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- Principal's Reflection
- Curriculum
- Mission
- Year 7 Camp Information Monday 22 May - Friday 16 June
- Student Drivers
- Absentees
- Uniform Shop
- Pathways
- Quiet Achiever
- Chisholm House Raffle
- Legally Blonde Musical
- Fundraising - Molly our School Captain
- QISSN Sponsor Spotlight
- Monster Raffle for QISSN Boys & Girls Teams
- Empowering Literate Teens - Milestones for Highschool Students
- Aquatic Practices - Excursion to Lady Musgrave
- Term Dates
- Tuckshop - Breakfast
- Parent and Carer Tuckshop Volunteers
- Shalom Sunday Markets
- The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg
- Community Notice Board
World famous atheist, Christopher Hitchens, once said of the bible, “The Bible may, indeed does, contain a warrant for trafficking in humans, for ethnic cleansing, for slavery, for bride-price, and for indiscriminate massacre, but we are not bound by any of it because it was put together by crude, uncultured human mammals.”
Hitchens and others often use selected texts from the Old Testament to maintain that God must be cruel. There are parts of the Old Testament that give that thought some credence but all of scripture needs to be read in context and with an understanding of when it was written, by whom and for whom. Hitchens and others always conveniently leave out of the discussion, all of those beautiful texts in the OT that speaks of a loving, forgiving and compassionate creator. We got one of those beautiful insights in the first reading at Mass yesterday. It was from the Exodus story after Moses received the Ten Commandments from Yahweh. When God ‘passed before him’, Moses proclaimed that ‘Lord, you are a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness’. In the passage we read yesterday, Moses acknowledges to God that his people are often ‘a headstrong people’ and Moses begged his God to forgive their faults and to adopt them as his heritage. That is not a bad God to believe in!
The Voice Referendum – following up on my thoughts last week on the Reconciliation Week, during a car trip to school, to my horror, I discovered that I have in my house a person who will be a first time voter come the Voice Referendum later this year. When I enquired about what his position on the Voice Referendum was, I didn’t get much past, ‘What Voice?” Apparently, the issue hasn’t trended strongly on Tik Tok yet! Fr Frank Brennan, for whom I have a bit of time for, has written a book called “An Indigenous Voice to Parliament”. It is short and an easy read. He has devoted two chapters in the book to outline both the For and Against cases for the Voice. I will try to get my first time voter to read this (link below). I hope others might as well. This is an important issue for the country and voters need to be informed.
An Indigenous Voice to Parliament - A Yes No Case
Shalom College Formal 2024 – the College is looking to move away from our traditional Formal date to Saturday 31 August 2024. This move is being mooted to better fit in with the assessment schedules we now have with ATAR. The Year 12s will have completed IA3 assessments and this date will be just before Mock Exams are due to commence. I am very keen to hear from any family who would see this as a major problem before we would put this into our Calendar.
College Formal 2023 was another outstanding success. Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who attended and their families. All did themselves proud. Huge thank you to so many for making such a significant event go so smoothly. Amongst so many others, Ms Stacey Murdoch and Ms Tracey Shears who diligently taught our, initially ungainly, Year 12 students to grace the dance floor so well.
‘Legally Blonde’ opens this week. The cast and crew have worked so hard to get this show ready. I have no doubt it will be a wonderful showcase of Shalom talent – again.
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com
Year 10 Information
myQCE Student Portal Account - Year 10 students created their myQCE Student Portal Account during their last PDE lesson. Students must register for this account in preparation for senior (Year 11 and 12). They also require this account during the Year 10 Personal Futures Day. Students who were absent have been sent an email with details of how to register for this account. Could you please check with your student if they have completed their registration. If not, please go to SIA and locate the News item relating to registration of myQCE Student Portal.
Year 12 Information
QCAA are releasing confirmed general subject results for the first internal assessment (IA1) for Year 12 students. Students confirmed results for each subject will appear in their myQCE Student Portal Account. Students can view these results by logging in to their account. https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ go to the My Learning Account tab then into the Results.
The External Examination timetable for 2023 Year 12 students was released by QCAA. Year 12 students were emailed a copy on Tuesday. You can download a copy from the QCAA website: www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2023
The use of Artificial Intelligence in student assessment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how many people use the internet. If you have spent any time exploring this developing area, you would be aware of the many wide and varied uses that people have found for programs such as Chat GPT.
Recently, our Year 11 and 12 students were briefed on the expectations around the use of AI programs such as Chat GPT and Grammarly Go in their assessments. While we acknowledge that there are ways students might use AI programs that are a legitimate strategy for study and revision, or for helping conduct research, using AI to generate their written assessment responses is a form of academic misconduct.
It is not ethical for students to be awarded grades and qualifications for work they did not produce. This includes using AI to re-write a student’s own original work. Using a basic grammar, spelling and punctuation checker is generally acceptable. The re-writing of sentences or paragraphs, restructuring whole texts or the introduction of significant amounts of new vocabulary creates a response that is not authentically the student’s own.
In terms of student development and learning, generating a response using AI robs students of the learning associated with collecting, processing and organising their ideas into a coherent response. It stifles creativity and prevents the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
Our plagiarism scanner Turn-It-In now checks for AI use. This is the same program we use to check for work copied from conventional websites and from other students. Turn-It-In advertise a 98% accuracy rate for their program. Students whose work is identified as potentially generated by AI may be asked to verify their work is their own.
All our tasks are developed to include Academic Integrity steps. Students are expected to complete these as part of establishing their authorship. Some examples include:
- Submitting checkpoints such as planning, research notes or stages of a task during development
- Completing specific components in class
- Responding to specific stimulus, activities or ideas provided by the teacher
- Verbally conferencing work with the teacher
- Completing a draft
These components can be used by a student to verify their work is their own. If such steps have not been completed, and the authorship of the submission is in question, we may not accept and mark the submission. This can have serious implications for Year 11 and 12 students’ eligibility for QCE or ATAR. Please note that if your child has not completed a checkpoint or draft you will generally be advised of this in email by their class teacher.
Our Academic Policy (see the Student Record Book page 13 - 21.), and the expectations of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, dictate that only work that is authenticated as the student’s own be accepted for marking.
There are legitimate uses of AI for students. Some programs can be particularly useful in the study process. Suggestions provided to the Year 11 and 12 cohort include:
- Generating sets of revision questions for use when studying
- Developing concise summaries of key ideas to be used in student flashcards or revision notes
- Generating a list of research sources or articles
- Developing a list of key terms for use in an assessment
AI should be used with caution as programs like Chat GPT have been found to generate inaccurate, misleading or even completely false responses when the request falls outside its data set. Students should not provide these programs with personal information as this may compromise their personal security.
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) addresses matters of social, economic, and ecological justice in the world. It consists of an interrelated body of Catholic social thought and principles which can be used to reflect on and guide how we relate to one another in our local and global communities. Human Dignity is a central concept to CST. Other teachings include Solidarity, The Common Good and Preferential Option for the Poor. Here at Shalom, responsibility for impeding these principles lies across all learning areas. We want to ensure that learning about our Catholic tradition is meaningful for all students and that from this they develop a desire to create positive change in the world.
Class Masses
Each Religious Education class is allocated to a Wednesday morning 8am Mass in Loyola Chapel. The class, along with another, co-hosts this Parish Mass by taking the roles of readers and processors. When your student has an upcoming class Mass, you will receive a notification or an invitation to attend. We warmly welcome all to this weekly joint Parish School celebration. The Year 10 classes will be hosting over the next few weeks:
• 7 June Mr Kiernan’s 10 RE F, H & K
• 14 June QISSRL & QISSN teams
• 21 June Mrs Harman’s 10 RE A & C
Mrs Sandra Freeman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Sandra_Freeman@shalomcollege.com
Mr Peter Robinson
Student Welfare - High Performance Program After School Activities
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com
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.
Preferred Student Absentee Option
Parents are now 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.
Monday to Thursday: 8.00am to 12.00pm
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Friday: Closed
Pathways Information
Click on the HERE for complete Pathways Newsletter for further information.
The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Monique McLucas & Ms Jacinta Cook
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
kim_toll@shalomcollege.com
monique_mclucas@shalomcollege.com
jacinta_cook@shalomcollege.com
Francis B Year 10 is a valued member of Chisholm House who is respectful towards his teachers and peers. Francis arrives early to school three times a week to participate in Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. He plays percussion and enjoys music. Francis works hard academically and strives to work to his full potential. His favourite subject is hospitality. Francis positively scaled the high ropes at camp and used remarkable teamwork to help his team in Year 10 to successfully win the ‘Race around Chaverim’ competition with his Chisholm team.
Francis is a happy and polite student who is compassionate toward his peers and the Shalom community.
Chisholm House is holding a raffle with some great prizes! Students will be selling tickets at lunchtime and tickets are also available to take home and sell. Please email Mrs Blinco if you would like some tickets to sell outside of school. Proceeds go to Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Raffle will be drawn Thursday 8 June. Be in it to win it!!
Thursday 8 June - 9 TICKETS LEFT
Friday 9 June - 5 TICKETS LEFT
Saturday 10 June (11am) – PLENTY OF SEATS AVAILABLE
Saturday 10 June (7pm) - 1 TICKET LEFT
Year 12 Student and College Captain Molly is saying goodbye to 23 incredible inches (or 58.42 cm!) of her luscious locks!
Molly is cutting her hair to help sick children throughout Australia - a cause close to her heart.
It is estimated that, on average, 750 children aged 0-14 are diagnosed with cancer each year in Australia. Molly’s hair will not only be used to make a wig, but assist the ‘Kids with Cancer Foundation’ to continue their support of families who have a child suffering from cancer.
Molly will be having her hair cut in front of her peers in Week 8 during lunchtime on Tuesday 6 June.
If you would like to donate to Molly’s fundraiser, please follow the link below.
Your donation to the cause (big or small) means so much to Molly, and even more to those experiencing childhood cancer.
Together, we can all make a difference.
https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/mollysellers/wigs-4-kids
In the lead up to the QISSN Carnival being held in Brisbane in the first week of the June/July holidays each week throughout this term we will spotlight one of generous QISSN sponsors.
See below to find out more information about Nathan Groszmann Constructions:
P: 0438 516 784
https://www.nathangroszmannconstructions.com
Shalom’s QISSN team is grateful for the support provided by Nathan Groszman Constructions as a Bronze Sponsor in assisting the team to get to the Brisbane carnival in June.
Mrs Nikki Somerfield
QISSN Manager
Nikki_Somerfield@shalomcollege.com
Empowering Literate Teens: Milestones in Reading and Writing for Highschool Students
As parents of little children, we are accustomed to celebrating milestones such as first steps, first words, and reading levels. However, as our children grow into teenagers, we find ourselves wondering about the milestones of reading and writing during these transformative years. Between the ages of 14 to 18, young people experience remarkable growth in their language abilities, and it is crucial for us to equip them with the necessary literacy skills to navigate the complexities of academic and social life. So, let's explore the expected milestones for literate teens and discover how we can support their independence in learning.
Expanding Vocabulary Horizons:
Between the ages of 14 to 18, our teenagers experience a rapid expansion of their vocabulary, acquiring approximately 7-10 new words each day. We can foster their word mastery by introducing them to challenging texts and encouraging thought-provoking discussions. Maybe it is time to start sharing your favourite literature that showcases double meanings and subject words, allowing their minds to unravel the layers of meaning.
Narrative Marvels:
Expect the narratives of your teenage children to show complexity, featuring long and intricate ideas. Take the time to read over their short stories they create for English class. Dive into their narratives with enthusiasm, offering praise for their imaginative tales.
Understanding Complex Instructions:
Teenagers should have the ability to understand long and intricate instructions with multiple directions. As parents, we can foster their independence by providing opportunities for them to tackle complex tasks. Encourage them to follow elaborate recipes in the kitchen or engage in challenging DIY projects at home. Offer guidance when needed.
Communication Superpowers:
As our children grow into teenagers, their language skills become essential tools for solving complex problems during conversations. To support their development, we can encourage them to engage in thoughtful discussions that involve analysing different viewpoints, understanding figurative language, and making predictions based on implicit information. Let us be their sounding board, engaging in playful banter to help them grasp the nuances of language.
Social Communication Agility:
Beyond academic pursuits, literacy skills extend to social interactions. Teenagers should employ language to persuade, negotiate, and adapt to rapidly changing conversations. Encourage their involvement in organising events for their sporting team or volunteering for a local charity where they can practice their communication skills in a more adult space. They will learn to adapt their language style to suit different environments and people.
By understanding these expected milestones for literate teens, we can actively support their literacy development both at school and in the wider community.
Camilla_cook@shalomcollege.com
After a cancellation due to bad weather, Year 11 Aquatic Practices students finally got to put their snorkelling skills into practice on their excursion to Lady Musgrave on Friday 26 May. The weather was brilliant, and seas were relatively calm (only a couple of seasick students on the way out!). Students were able to snorkel on two occasions, and reported seeing a wide range of marine life including turtles, a reef shark, octopus and nudibranch – along with a plethora of reef fish. Not to mention the amazing array of coral as well.
Students were also informed by Lady Musgrave Experience’s Marine Biologists about life on the Great Barrier Reef while onboard the vessel and the glass-bottom boat (where we also spotted a large number of turtles), and the coral atoll while undertaking the island walk.
Thanks to the staff of Lady Musgrave Experience for hospitality and information. Overall, a fantastic experience for our students.
L-R: Heading out to Lady Musgrave, Learning about the Coral Atoll Ecosystem, Year 11 Aquatic Practices Students
Mr Troy Braund
Mr Steven Jenes
Mrs Michelle Moller
Aquatic Practices Teachers
troy_braund@shalomcollege.com
steven_jenes@shalomcollege.com
MollerM@shalomcollege.com
Term Dates for 2023
Term 1: Monday 23 January – Friday 31 March (10 weeks)
Term 2: Monday 17 April – Friday 23 June (10 weeks)
Term 3: Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September (10 weeks)
Term 4: Tuesday 3 October – Thursday 30 November (9 weeks)
Breakfast is available every morning for purchase from 8.00am - 8.30am.
Items available are:
Croissant Ham & Cheese (1/2 side) $1.00
Breakfast Bars $1.00
Toasted Sandwich $3.50
Bacon & Egg Muffins $3.50
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wraps $3.50
Fresh Fruit (seasonal) $1.00
Other items available for purchase are Yoghurt Pots (not everyday), Up n Go drinks & Flavoured Milk.
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.
If you are interested in volunteering at our College Tuckshop, we would love for you to indicate your availability and book a shift following the link below.
The booking system helps to accommodate our very much appreciated regular volunteers, but also families who may not be able to commit on a regular basis and have a day here or there throughout the year. The beauty of this system is that you can select your day and manage your booking, so if something comes up, you can quickly and easily go online to reschedule or cancel. Your booking will generate a confirmation email with links to manage your booking, it can be synched with your calendar and an SMS is sent the day before as a reminder. Of course, we are also here to help - simply contact Shalom College on 4155 8111.
For those of you who are regular volunteers your shifts have already been added to the schedule for this year and you should have received an e-mail for each booked shift.
Shifts last from 2-3 hours (school drop off to around 11.30 am).
No experience required!
The Shalom Markets are open every Sunday 6am-midday. Come along to purchase your fresh fruit and vegetables, local food products and handmade items.
Volunteers Required - Markets Tuckshop
We are seeking your help!! We are always in need of new volunteers for the Markets Tuckshop and BBQ. If your child/children would like to gain some work experience, why not get them to volunteer in the canteen. If you have a few hours you could spare to assist in our canteen, please contact Leanne via email at barkerl@shalomcollege.com
Markets Tuckshop Roster
|
Sunday 11 June |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
|
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9:00am – 12:30pm |
Emma Jansen |
|
Sunday 18 June |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
|
|
9:00am – 12:30pm |
Maria McMahon |
|
Sunday 25 June |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
|
|
9:00am – 12:30pm |
Brendan & Astrid Clancy |
| Sunday 2 July | 6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
|
9:00am – 12:30pm |
Volunteers required |
Markets BBQ Roster
|
Sunday 11 June |
Bundaberg Croquet Club |
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Sunday 18 June |
Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise |
|
Sunday 25 June |
St John's Lutheran School |
|
Sunday 2 July |
Rotary Central |
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@shalomcollege.com
Workshop - Supporting Students with Autism
Student Travel Rebates
Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Please click here to check if you are eligible.
Youth Suport
