NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 Students who completed their NAPLAN exams, with the last catch-up session being held today. We greatly appreciate the effort that students applied to this process in trying to do their best. NAPLAN results will be available later in the year and distributed to individual families.

Preparing for assessment

As we approach the end of term many students will be working on assessment. Parents are encouraged to work with their students to develop appropriate homework and study plans – the Record Book is a helpful tool for this purpose. A Homework Study Planner is included for each term (see p.46 and 47 for Term One). A term overview for each term has also been provided (see p. 44 and p. 45for Term One) has also been included to plan around key assessment times.

Parents can access upcoming assessment dates for their children via Sia. Each student has a “Due Work Calendar” that shows upcoming dates for checkpoints, drafts, and exams. To access this calendar for your child in the Sia Smartphone Application please select “My Shalom” and then “Due Work”. On the webpage, an option to select Due Work will show under your child’s photograph on the home page.

Heads of Department have assigned tasks in each faculty area and class teachers adapt these to specific days/lessons when applicable. Please be aware that some tasks with multiple components may be duplicated in the Due Work Calendar.

Academic Policies and Procedures

It is important to be aware that student assessment is regulated by Shalom’s Academic Policies and Procedures which can be found in the Student Record Book from page 14 to 26. This includes issues surrounding drafting, academic integrity, and non-submission of work.

Flowcharts outlining the processes required for students who miss an exam or wish to request an extension are on pages 16 and 17. Please be aware that extensions need to be applied for in advance of the due date. Drafts are compulsory. Non-submission of a draft may lead to a student being asked to attend a Supplementary Session on Tuesday afternoon. Of particular importance is the requirement for evidence (e.g. a medical certificate) for exams missed in all year 11 and 12 subjects.

Please contact the Dean of Middle School. Mrs Megan Munckton via email Megan_Munckton@rok.catholic.edu.au or the Dean of Senior School, Mrs Patricia Allen via email Patricia_Allen@rok.catholic.edu.au with any questions regarding assessment submission.

Variation to venue for 2025 Year 12 External Examinations

The external examination period for Year 12 students who study General subjects will run from Monday 27 October 2025 to Tuesday 18 November 2025. All students are required to sit these exams to receive a subject result. If a student cannot sit their external examinations at their school due to certain commitments, for example high level sport representation, then the QCAA require that an application for a variation to venue be made by the school.

If your child will not be able to sit their exams at the college during the external assessment period, and require a different venue for their exams, could you please contact me as soon as possible via email to catherine_aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au. The college must apply on your behalf for a variation to the venue before the end of June.

2025 Beginner Language Bootcamp

The University of Queensland’s Institute of Modern Languages is offering a Bootcamp for these school holidays via online. If your child is interested, please contact Mrs. Simone Wilson via email at Simone_Wilson@rok.catholic.edu.au  who can then provide the enrolment details and assist with enrolments.

Sessions will be conducted by teachers with native-like proficiency and students will gain cultural understanding whilst improving their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an immersive environment.

Program details:

• Dates: 7 April - 11 April 2025
• Years: 7-8
• Languages on offer: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
• Delivery mode: Online (via Zoom)
• Day & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am- 10:30am
• Sessions run for a duration of 1hr 30min daily over 5 consecutive days
• Cost: $220 per student (price inclusive of GST)
Application closing date for April Bootcamp: 31 March 2025

2025 Elevate Education Parent Webinars

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Next week sees the last of these webinars and you are invited to join this final session, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

· How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory - Wednesday 26 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 Kate Aplin
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Catherine_Aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au

Year 7/8 Core Studies Learner Conferences (ie Parent-Teacher Interviews) - Friday 2 May 2025

Year 7/8 Core Studies Learner Conferences will be conducted in the Waterford Centre from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Friday 2 May 2025 (Student Free Day for Year 7/8 students). Interviews will be of ten minutes duration.

The rooms that the interviews will take place in are below:

Additionally, parents will have an opportunity to book an appointment with those teachers who have three Year 7/8 Core Studies classes on Wednesday 7 May from 8.30am-11.30am in Loyola. These teachers are: Sarah Murray, Gillian Deacon, Craig Sologinkin, Kelsie Schuler/Bree Broadhurst, David Richardson, Carolyn Rayner, Jacinta Gill and Kristen Keightley. 

Note: Kelsie Schuler and Bree Broadhurst will interview together (ie parents can only book with Kelsie but Bree is present as well). Shelley Allen will be on leave on the 2 May but will be available on the morning of the 7 May.

Learner Conferences will open for parent bookings through via your laptop Sia > Parent Lounge > PT Interviews or via the Shalom App > Links/Contacts > Links > Parent Lounge > PT Interviews at 8:00am on Tuesday 22 April and close at 3:00pm on Tuesday 29 April to allow teachers to review and prepare for interviews.

Please review the wealth of information about your child’s progress available on Sia before attending these interviews. Your child is encouraged to attend the interview with you.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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

Catholic Identity – We Need Your Input!

One of the most important things about being a Catholic school in the 21st century is knowing who we are and what purpose we serve. We need to have a clear understanding of our role as a Catholic school. To assist with this and as an important part of our School Improvement process, Shalom College is participating in a Catholic Identity survey which is conducted by Leuven University in Belgium. The research project is aimed at assisting us with understanding how our Catholic identity is expressed in work and practice as well as supporting plans to further enhance our Catholic Identity for the future. All staff and students will participate in the survey at school. We would also like to give parents a voice by inviting and encouraging you to take part in the survey, which will be conducted online and responses remain anonymous.

Project Compassion

During the 40 days of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, Catholics around the world take part in fasting, prayer and almsgiving. In the Christian tradition, the forty days originated from Jesus’ forty days and nights in the wilderness. Ever since, people have followed this in a variety of ways, giving up specific items (abstaining) or having meat-free days during Lent. Almsgiving refers to the act of giving food, money or other donations to support vulnerable people. One way this generosity can be expressed is through donating to Caritas’ Project Compassion. While donation boxes are present in each House area, donations online are also welcome.

Shalom College - Bundaberg • Project Compassion 2025

Masses

Each Religious Education class will also cohost a Wednesday morning Mass at 8am in our chapel. This Mass occurs during term time and is a Parish Mass, so it is open to all. The Mass finishes before the 8.40am bell. Religious Education teachers will email a notice to families prior to their allocated Mass, and we encourage attendance. Upcoming Masses will be hosted by our year 11 and 12 students.

Wednesday 26 March Ms Danni Bryson's RAE 12H & RAE 11H

Wednesday 2 April Mr Denis Sheehan's 11 CMT A & 11 RAE B

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

SHINING STARS

• This week we shine a light on two stars, current Year 11 student Jarrahson R and Year 12, 2014 graduate Eli Sergiacomi. 

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• Cert III in Construction Plant Operations – What’s Involved?
• Planning for a future in Medicine? Here’s everything you need to know. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Powerlink is calling for expressions of interest for 2026 Electrical Apprenticeships
• Don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for more employment opportunities. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience Applications for the April School Holidays close Friday 28 March

EVENTS

• Join the Pathways Team at the Bundaberg Careers Expo in May – sign up at the Pathways Office 

UNIVERSITY

• QUT Future You Summit, Monday 30 June - Wednesday 4 July – an opportunity for Year 11 & 12 students to feel like a real QUT undergraduate. Applications close Monday 31 March. 

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS

• Bond University – Virtual Open Day 2025 – Saturday 5 April 

Explore, Grow, Succeed with this week’s Pathways Newsletter

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kim Toll, Mrs Kathryn Laing, Ms Brigette McMahon, Mrs Cristel Simmonds & Mrs Caitlin Newton
Liza_ODonnell@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kim_Toll@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kathryn_Laing@rok.catholic.edu.au
Brigette_McMcMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au
Cristel_Simmonds@rok.catholic.edu.au
Caitlin_Newton@rok.catholic.edu.au 

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.

Shalom Tennis Success - Bundaberg Primary Schools Trials

Congratulations to Aaron C and Lorenzo M who participated in the Bundaberg Primary Schools tennis trials at Rotary Park on Wednesday 19 March. Aaron C went undefeated on the day and qualified number 1 in the boys division - a fantastic effort for a talented player. Although Lorenzo did not make the Bundaberg team, he played with determination and gave his best on the day. These two boys will be valuable members of the Shalom tennis team for years to come.

Aaron C will now lead the Bundaberg team at the Wide Bay trials in Hervey Bay on the Friday 2 May. Good luck Aaron - Shalom is behind you!

Rowing Development Camp – OARSOME SUCCESS! 

Last weekend we held our annual Shalom Rowing Development Camp at Bucca. All the rowers, new and experienced, took on new challenges over the weekend. The Seniors tried out sweep rowing (1 oar instead of 2) in the 4 and the big 8. The new rowers had a go at the most difficult boat, the single. Most stayed on top of the water, but a few went for a refreshing dip. We had heaps of fun practicing the capsize drill and getting back into our boats, playing night games, and finished off the weekend with a fun team relay.  There were three teams - Team Cameron, Team Trey and Team Jacob & Team Cameron took out the win! We were truly blessed with great weather, great food and great company.

The BIGGEST THANK YOU goes out to our parents and volunteers that assisted over the weekend. We had helpers on the water coaching and boat driving, helpers in the kitchen preparing and cooking all the food, help with boat loading and transporting boats. We truly couldn’t have done it without your help and support. It takes a village to make rowing happen and we are grateful for our village. We are looking forward to our first event next term.

Keep being oarsome.

Thank you to our Shalom Rowing Sponsors

Ms Teressa Tibbey
HPE Teacher & Rowing Coordinator
teressa_tibbey@shalomcollege.com

Mr Nick Smith
Intad Teacher Assistant, Rowing Maintenance Coordinator & Coach
nicholas_smith@shalomcollege.com

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
BDSSS Secretary & QRSS 10 -19yrs Cricket Executive Member
Simon_Gills@rok.catholic.edu.au 

We are excited to announce the Dance Performance Team Captains for 2025! Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for their leadership, dedication, and passion for dance. They will be taking on this important role, helping to inspire and lead their peers through our upcoming performances and competitions. We look forward to seeing the amazing things they will accomplish with the teams this year!

Junior Team Captains – Jada C (12) & Bella M (12)

Sparks Performance Team – Mia D (9)

Glow Performance Team – Charlie H (9)

Senior Team Captain – Hayley B (12)

Illuminate Performance Team – Summer C (11)

Surge Hip Hop Crew – Sienna J (11)

Voltage Performance Team – Saige J (12)

After a hiatus of approximately five years, the Shalom Colour Fun Run made a successful return on Friday 14 March. An initiative of the Student Representative Council, members of the SRC thought this was a great activity to bring students together in a social setting and have some fun with friends and family.

Nearly 120 participants took part in looping the course at a steady pace (“run” is a loose term), while getting drenched in colour at various stations.  While the focus was on having fun, the event also raised over $800 for Caritas to aid in global programs addressing poverty. Participants can check out photos of the event through the Sia Media Gallery page - https://schoolbox.shalomcollege.com/homepage/17141

A huge thank you to Shalom staff who volunteered their Friday afternoon to ensure the event ran smoothly, and to SRC members who assisted in preparation for the fun run.  We look forward to growing the event, with more participants for the 2026 Shalom Colour Fun Run!

Mr Samuel McMah
Samuel_McMah@rok.catholic.edu.au

Mr Troy Braund
Troy_Braund@rok.catholic.edu.au

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.

Tomorrow Tuesday 25 March is Year 7 & Year 10 Immunisation Catchup Day in Loyola.

The remaining Year 7 classes that Ozcare did not get to complete will be called up to attend their vaccinations.

The remaining Year 10 students who were away or unable to receive their needles will be asked to attend.

An email has been sent to those students & parents regarding the details of the process.

Any further questions regarding the program please contact Ozcare at administration.bundaberg@ozcare.org.au or phone 41308900.

Upcoming dates of the program at Shalom College:

• Year 10 MenB Dose 2 Single Clinic: Tuesday 10 June 2025

All new students from Year 8 to 12 & all Year 7s will be attending to have their photo taken by the professional photographers in the Performing Arts Precinct foyer. These students & Parents/Guardians have been notified via email.

Students need to wear their formal uniform including their tie (no hat). Shalom College Student Uniform & Grooming Policy can be found in the Students Record Book (p.34) please abide by this policy.

The whole school Photo Day is 15 July 2025.

Shalom College Launches the Award-Winning BRAKE Program for Year 10 Students

Shalom College is pleased to announce that our Year 10 students will participate in the award-winning BRAKE Driver Awareness Program this year.

Taught as a six-part course within the 10HPE subject, BRAKE equips teenagers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the risks and responsibilities they will soon face as independent road users. This evidence-based program uses education, not fear to guide students confidently toward adulthood and the freedoms that will soon come with independent road use.

BRAKE enjoys strong support from the Queensland Government Community Road Safety Grants Scheme, Queensland Emergency Services, and CARRS-Q (Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland). The BRAKE program has been delivered in over 150 schools to more than 80,000 students. It is recognised as a leading resource for teaching young drivers safe and responsible habits.

At Shalom College, we continually seek out programs that enrich our students' education and life skills. We believe that offering BRAKE affirms our commitment to nurturing responsible, confident graduates.

Parents who would like more information, as well as useful road safety advice, may visit: https://www.brake.org.au/parents/. 

Mrs Melinda Pearson
Head of Department - Physical Education
melinda_pearson@rok.catholic.edu.au

BIG SCIENCE COMPETITION

The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions held in schools around the world. The competition is open to year 7 - 10 students who have a passion for Science.

Details: 50-minute, online, mixed format competition with a focus on how students can use their science knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Date: Monday 6 May 2025

Cost: $8.50 per student (GST excluded)

Nominations: Please email Mrs Bishop Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au to express your interest for the competitions. You will then be invited to the event/s in Parent lounge where you will be able to accept and make payment. Nominations close – Monday 31 March.

THE OPPORTUNITY: 13TH ANNUAL GIRLS STEM CAMP

We are inviting applications from year 9 girls from all over Central Queensland to join us for a 5 day extension camp covering all things STEM! Our focus in particular is on ‘Green STEM’ which looks at how Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can solve environ-mental problems and issues. Are you ready for an adventure?

Details:

Dates: Monday 15th—Friday 20th June, 2025

Place: Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre

Cost: $195 per student thanks to QAL’s generous financial contribution, costs have been reduced from $493.

Inclusions: All tuition, meals, accommodation, expert guest scientists, an array of technologies and equipment, an amazing experience

How: Key contact teachers (Mrs Bishop) at your school have been emailed the online link to distribute to interested, passionate and academically motivated students.

Applications to be completed by 9am Friday 28 March 2025.  If you would like to apply please email Mrs Bishop

NB: This fantastic opportunity is promoted by Shalom College but it is not a college event. Camp cost along with transport to and from the camp are the responsibility of the student's parents. (*In the past some parents have shared transport costs)

The International Chemistry Competition

Mrs Debbie Bishhop
Senior Teacher (Science)
STEM committee
Deborah_Bishop@rok.catholic.edu.au

This term we ran the summer edition of the Lunchtime Film Challenge. Students were given a feature item the week before and they were then tasked to create a short film that featured this item. This editions item as a 'card.' 

From all the great entries the following were chosen as the winning movies from our different sections.

JUDGES Choice:
Junior: The Haunting - Emma W (Year 7)
Senior: The Kitty Games - Patrick R, Robert G and Cooper L (Year 12)

AV TEAM'S Choice:
Junior:  The Hunting - Emma W (Year 7)
Senior: The Kitty Games -  Patrick R, Robert G and Cooper L (Year 12)

AUDIENCE Choice
Junior: Uno Reverse - Nate L, Oliver W and Eli J (Year 9)

Senior: Play the Card - Noah K, Iris D, Charles C, Neveah M (Year 11)

Congratulations to all those who entered! Look out for our Winter edition later in the year.

Keen for more film festival action - Check out the STUFFit film festival

We are excited to announce that the 2025 Season of STUFFit Student Film Festival is now accepting entries. STUFFit is run by teenagers for teenage filmmakers.

This year, we have a special Early Bird discount for entries submitted before May 28. Early Bird entries are just $15 each, and we also have a group discount for six or more films, which is $10 per entry.

Each year STUFFit receives films from students around Australia and up to 20 countries around the world. 

We have our Screening event in October and if you are in the Sunshine Coast region we would love to see you and some of your students there.

To submit your film, please visit the STUFFit website at www.stuffitfilmfestival.com

Make sure you see Ms Kelly if you are interested in entering. 

Ms Jacqueline Kelly
Jacqueline_Kelly@rok.catholic.edu.au

Calling all our avid readers! The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s reading competition Reader’s Cup is coming up very soon. There are two categories, one for the juniors in years 7 & 8, and the other for senior Reader’s Cup comprised of teams from years 9 & 10.

This is a great opportunity to read some fantastic books and discuss them with your fellow teammates. Then you get to compete against other teams from other schools.

Everybody receives a book in return for their efforts!

If you wish to express an interest in being on a team, please email the library at:

520_library@rok.catholic.edu.au

Shalom’s Literary Wonders Writing Competition is now open so if you have a passion for literary expression, if you love the pleasing patterns of poetry, or the cadence of a cleverly composed chronicle, then this could be your moment to shine.

Choose your category and get your precious pieces of literary magic in before July 31 for the chance to have your work published in the Literary Wonders Anthology for 2025.

Scan the Q-code on the poster to enter.

The theme this year is ADVENTURE!

Mrs 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)

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 Leanne_Barker@rok.catholic.edu.au 

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

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 May for Semester 1. Please click here to check if you are eligible.

Blue Light Disco

Mental Health Resources