Blessing and Opening

Numerous special guests, along with the college community, gathered for the Blessing and Opening of the Coolock Building on the 16th of October. We were pleased that Bishop Michael McCarthy could join us. Bishop Michael led us in the ceremony, and he was ably assisted by Fr Don White PP along with all the House Leaders of both McAuley and Adams House. While the Opening of Coolock is a significant step in the growth of Shalom, the Blessing of our new statue that sits alongside the building was an equally important event. The sculpture, by artist Jenny Steiner, is entitled, ‘Common Ground - Education is the Key’. It features Catherine McAuley (1778-1841) and Edmund Rice (1762-1844). Catherine was the founder of the Sisters of Mercy and Edmund was the founder of the Christian Brothers. The Sisters of Mercy led Loyola College and along with the Bundaberg Christian Brothers, merged to become Shalom College in 1984. The sculpture reminds us of this foundation, while demonstrating that both Catherine and Edmund recognised that education was the key to a better future for the poor.

Year 12 Graduation

The College community came together again last Friday, this time to celebrate the Year 12 cohort before External Exams begin. It was the final opportunity for the graduating students to gather and celebrate their years together. Fr Don White, Parish Priest, led us in a prayerful reflection before further presentations were made. The message of hope, evident in all our significant events this year, was once again conveyed before students exited the Sports Centre with their red sashes around their necks to enjoy the Guard of Honour provided by students from the lower grades. We thank the families and friends who attended and by doing so, helped make this a memorable milestone for the Year 12s.

Masses

Each Religious Education class will also cohost a Wednesday morning Mass at 8am in our chapel. This Mass occurs during term time and is a Parish Mass, so it is open to all. The Mass finishes before the 8.40am bell. Religious Education teachers will email a notice to families prior to their allocated Mass, and we encourage attendance. Upcoming Masses will be hosted by our year 7 and 8 students.

Wednesday 29 October Ms Libby Kassulke's 8.7 & Mrs Amelia Morine's 8.9

Wednesday 5 November Ms Sally-Ann Lankowski's 8.5 & 8.6 & Mr Sam McMah's 7.3

Wednesday 12 November Mrs Justine Blinco's 7.0 & Ms Libby Kassulke's 7.9