1 August 2022

Principal’s Reflection

Week 3 Term 3 is always set aside to celebrate Catholic Education Week throughout the five Dioceses in Queensland. Celebrations this year commenced on 24 July with a Youth Mass at Holy Rosary Church and concluded on Saturday 30 July. The theme for this year is Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.

In Queensland there are the five Dioceses as mentioned, 313 schools, 22,000 staff and 154,000 students.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact that Catholic Education makes in schools and the wider community. A Catholic school’s focus is on the Jesus’ stories, encouraging young people to have an impact and to make a difference in their communities, particularly, once they have left school. It is hoped that they will carry on the mission of Jesus by remaining involved, and passionate, about social justice.

As part of our celebration of Catholic Education week, the following is a quote for the local newspaper from Mrs Mary Taylor, Assistant Principal – Mission, “Students who have participated in the prayer life of the College, assisted with activities to promote charities, demonstrated kindness towards others and participated in parish-based events are acknowledge with a Spirit Award...”

The certificates were presented on our College assembly last Thursday.

The recipients are: Abbie Walker, Alli Geiger, Amelia Tu, Annabel Roelofs, Bradley Balchin, Cecilia Taske, Charlotte Johnson, Christina McMahon, Connor Smith, Cooper Leeson, Dane Harris, Eliza Boge, Emma Stack, Emma Pacey, Irene Abraham, Jaslyn Phillips, Joann Jithesh, Katie Maher, Matthew Parker, Mitchell Tarda, Molly Sellars, Nicholas McMahon, Nickarla James, Paige Davis, Patrick Connolly, Pelenatita Kaufusi, Poppy Loeskow, Rafe Marschke, Stephen Thompson, Tayla Scott.

We congratulate these young people.

I share with you this quote from Pope Francis:

I have included the following information for you. It is something all parents need to read.

SPECIAL REPORT: Sextortion

"You may not have heard the term before, but you must understand what it is. There has been a 400% increase in this type of crime being reported to police now involving adolescent males at a terribly high rate." Susan McLean

Susan McLean is Australia's foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and young people.

‘Sextortion’ has been an issue for over a decade, with many adults falling victim to this type of online crime. It is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images of you unless you give in to their demands. Organised criminal gangs across Eastern Europe, Russia, and Africa connect to their victims via social media, chat apps, instant messaging platforms and online games. More recently though there has been a higher rate of adolescent males falling victim, that is not to say that young females are not also targeted.

Since the beginning of 2022, there has been a 400% increase in this type of crime being reported to police in Australia alone. However, these figures are being replicated in most western countries. Having an understanding of how your young person can fall victim to such an offender may help to protect them from engaging or conceding to their demands. It is vitally important for parents and carers to be aware of this serious issue and to start having an age-appropriate conversation as early as possible. Be aware that even with an online account set to private, random people can still message your child. Emphasise to your young person the importance of only engaging online with people they actually know, not someone they think they might know.

Most importantly, keep the lines of communication open between you and your child. Young people who fall victim to these offenders will feel distressed and blame themselves. Let them know that no matter what, they can come to you and ask for help, and that there is nothing so bad that they cannot come to you. Managing devices can be difficult especially with older teens, but it is important to weigh up the risks and the dangers. Sadly, even good kids who never make a poor decision elsewhere in their life, can and do make poor choices online. The information presented in this report is intended to alert and not alarm parents and caregivers of this potential issue.

Further information and resources relating to this topic can be accessed via the following websites:

• eSafety Commissioner
• Think U Know
• Netsafe

Click on “Back to all Special Reports” to access this same information.

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

Newsletter Articles

Curriculum

Year 10 Subject Selection & SET Plan Interviews

Last Wednesday all Year 10 students were sent an email from the Shalom College email address (Shalom@Shalomcollege.com) with a link to the Webchoices platform and their individual student access code. Hopefully by now your student is familiar with this online portal and how they are to complete their subject selections using the online form.

The SET Plan Interview booking information was email last Friday morning to all Year 10 parents & care givers. Please use the link provided to select an interviewer and then select a suitable timeslot for your SET Plan interview. A reminder that when you and your student attend the interview, they need to bring with them their:

• fully charged laptop
• green SET Plan Form – A3 sheet
• Webchoices link and access code
• Printed Webchoices form (only if already completed)

All interviews will take place on Tuesday 9 August during the scheduled 30 minute timeslot. This is a ‘work from home’ day for Year 10 students. No Year 10 classes will run at the college, this will allow the interviews to take place on this day. Students are to access their class work through SIA.

Year 8 and 9 students, parents and carers

The 2023 Middle School Subject Selection Evening will be held on August 16th in the Performing Arts Precinct.

The information session for students and parents of Year 9 students selecting subject choices for Year 10 in 2023 will commence at 6pm.

The information session for students and parents of Year 8 students selecting subject choices for Year 9 in 2023 will commence at 7pm.

Learning Area Coordinators will be available on the night to address any questions you may have regarding the selection of subjects to study in 2023.

An updated Subject Selection Book for 2023 will be released to students and parents next week.

QTAC ATAR Portal Registrations

The QTAC ATAR Portal opens for registrations on Tuesday 2 August at 8.30am. 2022 Year 12 students will need to register for an account in order to receive their ATAR score on Friday 16 December.

Mrs Norris will hold a ‘how to register and information session’ for all Year 12’s on Thursday 4th August in Lingiari 6 at Lunch. Students are to bring their lunch and device with them for the session.

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

Administration

Year 11 Term 3 Exam Block Timetable

Attached is the Year 11 Exam Block occurring from Wednesday 7 September - Monday 12 September. Please note that this is one more day than advertised on the school calendar. Students need only attend school for the exams they are to sit during this time. Expectations for students throughout the exam block are also attached.

2022 Non-Government Schools Census

The annual Non- Government Schools Census occurs on Friday 5th August 2022. Attached is a document which outlines the rationale for the census and further information about this data collection. Please take the time to have a read of this notice.

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

Panadol & Nurofen Dispensing

A reminder to Students and Parents that legislation dictates that families need to provide their own labelled box of Panadol and/or Nurofen for staff to dispense. If you would like our Admin Office to hold medication for your Student, please submit the appropriately labelled medication box together with a signed copy of the Student Medication Form to Student Reception.

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 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.

Pathways

ASK Pathways

Have you got questions about Uni, Tafe, Work Experience or how to find the right career? The Pathways team have now made it easier than ever for you to start the conversation. No question is too big or too small! Send your e-messages via askpathways@shalomcollege.com

School Holiday Success

Year 12 student, Stacey Ruthenberg, was chosen to participate in both the JCU Winter School in Townsville and the UQ Senior Engineering Camp in the recent school holidays. At JCU, Stacey lived on campus for 5 days and participated in academic lectures, team-building activities, workshops and much more, immersing herself in the complete university experience of a vet student. To top it off Stacey walked away with the award for the highest achiever in her discipline.

The following week it was off to UQ in Brisbane to once again be immersed for five days in another uni experience, this time with an Engineering focus from water filtration, electrical engineering, coding, aerospace engineering as well as an off-campus tour to Rio Tinto to explore mining careers.

Congratulations Stacey on participating in both these fantastic opportunities!

Personal Futures Career Expo

On Friday, 22 July, Shalom were grateful to have in attendance 32 exhibitors, representing upwards of 100 different career roles as well as representation from a number of universities, to the annual Personal Futures Career Expo. This year was an extremely successful event engaging the cohort of Year 10 in Period 2 and then welcoming students in Years 11 and 12 during lunch along with parents. We are extremely thankful to the many businesses and industries who took time out of their busy day to support Shalom at this highly valuable and beneficial event for our students.

Win a $15,000 Open Day Scholarship

Southern Cross University is offering one lucky student the opportunity to win a scholarship worth $15,000. To enter, register for Southern Cross University Open Day 2022 and submit a 200-word response or a 90 second video answering “Why do you want to study at Southern Cross University?”

Competition ends 12 August. Find out more here .

UQ’S ATAR Guarantee Scheme

Year 12 students interested in studying a UQ undergraduate program next year can access the table of ATAR ranks guaranteed for undergraduate entry in 2023. With this early release students can start preparing for university now. Find out more here .

USC’s Early Offer Guarantee

USC’s Early Offer Guarantee means you could receive an offer to study at USC as early as August, long before ATARs and final results are released. You can beat the stress of getting into uni knowing you’re sorted for 2023. Find out more here .

Full Time Position Available - Administration/Receptionist-Director of First Impressions

Lukerative Accounting is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate and motivated person to join their team. You will have the chance to work with a team of people dedicated to providing their clients with a professional service like no other. This role is full time and is aimed at an individual looking to commence a career in administration with future advancement to other areas of the business.

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can take up to 12 months. It is preferable to apply in Year 11 (16 years old). Students can still apply in Year 12 and should do so now. Find out more about key dates, priority job roles for 2023 here .

Applying for QTAC in 2022

Students and parents who were unable to attend last week’s information session, will find the information provided in QTAC’s PowerPoint presentation a useful resource in answering questions about the tertiary admissions process, including preferencing methods. Access here .

Upcoming Events

• 6 Aug Australian Catholic University Open Day
• 6 Aug CQU Mackay Campus Open Day
• 7 Aug USC Sunshine Coast Campus Open Day
• 7 Aug UQ St Lucia Campus Open Day
• 7 Aug Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Open Day
• 11 Aug CQUniversity Bundaberg Campus Open Day
• 14 Aug Griffith University Gold Coast & Nathan Campus Open Days
• 14 Aug CQUniversity Cairns Campus Open Day

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

Quiet Achiever

Annabel Roelofs, Matthew Parker & Pelenatita Kaufusi

These three Year 12 students from Walsh House received an award from Mrs Taylor as part of Catholic Education Week during last week’s full school assembly. The award received, is “just a small part of their contribution to Shalom College and in particular their contribution to Walsh House over the last five and a half years”. They have each contributed to running House assemblies and many, many house events by sharing their commitment to Catholic Education with their actions, words and spirituality. All three students regularly attend church and share their faith in their daily interactions not only in Walsh House but across the College and in our broader community. The most pleasing aspect of their spiritual leadership is the way in which they use their unique personalities to engage with others. They truly walk the “road to Emmaus” in their daily interactions in all areas of their lives. Their ability to share “God’s transforming grace and support spiritual maturity” is so very humbling to witness.

This is a new award for Shalom and these three students are so very deserving.

Congratulations Annabel, Matthew and Pelenatita.

Mr Christopher Roelofs
Walsh House Coordinator
roelofs@shalomcollege.com

Evolution Dance Competition

On Saturday 23 July, 36 talented performers represented Shalom at the Fraser Coast heats of the Evolution Dance Competition. They competed against a diverse range of other school groups featuring students who engage in 'dance excellence' and full-time dance training programs, and they came away with outstanding results:

1st Place - Performance Team (Contemporary)
1st Place- Selective Tap Crew (Tap)
1st Place - 7-9 Selective Dance Group (Jazz)
2nd Place - Year 9 Dance (Jazz)
Special Mention- Performance Team (Jazz)

All groups have successfully qualified for the National Championships taking place in January 2023, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication to dance throughout the year. Congratulations to all the students and staff involved!

Don't forget to 'save the date' to see these incredible performances and more at Dance Night 2022 on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September!

Mrs Danielle Stranieri
Performing Arts Teacher
Danielle_Stranieri@shalomcollege.com

Year 7 Geography Excursion

Last week our Year 7 students participated in an excursion to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. In Geography this Term students are studying the importance of water as a resource and the impacts of humans. During the excursion students collected data by attending the exhibits at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and participating in activities with the rangers. Spending time at the Turtle Centre and interacting with the Mon Repos staff was a great way to engage students and build their understanding of the environmental impact that humans have on the location. We were lucky to have beautiful, clear, cool weather for all three days of the excursions, and one very fortunate group even saw whales breaching in the distance.

Mrs Wendy Egan
Core Studies B Coordinator
Wendy_Egan@shalomcollege.com

Year 11 Aquatic Practices Excursion to Kingfisher Bay Resort

On Monday 18 July, Year 11 Aquatic Practices students visited Kingfisher Bay Resort as part of their Coastal EcoTourism module. Students learnt about sustainable and eco practices and designs, which they will be able to apply to their assessment task – proposing a tourist development on a local shoreline that minimizes its impact on the coastal / marine environment.

As part of the excursion, rangers took the students to Kingfisher Bay’s poo and worm farm to show how that waste is recycled and reused. They also toured the resort itself, learning about eco-friendly design elements as well as their emphasis on restoring native vegetation and habitats. Students got to sample some bush medicine and tucker along the way.

After lunch, students were provided with a talk on employment in the tourism sector, particularly outlining the range of opportunities and transferability of skills and employment in the industry.

Many thanks to Cassie and Tim – our rangers for the day, and Renae for her presentation and insight on employment and job roles at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Troy Braund & Michelle Moller
Aquatic Practices Teachers
Troy_Braund@shalomcollege.com
MollerM@shalomcollege.com

National Road Safety Education Program

On Wednesday 24 August, our Year 10 Students will attend a one-day workshop organized by Britt Duncan from the Queensland Police Service Bundaberg in cooperation with Rotary Bundaberg.

The RYDA workshop features highly engaging practical demonstrations, real-life narratives, videos, quizzes and interactive role play. The RYDA approach supports youth development in a number of areas including social resilience and anticipating and managing risk. Read more about the workshop by downloading the letter below.

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

From the Library

Young adult fiction books for adolescents can offer comfort and guidance by presenting characters that the teens who may be facing similar challenges and difficulties can identify with. The clever author for this demographic can create a story of a trauma, violent encounter, difficult situations or decisions, or impediment or illness.

Beyond simple pedagogy, bestsellers like “The Hunger Games” and “The Fault in Our Stars” establish a connection with the reader that begs them to consider that they are not alone in their struggles and that it is completely normal to be experiencing fears and doubts. From another perspective, the reader that is not burdened with these issues may be afforded a small window into the world of someone who is. This of course can breed a bit of tolerance and understanding – always a good thing.

Recently added to the junior library are some items identified by our Core Studies B Coordinator and literacy coach as being potentially helpful to the junior students at Shalom.

Of these are “How to disappear”, the story of a young girl struggling to accept herself as she is and desperate to be someone else.

“Vicurious – the only way to be seen is to hide who I really am”

Others are “Tiffany Sly lives here now” by Dana L. Davis, which outlines the life of a girl suffering the loss of her mother to cancer and the consequent but necessary introduction to the father she has never known.

The story of Kiko Himura in “Starfish” (Akemi Dawn Bowman) delves into familial abuse, and “Eliza and her monsters” by Francesca Zappia introduces us to the imaginative and troubled Eliza Mirk who feels her sanity is slipping away from her.

Ms Denise Harvey
School Librarian
Denise_Harvey@shalomcollege.com

Sport

Rugby League

Last week, Year 11 student Noah Law signed a contract with the Dolphins NRL Club after being identified as an emerging talent. Noah will continue at Shalom College until the end of his schooling while working closely with the Dolphins. Kurt Richards (Head of Pathways at the Dolphins) was in attendance for the official signing. Congratulations and well-done Noah!

The last round of the Dolphins Cup will be held this Thursday at The Cathedral College in Rockhampton. Both of our teams from Shalom College are able to finish second on the table and will play in the Semi-Finals in Week 5. Below is the ladder after Round 4.

Mr Neil Feather
Rugby League Coordinator
Neil_Feather@shalomcollege.com

Queensland State Pool Rescue (Lifesaving) Championships

Recently, the 2022 Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships were held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Two students from Shalom College represented Elliott Heads Surf Life Saving Club, Kobi Holden and Aarj Day.

Below are the results from the competition.

Kobi Holden

1st - U15 Male 50m Manikin Carry (and set a new Australian Record)
1st - U15 Male 100m Manikin Tow with Fins
1st - U15 Male 200m Super Lifesaver
2nd - U15 Male 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
2nd - U15 Male 100m Rescue Medley
3rd - U15 Male 200m Swim with Obstacles

Aarj Day

5th - U12 Male 100m swim with Obstacles
8th - U12 Male 50m brick Carry

Congratulations boys, what a great achievement.

Kobi Holden and Aarj Day at the Championships

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

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)

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

Student Travel Rebates

Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Please visit the link below to check if you are eligible.

Autism – Puberty & Relationships 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

GOOD NEWS

"Good News Magazine 2022"

"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

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.