Principal's Reflection
Last Friday, we celebrated with many former Shalom students and staff, the 40th anniversary of the start of the College in 1984. Anniversaries are a chance to reflect. In speaking to those gathered on Friday evening, I spoke about the ‘highs and lows’ that are inevitably part of any authentic reflection. So much good has occurred since the comparatively humble opening of the College. But there have also been lows. One of those profound lows also occurred last week and I had to write to all sharing the tragic news of the death of Isla Marschke. At the 40th celebrations on Friday night, I thanked the former students and staff for the culture that they helped create at Shalom and assured them that the culture created in those early days of a faith in a loving God, a willingness to support each other and an outreach to those most at risk, is alive and well at Shalom. Not that we needed proof of it, but the expression of practical love and support for the Marschke family, was a tangible expression of that culture. From staff who gave their time to step in for colleagues who needed a bit of time last week, to the many who contributed to the ‘Go Fund Me’ page, for those who contributed to the overflowing fridge at the Marschke home and to all of those who fronted up to Christie, Ella, Rafe & Ava and wrapped them in love – that is the Shalom culture. At Assembly last Thursday, I decided to speak to the students about Isla and her death. I had not intended to do that in a setting like a College Assembly but inaccurate and hurtful information on-line was emerging quickly and required a response. I guess it is a natural and human reaction to want to blame someone or something when bad things happen but that is rarely helpful, or accurate. If anyone would like to listen to what I said to our students on Assembly last Thursday, click on the link –
Christie Jacobsen, Isla’s Mum and one of our most loved staff members, said it best on her FaceBook post, “Isla’s death is a terrible tragedy. She had a combination of factors that led to her to make the decisions she did. We do NOT blame anything, anyone or any service…We blame no one. We just now need to find a way forward. Thank you everyone for all you’ve done for us. There are no words. Beautiful Isla”
Link to ‘Go Fund Me’ page.
Awards Night commences tomorrow night at 6.30pm in our Sports Centre. Congratulations to all of those young people whose efforts in Academic, Cultural and Sporting endeavours will be celebrated. This is a proud occasion for them and their families. Could I remind all parents to resist the temptation to depart the event once your child receives their Award. Let’s respect and support every child at Shalom. We get the chance at Awards Night to welcome back to his home town and to Shalom, the new Director of Catholic Education, Mr Michael McCusker.
2025 Assistant Principal Curriculum – Ms Kate Aplin has been appointed to this position. Kate is currently a Curriculum leader at St Luke’s. Kate, along with husband Anthony (who is currently on staff) is a former Shalom student. It is certainly a bit of an Aplin family affair given that daughters Savannah and Talitha are already at Shalom and will be joined by the best of the bunch, Natalia in 2026. Kate will be a loss to St Luke’s where she is very highly regarded but a great asset for Shalom.
School Leaders 2025 - also on Assembly last Thursday, I was able to announce to the College community, the new student leaders of the College after voting from both students and staff:
School Captains: Joann Jitesh & Landa Appo (both MacKillop)
Vice Captains: Ava Marschke & George Stelmack (both Rice)
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com