16 August 2021

Principal’s Reflection

One of the great celebrations of the Church’s year occurred yesterday with the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is not as common today as it was in my youth. Sometimes, in our Catholic tradition, some may have got devotion to Mary and saints out of perspective. The following reflection on the Assumption of Mary was written by Fr Richard Leonard. I think it helps get the perspective on Mary closer to where it should be:

On the 15 August, 1975, the entire parish council of a village outside the capital of Chile was arrested by the military police. For months the villagers tried to find out where the men had gone and why they had been taken away. Abduction, torture, and illegal imprisonment were daily realities for Chilean people under General Pinochet.

Word arrived in November that the corpses of the parish councillors could be found in Santiago’s morgue. My cousin, Catherine, an Australian nun working in that parish, took the mothers of the eight men to the morgue. Catherine later wrote to me, “there were over 300 corpses piled high on each other and the mothers had to roll someone else’s son over in an attempt to find their own.”

As the mothers searched they began to weep loudly, realizing how evil we can be toward one another. As they wept they prayed the rosary. As one mother, and then another, found her son, they called out more desperately, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.”

Catherine’s letter continued, “For years I rejected devotion to Mary because I felt oppressed by the way generations of men in the Church presented her – blue veils, white skin, always smiling, a perpetual virgin and yet also a mother, an ideal I could never achieve, but one to which I was told I should aspire. In the experience of the village mothers, however, the distortion of who Mary was for a poor and suffering world faded away. Far from feeling distant from their devotion, I found myself praying with them, knowing that Mary was with us in our shock, anger and grief. One of the women told me, on the way home, that Mary knows what it’s like to bring a child into the world and claim his dead body in her arms.”

Fourteen years later, in 1989, Catherine died in that village of hepatitis. Her family had been trying to get her to come home for months, but she lied about how ill she was and said that she could get everything she needed there. The only consolation Catherine’s family got was when a letter arrived from the mothers in the village. When it was translated into English it read, “We want you to know that we were with Catherine when she died. We would never have let her die alone for she was one of our children too. We often prayed the rosary with her. She seemed to like that, thumbing the beads she used ever since she brought us back with our boys. We have buried her next to our sons and put on her tombstone the line she asked us to inscribe, “Mary my friend, my companion and mother of the poor, pray for me.”

The writer of Luke’s Gospel has a similarly earthy picture of Mary. There’s nothing sentimental and pious about Mary in his description.

And so, Mary is in union with all of us who feel the poverty and unworthiness of our humanity. Like her, God calls us to face down our fears and take up the same mission – to remain faithful to the kingdom Jesus proclaimed no matter what, whether it’s in our relationships with our family, colleagues, or friends, at home, at work, or in searching for the bodies of our children in a Santiago morgue.

The feast of the Assumption tells us that it is possible for humanity to be assumed into God, that God will remain faithful to us as we are faithful to God. And not understating the special honour Mary received, we affirm that she prefigures the joy that can be ours in the life to come.

This is why now is not the time to move away from as rich devotion to Mary, so let’s reclaim the sanest, most inclusive and Catholic of heritages that makes room for a poor woman to say something to our poverty and to a poor and suffering world.

Relay for Life – thanks to all of those students, parents and staff who gave their time and resource to supporting this event last Saturday. I doubt that there are any of us who have not been touched by the insidious disease of Cancer. Efforts like those on Saturday bring us all one step closer to ridding the world of this awful illness.

Shalom Day will be celebrated on Thursday. This is a really important event in the life of the College. It is always enjoyable and reminds us of all that is great about this community.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Student Welfare and Information

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.

Damien House and McCormack House

All movement in/out of these Houses has now finished. In the next few weeks, all students in these Houses will be placed in Pastoral Care classes.

Then, the 270 incoming Year 7s 2022 need to be placed into Pastoral Care classes across all Houses/Pastoral Care classes.

Once Shalom Day is over, the two House Coordinators, Mr Egan and Miss Lancaster, will begin meeting with the students in their respective Houses in preparation for next year.

Election of College Captains

Voting for the College Captains 2022 will be undertaken the week beginning 23 August. All Year 11 students will vote along with staff.

Election of House Leaders

Voting for the House Leaders will take place in Term 4 as we wanted to wait until after their retreat.

Shalom Day

A reminder to students that attendance is compulsory – students are to participate in all aspects of College life.

Standard of dress on the day: Mrs Taylor has outlined to students in notices for many days now about the dress standard expected. Please make sure your son/daughter has read these notices.

On our assembly last Thursday, I very clearly told the students that they are not permitted to wear ripped jeans – they cannot wear them even if they put leggings underneath.

It is always a great celebration and one the students do enjoy.

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

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! Please see the Pathways section of this newsletter for more detailed information on how to register.

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

Administration

Year 7-8 Core Studies Learner Conferences (PT – Interviews) – Friday 3 September

Year 7 and 8 Core Studies Learner Conferences (Parent/Teacher Interviews) will be available from 8.30am – 3.00pm on the Student Free Day of Friday 3 September in the Waterford Centre. The rooms that the interviews will take place is shown in the table below. As this is a student-free day, your child is encouraged to attend the interview also. The aim of these conferences is to provide an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss the progress and learning needs of their children.

There will also be an extra half-day from 8.30am – 11.30am on Tuesday 7 September in the Loyola Centre for parents to book appointments with teachers who have three Core Studies classes. The teachers who these extra appointments are available for are : Sarah Murray, Gillian Deacon, Craig Sologinkin, Brett Hoskins, Emily Stevenson, Kirsty McCulloch, Michael Harris, Patrick Matters, Justine Blinco and Karen Lyons.

Conferences may be arranged online via Parent Lounge. The online Parent Teacher Interview booking facility will open at 8:00am on Monday 23 August and close at 3:00pm on Tuesday 31 August to allow teachers to prepare for interviews.

Whilst the scheduled interview day is seen as an important communication between home and school, parents are welcome to arrange an interview with specific teachers at any time the need arises throughout the year. 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. This would be advantageous to review before attending the CS Learner Conferences.

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

Scholarships, Grants and Bursaries – Now is the Time to Start Researching

A scholarship can help you get on your way to achieving your further study dreams by covering the costs of textbooks, course fees, equipment, accommodation and living costs.

Did you know that there are currently 4200 scholarships available to Australian students?

It is reported that tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of grants and scholarships for courses in Australia go begging every year because students don’t know about them or don’t have the confidence to apply because they don’t think they will be successful. You can apply for as many scholarships as you like, so make the most of the opportunities. Remember, if you don’t give it a go you’ll never know. Check out what is on offer and apply, apply, apply.

Application Tips

Applying for a scholarship, a bursary, or a grant, can be quite a daunting experience. Often there’s quite a bit of paperwork involved and each application will require your focused attention to give you the best chances of being successful. Here is some helpful advice on completing your applications, to help you ensure you have given yourself the best chance of securing that all important funding.

Ensure You’re Eligible - Before you apply, make sure you meet all the necessary criteria for applying. Don’t waste time applying for something you aren’t even eligible for.

Read Instructions Carefully - This might sound obvious. Pay very close attention to the application instructions to make sure you don’t unwittingly disqualify yourself through carelessness.

Assess What They’re Looking For - Look beyond the eligibility criteria to uncover exactly what it is the funding administrators are looking for. This will require you to do research. Find out what the aims, objectives, mission of those assessing your application. Perhaps you can investigate the background, qualifications, experience of previous recipients of the award?

Show How You Meet the Requirements - Do this by giving concrete examples of how you meet each of their criteria.

Don’t Miss the Deadline - Again another one that may seem obvious, but you don’t want to eliminate yourself from the running through failing to get your application in on time.

Avoid Telling a Sob Story - Don’t go for the sympathy vote in your application, there will be lots of people in similar or even worse situations. Simply lay things out factually and show how you are doing your best to overcome the challenges facing you. Demonstrate how this funding will make a difference to your life and how it will help you achieve your goals.

Search the Good Universities Guide refining results by your field of study and state.

NIDA Applications Now Open for Entry in 2022

The National Institute of Dramatic Art’s (NIDA) Vocational Diplomas and Undergraduate Degrees - Applications close on 30 September 2021. This year there will be NO APPLICATION FEE, breaking down barriers and giving talented individuals all around Australia the opportunity to apply.

Specialisations in Bachelor of Fine Arts are: Acting, Costume, Design for Performance, Properties and Objects, Scenic Construction and Technologies and Technical Theatre & Stage Management. The Vocational Diplomas are in: Live Production and Technical Services, Musical Theatre, Specialist Make-up Services and Stage and Screen performance. For more information, visit the NIDA website at

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

Year 8 Student Xavier Stanley is such a wonderful young man and a highly valued member of Walsh PC3.

Xavier is always so well organised to start each and every week, with an immaculately organised Student Record Book, showing maturity and organisational skills beyond his years. Each week, Xavier juggles school work, assessment tasks and sporting commitments, meeting each and every deadline. Clearly Xavier’s excellent organisation skills and commitment to all of his endeavors are paying off, too, as he has achieved very pleasing results in his assessment tasks and been the proud recipient of ROSA awards on two separate occasions so far this year – one in Term 1 for Core Studies B, and the second in Term 2 for Religious Education. Well done, and congratulations Xavier!

Xavier Stanley with his ROSA Award

Mr Chris Roelofs
Walsh House Co-ordiantor
roelofs@shalomcollege.com

Athletics

Shalom Athletics Carnival 2021

1st – Hogan
2nd – Adams
3rd - Walsh

Age Champions

Athletics Records set for 2021

Bundaberg District Schools Carnival 2021

Shalom won the Junior (Year 7/8/9) Division by 4 points and the Senior (Year 10/11/12) by 155 points

Kharla Hills broke the 400m record running a time of 1:01.33 and the Shalom Open Girls Relay team of Riley Dingle, Zali Usher, Georgie Tuzes and Kharla Hills broke the 4 x 100m Relay record in a time of 54.03secs.

Shalom had two Age Champions: Lana Grant (13years Girls) and Kharla Hills (17-20years Girls)

Lana Grant and Riley Modrow with BDSSS 2021 Chairperson Mr Paul Thompson

Jessie Zammit and Kharla Hills with BDSSS 2021 Chairperson Mr Paul Thompson

Regional and State Athletics Carnivals Cancelled

Unfortunately, due to the 'flow on' effect from COVID, the Wide Bay Schools and QLD Schools Athletics Carnivals have been cancelled for 2021. A Bundy District 13-19years Team has still been selected as a Merit Team only.

If you have a Shalom Athletics singlet, can you please return it to Mr Gills in the Sports Office ASAP

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

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

McAuley Movie Night and Markets

Shalom Day

QLD Oztag Merit Teams

The following students were selected in the QLD Oztag Merit Teams after the All Schools event which were recently held on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

BDSSS Winter Sport

Table Tennis Results

The results from week 3’s table tennis match up could not have been closer! Shalom took on the Bundaberg Christian College 3 team. Despite both teams winning 11 games each, BCC 3 snuck away with the win five matches to four. All players had matches that extended in to a deciding third game. Isaac Maas stood out as our strongest player on the day, winning all three of his matches. Zacharry Morrish gained a win, and was unlucky to lose in a narrow three-gamer. Michael Richardson played valiantly throughout his matches, but was unfortunate not to gain a match. Commendations to all players for their sportsmanship.

Mr Troy Braund
Team Manager
Troy_Braund@shalomcollege.com

Ten Pin Bowling (Year 7 – 10)

Our junior ten pin bowling team has made a great start to the season and showing improvement each week. Great sportsmanship demonstrated by all players. The competition includes teams from St Lukes, Gin Gin State High School along with Shalom College.

Results:

Mrs Debbie Bishop
Team Manager
bishopD@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.

Please note new photos

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 College Families Business and Trade Directory

St Mary’s P&F Music Bingo - Friday 20 August

Dust off those Hawaiian shirts or the least popular footy team shirt and come along dressed in your best "Poor Taste Shirt".

Friday 20 August in the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Multipurpose Court. Doors open 6pm for 7pm start.

3 rounds of Music Bingo, Lucky Door Prizes, Novelty Games and Raffles on the night.

A range of pre-ordered food can be purchased with your entry ticket.

On-site bar.

18+ only Event.

Tickets available online via Trybooking

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

Parish News

GOOD NEWS

Current Roster (Term3 2021)

CentacareCQ Volunteering
By: Maija Stewart

CentacareCQ is launching a volunteer program. We are hoping to attract a wide range of volunteers of all ages, from millennials to baby boomers. We plan on providing volunteers with a meaningful and enjoyable engagement experience. Volunteers at CentacareCQ will have their skills and interests put to best use so that they are invested and making a difference in our community. Full Story

"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.

MINISTRY INSERVICE DATES

It has been a number of years since last we gathered for training.
Please mark you diaries and attend a one-hour session for continuing ministers.
All sessions 9.30am or 5.30 pm, Parish Office.
- Minister of Communion: Wednesday, 18th August 2021
-Minister of the Word: Thursday, 2nd September 2021
Please note change of date
-Mass Assistants & Sacristans: Wednesday, 1st September

Ring the Parish Office or scan this QR Code to register.

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.