Shalom Catholic College
Shalom College is situated in Bundaberg.The College was established after the closure of the Christian Brothers College for boys and Loyola College for girls. Although much has changed in the last twenty years, our basic educational principles have not. Our school exists to make a difference. Every student should receive quality education in a caring environment. The tradition of Catholic schooling in Australia lives on at Shalom where Christian principles form an integral part of all aspects of school life.
Campus
Our main campus is set amongst thirteen hectares 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, all ability levels are provided with appropriate courses, support and attention.
Basic to our educational philosophy at Shalom is the belief that all students have the potential to achieve to the best of their abilities. We encourage participation in a wide variety of activities available through our curriculum. In preparing tomorrow’s citizens we develop 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 faith traditions. Low fees are charged so that economic circumstances do not exclude prospective students. Entrance examinations are not a basis for selection. However, we do require parents to agree to actively support our religious education programme and Christian ethos.
Shalom College also has a campus of eighty-five hectares at South Bingera twenty-three kilometres west of Bundaberg. This campus provides our students with outdoor activities, environmental education and a venue for camps and retreats. All students are given the opportunity to use its facilities.
Recent History
The current Principal is Mr Pat Wall and the current school captains are Daniel Sergiacomi and Lindsay Howard. Other important figures at Shalom College are Mr Rob Alexander, known to students as 'Mr A', the assistant principal to the students, Mrs Stanley who is the deputy principal, Mr Taylor who is the assistant principal for curriculum and Miss Croake who is 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 1000 students currently at Shalom College.
Shalom has excellent industrial and physical education facilities. A large indoor sport centre and multiple manual arts rooms are additions to this. The school is home to one of the largest metal lathes in Bundaberg and its operator Jimmy "The Lathe King" Carter is an expert in the field.
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 immensely enjoy the experience of performing in a "real theatre".