Middle School Showcase

The end of last term saw our Year 7 – 9 students proudly display a variety of the work that they create across all subject areas. From reading narratives, exploring museum displays, learning about the human body, examining the creativity of artwork, learning about balloon powered cars, wind powered turbines and how to design a golf course, and being mesmerised by some amazing musical performances - this is just a small sample of what was on offer at the Showcase.

This afternoon was well attended, and I’d like to thank all the families that came to view the showcase.

Thank you also to the teachers and support staff who worked tirelessly to collate the display. It was an amazing afternoon showcasing our students many talents and hard work.

Year 11 Subject Changes

The end of Unit 2 is the last opportunity to change subjects for year 11 students. There are no opportunities in year 12. If your student would like to discuss the possibility of a subject change with Mrs Allen, please have them make an appointment using the link in SIA notices. These interviews need to be completed by the end of Week 3.

Year 12 Mock Examinations

This week and over the next two weeks students will receive feedback on their progress, analyse their responses and work towards further improvement in preparation for External Exams. It is imperative that all students are present during the weeks leading up to the examinations to ensure they are sufficiently prepared for success.

Year 12 - Confirmation, Results and QCE Eligibility

Towards the end of last term, and the start of this term, we have been receiving notification of the confirmed results for Year 12 students for all IA3 results in General and General Extension subjects. Students will be informed of their ‘confirmed’ result for each subject when available by their teacher. Shortly after this result will rollover into their myQCE Student Portal account.

Students should now know their total mark (/75 or /50) for each of their general subjects leading into the external assessments. A student must sit the external assessment to receive a final grade which will be a result out of 100. This mark will convert into an A – E result and recorded on the Senior Statement. Please be aware if a student does not receive an overall result of C or better, they will not receive the two QCE credits for successful completion of the subject.

If a student does not sit the external assessment (without an approved AARA) they will receive a NOT RATED for the subject on their Senior Statement. This will also mean they cannot receive the allocated two QCE points for the subject. 

For a student to receive a QCE they must have successfully obtained 20 credits during their senior study and passed at least one unit of both literacy and numeracy. Students can check their QCAA Learning Account to see their current QCE eligibility and can determine if they are on track to receive their QCE.

Year 12 - Important Dates 

International Student Exchange

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

Year 12 External Exams

External Exams for Year 12 General Subjects will occur over the period from Monday 27 October – Friday 14 November.

Attached is some important information about this time including:
- External Assessment Timetable
- Directions for Students
- External Exam Equipment List
- Student Expectations During Exam Block

Could parents and students please familiarise themselves with these important documents in preparation for the External Exam period?

Please note that normal classes continue during Week 1-3 of Term 4 (7 Oct – 24 Oct), however students need only attend school for the exams they are sitting during the External Exam Block. Students who are required to complete outstanding work may also be required to attend school during the External Exam block as organised by the relevant classroom teacher.

Good luck with your study and your exams!

SIA – LOG ON NOW! GET THE PHONE APP!

‘Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’ -Warren Buffet

A parent’s role in the education of their child is vital. Student outcomes will be maximised when parents and teachers are both involved in their child’s education and have positive interactions. Sia is a fantastic way for parents to be fully informed about student progress, assessment due dates, news items, upcoming events, assessment results etc.

Sia, and the Shalom phone app, have been available to parents since the beginning of 2022. Currently, our parent login rate is slightly lower than the end of last year. We would like all our parents to be successfully logged into Sia as soon as possible. Attached in the link below is a Parent “Everything You Need To Know About Sia’ Guide which includes how to log in for the first time. The phone app is super-convenient – a must-have for parents!

Our IT team will have sent the login details for Sia to all new parents to the school at the beginning of the year. If you have misplaced these details, or are having technical difficulties, please contact our Shalom IT department via email at 520_shalomit@rok.catholic.edu.au or phone 41558131 during office hours 8am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday, Tuesdays are 8.30am - 3.30 pm.

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

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 Food Technologist 

ADDITIONAL LEARNING

• 2026 Additional Learning Opportunities Booklet 

UNIVERSITY

• Medical School Preferencing
• Student One - $500 Laundry Credit and One month Free Rent!!
• Iglu Regional Scholarships have opened
• Southern Cross University – Early Offer Program 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

• Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Plenty of jobs this week, so don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities.
• JRZ Homes – Apprentice Wall and Floor Tiling
• DGZ Junior Receptionist Position
• Year 12 Trade Ready Program Bundaberg
• Gregory Fabrications - Apprentice Boilermakers 

 Navigate Your Next Step with the Pathways Newsletter 17 September 2025

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

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.

Football Queensland Futsal State Championship

In Week 1 of Term 3, we had 55 students compete in the Football Queensland Wide Bay Regional Futsal Championship here in Bundaberg. During the carnival, we had a great display of skill, and managed to have three teams qualify for the State Championships. Unfortunately, due to clash of events, the Opens Boys & Girls teams were unable to attend, but the Under 13 Boys made the trip down to Brisbane.

We knew we were going to be up against some tough competition, with schools from across Queensland participating for a spot in the National Championships. The team had a great start with a convincing 6-3 win over Murrumba State College, followed by a tough fought loss against tournament runner-up Corinda SHS.

This landed us into the quarter finals facing fierce opposition St Laurence’s. The boys got the opportunity to play on show court with a grandstand full of spectators. A 3-3 half time score showed the determination and grit of our team, but Laurie’s were too clinical and came away with the win.

The opportunity to play in a carnival like this was a great experience for our boys. Their efforts over the two days saw great improvements and a great show of teamwork. A big thank you must go to all the parents who came along and supported the team, and to Mr Luke Jacobsen for his coaching assistance. Stay tuned to see how the 2026 season goes!

Karting

Congratulations to Ky B who recently competed at the Australian Kart Championship and IAME Series Asia. 

Australian Kart Championship, Coffs Harbour

Last round of the Australian Kart Championships were held at Coffs Harbour. Ky started well, qualifying on pole and 2 heat wins. Final started off pole but ended up getting pushed out the way and falling back to 8^th. Finished the final in 5^th position. Overall for the championship Ky finished 3^rd with only 1 point between him and second place.

IAME Series Asia, Thailand

Ky was so close to taking out the IAME Series Asia, but unfortunately had to settle for second. Had an awesome start with winning the first heat by 3 seconds. Unfortunately after that he just didn’t quite have the pace and finished over the line in the final in 5^th. Finishing runner-up in the series, gives him the opportunity to race in the IAME Warriors Final to be held in Spain, early November.

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.

Man to Man with 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.

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

The Shalom College Performing Arts Department presents a tribute to Dan McMahon in honour of his incredible leadership and constant support of the arts during his time as principal of the College. The concert will feature performances from all three disciplines of the department and include some of Mr McMahon’s favourite music. Join Mr McMahon at 6.30pm to chat over a drink and the concert will commence at 7pm. Complementary cheese platters will be provided, and beer, wine and soft drink will be available to purchase on the night using EFTPOS. This is a FREE event, but there will be an opportunity to make a donation at the door.

Please RSVP by booking a seat via the link https://www.trybooking.com/DFAWD 

DATE: Friday 17 October 2025
TIME: 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start
LOCATION: Shalom College Performing Arts Precinct, 9 Fitzgerald Street, Bundaberg Queensland 4670

Shalom College After School Activities (SCASA)

Shalom College is offering students the opportunity to participate in organised afterschool activities conducted by coaches and teachers. SCASA also includes a light afternoon tea from 3.15 pm for the students and all activities will conclude at 4.45 pm.

Days

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the 3 available afternoons for SCASA.

Dates

SCASA commences in Week 2 of Term and continues for 7 continuous weeks in Term 4 (Week 8).

Times

3.00 pm - School lessons completed.
3.15 pm - Roll Call and afternoon tea (supplied) at College tuckshop and set up time for coaches.
3.30 pm - Activities/Coaching starts (various venues within school grounds).
4.30 pm - Activities/Coaching finished.
4.45 pm - Students help pack up and return equipment and picked up by parents at front of school.

SCASA Activities - see below

We welcome back to SCASA - Beerarlem Club* for Term 4 2025

* At Beerarlem Club - you can read and borrow books and magazines, relax on beanbags, talk about books, play cards and board games, write stories, poems and songs, create comics and much, much more.

Monday 
Option 1 - Drama Club with Brigette McMahon (Performing Arts Precinct)
Option 2 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill (Computer labs)
Option 3 - Basketball with Keenan Mullaney (SC or Hangar)

Tuesday
Option 1 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill (Computer labs)
Option 2 - M-Grills Running with Matt Grills (Oval)
Option 3 - Dance with Molly Sellers (Dance Room) 

Thursday
Option 1 - Latin Dance with Hannah Reed and Gavin Hill (Dance Room)
Option 2 - Tennis with Brendan Maher (Tennis Courts)
Option 3 - Touch and Oz-Tag with Riley Morcom (Hangar or Oval) 
Option 4 - Next Jenner-ation Running with Rebecca Jenner (Oval)
Option 5 - Beerarlem Club with Amelia Morine (Beerarlem library)    

Cost

The SCASA Fee is $25.00 per term for each student.
This is to help cover the afternoon tea and instructors/coach costs.
This flat fee of $25.00 is for one, two or all three afternoons activities.
This is to encourage participation in SCASA activities.

After completing the SCASA sign on google form, at approx. week 2 or 3 of term - you will receive an invitation on Parent Lounge regarding SCASA.

Please wait until week 2 or 3 of term then login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend SCASA and pay the $25.00 fee.

Once there, click on the ‘Events and Payments' tab and you will find a link to SCASA Term 4 2025 - Here you will be able to give permission for your child to attend and pay the fee.

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 Parent Lounge is current as teachers will use this information in case of an emergency and to support the welfare of your child.

Please make sure that you click SAVE before logging out. If you require assistance with Parent Lounge login, please contact the College Office.

Other school sporting teams will continue to have their own training sessions as usual under the direction of their coaches e.g. Strength and Conditioning training, Rugby League, Netball, Touch Football etc.

This SCASA program is designed to give extra opportunities for Shalom College students to become involved in supervised activities after school.

Please complete the student and parent details in the google form below

REMINDER - no confirming phone calls are made by the school to confirm you are in the program - as once you sign on and you receive an online response - your child has been registered and please turn up starting week 2 of term.

SPECIAL NOTE - Once an activity is full - I will omit it from the selections below - so it cannot be selected.

Mr Peter Robinson
Dean of Student Welfare
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Camps
Peter_Robinson@rok.catholic.edu.au

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

Medical Certificate Absentee Notification

When providing medical certificates for your child/children's non-attendance could you please ensure that these are scanned (jpeg or png) and attached in the email (520_absentees@rok.catholic.edu.au) or alternatively dropped into the main administration office.

We are no longer able to accept a photo of the medical certificate via email.

If you advise any of your child/children's Teachers or Head of House (via email) of any non-attendance, could you please also advise the admin office via the preferred options. Either email as an attachment to 520_absentees@rok.catholic.edu.au or via the Parent Lounge (as per the process above - under Absentees).

A reminder that if you intend to use the College Fitness Centre, you must follow the steps below:

1. Collect a permission form, either from the Fitness Centre Office or Sports Centre Office.
2. Return the signed form to Miss Mitchell (Sports Centre Office)
3. Complete an induction. These will be completed before school by appointment with Mr Burnett or after school with Miss Mitchell.

Ms Melinda Pearson
Head of Department - Physical Education
Melinda_Pearson@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Breakfast is available every morning for purchase from 8.00am - 8.30am.

Items available are:

Croissant Ham & Cheese $3.00
Bacon & Egg Roll with BBQ sauce $5.00
Toasted Sandwich $4.00
Bacon & Egg Muffins $4.00
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wraps $4.00
Fresh Salad Tub $4.50
Yoghurt Pots $4.00
Hashbrowns 2 for $1.00

Up & Go drinks and flavoured milk are available everyday.

Students who train before school need to consider utilising the breakfast menu to replenish energy lost during their early morning training sessions, however, students must be dressed appropriately before entering the tuckshop and must not be late for class.

An example of the wonderful talent at Shalom

The Apple Thief

By Isla L. (Winner Yr. 7 - 8 Short Story) Literary Wonders 2025

Under the light of the moon, a fight that would shape history brewed. Standing on a grassy meadow speckled with rocks were two ironclad figures. Yağmur looked his opponent in the eye, not daring to look away. The forest was behind his back, the tantalizing golden apples just visible. This giant was the only thing standing between him and his goal. Yağmur narrowed his eyes. He wouldn't let this man steal the apples, if someone got their hands on them, they could rival the gods themselves. He glanced away to the fruit of eternal youth. His foe took the opportunity, swinging his great axe towards Yağmur. Yağmur gripped his sword and slashed at the armoured warrior. The man dodged and brought the axe towards Yağmur's legs. He parried without a second to spare. The clash of steel colliding made the earth shake. With a battle cry, his enemy descended. Yağmur stumbled onto a rock and fell to the ground with a thud.

He grabbed his sword as he tried to rise off the ground. Suddenly, a heavy weight crushed his chest, pushing him back into the dirt. The attacker pressed his foot into Yağmur, making him unable to move. He grabbed onto the man’s boot, trying force it off his chest, but his breaths only grew quick and shallow.

There was no surviving this fight. Ever since his father’s death, his entire life revolved around his destiny. Now he would die, his entire life wasted.

His father would be so disappointed…

He gritted his teeth. No, he couldn’t let this man steal what he desired most.

"You pathetic excuse for a guard. Idun will send you to Hell for this, especially after you failed to protect the apples from Loki," the foe said in a mocking voice. A horrible cackle erupted from his throat.

Yağmur looked his opponent dead in the eyes and rage bubbled up like burning lava. It made him want to scream. He assessed his situation, trying to find a way he could still win this fight. He saw a break in the armour — that was his opening. He thrust his sword into the unprotected skin and watched as steel ripped through flesh. A look of pure fury tore across the attacker’s face. He swung his axe at Yağmur, but his strength was weakening. Yağmur rolled out of the way, new energy flowing from his foe's insults. Yağmur’s blade cut deeper each swing he took. Finally, his opponent was on his knees, his chest an ugly array of scarlet blood.

"You'll regret this!" he spat, a trickle of blood running from his mouth.

Yağmur laughed, he highly doubted that.

He screamed as he drove his sword through the man’s heart. His opponent’s body fell to the ground, dead.

Now he stood — triumphant — in a forest full of golden apples, and a wicked grin crossed his face.

For Yağmur was not a guard of Idun.

The key to immortality was his.

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

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

Rhee Taekwondo

QLD Government Rules for E-Scooters & E-Bikes

E-Scooters 

• Don’t drink and ride.
• Park responsibly and safely.
• Stay off your phone while riding.
• No doubling. One rider only at all time.
• Always wear a helmet with straps fastened.
• Must be over 16 years old or 12-15 years with adult supervision.
• Maximum e-scooter speed of 12km/h on footpaths or 25km/h on bike paths, separated paths, bike lanes, and local streets with a speed limit of 50km/h or lower (unless signed otherwise). 

Rules for personal mobility devices | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government

E-Bikes

There are two types of e-bikes allowed in Queensland:

1. EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles)
2. 200-watt e-bikes

When riding an e-bike you must follow the bicycle rules. Important points to note:

• always wear a helmet
• obey speed limits (motor can only help you up to maximum 25 km/h)
• only carry passengers if the bike is made for it—and they must wear a helmet too
• don’t use your phone while riding (unless it’s in a cradle and hands-free)
• give way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths
• don’t ride on the pedestrian side of separated paths
• don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• no riding on motorways or anywhere a ‘no bicycle’ sign is installed
• if there’s a crash, stop, help anyone hurt, and share your contact details.

Know the difference: e-bikes verses other electric bikes

Some electric vehicles look like e-bikes but are actually electric motorcycles. These:

• don’t have pedals
• can go very fast
• look like mopeds or dirt bikes 

E-Bike rules in Queensland | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government

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. 

Mental Health Resources