31 August 2020

Principal’s Reflection

This year, I have watched America burn as angry citizens cut a path of retribution through cities in protest against police treatment of African Americans. I applauded the St Kilda AFL Club who apologised for its treatment of 1990s indigenous player, Robert Muir. I then reflected on the coverage of indigenous player, Adam Goodes, who stood up to racist attacks by stopping a game to ask for the removal of a spectator making racist taunts. Black lives matter. In fact all lives matter which is the great beauty, not a stain on our world. That is why we celebrate Harmony Day.

The ongoing theme of Harmony Day is 'everyone belongs' and it is a day of cultural respect for all. The aim is to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.

Harmony Day celebrates Australia's cultural diversity. In schools we celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world.

Facts and figures

There are some fascinating statistics about Australia's diversity that can be good conversation-starters:

Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was

We identify with over 300 ancestries

Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia

85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia

Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi

More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

Why do we celebrate Harmony Day?

One in three people experiences racism in their workplace.
One in five children experiences racism at school.
One in five people experiences racism at a sporting event.

People experience racism in places they should feel safe and equal. We celebrate Harmony Day to break down the barriers which lead to racist comments and discrimination. We need to respect individuals who have different cultures to our own and learn to embrace our differences. People of different cultures deserve to feel safe in their own home. Australians must demand this for all of our friends, neighbours and visitors.

I must thank Mr Antonio Kaufusi and Ms Kelli Cory for organising this event last Thursday during our College assembly.

Covid – Stay home if unwell. Again, it is the world in which we find ourselves but the days of ‘soldiering on’ in the face of colds and flus are not OK anymore. Please, if your child is displaying flu-like symptoms, please keep them home for everyone’s safety.

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

Newsletter Articles

Administration

Year 7-9 Core Studies Learner Conferences (PT – Interviews) – Friday 4 September

Year 7, 8 and 9 Core Studies Learner Conferences (Parent/Teacher Interviews) will be available on the Student Free Day of Friday 4 September in the Sports Centre. The aim of these conferences is to provide an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss the progress and learning needs of their children. Please note that due to COVID restrictions, we ask that only one parent attends with their child – no siblings please.

Please also remember that detailed information about your child’s progress is available on Parent Lounge under the ‘Curricular Activities Due’ tab. Here you can see the results and teacher feedback on every individual assessment item. This would be advantageous to review before attending the CS Learner Conferences.

Year 12 Mock Exam Block – 6 – 9 October 2020

In preparation for the Year 12 External Exams, Shalom intends to a run a Mock Exam Block for all students in General Subjects. This is one of a range of methods Shalom is using to prepare our students as thoroughly as possible for this important event.

The Mock Exam Block will occur in the first week of Term 4 (6 – 9 October 2020) under normal exam block conditions. The schedule is attached. Year 12 students need only attend school for the exams they are scheduled for. Full school uniform and normal behaviour expectations are required when students enter the school during this time. Some mock exams will also take place in Week 10 of Term 3, however normal classes will continue for this time and all students are expected to attend school.

During the Mock Exam Block, students not involved in exams are expected to be involved in home study. Year 12 teachers not supervising exams will be available at certain times during the Mock Exam Block for students who are studying to access – these times will be advertised as soon as possible.

Students who are behind in their schoolwork may also be required to attend school to complete outstanding work. If this is required, these arrangements will be communicated by individual class teachers.

2020 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2019, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2020.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Mr Brendan Maher
Assistant Principal – Administration
maherb@shalomcollege.com

Subject Selections

Could all Year 10 students who still have their green SET Plan form please return it to your SET Plan interviewer. We still have some outstanding forms that need to be finalised immediately. Parents could you please check with your student to see if they have submitted their form.

Thank you to Year 8 and Year 9 students for submitting their Edval Webchoices online. Parents can we please have the printed subject selection receipt signed and handed into Student Reception as soon as possible.

Year 12 External Assessments (Examinations)

The External Assessment – Timetable, Directions for Students, External Assessment Equipment List and Calculator guidelines is available on the Shalom Intranet for all students under the “Assessment and Reporting” tab. It is also available on the College website in the Year 12 External Assessment section via the link below:

Positions Vacant - QCAA invigilators for external assessment

QCAA is seeking applications from community members for invigilator positions. Invigilators are required to:

attend allocated assessment sessions at assessment venues
observe and report on the administration of assessments and the collection, counting and packing of materials at the end of assessments.

To be eligible to apply community members must:

be at least 18 years of age and hold a blue card or an exemption card
be eligible to work in Australia and have photographic identification
have a personal email address, mobile phone, have access to a computer, the internet and a printer
supply names and contact details of two referees

Before applying please read the Position description: Invigilators and Invigilator frequently asked questions available at the link below:

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

Mission

Harmony Day

Last Thursday we celebrated Harmony Day here at Shalom. Although it was not officially Harmony Day (we could not celebrate earlier this year) - the decision was made to celebrate last Thursday as it is such an important part of who we are.

Thank you to all students, staff and special guests for joining as one to showcase your heritage, culture, traditional dress and dance.

Reflection Days for Year 10 and Year 9

We have 2 very good presenters coming virtually to Shalom, Katie and David Kobler. They will address some very real issues for young people. Year 10 will have their sessions on 31 August and these will take the entire day. Year 9 will have their session on 1 September for Periods 1 and 2 only.

This is what they are covering for Year 10 …

Ingredients for a healthy relationships
Sexual decision making
Consent
And other age appropriate issues
This is what they are covering for Year 9 …
How to find, build and navigate meaningful relationships
Where toxic versions of masculinity and femininity are rife, ways to formulate a healthy understanding of their own gender and identity.

Parent Information Session:

David Kobler also runs a parent night discussing the important issues relating to our young people and the impact the internet is having on them. Unfortunately he is unable to attend in person but will hold a webinar instead. The unexpected positive of this is that more people will be able to engage in the webinar as no one is required to leave home, organise babysitting etc. It does not cost anything so read the info below, pop the date in your diary and follow the link to register to join.

Shalom College Parents Webinar: What the Internet is teaching my child about sex. (Monday 31st August 7pm)

Zoom Webinar ID: 848 8963 9899

Did you know that just under half (44%) of children aged 9-16 had encountered sexual images in the last month, according to a survey by the Australian Institute of Family Studies?

This highlights the importance of talking with children about sex and the internet. To help you navigate this often difficult path, Shalom Catholic College is partnering with David Kobler from Your Choicez to present, "What the Internet is Teaching Your Child About Sex" webinar on Monday 31st August 2020.

The webinar will cover:

• Image-based abuse: The new law that every parent needs to understand.
• The real impact of pornography: On your child's brain, their relationships & their futures.
• The consent confusion: If you haven't taught them, they don't know.

The Youth Hub

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

ROSA Awards

The ROSA (Recognition of Student Application) award for Middle School students recognises student application to their studies. We value the importance of acknowledging students who are motivated, show perseverance and work diligently to reach their potential. Each student has their own achievable goals and therefore a different definition of success.

There are many ways we regularly encourage and reward the efforts of our students. The ROSA award allows for more of our students to be recognised amongst their peers. Teachers will soon be selecting two students from their Year 7, 8 and 9 classes to receive a Term 3 ROSA award. At the beginning of Term 4, ROSA awards will be presented on House Assembly and the awardees will have their name published in the Shalom Newsletter.

Mrs Megan Munckton
Middle School Coordinator
Megan_Munckton@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, 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

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

Resumes and Cover Letters

You may be in Year 12, almost finished school and about to start your post-school life, or alternately you may be looking for your first part-time job. Resumes are essential for any kind of job search. To stand out among other applicants, you need a resume that markets your strengths and is a match for the job. A great resume grabs the attention of employers and sells your strongest skills and accomplishments. For students wanting to create a resume or update their current version, we have attached a template. If you need any help in compiling your resume please don’t hesitate to contact the Pathways Office.

For more information on writing resumes and cover letters together with templates

Job Interview Preparation and Tips for Success

There are many different types of interviews, ranging from conversations lasting a few minutes to several formal meetings, sometimes with more than one interviewer, or even group interviews with multiple applicants. The interview process allows you to demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job.

The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and comfortable you will be when the questions begin. The following offers some interview tips and suggestions on ways to refine your interview technique. For more interview advice and tips

What Is LinkedIn and Why Do You Need It

Did you know that LinkedIn, the professional social networking platform, has actually been around longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram? But it’s more relevant now than ever.

Why? Because it is the largest professional network in the world and hosts more than 500 million professional profiles worldwide, with over 9 million LinkedIn users in Australia. This means nearly an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities. From seeking a new job to maintaining your personal brand, connecting with friends, fellow students and employers. Think of it as your online resume. Setting up a profile is free and you can also include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, casual work and study related projects. You can also join industry groups and forums and follow organisations that interest you so that you can explore where you might like to work in the future.

Find out more about LinkedIn and why you need to set up a profile

Apprenticeship Opportunities

There are currently some great apprenticeship opportunities for 2021 intakes on offer at the moment.

For more information check them out here:

Holiday Work Opportunities

We have been contacted by the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers who have picking work available in the upcoming holidays. Due to Covid-19 there is a shortage of workers and our local farmers would love hear from willing workers. Be prepared to find your own transport, work hard and get dirty. Please submit your resumes to Mrs O’Donnell Liza-ODonnell@shalomcollege.com

Hospitality Workshops at TAFE Bundaberg Campus in the September Holidays

TAFE is offering the opportunity for students to participate in Hospitality Workshops at the Bundaberg campus during the September school holidays. Students are able to enrol in up to three units.

These units of competency aim to set students up for accessing new streams of income and of benefit to those looking to access part time work in a cafe, food outlet or licensed premises.

Please download our course flyer for further information.

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 11 student Riley Dingle is the perfect example of a quiet achiever; always going about the campus bringing a great vibe and commitment to all she undertakes, but without any fanfare. Lately, she has very publicly “outed” herself for her tremendous efforts by single-handedly holding out 10 McAuley students as the last person standing for Rice at a game of bombardment (she even took 5 of them out before they finally got her) and then running the anchor leg in the Senior Girls 4 x 100m Relay Team that won the Br Rochford Trophy for Championship Girls Team at Shalom Day. Riley ran down an almost 10m head start by her Walsh counter-part to just claim victory on the line; a huge effort. Straight after she completed the winning leg, Riley was excitedly looking for her teammates - Jessie Richards, Ella Hagan-Jenkins and Lily McCormack - to celebrate with. Riley is a great team player and wonderful quiet achiever, always looking to share the moment with others.

Ms Claire Stallard
Rice House Coordinator
StallarC@shalomcollege.com

Japanese

Successful Study Methods for Second Languages

With exams and assessment dates approaching parents often ask how much study their child should be doing to be successful in Japanese. Obviously, the answer varies according to the student’s experience with the language, and the desired outcome.

Here are some tips that might help:

Choose a small list of words (5-10) to memorise each week. The trick is to look at them several times a day for a few seconds each. Spending long periods of intense study on vocabulary acquisition does not help. It is the regular, short-interval sessions that help the brain retain words for longer.

Review class work regularly (again, keep it to short sessions) and ask questions about things you don’t understand.

Use what you have learned on a regular basis. Talk to your teacher in Japanese. Watch J-Pop, anime and movies!

There are so many apps available now and many of them are free. Use them! Families learning a language together provides endless opportunities for practice.

Make mistakes! Mistakes and misunderstandings are learning opportunities. No-one became an expert in anything overnight.

Ms Simone Wilson
Learning Area Coordinator – Japanese
Simone_wilson@shalomcollege.com

Library News

This week we are featuring one book and one author!

Our book this week is Not So Normal Norbert which is an incredible series about a future earth!

Our author this week is Jake Maddox, who is an amazing author of sport inspired stories for younger readers.

Not So Normal Norbert by James Patterson and Joey Green.

Author Jake Maddox.

Please remember to bring back overdue library books ASAP.

See you at the library!

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

Touch Football

Congratulations to Blake Hornbrook for organising and hosting the Inaugural Wide Bay Schools All Schools Touch Football Carnival held at Shalom College on Saturday 22 August. Shalom had 6 teams compete in the Carnival, U13 Boys & Girls, U15 Boys & Girls and Open Boys & Girls.

Our U15s and Opens teams all won the GF with the following players awarded Player of the Finals

Open Boys – Ryan Mant
Open Girls – Holly Stone
U15 Boys – Dawson Hess
U15 Girls – Zoe Stone

The carnival featured 31 teams across 8 divisions including teams from Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay, St Marys College Maryborough, Murgon SHS, Kingaroy SHS and Isis SHS.

Shalom Open Girls played exceptionally well with the following results.

Results

Win 7-1.
Win 11-0.
Win 6-0.
Win Semi Final 12-0.
Grand Final win 6-0.

Superstars!!

QLD Motocross Titles

Congratulations to Year 7 student Slade Oberhardt. Slade competed at the QLD Motocross Titles on the weekend and placed 3rd in QLD on his 65 bike and 5th in QLD on his 85.

Amazing effort Slade!

Mr Peter Robinson
Assistant Principal (Acting) – Students
Peter_Robinson@ShalomCollege.com

Sport Team Photos

Sport Team photos for all Winter Sport Teams, All Schools Touch & SLS Team will be taken this term.

All photos will be taken at the 2ND HALF OF LUNCH – MACKILLOP 2. Please check your child/ren allocated day in the below link.

Staff and names listed are the coaches and managers of each team.

Sport

Netball

Year 8 Team

The Year 8 Red team had another convincing win, defeating BSHS 24-4. The girls had fun and changed positions in the final quarter. After 4 consecutive wins, the girls can rest up with bye next week! MVPs: Eadie Jenner and Keiarna Seymour for versatility in positions. These girls are willing to play anywhere on the court, giving it their all!

Mrs Jo-Anne Thomson
Netball Coach
joanne_thomson@shalomcollege.com

Table Tennis

Division One

Shalom’s Division 1 Team continued their unbeaten run by defeating Bundaberg Christian College – although it was a tighter affair this week (6 matches to 3). Braydon Chapman again went through without dropping a game, winning his three matches in two games each. Tahia Zia won two of her three matches, while Amelia Tu was able to secure one match. Both players had many close games and a few three game matches.

Division Two

Shalom Division 2 unfortunately had to forfeit against Bundaberg SHS 2 due to insufficient players. Michael Connolly was our sole player – and played all NINE matches against three different Bundaberg players. He won EIGHT matches, and dropped only five games overall. Great effort, Michael!!

Mr Troy Braund
Table Tennis Manager
Troy_Braund@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

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

Year 7 Uniform and Year 10 Girls Formal Uniform Fittings 2021

Appointments are now available for uniform fittings, please click on the link below to book your appointment.

As of Term 4,Tuesday 6 October, after school fitting appointments will be available via the link below.

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

Leotards are now available for purchase in store or online.

Dance Leotard – Please see below link.

Currently Out of stock – Sports Socks Sizes 2-8 and 8-11 until October

Phone : 41 558 121
Mrs Leanne Barker
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator
barkerl@shalomcollege.com

World’s Greatest Shave & Crazy Hair Day

Crazy Hair Day (ALL STUDENTS) & Worlds Greatest Shave (Staff & Year 10, 11 & 12 Students with parent permission only)

WHEN: Friday 11 September - ALL DAY EVENT with the Worlds Greatest Shave taking place in the Sports Centre during Lunch (from 11:25am).

COST: Gold Coin donation for Crazy Hair Day + money for World’s Greatest Shave auction – students can bring $10 to tear a wax strip from a teachers leg or participate in an auction to chop off a ponytail!

*No permanent colours or shaving for Crazy Hair Day participants.

Blood cancer is one of the highest causes of cancer related deaths in Australia. The Leukemia Foundation have estimated that over 7500 Australians are expected to die of blood cancer in 2020 alone. However, your donations can help diminish that number and assist researchers in getting a little closer to a cure.

Any donations that you are willing to give would be so greatly appreciated. We also really love if you could share our fundraising link around to your friends and family to help us spread awareness for Blood Cancer in Australia.

If you have any questions in regards to this event, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Laura Helbig (Laura_Helbig@shalomcollege.com).

Thank you

Miss Laura Helbig
Gap Year Student
Laura_Helbig@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

St Patricks Tuckshop For Sale

Are you looking for a career change in 2021?

Please call into the Tuckshop & have a chat if you are interested in purchasing this business. Alternatively I can be contacted on 0413 483 082 or at the email address below.

Mrs Fleur Wooldridge
Tuckshop Proprietor
fleur01@hotmail.com.au

Back to School Support from Headspace

The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg

Catholic Parish Bulletin

Mass Timetable

29 - 30 August 2020
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOCUS
by Fr Peter Tonti

A Summit is a place at the top. A place where one can see the vast surrounding countryside. It can be very lonely and cold if there is only one point of view at the top. It is important that as many people as possible can come together to journey in warmth and fellowship, united in the one Spirit to provide their shared experiences and the wisdom of our parish.

This weekend saw the coming together at Shalom College of our Catholic Parish Summit One in an attempt to create a place from which we can see where we have been, where we are now and where we are travelling. We gather, Listen to God, Discern God’s Will to the best of our ability and Clarify the Future.

We know God is already at work and always has been. We give deep thanks for all who have so faithfully, over the many generations, for close to one hundred and fifty years, shared with us the Good News of Jesus Christ and our mission to evangelise in our region. It was in 1875 that the first wooden church St Mary’s of the Holy Rosary was opened. At that time we were effectively a part of the Maryborough parish. We have come a long way since the Italian priest, Father Constantine Rossellini, was appointed the parish priest of Bundaberg.

It is most interesting to see the ongoing story of our parish. A story rich in tradition and character. This history can be found on our website with a brief account on display in our churches. It is now the time for us to reflect and see how we can revitalise our church to be relevant in our time.

Our Summit One took place yesterday, Saturday 29th August, at Shalom College. The focus of this Summit was Where have we Been. There will be a brief summary of the outcomes of the gathering in future parish bulletins. Summit Two will focus on Where we are Going and Summit Three will focus on How we will get there. We will then confirm and implement the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg Plan so we can confidently journey into the future.

A sincere thank you to the college principal, Mr Dan McMahon, the college leadership team and the expert technicians who made the summit possible in these difficult restricted times. Looking forward to the ongoing competency of our facilitator, Mr Craig Farmer, and the participation of all parishioners as we journey together in warmth and friendship, united in the one Spirit.

Breast Screen Queensland

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 web site you will find a list of local business who support us, please support them when you can as we build a healthier, safer community.