15 June 2023

75th Anniversary Celebrations

If you wish to add your name to the mailing list for when events are announced, visit www.gilroysm.catholic.edu.au/about/75th-anniversary-celebrations/

Marbelli Netball Cup

What fantastic wins yesterday afternoon at the second round of the annual Marbelli Netball Cup between Gilroy and Ingham State High School at our SMC.

Gilroy Open Boys won the pre-game, 8 - 7 and the Gilroy Open Girls won in a tight finish, 20 - 17.  Well done everyone!

Thank you to the ISHS for their fierce competition and good-spirited sportsmanship.

Go PINK Day

Thank you to all students who have come dressed in PINK today to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During Lesson 3 today we had a Pink Stumps Cricket Game. 

Find more photos and details on our Facebook page.

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Student Absences

2023 Year 6 Transition Days

Transition Day 2

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Important Dates

Essential Emails

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Families,

As we approach the final weeks of this busy school term, it is timely to remind all students and families of the importance of finishing the term strongly. This includes attending every day, completing all assessment tasks, staying focused on learning in class, maintaining positive behaviour and continuing to build relationships with others around the college.

Attendance at school for some students has been a concern throughout this year. I appreciate that many factors influence a student's ability to attend regularly, many which are out of their control, for example, illness, accidents or family emergencies, however, some students take the option of not attending for reasons which are not acceptable and should be discouraged.  Regular attendance really does matter and is necessary to attain academic success.

Legal Responsibilities

Children who are in the ‘compulsory school phase’ are legally required to attend school every school day unless there is an acceptable excuse. A child continues to be of compulsory school age until they have completed Year 10 or turned sixteen, whichever comes first.

After the compulsory school age ends, the ‘compulsory participation phase’ begins. A young person’s compulsory participation phase continues from the end of the compulsory schooling phase, until they turn 17 years of age, or until they gain a Qld Certificate of Education (QCE), or a Qld Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) or a Cert III or Cert IV qualification.

When is it not okay to miss school?

From time to time, absences from school may be necessary - for example sickness, accidents, or family emergencies. It is not okay to miss school to sleep in, finish assignments, go on holidays or go shopping.

We all have a responsibility to provide each child with the opportunity to access the curriculum and provide them with the necessary support.

Parents and carers have the following responsibilities:
-          to ensure children go to school on time, every day
-          provide a satisfactory reason for any absences, lateness or early departure
-          work with the school if any attendance problems arise

Students have the following responsibilities:
-          attend class on time every day, and be ready to learn
-          never leave school without parent and school permission
-          report to the office if late to school or leaving early with a valid reason

Schools have the following responsibilities:
-          inform parents/carers of any unexplained absences
-          request that parents/carers give valid reasons for unexplained absences
-          support students and families if there are attendance concerns

We appreciate your continuing support and assistance with this, to ensure your child’s success in their academic journey.

I have received very positive feedback from students who are wearing the new winter jacket, with each person saying the jacket is very comfortable and much warmer than the original jacket.  I think the new jacket looks great and it is wonderful to hear that students are happy to wear it.

Last week construction work started on the storage shed located behind the SMC.  This shed will house the Gym, HPE storage and equipment associated with the SMC.  We look forward to utilising this new space to accommodate the  valuable resources we have. 

Lastly, with the cane harvest season starting in the coming weeks, it is timely to remind all parents, students and staff to “use your train brain” and be on the lookout for cane trains, haul outs, trucks and farm machinery on the roads.  I wish us all to stay safe.

God bless
Kevin Barnes

Prayer

Prayer Before an Examination

Loving God
be with me now,
as I prepare for my exams.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have,
given me and for the opportunity of education.

Calm my nerves and anxiety, help me
to remember all that I have studied,
to express it clearly and to answer the questions
the very best I can.

Holy Spirit, sit with me in my exam
- and always.

Amen

- Sandhurst Youth Ministry

From Maddyn White- Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Dear Parents and Guardians,

First of all, I would like to thank all the staff, students and family that have welcomed me into the role of Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind but I am thoroughly enjoying continuing to build high-expectation relationships with all members of our College community. 

At Gilroy Santa Maria College, we recognise that academic success goes hand in hand with emotional well-being. We strive to create a nurturing environment that supports our students' holistic development, and our commitment to providing outstanding pastoral care lies at the heart of this endeavour.

 What is Pastoral Care?

Pastoral care encompasses the collective efforts of our dedicated staff to promote the well-being, personal growth, christian beliefs and happiness of every student within our school community. It involves building meaningful relationships, providing support, guidance, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel safe, valued and understood.

At Gilroy Santa Maria College, we believe that every student deserves to thrive, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. Our approach to pastoral care is comprehensive and multifaceted, designed to address the diverse needs and challenges our students may encounter. Here are some key aspects of our approach:

Pastoral Care Team: Our school has a dedicated team of counselors, pastoral leaders and support staff who work collaboratively to provide individualized care and guidance to students. They are available to listen, offer advice, and support students in overcoming any personal or emotional obstacles they may face.

Erin Cerutti - Year 7/8 Pastoral Leader - ecerutti1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Demae McMahon - Year 11/12 Pastoral Leader - dmcmahon6@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Rita Martin - College Chaplain - rmartin@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Kate Stringini - Guidance Counsellor - kstringini@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Open Communication Channels: We value open and transparent communication between staff, students and parents. Our college maintains clear channels of communication to address concerns, share important information, and involve parents in their child's well-being. Parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and digital platforms are utilised to foster a strong partnership between home and school. If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s pastoral leader above, the college office or myself.  Parents can refer their child (or students can self-refer) to our guidance counsellor through the College website. 

Peer Support Program: Recognising the importance of peer connections, we encourage the development of strong support networks among students. We facilitate opportunities for students to engage in collaborative learning, teamwork, and friendship building, which can greatly contribute to their overall well-being. Once a fortnight, our Year 11 Peer Support Students work with Year 7 students in a number of fun activities that promote teamwork, inclusion and friendship. 

The Benefits of Pastoral Care

Research consistently shows that schools that prioritise pastoral care experience numerous benefits. Students who feel supported and emotionally secure are more likely to thrive academically, have higher attendance rates, exhibit improved behaviour, and develop positive relationships. They are also better equipped to handle challenges and develop the resilience necessary to succeed in the face of adversity.

We believe that by investing in pastoral care, we are empowering our students to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the complexities of life beyond the classroom.

In conclusion, at Gilroy Santa Maria College, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of care, compassion, and well-being. We believe that every student deserves a nurturing environment where their emotional and social needs are met. Through our comprehensive approach to pastoral care, we strive to ensure that our students feel supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support in creating an environment where our students can thrive. 

Maddyn White

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

School Fees are Now Due

Thank you to all who have paid fees to date. If you have not paid recently please do so ASAP.

The office will be open during the school holidays Monday to Friday from: 8.00am – 3.30pm and closed for lunch between 12pm-1pm.

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

Year 7 / 8 News

As we approach the final days of a very busy term two, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the hard work our students have been doing in their classrooms.

In Science, Year 7 students have dissected a fish, prawn and squid in their investigation of vertebrates and invertebrates. Students have completed their practical assessment, which involved setting insect traps around the school and investigating insect populations for diversity. Students were required to work on their assessment, both in and out of class time.

Science

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In Food Technology, Year 7 students have been making delicious Chicken Ceasar Wraps! Our year 7A class has thoroughly enjoyed learning the basic skills of cookery this term. They have perfected the introductory skills of simple baking and have recently moved on to some wonderful dinner recipes.

The class has been very successful in designing their own food truck businesses for their assessments, with some very creative ideas. 

Food Technology

Our Gilroy U13s Rugby League team recenntly made their way down to Townsville to take on Ryan Catholic College. It was very exciting and fast paced football played from both teams, with Ryan coming out of the game victorious. Well done to both teams on their efforts!

U13s Rugby League Team

As the weather starts to cool down I would like to remind parents and students of our winter uniform. Students may wear the new navy fleece jacket or the unisex spray jacket with the school logo, both available from Menz and Ingham Underagers.  No tracksuits pants, beanies or hoodies are allowed. A reminder also about jewellery - females only may wear no more than one pair of plain studs or sleepers in their earlobes.

At the beginning of the school year, students are issued with a college diary. This is to keep students organised and help them to plan ahead. Parents, can you please check this diary weekly and sign the bottom. Homeroom teachers check this every week.

Year 8 camp notes have been sent home with students and via Compass. Thank you to the parents who have returned the note promptly. They were due back last Friday, so if you haven’t done this already, can you please do so urgently.  

Exams begin in week 10.  This is now reflected on Compass and students should have these written in their diaries with the date, time and classroom. Students need to come to exams prepared with the right equipment to be able to do their best.

As our school terms are very busy, I hope everyone takes a moment to enjoy some downtime with their family over the holidays, and return safe and sound in Term 3, ready for good term of learning ahead.

Mrs Erin Cerutti
Year 7/8 Pastoral Leader

VET/Careers

It’s been a busy term and we’ve achieved a lot, here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening in Careers…

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE BLOCK

Our fabulous Year 10 students are off to experience the wide world of work next week during their Work Experience Block 21-23 June 2023. Students have actively participated in Careers Development sessions during the term and are ready to head out and gain valuable knowledge, skills and abilities.

Students who have not yet returned their work experience agreements need to do so as a matter of priority.

Any questions about Work Experience, please get in touch with me on 4776 2888 or by emailing vgardner@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au 

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of our Host Employers for giving up your time to provide our students with such a meaningful experience that will serve them well into their futures.

I encourage students to read the article below for some tips on quality questions to ask about whilst on Work Experience.

HOW TO ASK PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR JOBS?

Is there a job out there you think you would absolutely love? It can be hard to know exactly what a job is like unless you can get hands-on experience. Maybe you can’t find anything suitable near you, or maybe you’d just like some assurance before jumping into a work experience placement. But you can do the next best thing – ask other people about their jobs!

Why should I ask other people about their jobs?

Getting advice on a career you’re interested in is always a smart move. You can find out a lot you might not know, like pathways into the career, the ups and the downs, daily tasks, industry insights, and a whole lot more.

Then, you can use this valuable info to help steer you in the right direction. Think about what you learned and weigh up your options – is this still something you’d want to do, or has your perspective changed? It can also help you think about things you can do right now to get closer to your goal.

It’s always helpful to get more than one perspective too (if possible). Talk to as many people as you can.

What should I ask?

Here are some questions that you might like to ask to get the most out of the experience:

• What does a normal day look like?
• What’s your favourite (and least favourite) part of your job?
• How did you get this job?
• Is this what you wanted to do when you were younger?
• Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the industry?

It’s important to consider how well you know the person you’re asking, and remember there are some things that could be inappropriate to ask (for example, asking how much money someone makes).

Some final tips

Take notes – you don’t want to go to all this trouble only to forget everything a few days later.

Ask follow-up questions – if there is something you don’t quite understand, it’s better to ask for clarification than to be left unsure. This is also a great way to show you’ve been actively listening.

Keep in touch – send the person a letter or email thanking them for their time and effort. This could be your chance to make a valuable connection for the future.

HAIR AND BEAUTY WORK PLACEMENT

Hair and Beauty students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in industry recently by completing Work Placement. The girls enjoyed the experience and gained valuable industry knowledge to take back to the classroom.

Hair and Beauty

FIND YOUR FUTURE IN HINCHINBROOK 2023

Year 10 students were treated to an afternoon at the Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook 2023 event  23 May. This awesome initiative provides students with an exciting opportunity for career exploration right here on our doorstep.

Students were quick to immerse themselves in the experience, asking quality questions, listening intently and participating in the plethora of hands-on activities that were available on the day.

Thank you Hinchinbrook Shire Council for having us, it was a fantastic event!

Find Your Future

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TERM 2 WORK PLACEMENT

Our Work Placement Program is wrapping up for Term 2. The Program has proven to be a catalyst for our students to secure apprenticeships, traineeships and employment post-school. Not only that, our students gain practical hands-on experience, as well as an opportunity to develop valuable work/life knowledge, improve competence and boost their confidence.

Placement students are reminded that Host Nomination Forms for Term 3 are due back to Ms Gardner as soon as possible to ensure placement can be arranged prior to the end of Term 2.

Work Placement

As always if you have any Careers related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at vgardner@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au or on 4776 2888.

Vicki Gardner
Careers Advisor

Extra Curricular Activities

Tuckshop

Parents and students - if you are unable to order on the Flexischools app, the Tuckshop opens from 7.30am and students are able to go to the Tuckshop and place their order and pay before school.  This should stop any child from missing out on lunch, as the Tuckshop only makes a certain amount of food for the day to cut down on wastage.

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.

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

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