Elevate Education Parent Webinars for Term Two 

For any new parents to Shalom, Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Again, you are invited to register your participation in the term two parent online webinar series. This can assist you to support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.  

Term 2 Webinars are: 

• How To Get (And Keep) Your Child Motivated -7 May, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST) 

• How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams -21 May, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST) 

• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams -4 June, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST) 

• Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) -18 June, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST) 

• How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress -2 July, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST) 

To register please visit: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

Tutoring Timetable Term 2

Tutoring is offered by a number of teaching staff across a range of subject areas outside of class time. Please refer to the Term 2 Tutoring Timetable below and encourage your child to contact their teacher if they feel they would like additional assistance via tutoring

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 requires 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 requires 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. 

Mrs Kate Aplin
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Catherine_Aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 Exam Block – 19-21 May

Year 11 students will participate in an exam block from Monday 19^th – Wednesday 21^stMay. The Exam Timetable for this exam block is attached. Students participating in this exam block will undergo Unit 1 assessment. 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 the formal uniform is to be worn to exams and normal school rules regarding uniform and behaviour continue through the exam block. These expectations are outlined in the attached documents.

We wish our students all the best with their studies.

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

Visit of the Relic and Exhibition of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Students from the Year 11 cohort of the Cert III in Christian Ministry & Theology attended the visiting exhibition curated by Bl. Carlos Acutis at the Bundaberg Parish Office. Fr Sijo wrote in the previous weekend’s Parish Bulletin, “Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint and the patron saint of the internet, exemplified a strong commitment to the Eucharist, emphasising that every moment spent in Adoration is filled with divine grace.”

Blessed Carlo’s Canonisation has been postponed to a date to be set by the new Pope, once announced. The visit to the exhibition provided an opportunity to understand the life of this young man, to write prayer intentions and to reflect on the role of relics in the faith life of Catholics. The official prayer for the cause of his canonisation follows.

O God our Father,
we thank you for giving us Carlo,
a model of life for young people,
and a message of love for all.
You made him fall in love with your son Jesus,
making the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.”
You gave him Mary as a beloved mother,
and you made him, through the Rosary,
a cantor of her tenderness.
Receive his prayer for us.
Look above all upon the poor, whom he loved and assisted.
Grant me too, through his intercession, the grace
that I need (mention your intention).
And make our joy full, raising Carlo among
the saints of your Church,
so that his smile shines again for us
to the glory of your name. Amen.

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 students.

Wednesday 7 May  Ms Trish Ingall's 11 SOR A & B

Wednesday 14 May  Brett Wyatt's 11 RAE F & I 

Wednesday 21 May Seci Tuiwai 11 RAE C

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 acknowledge the Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management class as shining stars for their efforts in returning country to its natural state

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

• Exploring an Environmental Science and Conservation Pathway
• Career Pathways in Disaster Management

YEAR 12 GET READY

• Year 12’s considering further study should explore the QTAC course search option to compare courses
• Do you have questions around attending university – here are the answers to some of the basics

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS

• Griffith Creative Arts Open Day – Sunday 18 May, 2025 10.00am-2.00pm

ADDITIONAL LEARNING

• How Social Media can affect your work life
  

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Don’t forget to check the Pathways SIA page jobs board for employment opportunities.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Year 13 Virtual Work Experience - Carpentry

UNIVERSITY

• Griffith National Indigenous Business School Qld 29 June-5 July. All expenses paid for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

• Automotive Meet & Greet – Explore exciting career opportunities in the automotive industry Thursday, 8 May 4.15pm-5.15pm @ Pedders Suspension Bundaberg
• Considering study in Melbourne in 2026? Trinity College Online Webinar Monday 19 May 7.30pm-8.30pm

Opportunities Knock – Open Your Inbox

Here is this week’s Pathways Newsletter

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

An updated 2025 fee statement for each family has been generated and published within Parent Lounge.  This statement will reflect the current account balance held with the college for 2025.  We kindly ask all families to please download and review this statement and should you have any queries or require assistance with setting up a new payment plan or amending your existing payment plan, please phone the Finance Office on 4155 8179 or email 520_finance@rok.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Lisa Castro
Finance Officer

Somerset Storyfest may be over again for another year, but there are some exciting events coming up throughout the remaining terms:

Our Junior Reader’s cup team will be off to Gin Gin at the end of term, with the senior team competition being help in Kepnock next term.

We will be inducting our new batch of Literary Ambassadors, these eager students will be assisting the staff of the literary committee with a student perspective.

From now until the last day of Book Week on 22 August, which is also the date of our First Draft writer’s event, students can read some fabulous library books and submit reviews. Come in to the library to claim your passport to record your books and be in with a great chance to win some awesome rewards.

Book week and First Draft will converge in the week 18 - 22 August with First Draft set to take on a slightly altered format.

As always, Chess club convenes in Beerarlem every Tuesday over the entire lunch period, and the newly formed Manga Art Club is at lunch time on Thursdays.

Mr Church has kindly offered to come to the library from 3:15-4:15 on Monday afternoons from 12 May to host a Book Club ‘BYOB with GC’. This is not an official SCASA event so it is completely free.

I am happy to see that the new merged (Junior & Senior) library has been successful, if not a little squishy, and the seniors (yrs 10-12) seem to enjoy having their little private room with the senior fiction books – I only wish I could have given them more space, maybe someday soon...?

Denise Harvey - School Librarian

1. Year 10 Physics Odyssey workshop – July school Holiday - Brisbane

The Junior Physics Odyssey (JPhO) is a 4-day (non-residential) program held at UQ St Lucia campus for Year 10 students with an interest in physics, science and mathematics.

The program aims to develop your problem-solving skills as well as an appreciation and understanding of physics.

By presenting physics in a format that complements Senior Physics, JPhO will:

• introduce you to the formal study of physics through lectures and tutorials
• give you hands-on experience of physics through experiments and workshops
• provide you with spaces in which to explore ideas in modern physics at forums and tours of research labs

2025 Event information:

Event Dates: Tuesday 8 - Friday 11 July 2025

• Cost: $220 (incl GST)
• Contact: jpho@uq.edu.au
• Apply now
• Important dates:
• Applications close Friday 9 May 2025
• Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 30 May 2025

2. National Your Science Forum – Year 11 Student only

The NYSF Year 12 Program gives students an immersive live-in opportunity to explore future STEM pathways, visit universities, TAFE and industry, and meet hundreds of STEM-interested people their age. 

• The Australian National University, Canberra (6 –14 January 2026)
• The University of Queensland, Brisbane (13 – 21 January 2026)

What the program looks like:

Staying on campus at university colleges, students are immersed in science and technology. 

Participants:

• participate in tours of science and technology facilities
• learn about cutting-edge research
• engage with industry partners and research providers
• learn about university, training and STEM career pathways, mix with other like-minded students from all over Australia, and participate in social and team-building activities

Who can apply:

The NYSF Year 12 Program is for students who are:

• in Year 11 at the time of application
• Australian students, or studying at an Australian school
• interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

STEM is everywhere, and STEM is for everyone!

COST: The program fee for the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2026 is $3,065. There is a non-refundable $70 application fee.

Students will be invoiced for their program fee once they are selected and have accepted their place, however fees are not due until 15 October 2025.

The program fee covers all accommodation, meals, and activities while at the program. The fee does not cover travel to and from the program or travel insurance.

NB: Funding Support is available

As part of the application process, any students experiencing financial hardship or another disadvantage that negatively impacts their ability to attend the program may apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship.

We also encourage students to seek financial support from NYSF’s founding partner, Rotary. Many Rotary Clubs are familiar with the NYSF and able to offer some level of funding or assist students to fundraise to attend. You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Club.

Further details on how to access funding assistance will be sent to all applicants at key stages of the application and selection process.

If you are interested in this program, please come and see me in the Science Block staffroom - Mrs Bishop

3. Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST)

Sunday 29 June - Wednesday 2 July 2026

This four-day residential program at UQ’s Gatton campus offers hands-on workshops, activities, and the chance to learn from passionate students and expert staff. You will get a real taste of university life while exploring cutting-edge science that shapes our world. This program is for students in years 10 – 12.

Why join FEAST?

• Explore the fascinating fields of agriculture, animal science, and plant science through interactive workshops
• Connect with like-minded peers and future mentors
• Experience student life at one of Australia’s top universities

Need extra motivation? Watch this video to hear what past FEAST attendees have to say!

Registrations close Friday 23 May, 2025.

Cost: The program fee for 2025 is $500 (including GST). This fee includes:

• Three nights accommodation on campus at the UQ Halls of Residence (with all linen and bedding provided)
• All meals from Sunday evening to Wednesday lunch
• Access to all program activities and tours

Please note, participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the event.

Fee waivers and travel bursaries are available to assist students who would not otherwise be able to participate due to financial circumstances. 

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.

Gymnastics

Congratulation to Casey G. as she reached a goal that only a small number of gymnasts achieve; LEVEL 10. Her passion, dedication and determination have provided the drive and will to get her there.

Athletics

Congratulations to Shalom student Koby I. who has been in Adelaide over the weekend competing at the Australian Little Athletics Championships. Koby has ‘walked’ away with another 2^nd place and national 2^nd ranking in the U15 Men’s 1500m Race Walk.  He clocked an impressive 6:42.42, smashing his previous pb set a month ago of 6:59.33.

Wide Bay Football

Congratulations to Shalom students Cameron M., Casey S., Cohen P., Matthew J., Ryan Z. and Xavier U. on representing Wide Bay 19yrs Boys Football in Cairns last week.  The team was coached by Shalom staff member Mr Luke Leggett.

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

Shalom College After School Activities (SCASA)

Shalom College is offering students the opportunity to participate in organised afterschool activities conducted by coaches and teachers. SCASA also includes a light afternoon tea from 3.15 pm for the students and all activities will conclude at 4.45 pm.

Days

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the 3 available afternoons for SCASA.

Dates

SCASA commences in Week 2 of Term and continues for 8 continuous weeks (Week 9).

Times

3.00 pm - School lessons completed.
3.15 pm - Roll Call and afternoon tea (supplied) at College tuckshop and set up time for coaches.
3.30 pm - Activities/Coaching starts (various venues within school grounds).
4.30 pm - Activities/Coaching finished.
4.45 pm - Students help pack up and return equipment and picked up by parents at front of school.

SCASA Activities - see below

Monday 
Option 1 - Drama Club with Brigette McMahon (Performing Arts Precinct)
Option 2 - Touch and Oz-Tag with Erin Mitchell  (Oval)
Option 3 - Basketball with Keenan Mullaney (SC or Hangar)

Tuesday
Option 1 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill (Computer labs)
Option 2 - M-Grills Running with Matt Grills (Oval)
Option 3 - Dance with Molly Sellers (Dance Room) 

Thursday
Option 1 - Next-Jenner-ation Running with Rebecca Jenner (Oval)
Option 2 - Tennis with Brendan Maher (Tennis Courts)
Option 3 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill (Computer labs)
Option 4 - Cricket with Seci Sekinini  (Cricket Nets and Oval)
Option 5 - Can-do-Crew visiting Gracehaven Retirement home with Nicole Anderson (Bus to and from Gracehaven) 

Cost

The SCASA Fee is $25.00 per term for each student.
This is to help cover the afternoon tea and instructors/coach costs.
This flat fee of $25.00 is for one, two or all three afternoons activities.
This is to encourage participation in SCASA activities.

After completing the SCASA sign on google form, at approx. week 2 or 3 of term - you will receive an invitation on Parent Lounge regarding SCASA.

Please wait until week 2 or 3 of term then login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend SCASA and pay the $25.00 fee.

Once there, click on the ‘Tours and Excursions’ tab and you will find a link to SCASA Term 2 2025 - Here you will be able to give permission for your child to attend and pay the fee.

Please also check your contact details and phone numbers are current, as we will be using this information to contact you if needed. It is very important that all information in Parent Lounge is current as teachers will use this information in case of an emergency and to support the welfare of your child.

Please make sure that you click SAVE before logging out. If you require assistance with Parent Lounge login, please contact the College Office.

Other school sporting teams will continue to have their own training sessions as usual under the direction of their coaches e.g. Strength and Conditioning training, Rugby League, Netball, Touch Football etc.

This SCASA program is designed to give extra opportunities for Shalom College students to become involved in supervised activities after school.

Please complete the student and parent details in the google form below

REMINDER - no confirming phone calls are made by the school to confirm you are in the program - as once you sign on and you receive an online response - your child has been registered and please turn up starting week 2 of term.

SPECIAL NOTE - Once an activity is full - I will omit it from the selections below - so it cannot be selected.

Mr Peter Robinson
Dean of Student Welfare
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Camps
Peter_Robinson@rok.catholic.edu.au

• Join us for an inspiring and empowering evening
• Thursday 22 May 2025
• 5:30-8:30pm
• Shalom College Performing Arts Precinct
  
  

Medical Certificate Absentee Notification

When providing medical certificates for your child/children's non-attendance could you please ensure that these are scanned (jpeg or png) and attached in the email (520_absentees@rok.catholic.edu.au) or alternatively dropped into the main administration office.

We are no longer able to accept a photo of the medical certificate via email.

If you advise any of your child/children's Teachers or Head of House (via email) of any non-attendance, could you please also advise the admin office via the preferred options. Either email as an attachment to 520_absentees@rok.catholic.edu.au or via the Parent Lounge (as per the process above - under Absentees).

A reminder that if you intend to use the College Fitness Centre, you must follow the steps below:

1. Collect a permission form, either from the Fitness Centre Office or Sports Centre Office.
2. Return the signed form to Miss Mitchell (Sports Centre Office)
3. Complete an induction. These will be completed before school by appointment with Mr Burnett or after school with Miss Mitchell.

Ms Melinda Pearson
Head of Department - Physical Education
Melinda_Pearson@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)

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 $4.00
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wraps $4.00
Bacon & Egg Burger with BBQ sauce $5.00
Fresh Salad Tub $4.50
Yoghurt Pots $4.00
Hashbrowns 2 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.

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