Filter Content
- Principal's Reflection
- Curriculum
- Administration
- Mission
- Pathways
- Quiet Achiever
- Sport
- Home Stays
- Shalom Netball Program
- Absentees
- Student Drivers
- Time Out Exclusion Periods for Illness
- Year 7 Camp Information
- 2025 College Musical - A Chorus Line
- Second Hand Uniform Sale
- School Immunisation Program 2025
- STEM
- From the Library
- Career Opportunities
- Term Dates for 2025
- Shalom Sunday Markets
- The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg
- Community Notice Board
As the era of Pope Francis was coming to an end, I, like many others who had so appreciated his pastoral approach, got worried that his successor might want to undo some of the good that Francis had achieved. It’s early days in the time of Pope Leo but he certainly gives a lot of us some encouragement that he will build on the change that we saw in the pontificate of Pope Francis. He said the following in his sermon at his inauguration:
In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world.
We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of good will, in order to build a new world where peace reigns! Pope Leo, like his predecessor Francis, appears to want to lead a Church that will reach out to the poor, be inclusive, break down barriers and encourage all of us to be hope filled.
Chorus Line opens this week after months of hard work for our students and staff. It will be a really entertaining show. Please support this production and come along and enjoy a great night of musical theatre.
Friday is a Student Free Day this week which will give teachers a chance to work together on curriculum initiatives.
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Daniel_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au
Year 12 QCAA External Exam Timetable for all General and Extension Subjects.
The QCAA has released the Exam Timetable for the External Exams which run from Monday the 27 October to Tuesday the 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
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 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
Revised 2025 Assessment Policy
The School has recently reviewed the Shalom College Assessment Policy and made minor updates. You can access this updated policy in SIA under Policies and Procedures. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
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.
Learning Attributes Year 7/8 Term 2 Rotation Subjects
Learning Attributes for Yr 7/8 Term 2 Rotation Subjects will be published to parents throughout the week of Week 6 in Term 2. Publishing for all subjects will be complete by Friday 30 May.
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.
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
Blankets, Doona’s and Towels needed for Woorabinda
This will be the last opportunity to donate to Woorabinda Mission, as unfortunately Sr Cecilia is retiring, and there is no one to take her place.
We will have one last trip out to Woorabinda to deliver blankets, doonas and towels for the winter. These are the only items Sister has asked for this time as winter is coming around fast. She is extremely appreciative of all the donations you have sent in previously.
If you don’t have a surplus of any of these items, please consider a monetary donation so we are able to purchase whatever is needed. Donations may be left at Mrs Petersen's Office, before Thursday 12 June. Thank you for your generosity and support over the years. Sr Cecilia will certainly be a huge loss in their community.
Masses
Gathering as a community to participate in Mass is central to being Catholic. As a Catholic School, we provide opportunities for students and staff to participate in Masses, regardless of their own faith background or none. Therefore, each House will join with another, to celebrate a House Mass during one of their timetabled Assembly times in Term 2 or Term 3.
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 students.
Wednesday 28 May Ms Tayla Glasspool's 10B & C
Wednesday 4 June Ms Grace Whaleboat's 10D & G
Wednesday 11 June Mr John Gilbert's 10H & J
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, student Jonah S. for his commendable performance during his recent work experience placement
CAREER SPOTLIGHT
- How to Become a Journalist
- How to Land a Career in Marketing
YEAR 12 GET READY
- Year 12 – QTAC Course Guides have arrived – collect from the Pathways Office.
- Tafe - Explore the online Course search industry areas
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- Don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Year 13 Virtual Work Experience – Design Manager
UNIVERSITY
- Southern Cross University Early Offer Program – Applications Now Open
- Queensland Ambulance Service – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
- Year 11 Agricultural Students Recently Toured Greensill Farming
- 2025 Apprenticeship Information – Microsoft Teams Sessions – 3 & 5 June
- JCU Unmasking the ATAR System Webinar – For Year 10 students and parents
ADDITIONAL LEARNING
- Three skills you need for the future world of work
Explore your journey from Classroom to Career
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
The quiet achievers this week are all of the Year 10 students from McCormack who attended camp. Over the three days spent out at Chaverim I saw many students face some real fears and come through this stronger than ever. Our house Charism is solidarity and the Years 10's demonstrated this throughout the camp coming together to motivate and encourage each other to accomplish their goals. They are a credit to McCormack and I can't wait to see how they will continue to develop into the leaders of our house.
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.
Bundaberg School Futsal Titles
In Week 3, Shalom sent 5 teams to the Australian Futsal Association’s Bundaberg School Futsal Titles. With teams in the Under 14, 15, 16 and Open divisions, students represented the school with pride and passion, and providing some outstanding results.
The Under 14 team had a very strong run throughout the competition, winning all of their pool games on the day. This continued with unbeaten games in the semi final and the grand final, beating local competitors Bundy High in a nail biting 6-3 win to take the honours.
The Under 15 team had a tough pool, facing fierce competition throughout the day, narrowly being beaten in the semi finals by BCC, and finishing 3rd overall in their division.
The Under 16 team followed the next day taking out the top prize in their division, again, going through undefeated. The team showed great resilience by playing their final games with no subs and came away with a gutsy 3-1 win over Kepnock.
Finally, the Under 19 Shalom Black team joined as our third winners of the carnival, taking down Bundy High 5-1 in the grand final, after an intense semi final beating Shalom Red.
In recognition of their efforts during the carnival, Shalom had 19 students that were selected in the Queensland Country team to play in the National School Futsal Championships in Brisbane during the September school holidays. Congratulations to you all! Under 14: Angus W, Connor F, Knox K, and Max D. Under 15: Ryder S, Joel J, Harry T, and Ashtyn M. Under 16: Brayth B, Finn P, Trey P, and Slater A. Opens: Donald M, Cohen P, Bailey I, Matthew J, Sean A, Chris S, and Ismael C. All teams and players should be proud of their efforts representing the school in fine football fashion.
Cycling
Congratulations to Shalom student Cruz K on his recent success, winning the U17 Mens Criterium at Brisbane Metros in extremely wet and wild conditions. Cruz now moves into a full race schedule of the Road Season. Good luck Cruz!!!
Hockey
Congratulations to Shalom students Ethan K and Tully D who recently travelled to Townsville to compete in the 16-19 years State School Boys Hockey Championship. The Wide Bay team was undefeated in the pool games and finished top of their pool. They had a tough 4-2 semi final win over Peninsula and in the final they came out winners 5-4 over Met East (who they beat in last years final as well.) Tully had a great championships scoring a couple of goals and Ethan played well making crucial saves in the goal box.
Ethan was named in the Queensland Merit Team!!
Rugby League
Congratulations to former Shalom student Joe Doyle (2024) on being named in the Meninga Cup Team of the year. The Mal Meninga Cup is a Statewide U18 Club competition. Joe has been playing for the Mackay Cutters. The write up was as follows:
"The former winger from Bundaberg was a second row dynamo.
His speed and acceleration were used to make metres in close quarter contact, but also used as an attacking weapon when attacking ball swept his way.
In last Saturday’s semi-final be helped run down runaway Norths winger Kurt Jones which highlighted his athletic ability and desperation when all seemed lost."
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
SPECIAL SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT
Our attitude to client satisfaction is based on a local and sympathetic understanding of our clients’ circumstances and we look to provide you with the confidence you need in Your Legal Partner.
As well as providing solutions to fix your immediate needs, we also look to establish plans to meet your future legal requirements.
For more information visit our website Payne Butler Lang Solicitors or call into our office at 2 Targo Street, Bundaberg or phone 07 4132 8900 and speak to one of the team.
Thank you to the wonderful Payne Butler Lang team for supporting our Shalom netball community and helping us to provide opportunities for our students ❤
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SHALOM MARKETS BBQ - COME & VISIT US!!!
This Sunday our Shalom netballers and their families will be running the Shalom Markets BBQ - we open at 7am and invite you to bring the family down for some breaky and to say hello to our crew!
Shalom Markets are open every Sunday from 6am to 12 noon. Each week is different with a vast array of market stalls and vendors in attendance with a variety of wares to show you – giftware, clothing, plants, jewellery, outdoor stuff, indoor stuff, stuff for pets and much, much more!
Come along for a relaxed morning, meander around, snap up a bargain and stock up on your lovely fresh produce for the week. We hope to see you visiting the Sunday Markets @ Shalom College this weekend.
See you there!!!
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.
Thanks to those Parents who have already completed this form for their child.
With the winter season approaching please refer to the below link containing information about infection conditions that may require exclusion of children from school.
In Term 2 and 3 your son or daughter will be involved in an outdoor education camp, held at Chaverim. The camps will be in Core Studies classes, so the students will go out with their Core Studies teacher or in some instances, another teacher.
Camp Information
Students will participate in outdoor education activities as the camp is part of a three-year program. These Outdoor Education programs aim to provide an additional approach to the personal and spiritual development of your child and the greater Shalom community. This three-year program has specific objectives designed to provide.
- An atmosphere of cooperation between students, which can be applied at school, in the family and on the sports field. This may be characterized by cooperation, encouragement and concern for fellow students.
- Knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to a sense of responsibility, self-reliance, cooperation and harmony within oneself, with other people, and with the natural environment.
- Opportunities for participants to develop knowledge, low level skills and attitudes for participation in a number of outdoor pursuits.
- Knowledge, skills and attitudes towards a ‘minimum impact ethic’ consistent with the environment in which activities take place.
Each participant involved in the program will be given the opportunity to:
- “Look into the mirror” to see how their behaviours, both good and bad, impact their fellow participants.
- Participate in physically and mentally challenging activities while remaining safe on physical, mental and emotional levels.
- Experience and practice Christian values by living and working together in an open and encouraging atmosphere.
- Develop low level skills in a number of outdoor activities as well as a basic understanding of the associated equipment and safety precautions.
- Experience achievement in a non-competitive ‘win-win’ environment.
The camp also gives the teacher and students the opportunity to get to know each other well.
NO PHONES ARE ALLOWED ON THESE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS AT CHAVERIM.
The staff in charge will collect phones at the start of camp and return them just before 3.00 pm on day three. Alternatively, keep the phone at home for safe keeping.
I am sure the students will survive without their phones for 3 days and then they can focus on the outdoor education opportunities. If students need to call home for any reason the staff will let them use the phone at the Chaverim office.
The students will be transported to Chaverim by the College bus on the first day of camp. Students will need to be at school by 8.30 am the morning of the camp; they will return to the College at approximately 2.45 pm in time to catch the bus etc on the third day of camp.
Please find attached:
- Camp Program
- Equipment List - Clothes should be functional and suitable for outdoor and adventure activities and provide adequate protection from the elements. Camp is not a time to be fashion conscious; clothes need to be very practical. Students are also to be reminded that Chaverim is a Shalom College campus and all the usual College expectations apply. The wearing of unnecessary jewellery, make-up and inappropriate clothing is not permitted.
- Administration of Medication to Students form - if your child requires medication while on Camp please complete the form and hand it to your Teacher prior to departing on Camp.
Please login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend the Camp.
Once there click on the ‘Events and Payments’ tab and you will find a link to Year 8 Camp. Here you will be able to give permission for your child to attend, as well as view details about the camp. You will also be asked to review and verify that your child’s medical details are correct.
To check your child’s medical information is current, please click on the ‘student details’ tab and go to ‘medical details’. Please make sure that the following sections are completed so that your child can participate in all activities on camp.
- Can Swim 25m
- Tetanus Up-To-Date
- Medicare Number
In the ‘medical conditions’ section, click ‘add new’ and you will see a drop-down box and notes section where you can also note any dietary requirements, sleeping issues and other details that you feel may be relevant to your child’s well-being at the camp. Once you are happy with the information you have provided, please click ‘verify’.
Please also check your contact details and phone numbers are current, as we will be using this information to contact you if needed.
It is very important that all information in the Parent Lounge is current as teachers will use this information in case of an emergency and to support the wellbeing of your child.
If you require assistance with Parent Lounge login, please contact the office. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me here at the College by phone or email.
Mr Peter Robinson
Dean of Student Welfare
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Camps
Peter_Robinson@rok.catholic.edu.au
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
This is a reminder that the Year 10 Round 2 Immunisations will take place in Week 8.
Tuesday 10 June 2025: Year 10 MenB Dose 2 - Single Clinic
All information required has already been completed by parents from Round 1.
If you have any further questions, please contact the school’s immunisation service provider, Ozcare at administration.bundaberg@ozcare.org.au or phone 41308900.
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
It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through term 2 and with that in mind it is prudent to be aware that our big events in term 3 will soon be upon us. August will be a flurry of activity with book week starting Monday 18th and culminating on Friday 22nd with Shalom’s First Draft festival.
Remember also that the winners of the writing competition for Shalom publication Literary Wonders will be announced at that time as well; so, get writing and get those entries in for a chance to win prizes and have your work immortalized.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Adventure’!
Scan the QR code or hit the link to enter!!
https://forms.gle/XhYfm3HKuZnGVmjC9
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.
Markets BBQ Roster
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Sunday 1 June |
Shalom Netball Program |
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Sunday 8 June |
Bundaberg Croquet |
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Sunday 15 June |
Africa Volunteer Aide |
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Sunday 22 June |
Shalom Netball Program |
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.
St Joseph's Catholic Kindergarten Open Day
Blue Light Disco
Mental Health Resources
Youth Support
