Attendance for Year 11 Exam Block

As advertised, the Year 11 exam block will run this week from today, Monday 19 May to Wednesday 21 May. Attendance is compulsory for all students as outlined in our Assessment Policy. This is a timely reminder that students who complete Pathway programs are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure they are present at the College for their scheduled exams.

AARA applications can be made for any illness and misadventure issues. Please contact Mrs Allen - Dean of Senior School if an AARA application is required. The process is in the Student Record Book on pages 14 and 16. Please remember as per QCAA Policy and Procedures students are not eligible for AARA for matters that a student/parent can avoid, or for matters of their own choosing e.g. driving lessons/driving tests, family holidays.

Year 12 QCAA External Exam Timetable for all General and Extension Subjects

Year 12 students were notified last week that the QCAA has released the Exam Timetable for the External Exams which run from Monday 27 October to Tuesday 18 November. Please have a look at this timetable and take note of when your child has exams.

A copy of this timetable can be accessed at: https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/external-assessment/timetable 

Year 12 Results Confirmation

In the coming weeks Year 12 students who study General Subjects will start to receive their confirmed result for their first summative piece of assessment. Class teachers will discuss these with students once they have been released by QCAA to schools. Please remember that all student results are considered provisional until after the quality assurance confirmation process.

Elevate Education Parent Webinars for Term Two

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Again, you are invited to register your participation in the term two parent online webinar series. This can assist you to support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Term 2 Webinars are:

•  How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams - May 21, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
•  How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - June 4, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
•  Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) - June 18, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
•  How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress - July 2, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)

To register please visit: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

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

Learner Conferences (ie Parent-Teacher Interviews) – Tuesday 27 May 3.30pm-6.30pm

Learner Conferences for all Yr 7-12 subjects (other than Yr7/8 Core Studies) will be conducted in the Sports Centre from 3:30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday 27 May 2025. Interviews will be of ten minutes duration.

Learner Conferences will open for parent bookings through your computer (Sia > Parent Lounge > PT Interviews) or through your phone (Shalom App > Links/Contacts > Links > Parent Lounge > PT Interviews) at 8:00am on Thursday 15 May and close at 3:00pm on Thursday 22 May. Please note that Tony Hogan, Trish Ingall, Sandra Freeman, George Church and David Bond will be unavailable on this date. Please contact these teachers individually if you would like to arrange an appointment with them. Furthermore, Kate Aplin will only be available after 4.30pm and Steph Ray will only be available after 4.50pm.

In addition, some of the Performing Arts teachers involved in the Musical will not be available on 27 May. These teachers are Anita Stewart, Louise McSherry, Tayla Glasspool, Wendy Davis, Stella Hutchins and Tracey Shears. These teachers will be available from 3:30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday 3 June 2025 in the Performing Arts Precinct. These appointments may also be booked online.

Our teachers work hard to provide detailed feedback through Sia. This information is valuable, and parents are encouraged to take the time to review their child’s assessment through Sia > My Students > Grades as shown below prior to the interviews. If you are having trouble logging into Sia, please contact Shalom IT.

Students are encouraged to attend interviews along with their parents. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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

Laudato Si’ Week

Laudato Si’ Week is celebrated each May to mark the anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical on caring for creation. This year is the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’ and it is fitting that we give thanks for the inspiration that his encyclical continues to provide for us. Our daily actions and decisions have an impact on the environment, so this week we will challenge students and staff to make decisions that have a positive impact, such as recycling pizza boxes, pens and batteries. We have recycling bins available at the school for all of these items not just this week, but throughout the school year.

As this is a Jubilee Year, we are also inspired as pilgrims of hope, to build a more just world. Countries around the globe are drowning in debt, stealing hope and well-being from millions of the world's poorest people. As Pope Francis said, "More than generosity, this is a matter of justice." The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace, along with Caritas Australia have provided the following prayer for Laudato Si’ Week 2025.

Loving God,
You created all people to be equal.
Yet, throughout the world many are struggling
to find even the most basic things they need:
food, water, safety and education.
Many poor countries owe enormous debts to wealthy countries and companies,
and millions of vulnerable people suffer as a result.
In this Year of Jubilee,
when we are called to be pilgrims of hope,
we pray for greater justice.
We pray that we might do our part
to challenge unjust situations that
cause harm to so many of your people around the world.
May we work to ensure that earth is truly a common home for everyone,
shared by all and enjoyed in security.
May we be instruments of your peace
and builders of the kingdom
of which Jesus spoke in your name.
Amen

If you would like to learn more about the global debt crisis and its link to the climate crisis, please explore the Caritas Australia website.

• Link to https://www.caritas.org.au/act/turn-debt-into-hope/ 

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 10 & 11 students.

Wednesday 21 May Mr Seci Tuiwai's 11 RAE C

Wednesday 28 May Ms Tayla Glasspool's 10B & C

Wednesday 4 June Ms Grace Whaleboat's 10D & G

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

SHINING STARS

• This week we acknowledge Year 12, 2010 graduate Kurt Dempsey and his successful career in Real Estate

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• How to Become a Real Estate Agent
• Career Pathways in Counselling

YEAR 12 GET READY

• Year 12 – Are you leaving town to attend Uni? Find out what your accommodation options are

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Energy Queensland – Work Experience Applications now open for the September School Holidays

UNIVERSITY

• Griffith Sports College – if you compete at a state, national or international level in your sport, you may be eligible to join the Griffith Sports College

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

• Year 10 students attended the Sunshine Coast Health Institute Careers Day
• CQUniversity Engineering Information Session – Tuesday 27 May 5.30-7.30pm – on campus
• QUT – Unlock Your Career with IT Webinar – Wednesday 11 June, 6pm
• Modern Manners Personal Development Course 30 June-4 July - Brisbane

ADDITIONAL LEARNING

• The Benefits of Networking

Turn Ambitions into Achievements!

Here is this week’s Pathways Newsletter

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

Wide Bay Basketball

Congratulations to Shalom students Lara M, Bianca F, Ava M, Ava M and Layla W on representing Wide Bay 19yrs Girls Basketball in Cairns last week. The team was coached by Shalom staff member Mrs Kylie Giles and Managed by Shalom Sports Co Mr Simon Gills. The girls finished 9th with 2 wins and 4 loses. Congratulations to Ava M on her selection as a QLD Shadow!!

Bundaberg District Secondary Cross Country

Congratulations to the Shalom Cross Country Team (51 students) that travelled up to Gin Gin SHS last week for the District event. Shalom won both the Junior and Senior Divisions convincingly, and finished with 6 Age Champions (Atlanta D, Jayden S, James P, Elise V, Lachlan W and Hannah P). 17 Shalom students have been selected in the Bundy Team to compete at the Wide Bay event on June 3 in Gayndah. Thanks to Mrs Rebecca Jenner for Coaching/Mentoring these runners and Mr Vince Habermann and Mr David Bond of assisting on the afternoon.

Karting

Congratulations to Ky B - two weekends, two countries. IAME Series Asia Rd 2, Kaula Lumpur.

Ky started off well with qualifying fastest and staying in the top 3 for all heats. The final was absolute mayhem. With only one lap in, the rain came pouring down. The race was red flagged as it became too dangerous to race on slick tyres. The race was then restarted, after pit crew where able to change to wet tyres and wet setup. Ky had the pace and ended up crossing the line in P2 only 1 tenth behind the leader.

Australian Kart Championship Rd 2, Monarto SA

Ky had the pace all weekend and put it altogether for the final. He had a decent qualifying and was able to slowly climb the ranks to the top, through the weekend.  

Qualifying: P8

Heat 1: P6

Heat 2: P5

Heat 3: P2

Heat 4: P3

Final: P1

This would not be at all possible without his trusting mechanic, his dad, Cian from Calicorse, Mick from MG Engines and Michael from Patrizicorse.

Great stuff Ky!!!  Shalom is very proud of your achievements!

Rowing

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT 15KM DOWN THE BURNETT RIVER

On Sunday 18 May, we had our first event for the local season. 37 Shalom Rowers took on the 15km challenge of rowing from the Port Marina to the Bundy Social Club in the Pressler-Brown 15km Time Trial. The team went out in quads, doubles and singles in girls, boys, mixed, junior & senior events. Compared to last year, the rowers had stronger winds to row against, making time on the water a little longer. Most crew finished the race in under 2 hours, compared to last year most crews finished within 1 hr 20 minutes.

Overall, the top 2 fastest times were Shalom doubles crews Wade C & Max L (1 hr 4 mins) and, Hamish G & Stan M (1 hr 12 mins). In the 8 events, Shalom finished with 6 x 1st, 3 x 2nds & 3 x 3rds. All the rowers hopped off the water smiling & sharing their adventures & blisters. A big thank you to all the coaches and parents that helped make this event a success. We appreciate all your support. Also, thanks to our sponsors that help financially support our team uniform. We are looking forward to our next event, the Sprint Regatta (500m) on Sunday 8 June at Bucca Keep being Oarsome.

Ms Teressa Tibbey
HPE Teacher and Rowing Coordinator
teressa_tibbey@shalomcollege.com

Mr Nick Smith
Intad Teacher Assistant and Rowing Coach
nicholas_smith@shalomcollege.com

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

Host a student — Inspire a Future
Imagine being the reason a young student-athlete can continue to chase their dreams.

We’re currently looking for kind and welcoming host families to open their homes to exceptional Year 9–12 students at Shalom College. These are passionate, hard-working young students — they just need a supportive, family-style environment to continue their journey.

Whether your home is for a short-term or long-term period, your home could be the one that helps a student stay on the path to success.

As a homestay parent, you won’t just be offering a spare room. You’ll be offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Weekday Support Only:
Homestay families are only required to care for students Monday to Friday — no weekend commitment is necessary.

In return, you'll receive:
• Ongoing financial support (tailored to your situation)
• A deeply rewarding experience
• The chance to be part of a young person’s story of growth and achievement

If you have space in your home — and in your heart — please consider joining us.

The difference you make could last a lifetime. 

Mr Adam Booth
Rugby League Coordinator 
Adam_Booth@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.

Applications are invited from qualified and enthusiastic educators to join the teaching staff of Shalom College. We are seeking a full-time teacher, to teach in the below subject areas. This is a full-time permanent position, with the commencement date to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

We welcome applications from registered teachers who can teach in any or a combination of the following subjects.

• Junior and/or Senior Science
• Junior and/or Senior Maths
• Religious Education

• Join us for an inspiring and empowering evening
• Thursday 22 May 2025
• 5:30-8:30pm
• Shalom College Performing Arts Precinct
  
  

WIN AN AUSTRALIAN OPALS BASKETBALL JERSEY SIGNED BY LAUREN JACKSON!

Go in the draw to win an Australian Opals Basketball jersey signed by Basketball great, Lauren Jackson! With each raffle ticket purchased, support local not-for-profit community based organisation, Edon Place in providing specialist domestic and family violence support services in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions.

The raffle will be drawn at the Empowering Women’s Evening on 22 May.

Tickets $5 each, available here: https://www.raffletix.com.au?ref=r3ufa

The Shalom College Performing Arts Department are proud to present A Chorus Line as their 2025 College Musical!

Based on the real life stories of Broadway Performers, ‘A Chorus Line’ tells the story of a diverse group of dancers auditioning for a part in the Chorus of a new Broadway Musical. As part of the Audition process, each dancer is asked to share aspects of their personal lives. Through song, the dancers discuss everything from past shows they’ve done to their high school experiences, their home lives and why they started dancing.

• Thursday 29 May 2025 - Saturday 31 May 2025
• 7pm Nightly 
• Shalom College Performing Arts Precinct
• Tickets $25 General Admission | $20 Student/Pensioners

We are holding a final second hand uniform sale on:

Tuesday 27 May 2025 - 2.30pm - 6.30pm

Junior Science Olympiad Exams

The Junior Science Olympiad Exams are challenging but rewarding online exams held once a year, which includes topics in science such as biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental Science, and physics.

• Junior Science Olympiad Exam Years 9 & 10 – Wednesday 11 June 2025
• Junior Science Olympiad Exam Years 7 & 8 – Friday 13 June 2025

The cost is $16.50 (including GST) per student.

If you achieve excellent results in the JSO you may be invited to attend the JSO Spring School

Click on the link below for more information

Exams are two-hours long and are completed wholly online. Students can only sit one exam level – the JSOE Years 7 & 8 or the JSOE Years 9 & 10. 

If you would like to nominate to sit the JSO please email Mrs Bishop ASAP  Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au

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

On Monday, 12 May, a talented group of 26 Shalom students took part in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the Bundaberg Multiplex. This day-long competition offers Year 9 and 10 students an exciting and hands-on experience with Science and Engineering.

Schools enter eight teams, each consisting of three or four students, who are assigned a challenge requiring them to design, construct, and test a solution to a given problem. The challenges vary, including tasks such as building a balsa wood plane, a fish trap device, an eco-friendly house, and a bridge.

Shalom students embraced the competition with enthusiasm, showcasing impressive problem-solving abilities and teamwork, earning a well-deserved fourth place overall. A standout performance came from Lachlan B, Ben R, Jack S, and Eva d J, who triumphed in the ‘Wind Turbine’ challenge with an innovative design that recorded the highest revolutions per minute.

Jack, Ben, Eva and Lachlan – Wind Turbine Challenge Winners

The competition was incredibly close, with top schools performing exceptionally well across all challenges. As always, Shalom students demonstrated the great spirit their school is known for, making the day a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attended.

Mr Brendan Maher & Mrs Debbie Bishhop
Shalom Competition Coordinators
Brendan_Maher@rok.catholic.edu.au
Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au

For the last few years, the library focus for the physical collections has been on of renewal and augmentation. We have worked hard to purge the library of outdated, damaged and/or mouldy items and replace them with shiny new ones that students (and staff) will engage with.

The senior fiction collection has had a major overhaul, although our older cohorts don’t have as much free time as the younger ones, we have now amassed a good number of fantastic, relevant new novels. Don’t forget that we offer extended loans for ‘holiday reading’ so you can borrow a few more if you are planning a relaxing holiday.

The newly blended junior and senior non-fiction has been ‘plumped’ up as well with a lot of focus on key areas in the curriculum as well as areas of general interest as well (although keeping up with the fishing books is a constant struggle ?).

Bear in mind as you peruse this non-fiction collection that it does cover all cohorts so be guided by the spine label; a ‘J’ prefix indicates a book identified as more appropriate for junior cohorts and similarly an ‘S’ for senior – though students may borrow from either.

Remember staff members that you may borrow from the library as well so don’t be a stranger!

Last week I acknowledged our wonderful new Literary Ambassadors: Noah K., Hayley C., Aidan B., Georgia C., Phoebie R., Thehara G., Cooper, R., & Lucas, H.. Since the time of writing that article however, we have had even more enthusiastic volunteers: Isabel C., Hayden R., Laylah J., Iris D., Alicia M., & Bella L. Fantastic numbers proving the generosity and devotion of our students at Shalom – well done!

Denise Harvey
School Librarian
Denise_Harvey@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