the back of the Loyola Centre opening onto the Undercover eating area.

February 16 - Wide Bay Summer trials
February 27 - BDSSS swimming Carnival, Norville Pool, 4pm to 8pm
March 2 - BDSSS Winter sports trials

Student Sport Achievements

Congratulations to Cooper Burns and Desiree Christen, both Year 9 students who competed at the Queensland Little Athletics Nordic Sports Regional's over the weekend at Hervey Bay. Both competed with some excellent results.

Cooper’s results gained him selection in all five events at the Queensland State Championships in Brisbane next month. His results were: 1500m - 1st, 800m - 2nd, 400m - 4th, Long Jump - 3rd, and Triple Jump - 4th.

Desiree’s results were 3rd 80m hurdles, 4th Shotput, 5th 100m sprint and 5th in the triple jump. This gained her selection for the 80m hurdles and shot put at the Queensland State Championships.

Well done to you both and good luck at the State.

Please let us know if your student has achieved in their after-school sports, so we can celebrate their achievements. Please email myself or Kylie_Collins@shalomcollege.com.

Your Sporting Fanatic
Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music

Rehearsals

All groups started rehearsing last week and are spread out between the Band Room and the Performing Arts Precinct Theatre stage. I would like to remind all students that they need to arrive no later than 7:20am to help set up on rehearsal days.

Absenteeism

If a student is unable to attend a morning rehearsal, please notify the tutor or myself so that the student can be accounted for. This is a very important issue in relation to child protection.

Lessons

All lessons have started with timetables almost full. If your child or children have not received their timetable, please contact me as soon as possible.

Music Lessons and Groups

If there are more students who would like to have lessons with an instrument and also be in a band, orchestra or choir, please contact me as soon as possible. (see ‘Have-a-go’ below)

Have-a-go

This program was extremely successful in 2016 and is being offered once again starting from Term 1. If your child/ren would like to learn to play and instrument or to restart learning, please contact me as soon as possible. I will send all information including an enrolment form regarding lesson and instrument hire costs for a term.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime by email.

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

Tuckshop Roster

Shalom Sunday Markets

The Artisan Collective

This unique addition to the Shalom Markets will occur every second Sunday of the month running from 7:00am to 12:00pm in the Sports Centre.

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Bundaberg Model Railway Club Inc.

The Bundaberg Model Railway Club Inc. is holding its first open day for this year on Saturday 11 March.

The club room is in the old show grounds, Kensington Street entrance. There is ample off street parking and no admission charge, open 9:00am till 3:00pm.

We hope to see visitors of all ages coming to enjoy this hobby. Club members will be on hand for a chat and to answer any questions.

18 ACU Recruit Evening

Come and see what the Army Cadets can offer you. We are holding an information and display evening tonight, Monday 13 February, 5:30pm to 7pm, 50 Quay Street, Bundaberg.

Triple P Parenting

Queensland parents and carers can now get free parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.

The State Government is funding free access to Triple P, which is the world’s most evidence-based parenting program and has helped more than four million children and their parents around the world develop closer, more positive relationships.

The program was developed at The University of Queensland by Professor Matt Sanders, who is also Director of UQ’s Parenting and Family Support Centre and continues to lead Triple P’s extensive and ongoing global research program.

Please click on this link below, which will take you to the website where you can access information relevant to your situation.

This link will remain in our Newsletter with Triple P sending us regular updates and helpful tips.