Shalom Catholic College, Bundaberg
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Shalom College is a Catholic school in Bundaberg. The College was established after the closure of the Christian Brothers College for boys and Loyola College for girls. After twenty years, the College maintains its original educational mission: to make a difference, and to provide every student with a quality education in a caring environment. By integrating Christian principles into all aspects of school life, the College continues the tradition of Catholic schooling in Australia.
[edit] Campus
The main campus is set amongst thirteen hectares (32 acres) of bushland on the outskirts of Bundaberg. The school boasts modern facilities to provide for a comprehensive, general curriculum suitable for all abilities and interests. Excellence is valued and encouraged. While academically gifted students are challenged to reach their full potential,the school provides all ability levels with appropriate courses, support and attention.
Basic to the educational philosophy at Shalom is the belief that all students have the potential to achieve to the best of their abilities. The College encourages participation in a wide variety of activities available through our curriculum. In preparing tomorrow’s citizens, the College develops confidence, promote self-esteem, develop flexibility of mind and encourage strength of character, inter-personal skills, compassion for others and a sound belief system.
Shalom is not a selective school. While it is proudly a Catholic school, it welcomes applicants from other faiths. Low fees are charged so that poverty does not exclude prospective students. Entrance examinations are not a basis for selection. However, the school does require parents to agree to actively support its religious education programme and Christian ethos.
Shalom College also has a campus of eighty-five hectares (209 acres) at South Bingera twenty-three kilometres (14 miles) west of Bundaberg. This campus provides the school's students with outdoor activities, environmental education and a venue for camps and retreats. All students are given the opportunity to use its facilities.
[edit] Recent History
The current Principal is Mr Pat Wall and the current school captains are William Buswell and Jessica May. Other important figures at Shalom College are Mr Rob Alexander, the assistant principal to the students; Mrs Stanley, the deputy principal; Mr Taylor, the assistant principal for curriculum; and Miss Croake, the assistant principal of mission.
The school also has Br. Rochford who does various things around the school and has become somewhat of an icon for his off-beat sense of humour and photographic efforts. He also is noted for knowing every single birthday of the 1,000 students currently at Shalom College.
Shalom has excellent industrial and physical education facilities, including a large indoor sport centre and multiple manual arts rooms. The school is home to one of the largest metal lathes in Bundaberg.
The performing arts precinct is a new addition to the college and facilitates all areas of the arts including drama, music and dance. The students actively engage in performances and assessments and enjoy the experience of performing in a "real theatre". The cultural leader of shalom college is John Russell and the captains of each sector are Claire Hancock (choir), Natalie Greer and Hayley Pennells (Vocal Ensemble), and Dannielle Sbresnie and Maddie Gramlick (Band).
