14 May 2018

Principal’s Reflection

The ‘touchstone’ of McAuley House at Shalom is Mercy. This is not a word that gets a lot of vernacular use but it is rich and multi-layered. Mercy is a quality that all of us should hold. Recently, I came across the following story about Rudolf Höss who was the Nazi commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII. Hoss was in charge of Aushwitz for four years. He admitted to overseeing the execution of 2.5 million Jews and others. There may have been more. Survivors of Auschwitz referred to him as an animal – not merely an evil man, but an animal.

A year after Europe was liberated, Höss was captured and tried for war crimes.

He was sentenced to death, and the court declared Höss should be executed at Auschwitz, where he had killed so many people.

Höss was terrified – not of death, but of life in Polish prisons, where he would be at the mercy of guards whose relatives he had killed. He had already endured the cruelty of his British captors. He was convinced that the Poles would torture him.

Sure enough, he was placed into the custody of Polish guards who were personally impacted by his crimes. Some of them showed him their Auschwitz tattoo numbers.

His Polish guards, however, treated him well. He was astonished. They showed him mercy.

Mercy is the love we know we do not deserve.

Höss knew he didn’t deserve the guards’ respect – their restraint, their mercy – but that’s what he received. This was the moment of his conversion. Höss was brought up Catholic, but he had renounced the faith when he was a teenager. Now he asked for a priest. In 1947, however, wounds were still raw.

No priest would come. At a human level, it’s understandable. Höss had the blood of almost three million people crying out to heaven for justice. Not a priest could be found, willing to absolve the animal of Auschwitz.

Then Höss requested a priest by name: Father Wladyslaw Lohn, a Jesuit whose community had perished in Auschwitz years earlier. Only Fr Lohn was spared, because he was away at the time of arrest. Upon his return, he had sought the Commandant’s mercy, but he was refused and sent packing. Now Höss begged the guards to find him.

And they did find him – at the parish of Divine Mercy in Krakow, where he was chaplain. The priest came and spent several hours with Höss. At the end, Höss received absolution. The animal of Auschwitz was told: “The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.” After his death, a letter Höss wrote was published in the country’s newspapers. In that letter he wrote:

“In Polish prisons I experienced for the first time what human kindness is. Despite all that has happened I have experienced humane treatment which I could never have expected, and which has deeply shamed me …

“I have come to the bitter recognition that I have sinned gravely against humanity … I caused unspeakable suffering .. but the Lord God forgave me. And now I ask the Polish people for forgiveness.”

This story is an outstanding example of divine mercy for two reasons: In the first place, it demonstrates the boundless limits of God’s mercy. In the second place, it demonstrates the power of mercy to transform people. Most of us will never face the type of evil perpetrated by people like Rudolf Höss but all of us will bear grievances and hurts. Mercy is a healing quality. We hope and pray that everyone in the Shalom community will share in the inheritance of mercy that we claim though McAuley House.

Staffing Changes – The following appointments have been made for the remainder of 2018 –

Mrs Kim O’Shea-Hard – Assistant Principal Administration
Mrs Mary Taylor – Assistant Principal Mission
Mr Jason Baulch – Lingiari House Coordinator
Mrs Melinda Pearson – Learning Area Coordinator Health and Physical Education.

NAPLAN Testing is on this week for our Yr 7s and 9s. I hate the reports we hear that students get over stressed about these tests. We just want kids to approach these sensibly and do their best. Some elements of society read far too much into these test results. They are designed only to show us areas that we need to work on with our students to provide a better education. Please reinforce that with your children in those years.

Year 12 Retreat was another wonderful experience with those young women and men. They are a great group of young people and participated magnificently. I am very confident almost every one of them arrived home with having had a very positive experience. Thanks so much to the staff who gave their time to enable this activity to go ahead.

Thank you, thank you, thank you… to the Carswell Family who are continuing to be the driving force behind the Surf Lifesaving / Shalom Bingo held each week at the Services Club in Quay St. We were forwarded a cheque recently for $13,000 for the last 12 months. This would bring total contributions over 20 years to over 400K to Shalom. This is just a magnificent and selfless benefit. Very appreciative of those parents who volunteer to assist with this activity each week.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Dan_Mcmahon@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

Year 8 Camp Schedule

Please make sure that students do bring what is listed on the equipment list, particularly the raincoat.

Formal News

As the Formal Dinner Dance is being held at the Multiplex Centre this year, it would be worth familiarizing yourselves with the area.

Parking for guests and onlookers will be on the opposite side to the centre on the grassed verge. The council tell me that when they have had other events there, patrons know that is where they are to park. More information will be forthcoming with the tickets; a letter will be included with them.

Any queries can be directed to me here at the College.

INVITATIONS FOR THE FORMAL WERE GIVEN TO YEAR 12 STUDENTS TODAY 14 MAY

Important Notices

Nut Products

A reminder to all parents that nut products and any type of nuts are not allowed in the College. We have many students highly allergic to any nut products.

Aerosol Deodorant

Aerosol deodorant is not permitted in the College as it can trigger asthma attacks to those susceptible. Roll on deodorant is acceptable. We will confiscate any aerosol cans as students have had repeated warnings.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is not permitted at all.

Absences

If your child is absent from the College can I ask that you write a note in the Record Book on the first day of their return as way of explanation. I would encourage you to use the student absentee line (4155 8181) in the first instance to advise the school of your child’s absence but a written note is still required.

Punctuality

Can I remind everyone that it is important that your child is on time for school each day. If there is a reason that they are running late, a note of explanation should be written in the Record Book – that would be much appreciated. This is an area that I feel really needs addressing.

Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell
Deputy Principal
AcampbellE@shalomcollege.com

Curriculum

Learner Conferences (formerly Parent Teacher Interviews) – All Subjects and Year Levels, Except Year 7-9 Core Studies

Learner conferences for all year levels in all subjects (except Core Studies), are scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday May 22. The conferences (of 10 minutes duration), will be held in the Sports Centre from 3:30pm to 6:30pm with students encouraged to attend and participate.

Please note that a few teachers are unavailable on May 22 and will be available on the afternoon of Tuesday May 29. A small amount of further teachers will be available for interviews on Tuesday May 22 from 4:50pm-6:30pm and on the Tuesday May 29 from 3:30pm – 4:40pm. These variations should be obvious when booking your interviews.

Conferences can be arranged online via the Parent Lounge. A letter outlining the procedure is attached via the link below.

The online conference booking facility will open at 8:00am on Friday 11 May and close at 5:00pm on Friday 18 May to allow teachers time to prepare for the conferences. Parents without internet access may contact the College on 4155 8111 to make appointments from 8:00am Friday May 11.

While scheduled learner conferences are an important communication between home and school, attendance is voluntary. Parents are most welcome to arrange a conference with specific teachers at any time if the need arises throughout the year.

Parent Lounge - How is my child progressing?

Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s education. Involved parents and caregivers often translates into improved academic outcomes for their children.

A vital ingredient in parental engagement is provided by Parent Lounge. This allows parents to access a variety of valuable information including report cards, assessment dates, feedback from teachers, assessment task sheets, daily notices etc. I strongly encourage parents to become regular visitors to Parent Lounge in order to keep in touch with your child’s education. This information would be useful to have perused before attending Learner Conferences.

The password needed to access Parent Lounge was emailed to all parents at the beginning of the year. If you have lost or forgotten this password, please contact the College Office.

Mr Brendan Maher
Assistant Principal – Administration
Brendan_Maher@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

On Friday May 4, 23 excited Shalom students headed off to CQ University to experience a day in the life of a university student. CQU offered sessions for different subject areas and valuable information on university life.

The 2018 Bundaberg Careers Expo will be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex Centre on Tuesday May 22. Students will have access to industry representatives, training organisations and tertiary educators who can provide up to date career information. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet local employers, become familiar with the local labour market and skills shortages. I would strongly encourage all Year 10, 11 and 12 students to attend. Click on the link for more details.

Business Recognition

This week, Shalom College would like to recognise and acknowledge Big W Bundaberg for their involvement in school based traineeships.

Thank you! Your contribution is invaluable in creating the futures of our young people.

Mrs Liza O’Donnell
Pathways Coordinator
Liza_Odonnell@shalomcollege.com

Quiet Achiever

Cami Ruzzoli is an exchange student from Italy. When she arrive in Australia, her English was very limited. Almost twelve months later, her English has improved immensely and she has picked up some Aussie slang along the way. Cami has participated as much as possible in various aspects of Walsh House, as well as in her PC class and Shalom in general. Cami was hosted throughout the year by a number of Shalom families who have also contributed to her command of the English language as well as life in Bundaberg. We are very fortunate to have had Cami a part of Walsh House. We wish her all the best for the last few weeks of her exchange year and the upcoming events:- the Year 12 retreat, Year 12 formal and the athletics carnival. All the best for life in Sassari, Sardinia after exchange Cami.

Matthew Parker was selected to participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program, which took place in Rockhampton in March. This is an initiative of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. To be part of this program, dedicated students who are of a high enough standard on their instrument and are in the middle school are nominated by their teachers to go through a selection process to gain a place in the program. Matthew was chosen from a large pool of students to represent Shalom at this event.

Mr Chris Roelofs
Walsh House Coordinator

Chris_Roelofs@shalomcollege.com

P & F Monthly Meeting Notes

On May 8, at our monthly meeting, the committee was pleased to support the College with a number of new purchases. We are proud to announce that the new Data Projector, has now been installed in the Sports Centre.

We are also delighted to assist the YCS Group to implement their new project to design and sell disposable, environmentally friendly bags, to replace the plastic bags which are being banned later this year. This is an excellent project, that will not only assist the environment, but ongoing projects for this group. Further, we are proud to assist the MakerSpace project to purchase three new 3D printers to use in their projects and other curriculum areas. Lastly, we will assist with a new marketing campaign for the Shalom Markets.

A quick reminder for all parents old and new. As a parent/guardian of Shalom College, you are automatically a member of the P & F Committee. Please feel free to come along to any of our meetings. Details of the next meeting are below.

For further information, see the full meeting minutes on the P & F web page on the College website. Please forward any comments to the Secretary via email at pandf@shalomcollege.com. If you have an agenda item please address it to the P & F Secretary either at the school office or by e-mail pandf@shalomcollege.com.

To all P & F members, you are reminded that our monthly meeting is held in the staff common-room – all parents/guardians are welcome. Please note the next P & F meeting will be held on Tuesday June 5, which will begin at 5:30pm.

Mrs Emma Jansen
P & F Secretary

pandf@shalomcollege.com

Catholic Education Indigenous Leadership Camp 2018

Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students recently attended the annual Catholic Education Indigenous Leadership camp in Yeppoon. Bonnie Niven and Grace Black accompanied by Miss Isabella Bundesen enjoyed their 3 days away. The camp’s objective is to increase retention and build on the student’ achievements through exploration of cultural identity, spirituality, personal potential, resilience and leadership from an Indigenous perspective.

Students enjoyed exploring their cultural identity and meeting new and old friends during their time in Yeppoon and encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to take up this opportunity to attend next year’s camp.

Mrs Kelli Cory
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Kelli_Cory@shalomcollege.com

National Youth Science Forum

In January this year, I was lucky enough to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. As part of the Forum, I spent two weeks on campus at the Australian National University, where I met leading scientists, industry leaders and university lecturers. I also visited state of the art facilities in and around Canberra, including numerous research labs. I also made lasting friendships with other people who were passionate about science. It was a life changing two weeks, and I would recommend it to any year 11 students interested in science. For more information on applying go to the link below:

Zane Haster
Year 12 Student

Design it Clean…How can we change Ideas and Habits?

Year 7 CSB students visited Kalkie Water Treatment Plant to ‘hook’ us into our journey of discovery with our ‘Design it Clean’ team campaign. Our expert from Bundaberg Regional Council, John, engaged the students with information and a tour of the process of how our water is treated and supplied to the coastal areas east of the City of Bundaberg. Students discovered that the townships supplied included Port Bundaberg, Burnett Heads, Bargara, Innes Park, Coral Cove, Elliott Heads and Riverview. This entry event has provided a ‘stepping stone’ to our team project ‘How can we effectively persuade the public to change ideas and habits to keep our water clean.’

Did you know:

• The main treatment plant can treat a maximum of 17.28 megalitres per day;
• There is 55 megalitres of raw water stored in two off stream storage ponds;
• The average amount of water treated per day is approximately 5.7 megalitres;
• The average amount of water treated per year is approximately 2075 megalitres;
• In 2010 there were approximately 6784 connections supplied from Kalkie Water Treatment Plant.

Students have begun their research and inquiry on local water issues, and are enthusiastic to look beyond our local community to raise global awareness on how to keep our water clean.

Mrs Karen Lyons
Year 7 CSB Teacher
karen_lyons@shalomcollege.com

Middle School Matters: History comes alive!

This term Year 9 Humanities students are studying the First World War and particularly they are considering the experiences of ordinary Australians during this conflict. On Friday May 4, to enhance their studies, students viewed an abbreviated performance of Black Diggers, a play which explores the experiences of Indigenous Australians who served in the war. This performance considered the conditions and experiences of Indigenous peoples before, during and after the conflict and challenged students to consider why these men would enlist to serve a country that did not recognise them as people or citizens at the time. The contrast between the mateship experienced by men in the armed forces and their poor treatment when returning home was highlighted.

Two performers from Eagles Nest Theatre Company presented the play, which was supported to tour regional Queensland by Youth Touring and the Queensland Music Festival. They were impressed by the engagement and enthusiasm of Year 9 students for historical-based drama. To follow up this performance, students are now working to produce a script and performance of their own which examines personal experiences in the First World War. To do this they will research their chosen topic to collect historical evidence which can form the basis of their interpretation. As we saw in the Black Diggers performance, all good historical drama and performance is based firstly upon accurate and detailed research.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students for showing excellent performance manners during the show! If your son or daughter is in Year 9, look out for their research work at home over coming weeks.

Mrs Patricia Allen
Learning Area Coordinator CSB & Humanities
Patricia_Allen@shalomcollege.com

LOTE – Japanese

This year again we look forward to an opportunity for cultural and linguistic exchange, when we are visited by students from Sakado High School in Saitama at the end of July. It was a group of students from Sakado, whose company many of us enjoyed last year, and whose families will host some of our students when we visit in the future.

The students will be in Bundaberg for a period of one week during early Term 3, so we are seeking host families for the students for that period. They will be arriving approximately July 23 and leave August 4. You do not need to be a student of Japanese to host.

If you are interested in hosting one of the Japanese students, please email Mrs Wilson and collect a form as soon as possible. Return form by Wednesday May 16.

An information evening will be held prior to their arrival. However, if you have any questions in regards to hosting, don’t hesitate to contact me.

With thanks in anticipation of your interest.

Mrs Simone Wilson
Learning Area Coordinator LOTE
Simone_Wilson@shalomcollege.com

Where are they now? Shalom Edition

Name: Kara Baldwin
Graduating year: 2008
Subjects studied: Legal Studies, Hospitality, Business, IT, Ancient History plus Core Subjects
Current role: Beverage Manager at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Gold Coast

What qualifications and work experience have you gained since graduating high school?

• Bachelor Degree from University of Queensland - International Hotel and Tourism Management, double major in Hotels and Events. St Lucia, graduated 2012

• Completed a 6 month college program at Disney World, Orlando. Worked, studied and lived on site. Worked at the ESPN Club at the Broadwalk Resort and completed a marketing course at Disney University, 2012
• Wine Evaluation issued by South QLD Institute of TAFE, Stanthorpe, 2011
• Harvard Business certificate in Leadership and Management, Orlando, USA, 2012
• Selected as a Marriott ‘Voyager’ in 2013 for Food and Beveridge discipline (one of only two places in the country), (24 month management trainee program) in January 2013

• Worked in several 5 star hotels in Australia, including Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast. Progressed from a Food and Beverage Attendant to Captain to Supervisor overseeing all Food and Beveridge operations in Melbourne Marriott. Transferred to Surfers Paradise in January 2014. Promoted to Assistant Restaurant Manager December 2014, again promoted to Beverage Manager in March 2017 overseeing all beverage operations at the resort.
• Completed various task force projects, helping other hotels during pre-opening, or lending a hand/expertise where necessary
• Nominated for Queensland Hotel Association Food and Beverage Employee of the Year Award, Surfers Paradise, August 2016
• Received annual General Manager’s Award of Excellence, 2015
• Completed Executive Presentation Skills course, Brisbane, 2015
• Nominated for Manager of the Quarter (1st quarter), 2015
• Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate, QLD
• Responsible Manager of a Licensed Venue certificate, QLD
• Global Discipline award winner, Beverage Professional of the year 2017, for Service Award for Bar and Restaurant Excellence awards (SABRE)

What has been the most rewarding, challenging or interesting experience in your study or work so far?

Rewarding – organising charity events, most recently a High Tea day for the Make a Wish Foundation. Helping associates develop and further their careers, being able to mentor and provide advice and guidance and watching them grow.

Challenging – trying to offer a unique product/experience in such a competitive and rapidly changing market.

Interesting – being able to meet interesting people from all over the world.

How did your senior studies contribute or impact on your tertiary study and/or career choices?

It was beneficial going into tertiary education already knowing the basics about business law, business principles and hospitality practices, which is what I studied (and most enjoyed) during my senior studies. Studying hospitality at Shalom also introduced me to the world of hotels. I completed a couple of work experience programs during my senior years, at Hilton, SeaWorld Nara and Versace – this is probably what led me into a career in hotels.

Can you identify one invaluable thing that you learned at Shalom?

The importance of goal setting and timelines, and how they can set you up for success

What advice can you offer to current students interested in your field?

Take advantage of opportunities that come your way, always keep learning and improving yourself! The industry is constantly changing and you need to stay ahead of it. Know every role in your hotel, know every job of your operation. When you are in university studying a management degree, don’t assume that when you graduate you will go straight into a management position (it is a very common ‘assumption’ by graduates), there is still a great deal to learn. Always take advantage of work experience that comes your way, industry networking events, make connections and have fun!

Where are they now? Is a semi-regular feature where we hope to profile many ex-students to learn more about their successes and achievements post-Shalom. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in being featured in Where are they now? Please email Mrs Georgia Halpin at Georgia_Halpin@shalomcollege.com

Mrs Georgia Halpin
Community Relations Officer
Georgia_Halpin@shalomcollege.com

Instrumental Music

Bundaberg Eisteddfod

Ella Marschke who was successful in many solo sections including singer/songwriter in the Contemporary sections.

Several students have competed very successfully in the music sections of the Eisteddfod held last week at the Playhouse Theatre. They include instrumental and vocal students playing and singing their way through set and own choice sections of traditional, music theatre and contemporary music. The photos in this edition of the newsletter show some of the winning vocal students with their certificates.

Diocesan Music Camp

Emails were sent out during Week 1 with all the information regarding this annual music camp during week 11 this term. If you have any queries or you did not receive the email (please check to see if it went to junk/spam), please contact Mrs Edgar.

Performance Uniform Vests

Orders for these are now available for pick-up and payment at the uniform shop. Mrs Stevenson would like them to be picked up and paid at your earliest convenience. Cost will be $60.

Winter Concert

A reminder that our next concert is scheduled for May 29 starting at 7:00pm in the theatre. All groups will be performing.

State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Brisbane

Nominations are now being accepted for this annual event scheduled for October 4-7 2018. If you would like us to nominate your child/ren for the instrumental or choral program, please contact me as soon as possible. Minimum level of ability for instrumental is grade 4 AMEB and voice students must have and AMEB level or choral experience. Cost of the program is $280 and accommodation and travel is organised privately, not by the school.

Roll marking

A reminder to email Mrs McAtee Lynelle_McAtee@shalomcollege.com by 7:45am if your child/ren are not able to attend a rehearsal.

Singing/Theory Vacancies

There are a couple of vacancies for singing and/or theory students, which will be available from Week 5. Please let me know if your child/ren would like to take advantage of these lessons from a qualified singing teacher.

Mrs Robyn Edgar
Instrumental Music Coordinator
edgarr@shalomcollege.com

Musical

Annie The Musical tickets will be available from Wednesday May 16 from 8:00am at the front office. The cost of the tickets are Adults $18.00, Concession and Students $15.00.

Show times are as below –

Please book early as our last show was fully booked out.

Mrs Lynelle McAtee
Performing Arts Assistant
Lynelle_Mcatee@shalomcollege.com

Sport

Football

The U12 Wide Bay football (soccer) trials, were held in Hervey Bay recently. Shalom had two students representing Bundaberg, Jayden D’Addario and Weston Giovannoni (both Year 7). The Bundaberg team played exceptionally well and were undefeated for the carnival. Weston was selected for the Wide Bay team and will now compete in the upcoming State carnival.

10-12 Years School Rugby League

The Under 12 Bundaberg Boys are still undefeated with the following results:

46 - 0 v Gympie
32 - 0 v Hervey Bay
28 - 0 v South Burnett

There are eight Bundaberg Boys in the Wide Bay Team with six of them from Shalom.

Thomas Morcom (4)
Zack O’Mara (6)
Dawson Hess (7)
Ethan Norman (9)
Jack Schmidt (10)
Sebastian Brennan (17)

Wide Bay Netball Trials

Two Year 7 Shalom Students, Lauren Richter and Ella Johnson, attended the 12 years Wide Bay Netball trials in Hervey bay last week. Their team was undefeated over the two days of play. They both played brilliantly and had a great time. Lauren successfully made the Wide Bay team that will go on to play at the Gold Coast later this term.

Well done girls!

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
Simon_Gills@shalomcollege.com

2018 Bargara Triathlon

Congratulations to Shalom team of Connor Simms (swimmer), Brody Allison (cyclist) and Michael Doyle (runner) who did brilliantly to finish second overall against many much older competitors in the Teams Event in the 2018 Bargara Triathlon on Sunday May 6. Connor was the fastest swimmer overall from all the individual and team competitors in the Olympic Distance Event, completing the 1500m swim in a sizzling 19min33sec, while Brody clocked an also impressive 1:14.28 for the 40km ride, and Michael was the fourth fastest runner in the event in his first ever 10km race run, stopping the clock at 37:47. Their combined time (including transitions) of 2:12.59 saw them finish 4min51sec behind a Hervey Bay team, making them the first placed local trio. It was the second year in a row that Connor had been the fastest swimmer overall at the event. Shalom staff team of Mr John Davis (swimmer), Mr Neil Feather (cyclist) and Mr Vince Habermann (runner) also did well to place 13th overall in a combined time of 2:41.18, with Mr Feather the third fastest team cyclist with his 1:11.08.

Mr Vince Habermann
Finance Assistant
Vince_Habermann@shalomcollege.com

College News

MakerSpace

Every Thursday this term the MAKERSPACE room is running a session on CODEBUG.

CodeBug is a cute, programmable and wearable device designed to introduce simple programming and electronic concepts to anyone, at any age. CodeBug can display graphics and text, has touch sensitive inputs and you can power it with a watch battery.

Where: MakerSpace room, which is located in Goondeel Resource Centre
When: Thursday at 11:35am.

If you have a laptop, please bring it. If not we have some you can use.

All year levels welcome.

MakerSpace Staff
MakerSpace Room
Goondeel Resource Centre

William Lynch and his friends in the MakerSpace room working with CodeBug

Mrs Kim Toll
Beerarlem Library
Kim_Toll@shalomcollege.com

Rice House Trivia Night

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

BRC Mayoral School Chaplaincy Breakfast

Triple P Parenting

The State Government is funding free access to Triple P, which is the world’s most evidence-based parenting program and has helped more than four million children and their parents around the world develop closer, more positive relationships.

Please click on this link, which will take you to the website where you can access information relevant to your situation.

This link will remain in our Newsletter with Triple P sending us regular updates and helpful tips.