NAPLAN

Students in Year 7 and 9 will commence NAPLAN testing this week. It is necessary that all students have plug-in earphones (not bluetooth) with them each testing day during weeks 8 and 9. Students who present to the test session with Bluetooth earphones or without earphones, will be sold a set - $6 charged to the students’ account. They also need to ensure their laptop is fully charged each day of testing period. Please see the test schedule below.

Catch up sessions will run of the following days/periods (Rooming to be advised):

Thursday 14 March Period 2
Tuesday 19 March Period 1
Thursday 21 March Period 1
Friday 22 March Period 1
Monday 25 March Period 1

As with any test, it is important for students to maintain a healthy diet and ensure a good night's sleep leading up to the testing period. Each student should strive to perform at their best across all testing domains.

The results from testing are used in conjunction with other data to assess individual and cohort strengths as well as areas to improve on. We review existing initiatives and develop teaching programs to support students based on the data.

Elevate Education Parent Webinars

It was great to see we had over 30 parents participate in the recent Time Management webinar delivered by Elevate Education. On Wednesday 13 March they have another webinar on technology and focus, and how parents can help their child break their addiction to social media and use productivity-boosting apps. This one is the most popular out of all their webinars in this series.

Please note there are only two webinars remaining. You are invited to join in these to help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

• How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - Wednesday 13 March 6:30pm
• How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory - Wednesday 27 March 6:30pm

Register for the series by clicking the link below and learn some practical strategies to help support your child this year. https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
gail_norris@shalomcollege.com

Pathways Information

UNIVERSITY

• Should You Study a Degree Based on How Much it Costs
  

• Register for Work Experience or Professional Shadowing

ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Australian Maritime College
• Have You thought About Working in the Homelessness Sector?
• Do you Dream of Turning Your Passion and Creativity into a Career?

APPRENTICESHIPS/TRADES

• Does Electrical Work Spark Your Interest?
• Construction Pathways – Find the Right Fit for You – Cabinet Making

EVENTS

• Join the Pathways Team for a Tour of Universities in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• East Coast Apprenticeships - Apprentice Carpenter

Click on the HERE for complete Pathways Newsletter for further information.

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Kathryn Laing, Ms Jacinta Cook & Mrs Cristel Simmonds
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
kim_toll@shalomcollege.com
kathryn_laing@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.

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.

We are inviting interested Shalom Staff/Students/Parents and Friends to participate with Shalom College at the Bargara Service and/or Bundaberg Civic Service for ANZAC Day.

We will also acknowledge students who represent Shalom College at other Services in the district. (Agnes Water, Rosedale, Moore Park Beach, Elliott Heads, Gin Gin, Childers, Woodgate Beach, etc.) (Other Services/Marches will be acknowledged if the student attends/marches in Shalom Formal uniform.)

ANZAC Day is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country, and is marked annually on the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians who served and died in war and on operational service, past and present.

Students, as you will be representing the College, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:

•             Formal uniform with polished shoes
•             Formal hat (borrow or purchase new one, if yours is not in good condition)
•             NO chewing gum
•             Sleepers or studs ONLY
•             Bottled water (it is often a very hot day.)
•             Apply sunscreen before marching

There are 3 opportunities to march on ANZAC DAY
(Students may attend the following in Bundaberg/Bargara area or with another service/march representing Shalom College)

1. Bargara Dawn Service
2. Bundaberg Civic Service  (roll call at 8:00am)
3. OTHER SERVICES (Agnes Water, Rosedale, Moore Park Beach, Elliott Heads, Gin Gin, Childers, Woodgate Beach, etc.) - (Other Services/Marches will be acknowledged if the student attends/marches in Shalom Formal uniform.)

Staff, Parents and Friends, if you plan on marching with Shalom College, please meet at the designated time and place and please wear corporate attire, of a similar standard to students.

If you are marching at the Bargara Dawn Service, please meet at 5:00am at Bargara Service Station and report to Mr Robinson for roll marking.

If you are marching in the Bundaberg Civic Service, please meet outside Indulge Cafe (outdoor tables near Target) at 8:00am and report to Mr Robinson for roll marking.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, students will be dismissed from the memorial site. Please arrange to collect your student from there.

Your attendance is much appreciated.

Please complete the form to register > https://forms.gle/NgH69WQnmdbFa3Nu8 

More details will be posted as they become available.

Thanking you,

Mr Peter Robinson
Dean of Student Welfare
High Performance Program
After School Activities 
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Message from Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service – Mobile dental van coming to Shalom

We are pleased to let you know that School Dental Service is coming to Shalom in Term 2 2024. All students enrolled will be given the opportunity to have a free dental examination and dental treatment if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The Mobile Dental Clinic will be starting in week 1 Term 2. The School Dental Service will be offering a free dental examination and dental treatment to all eligible students that return their Offer of Treatment form. Forms will initially be sent home with all Senior Students (10, 11 & 12) this week followed by Junior School students later in term 2. All forms need to be filled out in ink and returned to Student Reception in the Shalom main administration building before Thursday 28 March 2024.

Our friendly administrative officer will send the Parent/Guardian a contact letter or a contact SMS, so they can ring us to arrange an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: A Parent/Guardian must attend the first appointment, as the way we deliver our service has changed.

For the first appointment the Parent/Guardian MUST attend – after that a responsible adult can attend. If after the discussion with the operator at the first appointment, you are happy for your child to attend from class themselves, this can also occur. Please note there may be paperwork you will need to sign so this will be sent home for you. We understand there will be exceptions so please discuss with us. Please work with us so we can deliver the best care to your child/children.

Note from Shalom Administration: attached is a map of where the parents can park and location of the School Dental Van. Parents/Guardians must sign in at the College Office prior to attending the appointment with your child. Students will need to follow the normal process of signing out for an appointment even though the appointment is on the College grounds. Parent is to write a note in their record book on the day and time of the appointment which must be signed by the Head of House prior to the time. Student then signs out from Student Reception and back in at Student Reception once the appointment has completed.

Any further questions please direct them to School Dental Service on 4303 8059.

Applications Close - Friday 19 April 2024 – ONLINE ENROLMENT >

Monday to Thursday: 8.00am to 12.00pm

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Friday: Closed

Last Monday, Café Wisdom met for the second time, and we have grown! 29 Residents from Argyle Village joined with 30 students from Years 11 and 12 for refreshments and conversation in the community room at the village. The banter and discussion flowed easily and the feedback from the Resident’s has been incredibly positive. They have spoken of their enjoyment of the event and can’t speak highly enough of our students. It’s a two-way street too, as students delighted in the company of their conversation companions. Plenty of history together with plenty of modern thinking met in a wonderful sharing of wisdom. We’ll do it all again in Term 2; these students are brilliant ambassadors for our college and for the next generation.

Ms Claire Stallard
Teacher
stallarc@shalomcollege.com

STEM Entrepreneurs

During the second half of last year, our STEM Entrepreneurs team put their hands up for the challenge of designing and building a community project. The client for this project was Community Lifestyle Support, also known as CLS. CLS is an organisation that works to improve the lives of people living with a disability. They work directly with their clients to find solutions to everyday challenges that we often take for granted.

One of the projects CLS have developed, is an all-abilities garden that is exclusively made up of edible native plants. They have worked with the Taribelang Bunda to gain knowledge on which plants are local to Bundaberg and that have been used as a food source. They started adding exhibits to the garden, however due to various constraints, they have been very limited in what they could do. As a result, the work halted. This is where our Shalom STEM Entrepreneurs stepped up.

Their job was to design and develop an interactive exhibit that was accessible. Their designs included consideration of wheelchair access, large controllers for people with limited mobility as well as many other considerations. The students interviewed the clients, including discussions with an occupational therapist to make sure their designs were accessible to people with different abilities. They consulted with an electrical engineer to ensure their electrical components were suitable. They took notes, worked on a variety of ideas, and then returned to propose not 1 but 2 exhibits. They built the solutions and finally presented them to CLS.

It is worth emphasizing that this was a real-world project, for a real client. The students brought their individual skills from computer programming, to engineering, to artwork. They employed laser cutting, used hand tools, created digital artwork, painted artwork by hand, coded complex algorithms and connected the electronics for the joystick controllers and minicomputer. They coded games that relate to the garden to explain the plants in a way that is interactive and fun. They also built a puzzle board that includes fauna native to the local area.

To acknowledge their hard work, each member of the team was presented with the Shalom STEM Community Award. Please take the time to have a look at the video via the below link to see what was achieved by this impressive group.

 https://youtu.be/tawh0n931UE

Mr Steven Tucker
STEM Coordinator
steven_tucker@shalomcollege.com 

QATSIF, which stands for Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, was created to give Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families increased educational choices and life opportunities.  QATSIF values the importance of academic achievement and the doors that higher education can open up for our First Nations students. These accomplishments are key to setting up a solid foundation for future employment and enjoying an overall better quality of life.  On assembly in Week 5, our Year 11 & 12 QATSIF Scholarship recipients proudly received their certificates. Congratulations to Dustin F, Bella G, Maddison G, Hannah H, George H, Jorja J, Mia J, Oceearna J, Steven L, Taj P, Isaac W and Chloe W.

During Week 6, a group of ten First Nations students participated in the annual Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commencement Celebrations in Rockhampton. This event brought together students from various schools within the Catholic Diocese, including those from Mackay, Emerald, Rockhampton, and Gladstone. Throughout the three-day event, students engaged in team-building exercises, leadership activities, and explored various career opportunities. A highlight of the event was an inspiring speech delivered by guest speaker, Sid Domic, a former professional rugby league player and renowned Indigenous artist.  A special Mass at St Joseph's Cathedral was held to celebrate the Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commencement, where the students were blessed by Bishop Michael and presented with their 2024 Year 12 Indigenous Leader badges.

Ms Valli Mitchelson
Indigenous Education Liaison Officer
Velma_Mitchelson@shalomcollege.com

The Catholic Schools Race Day is this Saturday 16 March.

There are a LIMITED number of Catholic Schools Race Day Marquee tickets still available (20 tickets only!).

The Catholic Schools Race Day is a fundraising project for Shalom College, St Patrick's Primary School, St Mary's Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School of Bundaberg. This is an 18+ event, with admission $80 (plus booking fee). Tickets includes entrance to the Catholic Schools Marquee, finger food, 2 complimentary drinks and bus to the CBD after the event. Gates open at 11:30am.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/COQMY (Until Sold Out)

We would like to thank all of our sponsors and service providers for their ongoing support of our Race Day.

There have been numerous articles in the press media, like those recently in the Sydney Morning Herald that have highlighted the overall nationwide fall in NAPLAN results including grammar, reading, and writing.

Australian Catholic University professor and key contributor to the NSW Education Standards Authority review of writing in schools, Claire Wyatt-Smith has decried the reduced lack of emphasis on curating writing skills over reading skills in Australian schools.

“Writing is of at least equal need and greater urgency,” she said. “The teaching of writing is perhaps the biggest equity issue we face. We can use the word illiterate. They finish school and are unable to have the proficiency in writing they need for workplace engagement.”

The chief concern is of course the potential inability to navigate adult ‘life’ and all the red tape that it entails, though it must be remembered that though we speak differently to how we write, good writing skills are bolstered by good reading skills. Reading widely facilitates exposure to different styles and genres of writing, which in turn aids with a better sense of the possibilities of language.

It must be agreed that the basic tenets of grammar, punctuation, and spelling are seemingly not in the forefront these days, but I would argue that the level of sophistication of speech and language is higher than in my days at school. Some of these articles suggest that the younger person’s vocabulary is in decline, but it could be debated that exposure to so many avenues of discussion on so many platforms has enabled a positive influence in some cases. Social awareness is arguably greater than in the past as well leading to deeper research and discussion on global matters of importance.

Perhaps changes in the way we process information and evolution in the ways in which we communicate are reflected in the learning style and use of language by our young people. In any case the best way forward is to encourage engagement with language and the written word in any media to engender a familiarity with the conventions of grammar and the continued progress of vocabulary and that this should occur through continued dedication to reading and writing.

Further reading:

Education: Australian schools face writing crisis as falling standards risk a life sentence for students (smh.com.au)

NSW education: English teachers told to focus on grammar, punctuation as writing declines (smh.com.au)

School report calls for teachers to go ‘back to basics’ on grammar, punctuation and reading | Daily Telegraph

https://www.thereadinglists.com/does-reading-improve-your-writing-skills/

Shalom Equestrian Team - Interschool Queensland Wide Bay Regional Championships 

Shalom Year 9 Equestrian, Mahli P and her horse Drover competed at the Championships event held over three days at the Dundowran Equestrian Complex in Hervey Bay.

Competing against 14 riders on day one, Mahli achieved a 4^th position overall from the showjumping events. Day 2 saw her take out 1^st place overall in the 90cm showjumping with clear rounds each time. On day 3 Mahli was in second place after the dressage phase of the combined training 105cm event before having to retire due to injury. We are pleased to report both horse and rider are recovering well.

Congratulations to Mahli and Drover and our dedicated “team parent” Samantha on their great performance at this opening event for the Equestrian Team’s sporting calendar.

Our equestrian team exists because of the wonderful parents who are not only dedicated to the sport but to being “team parents” who support each other on their travels. We wish them all the best for the rest of 2024. We are super proud of you all.

Our school horse event calendar includes Equestrian Queensland Interschool and two other events in Maryborough that include days of English, jumping, sporting and western events.

If you would like to be part of the Equestrian group and added to the Shalom Equestrian Sia Page contact Dr Cowan at school.

Year 9 Equestrian student Mahli competing with Dover

Dr Stacey Cowan
Shalom Equestrian Team Convenor 
Head of Department - Business and IT 
Stacey_Cowan@shalomcollege.com

Shalom College Swim Team

On Friday 8 March the BDSSS Carnival was held at the Norville Pool. The 42, 2024 Shalom College swim team students represented our school proudly. We would like to thank you all for your excellent effort and behaviour as part of this team. 

Thank you, to all our parents for your support too. 

Once we get the BDSSS Carnival Results, we will forward them on. 

Thanks again to our managers, Mrs Giles, Mr Davis, Mr Gills and Mr Robinson.

Also, a big thank you to our Sponsors - Kinetic Buses and Ricks @ Bargara.

Mr Peter Robinson
Dean of Student Welfare
High Performance Program
After School Activities 
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Tennis - Queensland State Titles

Congratulations to Shalom’s 13-19 years Wide Bay representative, Lachlan C, who travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland State Titles from 4-7 March at the University of Queensland Tennis Centre. This tournament is divided into two sections – the team’s event and the individual event and is played against the best players across Queensland.

Watching Lachlan play is really a sight worth seeing as he showed his remarkable natural ability and athleticism setting up rallies to finish off opponents with his devastating forehand. Lachlan had some good wins in the individual singles but was knocked out before reaching the qualification rounds. In the boy’s teams competition Wide Bay came 10^th, with Lachlan as the Wide Bay team’s number 1 player displaying some exceptional tennis leading from the front and winning some impressive matches including a knife-edge ‘Bob Campbell shootout’ against the team from Darling Downs.

Congratulations to Lachlan for playing all his matches in the true Shalom spirit of good sportsmanship -he should be very proud of their achievements.

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 5 December (10 weeks)

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

Items available are:

Croissant Ham & Cheese $3.00
Big Breakfast $6.00
Toasted Sandwich $4.00
Bacon & Egg Muffins $3.50
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wraps $4.00
Breakfast Bars $1.50
Fresh Salad Tub $4.00
Yoghurt Pots $3.00
Hashbrowns 3 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.

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

Markets BBQ Roster

A Lifetime in a Year-Rotary Youth Exchange - Applications Now Open

Do you know someone that would like to experience a Year in a Lifetime? Well, read on!

Applications for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program 2024/25 are now open! Students in Years 9-12, with an interest in traveling abroad, learning a new language, and immersing themselves in a new culture and way of life are invited to apply for this opportunity. We offer short (10-12 weeks) and our long term which is our 12 month program. Please go to https://ryea.org.au/ to express your interest and for more information.

Rotary International is one of the largest service organisations in the world. The mission of Rotary, is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Our Youth Exchange program achieves this with reciprocal hosting between countries.

The program began in 1958 and has helped thousands of students worldwide learn a new language, learn lifelong leadership skills and make lasting friendships with students from around the world and not just from the country they are visiting. One of the goals of the Rotary Youth Exchange is to promote world peace and cultural understanding.

We'll be looking to welcome more students from abroad in July. If you're not keen on an exchange, but you're a family who would like to host a student, please apply via:

https:// ryea.org.au/host-family-application/

For more information, please contact Heather Sugget on 0400 553 295 or rye@rotary9560.org

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 

Student travel rebate applications open 1-31 May for Semester 1. Please click here to check if you are eligible.

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.