20 October 2022

Mappas Medallian

Each year, schools within the Townsville Diocese can award a Mappas Medallion in recognition of outstanding service across their school community.

The award is named in memory of Mr Mark & Mrs “Tom” Mappas (RIP) of Ingham who made an outstanding contribution to Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese over many years.   These awards are kindly sponsored and coordinated by the Catholic School Parents Queensland – Diocese of Townsville (formerly, the Townsville Diocesan Council of Parents and Friends Associations.

The Gilroy Santa Maria College P&F Association has the pleasure of announcing Mr Raymond La Rosa as this year’s Mappas Medallion recipient for outstanding service to our P&F Association. 

Raymond was an active member of the Gilroy P&F from 2013 to 2020 whilst his daughters Kiara and Brittney were students at the school, regularly attending all meetings.

Raymond recalls some of his contributions and the achievements of the P&F during this time including: 

• Supporting the planning of the upgrade of the College hall
• Assisting in the planning, running and set-up of the Gruelling Games, a popular fundraising event for several years
• Running the bar service at the Debutante Balls
• Helping set up and cater for Gilroy On Show
• Being part of the decision to donate P&F Trophy for Awards Night
• Purchasing portfolios for graduating students.

Raymond is proud that he was able to be part of a decision to purchase equipment to make fundraising events easier and the school self-sufficient, and to see the utilisation of these to host our seniors graduation dinner in our own school hall.

He believes the P&F’s role is a dual one: to foster the broader school community and to raise funds to be used by the school.  As a past student, he wanted to be actively committed to the development of the College to the benefit of our students, both academically and spiritually through our Catholic ethos. He believes that as a parent and Christian we need to lead by example, and be willing to participate to help support and build the development of our children’s education.  

Raymond has many fond recollections during his seven years, particularly the learnings, and the laughs and fun times with like-minded people.

It was a pleasure to work with Principals, Dan McShea and John Nuttall, and P&F Presidents David Carr, Tammy Castles and Peter Staples, who shared the same vision for our Gilroy Santa Maria College.

Raymond would like to thank Gilroy Santa Maria College and its Principals, staff and the broader community for the recognition of his involvement in what he believes is a worthy and worthwhile cause.

Will Murdoch Perpetual Shield

The three local high schools: Gilroy, Ingham High and Abergowrie College, battled it out in Rugby for the rights of the Will Murdoch Perpetual Shield for 2022.  Gilroy are the proud winners of Will's shield for another year.

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What's Happening

Student Care Insurance - Information Sheet

Accidents will happen and they can be costly.  Student Care is a student accident insurance policy specifically designed to help cover the costs.  Please click on the link above for more details and how to make a claim.

Important Dates

Essential Emails

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Families,

We are in week 3 of Term 4 already as this year continues to progress very quickly.  It is also a time when we acknowledge our student achievements throughout the year and prepare for the start of next year.  Recent events held are examples of this process and are a time to appreciate the history of our College.

Term 4 started with a whole school Liturgy to acknowledge the contribution the Sisters of Mercy made in founding Santa Maria College more than 70 years ago.  This Mercy Mass was enriched by a symbolic handover of student leadership, overseen by Fr Damian.  2022 student leaders handed over symbolic artefacts to the 2023 student leaders to acknowledge the change over to the incoming Year 12s.  This process has become a College tradition and a very powerful ritual for both groups of students.       

Bishop Tim Harris, Mrs Jacqui Francis, Mr Les Walker MP and numerous other invited guests attended the Official Opening and Blessing of the Edmund Rice Centre and M Block recently.  As part of formalities, several speakers acknowledged the involvement of the Christian Brothers in establishing Cardinal Gilroy College back in 1948. This was a very symbolic occasion as we formally take ownership of these buildings to compliment the already impressive facilities which we enjoy here at the College.  It is always an honour and a pleasure to have such an important occasion to welcome the Townsville Catholic Education Senior Leadership team to Gilroy Santa Maria College.    

The annual Sports Awards ceremony was held last week to recognise our student performances on the sporting field.  Gilroy Santa Maria College has certainly produced some very impressive results this year across all sports.  It is satisfying to be able to sit back and reflect whilst watching the film clips of each sport which highlight our student performances, but also to see the enjoyment and interaction between students which is one of the most important outcomes of our sporting program.  I wish to again thank all the staff and parents who have supported our students this year as coaches, managers, first aiders, bus drivers, administration duties or preparing fields and equipment.  Your efforts provide our students with opportunities.

Last Friday our girls Rugby League team were crowned champions of the Bishop Putney 9s by beating St Margaret Mary's College.  This was an outstanding result for our students who are learning and developing their skills with every game they play.  It is always a great result when our College outshines the bigger Townsville schools and proves that our students have the same opportunities as students from the city.  

Last night we hosted our Awards Night where we showcased the outstanding academic achievements of our students.  These evenings are always a time for students to celebrate with parents and family members and appreciate the hard work and dedication that has been invested to achieve such outstanding results.  

If details of your child’s medical status, or your family details including residential address or contact numbers have changed, please contact the College office as soon as possible to ensure we have the most up to date information for our students.

God bless
Kevin Barnes

Awards Night 2022

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Prayer

As our Year 12 students enter into their external exams, let us continue to pray for them.

From Melissa Carr -Deputy Principal

Hello Gilroy Santa Maria Community,

As I write this newsletter, I can’t help but think how fast this year has gone! Next week we commence Year 12 External Exams and before we know it, it will be Graduation week and we will be farewelling students and families that have been with us for many years. BUT there is also a lot to accomplish before the end of the school year!

Assessment Planners

Term 4 Assessment Planners are now available on our College website and a compass notification also went out earlier this week. Year 7 and 8 students have received a paper copy of their assessment planners in Homeroom this week also. Given this term is only an 8 week term, many students have assessments due in coming weeks. Please ensure you plan accordingly and space out your assessment so that you start your assessments as soon as you are made aware of them and that revision is occurring regularly. They are also available below.

Academic Support

Our Academic Support Program is one of the important services offered at our College. This is an opportunity where students can attend sessions and receive support in the subject they are needing support with. I encourage everyone to take up this opportunity. 

Year 12 Students

Our Year 12 students had their last ‘normal’ schooling day today. Next week, students will commence their external examinations if they have them and this will continue over the duration of the next 3 weeks. Earlier this week, I sent an email to Year 12 students and families in regards to expectations during this time. Can I ask that everyone concerned is familiar with this email as it also pertains to our vocational students and ensuring that they are preparing for employment post-schooling if they have not yet secured a job for 2023. I know that many of our students have obtained an apprenticeship/job for next year which is fantastic news! Congratulations to all involved.

External Exams Timetable

Year 11 Students

Year 11 students will commence their block exams next week. This block is intended to help prepare Year 11 students for their external exams the following year. I’d like to wish all of our students undertaking these exams the best of luck. My biggest advice would be to ensure you have created a study timetable and a peer study group. Please ensure you are getting enough sleep each night also.

Year 10 SET PLANNING

At Gilroy on Show last term, we had our Year 10 Transition into Senior School information night. This has been followed by meetings with all Year 10 students and their families with Joan Devietti, Ashley Sartor and/or I. These have been very important discussions and a great opportunity to spend time discussing how to best prepare our students for their future and their chosen subjects/career pathways. 

Year 8 - ELECTIVES for 2023

Our Year 8 students will receive information pertaining to their elective subject selections for 2023 in the coming weeks. Throughout Years 7 and 8, students have experienced Arts and Technology rotational subjects so that they can better understand what subjects they are asked to select by seeing what they enjoy doing and experience success in. An information sheet will go home with students which will contain a link to a presentation by myself explaining how to best make these subject selections and the process by which this needs to be completed. 

Year 7 enrolments for next year are looking very positive. If you have not yet booked your enrolment interview, please contact the front office to make a time. We look forward to seeing all of our enrolled 2023 Year 7 students on our orientation day on Tuesday 29 November.

God bless
Melissa Carr

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Welcome back to the final term of the year. Invoices for Term 4 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 and questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

The discounts are as follows:
One Child - $18.40
Two Children - $31.30
Three Children - $40.50

2023 School Fees

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.

If you have a Health Care Card, please check the expiry date and provide the school with a current copy of your card.

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

Careers

Heroes in Business

I was lucky enough to be selected for the 2022 JCU Heroes in Business program. The program was a great experience and highly enjoyable. I was able to meet new people interested in the same area of study as me and work as a team to complete a variety of entrepreneurship activities. Attending the program was beneficial to me, displaying what a career in business could look like. A panel of people with careers in business were able to answer any questions. I would encourage anyone interested in business to apply for the program in the future.

Kasey Roati
Year 11

Sport News

On the 13th October, Gilroy held its annual Sports Awards presentation. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the success of the students who have represented their school, district, and region in school sport, and thank them for their contribution and hard work throughout the year. Congratulations to the following students on their selection in North Queensland Representative teams for 2022;

Lucy Tento - 15 years girls Swimming (50 metre and 100 metre breaststroke)
Shaun Devietti - 15 years boys Rugby League
Shaun Devietti - 15 years boys Rugby Union
Pierce Carrara - 15 years boys Cricket
Brandon Hamilton Kaurila - 15 years boys Cricket
Jack Butcher - 15 years boys Cricket
Kate Teichmann - 15 years girls Cricket
Summer Christopher - 15 years girls Cricket
Kate Butcher - 13 - 19 years girls Squash
Nathan Venturato - 13 -19 years  boys Cross Country
Laura Poggio  - 13 -19 years girls Cross Country

The sportswoman and sportsman of the year awards were presented by past student, Mr Damian Devietti. The recipients were;

• Junior Sportswoman of the year - Jess Furber
• Junior Sportsman of the year - Shaun Devietti
• Senior Sportswoman of the year is - Kate Butcher
• Senior Sportsman of the year - Nathan Venturato

The Spirit of Gilroy Award is in recognition of a students’ consistent dedication, selflessness and contribution to their team-mates in various sporting competitions. Carly D’Emden received this award for 2022, for her endless support of all sporting events and her encouragement of other competitors.

Jaidyn Spina

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Creative Generations

Recently, there were 497 student submissions statewide for Creative Generations. Of those 497, 30 students received Excellence Awards. Carli Kite was one of the 30 Excellence Awards recipients! The Excellence Awards recipients' artworks will go to Brisbane for the central exhibition at GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art). The GOMA show will be open for 3 months in 2023. An amazing achievement. Well done to Year 12 Visual Art student, Carli Kite, who had artwork selected to be exhibited at the regional Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. Carli’s piece is a portrait of her father, Phil.

Mr Andrew Hill, Carli’s teacher, was proudly there for the presentation of her award, along with Carli’s family.

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

Around the District