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- Quiet Achiever
- Poem from a Year 12 Student about the Middle East
- From the Library
- From the Tuckshop
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- Term Dates
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- Parent and Carer Tuckshop Volunteers
- Shalom Sunday Markets
- The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg
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Justin Coulson has been to Shalom twice in the last few years talking to parents and teachers about parenting and dealing with adolescents. He is a great guy and we enjoyed his work and his program on TV called ‘Parental Guidance’. This week, he posted something about a very personal experience on Facebook. This is a tough read but a good one -
My nephew died on Sunday night.
He died by suicide.
Logan was the most energetic and delightful kid I know. Kind. Fun. Laughing all the time. My kids – his cousins – loved hanging out with Logan, and as his Uncle, I did too. We surfed together at Kirra last year when the surf was as good as it gets; well overhead and absolutely pumping. Surfing was his thing... so much so that he was close to pro.
Logan was staying at my parents house the night he took his life. My mum and dad – his Nan and Pop – found him on Monday morning.
Too late to help.
Too late to do anything except scream "No".
Too late for him to hear them as they cried his name over and over again: "Logan! Logan! Logan! Logan!" "No, no, no, no, no!!!!"
How do you hold the body of your grandson for the last time? That was what my parents did on Monday morning.
How do you call your daughter, still celebrating a special weekend with her husband in Melbourne, and tell her that she needs to come home because her son - only 20 years old - has died? That was also what my parents did on Monday morning.
And the ripple effect... as each new person discovers the awful truth. Logan is dead? How? Suicide? No! Not Logan! How can that be? He was so happy. No! Please no.
Logan left a note. But the note won't bring peace or relief to anyone... Because he's dead.
I’m not doing so well. My heart is shattered. Shattered for Logan. But also for his parents and siblings, and for my parents. I don't want sympathy here though. That's not what this post is for.
Here's what I want you to know:
There are 9 suicides every single day in Australia. Seven of those nine suicides each day are men. Two of those nine are women. And suicide is the leading cause of death among young people (15-24 years). 36% of deaths in this age group are suicides.
Suicide is a complex issue and rarely is there just one factor that leads to someone taking their own life. But here's what we do know:
Strong social connections *reduce* the chance of suicide.
Please, please, please, PLEASE be kind. Be compassionate. Be gentle. Be inclusive. Be supportive. Be less critical and judgmental and more of a cheerleader. Don't be on your kid's back (or your partner/spouses back). Instead, make sure you've got their back. Love them and make sure they know it. They have to know they matter.
One more thing...
Almost without exception, those I've told have responded with shock and pain, and then offered the wellintentioned phrase, "I have no words."
The idea that "there are no words" needs to be changed. Now. Fast.
Last week, before this awful news, I spoke with Colin Campbell, author of "Finding the Words" for the Happy Families Podcast. He wrote his book about grief after his two teenagers died in a car crash. Please listen to it. It will change your life. It drops on Wednesday.
Colin makes the point that when we say "there are no words" we are, in some sense, reducing the person's life to nothing. We have to find the words, because the words we find tell the stories of those we love. And those stories help us to celebrate their life and our love for them.
Share their stories. Feel their pain. Elevate their experience. Find. The. Words. They're there. And we need to share them.
As I sat at my table and sobbed, I got a call from a friend. Gus Worland. I'd messaged and he came through for me.
If you don't know Gus, he's the guy behind the ABC series, Man Up. And he's got a charity called Gotcha4Life. At his site you can sign up for a Mental Fitness Plan. I recommend it. It's smart. It's helpful. It's a life-saver.
After I spoke with Gus, I spoke with my brother, and then two of my sisters. I spoke with my mum. Then dad. Then my mate, Craig. Then another mate, Alex. Last night I spent time talking with Aaron and Julia who thoughtfully provided our family with dinner (which was helpful, but not nearly as helpful as the hour long conversation we had when they dropped the meal off - and stayed to listen to us in our grief). And in between all of those conversations I talked with my wife, Kylie and our kids.
Conversations. Words. Opening up. Crying. Laughing. Bawling. Sharing. Story-telling. Celebrating. Mourning. Grieving. Living.
Everyone needs someone to talk to. Everyone needs to know they matter. Everyone needs to feel seen, heard, and valued.
My final point is simple. If you are struggling, or a loved one is struggling, talk to someone. A relative. A friend. Call Lifeline. Get in touch with Beyond Blue, Gotcha4Life, or the Movember foundation (because, yep... Logan died in a month dedicated to men's mental health: Movember). Talk with a local church leader, a trusted neighbour, someone. Reach out. Tell people they matter.
I miss Logan.
Please hug your kids. Hug your husband/wife/spouse/partner. And share this message and this love with everyone who needs to know how much they matter.
Homestay Opportunities – if any family might be interested in hosting a student from outside of Bundaberg who wishes to attend Shalom, I would love to hear from you.
Enrolments 2024 – please let us know as soon as is reasonably possible, if your child will not be returning to Shalom next year.
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com
Elevate Education – Term 4 Free Parent Webinars
Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
gail_norris@shalomcollege.com
Year 11 Exam Block – 22 November – 24 November
Year 11 students will participate in an exam block from 22 - 24 November. 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.
Year 10 End of Semester Two Examinations – 22 November – 24 November
Year 10 students will participate in an exam block from 22 - 24 November. The Year 10 examination timetable is attached. Please note that Year 10 students must attend school up to and including Thursday 23 November. Students are not required to attend school on Friday 25 November although there will be supervision at school provided for those students unable to make alternative arrangements.
Students should expect to sit outstanding examinations and complete other outstanding assessment tasks at the direction of class teachers in any available examination session during the examination block, including the following week if necessary (27/11/23 - 1/12/23).
Mr Brendan Maher
Assistant Principal - Administration
maherb@shalomcollege.com
Giving Tree Assembly
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 9 classes will be hosting over the next few weeks:
• Wednesday 15 November Ms Smith's 9D and Mrs Stanley's 9J
• Wednesday 22 November Mr Gilbert's 9H and Mr Gahan's 9G
Mrs Sandra Freeman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Sandra_Freeman@shalomcollege.com
Pathways Information
University
Additional Learning Opportunities
- 7 News Young Achiever Awards
- Apprenticeship and Traineeship FAQs
- CQU The Accelerated Arts Education Program
- How to Become a Correctional Officer
- Join the Crew of the Young Endeavour – Applications Open for 2024
- TAFE – Fee Free TAFE for year 12 School Leavers
Events
Job Opportunities
- Bookkeeper Traineeship – Apply through Busy at Work
- Bundaberg Autoworld is looking for an Apprentice Automotive Technician
- Bundaberg Regional Council Business Administration Traineeship - Childers
- Bundaberg Regional Council Business Administration Traineeship – Human Resources
- Bundaberg Sugar 2024 Apprentice Intake Now Open
- Business Traineeship – Apply through Busy at Work
- Cradle to Crayons - Year 12 School Leavers – We’re Hiring
- DGZ Accountants – Junior receptionist and Entry Level Administration Position
- Hospitality Traineeship – School Based – Apply through Busy at Work
- ICool Refrigeration and Airconditioning Apprenticeship
- Isis Central Sugar Mill 2024 Apprenticeships
- M20 Drafting – Cadet Draftsperson
- Outside School Hours Care Assistant
- Shalom IT are looking for an IT Trainee
- Subway Bundaberg – Permanent and Casual Positions
- Sunwater Apprentice Fitter
- Ulton – Undergraduate / Graduate Accountant
- Ulton – Vacation Intern
Click on the HERE for complete Pathways Newsletter for further information.
The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Kathryn Laing, Mrs Monique McLucas, Ms Jacinta Cook & Mrs Cristel Simmonds
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
kim_toll@shalomcollege.com
kathryn_laing@shalomcollege.com
monique_mclucas@shalomcollege.com
jacinta_cook@shalomcollege.com
cristel_simmonds@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 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
Uniform Fittings – NOW OPEN
Year 10 Girls 2024 (Current Year 9 Girls) & All Year 7 2024 Students
Term 4 - Appointment Only
Uniform fittings are now open for all current Year 9 girls going into Year 10 2024, for the senior uniform. Fittings are for all female students who require a Senior Girls Formal Blouse and Senior Day Skirt/Formal Pants.
*If making an appointment during class time students must have a note in their record book from parent/guardian and must be signed by the student’s House Coordinator before attending the appointment.
Appointments must be pre-booked via the link:
From Monday 13 November more appointments have opened up in January 2024.
If any current families need to make a quick purchase (not a fitting) from the uniform shop, it is preferable to come in between 11.00am-12.00pm Monday - Thursday or 4.30pm-5.30pm Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. Alternatively, you can shop online via this link:
https://uniform.shalomcollege.com/
Mrs Leanne Barker
Uniform Shop Manager
barkerl@shalomcollege.com
This week's quiet achiever is Jazmyn M from Rice House. Jazmyn is a wonderful asset to her Pastoral Care Group and a valuable member of Rice House.
She is always positive, organised and happy to help out all her peers, teachers and House coordinator.
Jazmyn has recently assisted with the selling of Killer Pythons for the Rice House Fund Raiser with funds going towards Edmund Rice Camps. She also enjoys organising and assisting with House Assemblies each fortnight. Well done Jazmyn!
Scott_Whitelaw@shalomcollege.com
One of our wonderful graduating Year 12 students, Tahia Z, wrote the following poem, 'Hope', in response to what she has been watching on the news in the Middle East.
Hope
In the midst of chaos, when bombs crash aloud
Hope emerges from smoke, a shimmer in the shroud.
War ravages lands, and tears lives apart
But hope is a flame that burns in every heart.
Amidst the wreckage, courage takes its stand
Innocent civilians stand hand in hand.
In the darkest of hours as hate consumes
A flower, hope, through the barren land, blooms.
Families torn asunder, still they believe
That one day, in heaven, their loved ones they'll receive.
As bombs and bullets fall like the rain
hope is an umbrella shielding from the pain.
A testament to the human spirit, resilient and bold
In the crucible of war, hope's story is told.
Though war is a tempest, fierce and unkind
Hope for freedom has our hearts entwined.
In its embrace, we find the strength to endure
To rebuild, to heal, a belief so sure.
That one day, we will have peace in our time
with no more mountains left for us to climb.
Amongst all the hate, anger and strife
In the crucible of war, there's still hope for life,
A hope that one day, in unity, we'll stand
And together, we'll forge a more peaceful land.
Why Libraries are so Important to Schools
The preamble to the IFLA/UNESCO manifesto for school libraries says:
“The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens.”
The mission that this manifesto advocates then is that school libraries offer “… learning services, books and resources that enable all members of the school community to become critical thinkers and effective users of information in all formats and media. School Libraries link to the wider library and information network in accord with the principles in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto.
The library staff support the use of books and other information sources, ranging from the fictional to the documentary, from print to electronic, both on-site and remote. The materials complement and enrich textbooks, teaching materials and methodologies.”
A high-performance school will have a supportive library service at its heart to provide resources that support learning and encourage engagement with the written word through the curation of resources that nurture enthusiasm and well-being.
More than that, a school library can provide a ‘safe judgment-free space’ where students can come together for support and entertainment.
Dr. Margaret K. Merga is a keen advocate of the importance of libraries as part of the education infrastructure. Her articles and books are excellent reading.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367250290_Creating_an_Australian_School_Literacy_Policy
Further reading: Report: School libraries: The heart of 21st century learning
https://www.education.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1435435/School-Libraries-The-Heart-of-21st-Century-Learning.pdf
This Friday 17 November will be the last week to place online orders for tuckshop via the Flexischools App for 2023.
Mark our Tuckshop Convenor will be trialling new menu items during the last 2 weeks of school (Monday 20 - Thursday 30 November) for the 2024 Tuckshop menu.
Please feel free to give Mark feedback on what you like or dislike. Either let Mark know personally or via email.
Mr Mark Algie
Tuckshop Convenor
mark_algie@shalomcollege.com
Chess Success!!
“The game of chess is a lake in which a mosquito can bathe and an elephant can drown.” Indian proverb
On Tuesday 17 October, a team of 21 players travelled to Avoca State School to represent Shalom in the Term 4 Inter-School Chess Competition. The Term 4 competition is the ‘money round’ where cash prizes are offered attracting teams from Bundaberg, Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Maryborough. Shalom players went into the competition with confidence after winning gold in the Term 3 competition and participating admirably at the State Championships recently.
Once again it was fantastic to see the size of our chess team – the biggest in the region. To have people participating in the noble art of chess is the main aim, so the number of players representing Shalom was particularly pleasing. Furthermore, we have quite a depth of talent at the school, with numerous players who are competitive at the higher levels.
Our top team of Callum M, Waylen H, JJ W and Seth G played some excellent chess falling agonisingly close to the gold medal to take out the silver – an impressive result. Each of these players won 5 out of their 7 games, with Waylen winning 6 games and Callum winning 5 games and a draw. On almost any other day this would be enough to comfortably win the gold. Well done boys!
The Shalom Red team of Luke R, Harry L, Max C and Jacob B, all talented players, was the next highest placing Shalom team playing some excellent chess. Luke has been a fast improver over the last couple of tournaments, again winning five out of his seven matches. Shalom is fortunate to have such depth that we can field multiple teams of very good chess players.
Not far behind was the Shalom Blue team of the next generation chess players consisting of Taniela K, Lachlan B, Cannon Z and Tyler P. Taniela, Lachlan and Tyler won 4 of their matches with Cannon winning three, an impressive effort for a young team.
The Shalom White team of Nicota F, Jack M, Jonathon E and Luca H also performed well on the day, led by Nicota F who won five of his matches – an excellent performance.
It is fantastic that Shalom can field these teams and still have such talent left in the Shalom Yellow and Shalom Green teams represented by Max L, Zach G, Mason C, Beau K and Will M each showing their chess potential. It is hoped that these boys continue to play as they will be formidable in future years.
As mentioned above, Term 4 is the ‘money round’ where cash prizes are given to the best performers on the day. Several Shalom players received money on the day as displayed in the photo below.
If you are interested in playing or learning chess, then you are more than welcome to join us at chess club on Tuesdays at 11.25am-12.00pm in Beerarlem. We would love to see you there. If you wish to keep in touch with all things Shalom Chess, then follow our Sia Chess Group page (https://schoolbox.shalomcollege.com/homepage/6024).
Chess joke of the day:
What does Arnold Schwarzenegger say at the start of a chess game? Ans: I'll be black.
Mr Brendan Maher
Chess Coordinator
maherb@shalomcollege.com
Shalom Rowing - Come & Try Day
Ms Teressa Tibbey
HPE Teacher / Rowing Coordinator
Teressa_Tibbey@shalomcollege.com
Term Dates for 2023
Term 4: Tuesday 3 October – Thursday 30 November (9 weeks)
Term Dates for 2024
Term 1: Monday 22 January – Thursday 28 March (10 weeks)
Term 2: Monday 15 April – Friday 21 June (10 weeks)
Term 3: Monday 8 July – Friday 13 September (10 weeks)
Term 4: Monday 30 September – Thursday 6 December (10 weeks)
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 click on the link below to register your assistance or contact Leanne via email at barkerl@shalomcollege.com.
If we get enough volunteers, it may work out that you only need to volunteer once per term.
Register to Volunteer HERE
Markets Tuckshop Roster
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Sunday 19 November |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
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9:00am – 12:30pm |
Volunteers required |
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Sunday 26 November |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
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9:00am – 12:30pm |
Volunteers required |
| Sunday 3 December | 6:00am – 9:30am |
Danielle Morrish |
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9:00am – 12:30pm |
Volunteers required |
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| Sunday 10 December |
6:00am – 9:30am |
Volunteers required |
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9:00am – 12:30pm |
Emma Jansen |
Markets BBQ Roster
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Sunday 19 November |
Bundaberg Athletics Club |
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Sunday 26 November |
Bundaberg Croquet Club |
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Sunday 3 December |
Rotary Central |
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Sunday 10 December |
Bundaberg Croquet Club |
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.
Liturgy Times
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
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
Youth Support
