3 March 2025
- Happy Easter
- Academic Support
- Interhouse Swimming Carnival
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral - Maddyn White
- ANZAC Day Services
- Uniforms
- Date Claimers
- Prayer
- From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
- School Social - When I Grow Up
- Hydrogen H2GP NQ Grand Prix (STEM)
- Year 11 & 12 Information
- Term Dates 2025
- Student Accident Protection Plan - Claim Form
- Tuckshop
- What's Happening in the Parish
- Around the District
Happy Easter
Academic Support
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
On Friday, 4 April (the last day of Term 4), Gilroy Santa Maria College will be holding its 2025 Interhouse Swimming Carnival 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 need to arrange their own transport directly to and from the pool.
Students are encouraged to wear their house colours to embrace the spirit of the carnival. To ensure their comfort and safety throughout the day, they should wear sun-smart clothing, bring a hat and sunscreen, and, if swimming, a rashie, towel, and water bottle. We kindly ask that students do not wear zinc or use coloured spray paint when entering the pool or boarding the bus.
Attendance will be marked throughout the day, and students are not permitted to leave the pool unless collected by a parent or guardian and the school is notified. This is a compulsory school day, and all students are encouraged to participate in the races and novelty events. If your child is unable to attend, please notify the College in the usual manner. Parents are welcome to attend and support their children throughout the day.
Students may bring their own lunch or purchase food from the tuckshop's food tent. The pool canteen will also offer snacks and drinks for purchase. Flexischool ordering will not be available on this day.
We look forward to an enjoyable and successful day, where students can cool off and take part in our first sports carnival of the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at the College.
Assistant Principal - Pastoral - Maddyn White
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we reflect on the past term, we acknowledge the challenges and disruptions we have faced together. We have persevered and continue to support each other and particularly our students to return to normality and refocus on their schooling journey. Now, as we move forward, we want to emphasise a crucial aspect of academic success: attendance.
Regular attendance is not just about being present in the classroom; it's about being engaged, prepared, and ready to learn. Here’s why attendance is so important:
1. Academic Achievement
Consistent attendance is directly linked to better academic performance. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with daily lessons and assignments, leading to higher grades and a deeper understanding of the material.
2. Building Responsibility
Attending school every day helps students develop a sense of responsibility and discipline. These are essential life skills that will benefit them in higher education and their future careers.
3. Social Skills and Friendships
School is not just a place for academic learning; it's also a social environment where students build friendships and learn to work with others. Regular attendance helps students develop strong social skills and maintain important peer relationships.
4. Preparation for the Future
Employers and colleges look for individuals who demonstrate reliability and commitment. A strong attendance record in secondary school can set a positive precedent for future endeavours, showing that a student is dependable and dedicated.
5. Support and Resources
Schools provide a range of resources to support student learning and wellbeing. Regular attendance ensures that students have access to these resources, including guidance from teachers, pastoral leaders, counselling services, and extra-curricular activities.
Tips for Improving Attendance:
- Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily schedule for waking up, getting ready, and arriving at school on time.
- Stay Healthy: Encourage good hygiene, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to prevent illness and maintain energy levels.
- Communicate: If there are any issues affecting attendance, such as health problems or family matters, communicate with the school to find solutions and support.
We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable. However, every minute counts so we encourage all students and parents to prioritise attendance and make every effort to be present and engaged in the school community. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
Sourced: Brisbane Catholic Education, 2023.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to education. We wish all our families a happy and safe Easter break. Let’s pray for more sunshine and less disruptions in Term 2. Please remember that School resumes Tuesday April 22.
Maddyn White
ANZAC Day Services
ANZAC Day 2025 Services — Ingham and Cardwell Districts
Gilroy Santa Maria College has a strong history of supporting and commemorating ANZAC Day and we trust this tradition will continue in 2025.
Our College will be participating in the following services on ANZAC Day on Friday 25 April. Students are encouraged to attend one or more of the services. There will be College staff at all locations to meet and assemble our students.
It will be great to have a large percentage of our students attending the various ceremonies as ANZAC Day represents so much that is great about our country and its people.
Ingham Dawn Parade | Assemble by 4:05am in front of the Ingham Police Station, opposite the Mafeking Tree for a 4.15am start. |
Ingham RSL | Assemble by 5:50am at the RSL Section at the Ingham War Cemetery for a 6:00am start. |
Forrest Beach Parade and Commemoration Ceremony | Assemble by 6:30am in front of Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club for a 7.00 am start. March to the Memorial Site in Progress Park. |
Halifax Parade and | Assemble at 8:00am at the Victoria Street Gun site for a 8.05am start. March to the Lion's Clock and return to the War Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. |
Ingham Parade and | Assemble by 9:05am at Rotary Park for a 9.20am start. |
Cardwell Commemoration Ceremony and Parade | Assemble at 10:30am at the Cardwell Cenotaph for a 10.45am start. |
What to bring / wear?
- All students are to wear their respective College Dress Uniform which includes blazers, belts and ties for all boys Year 7 — Year 12.
- Formal hats will be distributed to Year 11 and 12 students. Students in Years 7 to 10 must wear the College bucket hat.
- Please be neatly attired with polished shoes and adhere to hair styles and jewellery guidelines.
- Please apply sunscreen and bring your own water bottle.
Uniforms
Date Claimers
Prayer
From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
Reminder School fees are due 4 April 2025.
Discounts are as below. There is no discount on levies.
Term Discount Annual Discount
1 Child - $19.75 1 Child - $131.70
2 Children - $33.55 2 Children - $223.80
3 or more – $43.45 3 or more - $289.60
2025 School Fees
Child | Tuition Fee | General Levy | Sub Total | Building Fund | Total | Per Term | Per Week |
1 | $2778 | $1047 | $3825 | $500 | $4325 | $1081.25 | $83.17 |
2 | $4724 | $2094 | $6818 | $500 | $7318 | $1829.50 | $140.73 |
3 | $6112 | $3140 | $8253 | $500 | $9753 | $2438.25 | $187.56 |
If you currently pay your fees by direct debit, 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.
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 method of payment is BPAY and those details are on the statement. As always, you can pay by credit card, cheque or cash or we can set up a direct debit through Pay way.
If the statement does not look, quite right and you do not agree with balance or if you have any issues or questions regarding the statements please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ros Giuliano
School Social - When I Grow Up
Gilroy Santa Maria College held its first school social of the year, on Wednesday 26 March, it was a resounding success! With more than 100 tickets sold, the event attracted a lively crowd of students eager to express their creativity and embrace the theme, ‘When I Grow Up.’ From astronauts to chefs, doctors to artists, the costumes were a colorful reflection of dreams and ambitions, infusing the night with vibrant energy and excitement. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and enthusiasm.
Students were treated to a free sausage on bread and a drink, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The event’s special vibe was enhanced by the tremendous effort put in by the Year 12 students, who devoted their lunch breaks and after-school hours to designing props and decorations that transformed the hall into a magical space. Their hard work and passion played a crucial role in the event's success.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the fun atmosphere, the creative theme, and the opportunity to connect with friends outside of the classroom. The evening was filled with enjoyable and unforgettable moments, marking an excellent start to Gilroy’s social calendar. It was truly a night that left everyone eagerly anticipating the next big event!
From Sophie, Kiara and Charlotte
College Prefects
Hydrogen H2GP NQ Grand Prix (STEM)
Meet the Velocity Raptors!
Our dedicated team has been hard at work—spending lunchtimes and after-school hours preparing their 1/10 scale hydrogen-powered car for competition.
On Monday of week 9, they travelled to Townsville to take part in a meet-and-greet at CQUniversity, where they connected with other schools involved in the project. They had the chance to test their car on a half-size track and received expert advice from Horizon’s manager, Kieran Curry.
Now, the team is focused on race day - the Horizon H2GP NQ Grand Prix - in Week 4 of Term 2. Competing as a team of five, they’ll go head-to-head with ISHS rivals as well as eight other North Queensland schools for a shot at the championship. If (or rather, when!) they take out the NQ title, they’ll be off to Germany for the World Finals.
This project is more than just a competition—it’s about exploring sustainable energy solutions for the future. Hydrogen power is emerging as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, and our students are gaining hands-on experience with this exciting technology while developing teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills—essential attributes for the jobs of the future. As industries shift towards sustainable solutions, projects like this help prepare students for careers in engineering, renewable energy, and emerging technologies
A huge thank you to Horizon Educational and CQUniversity for making this opportunity possible, as well as to our dedicated Science teachers for their invaluable support.
If you’d like to learn more about the project or support the Velocity Raptors, please get in touch—we’d love to have you on board!
Year 11 & 12 Information
Year 11 Leadership Camp – Term 3, Week 1
We are thrilled to announce that the Year 11 students will embark on a 3-day Leadership Camp in Charter's Towers during Term 3, Week 1. This exciting experience will provide students with the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills, engage in team-building activities, and build lasting memories. More details about the camp will be shared in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for further information!
Save the Date – Year 12 Graduation
We are excited to announce that the Year 12 Graduation will be held on Friday, 21 November. Please mark this special date in your calendars! More details about the event will be shared in Term 2. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our Year 12 students and their families.
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
2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.
As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.
We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.
For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
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