Year 11 Subject Changes 

If you have had a meeting with Mrs Allen to discuss subject changes, please make sure your form is returned fully signed ASAP as these changes need to be processed.    

Year 12 Final Results 

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!

Yr 11 Exam Block –  Tuesday 25 November – Friday 28 November

Yr 11 students will participate in an exam block from the 25 – 28 November. Please note that due to some extra exams this year, we are having to extend the exam block by one day.

Students participating in this exam block will begin Unit 3 assessment. This assessment is summative and as such will contribute towards the ATAR score. The Exam Timetable for this exam block is attached. Students need only attend school for the exams that they are sitting in this period.

During the exam block, students not involved in exams are expected to be involved in home study. Students who are behind in their schoolwork may also be required to attend school to complete outstanding work. If this is required, these arrangements will be communicated by individual class teachers.

Please remember that normal school rules regarding uniform and behaviour continue through the exam block.

We wish our students all the best with their studies.

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

Blessing and Opening

Numerous special guests, along with the college community, gathered for the Blessing and Opening of the Coolock Building on the 16th of October. We were pleased that Bishop Michael McCarthy could join us. Bishop Michael led us in the ceremony, and he was ably assisted by Fr Don White PP along with all the House Leaders of both McAuley and Adams House. While the Opening of Coolock is a significant step in the growth of Shalom, the Blessing of our new statue that sits alongside the building was an equally important event. The sculpture, by artist Jenny Steiner, is entitled, ‘Common Ground - Education is the Key’. It features Catherine McAuley (1778-1841) and Edmund Rice (1762-1844). Catherine was the founder of the Sisters of Mercy and Edmund was the founder of the Christian Brothers. The Sisters of Mercy led Loyola College and along with the Bundaberg Christian Brothers, merged to become Shalom College in 1984. The sculpture reminds us of this foundation, while demonstrating that both Catherine and Edmund recognised that education was the key to a better future for the poor.

Year 12 Graduation

The College community came together again last Friday, this time to celebrate the Year 12 cohort before External Exams begin. It was the final opportunity for the graduating students to gather and celebrate their years together. Fr Don White, Parish Priest, led us in a prayerful reflection before further presentations were made. The message of hope, evident in all our significant events this year, was once again conveyed before students exited the Sports Centre with their red sashes around their necks to enjoy the Guard of Honour provided by students from the lower grades. We thank the families and friends who attended and by doing so, helped make this a memorable milestone for the Year 12s.

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

Empower Breakfast – Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence Prevention

On the morning of Thursday 23 October, twenty-three of our Year 11 students proudly represented Shalom College at Across the Waves for the third annual Empower Breakfast, an event dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence issues both locally and statewide.

We are sincerely grateful to MP Stephen Bennett and Mr. Castro, President of The Waves, for their generous support in providing tables for our students to attend.

The morning featured inspiring speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable insights that our students will share within our college community. It was a meaningful opportunity for our young leaders to engage with an important social issue and to demonstrate Shalom’s ongoing commitment to compassion, respect, and advocacy.

If you’re looking to throw some support into local domestic violence awareness projects, check out Zonta’s ’16 Days of Activism’. You can find it on Facebook, or their website https://zontadistrict22.org/district-22-clubs/zonta-club-of-bundaberg-inc/ 

Mr Aaron Brown
Assistant Principal Student Formation
Aaron_Brown@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Highly Accomplished Teacher success!

Congratulations to Bree Broadhurst, one of our Year 7 CSB teachers, for achieving Highly Accomplished Teacher certification! Through this rigorous process, Bree demonstrated her expertise across all areas of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), highlighting her commitment to excellence in teaching and her dedication to supporting every student’s growth and success. As one of only two teachers in the Diocese of Rockhampton to achieve certification this year, Bree’s accomplishment reflects her genuine care for young people and her dedication to helping them thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Her success adds to the positive momentum among staff and encourages us to keep learning from one another. 

Congratulations, Bree! We are lucky to have you at Shalom!

Mrs Penny McKeown
Assistant Principal: Pedagogy & Practice
Penny_McKeown@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Pathways News
HIGHLIGHTS

WORK EXPERIENCE 

• Shalom Students Shining Bright in the holidays.
• Register now for Christmas Holidays Work Experience
• The Bundaberg Jobs Commitment

APPRENTICESHIPS/TRAINEESHIPS

• Can you do a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship and still be eligible for an ATAR?

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• How to become an Orthotist / Prosthetist
• What is a Carpenter?

ADDITIONAL LEARNING

• Year 11 or 12 next year and looking to study at TAFE or externally?

UNIVERSITY

• QUT Term 4 Events and Activities
• UQ Leadership, Excellence and Diversity Scholarship
• JCU Scholarships
• QCoal Foundation Scholarships
• The Queensland Commitment Scholarship

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Pharmacy Assistant
• Junior Medical Receptionist
• Moore Park Pharmacy – School Based traineeship

Your journey doesn’t wait—open this week’s Pathways Newsletter and take a bold step forward.

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

Tayla M (PC7) has consistently demonstrated excellence across multiple areas. She has proudly represented various sporting teams, including netball and cricket, showcasing her commitment and talent. Taylor maintains a high standard of personal presentation, always wearing her uniform with pride. She is punctual and reliable, contributing positively to the culture of Rice 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.

Futsal

Congratulations to Shalom student Corey J who competed for the Wide Bay schools Futsal team at the State Championships on the Gold Coast.

Rugby League

Congratulations to Shalom Yr 9 student Tyreece R who has been selected to represent the QLD side in the upcoming Murri vs Koori Interstate Challenge.  This selection came after his participation at the QLD Murri carnival over the recent school holidays. Play well Tyreece!!!

Athletics

Congratulations to all the Shalom students who competed last week at the QLD Schools State Athletics Championships in Townsville.  A couple of outstanding performances came from Georgina C and Koby I.

Georgina ran a PB in the Girls 3000m to finish 5^th in the State.  The next day she backed up for the 1500m and finished 13^th in Qld.  A couple of great results!!

Koby also set a new PB in the 3000m Walk and finished with a gold medal!!  Koby’s new time of 13:57mins now ranks him second in Australia for his Age in this event.  Koby is extremely dedicated to his craft and also spends countless hours with his swimming training as well.  An awesome results for all your hardwork!!!

Hockey

Over the weekend Shalom students Ethan K and Tully D participated in the Under 18 boys State Indoor Hockey Championships in Maryborough.  They both played extremely well in the tournament and as a result Ethan has been named in the Queensland Maroons team to compete at Nationals in January 2026.

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 Thursday, 30 October 2025.

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

A reminder to all families that 2025 college fees were due for families with a Year 12 student only by the end of Term 3 Week 4 2025, whilst those with Year 7 to Year 11 students are due at the end of Term 4 Week 4 (31 October 2025).  Thank you to those families who have paid their account for the year. Should families, yet to finalize their payments, have any questions, please feel welcome to email the Finance Office at   520_Finance@rok.catholic.edu.au .  Account balances and an updated fee statement are available through Parent Lounge.  

Mrs Lisa Castro
Finance Officer

Last week we farewelled our seniors and soon we will farewell our Principal and other staff … and next year we will go on in the same manner as we have in this and previous years.

The library took delivery of a beautiful book just released a couple of weeks ago called Just Remember.

This is the follow up volume to the very popular and inspirational 2019 story The Boy, The Mole, The fox And The Horse. These fabulous books were written and illustrated by the immensely talented British artist, illustrator, and author; Charlie Mackesy.

Always Remember uses the storm to represent challenges and fears in life and the courage that we must find within ourselves to keep going. The simple but poignant words of love and support are what we all need at certain times in our lives.

“When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm?”
‘“When the storm comes, remember who you are,” said the horse. “Who am I?” “You are loved”’
‘“What do I do if the storm is on the inside?” asked the boy. “Shelter with us.”’
“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was and just how well you did.”
“You are brave and magnificent.”

Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends don’t really know what they are looking for and they know life can be perilous, but that they love each other, and the know that cake is often the answer.

Mole’s ‘never-fail’ cake recipe:
The cake of love
A kilo of kindness
A ladle of letting go
A pinch of patience
A gram of gratitude
Heaps of hope
A handful of humility
A jug of joy
XXX

Always remember: “One of the kindest things you can do is be gentle with yourself” “Be kind to your soft wild heart.”

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)

Term 1: Tuesday 27 January – Friday 2 April (10 weeks)

Term 2: Tuesday 20 April – Friday 26 June (10 weeks)

Term 3: Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September (10 weeks)
Year 12 Formal: Saturday 5 September

Term 4: Tuesday 6 October – Thursday 3 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