31 January 2025

Welcome Back - 2025

Important Information

New Website  Don't forget to visit our new website at www.gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
There is a dedicated tab for Parents with all relevant information and links.

School Photos These will be taken on Thursday 13 February.  Order envelopes will be sent home with students shortly.  Students will need to wear their full dress uniform on this day, including ties etc, if applicable.  More uniform information can be found by clicking here.

House Shirts
Thank you to all those who have purchased house shirts in the round one sales.  Round two sales are open again from today, Tuesday 28 January until Friday 14 February 2025.  Click here to order - enter password GSMCH89.  Shirts will be delivered to school in March.  Shirts can be worn on Wednesdays and at Sports Carnival.  Shirts are not compuslory to purchase.

Wet Weather Disruptions
Please ensure you are familiar with the college's procedures in regards to weather disruptions and school closures - visit our website.

If you have any questions or concerns in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to contact the college office.

Important Dates for Term 4

From Acting Principal - Melissa Carr

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome Back to a New School Year!

As we commence a new academic year, it is with great joy that I welcome back all our students, parents, and guardians to Gilroy Santa Maria College. I hope you all had a restful break filled with joy, reconnection, and rejuvenation.

As previously advised, I will be acting in the role of College Principal while Mr Barnes is on unforeseen personal leave until Monday 17 February, whilst also continuing in my Deputy Principal, Learning & Teaching role.

As we embark on this new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible potential that lies ahead. Our commitment to nurturing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment remains unwavering. Together, let us continue to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages the growth of not only our minds and skills, but our hearts and spirits too.

I am also thrilled to introduce some wonderful new members of our staff who will be joining our dedicated team this year:

1. Ellie Nicholson – Joining us as a teacher of Science and Mathematics, Ellie brings a passion for igniting curiosity and critical thinking in her students. Her innovative approach to teaching is sure to inspire our learners to explore the wonders of the scientific and mathematical worlds.
2. Billy Freeman – A dynamic educator in Mathematics and Health & Physical Education (HPE), Billy is enthusiastic about promoting sports, particularly touch, as well as academic excellence. His inspiring activities in the classroom and on the field will undoubtedly engage our students in their learning journey.
3. Kublai Beaumont-Auld – As our new English and HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) teacher, Kublai is eager to inspire our students to become thoughtful and compassionate members of society through the power of literature and historical inquiry. His unique perspective and dedication to education make him a fantastic addition to our team.
4. Megan Carpenter – We are excited to welcome Megan as our Emerging Leaders Coordinator. Megan is passionate about empowering our students to develop their leadership skills, fostering their confidence and commitment to service. She will play a pivotal role in guiding our students as they navigate their leadership journeys, both within the school and beyond.

In addition to welcoming our new staff members, we would also like to congratulate the following individuals on their new roles for 2025:

• Jordan Bi Bella, who will be taking on the role of Acting Year 9 Pastoral Leader. Jordan’s dedication to supporting our students’ well-being and growth makes him a valuable asset to our pastoral team.
• Jack Dixon, our new Acting Year 10 Pastoral Leader. Jack is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for our students, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey.
• Marie Noble, who will serve as the Acting VET/RTO & Careers Manager. With her wealth of experience and passion for helping students navigate their career paths, Marie will be instrumental in guiding our students toward their future aspirations.

As we begin Term 1, I want to highlight the many exciting events and activities we have planned. Year 7 and Year 9 students will be undertaking NAPLAN assessments, a crucial part of their educational journey. Additionally, our Year 7 and Year 12 students will have the opportunity to experience their respective camps, which promise to be both educational and enjoyable. The First Nations Meet and Greet night is on Thursday 27 February, commencing at 4:00pm, which will be a vital opportunity for fostering community connections, celebrating cultural heritage, and promoting understanding and collaboration between First Nations families and the school, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported within our educational community.

We are also gearing up for our annual Swimming Carnivals, with a special update this year: our Interschool Swimming Carnival will be held during the day to enhance attendance and participation. Scheduled for Friday 21 March. 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, this will be an exciting event for all. More information will be provided by Jaidyn Spina in the coming weeks, so please keep an eye out for that communication.

Our staff had a very busy and productive week last week as we undertook professional development opportunities and ensured teachers were prepared and planned for students to arrive this week. Our senior students in particular, have hit the ground running, with regard to upcoming assessment. We have our Year 12 Exam Block scheduled for Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 March as well as their Tracking Interviews commencing on Friday 21 March. Our Academic Support Program is also now available and I encourage all students and parents to take advantage of this excellent academic resource available to students at lunchtimes and after school. It provides a quiet and focused environment where they can receive support from teachers with their assignments and studies.

As we come together to welcome both returning and new families, let us remain steadfast in our mission of providing an enriching education rooted in our Catholic faith. 

I encourage all parents and carers to stay engaged and connected with the school community. Your active participation in school events, parent-teacher meetings, and volunteer opportunities plays an essential role in fostering our vibrant learning environment.

Let’s make this year one filled with successful learning, meaningful connections, and joyous experiences. I look forward to another rewarding year ahead, filled with opportunity, growth, and faith.

Warm wishes for a fantastic start to the school year!

God bless
Melissa Carr

Assessment Planners Term 1

Assessment planners are valuable tools that help students manage their time effectively, prioritise tasks, and stay organised throughout the school year. By recording important dates such as assignments, homework, exams, assessments, and extracurricular activities, students can plan ahead and avoid last-minute cramming or missed due dates. 

Prayer

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Please see below the 2025 school fees. An invoice for your child’s school fees will be emailed to you in the coming weeks. Please make sure the email address we have on Compass is current.

If you currently pay your fees by direct debit, see form attached, please check that the fortnightly amount is enough to cover your fees for the year, as there has been an increase. If you are unsure, please contact me.

2025 School Fees

MULTI-SCHOOL FAMILY FEE DISCOUNTS

As of 2015, a new fee structure gives families discounted fees for the second, third and subsequent children across both secondary and primary systemic Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese.

To take advantage of this extended fee discount, parents/carers should contact the principal or finance secretary of the primary school, informing them of older siblings attending a systemic Catholic secondary school.  Diocesan Tuition fee discounts will be applied accordingly.

PENSIONER AND HEALTH CARE CARD HOLDERS FEE DISCOUNTS

In addition to these family fee discounts, parents/carers with a means tested Australian Government Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card may be eligible to receive a 70% discount to tuition fees.  Card must be in the name of the parent/carer not he child/student.

Families without these cards who are experiencing financial difficulty should speak with their school principal to apply for special consideration.

No child will be denied enrolment due to financial difficulty.  Parent/carers should discuss this matter with the school principal who will treat the situation with understanding, sensitivity and confidentiality.

Just a reminder that our preferred way of payment is now BPAY and those details are on the family statement. Payment can also be made by credit card, cheque or cash or we can set up a direct debit through Pay way.

As always, if for any reason you are finding it difficult to pay school fees, please contact the Principal or myself to discuss the matter.

Ros Giuliano

VET / Careers

Welcome to the 2025 school year! My name is Marie Noble, and I am the Acting VET & Careers Program Leader for this year.

I am excited to contribute to our school's vision of equipping students with valuable skills for their future careers while fostering an environment of learning and growth. I have a strong passion for vocational education, with years of experience primarily in Hospitality and Business. My connections with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and local industries will help strengthen the relationship between our wonderful Hinchinbrook Community and Gilroy Santa Maria College.  I will be collaborating with Vicki Gardner, our Careers Advisor, and Sarah Martin, our Industry Relations/Workplacement Facilitator, to support students as they prepare for their futures and explore various career pathways. 

Work placement commences today for vocational students. Please ensure any signed agreements and risk assessments are returned to school as soon as possible. Sarah Martin has emailed a Workplacement Calendar out to parents, guardians and students.

Marie Noble

Sports

The 2025 Interhouse and Interschool Swimming Carnivals are fast approaching. The Interhouse Swimming Carnival is Friday week 4, 21 February at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre.

The carnival will commence at 8:30 am and conclude at 3:00 pm. School buses will be diverted to the pool for both arrival and departure. Students who do not catch a bus will be required to find their own transport directly to and from the pool on the day. Students can bring their own lunch or purchase food from the pool canteen. The pool canteen will be available for the purchase of snacks and drinks only. 

Our top swimmers will then head to the Interschool Swimming Carnival on Friday 21 March. The event will run a little differently this year, taking place during school hours, from 11:00 am-2:30 pm. Only those swimmers selected will attend the event, as well as all Year 11 and Year 12 students. Those students will be transported to the pool before the event, and taken home in time for 3:00 pm buses.

Jaidyn Spina
HPE & Sports Coordinator

Year 11 / 12

Welcome back to a new school year! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break, filled with memorable moments and relaxation. As we embark on this exciting journey together, it's important to start the year off on the right foot by establishing some good habits.

 Healthy Habits for a Successful School Year:  

1.     Eat Well: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining energy and focus throughout the day. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.
2.     Get Enough Sleep: Aim for a reasonable bedtime to ensure you get the rest you need. A good night's sleep helps with concentration and overall well-being.
3.     Limit Technology Use: While technology is a great tool for learning, it's important to turn off devices and take breaks from screens. This will help you stay focused and reduce eye strain.
4.     Be Organised: Prepare for the next day by organising your school materials and planning your schedule. This will help you stay on top of your assignments and reduce stress.

To our parents, your support is invaluable as your child transitions into senior school. Encouraging these habits at home will make a significant difference in their academic success and overall happiness.

Important Reminder for Student Drivers:

If you are driving to school, please ensure you have followed the correct process and completed the necessary forms. Students are asked to park in front of M block in the designated car spaces painted yellow.

Uniform and Appearance:

We take pride in our school uniform and expect all students to adhere to our uniform policy. Please ensure that:

•       Shorts and dresses are no shorter than mid-thigh.
•       Hair is tied back, and only one set of earrings is worn.
•       Boys are clean-shaven, and their hair does not touch their collar.

It's important to be good role models for our junior students by wearing our uniform with pride and following these guidelines.

Year 12 Blazers:

In the following week, Year 12 students will be issued with a blazer. They are able to keep this at home and it should be returned at the end of the year. Students will need to wear their blazers at our Induction Mass on Thursday in Week 3, as well as other events throughout the year. More information regarding the mass will follow.

Year 12 Retreat:

Please be aware that our Year 12 Retreat will take place from Wednesday to Friday in Week 7 at Genazzano's Lake Tinaroo. More information will also be provided in the coming weeks.

Let's make this school year a fantastic one, filled with growth, learning, and achievements. Welcome back, and let's get started!

Yr 11/12 Pastoral Leader
Erin Cerutti

Term Dates 2025

Student Accident Protection Plan - Claim Form

AIG is our insurer for the student accident policy, with claims managed by CSN. Our WHS Sharehub - Student Accident Insurance page has been updated with all the current information.

The forms can also be found on the main TCE website .  Forms are found under the 'Parents & Community' tab on the website.

Tuckshop

What's Happening in the Parish

INGHAM REGION CATHOLIC PARISHES NEWSLETTER:

https://inghamcatholic.com/category/newsletter/

Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

Around the District