2025 Shalom Formal ….. Saturday night was the culmination of so much planning and preparation, shopping, beauty appointments, and photo shoots; and it was all worth it! Our Year 12s truly shone, arriving in style and stepping onto the red carpet with confidence and excitement. It was more than just a glamorous evening, it was a chance to celebrate twelve years of learning, the strength of family bonds, the gift of friendship and the spirit of our Shalom community. Looking around the room, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in asking, “Where has the time gone?” or in feeling that quiet swell of pride, “Look how far these young men and women have come.”

Now, our seniors turn their focus to the next chapter, mock exams, a few precious weeks of final classes, external exams and then, before we know it, graduation. The finish line is in sight, and so too is the beginning of their next adventure.

On Friday Core Studies Learner Conferences were held. These meetings are such an important part of each child’s educational journey, and it was wonderful to see so many parents and carers take the opportunity to meet with teachers and support their child’s progress.

Happy Father’s Day …… This weekend also gave us the chance to pause and celebrate Father’s Day. I love the words of Pop Francis: “Every family needs a father, a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children, and offers them firm guidance and love.” I hope that ‘Father’s Day’ was a time of gratitude and joy for every Shalom family yesterday. Good fathers and male role models are such a vital part of our society.

Speaking of good role models don’t forget that on Thursday 16 October (5:30-8:30pm) we are hosting the Man to Man with Leigh Matthews in the Performing Arts Precinct. All community members are welcome. The evening begins with drinks and canapés in the Foyer from 5:30pm, followed by an in-depth Q&A with Leigh Matthews in the Theatre from 6:45pm

Leigh Matthews is a highly decorated figure in the AFL, renowned both as a player and coach. Matthews earned the iconic nickname "Lethal Leigh" due to his physical as well as skilful style of play. He is officially recognised as the "best player of the 20th century" according to the AFL, is a 'Legend' in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, named in the Hawthorn and AFL teams of the century, and is one of the most successful AFL coaches of all time, winning three consecutive premierships with the Lions in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Finally, I am pleased to share that Dan will return from leave next week, just in time to join our Year 11 students and staff on Retreat.