21 March 2022

Principal’s Reflection

“When the clever pill is available, should we just pump it into the water system? If we are able to improve this shambolic species of which you and I are a part, is that a terrible ambition?

This was the premise of a podcast I listened to driving somewhere earlier this year. I’m watching my kids studying for exams at the moment and I remember looking for a shortcut like this when I was about their age and trying to avoid the hard work that is studying. The podcast ranged more broadly into the whole issue of manipulation of genetics which, apparently, we are quite capable of doing now. Designer babies with significantly higher intelligence or athletic ability or musical talent, are no longer in the realm of science fiction. It’s all possible. Adam Rutherford, a specialist on Genetics was being interviewed on the podcast but he did point out that while this is possible, the subject of the design may end up with other ‘unintended traits’ – like autism, or a much higher risk of cancer or some other awful side effect. As the topic of the podcast was on intelligence, Rutherford made some really good points. He said that the problem is not that we don’t want to improve society or the quality of life for our families or our nation. The problem is that people turn to science for easy fix solutions for things that we fundamentally don’t understand. We know how to make society better. It’s through better education, equal opportunities regardless of privilege. It’s through better nutrition and reducing the colossal wealth gap for the poorest in society.

If we want to make children more clever, we shouldn’t tinker with their DNA. We should read books more. We should open more libraries. We know the answers to these questions. There is already an established correlation between reading and intelligence. We don’t need to muck around with DNA.

There is a direct correlation between the meterage of books that people have in their houses and academic attainment. If people read more, kids would be smarter. This is not rocket science. So, as our kids front up to assessments at the end of this term, sadly, there are no useful shortcuts for them. But there is a lot that we as parents can do. We can support and encourage and cajole them to work hard. We can make sure that they eat and sleep well. We can make sure that they get to every class and make the most of every opportunity. We know how to make this work. Good luck.

Friday Next Week is a student free day as staff will be involved with Bishop’s In-Service Day. Please also remember that the first day of Term 2 will be Tuesday April 19.

SIA App – I’m really hoping that every parent has downloaded this App. Speaking as a parent, we get great information through this. Over the weekend, I was advised of the marks my child received in a recent assessment and was able to read extensive comments from the teacher. This is much fuller feedback for us as parents than we have traditionally seen on school reports.

Happy St Patrick’s Day from last week….

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

Year 12 Formal Dinner Dance

A reminder that it is a requirement for attendance at the Year 12 Formal Dinner Dance that all guests be double vaccinated for COVID 19. Your status will be checked before entry; you will also be required to check in via the QR Code. These are the requirements of the Multiplex Centre.

There will be staff on the parent entrance checking you in.

Please contact me at the College if you have any questions around this.

Punctuality and Attendance

Please have your children here on time for the beginning of the school day – too many are coming in late – might only be about 10 minutes late when they are dropped off, but they have to sign in at the office and if there is a line up (which most days there is) it can take about 5 minutes before they are logged in, they then have to go their House area to put their bag away, get their books for Period 1 and make their way to the classroom – this could take about 20 minutes sometimes. So 10 minutes late can end up being about 20 minutes late for their first lesson when the tuition has already started.

Please write a brief note of explanation for the lateness so they don’t get the late arrival listed as unexplained. I do appreciate those parents who jot down an explanation in their child’s Record Book.

Other Information

Congratulations to the Year 12 students on their induction to the senior school and to our College Captains – Jorja Logan and Cristian Zandona.

Well done to the Year 10 student volunteers who showed prospective parents 2023 around the College last Wednesday morning. Thank you, Year 10.

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

Curriculum

Middle School

Year 7 and Year 9 students will sit the NAPLAN online tests from Tuesday 10 May to Friday 20 May.

All Year 7 and Year 9 parents/carers would have last week received a letter with important information and links to other available NAPLAN information.

Students will participate in two practice NAPLAN tests in Term 2, Week 1. If you have any concerns about NAPLAN or if you wish to withdraw your student from NAPLAN testing, please contact Megan Munckton, Middle School Coordinator, megan_munckton@shalomcollege.com

Please note: all students MUST have headphones or earphones to undertake the NAPLAN Online testing. This is the responsibility of families to ensure that students have their earphones or headphones for all test days, including the practice test. These headphones/earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. Wireless headphones (e.g. Apple air pods) are not compatible. If you need to purchase headphones or earphones, we suggest you do this as soon as possible. The uniform shop has a small supply of earphones for $6.

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

Administration

SIA – Log on Now! Get the Phone APP!

‘At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents’ – Jane D Hull

Sia, and the Shalom phone app, has now been available to parents since 20th February. At this stage, we have had 30% of parents log on to Sia. We would like all our parents to be successfully logged into Sia as soon as possible. If you have not logged onto Sia yet, you will find the wealth of information that our teachers work hard to provide extremely valuable and a great way to keep it touch with your child’s progress. The phone app is even more convenient – a must-have for parents!

Shortly our IT team will re-send the email that was previously sent with your login details. If are having technical difficulties, please contact our Shalom IT department via email at shalomit@shalomcollege.com or phone 41558131 during office hours.

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

Mission

Year 12 Induction

Last week we celebrated the Year 12s Induction Liturgy. We had to postpone this event a few times but it was worth the wait. Fr Sijo joined us for the first time, Mr McMahon shared a very thought provoking reflection and Jorja and Cristian shared their hopes for this Year 12 cohort.

Many Shalom students shared their talents to make this occasion memorable. Thank you to the singers, musicians, readers, dancers and those who set out the chairs, helped with videoing, ushering and scanning tickets. Thank you to the many staff who assisted in a multitude of ways. We are blessed to have so many people who go above and beyond.

Important Dates

Please note - our Harmony Day Assembly has been postponed until Term 2

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

ANZAC Day

ANZAC DAY 2022 - Shalom College Registration form - Monday 25 April

We are inviting interested Shalom Staff / Students / Parents and Friends to participate with Shalom College at the Bargara Service and/or Bundaberg Civic Service for ANZAC Day.

We will also acknowledge students who represent Shalom College at other Services in the district. (Agnes Water, Rosedale, Moore Park, Elliot Heads, Gin Gin, Childers, Woodgate, etc.) (Other Services/ Marches will be acknowledged if the student attends/ marches in Shalom Formal Day uniform.)

ANZAC Day is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country, and is marked annually on the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians who served and died in war and on operational service, past and present.

Students, as you will be representing the College, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Formal uniform with polished shoes
• Formal hat (borrow or purchase new one, if yours is not in good condition)
• NO chewing gum
• Sleepers or studs ONLY
• Bottled water (It is often a very hot day.)
• Apply sunscreen before marching

There are 3 opportunities to march on ANZAC DAY

(Students may attend the following in Bundaberg/Bargara area or with another service/march representing Shalom College)

1. Bargara Dawn Service
2. Bundaberg Civic Service (roll call at 8:00 am)
3. OTHER SERVICES (Agnes Water, Rosedale, Moore Park, Elliot Heads, Gin Gin, Childers, Woodgate, etc.) - (Other Services/ Marches will be acknowledged if the student attends/ marches in Shalom Formal Day uniform.)

Staff, Parents and Friends, if you plan on marching with Shalom College, please meet at the designated time and place and please wear corporate attire, of a similar standard to students.

If you are marching at the Bargara Dawn Service, please meet at 5:00 am at Bargara Service Station and report to Mr Robinson for roll marking.

If you are marching in the Bundaberg Civic Service, please meet outside Indulge Cafe (outdoor tables) (near Target) at 8:00 am and report to Mr Robinson for roll marking.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, students will be dismissed from the memorial site. Please arrange to collect your student from there.

Your attendance is much appreciated.

More details will be posted as they become available.

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

Date Claimers

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 and the Shalom App 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.

IT Department

Where should Students be saving files?

Since we have students in isolation this year, it’s a timely reminder that the College process for students is to only save files to their college Home Folder. They can use Foldr to access their home folder from any location. Foldr has an application that can be installed on all devices and a website in case there is an issue with the apps. We do not recommend saving to the local device or on USB sticks. One major reason for saving to home folders is this allows us to assist the users with automated backups.

We have noticed students are saving documents into OneNote and therefore running into issues of lost work. OneNote is not a file management platform and therefore we recommend saving files to Foldr.

Notebook ADP vs Warranty

For those who are not aware or have forgotten, our Shalom HP student notebooks are all purchased with ADP (Accidental Damage Protection). ADP allows us to repair up to three notebook 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. HP has strongly reminded us that intention damage does not fall under ADP and therefore will incur the full cost of repair.

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. As mentioned in the ICT agreement signed at the start of each year, it is up to the school’s discretion as to what repairs need to be performed. This is a good timely reminder to talk with your students about looking after their College device.

Family Zone – New Family Information

Shalom College has teamed up with Family Zone to offer parents the ability to filter Internet content on their children’s devices while at home while also providing the school the ability to filter content during school hours. The school has made it mandatory for the Connect (Family Zone) app to installed on all devices that come to Shalom including student mobile phones. All new families should have received an activation email earlier this year so please advise us if this has not occurred. Family Zone have recently launched a new portal which will provide additional information for setting up devices and changing settings to apps to be cautious of, etc.

Nothing takes away the importance of talking with you children and encouraging them to make great online choices, this application just provides additional support.

As always, we are here to assist anyone so please contact us for any IT issues you have. Our department email address is – Shalomit@shalomcollege.com

Mr Matthew Mills
IT Manager
millsm@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

Work Experience

Work experience is a great opportunity for students to explore their passion and understand what is expected in the workplace, while developing skills outside the classroom. It is also an opportunity to understand what they may need to do to prepare for the future. If students are intending on taking part in Work Experience in the Easter school holidays, please ensure your signed paperwork is returned to the Pathways Office no later than Tuesday 29 March. Please see the Student Work Experience Booklet for further information and instructions on engaging in work experience.

Become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer and Create Ground-Breaking New Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineers are responsible for developing applications and systems that use smart learning to provide solutions for all kinds of businesses. AI uses algorithms, such as logic and probability, as well as other processes such as speech and face recognition, to operate and problem-solve without the assistance of people.

If you love technology and science, have a great knack for problem-solving, and want a career in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, becoming an AI Engineer could be perfect for you. Roles are becoming increasingly popular world-wide, especially with large tech companies such as Microsoft and Google as well as being in demand across almost every industry imaginable such as Aviation, Manufacturing and Health to name a few. Find out more here

University of the Sunshine Coast – Headstart Information Evening

Are you ready to make a start on your future? At the USC Headstart Online Information Evening you will learn how Headstart gives Year 11 and 12 students a real university experience and sets you up for the future, allowing you to study first-year university subjects and receive credit to take time off your degree.

Gain credit towards your USC degree
Save money! The first Headstart course is free and your second course is only $400
Prepare for and get a taste of university
Gain QCE points
Broaden your education
Explore a subject you're interested in before committing to a full degree
Receive a subject bonus adjustment (1 rank per course) to be applied to your ATAR score or selection rank

Have all your questions answered and hear from other Headstart students about their experience and tips for what to expect. Register here.

Online: Tuesday 22 March via Zoom
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Who should attend: Parents and students in Years 10-12

QUT Advice Night

Thinking of studying at QUT? Year 11 and 12 students can have all their questions answered in the upcoming webinar. Hear from real students about their university experience and ask questions about their course, why they chose QUT and uni life in general. Register here.

Date and Time: Wednesday, 23 March – 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Location: Online via Zoom

Creative Workshops - JMC Academy, South Brisbane

JMC is one of Australia’s leading creative industries institutions offering a wide and varied range of courses. If you are creative and interested in Audio or Song Writing then the following workshops might just be for you!

The Immersive Audio Workshop explores the ever-changing world of Audio, exploring sound aesthetics in a 360 virtual space. Learn how to create immersive soundscapes used in film, music and game design. Find out more: Immersive Audio Workshop.

Are you a budding songwriter? Want to learn how to generate ideas and compose a song lyrically and instrumentally and then perform it? Then this is the workshop for you! Find out more: Song Writing Workshops.

Junior Casual Cashier Role

Harvey Norman currently have a position available for a Junior Cashier in their Bundaberg store. This would suit a student in Year 11 or 12. Find out more here. If this role exhilarates your passion for a new opportunity then please submit your application for consideration. Please send all resumes to Cassandra at bundaberg.elecpa@au.harveynorman.com

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

This week McAuley House would like to acknowledge Year 11 Student Jayde Piggott as our Quiet Achiever. Jayde has had quite a rough start to her school year with her health but through all her ups and downs Jayde has made sure that she puts 100% effort into her subjects. Jayde has battled on and come to school to complete required work even though feeling exhausted and flat. In doing so Jayde has certainly taken on the words of our House Patron Catherine McAuley who said, We can never say, “it is enough.”

Her participation, friendship and support for her PC members and many students in McAuley House is consistently evident and shows that Jayde sure knows how to “SHINE” as a valued member of the McAuley Family.

Ms Paula Van Dalen
McAuley House Coordinator
vandalenp@shalomcollege.com

From the Library

For anyone interested in political military strategy or military conflict history, some new books have been added to the non-fiction section of the senior library in Goondeel.

“Atomic Doctors: conscience and complicity at the dawn of the nuclear age” by James L. Nolan, Jr. is a fascinating, but eye-opening account of the birth of the bomb in the atomic age. The book examines the journey of the author’s grandfather and his fellow physicians when they were associated with the Manhattan Project. Grappling with their cognitive dissonance as they try to cling to the Hippocratic oath; ‘first, do no harm’ while creating a deadly monster.

Not only a factual history of this pivotal history making ‘project’, this book is also an exploration into the complex ethical and moral issues faced by all concerned in the decision to contribute to the harnessing of such lethal power to produce a tool of war.

In “Prisoners of the Empire: inside Japanese POW camps”, Sarah Kovner documents the five-month period between the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 1941) and the fall of Corregidor (May, 1942). During this tumultuous time the Japanese Empire imprisoned in excess of 270,000 Allied servicemen and civilians from different countries and set up 700 prison camps throughout Manchuria in Northeast China to the southern rim of the Dutch East Indies and northern New Guinea in the south.

Shockingly more Australians died in captivity than in combat, this book explores more than the horrific accounts of the prisoners of war, it serves to contribute to the ongoing debate about their rights and appropriate treatment in modern conflict.

Ms Denise Harvey
School Librarian
Denise_Harvey@shalomcollege.com

Calling all creators, coders, designers, engineers, and enthusiasts

Come join Mr Tucker, Mr Udal and Mr O’Shea in the Makerspace on Day’s 2, 4 and 8 at Lunch. This will be a space for young people alike to design products, create solutions and build things. Come along to create battle bots, rockets and 3D print and laser cut objects. Bring your laptops and food, relax and make some stuff!

Mr Thomas O’Shea
STEM Team
thomas_oshea@shalomcollege.com

Year 7 Camps Term 2

Year 10 Camps Term 2

Sport

Queensland Selction - Cricket

Year 10 Student Lucy Hamilton made her debut for the Qld Fire Open Womens Cricket team last Tuesday playing against WA in Canberra. Lucy is the 2nd youngest Qld debutant ever at 15yrs of age. She was run out late in Queensland's innings for 3 and finished with bowling figures of 2/35 from 6.3 overs. Qld won the game convincingly. Congratulations Lucy, Shalom is very proud!!

Lucy Hamilton

Queensland Selction - Softball

Year 9 Student Charli-Anne Trace has been selected as a member of the U14’s Qld Softball Team. Charli-Anne will travel to in Hawker in the ACT to compete in the Nationals from 14 April to 17 April. Congratulations Charli-Anne and best of luck at the Nationals!!

Little Athletics

Year 7 Student Lachlan Rae recently competed at the State Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane. Lachaln qualified for the final in the 100m and 200m events at the over the weekend. He qualified for the final of the 100 with the 3rd fastest time and finished 7th. He also finished 5th in the 200m final. Congratulations Lachlan!!

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

Summer Sport

Table Tennis

There were mixed results for our Shalom Table Tennis Teams in the first round our summer sports. It was a hectic and busy start with this season including the most number of schools and the most number of teams ever involved in Wednesday afternoon secondary school table tennis.

Our Shalom 1 team – Lincoln Carter, Jessica Carter, Christina Lee and Zac Morrish – defeated Bundaberg Christian College 2 in a fairly comfortable win, six matches to three.

Unfortunately, our Shalom 2 team – Hannah Lee, Michael Richardson, Isaac Maas and Millie Pohlner – were trounced by St Lukes 1 and, while mostly competitive, were unable to win a game. I am sure there will be better days ahead for this team.

Shalom 3 – Lachlan Bowden, Oscar Buckley, Bailey Worrad and Jake Wall – had a bye, so honed their skills by playing each other.

St Lukes 3 had to forfeit against Shalom 4 due to insufficient numbers. Eli Sewell graciously joined the St Lukes team for the day to ensure a competition, playing against his team-mates Will Savage, Harry Laing and William Cole-Bloore. While technically a forfeit, Shalom 4 also won six matches to two.

Congratulations to all students on their behaviour, and to many ‘first-timers’ who quickly learned the ropes on game-play and refereeing for the competition.

Mr Troy Braund
Team Manager
Troy_Braund@shalomcollege.com

Uniform Shop

Sports Bucket Hats

Sports Bucket Hats are now in stock at $20 each.

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

Term Dates for 2022

Term 1: Monday 7 February - Friday 1 April (10 weeks)
Term 2: Tuesday 19 April - Friday 24 June (10 weeks)
Term 3: Monday 11 July - Friday 16 September (10 weeks)
Term 4: Tuesday 4 October - Friday 2 December (9 weeks)

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!

Tuckshop

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.

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

New volunteers are DESPERATELY required 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

Shalom College App

Shalom College Families Business and Trade Directory

Colour Run

Online Workshop

Youth Support

Headspace

Find Out More below

The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg

Office Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 Monday to Friday
Parish Office: Rossolini Place Level 1, 66 Woongarra St
Ph: 07 4151 6666 PO Box 79 Bundaberg QLD 4670
Email: sbundaberg@rok.catholic.net.au
AFTER HOURS: Anointing of the sick for medical emergencies
phone 4151 6666 and follow the prompt
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF MARY MOTHER OF CHURCH

Current Parish Bulletin

Letter from the Bishop

GOOD NEWS

CURRENT ROSTER (Term 1 2022)

THE REMARKABLE ST JOSEPH

Monica White
Principal St Joseph's
Catholic Primary School

Yesterday our St Joseph’s school community celebrated St Joseph’s Feast Day, a day early. We celebrated St Joseph with a wonderful liturgy followed by activities to remind us about the life of St Joseph, a remarkable man.

Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus Christ, is perhaps one of the most overlooked characters in the life of Jesus. Yet, there is no question that Joseph left a powerful impact on Jesus and Mary. He was a man of solid conviction. His love for Mary, the mother of Jesus, is unmatched. Because Joseph’s story is only covered in four chapters of the Bible and he most likely died before the ministry of Jesus, he is often glossed over and not always given his due for the powerful example he left for Jesus.

We know relatively few details about Joseph from the scriptures, but through insights from the historical background of life in Israel, we can actually weave together a beautiful tapestry on the life of Joseph.

Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, and in particular a direct descendant of King David (Matthew 1:20). Despite his royal lineage, the scriptures tell us that Joseph was only a poor carpenter or craftsman. Joseph is typically portrayed in art as working with wood, but because Israel has a limited number of trees and stone is by far the more abundant resource, Joseph would have actually been a carpenter of mostly stone.

According to Jewish custom, we also know that Joseph was most likely quite young. In fact, he probably was only about seventeen to twenty years old when he was engaged to Mary. We also know that from a very young age Joseph had been trained in the law at the synagogue, and that he had a profound understanding of the scriptures because of his faithful, yet merciful way of obeying the law.

According to law Joseph could have publicly divorced Mary, instead, Matthew tells us that Joseph chose to be merciful and “was minded to put her away secretly.” (Matthew 1:19 NKJV). However, before Joseph was able to divorce Mary, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Mary as his wife. The angel also directs Joseph that he is to name the infant “Jesus”. By naming the child, according to Jewish tradition, Joseph would formally adopt Jesus as his own.

The love and compassion Joseph showed to Mary and Jesus is absolutely remarkable. He disregarded all cultural consequences of marrying Mary and took in Jesus as his own. Truly, God could not have chosen a better man to raise His own Son, than Joseph, the humble carpenter. Though we have no recorded words of Joseph, no recorded witness of his testimony, his actions of obedience, kindness, and love speak volumes about the character of this most remarkable man and his testimony of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we can learn much from Joseph the carpenter.

"Good News Magazine 2021"

"The annual parish "Good News" magazine is now available in all churches for a Gold Coin Donation.

As you read our in-house publication of the Good News magazine this year, discover the ways in which our parish vision statement is being made clear.

Catholic Youth Groups

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.