9 August 2021

Principal’s Reflection

Yesterday was the feast day of St Mary MacKillop – our first Australian Saint. We claim the story of Mary MacKillop through our House system. She brought education to the bush in Australia. She saw a need and did something in spite of so many people, including Bishops, telling her that she shouldn’t or couldn’t. She was a strong woman. Next year, we will build on the MacKillop spirit at Shalom with the introduction of McCormack House. Sr Irene McCormack was a Sister of St Joseph, the Order that Mary MacKillop began. Sr Irene while working in Peru, was accused of being a ‘Yankee Imperialist’ because she helped manage the distribution in her village of food distributed by CARITAS. The Shining Path guerillas did not want people working with and for the poor. They brought her from her house and ordered her to lie down in the plaza with four others. Irene was the first to be shot, it seems at the hand of a young girl. Irene’s reason for going to Peru was to do something about social justice, not just talk about it. Justice for the poor was and is the basis of the work of the Sisters of St Joseph. In 1987, just before leaving for Peru, Irene was asked why she wanted to go. She said, “I think it is a Mary MacKillop saying, ‘the poor deserve the best we can offer’. It is in that spirit that I would like to volunteer”. Not long after she died in 1991, one of the Sisters, reflected on Irene’s life. “To stand in a gap is to stand in a very dangerous place. Irene McCormack in the mountains of Peru stood in a gap – the gap between the haves and the have-nots, the powerful and the powerless, those who have a voice and those who have no voice – and her death shows us just how dangerous it is to stand in that gap, where you will be damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”

Mary MacKillop and Irene McCormack are the Church in action. We all hope that their lives will continue to inspire. Irene, in the months leading up to her death, knew she was in danger and she had no desire to die. Not long before her death, she wrote her own ‘morning prayer’:

God, my Father, You love me and forgive me
so TODAY I accept all as gift –
and ask to find you Lord
the Giver in the gift.
I choose to face life without fear –
and to live wholeheartedly
in each present moment.
May my heart sing today
A song of grateful thanks and praise.
I am God’s work of art!
I am precious in his sight.

Bingo Roster – this is another call out for parents to volunteer some time to assist in this fundraising effort. We need more volunteers from September for Bingo conducted on Wednesday nights at the Services Club on Quay St. Please give Amanda O’Mara a call on 41558103.

Parents & Friends by Zoom – we have our first virtual P&F Meeting on Tuesday at 6pm. We are hoping that this might make it easier for parents to participate. If you would like to receive a Zoom invite for this meeting please email me. mcmahond@shalomcollege.com

Shalom Trade Directory – an initiative of Mr Robinson, this is a directory of businesses in the local area run by Shalom families. It is now published on our website, under the ‘Community’ tab, for Shalom families who would like to support local business and other Shalom families. The following link will take you to the page. We would welcome any other Shalom family business to come on board.

Anyone wishing to add to the Trades list, please email Peter Robinson peter_robinson@shalomcollege.com

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Position Vacant

Gym Closed Tuesday Afternoons (16 August-10 September)

Please be aware the Gym will be closed on Tuesday afternoons between Weeks 6 and 9 this term. No other days will be affected and will resume to usual hours in Week 10.

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

Curriculum

Year 10 students, Parents and Carers

Thank you to those students and parents who have already booked their SET Plan interviews. Just a reminder of key dates:

17 August: SET Plan Interviews finish
20 August: WebChoice online subject selection closes
20 August: SET Plans to be completed and submitted to interviewer

2022 Year 9 and Year 10 Subject Selection Evening

The information evening will be held on Tuesday 17 August in the Performing Arts Precinct. Learning Area Coordinators will be available on the night to address any questions you may have regarding selection of subjects to study in Year 9 and Year 10 in 2022.

The information session for students and parents of current Year 9 students selecting subject choices for Year 10 in 2022 will commence at 6pm.

The information session for students and parents of current Year 8 students selecting subject choices for Year 9 in 2022 will commence at 7pm.

The timelines around Year 8 and Year 9 subject selections are as follows:

12 August: Year 9 and 10 Subject Selection Booklet 2022 released online
18 August: Edval WebChoices portal opens for students to make selections
31 August: Edval WebChoices portal closes
31 August: Submission of signed Edval WebChoices receipt to Student Reception

Year 12 – QTAC ATAR Portal Open

2021 Year 12 students can now sign-up to the QTAC ATAR Portal. Students must be registered in order to receive their ATAR on Friday 17 December! (https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar/) Please see the Pathways section of this newsletter for more detailed information on how to register.

Year 12 Academic Bootcamps: Chemistry, Maths Methods, Physics and Biology

The 2021 Academic Bootcamps are high-quality courses designed to assist students to achieve their full academic potential. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior science and/or mathematics subject areas, reducing anxiety around assessment and preparing students for future tertiary study. They are being held at Griffith University and the cost is $149 per course. For further information see below:

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

Administration

Year 12 Mock External Exam Block – Term 3 Week 10 & Term 4 Week 1

In preparation for External Exams starting in Term 4 Week 4, Year 12 students will participate in a Mock External Exam Block in Term 3 Week 10 and Term 4 Week 1. The Exam Timetable for this exam block is attached. Students need only attend school for the exams that they are sitting in this period.

During the exam block, students not involved in exams are expected to be involved in home study. Students who are behind in their schoolwork may also be required to attend school to complete outstanding work. If this is required, these arrangements will be communicated by individual class teachers.

We wish our students all the best with their studies.

Year 11 Exam Block – 9 September – 13 September

Year 11 students will participate in an exam block from the 9 - 13 September. The Exam Timetable for this exam block is attached. Students need only attend school for the exams that they are sitting in this period.

During the exam block, students not involved in exams are expected to be involved in home study. Students who are behind in their schoolwork may also be required to attend school to complete outstanding work. If this is required, these arrangements will be communicated by individual class teachers.

We wish our students all the best with their studies.

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

Mission

Shalom Day 19 August

All going well we will hold Shalom Day on 19 August. This year we will have our Shalom Day Liturgy, Inter-house Relays and, best of all, our Inter-house Dance Competition.

Shalom Day is a free dress day where students are allowed to wear casual clothes. Please ensure your child does not wear singlet or crop tops, short shorts or ripped jeans. They need to wear closed in shoes due to safety regulations. They will require a hat but it does not have to be a school hat – caps are fine. We will collect a gold coin donation for their House charity.

We also ask that students do not bring school bags. They will not require books or laptops/iPads so a small bag that can be carried by student for the day containing lunch, hat, water bottle, sunscreen etc.

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.

Pathways

QTAC FAQ’s

How many courses can I apply for, and how should I order them?

You may apply for up to 6 preferences. You should order them from what you would most want – your dream course – down with a safety-net course last.

Make sure you have Plan A, Plan B and even Plan Z course preferences!!!

How do I apply?

Applications to QTAC are made on-line on the QTAC website. There are no paper applications. The online application service can be accessed at the link below:

What is a CSP course?

A CSP course is a Commonwealth Supported Place and students pay part of the cost of their courses whilst the government pays a major part of the cost. All Australians, some New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents can apply for a CSP course

What do the QTAC course codes mean?

In the QTAC Guide, all courses have a “Course Code”. This is the code you will need to enter for that course in your QTAC application.

What is the “Minimum ATAR/Selection Rank”?

This is what the universities use to allocate places to students. It is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors you may have received. This can vary from institution to institution and course to course. Your ATAR never changes but your Selection Rank will (again, for different institutions and different courses).

Are the Minimum ATAR/ Selection Ranks the same every year?

No, you should use the Lowest Selection Ranks from previous years only as a guide to the relative level of difficulty of gaining entry into a particular course. It is important to realise that Minimum ATAR/ Selection Ranks are always subject to fluctuations as a result of pressures of supply and demand and therefore accurately predicting future entrance scores is not possible.

What is EAS?

EAS (Educational Access Scheme) is for all applicants whose education has been affected by long-term disadvantage such as disabilities, long-term illness, or difficult family circumstances.

Where do I get all the information about applying for courses through QTAC?

All the most up to date information can be found in two places:

• The QTAC website at www.qtac.edu.au
• The 2022 QTAC Guide at www.careertools.com.au/content/uni/qtac_guide_2022.pdf

Upcoming Events

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

This week’s Quiet Achiever is Thanushi Weerasinghe in Year 10 from Chisholm House. Thanushi and her family, from Sri Lanka, joined our College community in 2019. She has brought much enthusiasm (and skill!) for all things cultural, academic and now has achieved the excellent standard of a Blue Senior (III) belt in Tae Kwon Do. Thanushi and her youngest sister, Thenuri, have recently competed in the State titles at a tournament held in Brisbane. Both were successful medal winners, gaining positions in our Queensland State team. They were selected to compete in the National Championships set down for Sydney in October. Thanushi won a silver medal and Thenuri a gold. These are outstanding achievements and a reward for the many hours of training and commitment to their chosen martial art. The Weerasinghe girls can be found training over five days a week at the ASP Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy at Bundaberg East. Congratulations to both Thanushi and Thenuri!

State medallists Thanushi and Thenuri Weerasinghe with their proud Head Instructor from ASP Bundaberg, Mitchell Archer

Thanushi in action

Thanushi you have certainly made an impact across Shalom with your welcoming smile, willingness to try all things; including Makerspace, Japanese and Science lunch activities; inter-school chess and also, participating so proudly in our College Harmony Day assembly items. Proudly dressed in your national Sinhalese costume and sharing delicious home cooked food. Thank you Thanushi for the contributions you have made in a short time to Shalom – we wish you all the very best for future sporting, cultural and academic pursuits. This week, we recognise and congratulate you on being a ‘quiet achiever’.

Mrs Maryann Parton
EAL/D Teacher
PartonM@shalomcollege.com

Mr Aaron Brown
Chisholm House Co-ordiantor
Aaron_Brown@shalomcollege.com

Year 9 Geography Farm visits

At the start of term three each Year 9 Geography class went to visit a local farm to gain a greater understanding about why Bundaberg is a very successful place for farming. Students were able to a see the challenges farmers face and the many ways technology has helped broaden agricultural methods. This links to their studies of biomes, agriculture and food security.

Big thanks to Kylie Jackson from Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, for her help to link us to all the welcoming farms in our local area.

The farms visited were: SSS Strawberries; Young Sang and Co; Macadamias Australia; Bundaberg Sugar Ltd; Sweet Potatoes Australia; Cross Family Farms; Austchill and Marto Farms. These Bundaberg farmers were very generous with their time and many students were able to take home samples of the produce as well. From Strawberries, macadamias, eggplant, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and zucchinis - the future of our farming industry looks bright!

Year 9 Geography Students engaging with local farmers

Mr Brett Parsons
Teacher
Brett_Parsons@shalomcollege.com

Ecoman Workshops

Year 10 Business, Legal and Accounting students took part in the 2021 Ecoman workshops and competition at Ulton Bundaberg from 14 to 16 July. The workshops take students through the areas of business management, accounting, human resourcing, marketing and procurement. Each company is assessed on its business performance, final presentations and an overall share price is calculated to determine the company with the greatest success. Our team gained a lot of business knowledge and came in second overall. Congratulations to Lachlan Bates, Amber Meech, Beau Schubel, Emily Evans and Ashleigh Geyer on their team effort. Thank you to Ulton for supporting and hosting this important event for our school students in the Bundaberg region each year.

Beau Schubel, Lachlan Bates, Emily Evans, Ashleigh Geyer and Amber Meech

CQUniversity Business Challenge

On Tuesday 27 July, Business, Accounting and Legal Studies students Lane Cooney, Bianca Matthews, Abbe Shoobridge and Heath Jacobs competed in the State final of the CQUniversity Business Challenge. Our team were runners up in the Wide Bay Region earlier in the year and excelled again in their performance across all three categories and achieving third place. Congratulations to our team!

Heath Jacobs, Bianca Matthews, Mrs Emma Vanstone, Abbe Shoobridge and Lane Cooney

Dr Stacey Cowan
Learning Area Coordinator – Business and IT
Stacey_Cowan@shalomcollege.com

Families Changing Lives – A Story In Time

A young lad went home and asked his parents if he could have a shot at a clarinet. The year was 1972, the annual instrument hire charge was $10, and reeds cost 20 cents. His parents were nonmusical, coming from the factory floor, having left school in their mid-teens. Neither knew a treble clef from a trumpet.

They were still able to do something for their keen son. By making the loungeroom available with TV off and patiently listen to the boys’ caterwauling squeaks, everyone found the clarinet slowly beginning to sound more harmonious, sweeter and warmer. Over the years, from the most horrendous screams, his clarinet eventually made the most amazing music. He travelled the world, performed to thousands of people, and taught the art of music, changing lives all-the -while. This happened all because of the support his parents provided in those early years.

What can you do for your child in their musical journey? In our learning platform SIA your child has a personalised OneNote learning record of their instrumental lessons, progress and personalized tips. Everyone involved can write in it. You will find this under the “GROUPS” tab on the home page. Go exploring with your child. Please. Share this information together at home. It may well be the beginning of another great story!

Mr Ian King
Instrumental Music Teacher
KingI@shalomcollege.com

Quota Student of the Year Quest

On Saturday 31 July Year 12 student, Sarah Krebs represented Shalom in the Student of the Year Quest at HSG Bundaberg. The competition consisted of an interview process in the morning, followed by a dinner in the evening where the 14 competitors delivered a 5-minute prepared speech on a topic of their choosing to the dinner guests and judges. Whilst Sarah did not win this competition, she should be very proud of her efforts throughout this process. Sarah’s thought-provoking speech was very well written and presented, with many of the dinner guests commenting on her stellar performance.

Congratulations, Sarah!

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

McAuley Movie Night and Markets

Dance Night

The Performing Arts Department are proud to announce Dance Night 2021!

Come and support our talented dance students, both curricular and extra-curricular as they take to the stage in a variety of genres and styles guaranteed to entertain young and old.

Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September at 7:00pm

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 11 August at 9:00am - $12 for adults, $10 for students/pensioners

Book early to avoid disappointment!

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

Shalom Day

BDSSS Winter Sport

Table Tennis Results

The Shalom Table Tennis Team were given a shake up following their strong start last week, going down to the Bundaberg Christian College 1 team eight matches to one. BCC dominated throughout with only three matches going to three sets. Isaac Maas was our sole match winner, taking his match in three sets, while Zacharry Morrish and George Stelmack were also able to claim a game each. Despite the loss, all students participated in great spirit and enjoyment.

Mr Troy Braund
Team Manager
Troy_Braund@shalomcollege.com

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Uniform appointment dates for 2022 year 7 & year 10 girls

15 minute appointments

All appointments need to be booked online using the link below.

Commencing Term 4

Tuesday - 9:00am to 11:00am
3:45pm to 5:15pm

Appointment Only

Wednesdays - 9:00am to 11:00am

Appointment Only

Thursdays - 9:00am to 10:15am
11:00am to 1:00pm
3:45pm to 5:15pm

Appointment Only

Monday 29/11/2021 – 8:00am to 11:45am
1:00pm to 4:45pm

Appointment Only

Wednesday - 08/12/2021- 8:00am to 11:45am

Appointment Only

Closed Wednesday 08/12/2021 from 12:00pm for Stocktake.
Holidays Thursday 9/12/2021 – 09/01/2022

Re – open Monday 10/01/2022
Appointment Only

Monday 10/01/2022 – Friday 14/01/2022
8:00am – 11:45am
1:00pm – 4:45pm

Monday 17/01/2022 onwards no appointments necessary.

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

Clubbercise

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: Bill Goodwin
Principal St Marys Catholic Primary School

Australia’s first Catholic school was opened in October 1820 by George Morley, a Roman Catholic teacher who was paid the handsome sum of one penny per student (“…provisioned from the Government Stores”, according to an account by Catholic educator Br Kelvin Canavan).

The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students – seven of whom were Protestants. By 1833, there were 10 Catholic schools in the colony. There are now more than 1750 Catholic schools nationally, educating some 765,000 students. This is one in five Australian students – a remarkable achievement considering that until the early 1970s, Catholic schools were funded almost entirely by parents and their local parish communities. While Catholic schools were once exclusively made up of Catholic children and Catholic staff, the enrolment of non-Catholic children has increased as more families and students embrace the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.

They see Catholic schools are founded on Gospel values, are being well run, are nurturing and strongly orientated towards family and community spirit. They seek the sense of inclusiveness that welcomes parents, students and staff to be part of a joint effort to give students the best education possible. Today, Catholic Schools are welcoming to all families who fully support the Catholic traditions and ethos of the school.

Catholic schools place a strong emphasis on the social and emotional well-being of students, teaching fundamental skills necessary for wellbeing and life effectiveness. These skills improve the quality of learning and life of young people and the communities in which they learn and grow.

Catholic schools offer high-quality education. According to The National Catholic Educational Association ninety-nine percent (99%) of Catholic secondary school students graduate and eighty-eight percent (88%) go on to university or higher education institutions

In this the 200th year of Catholic Education in Australia, the Catholic schools in Bundaberg pride themselves on keeping the Jesus story alive and well in the area.

We don’t exist to be different, but we do exist to make a difference.

"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."

"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.