3 September 2018

Principal’s Reflection

Happy Fathers’ Day to all our Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles and others. I hope and pray that everyone of our students has a good man in their lives who ‘father’ them in one way or another. It is one of the greatest vocations in the world to be a Dad and, done well, there is no better contribution to the world. Thanks to all of you who do it well, not for popularity but because it makes a difference.

The Termination of Pregnancy Bill is currently before the State Parliament. If passed, this will be a profound change for our State. Our Parish Priest, Fr Peter Tonti, wrote a piece for the Parish Newsletter yesterday that I thought was worth a read –

In the year 2015, twenty-seven (27) babies of five (5) month’s gestation survived, only to be left to die on the birth tables of our Queensland hospitals because the children were unwanted. The number of babies left to die had doubled from the year 2009 and over tripled since the year 2005. The child had no choice. The medical staff were given no choice.

We must ask the questions regarding the support and alternatives available for women when they are confronted with difficult, life changing decisions. It is a tragedy that many women feel forced to accept circumstances that may seem to render them powerless. In a culture that promotes abortion, deciding not to abort can require great courage, especially if the male partner does not support the pregnancy or if he threatens the relationship should she not abort.

Where are the fathers? What does fatherhood mean if not protection and support? Abortion might be much less frequent if men were more respectful of a woman’s capacity for motherhood. The separation of sexual intimacy from reproduction has done great damage to the significance and sacredness of motherhood and fatherhood.

Where are the voices of the family, our churches and leaders in society in the protection of the most vulnerable? Where is the voice of the child? It is estimated that last year over fourteen thousand abortions were performed in Queensland. That is the equivalent of two classrooms of young Queenslanders every working day. Each child created in the image and likeness of our loving God.

We are now being further challenged by the Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018 which, if passed, will allow for sex-selective abortions, significantly reduce the safeguards for the unborn child, prevent the conscientious objections of doctors and their medical staff compelling them to be part of the process and the banning of anyone objecting to the terminations if they are in close vicinity of the abortion clinic.

As a Society we are unprepared for the consequences of our actions. As we devalue motherhood and fatherhood we become more likely to be treated as sex objects. We must reclaim the extraordinary phenomenon in which a real life comes into existence. A phenomenon which forms a unique relationship between child and mother, child and father, child and siblings, mother and father. The status and nature of the mother is changed. The status and nature of the father is changed. The status and nature of the family is changed.

As a Church let our voice be heard. We must reach out to those facing circumstances that may appear to render them helpless and be forthcoming with alternatives and support including those struggling post abortion. Let us pray for wisdom and understanding so our actions will be true, relevant and always in love. Let us respond to the call of that little voice that cries out in each one of us.

This Month on School TV - Parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to this month’s edition

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Curriculum

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:

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

Administration

Year 11 and 12 End of Term 3 Examinations

The Year 11/12 examination timetable is attached below and has been posted on the College Intranet (‘Assessment & Reporting’ tab), the College website (Curriculum/Senior School/Forms and Publications) and Daily Notices (pushed to students via Student Café).

Expectations Throughout Exam Block

Attached below are the expectations for student attendance, uniform, behaviour etc throughout the exam block. Please take the time to read this thoroughly.

Good luck with your exams.

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

Mission

Shalom Day 2018

We had a wonderful Shalom Day on Thursday. Thank you to all the parents and Grandparents who attended our Liturgy and morning tea. During the Liturgy we were reminded that We Are Shalom and that everyone of us is an important part of our community. So many people shared their talents to make this a very special celebration.

During Shalom’s Got Talent we were amazed at how talented so many of our students are. Congratulations to our winner Chelsea Bainisavu, whose amazing performance resulted in a spontaneous standing ovation. Harmonie Green, a brave Year 7 student with a big voice, received the encouragement award.

Our inter-house dance competition had the Sports Centre rocking as all 8 Houses gave it their all. The winner of this much sort after trophy will be announced at our next College Assembly.

Check out more photos on the Shalom College Facebook Page via the link below -

Shalom Parents Night

A Must for All Parents! Tuesday 11 September at 6:30pm in the Shalom Performing Arts Precinct.

Ever wondered how you can easily protect your kids when they are online? Wondered how you can give your child their first phone and make it a win for you and them? Wanted to know exactly how you start the conversation about pornography with your kids?

What age should you talk to your kids about sex?

These concerns and many more will be addressed at the upcoming parents night "Sex, Pornography, Sexting; Conversations with your child that matter" at Shalom College on Tuesday 11th September in the Loyola Centre. 6:30pm start, all parents are welcome.

Year 9 and 10 Reflections Day

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

ACTS Camp reflection

When you are experiencing new things, doing them with your friends or people is often how you do them. If it does not work, you will probably get a funny story from it, but if it does then you will most likely come out of it with a few new friends.

ACTS camp – A Chance To Share - was no exception to this. Year 10’s from across the Rockhampton Diocese were offered the opportunity to attend this amazing camp. We were challenged to look at risk taking, ‘What if we were not afraid?’ stepping out of our comfort zones and what we can achieve from this. During the three-day event, we were faced with numerous tasks that forced us to work together as a group and use these concepts.

Overall, ACTS camp was refreshing. It was a zone that was enforced by the concept of ‘no judgement’ just ‘acceptance’. Although it may seem hard to believe it was amazing to witness and be part of, it was truly eye opening to see how differently you can be treated; to be accepted, loved, for someone to ask questions and hear you as you.

This was an opportunity that I recommend for all Year 10’s to take hold of, do not be afraid to risk it and step out of your comfort zone and sign up, even if it means that you take the experience with no one you know.

Ellie Greer
Year 10 Student

Pathways

2018 Year 12 QTAC Presentation

QTAC specialist staff will conduct an information session at Shalom, designed particularly for Year 12 students and their parents. The presentation will be held at 3:30pm on Monday September 10 in the Performing Arts Theatre. Year 12 students considering a tertiary pathway should make this a priority to attend. Topics will include:

• How to apply through QTAC
• Entry requirements
• Ordering preferences
• Pathways
• Important dates and deadlines
• EAS scheme
• Adjustment factors

Creative School Holiday Workshops

NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) will be holding a range of holiday workshops in Brisbane in the upcoming school holidays. Students from Years 7-12 who are keen to learn more about auditions, screen acting, film production and drama should check out the website for more information and to enrol.

JMC Academy Creative Industries Brisbane are holding a variety of school holiday workshops for students in Years 9-12 covering Film & TV Production, Visual Communication, Creative Music and Game & Animation Character Design and more. Go to the website for more course information and pricing.

QTAC Key Dates

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

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

Quiet Achiever

This week’s quiet achiever is Jack Rowe from McAuley House. Jack is a very apt example of a “quiet achiever” as he never draws attention to himself but continues to move through each day being constantly aware of others and how they are going. On numerous occasions throughout this year, I have noticed Jack supporting and assisting his Year 7 buddy with calming and helpful suggestions. He is always prepared to be a good listener, or a constant guide to his buddy as well as many other students around the school. Jack has shown he is a great role model to the younger students in McAuley House and the college.

Mrs Paula Van Dalen
McAuley House Coordinator
Paul_VanDalen@shalomcollege.com

P & F Monthly

To Whom It May Concern: 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

Options Day 2018

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 reminder

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 2018.

Wide Bay Athletics Carnival

Shalom students selection

Congratulations to Shalom students Piper Murdoch, Amber Meech, Jack Schmidt and Tom Morcom, who have just competed in the Wide Bay 10-12 years Athletics Carnival in Gympie last week. Piper (2nd in the 800m), Jack (2nd in the Discus and 9th in Shot Put) and Tom (1st in 100m and 1st in the Tetrathlon – multi event) all gained Wide Bay selection and Amber (8th in Long Jump) set a new personal best. The State Athletics Carnival will be held in Cairns next Term.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
Simon_Gills@shalomcollege.com

T20 Cricket

T20 Success

Ronan Dempsey was the star in two outstanding team performances as Shalom won the Bundaberg round of the State T20 Cricket Challenge Intermediate Division (Years 7-9) at Kendall’s Flat on Friday 24th August. In our first match, opener Ronan scored 39 in a total of 4-104 against Bundaberg Christian College, before we restricted them to 5-95 with openers Harrison Johnson and David Felstead, spinner Bailey Canino, year 7 all-rounder Nicholas Clarke and paceman Jonty McMahon claiming one wicket each, and Taylor Fitzgerald also bowling very well. Then in the Bundaberg final, we amassed 3-139 against Bundaberg High with Ronan smashing 67 from just 55 balls, fellow opener Jonty also excelling with 16 before being unfortunately run out and captain and No. 3 Will Hamilton scoring an unbeaten 32. Will then snared 2-5 from his two overs as we limited Bundaberg High to 6-93, with Harrison, Jonty and Matthew Parker each also among the wickets and wicket-keeper Jesse Beveridge effecting one run out. Shalom will now progress to the Wide Bay Regional finals of the competition in Maryborough on Wednesday 19th September, where we will also be the Bundaberg representation in the Open Boys division.

Vincent Habermann
Cricket Coach
Vincent_Habermann@shalomcollege.com

Sporting Results

Netball

Division: Year 9
Shalom Black (27) Vs Gin Gin SHS (10)
Most Valuable Player: Chelcie Gardiner

Division: Year 10
Shalom Red (17) Vs Isis SHS (6)
Most Valuable Player: Yasmine Johnson

Jo-Anne Thomson
Netball Coach
Jo-Anne_Thompso@shalomcollege.com

Basketball Score Card

Open Boys
Gin Gin SHS (30) Vs Shalom A (28)
Shalom B Forfeit Vs Bundaberg Christian College

Year 7/8 Boys
Shalom A (40) Vs Kepnock SHS (48)
Shalom B (18) Vs Gin Gin SHS (74)

Mr Steven Cronin
Basketball Coach
Steven_Cronin@shalomcollege.com

Hockey

Round 1:
Shalom Red (0) Vs Kepnock SHS(6)
Most Valuable Player: Liam Dorgan

Round 2:
Shalom 2 (5) Vs Kepnock 2 (0)
Most Valuable Player: Jonty McMahon

Debbie Bolam
Hockey Coach
Debbie_Bolam@shalomcollege.com

Soccer

Division: Year 9/10 Boys
Shalom (1) Vs Gin Gin SHS (0)

MATCH REPORT: A solid performance from the improving Shalom team saw a slim victory on the scoreboard, though this was not a reflection of the dominance Shalom displayed throughout the game. The Shalom players showed excellent sportsmanship when, before the game, the team voted to play with the same number of players as an undermanned opposition – a gracious gesture. Once again, the Shalom midfield led by Tom Martin and Seth Day was impressive and controlled the flow of the game. Adam Fuller and Ethan Cox were busy up front creating a number of chances while once again; the dependable and skillful Jack Brophy quickly extinguished any chances that were created by the opposition. Chris Benny and Aldrin Abraham are showing improvement every week to round off an excellent team performance. With one round to go, Shalom has only lost one game thus far and are well positioned for the finals.

Most Valued Player: Adam Fuller, Tom Martin

Mr Brendan Maher
Soccer Coach
Brendan_Maher@shalomcollege.com

College News

Sustainability Challenge

Good for people. Good for the planet.

Australians are using one billion disposable coffee cups per year. How can we help? Sit and enjoy a coffee at the cafe or get a reusable cup. Shalom, that is your challenge!

Briege Taske and Rory Delaney
College Captains

Shalom Mental Health Week Activities

GET INVOLVED! Shalom College-Queensland Mental Health Week Activities 8-12 October

Our mental health can change daily based on the events that occur within our lives, but it is shaped by risk factors and protective factors that we have in our lives. Protective factors include strong relationships, a sense of purpose and belonging and a sense of self-efficacy or belief that we can achieve what we want to achieve. The aim is for people to have enough protective factors in their lives to support them through the tough times and overcome adversity when it comes their way! Research suggests that if we want to improve the mental health of a community, we need to start with a school – the place where young people are more vulnerable to stress and where protective factors that can set young people up for life can be developed. Students, families, school staff and the broader community reap benefits when their school has a whole-school plan to actively promote students’ positive mental health and wellbeing.

This year, Shalom College, IMPACT Community Services, Headspace Bundaberg and the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg are working together to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health, and raise funds to implement a mental health framework within Shalom College. The vision is for Shalom College to be the leader in creating safe spaces within schools to have open conversations about mental health.

How to get involved

Wear a tie day Wednesday 10 October 2018 (National Mental Health day) Gold coin donation

Wear your best (or worst tie) to school or to work. The tie is a symbol of solidarity and support for creating a community committed to creating safe spaces that improve mental health

Share a Milo with a Friend mornings 9, 10 and 11 October (between 7.30am – 9am during Queensland Mental Health week) Gold coin donation (per cup)

The opportunity for students and teachers to ‘share a milo with a friend’. Purchase a milo for yourself and for someone else in the school who you might not have connected with for a while.

Shelley Major: Indigenous Career & Transitions Pathways Officer Visit

Shelley Major made her annual trip to Shalom to talk with and follow up with the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students in year 10, 11 & 12. Shelley Major’s role is to assist Indigenous students to work towards their future career pathways, access information and opportunities to set each student up for their new pathway beyond school life. Shelley provides information, assistance with jobs/scholarships applications, reviewing resumes or assisting students to understand their career interests or aptitudes. Group discussions were conducted with Year 10 & 11 on Monday the 20th and Shelley’s visit concluded on Tuesday the 21st with year 12 Individual meetings. This is a rewarding experience for all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander senior students regardless of what future pathway is chosen.

Mrs Kelli Cory
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Kelli_Cory@shalomcollege.com

Opti-MINDS

The Opti-MINDS Widebay Regional Final was held here at Shalom College on Saturday August 25. 53 teams, from both primary and secondary schools from around the Widebay Region, presented a performance that they had worked on in the past 6 weeks, as well as an unseen challenge to test their creativity, ingenuity and group work skills. As usual, it was amazing to see such bright young minds and just what they are capable of. Shalom had two teams presenting in the Science Engineering category – Courtenay Parfitt, Abhash Pathak, Jasmine Dooley, Bethanie Mann, Ava Gardiner, Lucy Horton, Sarah Brown, Nyah McGeary and Tahia Zia. They have worked very hard over the past 6 weeks, performed exceptionally on the day, helped me out with set up and organisation, and were generally perfectly behaved on the day. Both teams came away with Honours, with team 1 also receiving the Spirit of Opti-MINDS awards.

A big thank you also to Simon Gills, Alana Clark and Stephen Cronin for all their help on the day.

Joanne Gills
Secondary NCCD Project Officer
Joanne_gills@rok.catholic.edu.au

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop Roster

Markets Tuckshop Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

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.