27 July 2020

Principal’s Reflection

On Sunday 19 July, on Channel 7, I watched the tragic and disturbing special “In the Blink of an Eye”. The documentary told the story of four young children from Parramatta who lost their lives earlier in the year. Many of us are aware of the details where three children from one family and their cousin were struck down and killed by a driver who had been drinking. At the time, the children were walking to the shop to buy ice-cream.

As I watched the program it was not only the tragedy of the children’s story that took my attention. What I also found compelling was the story that sat within this story. This story was that of the parents of the children. Young mothers and fathers who showed incredible courage, overwhelming compassion and deep humanity. They forgave the driver of the vehicle who killed their son and daughters, and seriously injured another boy.

For many of us we wonder how this could be possible. It cannot be explained any better that in the words of one of the fathers when he said that he did not want anger, hatred and bitterness coming into his home. He did not want revenge. This belief is driven by the family’s unwavering faith in God and total acknowledgement of the power of prayer.

These are ideals that we know to be true, but initially may seem unrealistic and unattainable. There is a lesson being taught to us by this family. It is a human lesson. They are saying to us that no matter what we are faced with, we must never forget our duty to our society and all of those within it. We must strive to love everyone. This is an enormous challenge but one we must accept. We must learn, as this family has, that our lives are wasted if we allow ourselves to be side-tracked or consumed by a quest for revenge. We waste so much time and energy upon anyone who has wronged us, hurt us or who we simply do not like.

Whilst our students don’t necessarily come to school with anger, hatred and bitterness, some do at times, use very hurtful words in anger – either face-to-face or on a social media platform. Sometimes they are in conflict with another student or they are involved in a bullying situation. Sadly, they waste so much time and energy upon anyone who has wronged them, hurt them or someone they simply do not like.

Mr McMahon spoke about bullying on our virtual assembly last Thursday, mentioning the difference between conflict and bullying. To recap, conflict takes the form of an argument between equals; there is no power imbalance.

Bullying has the following characteristics are at play:

Misuse of power

Ongoing and repeated hurtful behaviours

Intended to cause harm – physical, social and/or psychological

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices.

Because bullying has been highlighted often with the students, and that it is unacceptable behaviour in any community, we find that students are reporting bullying or those who witness bullying will say something to an adult. In addition to this, students who are in conflict with another student, whether it is a disagreement or a serious argument, will come and ask an adult to help them resolve the issue.

I cannot stress enough that students do need to be brave and report bullying. If it doesn’t cease immediately after the initial report, the student needs to go back to the adult to whom they initially reported the bullying – this step is crucial.

Our anti-bullying policy, outlined in the Record Book, is followed.

We continuously work with our young people on developing respectful relationships, giving them strategies to work through conflict situations and teaching them how to be effective members of the community.

The following website is worth viewing: bullyingnoway.gov.au

School Fees: We are enormously grateful to all of those families who are doing their absolute best to pay and keep up to date with the school fee accounts. Every year, and particularly at the moment, we will do everything possible to support families in financial difficulties. The Covid challenge will be a financial hit, to some degree to us all. Currently, Shalom has just over $1m outstanding in school fees from current and past parents. This is more than usual. If it is possible for those with outstanding accounts to address those, we would be enormously grateful. If circumstances will prevent this, please get in touch with us so that we are aware of the situation.

Formal Dinner Dance News: Parents of students in Year 12 would have received a letter via email informing them that this year, due to restrictions in place by Queensland Health, because of Covid-19, parents are unable to attend the Formal Dinner Dance this year.

I have always found the Shalom Formal Dinner Dance quite special because the parents attend.

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell
Acting Principal
acampbelle@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Curriculum

Assessment details for tasks in all years are currently being entered for viewing in Student Café and Parent Lounge. Please check with your child, and encourage them to transfer details to the Semester planner at the back of the Student Record book.

Year 10 students and their parents or guardians

Parents received an email last week with the link to the Personal Futures website we have created with all the resources needed for Year 10 students and parents. You will see the Subject Selection Guide for 2021, and links to the Personal Futures Resources, Parent Resources and Subject videos.

The parent resources link (top right drop down menu) takes you to the two parent information presentations usually shown on Subject Selection Evening (QCE/ATAR and Subject Selection Process). These resources should enable you and your student to have all the information necessary to promote discussion and planning around subject selections.

I encourage you to view all the resources made available, these should answer any questions you may have. If there is any further questions, please have your student contact the staff below for assistance around these areas:

Current achievement and suitability for a senior subject: contact their current subject teacher/s

ATAR/QCE: Mrs Janelle Ivers (Senior Schooling Coordinator)
University and other Pathways: Mrs Liza O’Donnell (Pathways Coordinator)
Specific Senior Subject: Learning Area Coordinator

Today you will receive an email with information on how to book your SET Plan Interview. These take place from 30 July – 18 August. Additionally you will receive an email with subject recommendations for your students for compulsory subjects in 2021.

Students will receive an email from Mr Maher this week outlining details of how to complete their WebChoices (online subject selection) and their student code. This online portal will open from 28 July - 21 August. Please ensure your student communicates this information with you. It would be great if you could remind your student to clear out their email inboxes to insure these do not bounce as they contain important information for the SET P process.

Middle School Subject Selection information evening

Due to crowd restrictions in place for COVID-19 we will not be running the 2021 Middle School Subject Selection Information Evening scheduled for Tuesday 18 August. Further information will be communicated in the near future.

Year 11 students and parents

Unit 1 in the new General and Applied courses concluded in Term 2 with the Overall Achievement detailed in reports issued last week indicating the result for the Unit. These results have been used to enter data as S (successful) or U (unsuccessful) for collection by QCAA. Successful means that the overall grade was A, B or C.

Students will be able to log in to their learning account via MyQCE and access information about their study plans and results.

In the meantime, I recommend that students and parents explore the links available within MyQCE: these provide information, advice and tips for students.

Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal – Curriculum
Gail_Norris@shalomcollege.com

Mission

Catholic Education Week

This week is Catholic Education Week, however many of the usual celebrations have been cancelled. This year’s theme 175 Years – A Spirited Tomorrow, will be carried over to next year. This does not mean we can’t still celebrate being part of an amazing organisation that has provided hundreds of thousands of people in Queensland with an education that has liberated them and given them the skills to go on to do great things.

We live in hope that we will be able to continue this wonderful tradition into the future despite the uncertainty and disruption that we live with presently. Pope Francis says it best….

POPE FRANCIS
To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope.
Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve
and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing.
Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness,
that doesn’t dwell on the past,
does not simply get by in the present,
but is able to see a tomorrow.

Mrs Mary Taylor
Assistant Principal – Mission
TaylorM@shalomcollege.com

Information Technology

Windows 10 Updates

We have recently taken the time to upgrade our Year 11 and 12 fleet of laptops to a newer version of windows. Due to new security and virus threats that occur regularly, we need to keep our fleet up to date which unfortunately required a wipe and reload of windows for our older student laptops.

We will now be looking to make available Windows 10 updates to Year 7 & 10 laptops. This will be available via the software center store while at school only. Students of Year 7 & 10 will be tasked with choosing a time to install them at a time that suits prior to a mandatory installation date.

Laptop ADP vs Warranty

For those who are not aware or have forgotten, our Shalom HP student Laptops are all purchased with ADP (Accidental Damage Protection). ADP allows us to repair up to three laptop parts per calendar year with a processing fee of $60.50 each time a claim is logged.

Warranty allows us to claim manufacture faults on a device. There are no fees associated to a warranty claim.

Accidental Damage Protection avoids excessive out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs caused by accidents such as drops, spills or electrical surges. HP provides the final decision on whether a device will fall under ADP or not.

We always do everything in our power to get the best outcome for Shalom families, however please understand that whether it’s HP or another brand, the vendor will have the final decision on whether the issue is warranty or ADP. It is up to the school’s discretion as to what repairs need to be performed

Laptop skins - Year 7 and Year 10 Laptops

This year, the College implemented new laptop skins for our Year 7 and Year 10 devices. Students have been advised at the start of the year about the need for this skin to stay on the device and to not remove it. If the skin has been removed or is peeling up, please report to the IT Unit immediately. Costs may apply for replacement skins.

Mr Matthew Mills
IT Manager
millsm@shalomcollege.com

Student Drivers

Parents and Carers of Year 11 & 12 Students

If your child has obtained their Provisional Licence and wishes to drive to and from school. You, you are required to fill out a Permission to Drive Form and return it to Student Reception for approval by Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell. Once approved the details will be placed on our School Register.

Thanks to those Parents who have already completed this form for their child.

Mrs Amanda O’Mara
Executive Assistant to the Principal/ Enrolment Officer
amanda_omara@shalomcollege.com

Year 7 Camps

In light of the current situation with Covid-19 our Year 7 Camps that were planned are going to change. At this stage we will still be going to Chaverim each day with a slightly different format.

The students will be transported to Chaverim by the College bus each day. Students will need to be at school by 8.30 am each morning; they will return to the College each day at approximately 2.45 pm, in time to catch buses etc. home.

Please login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend the Camp and update medical and dietary information.

These Outdoor Education programs aim to provide an additional approach to the personal and spiritual development of your child and the greater Shalom community. This three-year program has specific objectives designed to provide.

• An atmosphere of cooperation between students, which can be applied at school, in the family and on the sports field. This may be characterized by cooperation, encouragement and concern for fellow students.
• Knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to a sense of responsibility, self-reliance, cooperation and harmony within oneself, with other people, and with the natural environment.
• Opportunities for participants to develop knowledge, low level skills and attitudes for participation in a number of outdoor pursuits.
• Knowledge, skills and attitudes towards a ‘minimum impact ethic’ consistent with the environment in which activities take place.

Each participant involved in the program will be given the opportunity to:

• “Look into the mirror” to see how their behaviours, both good and bad, impact their fellow participants.
• Participate in physically and mentally challenging activities while remaining safe on physical, mental and emotional levels.
• Experience and practice Christian values by living and working together in an open and encouraging atmosphere.
• Develop low level skills in a number of outdoor activities as well as a basic understanding of the associated equipment and safety precautions.
• Experience achievement in a non-competitive ‘win-win’ environment.

The camp also gives the teacher and students the opportunity to get to know each other well.

Please see camp schedule below.

Mr Peter Robinson
Student Welfare
High Performance Program
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Absentees

FOR ALL ABSENTEES

Preferred option is Email absentees@shalomcollege.com or Phone Absentee line 41558181

ALL student absentees should be notified to the office by 9am each day. If no notification has been received, an absentee text message will be sent out to parents to advise of the student’s absence.

Pathways

myfuture

myfuture is Australia’s National Careers Information Service. It’s underpinned by career theory and research and uses Australian Government data sources.

The ‘Industries’ search on this comprehensive website provides a wealth of information for 19 various industries such as Construction, Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, Information Media & Telecommunications and Manufacturing just to name a few. Each industry area provides a comprehensive overview along with a list of employment opportunities and specific occupations. Each occupation listed also has a clickable link that provides further breakdown of the occupation with an Overview (detailing tasks performed and videos), Pathways (including skill level and study required) and Job Prospects (including average salary, average hours and employment statistics).

Follow the link to explore this wealth of knowledge – you may need to create an account with myfuture to access some of the content.

Year 13 Expo

Year13’s virtual career exhibition that was delivered in May was a huge success.

Topics covered included the benefits of studying versus working, whether you should take a gap year, if an apprenticeship is right for you, what the perks of working in different industries are and how amazing people got to where they are today.

In case you missed any of these amazing webinars or would just like to take another look they are all available now for viewing on the Year13 website. Listen to amazing folk who are nailing it in their industry to help you figure out what it is you’re passionate about and what you need to do in order to get there.

Become a Lifeguard

Do you enjoy:

The outdoors and being by the water?
Working in a high performing team environment within the community?
Being challenged each day?

Then why not consider becoming a lifeguard and get paid to patrol. Supported by Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s combined history and world class reputation, lifeguards acquire a set of skills that will last a lifetime.

Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s paid lifeguards are rewarded for their time and skills with the potential to earn more as skills and experience grow. Lifeguarding is a great option to consider for students taking a gap year or studying at university.

Please refer to the PDF for what is required to become a lifeguard.

If you would like to find out more about this amazing opportunity have a chat to Mr Davis in the Science block.

Coming Events

For the first time ever, The University of Queensland will be holding an Online Open Day on Sunday, 2 August. This free event will give you access to explore the work-class facilities, video or text chat with academics, staff and current students as well as in-depth looks into the programs, accommodation, sports, scholarships and more.

Access the UQ Open Day Program here

Register now to secure your place

Want to know more about studying at CQU? To discover the range of courses available to study online or on campus check out CQU’s Virtual Open Days to be held on Saturday 1 August and Saturday 15 August from 10am to 1pm on both days. Listen to passionate course academics in a line-up of webinars and hear how you will study the course, what areas you can specialise in, career opportunities and how you will build your knowledge and experience throughout your studies to ensure you graduate work-ready.

Students can register their interest to attend here

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kathy Laing & Mrs Julia Fox
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
LaingK@shalomcollege.com
Julia_Fox@shalomcollege.com

Quiet Achiever

Year 7 Student Talen Chalker is a very affable and effervescent student who has really taken a liking to Physical Education in his start at Shalom College. Talen absolutely loves to learn, and forms mature opinions about important overall topics of health during discussions in class.

It is his infectious enthusiasm that rubs off on other students that is a great attribute to display, especially in practical class. This term we are partaking in his favourite sport of basketball, whereby Talen is able to take the lead and demonstrate very well all of the skills and drills.

Talen is also a great contributor to Hogan House through his endeavours in pastoral care, PDE and participating in Junior Bombardment.

Keep up your excellent contributions towards all of your endeavours Talen!

Mr Adam Knott
Hogan House Coordinator
knotta@shalomcollege.com

Instrumental Music

Choir

Choir and all vocal ensembles have resumed weekly rehearsals in the music room.

Choir - Monday morning at 7.30am
Girls vocal ensemble - Tuesday morning at 7.30am
Treble Makers vocal ensemble (Years 7 & 8) - Thursday mornings at 7.30am
Boys vocal ensemble - Wednesday lunch at 11.30am

New singers are very welcome to all groups.

Singing lessons

We are currently fortunate to have two qualified singing teachers working at Shalom College. Both teachers have limited vacancies and would like to invite singers to come along and ‘have a go’ in Term 3.

One specialises in contemporary and music theatre styles and the other in classical and music theatre styles. In the hope that the College is able to put on a musical production next year, it would be great for the singers who would like to audition, to have some prior knowledge and understanding particularly in relation to the control of breathing and basic projection techniques.

Please contact the Instrumental Music Coordinator Mrs Megan Hoban (megan_hoban@shalomcollege.com) or Mrs Robyn Edgar (edgarr@shalomcollege.com) if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.

Mrs Megan Hoban
Instrumental Music Coordinator
Megan_Hoban@shalomcollege.com

Library News

This week we are featuring two great series’ in the library.

Once by Morris Gleitsman.

The Aurora Cycle by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

Please remember to bring back any library books borrowed over the holidays.

See you at the library!

Miss Bella Little
Gap Year Student – Administration
Bella_Little@shalomcollege.com

Winter Sport Restrictions

BDSSS Inter-school sport

Please see important letter to parents and students regarding Term 3 Inter-School Sports.

In summary, for the BDSSS Winter Sport season to be successful during this unprecedented COVID era, students are required To

1. Be dropped at and collected from their sport venue (unless travelling with their team in school arranged transport) – NO PARENT ENTRY TO ANY SPORT SITE
2. Be ready to play their game – no change rooms will be available
3. Bring a NAMED water bottle to games
4. Be aware there are NO canteen facilities available at any venue

Mr Simon Gills
Spors Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

eSports

Good day all eSports fans and families. We have joined the Shalom College After School Activities (SCASA) in Term 3 to continue sharing our eSports passion. If you join, the proceedings of each afternoon will be as follows - we meet for a roll call and afternoon tea (supplied) by the College tuckshop at 3:15pm before heading into practise. We finish our activity at 4:40pm where students will then return to the College tuckshop to be collected. SCASA starts in week 2 of the term and will see League of Legends (2v2 Howling Abyss, ARAM 5v5 and Summoner’s Rift 5v5) run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

CHECK OUT the E-Sport Video in this location: N:\Extra Curricular

Cost

The SCASA Fee is $20.00 per term for each student.
This is to help cover the afternoon tea and instructors/coach costs.
This flat fee of $20.00 is for one, two or all three afternoons activities.
This is to encourage participation in many SCASA activities.

Please complete the student and parent details in the google form below

Howling Abyss 2v2 (League of Legends)

ARAM 5v5

Summoner’s Rift 5v5

Mr Gavin Hill
eSports Coordinator
Gavin_Hill@shalomcollege.com

Uniform Shop Online!

Uniform Shop Opening Hours – Term Time

• Monday 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Tuesday 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Wednesday 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Thursday 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Friday – Closed

ONLINE ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP THE NEXT DAY DURING THE 11:25am LUNCH BREAK

PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL ALERTING THEM ONCE THEIR STUDENT'S ORDER IS READY FOR COLLECTION

Phone : 41 558 121

Mrs Leanne Barker
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator
barkerl@shalomcollege.com

Term Dates for 2020

Parent and Carer Tuckshop Volunteers

At the start of each school year we ask parents to indicate their availability for volunteering in the College tuckshop.

Life is busy and forever changing, so for this reason we have set up a booking system that will not only accommodate our very much appreciated regular volunteers, but also families who may not be able to commit on a regular basis and who may have a day here or there throughout the year to come along and lend a hand and support our students. The beauty of this system is that you can select your day and manage your booking, so if something comes up, you can quickly and easily go online to reschedule or cancel. Your booking will generate a confirmation email with links to manage your booking, it can be synched with your calendar and an SMS is sent the day before as a reminder. Of course, we are also here to help - simply contact Shalom College on 41 55 8111.

For those of you who are regular volunteers your shifts have already been added to the schedule for this year and you should have received an e-mail for each booked shift.

Shifts last from 2 to 3 hours (school drop off to around 11.30 am).

No experience required!

Click here to book a shift >

Breakfast

Breakfast is now available in the tuckshop for purchase each morning 8:00am – 8:30am.

Items include

Bacon & Egg Muffins - $3.50
Ham & Cheese Croissant - $3.50
Porridge & Cereal - $3 (self-service option with milk and bowl & cutlery are supplied)
Fresh Fruit - $1 (seasonal fruits such as; Bananas, Apples, Mandarins etc.)
Plus, the already available items of Yoghurt Pots, Up n Go drinks & Flavoured Milk

Students who train before school need to consider utilising the breakfast menu to replenish energy lost during their training sessions, however must be dressed appropriately before entering the tuckshop and must not be late for class.

Tuckshop Roster

Shalom Sunday Markets

Shalom Markets will continue to operate (with restrictions) until further notice!

• Fresh food stalls fruit, vegetable & local food products
• BBQ and tuckshop are operating, social distancing practices are in place
• Social distancing to include gaps between stalls (all outdoors)

SHALOM MARKETS 6AM TO 12PM EVERY SUNDAY!

Markets Tuckshop Roster

We NEED volunteers for the Markets Tuckshop or BBQ, if you have any queries please contact Leanne via email – barkerl@shalomcollege.com

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Back to School Support from Headspace

The Youth Hub

Triple P

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.

Please click on this link, 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.

Drivers College

Drivers College has returned to provision of pre and novice learner driver education, special provisions have been put in place for the protection of both staff and students training on our complex. Please see below the changes made to ensure safety from transfer of the virus. Currently we are only working with one student per booking, on Saturday or student free days until further notice.

School holidays at present will be one student per educator with the 2 day program being offered on Monday and Friday of both weeks, this will mean we will only have two student places each week so if you are wanting to book please contact us early as they will go fast. A special amended one day program will be available for students with more than 70 log book hours, only 3 places will be available for these.

Pre learners program;- Pathway to Safer Driving is a 2 day comprehensive program from basic car set-up to hazard identification, crash avoidance, skid control and braking on varying surfaces and reverse parking.

The advanced program is based on less of the fundamental driving skills and more on braking, evade and crash avoidance, emergency stopping, reversing and parking.

Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September our 2 day program will be run at our Mundubbera Outreach Center located at the Airport on Jack Parr Street.

Dates for the advanced program will be negotiated when the booking is made.

To book please call Diana on 41811773 if the phone is unattended please leave a message and I will call you back.

In the current climate of social distancing and our own concern for the health and safety of our clients and staff, Drivers College has developed a new safe working procedure for cleaning and sanitizing all facilities and vehicles used in education. All staff are required to report any illness, students are required to fill out a questionnaire on their health and contacts for the 4 week period prior to booking. On the day staff and students along with any family entering the complex will have their temperature taken, anyone above normal will be referred to medical assistance and the booking deferred until they are cleared by their doctor. New measures are in place including more frequent breaks at which time vehicles will be cleaned and sanitized, students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer in the rest area during the break. No staff are permitted to have any physical contact with the students.

Drivers College is urgently seeking volunteers to train up as Driver Educators on our off road complex. All you will need is a clean licence for the last 5 years and a blue card or the ability to obtain one.

Drivers College is a not for profit entity built by sponsorship of local business and a small army of volunteers who share our vision. Our ethos is to “save lives on our roads through early intervention education”. The College and our education complex is a living work, operated by professional trained educators, all staff are volunteers and financial input is used to run and expand the complex. On our wall and website below you will find a list of local business who support us, please support them when you can as we build a healthier, safer community.