Shalom College eNewsletter

The dog and I were walking in Brisbane a few weeks ago when the ‘March for Australia’ was on. I have to admit to being more than a little disturbed by some of the chants heard during that march. People have a perfect right in a democracy to protest and express an opinion. Disappointingly, many of these demonstrations appeared to be hijacked by factions who seem to be interested in making people uncomfortable, dividing our society and greenlighting racially inspired attacks on people who are not Anglo-Saxon. I don’t think a good number of those folks represent the values of the Australia I love.

Chris Prowse is one of our Australian Catholic Archbishops. In responding to those marches around the nation, he said, “In the immigration debate, there’s a difference between reacting and responding. On the weekend (of the marches), there was a reaction and all the old stereotypes came up – that migrants are taking our jobs away, that this is really an Anglo-Saxon land, and others aren’t welcome.” Archbishop Prowse acknowledged the challenges that come with migration but insisted they should be addressed constructively. He pointed to schools as a living example of multicultural Australia. “Around the table of Australia, there’s hospitality for everyone. You go into any Catholic school in Australia and it’s like a little United Nations” he said. “Social cohesion is a central part of what makes Australia a good place. So, let’s continue to be a better, more hospitable Australia. Be people of hope in this Jubilee Year and look to the future with a response, not a reaction.” The Archbishop could well have had Shalom in mind. We are a much better school for the 33 different nationalities represented in our student and staff community. I really value that an increasing number of First Nations families are choosing Shalom to partner with us in the education of their daughters and sons. I love seeing those young women and men being obviously proud of their heritage. Schools are being increasingly successful in helping young indigenous men and women through to graduation in Year 12. That is a great thing. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.

Very grateful to Mrs Gail Norris for stepping into my role for the past nine weeks. I really enjoyed my Leave but now looking forward to this last week of term and then Term 4. As most would be aware by now, I will move on from Shalom at the end of this year. Being in this community for 17 years and having my two children attend Shalom and living in the Bundaberg community, has been an extraordinary privilege and one for which I will be forever grateful.

Year 11 Retreat brings me back from Leave this week. I say it every year but this event is one of the best educational experiences we offer young people at Shalom. No doubt, 2025 will be no different.

Our prayers go to the family of Tony Darlison who died following a motor accident last weekend. Tony had just finished supporting the arrival of one of our students at the Formal. Tony is a past Shalom student. This is another awful tragedy and I hope that everyone of our young drivers hold their new ‘freedom’ as a sacred responsibility every day.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Daniel_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au

Year 9 Students - Essential Core Offer for Year 10 2026

Last week a small number of Year 9 parents received correspondence from me with the invitation for their student to be placed into some Essential Core classes in Year 10. Parents could you please ensure that you have checked your emails in case you received an invitation for your child. Thank you to those parents who have responded already.

Please select either accept or decline for each subject offered. We need a response for each subject. We would like to have these offers finalised by the end of this week so that we can start looking at timetabling.

Year 11

This is a timely reminder to parents and student regarding assessment in the senior school. If a student does not submit a final response to an assessment and where evidence of student progress is available (draft or classwork), teachers will make judgments based on this. If a student provided no evidence on or before the due date, and no other evidence is available, a student will receive a ‘Not Rated’. This could meant that no credit can be given towards their QCE for that unit of learning.

Senior assessment is bound by QCAA guidelines around Academic Integrity and Assessment processes. Your student may miss the opportunity to complete assessment if their absence does not relate to an approved absence, unforeseen illness, or misadventure. Student undertaking Vocational Placement, Work Experience or other pathway opportunities must attend school for scheduled exams regardless of these days.

Year 12 Assessment Arrangements (Mock Exam & External Assessment Blocks)

Term 3, Week 9 & 10	Mock Exam Block. Timetable available in SIA (compulsory catch up session for students with outstanding work in any applied and/or VET subjects.)
Term 4, Week 1 - 3	Normal Classes - All Year 12 Students' compulsory attendance
Term 4, Week 4 - 7	External Assessment Block. Timetable available in SIA or online using this link.

Term 3 - Elevate Education Free Parent Webinar Series

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 three parent online seminar series. This can help you to support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Webinars for this term are:

How You Can Support Your Child During Exams. September 17, 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

Year 12 Mock Exam Block (8-19 September)

Attached is the Year 12 Mock Exam Block Timetable (8-19 September). Students need only attend school for the exams they are to sit during this time, however, students who are behind in their schoolwork may be required to attend school to complete outstanding work. If this is required, these arrangements will be communicated by individual class teachers. All exams are planned to be in the new Coolock building, with the exception of those that need computers.

Please remember that normal school rules regarding uniform, phones and behaviour continue through the exam block. These expectations are outlined in the attached document.

We wish our students all the best with their studies.

Year 12 Mock Exam Block

Yr 12 Mock Exam Block 2025

Expectations throughout Exam Block Updated

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

Ignite Conference: The Light

Ignite is a National Catholic Conference for young Catholics to experience real world formation, powerful worship and encouragement in their Catholic faith in an exciting, and ground-breaking way.

All high school students are welcome to travel down to Brisbane for the 2025 conference with the NET team as per of our diocesan group.

This year Ignite runs from September 25 to 28.

For more details, scan the QR code or
contact Mick on 0433 897 973 or
email youth@rok.catholic.net.au

Have you ever thought of becoming a Catholic or completing your Sacraments?

If this is you there will be a preparation program for high school students and adults, wanting to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and/or Eucharist is beginning soon.

If you are interested in preparing for these sacraments please contact Cheryl Petersen, Campus minister at Shalom College on 41558111 or Pauline Leahy at the Parish Office on 4151 6666 for further information.

Womens Retreat

Join us with Sabrina Stevens (First Nations Ministry Coordinator) for a gentle, uplifting morning as we explore what it means to live with hope and walk with light. Rooted in Catholic Faith, inspired by World Mission Day and St John Paul II’s Letter to Women, this retreat is a sacred time for connection, renewal and reflection. Through prayer, storytelling, and community, we will honour the hope carried by generations of women and renew our own mission to be Christ’s light in the world.

Date: Saturday October 25th
Time: 9.00am-1.30pm
Venue: St James Church, Bargara

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 8 and 9 students.

Wednesday 17 September Ms Elisabeth Kassulke's 8.1 & 8.8 & Mr John Gilbert's 8.2

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

How to Become a Chef

APPRENTICESHIPS / TRAINEESHIPS

ATSI Deadly Start School-Based Traineeship Program
School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeships Explained

YEAR 12 GET READY

Statewide First Nations Cadetship Program
Future Doctors Australia – NIE Opportunities
Seven Warning Signs You’re Trying To Do Too Much With Your Study
UniSC Early Offer Guarantee
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)
CQU – Principal’s Recommendation Scheme

UNIVERSITY

Educational Access Scheme
Iglu Regional Scholarships have opened
Young ChangeMakers Program 2025
QUT Advice Night – Online Event

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Mater Education – A Day in Healthcare
ATAR Exam Revision Lectures
Griffith Year 12 Academic Bootcamps
SAE University College – Create for a Day
Engineering Link Project
JMC Academy
UQ - WE Spring into Engineering Holiday Program
UQ – Enhanced Studies Program Info Session
UQ – Global Politics Discovery Day

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Plenty of jobs this week, so don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities
Cert III Hospitality School-Based Traineeship
Energy Qld and TAFE Qld 2026 Cadetship Applications Open
Year 12 Trade Ready Program Bundaberg
Bundaberg Golf Club – Apprentice Greenkeeper

"Dream it. Map it. Make it happen - with this week's Pathways Newsletter" -

Pathways Newsletter

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Carmen Wyatt, Mrs Melanie Bock & Ms Brigette McMahon
Liza_ODonnell@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kim_Toll@rok.catholic.edu.au
Carmen_Wyatt@rok.catholic.edu.au
Melanie_Bock@rok.catholic.edu.au
Brigette_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au

Jesse M is absolutely 100% DAMIEN House proud – donning the hot pink dress ups for all the carnivals and leading by example. Jesse has been involved in Bombardment competitions, all PC challenges and back in Year 10 he was a volunteer tour guide for Year 7 Orientation afternoon. Jesse has represented Shalom on the Rugby League team and for Athletics. He has really improved his subject results in Senior through his efforts and his results have remained consistent. Jesse is a kind, personable human who has made some lovely friends in Damien House and across the school. He will be dearly missed in Damien next year when he moves on to bigger and greater things!

Mrs Tracey Shears

Head of House - Damien

Tracey_Shears@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 Surfing

Congratulations to Shalom students Elliot T and Bodhi T who both represented Shalom as part of the Wide Bay Surfing team at the State Championships at Coolum last month.

Mr Simon Gills

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

TRIALS FOR 2026 SENIOR NETBALL TEAMS WILL BE HELD IN TERM 4

Happy holidays everyone ❤️

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

ICT Officer

Commencement Date: As soon as able
Employment Status: Full-time, continuing
Hours per week: 38
Hourly Rate: $37.01 - $38.17 (pending experience)
Applications Close: Wednesday, 17 September 2025

More information or apply

Graduate Primary Teacher Scholarships Now Open!

Are you in your final year of your tertiary studies* with a Bachelor of Education or Master of Education? Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton scholarships aim to support you as you commence your teaching career in 2026! APPLY TODAY!

*Mid-year graduates for 2026 are also encouraged to apply. Mid-year graduate scholarships will be based on an individual timeline in line with your conferral date.

Graduate Primary Teacher Scholarship Program

Graduate Secondary Teacher Scholarships Now Open!

Receive a financial incentive of $4,500 and secure an early offer of full-time permanent employment at Shalom College, Bundaberg.

Our scholarships aim to support you as you commence your teaching career with us in 2026!

Application Open to 31 October 2025

For further information, click here: https://www.shalomcollege.com/contact/career/

Bundaberg East Design Challenge

Where: Bundaberg East SS (Ambrose Hall)

When: 17th September 4-5pm

Let your imagination run 'wild' by designing and creating robots and/or Lego creations that fit the theme of 'The Natural World!' Ideas could include:

• animals
• plants
• natural disaster simulations
• geographic features
• dioramas
• and more ...

This non-competitive, free event is designed for children of all ages to show off/share their ideas with children and parents from the local area. Projects can include static and/or moving builds, props and backgrounds to support their creation. Projects can be as simple as a single build or as complex as creating a scene/performance.

Registered individuals/teams will be assigned a space in the hall to set up their projects. Spectators will be welcome to wander around to see all of the projects and talk to their creators.

Express Your Interest Today! Please email Mrs Bishop Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au or contact Matt Hollett at mholl172@eq.edu.au

Bundaberg East Design Challenge Flyer Information

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

Celebrating the achievements of Years 7–9

Date: Week 10 Thursday, September 18th

Time: Drop in anytime between 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Location: Waterford Building

Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we showcase the incredible work of our middle school students across many curriculum areas. Enjoy a cuppa and biscuit while exploring student displays, including pre-recorded dance and poetry performances!

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, guardians, students, and grandparents to come together and celebrate learning, creativity, and achievement.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Man to Man with special guest Leigh Matthews

Thursday 16 October 2025
5:30-8:30pm
Shalom College Performing Arts Precinct

The evening will include drinks and canapés in the Foyer from 5:30pm, then from 6:45pm guests will move into the Theatre to see an in-depth Q&A with Leigh Matthews.

Tickets include canapés. Drinks will be available for purchase.

All male and female students, parents, staff and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Dietary requirements can be requested during the booking process.

Thanks to our event Sponsors, FootMotion, RumCity Foods, The Waves Sports Club, RealWay Bundaberg and Brothers Sports Club

TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/DCPOK

Leigh Matthews is a highly decorated figure in the AFL, renowned both as a player and coach. Matthews earned the iconic nickname "Lethal Leigh" due to his physical as well as skilful style of play. He is officially recognised as the "best player of the 20th century" according to the AFL, is a 'Legend' in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, named in the Hawthorn and AFL teams of the century, and is one of the most successful AFL coaches of all time, winning three consecutive premierships with the Lions in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

A reminder that there will be no Flexischool orders this week (10). The tuckshop will still be operating.

Mr Mark Algie
Tuckshop Convenor
mark_algie@shalomcollege.com

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:

Download the Shalom App

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.

Driving Form Application

Thanks to those Parents who have already completed this form for their child.

Year 10 girls are welcome to come and organise their uniforms for 2026.

If you are currently in Year 9 and would like to be organised for next year please book a fitting and/or purchase of your Year 10 Skirt, Blouse and Tie.

COSTS:

Skirt $60.00
Blouse $50.00
Girls Tie $30.00

Please come along to the Wearitto Smart Clothing Centre and organise early.

Shop 5 / 6 Phoebe Crescent, Kensington, QLD 4670

BOOK FITTING TIME NOW

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

Sunday 21 September
Sunday 28 September
Sunday 5 October	Rotary Club of Bundaberg (Sunrise) Martin Oates
Sunday 12 October	Cambodia Trip Jacqui Smith

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

Current Bulletin

Term 3 Rosters Jul-Sep 2025

"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

Read the Directory here

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 October for Semester 2. Please click here to check if you are eligible.

Goodwood Road, undertake safety improvements

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will soon commence construction work to improve safety on Goodwood Road (locally known as Barolin Street) at the Thabeban Street and McCarthy Road intersections in Avenell Heights, along with minor improvements at the Goodwood Road and Coonarr Road intersection.

For more information on the 'Project overview' and 'What to expect' click link to PDF below.

Goodwood Road Project Flyer

Mental Health Resources

Digital Mental Health Resources for Adolescents Brochure

Digital Social and Emotional Wellbeing Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Youth Support