Catholic Education Week Celebrations

The four Catholic Schools in Bundaberg joined with the Parish to start the celebration of Catholic Education Week with Mass at the Holy Rosary Church last Sunday. Shalom was well represented in the music ministry, including Year 12 student, Cameron W., leading those present in the Responsorial Psalm. The gathered community included many of our staff, students and families. On Wednesday, we did some gift giving to continue our Catholic Education Week celebrations by surprising some hard-working people in our local community with delicious biscuits emblazoned with the Catholic Education Week symbols. We felt it was important to support those who support others. We visited places such as our Parish Office, Headspace, Angels, the Men’s Shelter, Edon Place and both our Vinnies stores. Finally, our morning prayers throughout the week, and our whole school assembly prayer, reflected the theme of the week – Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.

150th Anniversary of Edmund Rice Ministries in Queensland

Last Thursday, a small group of staff and students travelled to St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane to celebrate this event with a Mass of Thanksgiving. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge in the presence of representatives from the many schools and ministries inspired by Blessed Edmund Rice. Shalom contributed a heart to the banner that was processed into the Cathedral. Students were tasked with expressing our community’s practices that highlight the heart-centred values of Presence, Compassion and Liberation. The ten colours used in our design represent our ten Houses with Rice House, represented in yellow, taking the central spot as they lead the way in upholding & promoting the Edmund Rice charism to the whole school community. The sweeping curves of the design pay a subtle homage to our long connection with the former Edmund Rice Camps Qld, now Edmund Rice Community Services. The smaller hearts symbolise the ‘Big Buddies’ (our student leaders) who, through their presence in a one-to-one ratio, lifts and liberates their ‘Little Buddy’. Our students who attend camp come from across all ten of our Houses.

Year 11 ACTS Camp: A Transformative Journey

Year 11 ACTS Camp was a powerful and transformative experience—three days filled with reflection, connection, and personal growth. Students leaned into community, deepened existing friendships, and explored their values in meaningful ways. Through team challenges, engaging workshops, and quiet moments of self-reflection, many of us discovered a renewed sense of confidence and clarity. We returned to school not just refreshed, but united.

More than just a trip, ACTS Camp offered the rare opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and embrace a clean slate, surrounded by new faces and fresh perspectives. Many of us were surprised by just how deeply the camp would impact our everyday lives and how many friendships we would form—friendships we know will last well beyond this year.

ACTS Camp brought together students from a wide range of towns, cultures, and interests, all united by a shared purpose: to grow as leaders. It was an inspiring experience that highlighted the true meaning of leadership. Through every activity, we learned that effective leadership is not just about taking charge, but about supporting others, listening, and responding to the needs of the moment. It showed us that genuine collaboration and a focus on collective success are key to achieving shared goals.

ACTS Camp reminded us that leadership is about unity, empathy, and purpose—and we are better prepared to lead because of it.

Written by Year 11 ACTS Camp participants.

Masses

Also, if you would like to join in other Parish services, the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg advertises Mass times at https://www.bundabergcatholic.net.au/mass-prayer/

Mrs Sandra Freeman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Sandra_Freeman@rok.catholic.edu.au