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 - Important Dates  

Academic Assembly 

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

ACTS Camp 2025

Year 10 ACTS Camp 2025 was a truly transformative experience, filled with wonderful opportunities to discover not only ourselves but also the people around us. It was a time of forming deep, lasting friendships and connecting with others in a space free of judgment. Stepping out of our comfort zones allowed us to open up, grow, and see life from new perspectives. Through shared moments and meaningful conversations, we explored what truly matters to us and who we aspire to be. The camp encouraged us to develop leadership skills, embrace vulnerability, and experience the joy of genuine connection. Surrounded by friendly faces and unforgettable memories, we were all changed for the better—carrying with us the lessons, laughter, and bonds that will stay with us forever.

From Alana, Scarlett, Alana, Mary, Isla, Astria, Izabel, Isaac, Alex and Kaidyn 

Year 11 Retreat

In the final week of Term 3 the entire Year 11 cohort travelled to Alexandra Headlands for their Retreat. The three days were again facilitated by longtime friend of the College, Mr Michael Fitzpatrick. Michael led students through a series of workshops that explored issues relevant to their impending leadership of the student body and in doing so, developed a sense of unity amongst them. The Year 11 students’ behaviour and engagement in the sessions was exemplary and we look forward to their leadership of the college.

Eddie Rice

What an unforgettable week it was at the 2025 Edmund Rice Camp!

This year, we proudly took away 28 Shalom College students alongside 28 children from across the Wide Bay region, creating a powerful and joyful community built on liberation, compassion, and dignity in action. 

We were thrilled to welcome back 8 past Shalom students who returned as volunteers, showing the lasting impact of this program. Additionally, 3 dedicated volunteers travelled from Brisbane to support the camp, highlighting the wide-reaching support and spirit of service that defines Edmund Rice Camps.

The camp provided a transformative platform for our Shalom students to learn, grow, and lead with heart. It was a space where friendships flourished, confidence was built, and values were lived out in real time. 

A special shout-out goes to Mr Ryan Smith and Mrs Sandra Freeman for their incredible efforts in organising and coordinating the camp from a college perspective. Their dedication ensured a smooth and meaningful experience for all involved. We also extend our deep thanks to Edmund Rice Community Services for their ongoing support and partnership in making this program a reality.

We’d also like to acknowledge Jack T, who not only gave up his school holidays to serve but also sacrificed celebrating his 18th birthday to give back to his community. Jack’s selflessness and leadership are truly inspiring. 

As part of the camp tradition, two special awards were presented:

• The Future Leaders Award, recognising emerging leadership and growth.
• The Brother Rochford Memorial Award, honouring those who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

This year’s winners were:

Future Leaders - Kirra F-O & Michael C

Brother Rochford Award - Chloe G & Jack T 

Congratulations to all involved — your efforts have made a lasting impact and continue to reflect the values we hold dear.

Women's 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

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

YEAR 12 - GET READY

• Three Strategies to help prepare for the end of school

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• Civil Engineer
• How to become a Financial Planner

WORK EXPERIENCE

• School Work Experience Opening Doors for Shalom Students – Paul Murphy ECA

ADDITIONAL LEARNING

• Year 11 and 12 Students in 2026 Additional Learning Opportunities

UNIVERSITY

• UQ Leadership, Excellence and Diversity Scholarship
• JCU Scholarships
• QCoal Foundation Scholarships
• The Queensland Commitment Scholarship

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Year 12 Trade Ready Program
• Plenty of jobs this week, so don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities

Your future starts here – dive into the latest School 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

The Lingiari Quiet Achiever this term is, for the first time, the “Quiet Achievers”.

Both Lara B and Sonya F are wonderful members of Lingiari House who involve themselves actively in all aspects of our daily life. They turn up to everything and are especially helpful and caring towards students in the younger years. They also commit themselves quietly to a level of excellence in their studies which is a great aspect of our core business at school, yet also a terrific example for our younger students.

Our House motto is “Justice”, a key word in the driving force of Vincent Lingiari’s efforts to make progress and gains for the Gurindji people in the 1960s and 1970s. Both Lara and Sonya discretely live this motto out in their daily actions – they regularly raise issues with me or other staff where a sense of social injustice is occurring, and someone needs help (the help of a staff member).

Indeed, both girls live out their commitment to social justice by being part of a St. Vincent de Paul cooking project that they began themselves 2 years ago, giving their time and effort weekly to cook breakfasts for people in our community who are in need.

Well done girls! Lingiari House is all the better for your place in it.

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.

Triathlon/Aquathlon

The Wide Bay School trials were held over the weekend for both triathlon and aquathon in Hervey Bay.

Wide Bay triathlon and aquathlon trials results were:

Junior Triathlon
- 6th Isabella W
- 6th Lewis O
Intermediate Triathlon
- 1st Elise V (Wide Bay Champion)
Senior Triathlon
- 1st Max O (Wide Bay Champion)
Junior Female aquathlon
- 1st Atlanta D (Wide Bay Champion)
Intermediate Male aquathlon
- 3rd Hamish O

All of our Shalom athletes have been selected to represent Wide Bay at the State Championships in February 2026. Congratulations to all.

Rugby League

Congratulations to Shalom student Baidan T who played in the Qld Murrie Carnival over the recent school holidays.  Baidan had a great tournament and was picked in the Qld U18 Murrie team for 2026.

Athletics

Recently, Koby I competed at the QLD Athletics All Schools Championships (where he represented Shalom College). Koby placed 2nd in the 3000m Race Walk which he now qualifies for the Athletics Australia’s National Schools Athletics Championships in Melbourne in December, where he will represent QLD

Student Success

Over the past 8 months, Lachlan W has been refereeing for the FQPL weekly. A huge commitment to make each weekend and even many weekday evening games. After the months of dedication Lachlan was: 

• Awarded FQ Wide Bay Junior Referee of the Year
• Nominated for the Des Mills Medal (QLD Junior Referee of the Year)

Alongside these extraordinary awards, he had a significant year of achievements, including:

• Assistant Referee in the Australia Cup, Kappa Cup, and Champions League competitions
• Referee for the U17 Grand Final
• Assistant Referee for the FQPL U23 Grand Final

Congratulations Lachy for your awards this season. 

Hockey

Congratulations to Shalom students Courtney K and Ameilia L who played in the U/16 Bundaberg Rep team at the State Champs at the Gold Coast in the first week of the school hols.  Bundy finished in 4th Place (Div 2).  Ameilia and Courtney gained selection in the U/16 QLD squad.  They will now head to trials in Feb 2026 where the final team will be selected.  Emma K was a Technical Official at this tournament and was awarded a final.

Levi K and Sophie A competed in the National U/14 Championships last week in Brisbane.  Sophie and her QLD Embers team finished with the Gold Medal.  Levi and his QLD Sabres team finished with the Silver Medal.  A fantastic achievement for both of these regional players.

Courtney K, Emma K, Gabrielle A, and Madeleine E competed in the u/18 QLD Indoor Hockey State champs over the weekend representing Bundaberg.  Courtney K finished Top Goal Scorer of the tournament.

Muay Thai

Congratulations to Shalom Yr 8 student Jhett H who competed in his second professional Muay Thai fight on the 5th of October in the school holidays at the Conquest Muay Thai Promotions. While Jhett didn’t win the very close fight, he did win best junior fight of the day with a very nice trophy.

Basketball

Congratulations to Shalom students Tyler R-J and Cruze C who played with the All Star Green team that won the grand final last month for the club Bundaberg Basketball Winter Season.

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.

Let's give Mr McMahon the send-off he deserves! We're hosting drinks and nibbles to celebrate his dedication and leadership. This is an open invite for the entire community, including all past and present staff, students, and parents to share a final farewell to our beloved Principal.

Date: Friday, 7 November.

Time: 5pm – 7pm.

Location: The Waves Function Room.

RSVP is essential! Please use the Google Forms link (below) to confirm your attendance by Friday, 24 October 2025.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/Upx92cufcUzTXKeV6.

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.

We are constantly striving to augment and improve the collections, replacing soiled and irrelevant items for new modern ones.

Senior fiction (young adult) particularly is evolving into a very exiting entity. Authors have already embraced the dystopian theme and are now creating new subgenres that align with the adolescent emotional and creative space. One arguably new area is ‘Romantasy’, though in library-land we have long grappled with which genre sticker to put on spines.

Romantasy combines the elements of both romance and fantasy, whereupon a core theme of romance rests within a magical world of exotic landscapes, wondrous, sometimes frightening creatures, magic, or epic quests. It's a portmanteau of "romance" and "fantasy" and distinguishes itself from traditional fantasy and its already existing subgenres with the romantic subplot established as integral to the main plot and character development. This genre's huge popularity has been propelled by social media like TikTok (BookTok), and features a blend of a utopian or dystopian land, powerful emotional arcs, and often culminates in a dramatic but happy ending. 

Though adult fiction is catching up in the realm of imaginative abandonment, it was as late as 1970 when literary critics such as Miles McDowell declared that writers of adult fiction who want to unleash their creative imaginings and develop “…the great archetypal experiences such as the quest or the great dichotomous morality pattens…” they must turn to the younger person’s literature arena. That said, young adult fiction is an escapist dream even if the reader is no longer an adolescent.

Adolescents have become so sophisticated these days but because of the complexity of theme or concept, many of these heavier stories are housed in our special senior fiction collection for students in years 10, 11, & 12. However, if as parents you are happy to allow your year 9 student to access and borrow from that senior collection, you need only write a quick note in their student journal or send an email to the library team at library@rok.catholic.edu.au. Year 7 & 8 students will need to satisfy themselves with our very extensive junior fiction.

Check out senior Romantasy fiction authors in the senior fiction room at Beerarlem:

ROBERTS, Lauren; O’DONOGHUE, Caroline; MAFI, Tahereh; AVERY, Annaliese; WOODS, E.V.; LIM, Elizabeth; KAUFMAN, Amie; MEYER, Marissa and many more!

Denise Harvey
School Librarian
Denise_Harvey@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Bridging Generations Through Cards and Connection

As part of their Community Recreation unit, our Year 12 Sport and Recreation students visited Argyle Gardens Retirement Community to learn the art of playing cards from the residents themselves. The experience was a heartwarming reminder that modern curriculum can successfully bridge generational gaps—bringing today’s learners and older community members together through shared skills, laughter, and meaningful interaction. Both groups walked away enriched; a win-win for everyone and some lovely, time spent.

Mr Craig Hammermeister
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Craig_Hammermeister@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.

Bundaberg Special School Fundraiser

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