6 September 2021

Principal’s Reflection

I hope that ‘Father’s Day’ was able to be well celebrated in every Shalom family yesterday. Good Fathers are such a vital part of a healthy society. As leading psychotherapist Steve Biddulph says, “All of us are a bundle of the good people, male and female, we have known. But we have let that enrichment disappear on the male side, and many boys today have never seen what a good man looks like close up.” In authoring the seminal 1997 book Raising Boys – Biddulph reflected on issues around fathering and he describes this sorrow for lost contact and love as “father hunger.”

David Leser, in an extract from an article called, ‘Women, Men and the Whole Damn Thing’ goes on to quote Steve Biddulph further when he says,

‘Biddulph believes a key insight into the defective nature of male psychology, began during the Industrial Revolution. For the first time in history, men abandoned their agricultural communities and went in search of jobs in the cities, thereby splitting their family roles between home and work. Men were no longer working alongside women and children; they were miles away in factories and mines. “In a break with eternal tradition,” Biddulph wrote in his best-selling 1994 book Manhood, “boys began being raised solely by women. The lack of male input into growing boys created a huge break in the family fabric, yet we adjusted to it and soon assumed it was normal. The possibility that boys might need fathering for many hours a day, not just minutes, and that uncles and grandfathers had a critical role in male mental health, was forgotten.”

For 30 years, Biddulph has travelled Australia and the world talking to men about fathering, encouraging them to become more engaged, inviting them to talk about their own boyhoods.

“When I meet with groups of young dads,” Biddulph tells me, “I conduct a survey and the results are always the same. About 30 per cent of men report that they don’t even speak to their fathers. Their relationship is non-existent. Another 30 per cent have a somewhat prickly or difficult relationship. They do sometimes spend time with their father, but it’s a painful and awkward time. Around another 30 per cent fare somewhat better – they visit their father or phone him regularly, show up for family get-togethers, go through the motions of being a good son, and yet discuss nothing deeper than lawnmowers. Fewer than 10 per cent of men are friends with their father and see the relationship as deep and sustaining. Only about one man in 10 says, ‘My father is fantastic. He’s an emotional backstop in my world.’”

“We’ve militarised men and commodified women for thousands of years,” Biddulph says. “War became one of the definers of masculinity and we’re still raising boys as soldiers of empire – which is why they don’t cry. If we need you to go and die in the trenches of France, or in Iraq, we don’t want you to complain about it. Similarly, if you’re a policeman pulling bodies out of cars, or you’re a surgeon tending horrific injuries, you don’t want a man to burst into tears. It can be a positive thing to suppress your emotions. The problem is when it becomes a lifelong characteristic.”

Leser goes on to say, ‘All the stock definitions of masculinity prevent boys from dealing with the “storms and subtleties” inside their hearts. Only yesterday, as I wrote this, one of my oldest and dearest male friends told me that he didn’t think he’d cried since he was nine years old. That’s more than half a century ago. “I’m hard-wired not to cry,” he said. “I was nine when my father died, and I was determined not to cry in front of my friends, or even myself. But I think by that time I’d already decided I would never cry. That’s because only girls cried, so it’s almost like I can’t cry now. It’s baked in. It would be like weeing in your pants, which is just like tears coming out the other end.”

Dance Night were, again, two great performances. Huge congratulations to all dancers and the staff, particularly Ms Hoiberg and Ms McSherry, for the wonderful work that they did with these young people. They were outstanding.

Shalom Family & Business Trade Directory is located on our webpage –

This is an opportunity for Shalom families to support other Shalom families if you are looking for goods or services in the area. A real chance to shop locally and support local family businesses. Please let us know if your family business would like to be included in this Directory.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Head Lice

Shalom College has received more than one report of head lice over the past few weeks and we ask for your support to ensure this doesn’t become a broader issue.

Head lice are a very common problem in schools everywhere in the world. They are not a threat to health and do not transmit disease, however if they are not treated effectively, they can continue to spread throughout a community. Anyone can get head lice. They are not a sign of poor hygiene. They have no preference for hair colour, hair type or age.

All parents should check their children and other family members for head lice regularly as early detection decreases treatment time and helps break the breeding cycle.

Qld Health advises that the most effective way to detect head lice is by using the hair conditioner and combing method. This method along with other treatment advice can be found on the Qld Health website at the link below:

The school requests that families make regular checks of their children at this time so that the breeding cycle can be broken.

As well as following the treatment recommendations on the Qld health website, children should also be advised to:

Avoid head to head contact.
Keep long hair tied back or in plaits.
Do not share brushes, combs or pillows.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

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

Curriculum

Year 12 Assessment Timeline

A quick reminder to parents and caregivers that Mock Exams will begin next week for all Year 12 students. The table below outlines the timeline for our Year 12’s from this point onwards:

ATAR Portal Registration

I hope by now all Year 12 ATAR eligible students have registered with QTAC to receive their ATAR score on December 17. Even if your child is not intending to apply for university entry, please still have them register so to receive their ATAR score. When registering your account could you please ensure you give permission for QTAC to share your data with the college. This will assist us with tracking outcomes data for the college and assist us with future planning.

To register go to the QTAC ATAR Portal - (https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar/). Students must have the following personal details ready:

Full name (as displayed their QCAA learning account)
Date of birth
LUI number
Personal email address (do not use school email)

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 12 Students exam calendar

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. Please note that Tuesday 14th September is a normal school day for Yr11s and students are expected to attend classes on this day unless involved in Winter Finals Day.

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

Donations Wanted

Shalom Showcase

Mrs Megan Munckton
Middle School Coordinator
Megan_Munckton@shalomcollege.com

Car Parking

Just a friendly reminder the Eggmolesse and Fitzgerald Street car parks are the only two designated areas for drop off/pick up. The Baptist Church is private property, the College tennis court car park and the spare land off Brother Hogan Drive are not designated drop off/pick up areas due to safety concerns.

Further information on our website -

School Dental Service Program

Message from the school dental service

The Mobile Dental Clinic will be starting at Shalom College in a few weeks’ time. The School Dental Service will be offering a free dental examination and dental treatment to all students that return their Offer of Treatment form either by paper copy or the on-line form. All forms must be completed in ink. Once the form is returned, our friendly administrative officer will send the parent/legal guardian a contact letter or a contact SMS, so they can ring us to arrange an appointment. Please note: A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ATTEND the first appointment as the way we deliver our service has changed.

For the first appointment the parent/guardian must attend – after that a responsible adult can attend. If after the discussion with the operator at the first appointment, you are happy for your child to attend from class themselves, this can occur. Please note there may be paperwork you will need to sign so this will be sent home for you. We understand there will be exceptions so please discuss this with us. Please work with us so we can deliver the best care to your child/children.

Message from Shalom College

The dental van is expected to arrive at Shalom on 16 September and will be parked near McAuley block. Bookings are now open for all Year 11 and 12 students (only). To make an appointment use this link or return the registration form given to you at PC to Student Reception by Friday 10 September.

Booking forms for Year 7-10 students will be available very soon – an update will be posted in the College Newsletter.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Bundaberg School Dental Service is a program run by Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. If you are attending an appointment at the dental van you must have a note in your diary and must sign out/in at Student Reception as you would for any other appointment.

Any queries regarding the program please contact the School Dental Service on 07 4303 8059.

Ignite Conference

Australia’s most dynamic annual Catholic youth conference is back in 2021 in Brisbane! Our diocesan group is organising accommodation and transport from Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Gin Gin, and is open to all young adults and high school students. Bundaberg participants will be picked up in Gin Gin.

When: 22 to 25 September
Where: Mueller College, Redcliffe Cost: $300 (including accommodation, transport and meals)

For more info or to register with our diocesan group please contact Elizabeth Kelly at 0456 635 542 or Michael Otto at 0433897973 or youth@rok.catholic.net.au.

Ms Cheryl Petersen
Campus Minister
petersenc@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

Defence Careers Technical Trade Information Session

Are you considering a career with the Navy, Army or Air Force? On Wednesday, 15 September, a technical trade specialist will be presenting to interested Year 10, 11 and 12’s. This will be beneficial for any students wishing to pursue a trade career, as well as covering all ADF opportunities. For more information and how to secure your spot click here. We will need a minimum number of students to secure this session so please register your interest asap.

Work Experience

Work experience is a great opportunity for students to explore their passion and understand what is expected in the workplace, while developing skills outside the classroom. It is also an opportunity to understand what they may need to do to prepare for the future.

We strongly encourage students to seek their own placements to grow their self-marketing skills. Developing these skills now is a great tool to assist you in your post-school life as you search for career opportunities and seeking work experience is a good place to start learning how to self-market. However, if students require any help in gaining a work experience the Pathways Department is happy to help.

This will be the final opportunity for the school to be able to cover Year 12 students with insurance and we would again highlight the importance of industry exposure to students making decisions about future pathways. Work experience is also an opportunity to network with potential employers, build knowledge and skills and boost resume content.

If students are intending on taking part in Work Experience in the upcoming school holidays, please ensure your completed, signed paperwork is returned to the Pathways Office no later than Thursday, 9 September.

Please see the Student Work Experience Booklet for further information and instructions on engaging in work experience.

CQU Bundaberg Young Engineers Spring Holiday Workshops 2021

Young Engineers workshops will be held at the CQU Bundaberg Campus during the upcoming September School Holidays (23/09-24/09). Young Engineers is a fun and interactive STEM based program aimed at school children from Year 1 – Year 8. The exciting two day program will educate and entertain with an Inventor’s Kit for Year 6-8 where students will model and solve real world problems with robotics and coding. Register here before 5 September to receive an early bird discount.

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

Thank you from McAuley

McAuley House would like to extend a massive thank you to all the families, students, stall holders and staff who helped to make our Mini Market and Movie Night fundraiser such a great success. The evening had such an enjoyable vibe and the feedback we received has been so positive.

Thank you also to those families who gave donations towards the event which has made such a positive contribution to CARINBUNDI our house charity.

I would also like to thank the dedicated students who assisted so happily with setting up and jobs on the night as well as the dedicated McAuley staff who gave their time so freely to making our event such a big success.

Yes we are all looking forward to 2022 and our next McAuley Mini Market and Movie Night.

Quiet Achiever

Catherine McAuley once wrote to her Sisters of Mercy saying the following to them:

Be ever ready to praise,
To encourage,
to stimulate,
But slow to censure,
And still more slow to condemn.

It is these words that have made me think of the actions, words, support, care and encouragement to students and staff of both McAuley House and Shalom College shown by Year 11 Student Mitchell Tarda. The positive attitude, quiet commitment and readiness to assist at any time with anything is something that SHINES through in all Mitchell does and we would like to congratulate Mitchell for being our McAuley Quiet Achiever.

Ms Paula Van Dalen
McAuley House Co-ordiantor
vandalenp@shalomcollege.com

Year 8 Geography Excursions

During week 8 we expanded our knowledge of Geography by taking a field trip to Nielson Beach to explore the coastal processes and see how erosion is affecting our coastline. Spread across three days (Mon-Wed) all Year 8 classes spent time making observations and field sketching, to learn about management strategies such as groynes and sea walls. We discussed the coastal processes, erosion and the social, economic and environmental factors of beach management. Through field sketching we learnt how to draw and annotate a beach scene by focusing on the important information and leaving out unnecessary details. After our trip to Nielson Beach all year 8 students can agree that we have returned to school with more knowledge of Geography.

Charlotte O’Brien 8G

Chess Success

“Chess is the gymnasium of the mind.” – Blaise Pascal

On Tuesday 24 August, four teams of valiant Shalom chess players competed in the Term 3 Inter-School Chess Tournament at Avoca SS. This is our biggest team of players for a number of years showing the growing popularity of chess at Shalom.

The Shalom Black team of Ty Rushton, Callum Macann, Raul Ongkili and Nicholas Whitelum played some inspiring chess to take the silver medal for the day, only 1 point behind the winning team. In addition, each member of the team received a Merit ribbon with Nicholas, Callum and Raul winning 5 of their 7 games and Ty winning 4 of his 7 games. This demonstrates what a consistent team performance this was by Shalom Black.

The Shalom White team of Thomas Brandon, Kahn Ashmore, Joon McMahon and JJ Werchon, three Year 7 boys and one Year 8, were not far from a podium finish with some strong performances. Khan Ashmore showed what an impressive player he is receiving a Merit ribbon for winning 5 out of his 7 matches. This team of young guns have demonstrated that they will be excellent players in the years to come.

The Shalom Red team of Jonathon El-Azzi, Vivian Blemings, Seth Gayton and Kyan Kelly and the Shalom Yellow team of Jacob O’Brien, Rafe Marschke, Isaac Watson and Riley Eckart all had some good performances on the day, with their efforts showing their improvement as players. Rafe Marshke received a Merit ribbon for winning 4 of his 7 games on the day. With these players all in the younger grades, they will only continue to get better.

Congratulations to all these players on an outstanding effort.

Chess is a great game for people of all ages and experience. If you would like to have a game, or to learn how to play, Chess Club is on every Tuesday and Wednesday lunch at 11.25am in Beerarlem. We are also fortunate to have a ‘Chess Master’ visit each Wednesday, Martin Carter, who is doing an excellent job of improving our player’s knowledge and skills. We would love to have you there!

The Shalom Chess Team

Chess Joke of the Week – I got a job working as a piece in a 24-hour human chess game. I’m on knight shift this week.

Mr Brendan Maher
Chess Coordinator
Brendan_Maher@shalomcollege.com

Live Performance is Back at Shalom!

Last year the Instrumental Music Department continued to learn new music and rehearse ensembles, but we were unable to perform live, due to restrictions. This year we have been making up for lost time, especially in Term 3! Most recently, we had our annual student Piano Recital. This was a lovely, informal gathering in the safe space of the Band Room. Students were able to play on the College’s beautiful Yamaha grand piano. Some students had only been learning since this year and some only for a few weeks! It was a great opportunity for the students to have some performance experience and share the fruits of their labours with an appreciative audience of peers and family members. Both piano teachers, Mrs Rebecca Helbig and Mrs Christie McLucas put themselves in the same situation as the students and performed some impressive pieces with lots of fast notes, to the delight of the crowd.

There are still places available for students wishing to learn piano in either group or individual lessons with Mrs Christie McLucas this year. For many students, piano is their second instrument and they are able to pick it up quickly.

Our inaugural Guitar Concert will be held on September 12 at 3:30 pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. This is a chance for Mr Cameron MacDonnell’s students to showcase what they’ve been learning in a variety of styles, as soloists and in ensemble. Entry is free and open to anyone.

Mrs Rebecca Helbig
Instrumental Music Teacher
helbigr@shalomcollege.com

Football Success

Year 11 student Keanu Arsenault recently played football as part of the WideBay Select team against the Brisbane Roar on the weekend. Keanu was the youngest player, this is a big achievement, congratulations Keanu!

Keanu Arsenault

Wide Bay All Schools Touch Football Carnival

The 2021 NEMO Wide Bay all schools Touch Football Carnival was held on Thursday 2 September with 41 teams from 14 schools from all over the Wide Bay taking part. Thanks to Stacey Murdoch our Referees Coordinator and Administration preparation planner and to Simon Gills our Administration and Results Coordinator. Thanks also to Helen Leggett, Dean Leggett, Joy Zunker and Sarah Driver for helping in our office/ administration area and the 35 referees from all over the Wide Bay, including many student referees. Thanks to David Field from Bundaberg Touch Association for the use of the BTA fields and facilities and to Sharni Deamer for running the Canteen for the day.

Congratulations to all Division Winners

13 Boys – Bundaberg SHS
13 Girls – Shalom College
15 Boys – Shalom College
15 Girls – Shalom College
Open Boys – Shalom College
Open Girls – Shalom College
Open Mixed – Bundaberg SHS

Thanks to our Shalom Coaches and Managers for all their time and effort coaching these teams.

13 Boys – Ryan Collins and Theresa Morcom
13 Girls – Kylie Giles and Alana Clark
15 Boys – Graham O’Shanesy and Craig Hammermeister
15 Girls – Patrick Matters
Open Boys – Joe O’Driscoll
Open Girls – Peter Robinson and Jess Richards

Congratulations to the following Shalom College Touch Football teams for winning their divisions at the 2021 NEMO Wide Bay all schools Touch Football Carnival.

13 Girls Champions

15 Girls Champions

15 Boys Champions

Open Girls Champions

13 Boys Champions

Thanks to our Major sponsors – Nemo Car and Dog Wash, PRD Real Estate, Chics Pies and Duffys Buses for their support.

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

T20 Cricket

On Friday last week, the Shalom Open T20 Cricket Team played the Wide Bay/Sunshine Coast Final of the State T20 Cricket knock-out competition. Shalom were up against the Sunshine Coast champs in Matthew Flinders, with the winner progressing to the South Qld Finals in Brisbane in early Term 4

Shalom batted first and after a slowish start, the team finished with a respectable 3/128 on a very tough wicket. Ronan Dempsey finished 47no and Jonty McMahon made 31 and Patrick Marshman 20. In reply, Flinders got off to a flyer with 64 from Flinders opener, Logan Beutal. The best of the Shalom bowlers were Ronan Dempsey with 2/17 and Matthew Parker 2/22. Unfortunately, Flinders snuck over the line finishing their innings at 6/129 in the 17th over.

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordinator
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

Sports Teams Photos

Please see link to the Team Photo Schedule for the remaining of Term 3.

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

Students are to wear formal school uniform.

BDSSS Winter Sport

Table Tennis Results

The Shalom Table Tennis team had a pleasing win over the Bundaberg Christian College 3 team, defeating them by six matches to three. Michael Richardson, Isaac Maas and Zacharry Morrish each played consistently, winning two matches each. Michael’s matches were very close, with two going to three games. Zacharry and Isaac both had games with some excellent extended rallies, which made for very entertaining viewing. Shalom has finished the regular season in third place behind BCC1 and St Luke’s, and will now play in the finals day on Tuesday 14 September. Please wish our players all the best.

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

Shalom College Families Business and Trade Directory

Clubbercise

Drivers School

Rotary Club Book Sale

Positive Partnerships

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)

GOOD NEWS

CURRENT ROSTER (Term 3 2021)

Focus by: Fr John Daly
Retired Priest

In response to Pope Francis’ document “Laudato Si” and his call to celebrate the month of September each year as “a Catholic Month of Creation” many dioceses throughout the world have put aside September as a time to reflect upon the “Care for our Common Home.” Pope Francis was particularly concerned for God’s creation and the poor and the outcast. He shows us just how inseparable the bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace are for the future of our world. His catch cry is to “Hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Quite a few important dates have been set aside to assist us to focus on the need to care for human persons to value and treat all with dignity and to reach out in caring for the whole creation. We have ushered in the Month of Creation with the Social Justice Statement by the Australian Catholic Bishops, “The Cry of Earth and the Cry of the Poor.” On 5th September we start the Month of Creation. The 26th September is Migrant and Refugee Sunday. October 3rd is Laudato Si Sunday for the Diocese and Sunday 31st October is Sanctity of Life Sunday in our Diocese. So it is really two months of focusing on Life and Creation. These “special” Sundays bring to the fore the Catholic values of supporting the dignity of every human person and every aspect of creation. This is the core belief of our Catholic Faith. The Sundays from Social Justice Sunday through September Justice Sunday through September and October are a seamless garment. They are each parts of the whole vocation of caring for our common home. Pope Francis began his document with the words of St Francis of Assisi’s prayer “Laudato Si, mi Signore – praise to you my Lord.” St Francis praises God for the whole of creation the sun, the moon and stars to the waves, wind and air. He beautifully prays: “ All praise be yours my Lord, For sister Earth, our mother, Who feeds us, rules us and produces, Various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs” What a wonderful world this can be. And we have the extraordinary honour to care for it and its people.

"Good News Magazine"

"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."

"September Edition"

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.