11 September 2018

Principal’s Reflection

Last week for Father's Day, I got given a copy of “Fathers and Daughters” by Madonna King (I am not sure if there was a message here or not!). Anyway, I am about half way through and it is a good read. One section that really struck a chord with me because I had been dealing with a fair bit of ‘tricky girl stuff’ at school over the last few weeks –

“The journey a girl takes from the ages of ten to seventeen is unlike any other one, and it can turn their life – and those who love them – upside down. They might love their parents at sunrise and be mortified by them at sundown. A poorly timed or random comment from a classmate can mean they’ll dissolve into tears. The highs can be Herculean but the lows are just as deep. One moment they’ll be a chatterbox, like they were in primary school, the next moment they’re mute, in their room with the door slammed shut. Theirs is a world where the power of celebrity beats all, and where twenty-four hour connectivity can boost their education, access and security, but also rule their lives by dominating their sleep patterns and academic results, determining their friendships and shaping how they see themselves as young women.”

The world in which our daughters and sons live is different from the one in which we, as parents, navigated. Our charts for those challenging years are not as useful as they used to be. Can I beg parents, again, to use one of the tools put at your disposal – Family Zone. Put it on your child’s phone, tablet and home computer. Create some sensible boundaries around their digital lives. I have had two disappointing conversations with parents around this recently. The first was with a parent who told me that Family Zone does not work because kids can turn it off on their device. I acknowledged this was true but when they do that, the parent gets an email from Family Zone to advise this occurred. The parent knew that but did not want to have confrontation with their child about that. The second conversation was with a parent who had used their phone to say awful things on SnapChat. I suggested to this parent that Family Zone might be of assistance with this. The parent agreed but told me that their child often changes the Passcode on their phone to keep parents locked out. Parenting is a not easy – nothing worthwhile is – but as parents, our job is not to be their ‘BFFs’ but their parents. Tough love is a part of the role description.

2019 Confraternity Netball & Rugby League Carnivals – will be hosted by Shalom in the first week of the Semester break next year. 64 Netball teams and 48 Rugby League teams along with coaching staff, supporters and parents will descend on the Bundaberg Region for a week. This is a fairly massive undertaking for the College and will be a big economic boost for the town and region. Our planning is well underway for this event. I was very pleased to be made aware of the how strongly the Bundaberg Regional Council has got behind this venture. The Council are major sponsors of the event and have committed $5000 to both the Netball and Rugby League Carnivals. We are very grateful for this very practical support. We would be very pleased to hear from any other businesses or individuals who would like to partner with us as sponsors for this event.

Great Parent Info Night this Tuesday at 6.30pm in the Loyola Centre. “What age should you talk to your kids about sex?” These concerns and many more will be addressed on the night – ‘Raising Children in a Hypersexualised Society: conversations with your child that matter’. This is vital stuff for parents – more than ever! This is one of those areas that is really impacting on your children. We all need all the assistance we can get.

Parent Surveys – thank you to all parents who took time to complete the school satisfaction surveys. We had a very good response rate to this. Overall, the results were very pleasing. The College will always look to be reflective and think carefully about areas in which we need to improve. Thank you so much for your support in this. A summary of results is contained below.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Curriculum

QCS Test

146 Year 12 students sat the QCS Test (Queensland Core Skills Test) on September 4 and 5 and, I expect, will be very relieved to have completed that part of their Year 12 work. I should like to take the opportunity to thank the teachers who delivered the QCS Test preparation program over the past three terms. Their work ensured that students were test-wise and prepared for the type of items presented in the different sub-tests.

Subject selections

Year 8, 9 and 10 students should, by now, have completed online subject selections. However, at the time of writing I am aware that some students have still not submitted choices. The portal will be closed at the end the school day on Tuesday September 11, so that Mr Maher may begin work on the timetable for 2019.

The scheduling of subjects is based upon student choice. Therefore, those who make late choices, after scheduling has commenced, may find that their particular combination of subjects is not possible. I urge any students who have not yet submitted selections to do so as a matter of urgency.

Ms Katherine Nelson
Assistant Principal – Curriculum
nelsonk@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.

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

Mission

Shalom Parents Night 2018

A Must for All Parents! Tuesday 11 September at 6:30pm in the Shalom Loyola Centre.

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 parent’s night "Raising Children in a Hypersexualised Society" at Shalom College on Tuesday 11th September in the Loyola Centre. 6:30pm start, all parents are welcome.

Year 9 and 10 Reflections Day

Mrs Mary Taylor
Assistant Principal - Mission

TaylorM@shalomcollege.com

Quiet Achiever

My nomination for quiet achiever is Mackenzie Crossett, Year 11. She is always willing to lend a hand and will often take on a leadership role for no other reason than to help others. Mackenzie is very polite and will speak up if she feels there has been an injustice. I know I can always rely on Mackenzie to give it her best in everything she does.

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

Industrial Technology and Design

Technology Studies

Technology is a wonderful gift. In the right hands technology can be drawn upon to change the lives of people who are less fortunate then ourselves. Shalom College continues to empower our students with learning opportunities that encompasses the latest and greatest technologies coupled with real world problem solving.

Brendan Connelly, as part of a Year 12 Technology Studies community project, has designed and manufactured a prosthetic arm. The brilliance in this design allows the user to pick up and place complex objects through internal workings, replicating the anatomical functions of a hand. Brendan used computer aided drafting (CAD) to design a number of individual parts that were then manufactured using 3D printing.

Brendan decided to design, make and appraise a working prototype for a ‘prosthetic limb company’ to provide an affordable option to assist people with everyday tasks who suffer from various types of hand disabilities. He had six weeks to research, design and implement the concept of the project, which included a full set of working drawing/plans and a further six weeks to develop the working prototype.

This unit of work extends from the Design Process studied in Year 11, which allows students to utilised CAD as an option, then laser cutting or 3D printing objects. The scope of projects is limited to their imagination or level of skill students feel is achievable during the construction phase.

I would like to congratulate Brendan for an outstanding result and give thanks to Mr Zardus for his guidance given to all students in the Year 12 Technology Studies class.

Mr Nathan Halford
Learning Area Coordinator – Industry Technology and Design
Nathan_Halford@shalomcollege.com

Try A Trade Day

Last week, a number of Year 10 students took the opportunity to put their name forward to be part of the Construction Skills Queensland, “Try a Trade” day.

The full day program put together by WorldSkills and TAFE Queensland, CSQ’s (Construction Skills Queensland) Try a Trade, delivered an interactive program that let the Shalom students try their hand at various skill and trade areas used in the building industry.

Students moved through four areas in the construction industry with practical workshops covering plumbing, carpentry (scaffolding), brick laying and the electrical field.

All participants enjoyed the day, gaining valuable experience in the four trades on offer and establishing which trade possibly suits them best when they leave Shalom. This program also extends into some of the areas offered in the Shalom Trade Training subject areas.

Thanks to Mrs O’Donnell and Mrs Laing for gathering information on the day and ensuring Shalom had the participants organised to attend. This is a very valuable program on offer to those students interested in gaining a career in the Construction Industry.

Mr Chris Roelofs
Construction Teacher
roelofs@shalomcollege.com

Instrumental Music

AMEB music exams

Two weeks ago, six singing students completed the external AMEB Music Exams (for the first time in many years). Results are excellent and the examiners comments very constructive. The six students were awarded the following result; 2 x A+, 2 x A and 2 x B. Two other students are currently preparing for a third theory exam which they hope to complete online by the end of term three or early term four. Piano and instrumental students are also preparing for AMEB exams and results will be published as soon as they are received.

Vacancies

Singing lessons and music theory

There are a couple of vacancies for singing lessons as well as music theory in term four – the latter in small groups preferably. Singing is basic techniques such as breathing and safe, healthy voice production in either Contemporary or Classical style. Theory is taught to improve music reading skills as well as a prerequisite for upper levels of practical music exams. Theory is the same for singers and instrumentalists.

Vacancies will also be available with the instrumental teachers particularly for next year. If you are interested now, please contact Mrs Edgar or one of the tutors.

What is next

Christmas Raffle

Donations of items for the Christmas raffle are now being accepted and can be left at the front office or with one of the music tutors.

Roll marking

Please 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

Pathways

2018 Year 12 QTAC Presentation

A reminder that 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

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.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
Simon_Gills@shalomcollege.com

Sporting Results

Netball

DIVISION: Year 9 Girls
SCORE: Shalom Black (17) Vs Bundaberg Christian College 1 (20)
Most Valued Player: Thea McDonald

Mrs Jo-Anne Thomson
Netball Coach
Joanne_Thomson@shalomcollege.com

DIVISION: Open Girls
SCORE: Shalom White (8) Vs Shalom Black (18)
Most Valued Player: Charleigh McNamara- Shalom White

Mrs Karen Taske
Netball Coach
Karen_Taske@shalomcollege.com

Soccer

DIVISION: Year 9/10 Boys
SCORE: Kepnock SHS (4) Vs Shalom (0)

MATCH REPORT: Shalom was defeated by a strong Kepnock team, however the scoreline was not a reflection on the quality of soccer played by the Shalom boys. Our midfield led by the hardworking Akil Ulahannan and Will Munckton matched their opponents throughout the game and the team across the board showed creditable spirit never giving in. Daniel Diab worked tirelessly through the game and was the ‘everywhere-man’ for Shalom. Kepnock, however, took any chances that were created, scoring whenever a half-opportunity was presented to them. Shalom is likely to have qualified for the finals and are in a good position to put in a strong showing. Good luck to the boys!

Most Valued Player: Daniel Diab

Mr Brendan Maher
Soccer Coach
MaherB@shalomcollege.com

College News

Sustainability Challenge

Going Green on the Go

Shalom students and families, last week we challenged you to eliminate disposable cups and instead, substitute them for reusable mugs. This week we challenge you to eliminate the use of plastic forks and bring a reusable fork in its place. A one use plastic fork can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. It all adds up!

Briege Taske and Rory Delaney
College Captains

NAPLAN Review

NAPLAN SURVEY – Students have your say

The Queensland Government’s 2018 Review of NAPLAN is now in the second stage of review. During this stage a survey is available to students from Years 3 to Year 10, enabling them the opportunity to have their say on NAPLAN. The survey is open to until September 14 2018 at the below link.

Shalom Mental Health Week Activities

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

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 October 10 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 October 9, 10 and 11 (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.

Shalom Sunday Markets

Tuckshop and Market Volunteers Reminder

If you are a regular volunteer or about to help us out for the first time, these few things can go a long way to helping us to make sure the food we provide is safe. Please see below for further details.

Mrs Leanne Barker
Tuckshop Convenor
barkerl@shalomcollege.com

Markets Tuckshop Roster

Markets BBQ Roster

Tuckshop Roster

Community Notice Board

Junior Rugby Union

Come and Try - Junior Rugby Union

School Holidays Skills Clinic

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.