22 February 2024
- Important Dates
- Absences
- Prayer
- From the Principal - Kevin Barnes
- From Melissa Carr - Deputy Principal
- Project Compassion 2024
- Ash Wednesday Liturgy
- From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
- Essential Emails
- Reminders
- Interhouse Swimming Carnival
- Tuckshop
- Student Accident Protection Plan - Claim Form
- What's Happening in the Parish
- Around the District
Important Dates
Absences
Prayer
From the Principal - Kevin Barnes
Dear Families,
As we are almost at the midpoint of Term 1, it is evident that the school year passes by very quickly. I am happy to report that all our new students are well settled into the Gilroy way thanks to our very effective transition program and the assistance of the Peer Support students. In conversations with Year 7 students, many of them have commented on their positive experiences starting school and made mention that they feel welcome and safe in our College. Some students stated they are still adjusting to the new environment and settling into new friendship groups, which can be a challenge for some.
As we are heading into the middle of the term, it is important that students are fully focused on their learning, staying organised and keeping up to date with assessment and supporting each other’s learning. Similarly, parents and carers are encouraged to regularly engage in their children’s learning and be aware of any challenges they are facing.
The start of the new school year brings many opportunities for the college to express our Catholic Identity. The Induction Mass and Ash Wednesday Liturgy are two examples of how the college community gathers together to celebrate important liturgical events throughout the year.
It was great to see the great level of student enthusiasm on display at the Swimming Carnival last Friday. At the start of each school year, it is always a battle with the wet season when planning the swimming carnival. With rain threatening and heavy skies overhead, it was impressive to see staff and students make the most of the conditions we had. I commend everyone’s commitment to make sure we were able to run all events and provide our students with a great day. I was very impressed with the leadership and commitment from a large number of year 12 students who led the day and set an example for younger students to make the most of every opportunity.
I wish to make all families aware that Townsville Catholic Education Office has approved an additional staff professional development day in 2024. The date will be Friday 26th April, 2024 which will be a pupil free day. This day follows on from the ANZAC day public holiday on Thursday 25th April. The reason for granting this additional professional development day is to provide the time and opportunity for all teachers to prepare for the implementation of V9.0 of the Australian Curriculum at the commencement of 2025. This planning day will focus on supporting teachers to have a deep understanding of the changes to content and assessment from the revised curriculum. There is much planning already occurring to ensure our teachers are well placed to provide rich learning experiences for students. This additional professional development day (pupil free day) will only occur in 2024.
God bless
Kevin Barnes
From Melissa Carr - Deputy Principal
The following NAPLAN information has been sent home through Compass to Year 7 and Year 9 parents and students.
Please do not hesitate to contact the College for further information.
Melissa Carr
Project Compassion 2024
Caritas Australia has announced the launch of Project Compassion 2024, its annual Lenten fundraising and awareness appeal. For six weeks from the start of Lent schools, Parishes, organisations and individuals are encouraged to donate, as well as walk, swim, cycle or run as part of Caritas Ks, host their own events such as raffles or trivia nights, or give something up for lent. All in the name of compassion in action.
This year, the theme is ‘For All Future Generations’. This theme has been drawn from the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-20.
One day, Moses’s sheep wander off and he suddenly encounters a bush that is burning but not consumed. God tells Moses that he has heard the cry of his people. God responds to injustice and chooses Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Moses is scared but God promises ‘I will be with you.’ All the time, God remains a mystery. Moses wants more detail, so God simply says that this is the same God who has been longing for justice for the whole of history: ‘By this name I shall be invoked for all future generations.’
As God called Moses, so now God calls us to work ‘for all future generations.’
Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia CEO, said, “During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms. From natural disasters to widespread conflict, the events of the past year mean that many communities need your support. Supporting Project Compassion is a way for us to proclaim the faith that is in our hearts and help our sisters and brothers in need.”
First Week of Lent |
This year, Project Compassion brings you the stories of three resilient women from three different corners of the world. They are facing vastly different challenges, but are all united by one dream: to create a better tomorrow for all future generations. Meet Ronita from the Philippines. Ronita lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines. She went back to school to finish her education so that she could earn income to support her children. Meet Leaia from Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water was very difficult for Leaia and her family. But, with the support of Caritas Australia, a water tank was installed at their home, improving their health and living conditions. Meet Memory from Malawi. Memory, the eldest daughter from a rural Malawian family, trained to become a carpenter and is now a trailblazer for future generations of women in her village. Throughout Project Compassion, you will get to know the stories of Ronita, Leaia and Memory. Journey with them as they forge a path to a brighter future for all generations. Please donate to Project Compassion. You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes which have been placed in every classroom and all offices at Gilroy. |
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
School Fees are due 8 March 2024.
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 Children - $43.45 | 3 or more Children - $289.60 |
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.
2024 School Fees
Child | Tuition Fee | General Levy | Sub Total | Building Fund | Total | Per Term |
1 | $2634 | $993 | $3627 | $500 | $4127 | $1031.75 |
2 | $4476 | $1987 | $6463 | $500 | $6963 | $1740.75 |
3 | $5792 | $2980 | $8772 | $500 | $9272 | $2318.00 |
As all year levels attend either a camp or retreat we have decided to include all school camps in the general levy.
The General Levy is charged as a contribution towards the following:
- Subscriptions
- Student devices – Chromebook or Laptop
- Technology – including licences, accidental insurance and laptop bags
- Subject levies
- Textbooks and other learning resources
- Camps/Retreats
We have also separated the Building Fund Levy of $500 per family. This was previously included in the general levy but this fee is now charged per family not per student.
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 schools in the Townsville Catholic Diocese.
To take advantage of this extended fee discount, parents/carers should contact the principal 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. The health care card must be in the name of the parent/carer not the 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 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 right, you do not agree with the balance, or if you have any issues or questions regarding the statements please do not hesitate to contact me.
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
rgiuliano@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Essential Emails
Yr 7 & 8 Pastoral Leader: | Ms Paula Rand | |
Acting | Mrs Amy Squires | |
Yr 11 & 12 Pastoral Leader: | Mrs Erin Cerutti | |
Acting Assistant Principal - Religious Education: | Mrs Cassandra Venturato | |
Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral: | Ms Maddyn White | |
Deputy Principal: | Mrs Melissa Carr | |
Principal: | Mr Kevin Barnes |
Reminders
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
The Interhouse Swimming Carnival was held last Friday. Despite the weather, students and staff pushed through the rain contributing to a successful day. Congratulations to the following students on receiving age champions;
12 years: Charlie Reid & Rori Biasi
13 years: Kadin Astorquia & Lara Biasi
14 years: Jett Reid & Samantha Scott
15 years: Lucas Masters & Jess Furber
16 years: Patrick Galletly & Louise Kaurila
Opens: Codey Masters & Adele Jensen
A special mention also goes to O’Meara, for taking the overall house honours for the second consecutive year, and to McAuley for receiving the Spirit Award. We look forward to the upcoming Interschool Swimming Carnival which will be on Thursday 14th March, starting at 5:30PM.
Tuckshop
Student Accident Protection Plan - Claim Form
Accidents will happen and they can be costly. Student Accident Protection Plan 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 John Kunnathumadappallil
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes
Around the District
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