19 July 2021

Principal’s Reflection

Because of Covid lockdowns in Sydney, I missed seeing the musical “Come From Away” over the holidays. I love the story the musical tells. On the day of 9/11, the US Government immediately grounded all planes – something that has never been done before. ‘Come From Away’ tells the story of how the people of the small town of Gander, in Newfoundland, on the edge of Canada responded. During WWII, Gander was a huge airport as it was the last place all planes could refuel before crossing the Atlantic. Jet aircraft and improvements in technology soon meant that Gander was no longer needed as a huge airport. The small town (pop 11,000) remained with a huge airport. On 9/11, when all the intercontinental flights were suddenly grounded, they had to land somewhere.

38 airliners with some 6000 passengers and 500 crew were diverted to Gander. The Musical tells this story and the amazing generosity of the people of Gander as they did their best to make all of those people comfortable in the middle of an awful crisis. They found food, bedding, clothing, sanitary items, nappies and so much more. It is a great story of the best of humanity coming forward in the midst of horror. In the first week of the holidays, Shalom had its own ‘Come From Away’ moment. On the Tuesday afternoon, as the Covid lockdown was about to commence in Brisbane, we rushed to get our four QISSN & QISSRL teams home from Brisbane. That afternoon, we got a call asking if we could assist the 20 students and staff from the Netball team from St Catherine’s Proserpine, who had managed to hire cars to get their team out of Brisbane and drive home rather than using their planned flights on the Friday. They needed somewhere to sleep that night to break their trip. When I rang the coach, Shalom past student Ashleigh Kaye (Snr 2010 Walsh) and asked what gear they had with them to camp in our Sports Centre, she said that they had nothing. We then put out a call on FaceBook to see if we could get them some blankets for the night. Literally, within 45 minutes, staff back at Shalom had the Sports Centre decked out as a Dormitory with camp beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, towels – and snacks! We had enough gear for about 50! When the St Catherine’s tour party arrived at about 11pm that night, they were just blown away and so very grateful. It was another of those times for me, as Principal, that I was so proud of the Shalom community. It was our ‘Come From Away’ moment! So far this year we’ve had a number of audits as a part of our cyclical review processes – Catholic Identity audit in Term 1 and the NSIT review and OH&S review at the end of last term. None of those audits would have picked up the quality of generosity and willingness to assist that was displayed to the students and staff of St Catherine’s. That speaks of something very good at Shalom. Community doesn’t just happen. We all have to work at it and build it. It is certainly not something to be taken for granted. Thank you to all of those who responded and to the many, many more who were just as ready to do so.

St Catherine’s Proserpine – following all of the above, I got the email below last week from Mr Phil McIntosh who is the Acting Principal at St Catherine’s:

Hi Dan

Could you please pass on to your school community our gratitude and thanks for the welcome and hospitality our QISSN team received on their unexpected return trip to Proserpine due to COVID-19 lockdowns in the first week of the holidays. It was humbling to see the effort put into setting up the hall in preparation for the team's stay. On behalf of the St Catherine's Catholic College community I would like to thank the many people who took the time and effort in welcoming our team by making the hall comfortable for their stay. The staff and students greatly appreciated all you did for them as this break in the journey was necessary for their safe return. I also wish to thank you personally for the large part you played in making the stay possible. You did not hesitate to offer assistance when asked and showed genuine concern towards our staff and students to ensure they were able to leave the Brisbane area by the required time, thank you again. I would like to think that this Shalom College community act has set an example that our St Catherine's community would follow without hesitation.

Regards,
Phil McIntosh

St Joseph’s Childers very generously gave us a bus for the duration of the Confro Week to enable us to get four teams to Brisbane. We are very grateful.

New Houses 2022 – at the end of last term, the College was advised by the Bishop and Ms Leesa Jeffcoat that they had approved as names of our two new Houses –

McCormack House – Sr Irene McCormack RSJ
Damien House – St Damien of Molokai

Ms Austin-Campbell has been working the process of students transferring to the new Houses and those lists will be published soon. Interviews will soon be finalized to select the new House Coordinators for 2022.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

This term in our Personal Development Education sessions Years 7 & 8 will undertake the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum. This program aims to support schools and teachers in the promotion of safety for all students.

These lessons will include information on personal safety and awareness, cyber-safety and mobile phone safety.

The curriculum aims to develop student knowledge and skills to RECOGNISE, REACT and REPORT unsafe situations.

Years 11 & 12 will have guest speakers in their Personal Development sessions, commencing this week.

We are grateful to the following presenters for giving up their valuable time to address our students:

Britt Duncan, Hayden Kroon and Glen Cameron from Queensland Police Service.

Nicole Blakely from Q Health Sexual Assault Clinic Bundaberg and personnel from Fire Emergency Services.

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

Tutoring

Term 3 tutoring has begun, please refer to the updated tutoring timetable below.

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

Curriculum

Year 12 change of release date for Year 12 results and ATARs

The QCAA and QTAC have brought forward the 2021 release date for Year 12 results and Queensland ATARs. This year, students' final subject results and Senior Education Profiles will be released via the Student Portal on the myQCE website from 8am on Friday 17 December while Queensland ATARs will be released at the same time via the QTAC website.

Year 12 External Exams – alternate venue registrations

External Examination for Year 12 students run from 25 October – 16 November. It is expected that all students will complete their scheduled exams at Shalom College. If there is an exceptional circumstance as to why your child cannot complete their exams at the College please contact Mrs Norris immediately to discuss. QCAA require schools to register an alternate venue for students if required.

Year 10 Subject Selection Information

Personal Futures Day - Friday 23 July. This whole day program designed for Year 10 students leads into our subject selection and SET Planning process for Year 11. Students attended a briefing today in preparation for Friday. They were directed to download and save a variety of resources to be used on Friday. This included the Senior Subject Selection Guide 2022, Personal Futures Day Information Booklet and a wealth of resources around careers, further study and pathways. Students were advised to share these resources with parents to help with discussion around their subjects and plans in preparation for subject selections and SET Plan interviews.

During session 1 on Personal Futures Day students will attend an industry expo where they will have firsthand contact with a broad range of industry representatives. Session 2 & 3 will involve looking at SET Planning and subject selection. In session 4 students will participate in a virtual career profiling session delivered by career profiling experts.

2022 Senior School Subject Selection Information Evening – will be held Tuesday 27 July in the Performing Arts Precinct commencing at 6.30pm. Please bring your mobile phone as you will be required to check in via our QR code displayed in the foyer.

At the information evening, there will be presentations outlining the new QCE system and ATAR in Queensland. As well as an explanation of the online subject selection process for Year 11. The process is very similar to that used last year for selections of Year 10 subjects, with the portal open from July 27th. It is hoped that online submissions will be finalised by 20 August.

After the presentations in the theatre, Coordinators will be available in the foyer to discuss the variety of subjects on offer and to answer questions that parents may have. Initial questions such as the content and structure of courses and details of assessment are likely to be answered by careful reading of the Senior Subject Selection Guide 2022 in advance of the evening. This is also available on the College website:

SET Plan Interviews will take place from Thursday 29 July – 17 August. After Personal Futures Day an email will be sent to parents and students with details about how parents can book the SET Plan interview.

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

Administration

Year 7-10 Semester 1 Report Cards – Published 23/7/21

Year 7-10 Semester 1 Report Cards will be published on Parent Lounge on the 23/7/21 as advertised in the school calendar. These reports can be accessed through Parent Lounge in the Academic Reports tab. Please also remember that detailed information about your child’s progress is available on Parent Lounge under the ‘Curricular Activities Due’ tab. Here you can see the results and teacher feedback on every individual assessment item. For any clarification over results issued, please contact the classroom teacher.

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

Mission

Catholic Education Week

Celebrated annually in week 3 of term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 309 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

The theme for 2021 celebrations will be A Spirited Tomorrow

In Bundaberg all the Catholic Schools are invited to attend a Parish Mass to celebrate the start of Catholic Education Week.

This Mass is on

Sunday 25 July at 5:30 pm
Holy Rosary Church
Grab some friends and come along. Families welcome!!!

Mrs Mary Taylor
Assistant Principal – Mission
TaylorM@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.

Stall Holders Required for Movie Night

As many of you are aware for the last few years McAuley House has held a ‘Movie Night’ as our major fundraising event for our house charity CARINBUNDI. Because we were unable to hold the event last year we have decided to revamp our night and make it even more spectacular than ever.

This year we are holding a movie and mini handmade market evening on the 27 August 5:30-8pm. The event will be held here at Shalom and open to everyone. But to make it a big success we are after stall holders. So if you, family members or friends are into creating handmade items and would like to be a stall holder, make yourself some extra money, get your products and name out into the community and be part of making a difference to our house charity CARINBUNDI we would like to hear from you.

For example, we are after people who make and sell cards, candles, jewelry, artwork, body products, hair products, clothes, produce, cakes just to name a few. If you are interested in being part of this and want to set up and have your own stall at this event please contact Paula van Dalen through email vandalenp@shalomcollege.com or call me on 41558155 by Friday 6 August.

Ms Paula van Dalen
McAuley House Coordinator
vandalenp@shalomcollege.com

Shalom College After School Activities (SCASA)

Shalom College is offering students the opportunity to participate in organised after school activities conducted by coaches and teachers. SCASA also includes a light afternoon tea from 3.15 pm for the students and all activities will conclude at 4.45 pm.

Days

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the 3 available afternoons for SCASA.

Dates

SCASA commences in Week 2 of each Term and continues for 8 continuous weeks of each Term.

Times

3.00 pm - School lessons completed.
3.15 pm - Roll Call and afternoon tea (supplied) at College tuck shop and set up time for coaches
3.30 pm - Activities/ Coaching starts (various venues within school grounds)
4.30 pm - Activities/ Coaching finished
4.45 pm - Students help pack up and return equipment and picked up by parents at front of school.

SCASA Activities - see below

Monday -
Option 1 - Netball with Charlotte Boge (SC or Hangar)
Option 2 - Football and Futsal with Fiona Stevenson (Oval or Hangar)
Option 3 - Basketball with Thomas Laycock (SC or Hangar)
Option 4 - Running Training with Mat Grills (Oval)

Tuesday
Option 1 - Dance with Abby McMillan (Dance Studio)
Option 2 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill, Lockie Capell and Kael Yunus (Computer labs)
Option 3 - Touch Football and OzTag with Riley Dingle and Tom Morcom (Oval)

Thursday
Option 1 - Next-Jenner-ation Running training with Rebecca Jenner (Oval)
Option 2 - Tennis with Brendan Maher (Tennis Courts)
Option 3 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill, Lockie Capell and Kael Yunus (Computer labs)

* e-Sports = electronic Sports

Cost

The SCASA Fee is $20.00 per term for each student.
This is to help cover the afternoon tea and instructors/coach costs.
This flat fee of $20.00 is for one, two or all three afternoons activities.
This is to encourage participation in SCASA activities.

After completing the SCASA sign on google form, at approx. week 3 of term - you will receive an invitation on Parent Lounge regarding SCASA.

Please wait until week 3 of term then login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend SCASA and pay the $20.00 fee.

Once there click on the ‘Tours and Excursions’ tab and you will find a link to SCASA Term 3 - Here you will be able to give permission for your child to attend and pay the fee.

Please also check your contact details and phone numbers are current, as we will be using this information to contact you if needed.

It is very important that all information in Parent Lounge is current as teachers will use this information in case of an emergency and to support the welfare of your child.

Please make sure that you click SAVE before logging out.

If you require assistance with Parent Lounge login, please contact the College Office.

Other school sporting teams will continue to have their own training sessions as usual under the direction of their coaches e.g Strength and Conditioning training, Rugby League, Netball, Touch Football etc.

This SCASA program is designed to give extra opportunities for Shalom College students to become involved in supervised activities after school.

Please complete the student and parent details in the google form below

REMINDER - no confirming phone calls are made by the school to confirm you are in the program - as once you sign on and you receive an online response - your child has been registered and please turn up starting week 2.

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

Explore Your Future Careers Education Session

Our Year 12 students recently participated in an Explore Your Future career education session, with a group of guest speakers from QUT. Students learnt about the variety of post school options available to them after Year 12.

Student Ambassadors shared personal stories about how they applied to QTAC, as well as their top tips for our students. The Explore Your Future team showed students how to analyse the different career pathways available to them and presented information about future job growth predictions. They also shared details about the National School Leavers Information Service which provides online resources and free career guidance to all students in our local community.

The Service is available by:

• calling 1800 CAREER (1800 227 337)
• texting SLIS2020 to 0429 009435
• emailing schoolleavers.nci@dese.gov.au
• or visiting YourCareer.gov.au

All students are eligible to receive a free, pre-paid QTAC voucher (valued at $45) to apply for uni or TAFE by emailing exploreuni@qut.edu.au.

How to Apply through QTAC 2021

Some students may have attended QTAC’s “How to Apply’ zoom session at the end of last term. For those students that may have missed it or would like a recap of the information please see QTAC’s Powerpoint that is full of very useful information.

Year 12 students have been advised that the Year 12 QTAC Guides are now available for collection from the Pathways Office.

St Leo’s College Information Session – 21 July

11.45am- 12.05pm Goondeel Library

St Leo’s College is the University of Queensland’s men’s College, operating since 1961. St Leo’s residents enjoy a diverse and active lifestyle embracing study, cultural and sporting opportunities together with a wealth of social opportunities. All alongside state-of-the-art facilities and a learning environment that offers an exciting and rewarding academic experience. Come along to the presentation, presented by Shalom 2018 graduate, Patrick Harris, to find out more about living at St Leo’s in 2022.

University of the Sunshine Coast – 23 July

11.25am to12.05pm in Goondeel Library

Are you considering attending USC and have general course enquiries, questions about entry requirements or alternative entry programs? Come and meet with USC.

QUT Open Day - 24 & 25 July

On campus – Saturday 24 July 9am – 3pm
Campus and facility tours at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses.

Virtual – Sunday 25 July 9am – 3pm
Online seminars and expert advice.

For more information visit the link below:

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

Quiet Achiever

Year 9 Student Alexander Curtis is enthusiastically involved in so many components of House and College life. He undertakes all tasks with cheerful passion and is happiest when his efforts benefit others. Alexander is involved in anything going and his interests are diverse including a major role in the musical and recently attaining a High Distinction in a national Science Competition. His care and compassion for others together with the high effort and humility he brings to all activities and tasks he undertakes means that Alexander is definitely worthy of commendation as this week’s quiet achiever.

Ms Claire Stallard
Rice House Coordinator
StallarC@shalomcollege.com

Year 10 DT01

Charcuterie boards originated in France, it’s purpose, is to display a platter of food generally containing snacks such as cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and dips. The modern charcuterie boards are more commonly known as cheese boards in Australia and are a great way to present your platter to family or friends.

The year 10 industrial class, taught by Mr Bond, explored these charcuterie boards and the manufacturing process. The materials chosen for this project were dressed hardwood and acrylic resin with a polyurethane finish. The process for these boards included, each student, creating an original design, marking out, cutting, hand and machine sanding, creation of a mold to hold the resin in place and urethane application for an overall finish.

Tools used to complete this project include marking out/measuring equipment, bandsaw and tenon saw, thickness planer and orbital sander, 1200 grit sanding paper was used with other finishing materials and processes to complete the project.

This project was fun to complete and is a practical item.

All boards are currently on display in the foyer of the Performing Arts Precinct.

Angus Watson
Year 10 Student

Excellence in Music

In Term 2 we congratulated the following students on their progress through the Standard of Excellence program:

Term 3 is off to a great start as Austin Ellery became one of the first students to complete the entire program and was awarded the third certificate, medal and pin on assembly last week.

Austin Ellery

Jacob O’Brien, Francis Blemings, Vivian Blemings and Karson Wise

SHEP Bundaberg

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, is bringing together 166 young musicians from 37 schools for an intensive music-making program during the eighth annual State Honours Ensemble Program Middle School – Bundaberg from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 July.

Congratulations to the following students for being accepted into SHEP:

Mrs Megan Hoban
Instrumental Music Coordinator
Instrumental Music Teacher – Woodwind & Brass
Megan_Hoban@shalomcollege.com

Courage and Kindness Project

Walsh House warmly welcomed two very special guests from RACQ LifeFlight to their house assembly last Thursday, 17 June 2021.

Sarah Biddle, Community Engagement Officer, and Tony Miller, Senior Pilot and Crewman, attended assembly and were presented with a heartfelt gift of thanks and gratitude that Walsh’s PC3 class had put together as part of their “COURAGE & KINDNESS PROJECT” they had been working on this Semester.

The COURAGE & KINDNESS PROJECT focused on groups and organisations that show courage, kindness and bravery in their everyday line of work when delivering services to the Bundaberg community.

Students in PC3 developed a long list of potential organisations and groups, and chose to focus the project on RACQ LifeFlight, as these front-line workers do amazing, lifesaving work, showing courage, bravery and kindness in their everyday line of work to those that need critical and urgent care. One of Walsh’s PC3 students’ family members had experienced first-hand the life-saving care provided by RACQ LifeFlight, having been rescued from a climbing accident on Mount Walsh, so it was an organisation close to the hearts and minds of students.

The COURAGE & KINDNESS PROJECT aligned the brave, kind and courageous character strengths of Walsh’s House Patron, Father Paddy Walsh, to the amazing work and services provided by the kind, brave and courageous frontline workers and support staff at RACQ LifeFlight.

PC3 students used time in PC classes to research the emergency, lifesaving medical treatment that RACQ LifeFlight provide to seriously ill and injured people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PC3 put together a hamper of chocolates and hand-written notes of thanks and gratitude as a token of their appreciation for the valour shown by the staff and crew at RACQ LifeFlight.

Walsh PC3 students are looking forward to taking a tour through the new RACQ LifeFlight base next term to witness the amazing work and services provided by this wonderful organisation.

Ms Emma Vanstone
Teacher
Emma_Vanstone@shalomcollege.com

Sport

Australian Polocrosse Squad Selection

Emily Bowden has been selected in the 2021 Australian Polocrosse Junior Squad and further selected to play in one of two Australian junior teams. The competition between the Australian ‘Green’ and Australian ‘Gold’ teams was planned to occur at Narrabri over the school holidays, however unfortunately had to be postponed due to COVID.

Emily has had a successful start to the 2021 polocrosse season, representing Queensland on 2 occasions:

• Winning team at Albury in the Under 17 COVID Cup mixed competition, playing with her sister Jasmine and also winning best number #3
• Winning team at Warwick Interstate Series Junior Girls competition, also winning Best Australian Stock Horse

Polocrosse is a great family sport and requires a big commitment looking after horses and regular travel during the season (Mar-Sept). Emily is dedicated to her sport and enjoys representing her club (Wandoan) at carnivals across Queensland and on occasion in NSW. Emily is currently training hard in preparation for the opportunity to play in the Australian Junior team (pending COVID) and aiming for QLD selection to play at the Australian National Championships in March 2022.

Emily in action

Queensland Representatives

Congratulations to the following students after gaining on his selection in the Queensland Team of their respective sports. Thomas Morcom - QSS 15 years Rugby League, Tully Dorgan – QSS Hockey, Layla Collins – QSS AFL, Kate McFarlane – QSS Golf.

Hockey

Congratulations to the following Shalom Hockey students that represented their respective Clubs at the Hockey State Championships. Both the under 18 and under 13 State Hockey Championships were held during the school holidays and the following Shalom students gained selection in various teams and squads:

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Rugby Union

QUEENSLAND RUGBY - WIDE BAY Q7s 2021

Divisions: U13/U15/Opens for GIRLS and BOYS
Venue: The Waves Sports Complex, Thabeban Street, Bundaberg
Date: Friday 20 August 2021
Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm

Any students interested in participating in the Wide Bay Q7s, please e-mail Mr Braund – troy_braund@shalomcollege.com – and keep an eye out for more details. Permission will need to be completed by Wednesday 28 July.

Mr Troy Braund
Rugby Coach
troy_braund@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

Christmas in July

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 (Voluntary Assisted Dying VAD Legislation)

GOOD NEWS

Current Roster (Term3 2021)

FOCUS by: Elizabeth Kelly
Youth Co-Ordinator

The lord is my Shepherd

“He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.”

This is an important psalm for us all to live by, as we make our way through our daily lives. Not everything in life is a rosy garden bed, and it sometimes helps to have a psalm that reminds us that God is there, and that we can seek his support and guidance through prayer.

In Youth Ministry, as with the rest of the church and it's many ministries, we aim to provide support to our people, our flock so to speak, and shepherd them through their lives. Youth Ministry seeks to support our youth both at youth events and in their daily lives, to equip them with the knowledge that God, the church and all its members are there to support them whenever they need it.

Life can beset us with trials and tribulations that take us to dark thoughts, stress and despair. By reading this psalm, we can be reminded that God, family and friends are there to support us, even when we think we are alone.

The role of Youth Ministry includes helping, guiding, teaching and supporting youth so that they can become tomorrow’s faith and community leaders. This is often a very self-giving and selfless role. It can sometimes feel like you are pouring yourself out, to the extent that you become empty and exhausted. It is therefore important to remember that it is God’s Ministry, not our own.

It is important to let the Lord shepherd our Ministry, and our lives.

ALPHA

Learning about Alpha: In his Evangelii Gaudium #3, Pope Francis says: “ 'I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them.

... The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realise that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.' ”

The Alpha program has three basic Elements:

Connection: Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick online catch-up, times of connection are important. It’s no different at Alpha.

Content: The Alpha talks are designed to encourage people from all walks of life, and to inspire conversation. They explore the big issues of life and faith, and unpack the basics of Christian belief, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?” and “How does God guide us?”

Conversation: One of the most important parts of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything, and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously!). It’s an opportunity to hear from others, and to contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

Donna Brennan from Alpha Brisbane will meet with our Alpha start-up team on 21st. August.

"The annual parish "Good News" magazine will now become a bi-monthly bulletin of photos and brief news stories. If your parish group would like to be showcased in the bulletin, please send in your photos with a short note, and we will attempt to include it in the coming edition. We welcome your feedback as we trial this new format."

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.