I gave a shout out in a recent Newsletter to a couple of parents as my ‘Plays of the Week’. I have another one this week. If your child is remotely involved with Music at Shalom, you will know of Christie Jacobsen. Christie has two children at Shalom and has graduated two others. Christie has given me permission to share something of her story. Last week Christie travelled to Ipswich to give evidence against a man who had sexually assaulted her as a child. For Christie, this was the end of a terribly long saga. The legal process had let her down in the search for this individual. He had done everything possible, including fleeing, to avoid facing up to what he did before he was finally arrested and brought back to South Queensland. In her victim impact statement, Christie

highlighted the profound and damaging effect this man’s actions had on her as a young child, and then as an adolescent and later as a young adult. The effects of his abuse of her impacted so many aspects of her life – for years. But, she decided this man had to face some consequences and began the long and torturous legal process to seek justice. After last week, he is now in jail for the next few years. Christie chose a long time ago not to live her life as a ‘victim’. I love having someone like this work with Shalom kids – or any kids! She is a ball of energy, talent and warmth. She lives life large! She just knew that bringing this individual to justice was something that needed to be done for the world. And she did it. Listening to her story, I can understand why people don’t pursue perpetrators. But, here is an example of someone who did, bravely and consistently. That needs to be celebrated and I hope and pray that it will give confidence to others who might have experienced something similar to at least start on a journey to justice. Never, ever give up.

Reach Out if reading the above brings anything to mind or you would benefit from talking to someone. Our Counsellors at Shalom are a great resource. Also –

• 1800respect – National sexual assault & domestic violence hotline
• Edon Place 07 41536820
• Phoenix House 07 41534299
• Lifeline 131114

Shalom Clothing Store – the College Board has accepted a proposal from Weareco Clothing, to relinquish sale of Shalom uniforms from the College to a yet to be established off site retail premise. This will be a significant change for us and, whilst there are some significant advantages for the College, it will mean some inconvenience for parents, at least initially. There are quite a number of details still to be finalised and I don’t have a timeline on the changeover, but I am expecting that the new premises will be established by the end of next term. One of the big changes will be that the sale of second-hand uniforms will devolve to FaceBook Marketplace rather than here at the College. I am hoping that a commercial arrangement may mean that parents will enjoy more extended trading hours.

Mass of Thanksgiving for Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Diocesan Director Catholic Education

Bishop Michael McCarthy invites all school communities to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving for Leesa Jeffcoat AM who, after 23 years of faith-filled service, will shortly conclude her time as Diocesan Director of Catholic Education. The Mass will be held in St Joseph’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 12 June commencing at 10:30am.

All are welcome at the Mass to thank God for the gift that Leesa has been to the Ministry of Catholic Education in this Diocese and to pray that God will bless her in abundance into the future.

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will also be live streamed via the following link https://youtube.com/live/ELlJocspoSg?feature=share 

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com