NAPLAN

Year 7 and 9 students completed NAPLAN practice tests last week. 2025 NAPLAN testing will take place in March on the following dates:

· Wednesday 12 March – Writing

· Friday 14 March – Reading

· Monday 17 March – Conventions of Language

· Wednesday 19 March – Numeracy

A more detailed timetable can be found in SIA News.

We ask that all students try their best in the testing so that we have accurate information. The results from testing are used in conjunction with other data to assess individual and cohort strengths as well as areas to improve on. We review existing initiatives and develop teaching programs to support students based on the data.

Earphones (corded) are compulsory for NAPLAN testing. Students who present to the test session without earphones will be sold a set at a cost of $6 which will be charged to the students’ account. We urge all students to keep the earphones in their pencil case ready for testing sessions. Earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack.

If you wish to withdraw your student from NAPLAN testing, please contact Mrs Megan Munckton, Dean of Middle School, megan_munckton@rok.catholic.edu.au 

2025 Elevate Education Parent Webinars

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next two months, you are invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

· How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - Wednesday 12 March 6:30pm

· How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory - Wednesday 26 March 6:30pm

Register for the series by clicking the link below and learn some practical strategies to help support your child this year. https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

2024 ATAR Scaling Report

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) has released the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) Report. This document provides an overview of the calculations of the Queensland ATAR for the 2024 Year 12 student cohort. This report link is attached here.

QCE Student Portal Account

All Year 11 and 12 students by now should have registered and set up their QCE Student Portal account. Could you please confirm with your child that they have set this up? Without this a student will not be able to monitor if they are on track to receive their QCE or have access to their Senior Education Profile. The SEP contains students’ results, senior statement and their QCE. This information is only available through the myQCE Student Portal account.

Year 11 students need to have completed their Academic Integrity Course, which can be undertaken in the myQCE Portal as soon as possible.

If your student has not yet set up their account or is having difficulty, please have them contact Mrs Aplin at Student Reception for assistance.

Mrs Kate Aplin
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Catherine_Aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au

Learner Attributes

Throughout Week 6 (3 – 7 March), teachers will give feedback through Sia on the learning behaviours of students in each of their classes, as well as PC classes.

Each student will be awarded either an Excellent (5), Good (4), Sound (3), Improvement Needed (2), or Poor (1) in the following criteria:

• Organisation - punctual to class, correct equipment in good working order (academic only), laptop charged (academic only), record book present
• Application - actively engaged in learning/PC activities, appropriate use of technology (laptop, phone etc), homework complete (academic only)
• Presentation - uniform worn appropriately, follows school guidelines for hair, make-up, jewellery etc
• College Values - treats others with dignity and respect, displays a positive attitude, exhibits appropriate behaviour
  
  

This will appear on Sia Parent Dashboard under ‘Grades’.

and will appear as a mark out of 20.

More detailed information can be found by clicking on the ‘Learning Attributes – Semester 1’ link on the above screen.

After the initial feedback is published, teachers are able to update these criteria and re-publish them to parents at any time throughout the year and add a comment if necessary. Parents are advised of updates via Notifications in Sia. In this way, reporting on your child’s application in class is ‘live’, improving the quality of feedback for parents. We believe this is a significant improvement in our communication with parents, compared with the previous ‘point-in-time’ reporting.

If you have any questions about your feedback, please contact the classroom teacher. For questions about the Learning Attributes process, please contact me.

Mr Brendan Maher
Assistant Principal - Administration
Brendan_Maher@rok.catholic.edu.au

Ash Wednesday

The Lenten season begins this week with the observance of Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, either at Mass or at a special celebration, people receive ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us and is worn as an act of penance. As the persons who are distributing the ashes make the Sign of the Cross, they say, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel" (adapted from Mark 1:15) or “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return” (adapted from Genesis 3:19). The ashes are made of the palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

Here at Shalom, Mass will be celebrated in Loyola Chapel at 8am, with ashes being taken to House areas for House Assembly gatherings later in the day. At these assemblies, students will lead a prepared Liturgy, including the distribution of the blessed ashes. Through this experience, we intend that students should grow in their understanding of the importance of this season to the Catholic community, while connecting with the themes of humility and contrition.

During Lent, we encourage support of Caritas’ Project Compassion. Please look out for further information regarding opportunities that students can get involved in to support this worthwhile charity.

Year 12 Induction

Last Thursday we celebrated our Year 12 Cohort through prayer and symbol.

Families joined in our celebration that was led by past student, Father Peter Doherty. Through prayer the students, along with their senior ties and badges, were thoroughly blessed by Fr Peter. Each student was ‘called by name’ to receive their senior tie and badge as their families watched on. In accepting these symbols, students pledged to embrace the opportunities and challenges that the year ahead would bring. This included focussing their energy and talents to inspire others to be men and women of action, following the example of Jesus and the House Patrons. The ceremony finished with the very engaging and uplifting College Captains’ Address.

Thank you to the many people behind the scenes who help make an event such as this come together. In particular, we thank Fr Peter for travelling down from his Parish at Gladstone. The College Captains took the opportunity present Fr Peter with a custom stole that celebrates his link to Shalom College.

Masses

Each Religious Education class will also cohost a Wednesday morning Mass at 8am in our chapel. This Mass occurs during term time and is a Parish Mass, so it is open to all. The Mass finishes before the 8.40am bell. Religious Education teachers will email a notice to families prior to their allocated Mass, and we encourage attendance. Upcoming Masses will be hosted by our year 11 and 12 students.

Wednesday 5 March  Ms Jenny Elphinstone's RAE 12B, F & G 

Wednesday 12 March  Mrs Sandra Freeman's SOR 12A & Ms Van Dalen's RAE 12E

Wednesday 19 March  Mrs Nicole Harman's RAE 12D & RAE 11 A & E

Also, if you would like to join in other Parish services, the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg advertises Mass times at https://www.bundabergcatholic.net.au/mass-prayer/

Mrs Sandra Freeman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Sandra_Freeman@rok.catholic.edu.au

Pathways News - HIGHLIGHTS

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• Construction Pathways – did you know there are over 70 different construction careers? Explore them all here

• Career Pathways in Telecommunications
  

SHINING STARS

• Read about Year 11 student Emily B. and her motivation and initiative to secure a work experience placement
  

EVENTS

• East Coast Apprenticeships Info Session – Thursday 6 March 10.30am-12.30pm
  

WORK EXPERIENCE

• It’s time to explore your career choices – Work Experience for the April School Holidays now open 
  

UNIVERSITY

• Year 11 students – Applications for ACU’s Uni Step-Up Online are now open
  

ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Interview & Job Application Tips

Unlock Your Potential and Opportunities in this week’s Pathways Newsletter

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Kathryn Laing, Ms Brigette McMahon, Mrs Cristel Simmonds & Mrs Caitlin Newton
Liza_ODonnell@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kim_Toll@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kathryn_Laing@rok.catholic.edu.au
Brigette_McMcMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au
Cristel_Simmonds@rok.catholic.edu.au
Caitlin_Newton@rok.catholic.edu.au 

If you would like to submit any sporting achievements about your child/children along with a photo, please email your submissions to Simon_Gills@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Please note photo submissions must only include photos of students from Shalom.

You can also keep up to date with anything sport related via our Facebook page - Shalom College Sport.

Shalom Swimming results

Congratulations to McAuley House as winners of our Shalom Interhouse Swimming Carnival.  The minor places were filled in by Adams (2nd) and Hogan (3rd). 

The enthusiasm and House spirit was outstanding all day, displayed by the large numbers of participants throughout the day.  On the back of this House spirit, Mackillop House was awarded the cheering award, followed by Damien and Adams.

The Age Champions for 2025:

12yrs                  
Female: Atlanta D (Mk)                            

13yrs                  
Female: Amber M (Ri)                             
Male: Lewis O (Ho)

14yrs                  
Female: Charli P (Ri)                               
Male: Ethan G (Ma)

15yrs                  
Female: Stevey-Mae H (Ch)                      
Male: Koby I (Li)

16yrs                  
Female: Layla A (Da)                                  
Male: Aarj D (Ri)

17yrs                  
Female: Lara P (Ma)                                   
Male: Max O (Ho)          

18+yrs               
Female: Jocelyn T (Ma) & Jada C (Da)        
Male: Freddie C (Ma)

No records were broken at this years event.

A Shalom Swimming team will be selected and they will compete at the Bundy All Schools Swimming Carnival to be held at Norville Pool on Friday 21 March from 12-4pm.

State Aquathlon/Triathlon selection

Congratulations to Shalom student Max O who has gained selection in the QLD team that will complete in WA later this term.  Max was originally named as a shadow but has now been called into the team to represent QLD.  Good luck Max!!!

QLD Club Hockey Teams

Congratulations to Shalom students Courtney K, Tully D, and Connor C who have all been selected in U/16 QLD Club Hockey teams.

All three will travel to Adelaide at the end of March to compete in the National Championships.

This is not only a fabulous achievement to have three local players selected in these QLD teams, but the fact they are all Shalom Students is even more fantastic.

Regional players lack the expert coaching, state of the art facilities, and regular high-level competition that their metropolitan peers have readily available to them.  They have to work harder and sacrifice more to gain selection at this level.  It is a true test of character. All three students have shown great commitment to the sport, have shown resilience under trying conditions, and made plenty of sacrifices along the way.

All the best at Nationals!!!!

Race Walking Championships

Congratulations to Koby I who competed over the weekend at the QLD Athletics 3000m Race Walking Championships in Brisbane. Koby placed 2nd in QLD in the Under 16 Mens 3000m Race Walk with an impressive personal best of 14:35.28 smashing his previous personal best of 15:55.42. From this, Koby has now gained selection to represent QLD in Perth, in April.  

International Karting Circuit

Congratulations to Shalom student Ky B who recently competed in round 1 of the IAME Asia Series in Kuala Lumpur, over the weekend. It was his first race as a Senior at only 14 years of age. It was held at the new and very impressive LYL International Karting Circuit. In the official practice, Ky had the fastest lap, unfortunately for Qualifying, the heavens opened and it was Ky's first time at the track in wet conditions. 

Qualified 16th

Heat 1 - started 16th. Got turned around and went back to last. Finished in 8^th position. 

Heat 2 - started 16th.  Got pushed out wide on the first corner lost many positions. Finished in 5^th position. 

Super heat - started 5th. Finished 4th. 

Final - started 5th. Finished 4th. 

Big thanks goes to Cian from Calicorse, MG Engines for the awesome power and Michael from Patrizicorse for the opportunity to drive for the BirelArt team. 

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
BDSSS Secretary & QRSS 10 -19yrs Cricket Executive Member
Simon_Gills@rok.catholic.edu.au 

2025 VICKI WILSON & QISSN GIRLS TEAM ANNOUNCED!

Congratulations to these talented Senior athletes, we wish Team Officials and Players all the best with their preparations for the 2025 Junior Vicki Wilson Competition and QISSN Carnival ❤️

Mrs Nadia Tairawhiti
Shalom Netball Coordinator
Nadia_Tairawhiti@rok.catholic.edu.au

Preferred Student Absentee Option 

Parents are able to inform the College of student absentees via Parent Lounge, using the below pathway:

Parent Lounge> Student Details> Attendance> "+Add Absence Notification"

The Shalom College App has now been updated so when parents select "Absentee" it will re-direct to Parent Lounge for the absentee notification to be added.

For Parents that do not already have the College App please click below:

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.

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 Mr Aaron Brown.  Once approved the details will be placed on our School Register.

Photos of the 2025 - Year 12 Induction are now available in the Media Gallery. 

The Media Gallery is accessible via the below link (SIA login required)

Parents can save photos by right clicking and ‘save image as...’ or clicking the download icon on the top right when looking through the photo gallery.

CLICK HERE: SIA Media Gallery

Mrs Georgia Halpin
Community Relations Officer 
Georgia_Halpin@rok.catholic.edu.au

Year 7 2026 Applications Close Friday 14 March 2025.

New Student ID Photo Day scheduled for this Friday 7 March is now postponed.

All year 7 & new students year 8 to 12 will be informed when the new ID Photo Day is, once confirmed.

Tomorrow Tuesday 4 March, the year 7 immunisation program will be conducted in Loyola from 8:45am.

Any further questions regarding the program please contact Ozcare at administration.bundaberg@ozcare.org.au or phone 41308900.

Upcoming dates of the program at Shalom College:

• Year 7 HPV & dTpa Year 7 Clinic: Tuesday 4 March 2025  

• Year 10 ACWY & MenB Dose 1 Double Clinic: Tuesday 11 March 2025 

• Year 7 & Year 10 Round 1 Catch Up at School Clinic: Tuesday 25 March 2025 

• Year 10 MenB Dose 2 Single Clinic: Tuesday 10 June 2025

All 2025 annual fees are due on 8 March 2025 unless a payment plan has been established.

A Prompt Payment Discount of 2.5% is offered if all fees are paid in full by 8 March 2025.

A Payment Plan Discount of 1.5% is offered if an approved payment plan arrangement has been established with the initial payment received before 8 March 2025 to have all fees paid by the end of Term 3 Week 4 2025 for families with a Year 12 student only or by the end of Term 4 Week 4 2025 for families with Year 7-11 students also.

Should you have any queries or require assistance with setting up a new payment plan or reviewing your existing payment plan, please phone the Finance Office on 4155 8179 or email finance@shalomcollege.com.

Only 20 Tickets Left! 

The Catholic Schools Race Day is a fundraising project for Shalom College, St Patrick's Primary School, St Mary's Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School of Bundaberg. Buy tickets to this year's event here:  https://www.trybooking.com/CYNQM.

Race Day - 50/50 Raffle

To celebrate our milestone of 20 YEARS of the Catholic Schools Race Day, we are so excited to introduce a NEW fundraising initiative for our schools: the 50/50 Raffle!! 

Our annual 'Music - in the Spotlight' concert is on Wednesday 19 March in the Performing Arts Precinct. Please be on the lookout for a letter from the classroom Music teachers with more information.

All are welcome to come and support our budding musicians. Admission is free! 

Friday 14 March (Week 7) at 3:30pm on the school oval the Student Representative Council (SRC) will be hosting the Shalom Colour Fun Run. This afternoon will be filled with colour and fun that you don't want to miss out on. Use the booking link below, or QR code to secure your ticket to an afternoon you will never forget.

Tickets are $15 each and will provide you with the experience and a drink - you will just need to provide your own white shirt. The whole Shalom College community is invited – so please bring along family and friends to afternoon of colour and fun!

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1349670

If you have any questions, please contact

Mr McMah
samuel_mcmah@rok.catholic.edu.au

My Braund
troy_braund@rok.catholic.edu.au

Mathematic Competitions

There are two Mathematics competitions on offer for individual students in 2025.

Nominations: Please email Mrs Bishop Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au to express your interest for either or both competitions. You will then be invited to the event/s in Parent lounge where you will be able to accept and make payment.

NB: Participation in this competition could create opportunities for involvement in additional Maths Enrichment programs and competitions throughout the year.

For example: Maths Team Challenge; QAMT Year 7/8 Quiz; UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Competition; Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO)

1. Kangarou sans Frontieres Competition

Inspired by the AMT’s Australian Mathematics Competition, the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) is now the largest maths competitions in the world, with more than 6 million participants each year. Held in March, the KSF is a great opportunity for students to experience maths in a competition environment prior to the AMC in August.

Date: Wednesday 26 March
75 minute exam - online only
Cost: $5.20 per student

NB: Cost is reduced by $3.00 if your sign up to both competitions together: total - $11.20

More Information: https://www.amt.edu.au/ksf 

2. Australian Mathematics Competition

The Australian Mathematics Competition is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students. The competition contains unique problems designed each year by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills.

Date: Tuesday 5 August
75 minute exam - online only
Cost: $9.00 per student

NB: Cost is reduced by $3.00 if your sign up to both competitions together: total - $11.20

More Information: https://www.amt.edu.au/amc 

BIG SCIENCE COMPETITION

The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions held in schools around the world. The competition is open to year 7 - 10 students who have a passion for Science.

Details: 50-minute, online, mixed format competition with a focus on how students can use their science knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Date: Monday 6 May 2025

Cost: $8.50 per student (GST excluded)

Nominations: Please email Mrs Bishop Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au to express your interest for the competitions. You will then be invited to the event/s in Parent lounge where you will be able to accept and make payment. Nominations close – Monday 31 March.

The International Chemistry Competition

Mrs Debbie Bishhop
Senior Teacher (Science)
STEM committee
Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au

Below is information on how to administer an EpiPEN and AnaPEN.

Mr Mark Pederson
Workplace Health & Safety Advisor
Mark_Pederson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Term 1: Tuesday 28 January – Friday 4 April (10 weeks)

Term 2: Tuesday 22 April – Friday 27 June (10 weeks)

Term 3: Monday 14 July – Friday 19 September (10 weeks)
Year 12 Formal: Saturday 6 September

Term 4: Tuesday 7 October – Thursday 4 December (9 weeks)

The Shalom Markets are open every Sunday 6am-midday. Come along to purchase your fresh fruit and vegetables, local food products and handmade items. 

Volunteers Required - Markets Tuckshop

We are seeking your help!! We are always in need of new volunteers for the Markets Tuckshop and BBQ.  If your child/children would like to gain some work experience, why not get them to volunteer in the canteen. If you have a few hours you could spare to assist in our canteen, please click on the link below to register your assistance or contact Leanne via email at Leanne_Barker@rok.catholic.edu.au 

If we get enough volunteers, it may work out that you only need to volunteer once per term.

Register to Volunteer HERE

Markets Tuckshop Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Office Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 Monday to Friday
Parish Office: Rossolini Place Level 1, 66 Woongarra St
Phone: 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

"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.

Shalom College Families Business and Trade Directory 

To help assist the Shalom College community in supporting local businesses that are run by Shalom families, we have created our Shalom College Families Business and Trade Directory. If you would like to be listed in this directory, please send a copy of your business card to Mr Peter Robinson who will be establishing and developing this directory to Peter_Robinson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Student Travel Rebates 

Would you like to know more about the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme and eligibility requirements? Click on the link to view the short introductory video here: https://youtu.be/ogWpq7tVaio 

Student travel rebate applications open 1-31 May for Semester 1. Please click here to check if you are eligible.

Blue Light Disco

Mental Health Resources