17 May 2021

Principal’s Reflection

I drove one of our buses to Brisbane on Friday to take our Choir to participate in a combined choir’s performance of the Vanessa Amerosi song, ‘Absolutely Everybody’. Our 65 students joined about 700 other singers at the River Stage at Garden’s Point in Brisbane to perform this on Saturday. Our students had been practicing for weeks to learn their various parts. It was a great event and our singers did us proud. Not surprisingly, I got to listen to this very familiar song, over and over as they rehearsed. It’s a really good song. As well as being ‘catchy’, the lyrics are hopeful and touch into the human condition. The song reminds us of some very basic human needs that are common to ‘absolutely everybody’.

‘Everybody needs loving’
‘Everybody needs somebody thinking of them’
‘Everybody needs a little respect’
‘Everybody needs a hand to hold’
‘Everybody needs a human touch’

The song reminds us that, as humans, we have so much more in common than sets us apart. Last week our news was filled with the dire situation emerging in the Middle East. There are hotspots all around the world – Taiwan, Afghanistan and others. Covid continues to destroy communities. Vanessa Amerosi’s song reminds us that despite skin colour, religion, politics or post code, we need to be loved and to love. Something that a dark skinned, itinerant preacher said clearly in a small country more than 2000 years ago. True then and true now.

Year 12 Retreat took place last week. It was another wonderful experience for those young people. It is very hard to explain to a Year 12 group exactly what the Retreat is about. It is one of those things they just need to experience. This group were fantastic and a pleasure to deal with. Year 11 Parents please note that as we move the Year 12 Retreat to Year 11, this will take place in Term 3 this year. Alexandra Park last week confirmed that a cancellation has enabled us to have our Year 11 Retreat there in Term 3 and will now take place on the last three days of term – Wednesday to Friday.

Learner Conferences have been advertised to parents on students in Year 9-12 for May 25. This is a great opportunity for parents to meet with their child’s teachers. I would encourage you to have your child present for these meetings as they are vital to the conversation. Making these meetings a priority, is a very strong statement on your part about how important you view their education. We do this best when we work together.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

Formal: Important Information

We have to comply with quite a number of rules set down by the Queensland Health Department as we are hosting an event of over 500 people.

First MOST IMPORTANT thing: you do need to have your ticket with you on the night.

The QR code on the ticket needs to be scanned prior to entry.

Other things to note so that we comply with the Queensland Health Department rules:

For Parents:

You will have a separate entrance to the students and this will be clearly marked and decorated.

Staff will scan your ticket and ushers (Year 11 students) will show you to your tables

The day before (Friday 28 May) you will be sent your table number – tell the ushers this number and they will take you to your table

You need to go in to the ballroom once your ticket has been scanned

STUDENT ARRIVALS WILL BE LIVE STREAMED IN THE BALLROOM

We ask parents to be seated by 6:20pm; formalities commence at 6:30pm with the introductions of the students

The day before (Friday 28 May) you will be sent your table number – this should make it easier for you on the night – the ushers will show you to you table

When using the bar, the water station or the coffee/tea station you are asked not to congregate in groups (part of the Queensland Health Department rules)

We are only allowed about 80 people at one time on the dance floor – we will have a system worked out for the father/daughter & mother/son dances

Students:

The students will enter through the main entrance and will need to go straight into the ballroom

We have their details so no scanning for them

Please see attached map for the entrances and parking area for parents.

We are very fortunate that we are permitted to have parents attend this year which wasn’t the case last year. I do ask that you comply with our restrictions that we need to have in place so that we can have a safe event.

I am very grateful to Mrs Rhonda Cutmore, Mrs Simone Wilson and Mrs Julia Fox for their time to give the Year 12s dance lessons – the Year 12s are using some of their lunch breaks to learn their dances. I am sure they are enjoying it!

Student Punctuality

We still have too many students arriving late for school – students need to be at school by 8:30am please. Can I ask you to write a brief note of explanation if you do happen to run late in dropping off your child? This note of explanation would be very much appreciated. It will never look good on a report card stating that students have unexplained absences which is what happens if they do not have a note from a parent.

Uniform and Grooming

A number of young ladies need to have their dresses/skirts taken down as they are too short. The correct length is just below the knee. A number of young ladies have had a growth spurt thus the uniform being too short. Can I ask you to check this please?

A few boys, particularly those in Years 10 or 11, still need haircuts. When I do come across a student whose hairstyle does not comply with our policy, if I am able, I will write a note in the student’s Record Book. As Record Books are checked and signed each week by the parent this note should be seen. House Coordinators are also checking the hair length of some boys.

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

Tutoring

Term 2 tutoring, please refer to the updated tutoring timetable below.

Mrs Kim O’Shea-Hard
Assistant Principal – Staff
Kim_Hard@shalomcollege.com

Curriculum

External Examination Timetable

On Friday a copy of the QCAA 2021 External Examinations timetable was emailed to all Year 12 students. Students who study a General subject in Year 12 are required to complete external examinations for each of their General subjects. The exam block runs from Monday 25 October – Tuesday 16 November. A copy of the timetable is included here. This will also be made publicly available on the QCAA website in the coming week. Once published students will have a customised copy available to them in their QCAA myQCE Learning Account.

Alternate Venue - External Examinations

It is expected that all Year 12 students will sit their scheduled external examinations at Shalom College. If there is any exceptional circumstance as to why your child cannot complete their exams at the College please contact Mrs Norris immediately to discuss this. It is a requirement of QCAA that an alternate venue be identified so that extra-ordinary arrangements can be made ahead of time.

QTAC Information Session for Parents & Students

This session is for parents of students who are interested in going to University. The Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) will be running an information session at Shalom College on Monday 21 June. This will be held in the Performing Arts Precinct (PAP) commencing at 3.30pm. During the information session QTAC will talk to you and your student about applying for higher education and ATAR information. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have with regards to the tertiary admissions process. This is a must attend if you have students on an ATAR and tertiary pathway. Please mark this date on your calendar!

Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal – Curriculum
Gail_Norris@shalomcollege.com

ROSA Awards

The ROSA (Recognition of Student Application) program is an award program which recognises student application to their studies. We value the importance of acknowledging students who are motivated, show perseverance and work diligently to reach their potential. The ‘goal posts’ for all our students are different, however all students are capable of achieving their own success targets. There are many ways we regularly encourage and reward the efforts of our students. The ROSA award allows for more of our students to be recognised amongst their peers.

NAPLAN Online – Week 5

Attached is the timetable for NAPLAN testing in week 5

Mrs Megan Munckton
Middle School Coordinator
Megan_Munckton@shalomcollege.com

Administration

Learner Conferences (Formerly Parent/Teacher Interviews) 25 May 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Learner Conferences (for all subjects other than Yr7&8 Core Studies) will be available on Tuesday 25 May from 3.30pm-6.30pm in the Sports Centre. The aim of the Learner Conferences is to provide an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss the progress and learning needs of their children. Interviews will be of ten minutes duration. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in the conference. Your child’s progress is crucial to all of us and it is a significant benefit in this process if your child can be a part of the discussion.

Learner Conferences may be arranged online via the Parent Lounge at any time from 8:00am Tuesday 11 May until 3:00pm Thursday 20 May using the Parent Teacher Interviews tab in the menu on the left-hand side. Please note that Kylie Giles, Darren Roche, Sandra Freeman, Mary Taylor, Ian Jenner and Michael Zardus will not be available on the day. Please feel free to contact these teachers to arrange a mutually convenient time if you wish to meet with them.

Please remember that you can also access detailed assessment information and results in Parent Lounge under the Curricular Activities Due tab. This is useful to review before attending Leaner Conferences.

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

Mission

Year 12 Retreat

Last week Year 12 headed off to the Sunshine Coast for their Retreat. Over these three days they were challenged to think about their beliefs and how they can be a positive influence in our world, beginning with affirming those around them. They also had fun!

Isabel Peres Confirmation Eucharist

Last weekend another Shalom student completed her Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Congratulations Isabel Peres!

Isabel Peres

Mrs Mary Taylor
Assistant Principal – Mission
TaylorM@shalomcollege.com

Finance Office

All families should have recently received an updated statement on 2021 Annual Fees. This statement will reflect your current account balance with the college for 2021. A copy of this statement is also available on Parent Lounge.

Please review this statement upon its arrival and should you have any queries or require assistance with setting up a new payment plan or reviewing your existing payment plan, please phone the Finance Office on 4155 8179 or email finance@shalomcollege.com.

Mrs Lisa Castro
Finance Officer
CastroL@shalomcollege.com

Student Drivers

Parents and Carers of Year 11 & 12 Students

If your child has obtained their Provisional Licence and wishes to drive to and from school you are required to fill out a Permission to Drive Form and return it to Student Reception for approval by Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell. Once approved the details will be placed on our School Register.

Thanks to those Parents who have already completed this form for their child.

Mrs Amanda O’Mara
Executive Assistant to the Principal/ Enrolment Officer
amanda_omara@shalomcollege.com

Absentees

FOR ALL ABSENTEES

Preferred option is Email absentees@shalomcollege.com or Phone Absentee line 41558181

ALL student absentees should be notified to the office by 9am each day. If no notification has been received, an absentee text message will be sent out to parents to advise of the student’s absence.

Footloose the Musical

Due to popular demand, the cast of Footloose are performing an EXTRA SHOW!

The extra show is scheduled for Saturday 19th June at 11am.

$20 for adults $17 for students

Be quick - the last three shows sold out in 48 hours - don't miss out!

Ms Cassie Hoiberg
Performing Arts Coordinator
Cassandra_Hoiberg@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

Try A Trade Day

Last week, eight Year 10 students participated in a Try A Trade day held at the Bundaberg TAFE College along with students from other schools in the Bundaberg region. The objective of the day was for students to rotate through a number of practical experiences from Bricklaying, Electrical, Plumbing and Engineering areas. 'Tradies' demonstrated the various trades, then students 'worked' in the respective areas using a variety of tools and equipment associated with that particular trade area.

Construction Skills Queensland, in partnership with TAFE, gave students the opportunity to gain a valuable insight to some of the trade areas which will allow them to make a better choice for their future career path.

Thank you to Mr David Allen for his supervision and the Manual Arts Department for recruitment of students.

Students thinking about going into a trade, should involve themselves in some work experience during their school holidays to develop skills and really find out what the trade area is like. Work experience is an opportunity to gain industry specific skills, employability skills and to build their resume. The work experience booklet will provide instructions and guidance on securing work experience placements.

Work Experience Booklet

John Stewart, Rory Darr, Zye Day, Samuel Aitkenhead, Samuel Brillante, Dawson Hess, Hayden Andreoli and Archie Burey

National Careers Week 17-23 May 2021

National Careers Week is an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia and aims to celebrate careers, career development, career development services, and career development practitioners and to promote the economic, social and personal benefits of career development.

Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training and work.

The objective of the week is to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, broaden horizons about careers and identify the changing nature of work and its impact on all Australians.

To celebrate National Careers Week, students should be on the look out for daily email competitions as well as Career V.R. Sessions in Goondeel library.

The National Careers Week website also has a host of great information sheets covering a wide range of topics such as resumes, interviews, applicant tracking systems and much more. You can access them here

Bundaberg Careers, Jobs and Business Expo

The Bundaberg Careers, Jobs and Business Expo will be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex on Thursday, 20 May. It will be open for school tours between 9am and 2pm and Shalom will be taking a bus-load of Year 10 students. This is a valuable experience for Year 10 students who will be participating in Senior Subject selection next term.

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a range of exhibitors and learn about career pathways. Exhibitors in past years have represented the following industries: Agriculture, Business and Finance, Childcare, Disability and Health, Fitness, Defence, Universities, TAFE, Training, Employment, Manufacturing, Police, Retail and much more.

The event will be open to the general public from 2pm – 5pm.

Defence Careers Information Session

Are you considering a career with the Navy, Army or Air Force? A defence careers information session will be held on Thursday 20 May from 6.00pm – 8.00pm at the Brothers Sports Club, Takalvan Street. This session will help you to learn more about the wide range of roles available and chat to current serving defence personnel to find out first-hand knowledge. Places are strictly limited so book as soon as possible to reserve your seat so you don’t miss out:

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kathy Laing & Mrs Julia Fox
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
LaingK@shalomcollege.com
Julia_Fox@shalomcollege.com

Read Write Wonder

A place for English teachers to respond to texts they have encountered during the previous week.

Staff member: Wendy Davis
Text: Romeo and Juliet
Text Type: Play

“For never was a story of more woe/ Than this of Juliet and her Romeo” (Act 5, Scene 3, Lines 315-216).

Shakespeare. His very name sparks fear and loathing in the hearts and minds of many a young English student. The alienating language. The tragic plots! The ridiculous comedies! Violence! Ghosts! Love! Hate! Fate! The endless questioning of me to my class…. “So what do you think that actually means?” asked at regular intervals.

And yet, we continue as English departments to study Shakespeare’s plays. Why? So many reasons really. At the end of another Shakespeare unit I’ve been thinking a great deal about the “why” of Shakespeare. Here’s what I’ve come up with.

Timelessness

Believe it or not, there’s a reason why Shakespeare’s plays have survived centuries after his death and it’s not only because we keep setting them in schools. They are timeless stories. Take Romeo and Juliet. Here we have teenagers rebelling against their parents while the parents attempt and fail to control their children. We see impulsive decision making by many characters who don’t really think through the consequences of their actions. We see the impact of violence on families and struggles of loyalty among friends. All of these concepts and ideas thread through so much of our contemporary culture but perhaps it was Shakespeare who paved the way for Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale and Breaking Bad.

Relatability

At first it seems like we have nothing in common with the characters in Romeo and Juliet. What sort of ridiculous name is Tybalt? What the heck is a Friar? Who these days is called Prince Escalus? But slowly, with much perseverance and persistence, we get used to the weird names and places. (Verona? Mantua?). Shakespeare draws us in. These people are not that different to us. Who hasn’t told a half-truth to their parents? Or thought about going to a party uninvited? Who hasn’t wished that their friends would stop picking fights? Or secretly married someone they’ve only known for 24 hours? Ok, so maybe that last one is a stretch but you get the idea. Romeo and Juliet, and so much of Shakespeare might be excessive at times, but usually there’s one of his characters that we can relate to.

Language

Yes I’ll grant that the language is difficult at first. Alienating even. But sometimes I believe, that this difficulty is the point. It’s rewarding to learn new words and phrases. And isn’t that what we are here for? The learning? Together as we study Romeo and Juliet we discover the beauty of language that is at the heart of Shakespeare. Sure I don’t expect that thou willst us it in thy daily life. But every time I hear Mercutio say “A plague on both your houses” before he dies in Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet, it gives me goosebumps. Because he’s not just wishing Romeo dead, he’s also wishing that a plague will rain down on him and his family in the most desperately poetic way. Romeo and Juliet (and indeed all of Shakespeare’s plays) are chock full of such moments.

As you can imagine, I could go on, but I’ll leave it to you to encourage your students in their study of Shakespeare. Watch the Baz Luhrmann version of Romeo and Juliet together. Explore The Hollow Crown currently streaming on ABC iView and delve into the wonder of the Bard.

Ms Louise Hume
English Learning Area Coordinator
Louise_Hume@shalomcollege.com

Somerset Storyfest Writers’ Festival

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 March, 39 students attended the Somerset Storyfest Writers’ Festival at the Gold Coast.

Over the course of 2 days we attended nine sessions and each of them taught us a different technique or perspective to consider when critiquing our own literature writings, or even to consider in our ethical decisions in aspects such as family, maintaining healthy relationships and we were even offered a new outlook on our morals. The methods and techniques that speakers described, were furiously written in our notebooks for effective, potential future use.

On the first day, we visited authors Lili Wilkinson, Jess Hill, Will Kostakis, Evelyn Araluen and Matt Beard.

Lili Wilkinson spoke to us about writing ‘shiny ideas’ and how to properly introduce characters and plot development. Writing about ‘shiny’, interesting ideas will eliminate procrastination and provoke more passion for the story.

Investigative journalist, Jess Hill is an author strived to spread awareness for domestic violence ever since 2014. Jess taught us important small ‘red flag’ interactions to note that will subtly warn for future domestic violence in our relationships.

Former celebrity journalist and reality TV star, author Will Kostakis explained that when writing, it’s important to have confidence and focus on specificities. Past experiences make writing easier!

Evelyn Araluen is a poet who emphasised the use of devices to represent impression, emotion and importance to characters, and to shape a new event.

Moral philosopher and ethicist Matt Beard explained how “ethics is everywhere” and how it is the framework of moral and values from perspectives. Choices determining paths in our lives are categorised into answers by discipline and have ethical theories.

On the second day, we listened to authors Isabelle Carmody, Melinda Marchetta and Caroline Graham, also engaging in the play ‘Shock Therapy’ written by Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou.

Fantasy author, Isabelle Carmody, expressed that when writing, practice makes perfect. When storytelling, the use of emotion in body language is effective for the audience’s experience.

Melinda Marchetta, a best-selling author, told us how planning and dialogue is necessary for an informative plot, as it develops characters’ knowledge. Character reactions and influences expands on their profile from knowledge, relationships and personality.

Walkley Award-winning journalist, Caroline Graham, spoke about ‘the 4 C’s of creative writing’, curiosity, connection, conflict and climatic satisfaction. Important and interesting drama included in writing creates desire and danger at high stakes.

The Stones, written by Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou (Zeal Theatre), is a tour de force of physical theatre, entertaining us with acting out an emotional scenario with only two actors!

We were so grateful for the opportunity to engage in inspiring presentations from incredible authors to educate our young, author minds. Needless to say, all of us learned a lot of devices we can use to improve our work and it’s all thanks to Mrs. Toll, Mrs. Hume and Mr. Brown for organising and supervising us on this exciting excursion.

Katie Maher
Year 11 Student

2021 Winter Concert

Stepping into Bundaberg Sports

This completely free program is designed to get children with autism to try out different sports in a non competitive way. This program is designed to get these children socialising in a constructive way, improve hand eye coordination, improve fitness levels and give them an opportunity to try out a multitude of sports. Each term we run 2 seperate sports and offer school holiday clinics. If you have any questions at all feel free to call Luke on 0449007590.

Team Photo Schedule

Please see link to the Team Photo Schedule for all Summer Sport Teams as well as Rowing, BDSSS Swimming and Cross Country Team and T20 Cricket.

All photos are taken at Mackillop 2 at either Lunchtime or Afternoon Tea.

Students are to wear formal school uniform - including ties for Boys.

Please encourage student to place their team photo date in their student record book.

Year 7 Camps 2021

Year 10 Camps 2021

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

MONDAY to THURSDAY - 8:00am – 12:00pm

FRIDAY – CLOSED

Tuesday 18 May the Uniform Shop will be closed during the first Lunch Break (11:25am – 12:10pm) but will be open throughout the Afternoon Tea Break (1:25pm – 1:45pm).

Out of stock Boys Formal Socks Sizes 8-11 and 11 -14

Mrs Leanne Barker
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator
barkerl@shalomcollege.com
Phone: 41 558 121

Term Dates for 2021

Term 1: Wednesday 27th January - Thursday 1st April (10 weeks)
Term 2: Monday 19th April - Friday 25th June (10 weeks)
Term 3: Monday 12th July - Friday 17th September (10 weeks)
Term 4: Tuesday 5th October - Friday 3th December (9 weeks)

Parent and Carer Tuckshop Volunteers

At the start of each school year we ask parents to indicate their availability for volunteering in the College tuckshop.

Life is busy and forever changing, so for this reason we have set up a booking system that will not only accommodate our very much appreciated regular volunteers, but also families who may not be able to commit on a regular basis and who may have a day here or there throughout the year to come along and lend a hand and support our students. The beauty of this system is that you can select your day and manage your booking, so if something comes up, you can quickly and easily go online to reschedule or cancel. Your booking will generate a confirmation email with links to manage your booking, it can be synched with your calendar and an SMS is sent the day before as a reminder. Of course, we are also here to help - simply contact Shalom College on 41 55 8111.

For those of you who are regular volunteers your shifts have already been added to the schedule for this year and you should have received an e-mail for each booked shift.

Shifts last from 2 to 3 hours (school drop off to around 11.30 am).

No experience required!

Tuckshop

Breakfast

Breakfast is now available in the tuckshop for purchase each morning 8:00am – 8:30am.

Items include

Bacon & Egg Muffins - $3.50
Ham & Cheese Croissant - $3.50
Porridge & Cereal - $3 (self-service option with milk and bowl & cutlery are supplied)
Fresh Fruit - $1 (seasonal fruits such as; Bananas, Apples, Mandarins etc.)

Plus, the already available items of Yoghurt Pots, Up n Go drinks & Flavoured Milk

Students who train before school need to consider utilising the breakfast menu to replenish energy lost during their training sessions, however must be dressed appropriately before entering the tuckshop and must not be late for class.

Shalom Sunday Markets

Shalom Markets will continue to operate (with restrictions) until further notice!

• Fresh food stalls fruit, vegetable & local food products
• BBQ and tuckshop are operating, social distancing practices are in place
• Social distancing to include gaps between stalls (all outdoors)

SHALOM MARKETS 6AM TO 12PM EVERY SUNDAY!

Markets Tuckshop Roster

New volunteers are DESPERATELY required for the Markets Tuckshop or BBQ, if you have any queries please contact Leanne via email – barkerl@shalomcollege.com

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Shalom Rowing High Tea

Join Shalom Rowing for our first fundraising event for 2021.

Pick up your glass of bubbly on the way through to the beautifully decorated tables ready with delicious nibbles and steaming teas. There will be fashion parades, as you are entertained by the dulcet tones of Matt Barker as well as gift bags for everyone, raffles and lucky door prizes. All proceeds of the event go directly to the purchase of new racing boats for the Shalom Rowing crews.

Come alone or fill a table for a wonderful afternoon of food, entertainment and gathering of friends, old and new.

Bus Subsidy

Qld Government Autism Hub

The Autism Hub are offering a range of professional development sessions online.

Love Bites

Youth Support

Headspace

Link to Survey below

Find Out More below

Youth Champions Team

The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg

Office Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 Monday to Friday
Parish Office: Rossolini Place Level 1, 66 Woongarra St
Ph: 07 4151 6666 PO Box 79 Bundaberg QLD 4670
Email: sbundaberg@rok.catholic.net.au
AFTER HOURS: Anointing of the sick for medical emergencies
phone 4151 6666 and follow the prompt
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF MARY MOTHER OF CHURCH

Current Parish Bulletin

Letter from the Bishop

Current Roster (Term 2, 2021)

FOCUS by: Bill Goodwin
Principal St Mary's Primary School

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School promotes itself as being inclusive in nature. The word inclusive put simply means that all are welcome. Inclusiveness is not limited by colour, nation or creed. If we espouse what we preach, we include all families regardless of who they are or where they have come from. Jesus was very similar in his ministry. In fact, he made a statement to the hierarchy of his day by mixing with the people who were deemed, “unclean” and “ostracised” from the mainstream of society. All are equal in Jesus’ eyes, there are no distinctions or divisions. This identifies well with our Catholic faith. St Mary’s foundation was strongly influenced by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy and Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters. These people lived lives guided by the gospel values. They were driven by their belief that Catholic Education provided children opportunities that would improve their lives and the lives of others. This is what St Mary’s lives out each day of the school year in the way that we interact and support each other in real and tangible ways. We espouse a Catholic way of living.

St Mary’s recently underwent a process of validation which ended a period of 5 years of goal setting. This process is part of Catholic Renewal that occurs in all Catholic schools in the diocese. An external team of reviewers come into the school over 3 days and discuss and interview various groups across the school community to validate what the school has achieved under 9 domains of discernment. It is an affirming process and gives the school a clear pathway for the future that forms the foundation for goal setting over the next 5 year period. This process ensures that all Catholic schools are following the strategic directions the diocese has developed to indicate that our schools espouse what we say we are in real and tangible ways.

St Mary’s has a busy term with Mother’s Day Stall, Walk Safely to School, District Cross Country trials, Friday Sport, Life Education, Flame Youth Group at lunchtimes, School Athletics Carnival and End of Semester One Reports. We are a welcoming school espousing high - quality education at an affordable price. We are blessed to be located on 8 hectares (20 acres) of land that is very attractive in nature with classrooms filled with innovative and meaningful learning experiences. We are very proud and happy to be part of the Bundaberg Catholic Parish Family.

"Enjoy reading this year's edition of the 'Good News Magazine: 2020 New Vision', a look at the year that was and how we adapted to a new way of doing thins."

Please click on the link to access the digital copy of the magazine.

Catholic Youth Groups

Triple P

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.