27 August 2018

Principal’s Reflection

At Mass on Sunday and over the last couple of weeks, the Gospel has been about Jesus speaking to the Disciples about Eucharist. This is a teaching that differentiates Catholics from all other major religions – and it is sometimes very hard to explain. Fr Richard Leonard does as good a job as any in his book, “Preaching to the Converted” –

In the early 1970’s there was an edition of Reader’s Digest that told how a jet crashed in the Andes Mountains. It was a good case study in moral reasoning. The issue was that some of the survivors of that crash resorted to cannibalism to survive. The question the author posed was, “Is it ever ethical to eat another human being?” Whatever the extreme and specific ethical arguments for cannibalism might be, the thought of eating another person is repulsive to most of us. Yet many people outside Catholicism often think that we are Christian cannibals, feasting on Jesus’ flesh and blood.

The best traditions in the church have always been very careful in the language they use about how Jesus is present in the Eucharist. We are not cannibals. We are not eating Jesus’ liver, brain and bones.

In the catechism when it speaks of the Eucharistic real presence, it never refers to “Jesus” but always to “Christ”. The distinction matters. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Easter. It is the glorified, Risen Christ who is wholly and truly present under the form of bread and wine at the Eucharist.

Popular piety and legends that speak too explicitly about the physicality of the Eucharist have not helped us have sensible thinking. As a Catholic I believe that Christ, raised by God from the dead, is truly and personally present to me in the Eucharist. “How” is a question that misses the point of the gift.

The church has always linked what we do away from the Eucharist with what we celebrate at it. This doesn’t mean that all of us can rush out and feed the world’s poor. It does mean that most of us can assist other groups or people who do precisely that. And it does mean that when we think about who we will vote for as political leaders, we ask about their platform in relation to those in our country and world who are suffering the most.

Sometimes we can think of the Eucharist as a magical act. Jesus counters such a notion in today’s Gospel when he tells us that he gives us himself ‘for the life of the world.’ The Eucharist does not turn us into cannibals; it’s meant to make us radicals, radically committed to all God’s people everywhere.

Pope Francis on Child Protection – Pope Francis wrote a very strong letter about the failure of the Church to protect children and how poorly the Church responded to this crisis. He has promised, ‘never again’. It is a great letter.

Shalom Day will be celebrated on Thursday. This is a great day on our calendar each year. All parents and particularly grandparents are invited and encouraged to attend. The Liturgy and morning tea for grandparents is a central feature. Please come along.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Curriculum

For students currently in Years 8, 9 and 10 and their parents/guardians

Many parents and students attended the subject information sessions on August 21, relating to elective choices for Year 9 2019 and Year 10 2019.

Students were asked to download the Middle School Subject Selection Booklet 2019 (MSSSB) from Student Café. Parents are able to access the MSSSB via Parent Lounge, choosing the Year 8 into 9 and Year 9 into 10 Subject Selection Information tab on the left of the screen.

The MSSSB contains information about Year 9 and Year 10 courses, which may be useful when planning a pathway through the two years.

Anyone seeking information about Year 11/12 courses, to help in selection of subjects for Year 10 2019, can access the Shalom Senior Subject Selection Guide 2019 (SSSSG) via Parent Lounge using the Year 10 Personal Futures tab.

Both the MSSSB and the SSSSG are available via the College website. However, parents are encouraged to use Parent Lounge as the tabs lead to further, useful, information.

Deadlines for subject selection sheets (preferably sheets generated through online selection):

For students currently in Year 12 and their parents/guardians

Year 12 students who are OP-eligible, and those who are OP-ineligible but have decided to complete the QCS Test, will sit the four sub-tests across two days in September.

On September 4, students will sit Paper 1 (Writing Task) and Paper 2 (Multiple Choice I).

On September 5, students will sit Paper 3 (Short-Response Items) and Paper 4 (Multiple Choice II).

Students have been given clear instructions regarding essential equipment and permitted equipment for each sub-test.

Students who completed a Memorandum of Understanding indicating that they would not sit the test collected signatures verifying that they would attend alternate vocational learning or work experience activities on the days of the test.

A schedule for the QCS Test days is available here:

During Period 4 on Monday September 3, Year 12 students will attend a briefing and afterwards will be released early from school.

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

Administration

Year 11 and 12 End of Term 3 Examinations

End of Term 3 Examinations are scheduled for Year 11 and 12 students from Monday 10 to Friday 14 September. The examination timetable will be posted on the College Intranet (‘Assessment & Reporting’ tab), the College Website (Curriculum/Senior School/Forms & Publications) and Daily Notices (available to students via Student Café) shortly.

While most students will have only a few examinations during the examination block which will give them some time in between to prepare, rest and study, others may have up to six examinations during the examination block and even two examinations in the one day. This can contribute to stress levels of all concerned, but the challenges can be managed through planning, prioritising and communication. In particular, students are encouraged to:

• adopt a systematic approach to the use of the examination timetable and the Record Book where the Annual Planner, Homework/Study Plan and daily Homework entries sections are effectively used to establish a study plan to manage time and prepare emotionally, physically and mentally for examinations (a student responsibility – supported and monitored by parents and teachers);
• make realistic choices about priorities and expectations that balance family, homework/study, extra-curricular school activities/responsibilities, sports and cultural activities, paid employment and personal/social interests (again, a student responsibility – supported and monitored by parents and teachers); and
• maintain contact with teachers, especially if things appear to be going wrong or if something unexpected happens that interrupts study plans or affects attendance at examinations (this is what ‘special provision’ is for).

Important - School Calendar Modification

Please note an important change to the school calendar - September 7 appears as a Day IX on the calendar, which has been changed to a Day VIII to allow extra class time for some Year 12 classes in the week before their exam block.

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

2017 Student Magazines

The 2017 College Magazines have arrived and been distributed to all students. 2017 Year 12 students are invited to call into the College Office to collect their copy. However, those who have a sibling currently attending the College should have already received theirs. Any queries please phone the main office on 4155 8111 during office hours, 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. For anyone else who would like a copy (or an extra copy) of the Magazine please contact Mrs Halpin on the below details.

Mrs Georgia Halpin
Community Relations Officer
Georgia_Halpin@shalomcollege.com

Mission

Shalom Day 2018

Shalom Day is this Thursday August 30. Have you asked your grandparents to come along? Please remember to invite them along to our Shalom Day Liturgy commencing at 9:00am, followed by morning tea. Grandparents are more than welcome to stay for ‘Shalom’s Got Talent’.

Shalom Day is also a free dress day with a gold coin donation going to a charity chosen by your House – many are choosing to support our farmers this year. Appropriate dress please – no short shorts, crop tops, singlet tops and closed in shoes need to be worn.

Program for Shalom Day

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

Pathways

QTAC Key Dates

For Year 12 students considering university applications please note the QTAC Key Dates and Fees at the following link.

Work Experience

With the upcoming school holidays, it is a great opportunity for students to engage in Work Experience. Attached is the Student Work Experience Booklet, which offers great advice on how to approach a prospective employer, what to have organised, what to say and what to wear. The booklet also includes the Work Experience Agreement (which acts as the insurance document), which needs to be fully completed and signed by all parties and returned to the Pathways Office before commencement. The Host Employer Work Experience booklet is also attached which provides valuable information for the employer. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate contacting the Pathways team.

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

Quiet Achiever

To identify and explain all the reasons why Abbe Shoobridge is this week’s “Quiet Achiever” would take far more space than this newsletter allows. In short, she is one of the most mature, thoughtful, selfless, helpful and kind-hearted students you could meet. Where help is needed, Abbe is there. She does this by volunteering where needed but also by simply seeing a need and filling it, without being asked. She shows wonderful initiative and wisdom beyond her years. Her approach to all aspects of College life is exemplary. Abbe’s genuine, positive spirit is so appreciated by her friends, Rice and Shalom students, staff and all who meet her.

Miss Claire Stallard
Rice House Co-ordinator
Claire_Stallard@shalomcollege.com

Literacy Planet

Shalom recently purchased a 6 month trial subscription to Literacy Planet for all our Year 7 students. Literacy Planet is an online program designed to improve the literacy skills of students. The literacy activities are assigned by teachers and differentiated for the individual student. The students undertake assigned activities at home or in class, which link to the curriculum in the areas of grammar and punctuation, spelling, comprehension and writing.

The students have been most excited recently playing Word Mania (which is run by Literacy Planet) and is based on a digital word building exercise that challenges students to think outside the box and create as many words as they can in three minutes from fifteen randomly generated letter tiles. Not only is it a fun activity for students to participate in, but it also helps develop important literacy skills including phonics, word families, rhyming and root words, affixes, spelling, vocabulary, word recognition, word knowledge and most importantly assists with reading fluency.

Shalom students performed very well, achieving top rankings on the leaderboard, earning them a place in the grand national final where they placed 27.

Well done to the Year Seven students!

Mrs Megan Munckton
Middle School Coordinator
Megan_Munckton@shalomcollege.com

National Youth Science Forum

Samuel Freeman has been selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum, a 12-day residential program designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields. He will attend the forum in Canberra in January after successfully completing a selection process in Hervey Bay a number of weeks ago, a process that was staged over about 4 hours. During this process Samuel appeared before a panel where he answered a number of questions (about 10-15 minutes); he then appeared before a different panel to present a five minute speech about harnessing hydro sources for power storage as an alternative to battery storage. This was followed by a workshop with other students in the region.

As one of the successful applicants, Samuel has been invited to Government House in October with other Queensland students. We have been advised us that Samuel was placed at the top of the student rankings in the region and that his ranking compared very favourably with other students in different regions of Australia. We look forward to hearing from Samuel once he returns from this adventure.

Mrs Viv Hillocks
Learning Area Coordinator Science
Viv_Hillocks@shalomcolleg.com

Year 12 Construction

Last week a group of Year 12 Certificate 1 in Construction class members who have been working well throughout the year were rewarded by going to Chaverim. To improve facilities at Chaverim students were set a task to complete a ‘real life’ project of installing some seating along the dining room wall. A number of competencies were achieved while onsite.

Task covered within the competencies for the course;

• On site measuring and setting out the position of each bracket
• Drill holes in the concrete
• Attach brackets in the wall and ground slab
• Possibly cut spacers for the bolts going into the back wall
• Mark out the location for the timber seating rails
• Clamp in place and drill pilot holes
• Trim timber to the correct length before attaching
• Secure timber in place with screws from underneath
• Plane a chamfer on the ends of each board
• Apply a finish of decking paint on the seating, let dry and then re-coat

Another great project completed by students to further develop skills in readiness for the workforce. Thanks to Mr Houghton for suggesting the project and to past student, Jonathan Evans for making the brackets as part of his Technology Studies project when at Shalom, Mr Silcox for his assistance and to the students who have worked well in class and on this project.

Connor Browne, Callum Patroney, Ryan Barber, Jye deGit, Michael Trotter, Kiah Everingham

Mr Chris Roelofs
Walsh House Coordinator
Chris_Roelofs@shalomcollege.com

P & F Monthly

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 September 4 2018 and will begin at 5:30pm.

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

Instrumental Music

Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival 2018

Another wonderful weekend for the 84 students who participated in the festival this year at Villanova College in Brisbane. These students, made up of all Senior groups were awarded the following: Gold - Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Vocals. Silver - Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert Band and Senior Jazz Band. Congratulations to all and a big thank you to all tutors. A big thank you also to bus drives Mr McMahon and Mr Sheehan and Mrs McAtee and Mrs Bishop who helped with supervision. Benjamin Fuller was awarded an Award of Excellence for his guitar playing with the Jazz Vocals Ensemble.

While in Brisbane, the students were given the opportunity to attend other music events and these included the Jazz Club and Queensland Youth Symphony. At the Jazz Club the 34 students who attended were totally amazed at the professional level of playing at the Brisbane Jazz Club and at the QYS, 64 students attended and didn’t move a muscle during the entire 90-minute performance. There they saw young people not much older than themselves, play some of the most difficult music imaginable particularly the Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky. They were mesmerised with the involvement of the musicians in their music particularly the 16 year old female leader of the orchestra and the violin soloist in the Brahms double concerto. Many also knew that John Rotar (Mrs Connolly’s son) was a member of the brass section of the orchestra. A very successful weekend overall.

What’s next?

Shalom Day is this week and the music department is very much involved in the day. Singers from the vocal ensembles will combine for the opening Liturgy and the Senior Jazz Band will once again, entertain everyone during morning tea. Following this, we will prepare for the String Concert (October 20 2018), Get Smart Concert (October 24 2018), Piano and Vocal (maybe) concert (October 24 2018) Awards Night (November 4 2018), ending the year with the Year 12 Farewell Concert (November 5 2018). I will be looking for donations of raffle items and food for afternoon tea for the final event.

Middle School vocal ensemble

Due to a lack of numbers, I have closed this ensemble for the year, and where possible, have merged the singers into the Tuesday group. We will be singing at Shalom Day and Awards Night. I may try forming this group again in the New Year.

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.

Mrs Robyn Edgar
Instrumental Music Coordinator
edgarr@shalomcollege.com

Taking Care of Business

R U OK?

Certificate III – Business students have commenced their awareness and fundraising campaign for the R U OK? foundation. This kicked off with the lunchtime sale of delicious homemade cookies each packaged with individual motivational messages. They proved to be very popular with the students, selling out within 20 minutes. This event has raised $230, a fantastic effort by all. Thank you Shalom for your support!

Tuesday August 28 will see the class conduct their second awareness and fundraising event, the R U OK? sausage sizzle. So remember to call into the Markets BBQ area during lunch on Tuesday to grab yourself one.

As part of our classroom learning, students examine the The R U OK? foundation as an business organisation. It is important to remember goals are vital to success whether they be personal or organisational. The R U OK? foundation has the following organisational goals to:

• Boost our confidence to meaningfully connect and ask about life's ups and downs
• Nurture our sense of responsibility to regularly connect and support others
• Strengthen our sense of belonging because we know people are there for us
• Be relevant, strong and dynamic

So please remember your conversation could change a life.

Mrs Gail Norris
Learning Area Coordinator Business
Gail_Norris@shalomcollege.com

Options Day

We will be taking a group of students to the 2018 Options Day on Thursday September 13 at the Bundaberg Multiplex Convention Centre. Options Day is celebrating its seventh year and is one of Bundaberg Region’s most exciting annual events for people with all abilities.

Click on the link below for full details.

We will run a Shalom Bus at no charge that will travel to the Multiplex Centre between 11:45am -1:30pm.

It should be noted that this excursion is during the Exam Block and exams take priority over this excursion.

Please complete the permission slip attached and return either by email to Keryn_Staley@shalomcollege.com or to Student Services by September 7, 2018.

Mrs Keryn Staley
Learning Enhancement Unit Coordinator
Keryn_Staley@shalomcollege.com

Sport

Change of date

Wide Bay Surf Life Saving Carnival

The Wide Bay Surf Life Saving Carnival is listed on the College Calendar and in Diaries as Friday September 21.

This date has been changed to THURSDAY September 20.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
Simon_Gills@shalomcollege.com

Table Tennis Success

Shalom College recently had two teams compete in the Queensland Schools Table Tennis Finals in Brisbane – both taking home gold medals!

Congratulations to Samuel Freeman and Brendan Connolly for taking out the Open Male Division and Meg Freeman and Tayla Scott for winning the Junior Girls Division.

Mr David Magner
Table Tennis Coordinator
magnerd@shalomcollege.com

Shalom 2019

In the June-July holidays next year Shalom College is hosting the Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) and Queensland Independent Secondary School Rugby League (QISSRL) Carnivals. We are expecting an extra 4,000-5,000 visitors to the Bundaberg region from Sunday June 30 to Friday July 5, 2019 for this event. The Carnival will be held at three venues; Shalom College, Multiplex Centre and The Waves Sports Club. There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available, Shalom is also seeking food vendors to help make the event a success.

If you or someone you know might be interested in supporting this event please check out the Shalom2019.com website and click on the sponsorship tab.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mrs Georgia Halpin
Community Relations Officer
Georgia_Halpin@shalomcollege.com

Week Four Netball Results

Netball Reminders

• It is the player’s responsibility to make every effort to inform their coach that they are unable to play so that replacements can be found. Sadly, this year there has consistently been teams who only have 4 or 5 players come to Wednesday netball, this means that teams have to forfeit or aren’t at full strength and often lose games, which will affect the possibility of them reaching finals. Players were asked to make a commitment to Winter Netball when they signed up last term and sadly this is not happening. All of our coaches and volunteers give up their time to ensure that Shalom can field 16 teams, the largest representation of a school in Bundaberg District Netball, so that Shalom students can represent their school. Please ensure your daughter is attending her games or providing her coach with plenty of notice that she can’t attend. Players must play at least 3 games this season in order to attend Winter Finals day.
• All players are required to pay $2.50 for the season. This needs to be paid to their coach.
• Players cannot play with any jewellery. Players are not permitted to tape any piercings, they will not be able to take the court.

Mrs Nikki Somerfield
Netball Convenor
Nikki_Somerfield@shalomcollege.com

Sporting Results

Netball Year 7 comp

Shalom Red 50 vs Shalom White 0

The girls displayed excellent determination when they went out on court each quarter. When the ball was down the defensive end they worked hard bringing it down the court fast and precisely. The intercepts made were well timed and the shots put up by the girls were accurate. Another great game!!

MVP for the game: Lani Plath

Rhys Crook
Netball Coach

Netball Year 10

Shalom Black V Isis State High School

The Shalom Year 10 Black team suffered an unfortunate loss against Isis State High School however, the girls fought valiantly, never wavering and keeping the spirit of the game alive. Sofie Bonanno was the star player for the team, keeping spirits high and shooting to the best of her abilities. It was clear to see that she exceeded everyone’s expectations, shooting goal after goal despite being out of her comfort zone. At the end of the game, the score didn’t matter as we were having a laugh and having fun, keeping up the Shalom spirit. Good job girls, we couldn’t have asked for a better game.

Madison Bishop
Netball Coach

Netball Year 9 Cup

Shalom Black 24 V Shalom Blue 8

Both teams had a lot of fun! We are grateful to the year 8s who filled in and helped boost the score. Our new player, Thea McDonald, was a huge asset.

MVP for the game: Claudia Thomson

Mrs Jo-Ann Thomson
Netball Coach

Soccer Year 9/10 Boys

Shalom 2 V Bundaberg State High School 0

Shalom is continuing to improve as the season progresses with our best performance of the season to date. The midfield provided some good direction and opportunities for our forward line of Ethan Cox and Adam Fuller who looked dangerous. Solid defence by Tim Leis and Cody Lane at the back kept the opportunities for Bundaberg State High School to a minimum. The difference between the sides came from goals to Seth Day and Bailey Kruger who ignored an injury to play.

MVP’S for the game: Seth Day, Michael Doyle

Adam Knott
Soccer Coach
Adam_Knott@shalomcollege.com

College News

Sustainability Challenge

Shalom students and families, each of us has the ability to do our bit for the environment. Together we can have a profound effect. We’ve eliminated straws from the tuck shop and YCS has introduced tote bags. Each week we’d like to challenge you to make a change and make a difference. This week we’re asking you to kiss the plastic sandwich bag goodbye and bring your lunches in reusable containers. Thanks!

Briege Taske and Rory Delaney
College Captains

Tuckshop News

The Tuckshop will be selling Pizza’s and Sausage Rolls on Shalom Day for lunch at 11:50 am.

Mrs Ann Guy
Tuckshop Convernor
Ann_Guy@shalomcollege.com

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Markets Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Drought Angels

Help support Drought Angels support our farmers. Click here for further information.

A large tub for donations is in the main College Reception area.

Harvest Rain – Unmissable Holiday Workshop

Click here for details:

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.