Shalom College
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9 Fitzgerald Street
Bundaberg QLD 4670
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Email: shalom@shalomcollege.com
Phone: 07 4155 8111

3 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Reflection

We have just had Core Studies Parent Teacher interviews and in a couple of weeks we will have Parent Teacher interviews for all other students. I strongly encourage you and your child to make the most of this opportunity. This is a very real chance for parents to say to their child that they really value education. An interview with your child's teacher also opens up good communication lines even if it does look like 'the education version of speed dating'!

A child's education is greatly assisted by parents and teachers mutually supporting each other and should concerns arise, being able to readily talk through any issues. Whilst undertaking some 'professional reading' during my time off in Term 1, I came across an entertaining insight from Francis Whiting teacher/ parent/journalist on Parent Teacher interviews -

Happy days to those of you with children who are currently smack-bang in the middle of the school holidays, having survived not only Term One, but also the traditional end-of-term parent/teacher interviews. Everyone involved hates these meetings.

Parents hate them because they sit there, mute with terror that the word 'incident' will come up, and teachers hate them because they are terrified that on meeting a child's parents for the first time, everything they have always thought will be confirmed.

The parent/teacher interview is something I feel I am qualified to write about, having once been a teacher, and these days a parent. When I was a primary school teacher, the end-of-term parent interview was not something I looked forward to with unbridled enthusiasm, mostly because there was always one set of parents in each class who believed their child was gifted.

In these circumstances, it was often very difficult not to say: "Well yes, Peter and Susan, if you consider advanced nose-picking a gift, I suppose Tarquin is a very special boy."

I did, however, enjoy the moment when yet again it was proved that there is a world of difference between the way children behave in the classroom - or anywhere really - and their own home. This was the time in the interview when I would say something along the lines of: "Shoshanna is a lovely girl, Mr and Mrs Roberts, you should be very proud. I wish I had a million of her in the classroom", where upon Mr and Mrs Roberts would stare at each other with bewilderment on their faces, and one of them would eventually say "You mean our Shoshanna?"

These days, however, I am on the other side of the desk, and I find it equally as challenging. This is because I find it very difficult to not ask leading questions. I find it very hard not to somehow get the teacher to admit that my child is very good-looking, extremely smart, and obviously their favourite.

All parents do this in the parent/teacher interview - and don't pretend that you don't.

This is where, when parents feel the teacher has not perhaps been quite fulsome enough in their praise of their offspring, they might give them a little prompt by saying something along the lines of: "Oh, but of course Sasha probably falls behind a bit in English because she's always helping others, isn't she"? shaking our heads at the pure selfless wonder that is Sasha.

Now with one of my children starting high school this year, I have come to realise that the primary school parent/teacher interview and the high school parent/teacher interview are two very different animals.

The primary school interview is like a cosy, one-on-one, tete-a-tete with your child's teacher, with plenty of time for deep and meaningful conversation - "What do you think Benjamin was trying to say here in this drawing of a flowerpot, Mr and Mrs Lucas?"

The high school parent/teacher interview, however, is the educational version of speed dating. It's usually in a big hall, parents are given a few minutes with each of their children's various teachers - anywhere between 5-10 minutes - and then some sort of alarm or buzzer goes off to let everyone know it's time to move on.

This is very disconcerting for those parents who like to make a lasting first impression on a date, I mean parent/teacher interview, and simply do not have time to list their child's many achievements, beginning with taking out the 'Tidiest Tidy Tray' award in prep.

It is also difficult in the short time allotted to let the teacher know you are not one of those pushy parents who does not get too involved in their child's life and lives vicariously through them. Lord no - although how you are meant to do this without time for your Power Point presentation I just don't know.

NAPLAN Testing

Last week's Newsletter gave parents information leading up to the NAPLAN testing that will occur on 10, 11 and 12 May for our Year 7 and 9 Students. I certainly encourage every student to take part in this testing and to do their best. At the same time, I hope students and parents don't worry too much about the test. The information from NAPLAN can provide useful feedback for families and teachers. It is a good tool. It does not test everything and it certainly makes no pretence about testing the most important skills a young person needs to navigate life successfully - resilience, compassion, communication, respect and the ability to work well with others. I strongly urge students to give this test their best but to be very aware of what it is trying to test as well as what it makes absolutely no effort to test - and to be aware of the difference!

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal

Student Welfare and Information

Year 12 Formal Dinner Dance

All RSVP's for the Formal are due this week along with payment. The Introduction of Students and Dietary Requirement forms are due to be returned by tomorrow Wednesday 4 May.

The due date for payment needs to be met please as I have a number of businesses who need final numbers on that date. If there is a problem with meeting the date can you contact me at the College.

Year 11 Parents

Assistance please

It has been a long standing tradition of the College for Year 11 parents to assist with the setting up and packing up of some parts of the Formal Dinner Dance.

Our request is for assistance with:

  • Tablecloths, chair covers and ties, centrepieces on tables on Wednesday morning (25 May) - we only need about 6 people
  • Pack up tables and chairs on Saturday morning (28 May) - fathers and sons most welcome

Last year we had quite a few parents and students come on the Saturday morning and so we were packed up in approximately 40 minutes!

A letter with all the relevant information will be emailed to you however I have included this letter in the newsletter available on the link below. If you can assist on any of the days, please complete the reply slip at the end of the letter and return it to the College by Monday 9 May.

Camps - A Reminder to Parents

If your child needs medication it must be sent to camp with the child in clearly marked packets. If your child needs an epi-pen, this must be supplied by you - the school does not supply epi-pens for camps.

Year 10 Camp Schedule

Camp

House

Dates

Teacher Attending

6

Walsh

3, 4, 5 May

Mr Chris Roelofs

7

Hogan

4, 5, 6 May

Mr Adam Knott

8

Lingiari

16, 17, 18 May

Mrs Mary Taylor

Year 8 Camp Schedule

The first Year 8 camps go out on Monday 9 May. Please note that CAMP 3, as per the calendar, has been shifted.

Camp

Class

Dates

Teacher

3

8 CSB B

9, 10, 11 May

Mrs Jade Van Krimpen

1

8 CSB F

10, 11, 12 May

Miss Henrika Ambrutyte

2

8 CSB X

11, 12 13 May

Mr Christian Taylor / Mrs Debbie Bolam

4

8 CSB D

17, 18, 19 May

Mrs Jo Thomson / Mrs Louise Hume

5

8 CSB A

18, 19, 20 May

Mrs Kirsten Honor

6

8 CSB E

23, 24, 25 May

Mr David Gahan (in place of H. Ambrutyte)

7

8 CSB Focus

30, 31 May, 1 June

Mr Steve McKay

8

8 CSB G

31 May, 1, 2 June

Mrs Jade Van Krimpen

9

8 CSB C

1, 2, 3 June

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell
Assistant to the Principal – Students
AcampbellE@shalomcollege.com

P & F Association

At the beginning of the school year we sent home to all families an electronic request asking for assistance with College activities such as Tuckshop and the Sunday Markets. Unfortunately, this was poorly responded to so we have decided to send home paper copies asking for assistance. These forms will be sent home via PC classes today. The College relies on parent volunteers to assist with these activities so please complete and return to the office at your earliest convenience.

Bus Fare Assistance

Quiet Achiever

This week I nominate Louis Myers-Macdonnell, Year 10 Lingiari for Quiet Achiever.

The Lingiari Quiet Achiever this term is Louis Myers-Macdonnell. Louis joined us at the start of last year and has wasted no time getting involved in school and house activities. He is actively involved in Performing Arts playing in the Senior Jazz Band, Senior Concert Band and the Orchestra. He is a member of the choir and is presently in rehearsals for the Addam's Family Musical. He is an avid cricket player and represented Shalom last year. His happy disposition and willingness to get involved in all aspects of school life make Louis a valued member of Lingiari House.

Mrs Mary Taylor
Lingiari House Coordinator

Walsh House Community Service Project

On Sunday morning 17 April, a number of Walsh House students came to school along with ladies from the local Zonta Club to assemble Birthing Kits to be sent overseas to a developing country. Walsh House has been part of this project for a number of years and it is great to be able to assist with this worthwhile project. Through the help of my Year 7 Religion class and Walsh students giving up their lunch breaks, we were able to have 1000 plastic sheets folded and placed into the snap lock bag prior to the assembly day.

Each kit, when assembled and complete contains

  • 1 square sheet of black plastic 1 metre x 1 metre
  • 1 pair of latex gloves
  • 1 piece of soap
  • 1 scalpel
  • 3 pieces of string 30cm in length
  • 5 pieces of gauze

These items are neatly placed into a small snap lock bag ready for distribution when they arrive overseas. We were able to assemble the required amount of 1200 kits on the day. The extract below gives a brief overview of the usefulness of the Birthing Kits.

No Woman Should Die While Giving Life

Nearly 385,000 women die annually in childbirth, and many more mothers and babies suffer from infection. Nearly all of them live and die in developing countries.

The Birthing Kit Foundation of Australia is an organisation dedicated to improving the conditions for women all over the world by providing clean birthing kits and training in how to use them. Though each kit costs less than a cup of coffee, its simple contents give midwives and mothers the resources to reduce infection and fatalities.

Thank you to all the students who were able to assist, either during the lunch breaks or on the Sunday morning. The time you have given to assist with this project was very much appreciated.

Mr Chris Roelofs
Walsh House Coordinator

St Vincent De Paul Tutoring

This term we have begun the St Vincent De Paul Tutoring Project in our Catholic primary schools. Each Monday afternoon, Shalom students make their way to St Joseph's, St Mary's and St Patrick's schools to tutor Year 5-6 students, mainly helping with homework, reading and assignments. The aim of the program is for the Shalom students to be mentors to the primary students. It is a rewarding and worthwhile project for everyone involved.

Pictures of the St Mary's tutoring group.
VIEW GALLERY
Pictures of the St Mary's tutoring group.
Click images to enlarge

Mrs Jo Gills and Mrs Cheryl Petersen

Sports News

Inter School Cross Country

Senior Shield winners Joshua Adcock, Erin O'Beirne and Bailey Rach

15yrs team winners Madison Masterman-Smith, Lucy Bowden and Tailah O'Shea

13yrs team winners Lee-Challe Kriel, Olivia Zunker and Baylee Holden

Age Champions - Joshua Adcock, Lee-Challe Kriel and Bailey Rach

Student Sporting Achievements

Lee-Challe Kriel, Year 7 McAuley House, competed in the Big T Electrical ANZAC day 2km fun run and won the U18 category. Congratulations Lee-Challe.

Nicholas Cahill, Year 8 Rice House, has been selected as part of the men's Bundaberg District Bowls Team who are competing in the District Competition on the Gold Coast this week. Not only has Nick been selected in the men's District Team (the youngest player to ever be selected at 13), he also successfully defended his Junior Lawn Bowls State Championship title during the recent holidays down in Brisbane. Congratulations Nick.

Your Sporting Fanatic,
Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator

Arts in Performance

College Musical

The College Musical this year is 'The Addams Family' and will be staged Thursday 9 June, Friday 10 June and Saturday 11 June in the Performing Arts Precinct. It is shaping up to be an amazing production by the students who will be accompanied by an orchestra formed especially for the production. Please mark the dates in your diaries as it is guaranteed to be a sellout season, consisting of three performances only. Why not come dressed up as your favourite character from the Addams Family. Tickets will go on sale in the next couple of weeks.

Item Requests for College Musical

The cast and crew for this year's College musical have been busily working tirelessly to put together this entertaining show, and we are looking for a few items for our costuming. If anyone has any of the following items that they would be willing to generously lend or donate to us, could you please email Miss McAtee at mcateea@shalomcollege.com.

The items required are;

  • Nude/Tan trench coat (ladies) - this could be a long wool coat
  • Football padding/shoulder pads
  • Old telephone (candlestick or black corded phone)
  • Glowing Lava lamp (bulb) or similar
  • Character/chorus/tap shoes with heels - we need to paint these, so we wouldn't be able to give these back

Music

Do you have an upright piano, or know of a piano that is not being used at all and could be offered to the College as a donation or very minimal cost (we will organise transport and tuning)? The Music department is looking for four or five pianos to go into the teaching studios for the new instrumental music building, which is currently being built. The pianos would need to be no older than 25 years, in reasonably good condition and not be one affected directly by flood waters. If you are able to assist, could you please contact me.

Bundaberg Eisteddfod

We had several students including two small instrumental and vocal groups who competed in the Eisteddfod last week. The vocal ensemble won the Small Vocal Ensemble section on the final night of competition. Well done to the eight young singers. Congratulations to all students who participated in the competition - you are all winners. The Speech & Drama competition is being held all of this week.

Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival

I have entered the following groups for this year's music festival: Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert and Senior Jazz Bands; Chamber and Rochford strings; Thursday morning Concert Band; Friday morning Jazz Band B and the full Orchestra. We will participate over a three day period from Friday 12 August to Sunday 14 August. As soon as I have the schedule, I will let everyone know as many students will need to make a day trip while many others will need to stay overnight of which I have made bookings for Friday and Saturday night. More details to come soon.

Drama

The first public performances for the Drama department will be Thursday 16 June where Year 10 public performance students will present eight One Act Plays as their assessment items. The night begins at 6.30pm in the PAP theatre with entry being a gold coin donation.

Dance

Please note in your diaries that the major Dance Night concert for the Dance department will be Friday 28 October and Saturday 29 October.

Cello Ballade – A Special Mothers Day Concert

Mrs Robyn Edgar
Arts in Performance Coordinator
edgarr@shalomcollege.com

Library News

May is Family Reading Month in Australia

With the weather cooling, now is a great time to curl up with a book, magazine or electronic story.

Shalom Library challenges you to consciously connect with some precious family time, indulging in books and stories. Perhaps as a family you could make time to relax, read and share information and stories with each other. Make May your month to reconnect to reading for pleasure.

Perhaps some inspiring reading material can be found at the Shalom Book Swap or Bundaberg Regional Library - read on for details

Shalom Book Swap – Goondeel Resource Centre

In our Goondeel Resource Centre, we have an abundance of donated books; including lots of cook books, hoping to find new homes. Please come and browse, Monday to Thursday - before and after school, choose some books, make a donation which supports Shalom Indigenous projects, and take home your new reading treasures.

Shalom School Library Partners with Bundaberg Regional Libraries

In addition to the reading resources we have available in both our school libraries, you and your children can take advantage of the variety of reading resources available through Bundaberg Regional Libraries by organising a BRL card of your own.

From the Bundaberg Regional Libraries' site you can site read ebooks and emagazines using four apps:

  • Overdrive
  • Borrow Box
  • Wheelers ePlatform
  • Zinio for Libraries

Through our partnership with Bundaberg Regional Libraries we are able to assist students have a BRL card of their own and know how to use the eresources freely available to them. Simply complete a BRL registration, ensuring it is signed by the Parent or Carer and bring to our school's Beerarlem Library for processing.

Click on the following link to access a Bundaberg Regional Library Membership form if the Student is not a member themselves

Click on the following link if the Student has their own BRL Membership card in their own name

Mrs Carolyn Wyatt-Hooper
Resource Centre Manager

Uniform Shop

Shalom College Rowers

Limited new and several preloved (in good condition) ZOOT suits are available at reduced prices at the Uniform Shop. To determine size, height and weight measurements are required.

Please contact the uniform shop if you are interested.

Mrs Sharon Stevenson
Uniform Shop Manager

College Activities

Umoja Orphanage Kenya – Rice House Fundraiser

Shalom College Youth Group

Tuckshop Menu and Pricelist

Tuckshop Roster

Monday

2 May

LABOUR DAY

Tuesday

3 May

Suzanne Weedon-Smith

Susie Zunker

Wednesday

4 May

Leanne Grogan

Katrina O'Sullivan

Thursday

5 May

Cheryl Carroll

Merna Cook

Friday

6 May

Donna Habermann

Cianna Moore

Monday

9 May

Kathryn Hanlon

Tuesday

10 May

Cathy Duffield

Wednesday

11 May

Ann Holliss

Thursday

12 May

Paul & Caroline Simms

Merna Cook

Friday

13 May

Michelle Arvidsson-Smith

Leah Whaleboat

Marilyn Wootton

Monday

16 May

Mila Robertson

Tuesday

17 May

Holly Hess

Linda Stehbens

Wednesday

18 May

Claire Hamilton

Sharon Pole

Thursday

19 May

Merna Cook

Jennifer Pimm

Friday

20 May

Jenny Beveridge

Monday

23 May

Stefanie Hale

Tuesday

24 May

Fiona Canniffe

Pauline Shaxson

Wednesday

25 May

Kate Crook

Thursday

26 May

SHOW PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Friday

27 May

Michelle Arvidsson-Smith

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Sunday

8 May

6.00am-9.30am

Toni BURGESS

Donna CAINS

Suzanne BROWN

Barbara COYNE

John DELANEY

Mechalle KIMBER

Tracey LARCOMBE

Mark MORRIS

9.00am-12.30pm

Sharon ASTLES

Marissa BROWNE

Anne EXELBY

Linda FRANCIS

Renita SNARE

George/Jennifer WALSH

Sunday

15 May

6.00am-9.30am

Christine BUWALDA-NICOLSON

Cheryl CAMPBELL

Richard/Fiona HAYES

Ian/Gabby KING

Glen/Leanne KREBS

Rohan/Maddy LLOYD

9.00am-12.30pm

Margot BOROVAC

Leonie CARIGE

Joanne GODFREY

Bruce GREEN

Kylie JOHNSTONE

Sunday

22 May

6.00am-9.30am

Kim COOPER

Murray/Michele FLICK

Greg/Jenny JACKSON

Heidi GEYER

Andrew LUCHT

Brett/Catherine MARTELL

Clarissa POINTON

Brendan/Yvette SIMPSON

Wanita STRINGER

Janelle TEST

9.00am-12.30pm

Sharon ANDERSON

Terry/Leanne EMMITT

Sandra KILLER

Craig/Joanne KLUVER

Belinda PROSSLINER

Warren VASCHINA

Sunday

29 May

6.00am-9.30am

Michelle BAUMGARTNER

Carolyn CALDWELL

Tracey CLARKE

Yvette JENKINS

Ros MCCAIG

Patricia/Robert SMITH

9.00am-12.30pm

Damon/Kate Crook

Lauren EMMERTON

Neil/Karen GARSON

Neil HIBBERD

Josephine MEDCALF

Markets BBQ Roster

8 May

Cambodia

15 May

Rugby League

22 May

Hogan House Fundraiser

29 May

Relay for Life

5 June

St Joseph's School

Community News

Echo Youth Group