25 August 2022

College Captains and Vice Captains 2023

It is with great pleasure that we announce our College Captains and Vice Captains for 2023! Congratulations to:

College Captains: Krista Altadonna and Michael Russo
College Vice Captains: Katie Spina and Mia Serra

Leadership speeches were presented last Thursday, and interviews conducted early this week. All applicants should be very proud of their efforts - with so many worthy candidates, the decision was certainly not an easy task.

We wish our College Captains and Vice Captains all the very best in their new roles.

Prefects and House Captains 2023

We are pleased to announce our Prefects and House Captains for 2023! Congratulations to:

Prefects:
Kelcee Robino, Lauren Sutton-Dudgeon, Charlie McCullagh and Lily-Rose Torrisi

House Captains:
Rice: Carly D'Emden and Kate Butcher
O'Meara: Zualleinah Alexander and Bodhi Matsen
McAuley: Sophia Zunker and Bonnie-Jaye Molloy

We wish them all the very best in their new roles.

What's Happening

Important Dates

Essential Emails

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Families,

Term 3 is always a busy, yet exciting time in secondary schools.  Our Facebook page regularly has updates and information about the many events that our College is involved in.  I urge all families to regularly check our Facebook so that we all stay informed of what’s happening and celebrate the many great experiences our students are exposed to.

This week I had the great pleasure of being part of the panel to elect our Student Leaders for 2023.  I was genuinely impressed with the way each candidate presented themselves and the drive and vision they have to make the next twelve months a very memorable and enjoyable period.  Congratulations to all students who have accepted a leadership position and I look forward to working with this team and supporting their dreams.

This is the time when we project into next year and plan for the challenges ahead. This Thursday evening, as part of Gilroy on Show, we will be holding two information sessions to inform students and parents about what to expect in preparation for next year.  The 5.30pm session will be for current Year 10 parents and students to learn about Senior Pathways and Subject Information in preparation for Year 11. At 6.30pm all Year 6 families and students are invited to attend the Information Session to hear about the journey as the students prepare to begin secondary school in 2023.

Education is a unique industry, given that we are operating in the present whilst teaching about the past as we prepare students for the future. As educators, we are constantly looking to the future to ensure that our young people are confident in pursuing whatever pathway they choose and providing them with the knowledge and skills to pursue their dreams. At the recent World Economic Forum, it was predicted that almost 2/3rds of our current students will eventually have careers in industries that do not exist yet. This reinforces our drive to future-proof and inspire the next generation to be lifelong learners.

Recently, we welcomed Year 6 students from all primary schools across the Ingham district, including Cardwell, to our fourth Transition Day. The day was another opportunity for us to prepare students who will begin secondary schooling next year and help them feel welcome, accepted and safe at Gilroy Santa Maria College.  I feel very confident that our new enrolments will ensure that student numbers continue to increase and our College maintains the quality education programs available to students.    

I regularly speak about the many opportunities and events our students are involved in, but the more important message is the need for 'students to be present’ in everything that they are involved in.  The notion of ‘being present’ means much more than just showing up or attending an event.  To be successful, students need to develop an attitude that every endeavour is worth investing their time and effort in, and look for the positives which may form the path of their future challenges.  Below are tips that can enhance success and enjoyment that we all could consider:

• Give your best effort
• Bring high energy
• Have a positive attitude – be adaptable
• Be passionate
• Display good body language
• Be teachable
• Give a little extra
• Be prepared
• Have a strong work ethic

I look forward to meeting many students and families at Gilroy on Show this Thursday evening as we all admire what Gilroy Santa Maria College offers the youth of the Ingham district.

God bless
Kevin Barnes

Prayer

From APRE - Christine Timms

Dear Families,

Recently I attended a Religious Education meeting for Assistant Principals. Fr Damian led us in learning about the social and cultural understandings of the times of Jesus in the New Testament. The comments from other APRE in our diocese is always how very lucky we are to have such a knowledgeable parish priest at our disposal. Father’s continued support for the diocese and our school is very much appreciated.

I would also like to officially welcome Fr Shilbin to the parish from Gilroy Santa Maria College. Father Shilbin has already celebrated Mass with the Year 7 students and we look forward to having you be a part of our College community.

At the beginning of the term (which seems so very long ago) we had Year 10 Retreat. We have been heading up to Camp Gedling at the top of Harvey’s Range for several years now and it is a spectacular setting for our retreat. Our Year 10 students were great ambassadors for the school and I never get tired of receiving comments on how well behaved, well mannered and considerate our students are. Even in slightly cold weather, our students engaged in the activities and celebrated mass with Father Damian on Thursday evening. Thank you to the staff, Ms Rand, Mr Barbagallo and Mr Matthews for all your help and supervision over the three days and to Father for always being there to help on retreats with activities.

Last Monday the Church celebrated The Assumption. It commemorates when Mary, the mother of Jesus, is assumed into heaven body and soul. This week’s prayer is devoted to Mary.

God bless
Christine Timms

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Invoices for Term 3 fees and levies have been emailed to all parents. If you have not received them, please check your spam emails or contact the office.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Payments were due Friday 12 August 2022.

In accordance with the mission, values and ethos of our school, we remain committed to providing an education to all of students regardless of their financial circumstances.

BPAY is our preferred method of payment. The details are on the family statement.  You can also pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by term by Payway, direct debit, credit card, cash or cheque.

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please contact the Principal or myself to discuss the matter. The sooner you make contact the sooner we can work together for a solution.

Ros Giuliano
rgiuliano@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Vietnam Veterans Day

Gilroy students Robert and Couper Giuliano, Joshua Macarone and Samantha Scott volunteered to attend the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony at the Ingham Cenotaph.

At the completion of the ceremony, Felix Reitano organised for 'Gilroy Old Boys' to get a photo in remembrance of this meaningful day in the Returned Services calendar.
Lest we forget.

Science

Year 7 Science

Year 7 Science students have been learning about forces this term. They got to see the Van der Graaff machine in action as an example of a non-contact force (static electricity). Students were quite ‘shocked’ by the outcome and the results were truly ‘hair raising’!

Year 8 Science

Earlier in the term, Year 8 Science students were learning about body systems. They got a closer look at the major organ of the circulatory system by completing their first heart dissection. Students successfully identified the four chambers and could trace the direction of the blood flow in and out of the heart. Students found the bicuspid and tricuspid valves and even discovered that heart strings are a real thing!

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Year 7 HASS

Yr 7 HASS students mummified apple segments to gain a deeper understanding of the mummification process that was conducted in Ancient Egyptian times.

They were required to weigh their apple segment before immersing it in a mixture of salt and bicarbonate of soda. These will remain immersed for a period of 2 to 3 weeks before being taken out of the preparation and re-weighed to monitor the moisture content that has been lost.

Sport News

After a few years of absence, the Confraternity/QISSN dinner was held last Wednesday night at Gilroy. It was a wonderful night spent reminiscing and celebrating the achievements of all players and staff who were involved in Rugby League and Netball this year. A big thanks goes out to our caterers Jodie Lino-Gofton & Sandra Henney for their superb cooking. This event wraps up the Confraternity/QISSN campaign for 2022 so thank you to the endless list of staff and parents that made this year so successful and a big congratulations to all players who strapped on the Gilroy Jersey this year.

Congratulations to the boys receiving special awards: 
Best Back - Bodhi Matsen 
Best Forward - Zac Foster
Best up and coming - Michael Russo 
Coaches Award - Braydn Scott
Spirit of Confraternity Award - William Melvin
Player of the year - Samuel Timms

Congratulations to the girls receiving special awards:
Best Attacking Player: Arian Fichera
Best Defensive Player: Ella McLennan 
Most Improved Player: Arian Fichera
Player of the Year: Ella McLennan

In other news, Kate Teichmann and Summer Christopher gained selection in the U15 girls Northern cricket team earlier this week. Well done girls!

Jaidyn Spina

Extra Curricular Activities

Tuckshop

Needed: More Helpers.  Please see the Roster below.

Start time for helpers is preferably 8:30am – 11:30am or until when you are available.
If there is any query in regards to this roster or you are unavailable please contact
Sandra Benedetto [0427 765 321] - Jodie Lino [0407 904 918]

What's Happening in the Parish

St Patrick’s, Ingham
Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.30am and 7.00pm

St Peter’s, Halifax
Sunday: 7.00am

Canossa Chapel, Trebonne
Sunday: 10.00am

St Teresa’s, Abergowrie
Sunday: 10.00am

INGHAM REGION CATHOLIC PARISHES NEWSLETTER:

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

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? Are you simply curious? 
In October, we will begin an enquiry season of sessions, exploring what the Catholic Church teaches and believes. 
If you would like to participate, with absolute freedom to withdraw at any time, please make a phone call to the parish office.

Around the District