The last couple of weeks at Shalom have been great. We have focussed on celebrating teaching and learning at Shalom. We officially opened the Coolock building and we celebrated the academic efforts of so many young people on Awards Night. Our Performing Arts students put on two just magnificent concerts in our Theatre and at Holy Rosary Church. We farewelled our graduating Year 12s on Friday. Education is such a gift and Shalom gives that well – as do parents. I hope that no one, not least of all our students, ever take this for granted. At the Blessing & Opening of the Coolock building, I quoted the great Australian and proud indigenous woman, Ash Barty who said,

"Education is the currency of the future. Education is the only currency that you can cash in anywhere in the world. And it is the only currency that can't be stolen from the owner. Australia needs more of that education currency here. It's our passport to the future success of this country," 

Schools are asked to do so much extra for our young people often to make up for things they miss elsewhere. In that sense, schools and schooling has become much more complex since I began in this wonderful profession. That said, it is still a wonderful job / vocation.

Last week, I got a great farewell from the Performing Arts department. I’m not looking forward to leaving Shalom but all good things come to an end. I don’t want to ‘stretch out’ goodbyes but I was encouraged to participate in an ‘Open Invitation’ farewell to be held at The Waves on Friday November 7. I’m happy to have a drink with anyone who would like to come from 5 pm – 7 pm. There won’t be any great formalities and it will be very casual. This event is open to anyone. To help with catering and giving me an idea for a ‘bar tab’, could those interested in attending complete the following RSVP link?

https://forms.gle/fH3WibQPQKGnuGQn9

All Past & Present Staff, Students, and Parents the media team are creating  a special memory book to celebrate my time at Shalom College.

We would love for you to be part of it!

Please send in your stories, memories, and photos to 520_media@rok.catholic.edu.au

Submissions close on 3 November

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Daniel_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au