31 May 2021

Principal’s Reflection

As we look at introducing two new Houses for 2022, one of the most important tasks is to embrace two new House Patrons – people whose story might be really inspirational for our students. One of those I have spoken to students about is a man called Pemulwuy who was an Aboriginal man of the Eora nation which bordered Sydney Cove when Captain Phillip arrived with the First Fleet. Pemulwuy reacted to the arrival of the British and led his people in opposing the settlement. He was a warrior and led a guerilla war which lasted twelve years. He was involved in a number of deadly clashes but, not surprisingly, was killed by British troops in 1802. After being killed, his decapitated head was taken to the British Museum in London.

Since sharing some of this story and suggesting Pemulwuy’s story is one that might be a story of resistance in the face of injustice, a few people have suggested to me that his might not be a good story for our students given that Pemulwuy took up arms and killed some of those he battled against. Last week was National Reconciliation Week. It is a chance for us as Australians to recognize the failures and successes of the work that has been done and needs to be done to reconcile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with those of European heritage. One of those tasks should be to know our own history better. The story of Pemulwuy and other Aboriginal warriors is not at all well known. Winners write the history books. Pemulwuy and many other Aboriginal leaders have been, to a very large degree, ‘air-brushed’ out of the history we have been taught. This should be addressed. It would seem that Pemulwuy did take the lives of some early British soldiers. It is also true that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. I don’t think Pemulwuy and his people reacted any differently than we would do today if another nation arrived uninvited on our shores. Reconciliation requires confronting the good and the bad and the uncomfortable. Reconciliation requires us to acknowledge the failings of our forebears and making a commitment to try to do so much better as we move forward.

New Houses 2022 – Pemulwuy is just one of quite a number of names we are researching for potential House Patrons for our two new Houses. Others include:

McCormack, Sr Irene – an Australian Josephite sister who was working with poor villagers in Peru when murdered by communist guerillas in 1990
Whitty, Sr Eileen – Sister of Mercy who came from Ireland and was largely responsible for establishing most Mercy schools in Queensland including Bundaberg
Truganini – an Aboriginal woman from Tasmania who, despite her family being killed by soldiers, assisted explorers navigating and exploring Tasmania
Molokai, St Damien – a priest who lived on the leper island of Molokai in the Pacific and dedicated his life to those completely rejected by society.
Assisi – drawing on the spirit of St Francis and his love for the earth which was the inspiration of Pope Francis’ letter ‘Laudate Si’ which called on all to protect our fragile environment.
Romero, St Oscar – Bishop of San Salvador murdered by the military while celebrating Mass in 1980. Romero put his life at risk by representing the needs of the poor to the Military government.

The Shalom Formal was a major success on Saturday night and culmination of a huge amount of hard work from so many. Particular thanks goes to Mrs Austin-Campbell, Ms Medcalf and Ms Murdoch for their meticulous planning. Lots of very proud parents were able to celebrate with their daughters and sons. It was a wonderful night.

Shalom Rowers High Tea on Saturday afternoon in our very spruced up Sports Centre was also a fantastic event. Well done to the Rowing parents and students for presenting such an impressive and enjoyable event.

Shalom Formal 2022 – just a ‘heads up’ to Year 11 students and parents that we are considering a date change for the event next year. Given the demands of ATAR and assessments, there may be some wisdom in moving the Formal to a much later date in the year. We will try to make a decision about this in the very near future.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

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

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.

Music Department

Congratulations to our entire Instrumental Music Department! This past Tuesday evening May 25 the program hosted its annual Winter Concert in the PAP. What a great success and well done team.

Midway through Term II can be a challenge for many students, their families and staff due to academic obligations, assignments, Year 12 Formal, illness, other extra-curricular activities, let alone the preparations for “Footloose” the musical. And yet, our team of dedicated students and staff came together to produce a delightful evening showcasing our school’s diverse talent.

On behalf of all the directors I would like to sincerely thank all those family members who filled the theatre. Your presence supports your children and all that they can accomplish.

Mr James Belluz
Instrumental Music Teacher
Belluzj@shalomcollege.com

Muffins To Slay Cancer Day

Every year, Cancer Council hosts Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise much-needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.

Tomorrow, we have 'Muffins To Slay Cancer Day' where we will be baking muffins to sell to students to celebrate this day and to raise money. We'd like to thank Bundaberg Betta Home Living for donating a Grundig Bluetooth Speaker as part of the prizes in our draw for purchasing a muffin.

Follow the link to donate to our Shalom Kicks Cancer:

Pathways

Students Frequently Asked Questions

I still don’t know what I want to do – how do I figure this out?

There are many online personality profiling tests that can help to identify where your interests and skills lay. Some profiling tests might come with a cost; however, we suggest trying a couple of different tests.

These links are free versions to get you started:

(free section will unlock your work style and career interests and provide a short list of careers that match your interest profile)

(students will need to provide an email address on completion. This test will provide personality type, career and training matches)

I found something that I think interests me – what should I do now?

Work Experience. Work Experience is an opportunity to be exposed to the realities of a role and industry professionals. We would encourage students to engage in work experience during the upcoming school holidays. The work experience booklet will provide instructions and information about the process.

How do I find out if I need to go to university or Tafe for a particular job?

The Job Outlook website can provide detailed information about study pathways as well as industry overviews, job prospects, wages and predicted industry growth.

How do I get more information about universities and degrees?

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre website is a valuable resource and you can find key-word course search options that will provide in-depth information about Queensland University Courses, admission requirements and links directly to the universities.

How do I get more information about Certificate courses?

The Tafe Queensland website is a comprehensive resource that will provide course search options and related information.

How do I find information about different industries such as job prospects, expected industry growth, wages and employment conditions?

The Job Outlook website can provide detailed information about study pathways as well as industry overviews, job prospects, wages and predicted industry growth.

The door to the Pathways Office is always open and students from all year levels are welcome to call in for chat, before school and at break times, to discuss pathway options and ask questions. Parents can also make an appointment to come into the office with their son or daughter to discuss future study and post-school choices. Parents and students may also email Mrs O’Donnell directly with enquires - liza_o’donnell@shalomcollege.com

CQU Virtual Subject Selection Expo

Are you a student or parent of a student in Year 10 and considering what subjects you should choose for Years 11 & 12?

CQU’s Virtual Subject Selection Expo will provide everything you may need to know when considering what to do after school.

Find out more about choosing your subjects, exploring career pathways, and learning about pre-requisites required for university courses

Learn about in-school study options such as our Start Uni Now (SUN) and Start Tafe Now (STN) programs

Live webinars for both parents and students

When: 17 June 2021
Time: 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Location: Online

Register your attendance:

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

Maryborough Dance Eisteddfod

Year 9 – 12 Dance students and the Shalom Performance Team travelled to the Maryborough Dance Eisteddfod on Monday 24 May. It was an excellent day with the following results:

Year 7-9 Jazz

2nd Place – Year 9 Dance

Year 10-12 Contemporary

1st Place – Performance Team
3rd Place – Year 12 Dance

Year 10-12 Jazz

1st Place – Performance Team

Our Year 10 Dance and Year 11 Dance did not place but were fantastic to watch on stage. Thank you to staff and parents who came and supported our students.

Louise McSherry
Performing Arts Teacher
Louise_McSherry@shalomcollege.com

Dance Night 2021

This year, Dance Night will be held in Term 3, Week 8 – Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September.

Rehearsals for Dance Night commence next week (Week 7) in the Dance Studio and Theatre during lunch times. Students can participate in a variety of dance styles including hip hop, tap and contemporary.

Students wishing to audition for selective groups must do so this week at the times below. Please come prepared to perform a 30-second routine in the style listed and have music that is accessible via Apple Music or Spotify.

If there are any questions, please contact Miss Hoiberg or Mrs McSherry in the Performing Arts Department.

Miss Cassie Hoiberg
Performing Arts Learning Area Coordinator
Cassandra_Hoiberg@shalomcollege.com

Year 7 Guest Speaker

Jess Borg has offered to speak to our Year 7 students in period 3 on Thursday 10 June in the Performing Arts Theatre. Jess graduated from Shalom College in 2016 and moved to Brisbane shortly after to pursue her studies at Griffith University - Nathan Campus, studying Business and Law (Honours). She grew up in Moore Park Beach on her Parents farm and has a brother, Steven, currently in Year 12 at Shalom. Jess is 21 years old and has been competing in Taekwondo for 15 years and on the National team since 2018. She started in Bundaberg at a local club called ASP Taekwondo.

Taekwondo has given Jess so many opportunities not just within the sport but with travelling to 21 countries by the age of 21 and the opportunity to meet amazing people all over the world.

Jess speaks about finding a passion and sticking to it. She talks about fighting to achieve your goals through the highs and lows. She also talks about setting goals and looking after your mental health.

We are proud to welcome Jess back to Shalom College and look forward to her presentation to our Year 7 students. Jess will also speak for 5 minutes at the College Assembly.

Jess Borg

Quiet Achiever

This week’s Quiet Achiever is Elissa Shears from Year 10 in Hogan House. Elissa displayed great tenacity, resilience and fantastic leadership qualities on Hogan House’s recent Year 10 camp out at Chaverim. Elissa has a continuing injury that had recently flared up and despite the pain on top of the regular challenges that activities such as high ropes course and abseiling provide, she was able to complete every activity. Not only did Elissa “push through the pain barrier” but she was able to motivate and encourage those around her through her through her quiet and unassuming actions and words. Great leadership Elissa!

Mr Adam Knott
Hogan House Coordinator
knotta@shalomcollege.com

Sport

Futsal

Shalom entered four Futsal teams in the Bundaberg All Schools competition over the last couple of days. In the U13 Division, the two Shalom teams played off in the Grand Final with Shalom White defeating Shalom Red 3-2 in a cracking match. In the U16 Division, Shalom defeated BSHS in the final. Finally, the Shalom U14 Team won the Grand Final convincingly 8-1 to go through undefeated for the day. Thanks to Mr Collins and Mr Cunningham for looking after these teams.

Vicki Wilson Netball

Congratulations to Shalom Netball Teams who competed in the Vicki Wilson Wide Bay North Division tournament on Tuesday. The Shalom Open Girls team finished Undefeated and will progress to the Wide Bay finals against the Southern Division winners. The Shalom Junior Team lost only one game all day, but it was to the undefeated Xavier College from Hervey Bay. This placed them 2nd in the tournament. And the Shalom Open Boys team competed against 8 other boys teams. They also finished undefeated for the day and will progress straight through to the State Finals in Brisbane. Thanks to all the staff involved in the day and also in preparing these teams for competition.

Cross Country

The Shalom Cross Country was held at the end of Term 1 with LINGIARI HOUSE finishing in 1st, followed by Adams and Chisholm. Age Champions were:

Shalom Cross Country Team

Following on from the Shalom Cross Country Carnival, a team of 47 students travelled to Gin Gin SHS early in Term 2 for the Bundy District Trials. Shalom tasted success in the Junior Division and finished 2nd in the Senior Division. Shalom also had two Age Champions on the day, Lachlan Stevenson (16yrs Male) and Keanu Arsenault (17yrs Male). 15 students from Shalom were selected in the Bundy Team that will compete in the Wide Bay trials in Gayndah.

Summer Finals Day

After rescheduling the Summer Finals Day from the end of Term 1, the students finally had the chance to complete their Summer Sport Season. Shalom had over 170 students across 19 Teams competing, finishing with 7 Premierships (Yr 11/12 Boys Volleyball, Yr 11/12 Boys Touch, Yr 11/12 Girls Touch, Yr 9/10 Girls Touch, Yr 7/8 Girls Touch, Senior and Junior Golf) and 7 Runners Up. Thanks to all the staff for volunteering their time after school each week to look after Shalom Sports Teams.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

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.

Year 7 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

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

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

FOCUS by: Joe McCorley

WHEN DO WE BREATHE IN THE BREATH OF LIFE?

“Here she is, Pa, your new Great-Granddaughter!”

This was the greeting I received from Amanda Modolo, our granddaughter as she delivered the 3-day old, Aria Amanda Modolo, into my arms.

I breathed my hushed words, “What a miracle!” The baby’s head was covered in thick black hair, her eyes were closed tightly, she was breathing! Aria had taken her first breath by herself soon after she left the womb.

The arteries that once brought oxygen -rich blood have been closed. Her first breaths altered the circulatory system. Her lungs now inflate and take over the process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide within the blood stream. What a miracle!

I am reminded of the Breath of God in the Book of Genesis (2-17) when God breathed life directly into Adam’s nostrils. The first human being became alive. By the power of the Spirit, God created the universe-the lands, waters, sky, planets, stars, fish, birds, animals, mammals, and reptiles. Finally, God created man and woman in his own image and likeness.

It is the Breath of the same Spirit that brought the breath of life to Aria, and to each one of us. Each week at Mass, we profess our faith in this Hoy Spirit as “the Lord, the Giver of Life”! The Spirit is the Breath of God, and also the life-giving presence in our lives.

How often do we call on this life-giving presence in our lives? Are our lives so busy that we don’t have time to call on the Spirit to help us make the right decisions, to calm our anxieties, to bring wisdom and hope into our lives? Maybe we are afraid to allow the Holy Spirit into our lives?

Let us celebrate the call of Pentecost. On the original day of Pentecost, a new Church came alive! The followers of Jesus left their “Upper Room” where they were terrified with fear of the Jews. The coming of the Spirit breathed new life into their hearts. They became a new people, full of courage, ready to fearlessly follow Jesus.

Can we emerge in this time of Pentecost to take some time each day, in stillness and silence, to be present to the Holy Spirit to guide our lives?

The Holy Spirit flowing through the Streets of Bundaberg

The Church Crawl last Sunday was a classic example of what happens when we come together in the Holy Spirit. Our different Christian denominations came together in the Uniting Church and worshipped as one and then we walked to our Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Anglican Church where we again worshipped and praised God as one.

The “Rivers of Living Water” flowed into the hearts of our churches and then out into the streets continuing into our homes and marketplaces. The power, political and personality games gave way to the deepest sense of Unity, Hope, Joy and Peace as the Spirit of God breathed new life into our hearts.

May the Spirit of God be with us always. Amen.

"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.