18 June 2018

Principal’s Reflection

In the news this week was the South Australian Government’s decision to enact laws that are aimed to compel priests to report any acts of child abuse revealed to them in the confessional. This was one of the very many recommendations made by the recent Royal Commission into Sexual Abuse within institutions. This was always going to be a very problematic one for the Catholic Church – for a number of reasons. Not least among these is the, now, very low rate of the use of the confessional by Catholics. This might also be seen as a case of ‘bolting the door after the horse has bolted’. Everyone who has a pulse is aware that the Catholic Church, among many institutions in this country, has, historically profoundly failed in its duty of care for the young. The revelations to the Commission were appalling and unforgiveable. Happily, the Commission also recognized the very significant steps taken by the Church and schools to address the failings of the past. That said, this particular recommendation, in regard to the seal of the confessional, will be a very significant problem for Catholic priests in this country. For centuries, priests everywhere have made a solemn promise never to reveal anything told to them in a confessional. I worry that the discussion and possibly confrontation over the implementation of this recommendation will be an unnecessary distraction from the aim to keep young people always safe.

The Attorney General of South Australia, Ms Vicki Chapman was quoted this week on this issue saying that, “mandatory reporting was so important, including in confession, because abuse usually occurred in secret unless a responsible adult acts…The protection of children the public expect must be superior to any other interest."

I don’t think any reasonable person could disagree with Ms Chapman when she says that ‘the protection of children must be superior to any other interest’. If this is the case, I wonder why jurisdictions will choose to go after the very doubtful benefits of pursuing priests. Why not mandate that lawyers have to reveal details disclosed to them that would put children at risk, or journalists? People in those professions are far more likely to receive information in this area than the average Catholic priest. If we are really serious about this issue, it would seem to make more sense to remove the right to ‘privilege’ to all professions rather than just picking on priests.

‘Annie – The Musical’ – Wow! What a show! Congratulations to all the cast and crew for putting on just a dazzling and professional performance. Every show certainly deserved to be sold out. We are enormously lucky at Shalom to have so many very talented and hard working students. We are more fortunate to have so many staff who are able to channel and harness that enthusiasm. Those staff have given an enormous amount of their own time to ensure the success of an endeavour like this. I hope none of our students or parents or their staff colleagues, take that commitment for granted. Well done all!

College Athletics Carnival will be on this afternoon and tomorrow. This is always a good day for the College and the development of House spirit. Please remember that this is a compulsory day of attendance at Shalom for all students – even if they don’t particularly love Athletics. This is about being a part of a team and making a contribution. Please do not cave in to your child if they would prefer not to come. This is a part of the contract in choosing to a part of this community.

New Carpark will open, all going well, tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. If this carpark is to give us the greatest improvement in traffic flow at the College, it will be important that it is used well. It should be used for pick-up and drop-off by those who will leave the Eggmolesse Street carpark and travel towards Sugarland or Thebeban Street or the Ring Road. It will be a real problem for us if cars leave this new carpark and turn left into Fitzgerald Street. This will really block up the current entrance for those turning into Br Hogan Drive and those exiting.

All Duffy’s buses will collect students from the original carpark. Stewarts, South Bundy and Coast and Country coaches will now collect students, in the afternoons, from the Eggmolesse St carpark.

Farewell Jan and Greg Aplin – these two people will be a huge loss for this community at the end of this term. There are still a few places available for their farewell dinner next Saturday night at Across The Waves commencing at 6:30pm. Tickets ($30) are available from the Finance office.

Family Zone – please remember to log on to this app as per the email you will have received from the College and enrol your child’s device and phone. It’s a great way to have sensible control over the device.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

Year 8 Camp Schedule

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

Old clothes are highly recommended, as on the second day the students undertake raft building – so they will be quite muddy.

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

Mission

Rabbi Visit

In today’s multi-faith society, it is important that we become aware of our own religious beliefs, the beliefs of others, and how people holding such beliefs are able to coexist in a pluralist society. To assist with this, Rabbi Gad, a Jewish Rabbi from Sydney, visited Shalom last week to share with both staff and students his knowledge of the Jewish faith. He spoke to a number of RE classes on a range of topics including the 10 Commandments, Kosher and the Jewish Sacred Texts. After school, staff from Shalom and the other Catholic Schools in Bundaberg were invited to listen to Rabbi Gad discuss how an orthodox Jew approached ethical dilemmas. This was both interesting and challenging.

Mrs Mary Taylor
Acting Assistant Principal – Mission
Mary_Taylor@shalomcollege.com

Curriculum

Information and date-claimer for parents of current Year 10 students

In earlier newsletters, I indicated that there would be changes to Year 11 courses and arrangements from next year. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority has developed a brochure entitled ‘Introducing Queensland’s new senior assessment system; from syllabus to subject result, which explains the changes. You are able to access the brochure via the following link:

Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton prepared a brochure which can be accessed via the link below.

On the evening of Tuesday July 31, I shall run the Senior Subject Selection Information Evening. I shall explain the new arrangements and the implications for students at Shalom.

The Year 10 students will have worked through their Personal Futures day on Friday July 27, to gain an understanding of a variety of pathways; the courses and processes surrounding the new syllabuses; and completion of their Senior Education and Training Plan (SETPlan).

Students will register subject choices online in July.

The information evening is an important part of the careful selection of suitable courses leading to a suitable program of study for each of our Year 10 students.

I urge you to keep the evening free to allow your attendance.

Details of the time and venue are to follow, so please keep reading newsletters.

Ms Katherine Nelson
Assistant Principal – Curriculum
Katherine_Nelson@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

My Future

We hear from many parents whose children may be struggling to identify possible career pathways and we are hoping that the following website may offer some tools to promote career conversations in your family. The My Future website gives the opportunity to explore tertiary and vocational pathways, as well as subject selection tips, and help to identify your child’s interests and skills. There are activities and information suitable for both middle school and senior school students.

Student Accommodation in Brisbane in 2019

Have you thought about University Queensland Colleges for next year? Mr Robinson recently visited St Leo's College and Duchesne College at UQ and they were both very impressive fully inclusive residential colleges.

Visit these websites for more information:

There are 10 Colleges on UQ campus all within walking distance to UQ

Then research the Colleges and see which one best suits you. Submit an application by following the application process and pay the application fee. See the Pathways staff if you require further assistance.

Are you interested in a Paramedic Career?

Bundaberg Ambulance Station is running a Paramedic Immersion event on Saturday July 28 from 9am-11am. Regional Operations Supervisor, Mr Martin Kelly will be on hand to give students an overview of a career with the Queensland Ambulance Service. Places are limited, so please register your interest with the Pathways Office as soon as possible.

Business Acknowledgement

This week, Shalom College would like to recognise and acknowledge G & T Auto Services 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

Year 12 Hogan House exchange student Hsun-Yun Mona Fan has been with us since August, 2017 and a valued member of our Shalom College community. Mona hails from Tainan City in Taiwan – a city of over 1.8 million people! Mona was at a boarding school prior to coming to Australia and had some English language experience but still found our Aussie slang interesting and amusing to begin with!

Whilst in Bundaberg, as sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bundaberg, Sunrise Group; Mona stayed with an Australian host family. Mona’s first impression of Bundaberg was the low-level, single storey houses with lots of space and the abundance of backyard swimming pools – very different to apartment living in Taiwan!

Mona has become involved in many aspects of Shalom school life, most notably the music program. A keen trumpeter, Mona has been involved in both the College Concert Band and Choir under the direction of Mr Belluz, Mr King, Mrs Connolly, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Ivers. She also plays in the Salvation Army band outside of school. Last week Mona played an important part of the College musical orchestra during the performance of Annie after many months of rehearsals.

During her time in Australia, Mona has seen many sights through her safari travel with other Rotary exchange students to the Whitsundays and Cairns, where snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef was a highlight. Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide were also visited and another truly unique outback Australian experience for Mona was riding a camel around Uluru!

Mona has found the staff and students at Shalom very friendly and willing to help her. She has been a valued member of Hogan House where she has been involved in all activities including recently throwing a javelin for the first time! She has been a great buddy to her year 7 Hogan student and also enjoyed the recent senior formal.

Mona was awarded a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and would encourage all young people who are interested in global travel and cultural immersion to apply for an exchange position – she recommends Taiwan as a possible destination.

We farewell Mona next week before the end of term and wish her safe travels home to Taiwan. Thank you for your wonderful contributions to Shalom in such a short space of time Mona, your ever-ready smile brightened many people’s days – we wish you Shalom Chaverim always.

Mrs Maryann Parton
ESL Teacher
Maryann_Parton@shalomcollege.com

I nominate Simon Rathbone as the quiet achiever. Even though he is the Adams House Captain, he always goes above and beyond. He has many great ideas and is always finding ways to motivate students. He is at every Open’s rugby league match and interacts well with younger people around the school. Simon is a perfect example of someone who ‘Pays it Forward.’

Mr Joe O’Driscoll
Adams House Coordinator
Joe_Odriscoll@shalomcollege.com

P & F Monthly Meeting Notes

After School Activities Survey

The College P&F would like feedback from parents on the After School Activities programme that has been operating. As well as parents whose children have used this programme, we would love to hear from parents who might have any suggestions about how the programme might be improved or enhanced. Please click on the link below

The next P & F meeting will be held in the staff common room on Tuesday August 7 2018 beginning at 5:30pm - all parents/guardians are welcome.

Mrs Emma Jansen
P & F Secretary
pandf@shalomcollege.com

Duke of Edinburgh

Seven Duke of Edinburgh participants; Geordan Zunker, Rachel Findlay-Udris, Oliver Collins, Thomas Pascoe, Jasmyn Theuerkauf, Ella McCaig and Ky Woods took part in their bronze level qualifying canoe journey in the Cooloola National Park paddling the Upper Noosa River on June 8-10 2018.

After setting off on Friday afternoon from school to drive to Elanda Point on Lake Cootharaba, the participants experienced camping in the rain, luckily having put up tents before the rain hit. A spectacular rainbow was seen between showers of rain and the sun setting.

The following morning was a beautiful paddle across the lake to Kinaba Information Centre for a short break and then on to Fig Tree Point for a lunch stop. From there it was through the everglades to finally arrive at Harry's Hut and set up camp again. A beautiful evening on the jetty with no moon and seeing the stars reflecting in the still waters looking like gloworms. The following morning was setting off again with fully loaded canoes to experience paddling in reflections, something they had not done before. A quick break was had at campsite 1 before returning to Harry's Hut campsite to complete the final pack and return to Shalom.

The majority of decisions for this journey were made by the students and included mapping, using a compass, navigating and estimating distance and time, as well as identifying emergency exits from the whole route. Students showed a marked improvement in their skill set for camping and cooking, as well as their canoeing skills. This trip was a journey of 18.5 kilometres and it was great to see the students rotating who they paddled with one each leg of the journey and how they all worked well together, and that they also appreciated the nature side of the trip.

Many thanks to Mrs Bishop who paddled and drove there and back, and Ms Amey and Mr and Mrs Luthe who were supervisors at base camp and moved the vehicles and trailers to the second campsite.

This canoe trip finalizes the adventurous journey for all registered in the Dukes program. Many are almost finished their service, skills and physical recreation segments as well and will soon complete the Award. It is hoped that many will continue on to Silver level.

Ms Janet Lindsay
Shalom College Award Leader

Sport

Wide Bay Bulls

Riley Jones, Wil Simmons, Fletcher Ace and Lane Crossley-Price represented the U14 Wide Bay Bulls at the Carnival in Chinchilla last weekend.

It was a weekend of great footy with each boy playing exceptionally well against Falcons, Capras and The Mustangs.

Lane was selected to join the Central Crows team, with Fletcher making 1st shadow player to play at the State titles in Mackay in July.

Qld School Sport Football Championships

Year 12 students Kenneth Thompson and Luke Vincent played at the Qld School Sport Football Championships in Ipswich May 24-27 2018.

Wide Bay 12yrs Boys AFL Team

Congratulations to Thomas Morcom, Sebastyn Brennan, Zack O’Mara, Jayden D’Addario and Weston Giovannoni who were all part of the Wide Bay 12yrs Boys AFL Team that finished 8th at the State Carnival that was held in Brisbane last week. A special mention to Thomas who gained selection in the Qld Country Team due to his great performances over the carnival.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
Simon_Gills@shalomcollege.com

Netball Game of the Year

Junior Vicki Wilson Cup Netball Trials

When: Monday June 25 and Wednesday June 27 from 3:15pm-4:15pm (times to be confirmed)
Where: Sports Centre
Who: Any girls in years 7-9 who are experienced netball players and are available to play on Thursday August 9 and Thursday August 16 2018 during school time.

Senior Vicki Wilson Cup Netball Trials

When: Wednesday July 18 2018 from 3:15pm-4:30pm
Where: Sports Centre
Who: Any girls in Years 10-12 who are experienced netball players and are available to play on Thursday August 9 and Thursday August 16 2018 during school time.

Nominations: Please see Mrs Somerfield in the sports centre or email her on Nikki_Somerfield@shalomcollege.com

If students are selected in the Shalom All Schools Touch team they will be unavailable to participate in the Vicki Wilson State Finals. Therefore, you may not be considered for selection in the team, please discuss this with Mrs Somerfield when nominating.

Mrs Nikki Somerfield
Netball Coordinator
Nikki_Somerfield@shalomcollege.com

College News

New Car Park

The NEW SOUTH CAR PARK will be officially open on Tuesday June 19. The NEW CAR PARK can be used for staff and student parking and for parents for morning/afternoon drop off/pick up.

Can we please ask for those using the car parks to try and use the most appropriate entrance for your circumstances;

EAST CAR PARK / MAIN ENTRANCE– 9 FITZGERALD STREET: Best for parents/students and staff who want to head north when exiting the College – so people wanting to head towards Maynard Street, Branyan Road and Enterprise Street as they leave. Please also use this entrance for any late arrivals (after 8:40am), early pick-ups (before 3pm) and sick bay collections as this is the closest car park to student reception. College visitors (volunteers, guests, trades etc.) please continue to use this entrance as you will need to sign in at the front office.

NEW SOUTH CAR PARK - 21 EGGMOLESSE STREET: Best for parents/students and staff who want to head south or west when exiting the College - so people wanting to head towards Thabeban Road, Kay McDuff Drive, the Ring Road and those wanting to head west onto Eggmolesse Street towards Johanna Boulevard.

The NEW CAR PARK/ BUS AREA will be used in the AFTERNOON for STEWART & SONS, COAST TO COUNTRY and SOUTH BUNDY BUSES.

DROP OFF/ PICK UP: Just a friendly reminder the EAST and SOUTH car parks have the ONLY TWO DESIGNATED areas for drop off/pick up. The Baptist Church is private property, the College tennis court car park and the spare land off Brother Hogan Drive are not designated drop off/pick up areas due to safety concerns.

We appreciate your help in alleviating the morning and afternoon congestion.

Mrs Georgia Halpin
Community Relations Officer
Georgia_Halpin@shalomcollege.com

Sun Safety

During this term, the year 12-Health Education students are focusing on Sun Safety, and its relation to skin cancer. Class activities have led to the implementation of a range of strategies such as posters, emails, videos as well as a sun safety kiosk that will be available for students to use during athletics carnival on Tuesday June 19. These strategies aim to increase all students’ sunscreen application during the athletics carnival.

This is an important issue because Skin Cancer Australia recently announced that approximately 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.

We would appreciate if you would discuss the results of sun damage with your child/children over the week, and encourage their use of the sun safety kiosk on athletics carnival day. NBS News (2018) states that there is a direct link between sun damage as a teen and skin cancer as an adult.

Thank you for your assistance with this important matter.

Year 12 Health Education
Shalom College

Humanities Information History Competitions

Students will be offered a range of History Competitions during the remainder of the year. The following are the details of them, if students want to be involved in any of them.

QHTA Historical Writing Competition

Students in Years 7 to 12 may enter this competition by submitting an essay or a written response of some other appropriate genre (a report, diary entries, newspaper article, play, script etc.) or a multi-modal response (Years 11 and 12 only). The topic may relate to any historical period of a topic studied during the student's Core Studies B or History studies (Year Ten, Modern or Ancient) at school and must be the original work of the student, in that the student has not received more assistance than is usually given during the researching and writing of text submitted for assessment.

All entries are due Monday September 3 2018.

Cost is free and the Humanities Department will organise registration and support for students wishing to enter the competition.

National History Challenge

The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for students. It gives students a chance to be an historian, researching world history, examining Australia’s past, investigating their community and exploring their own roots. It emphasizes and rewards quality research, the use of community resources and effective presentation.

The theme for 2018 is ‘Turning Points’. Students produce entries in one of three formats: an individual research paper, a museum display, or other formats – such as a multi-media format (audio/video/website), a performance, or any other form of creative representation. Except for the individual (one person) research paper, students work alone or in groups of up to four people.

All entries are free

Due Date: Friday, August 24

Open to all students Years 7-12

Simpson Prize

The History Teachers’ Association of Australia (HTAA), together with HTAA State affiliates, conducts this competition for Year 9 and 10 students on behalf of the Australian Government. The focus of the competition is the Australian ANZAC tradition and students are asked to write an essay of 1200 to 1500 words, or prepare an audio-visual presentation of not more than 10 minutes accompanied by a written explanation of up to 400 words, on a given statement every year.

The 2019 Simpson Prize question is: “To what extent could 1918 be considered a year of victory for Australia and its people?” and requires students to respond to the question using a minimum of three of the sources from the 2018 Simpson Prize Australian War Memorial Source Selection at the link below.

Entries close November 9 2018.

Premier’s Anzac Prize 2019

The Premier’s Anzac Prize 2019 encourages young Queenslanders to better understand the Anzac legacy and share their knowledge with others. The Premier’s Anzac Prize 2019 is open to eligible Queensland high school students in Years 8-11 (in 2018) and will provide Queensland high school students the opportunity to experience the Anzac tradition first-hand by travelling to the Western Front. Specific details have not yet been posted of this competition but this is the competition Harry Packwood (Year Ten) entered and was successful in his selection to witness the Anzac Day centenary commemorations at Gallipoli and travel to the Western Front battlefields in France and Belgium, over the last two weeks this April. This multimodal task is due usually in September and more information can be found at:

Contact person for extra details and support with entries

Mrs Debbie Bolam
bolamd@shalomcollege.com

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Tennis Holiday Clinic

A tennis clinic for children, will be conducted at Rotary Park Tennis complex, 69b George Street, South Bundaberg by Bundaberg Tennis Academy Coaches, Mr Murray Whitbread and Mr Kevin Banner.

Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 July 2018

Times:

8:30am – 10am (Junior Beginners 5-12 years)
2:00pm – 4:30pm (High School/Intermediate/Advanced).

To Register and for enquiries, please phone Mr Kevin Banner on 4152 0753 or 0409 520753. Bookings are essential!

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.