15 March 2024
- Save the Date
- Important Information
- Prayer
- From the Principal - Kevin Barnes
- Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
- Project Compassion 2024
- From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
- Year 7 Retreat - Magnetic Island
- Religion Classes - Year 8
- Essential Emails
- Reminders
- Sports
- Tuckshop
- Student Accident Protection Plan - Claim Form
- What's Happening in the Parish
- Around the District
Save the Date
Important Information
Prayer
Almighty and Everlasting God,
You have given the human race
Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.
He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man
And giving His life on the Cross.
Help us to bear witness to You
By following His example of suffering
And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Amen.
From the Principal - Kevin Barnes
Dear Families,
I was energised to return to Gilroy SMC following three days spent in Townsville at the TCE Principals’ meeting last week. Joining the 30 other TCE principals from across the Diocese for discussion, professional learning and networking about current educational priorities helps to ensure we are abreast of initiatives and updates. I have returned with a lot of valuable information which I look forward to sharing with you in future newsletter articles.
I have previously mentioned that we have developed our annual goals which are aligned with the school renewal and improvement priorities detailed in our 5 year Implementation Plan 2024 - 2028.
This year, as we continue to develop strategies and embed those so that they become ‘business as usual’ at our College. There are three big ticket items that are being addressed through our professional development program, review and reflection, and data-informed practice to measure success.
The GSMC Annual School Improvement goals for 2024 are:
- Implementation of the 6+1 Traits of Writing approach to improve writing outcomes
- Development of a student engagement framework
- Further develop the religious character of the College with a focus on staff formation
These goals are areas identified as necessary to build upon our drive to continually improve student learning outcomes by:
- responding to the different developmental stages of our students to ensure effective pedagogy and increased student engagement in a high-quality learning environment
- reinvigoration of the well-being and social justice programs within the College
- Ensuring an orderly learning environment where positive relationships are fostered
- Promoting the wellbeing of staff and students so that all individuals know and feel they are valued by their peers
These are big aims, but for each area, we have collaborated to identify strategies that guide our progress and allow members of our community to contribute to the improvement agenda of our College throughout 2024.
In a recent conversation with a group of parents, I was impressed by the positive comments they made about content they had accessed on SchoolTV. This conversation prompted me to promote the value of SchoolTV and the resources available to parents by using the link https://gilroysm.catholic.schooltv.me/ or going to the GSMC website and clicking on the SchoolTV link.
On Wednesday this week, our Year 7 and 9 students began the challenge of NAPLAN tests. I wish all students and families well as they navigate through this exciting but anxious journey. I am confident our students are well prepared for the rigours of this testing program and I look forward with great anticipation to evaluating results when they become available.
God bless
Kevin Barnes
Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2023 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes 5 minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.
As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers 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 with 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 www.qld.gov.au/nextstep
Project Compassion 2024
From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano
School fees were 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 |
No child will be denied enrolment due to financial difficulty. Parent/carers should discuss this matter withthe 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
rgiuliano@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Year 7 Retreat - Magnetic Island
Religion Classes - Year 8
This term, in Year 8 Religion classes, students have been creating their own images to represent the Trinity. They also had to provide an analysis of their representations. Here are a few examples from 8A.
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
Compass - Update Personal Details Online
Please login to your Compass account, and select the Cog icon in the top, right-hand corner of the page. Select update My Details from the dropdown menu provided. It is very important that we have all updated information, including addresses and new phone numbers.
Students: Food Allergy/Insect Allergy/Medical Conditions
If your child has an allergy or any changes to medical conditions, it is very important that the school be notified to update their records as soon as possible. Asthma and Anaphylaxis action plans must be updated on a yearly basis and supplied to the school
Sports
Parents/Guardians,
Please be advised if your child is away representing North Queensland for School Sport in State Championships. It is your responsibility to ring the school to notify what days your child will be away.
As for North Queensland trials, the school will place the student's absences on compass.
Jaidyn Spina
HPE Academic Leader & Sports Coordinator
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/
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes
Around the District
Free Parent Presentation by The HopeFull Institute's Glen Gerreyn: March 21 6:00-7:00pm
St Margaret Mary's College invites our families to this free parent presentation. SMMC is excited to welcome Glen Gerreyn from The HopeFull Institute to talk on the topic of Positive Parenting. Glen is the director and co-founder of The HopeFull Institute. Glen has written several books and spoken to parents, young people, and organisations nationally spreading the message about the power of hope in directing your life purpose, inspiring action, and motivating change.
When: Thursday, 21 March 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park, Townsville - Benedictine Place
During his one-hour Positive Parenting seminar to parents, Glen "will share the five fundamental
positive parenting tools, based on positive psychology research."
Topics covered include:
- How to help your child find a vision
- The rules of encouragement
- How to be where you are
- Teaching your children how to fail
- How to say you’re sorry
- Making the home a refuge
To register, please click on the link: https://compasstix.com/e/efsm88yf0w
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