At Assembly last week, I spoke to the students about believing that the world is a good place. Anyone reading the news in the last 10 days might be forgiven for thinking otherwise! There has been a lot happening between two awful incidents in Sydney and Israel / Iran / Gaza. I reminded the students that, particularly in those incidents that happened in Sydney, we have a choice about focussing on the individual who did bad things or the numerous people who chose to ‘step up’ in the moment with grace and courage. We now all love ‘bollard man’ and the bloke who unobtrusively ushered the man with the knife away from a mother and her children. We mourn the Pakistani security guard who came to Australia as a refugee lost his life trying to protect shoppers and the other young Pakistani security guard who hurt trying to intercept the attacker. Lots of shop workers locked doors and made sure that people were looked after. I read yesterday that the Bishop who was attacked earlier this week in his Church has very publicly forgiven and prayed for his attacker. There are SO many good people in the world. None of us ever want to be put in a situation to be tested but we all hope, if we have to, we would respond in a way to care and protect others. I hope everyone of our young people would do that. I left the Shalom students with a thought that I hope everyone of us might live by –

Mothers’ Day Date Claimer – I have a sensational Mother's Day Gift idea for everyone! We have managed to secure a visit to Bundaberg by former Olympic Swimming Legend, Libby Trickett (nee Lenton).

Libby will be at Shalom on the evening of Monday May 13. This will be an evening function beginning with drinks and finger food in the foyer of the Theatre and then Libby’s presentation. Tickets will be on sale shortly. This will be a great event for anyone and is certainly not restricted to ladies. Libby is an Australian legend and has so much to say to all of us about resilience, confidence and challenge.

The Catholic Education Office will be very different shortly. Ms Leesa Jeffcoat who is our long-serving Diocesan Director announced her resignation late last term which will be effective from the end of this term. Leesa has made a huge contribution to Catholic Education and will be missed by many. Bishop Michael announced her replacement this week – former Bundaberg boy, Mr Michael McCusker, who is currently an Assistant Director in the Diocese. We look forward to welcoming Michael to Shalom sometime soon.

We will commemorate ANZAC Day as a College at an Assembly on Wednesday this week. Mr Robinson has been sending out reminders for the many students who will join the College marching at Bargara for the Dawn Service or the ceremony in town. Thank you to all parents who will assist with having their child represent the College in uniform at either of those ceremonies or others to be held in local centres in the district. Lest we forget.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com