2 May 2024

Arts Retrospective

Families and members of the Ingham community are invited to join us for our ARTS RETROSPECTIVE to be held on Thursday 30 May! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at: 
https://compasstix.com/event/c8a5d3ef-e889-4ed7-8071-57643fe82e87

Save the Date

ANZAC Day 2024

We are proud of all our students and staff who represented the College at all the ANZAC Day services at the Ingham cenotaph and cemetery, Forrest Beach, Halifax and Cardwell.

We acknowledge and honour the sacrifices made by our service men and women, both past and present, in the pursuit of freedom and peace for us all.

A special acknowledgment goes out to our College Student Leaders and their Pastoral Leader, who travelled around the district from early this morning, attending the majority of services. Lest we forget. 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 34

Next

Important Information

Prayer

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Families,

ANZAC Day

Last week I was very proud of the involvement of our students, staff and families in the various ANZAC Day activities the school participated in.  On Tuesday we held our GSMC ANZAC Day commemoration at school to honor and remember those men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.  I was privileged to open the ceremony with the following:

Special thanks to our guest speaker Mr Rodger Bow, Herbert River RSL President, who shared his insights and emotions around the meaning of ANZAC and service to our nation. We were also fortunate to have Captain Felix Reitano, Rick Butler, Mayor Ramon Jayo and Councillors Mary Brown, Kate Milton, Pat Lynch, Andrew Carr and Mark Spina present to enhance the significance of the event.

On ANZAC Day, our College was very well represented at each of the parades as students marched  with pride at the dawn service, the RSL Club, cemetery service, Forrest Beach, Halifax, Ingham and Cardwell ceremonies.  I thank everyone who contributed to ensure the ANZAC spirit is alive and well within our College.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Later today, we have parent/teacher/student interviews at the College starting at 3:10pm.  I urge all parents to book a time to meet each teacher to discuss your child's progress in each subject (by calling the college office).  I strongly believe that the way to demonstrate to both the teacher and your child that you value their education and are interested in how they are progressing at school, is by attending parent/teacher/student interviews to find out exactly how your child is tracking in their education journey.

Parent/teacher/student interviews are an ideal time to ask questions and seek answers to any concerns the parent may have.  As a parent you may want to ask questions such as:

• what are my child’s interests and strengths?
• what concepts does my child struggle with?
• how much homework should my child be doing each night?
• what can I do at home to help my child with schoolwork?
• what can you tell me about my child’s behaviour in class?
• how is my child getting along with other students?
• what support services are available for my child at the college?

God bless
Kevin Barnes

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 17

Next

From Melissa Carr - Deputy Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College families,

I hope this message finds everyone well as we near the end of Week 3, Term 2 for 2024. Last week was a nice short week for our students with ANZAC Day and our Townsville Catholic Education designated additional professional development day that was focussed on the continued implementation of V9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.

As we move forward into this term, I would like to bring your attention to a few important events and updates happening within our school community.

Year 10 Careers Sessions and Compulsory Information Night

This week, our Year 10 students commenced their formal journey in their careers sessions. It was an excellent first session, with lots of career exploration, information and questions for our students. Our Year 10s also visited the Hinchinbrook “Find Your Future” expo on Wednesday where they were able to see and seek what future pathways our community has to offer. 

I would also like to remind our Year 10 families about the upcoming set planning and information night in Week 8 of this term. Our compulsory information night will be held on Thursday 6 June, starting at 5:30pm. The session will be held in M1/M2. We do stress that this is a compulsory event as it is imperative that both our students and their parents/guardians gain insight into how senior secondary operates and guide students towards making informed decisions about their choices for next year. It is a great opportunity for students to be invited to select subjects that allow them to explore their interests, strengths, and career aspirations, as well as receive guidance on key terminology and requirements for obtaining their QCE. We will also provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to ask specific questions to staff through a QR code so that our staff can be in contact to discuss further. Year 10 students will continue their career information sessions throughout this term to ensure that they are well prepared and informed to make decisions for their future. We also want to ensure our families that this is a journey that we are on together. We will be tracking students throughout years 11 and 12 and will be ensuring that families are well informed when and if required. 

Year 12 Students - Important Reminders

For our year 12 students, we understand that the pressure is mounting as they prepare for tier external exams. We encourage our seniors to stay focussed and dedicated and to continue their revision efforts. Our teachers and support staff are here to assist and guide them through this challenging period, and we have full faith in their abilities to excel in their exams and upcoming assessments. We also continue to encourage our vocational students looking to obtain employment at the end of this year/next year, to ensure they have a current resume and cover letter and to seek feedback from our careers advisor, Ms Vicki Gardner, in this process. Job applications will start to open in the coming months, so please stay vigilant not to miss an opportunity. 

Year 11 & 12 - Important Information Regarding Reporting of General Subjects

This year, we have embarked on a transition in our reporting towards more timely and specific feedback relating to each assessment tasks for students. Subject teachers have been working with their classes to guide them through how to navigate compass to access their results. Our College has implemented a feedback process whereby teachers return assessment results generally within two weeks from the assessment due date and then once students have viewed and confirmed their results, they will be entered into their compass learning tasks and available to students and parents/guardians within the next week. Students and families are then able to access results through compass.

Please click on the file below to access an easy ‘How To’ guide for parents/guardians to access and view specific learning results.

As we progress towards 2025, we aim to have task specific feedback for each assessment also available through this platform. For the remainder of 2024, students will still receive a Unit 1 and Unit 2 report as the usual time, with comments in here.

Year 6 Transition Program Set to Commence This Term

In addition, our Year 6 students are about to embark on their transition from primary to secondary school. We have planned a series of transition days to help ease this important step in their educational journey. Our program will allow our Year 6 students to familiarize themselves with our school environment, meet their future teachers and classmates, and gain a sense of confidence and excitement about the next chapter in their education. For our first transition day on Friday 17 May, we would like to extend an invitation to our year 6 families to please come and enjoy a barista coffee and danishes provided by our senior hospitality students and join us in the Library from 8:00-8:30 am. Our College leadership team and staff will also be available to introduce themselves and meet our future Gilroy Santa Maria College students.

Assessment Planners

Term 2 assessment planners are also now available for this term. They are both linked in this newsletter as well as on our webpage. Assessment planners are an important tool as part of our toolkit that helps both students and parents/guardians in helping to stay organised and on track with their studies. Please read further in our newsletter for some important tips about how assessment planners are effective tools contributing to academic success.

Progress Reports & Attendance Awards

Lastly, we would like to extend our congratulations to all students who have received positive progress reports. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we encourage you to continue putting in your best effort in all that you do. For those who may have received feedback for improvement, we urge you to take it as an opportunity for growth and to work towards achieving your full potential. We also congratulate all students who received an attendance award at our whole school assembly last week for their 100% attendance in Term 1. It was inspiring to see so many students receiving this award and for our College community to aspire to this commitment to their studies. 

As always, we are here to support and guide our students in their academic and personal development. Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children, and we look forward to a successful remainder of the school year.

Warm regards,

Melissa Carr

Assessment Planners Term 2

Assessment planners are valuable tools that help students manage their time effectively, prioritise tasks, and stay organised throughout the school year. By recording important dates such as assignments, homework, exams, assessments, and extracurricular activities, students can plan ahead and avoid last-minute cramming or missed due dates. 

Here are a few reasons why assessment planners are so crucial in helping students be organised:

1. Time management - Assessment planners allow students to allocate time for each task or assignment, helping them balance their academic workload with other responsibilities and activities.
2. Prioritisation - By having a clear overview of upcoming assessments and deadlines, students can prioritise tasks based on their importance and urgency, ensuring that they stay on top of their academic commitments.
3. Accountability - Assessment planners can provide a tangible record of students’ progress and achievements, helping them take ownership of their learning and track their academic performance over time. If the planners are printed and put on the kitchen fridge at home, students could write their results on them when received. It also provides a means of communication between students and their parents/guardians to ensure time is being dedicated to keep on track with upcoming assessments and due dates. 
4. Stress reduction - with a well-organised assessment planner, students can reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, as they have a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and when.

We encourage all parents/guardians to support their children in utilising assessment planners effectively by checking in regularly, offering guidance when needed, and helping them establish good habits for time management and organisation.

Together we can empower our students to take control of their academic success and develop lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s educational journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance with assessment planners, please do not hesitate to ask.

Please find below the Term 2 Assessment Planners for all year levels:

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Invoices for Term 2 fees and levies have been emailed, if you did not receive them, please check your ‘junk’ or ‘spam’ file or contact the office.

This is a timely reminder to please check your contact details are correct on Compass. 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, or your financial circumstances have changed, 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

Essential Emails

Student Representative Council

Student members met recentlyand will work with Pastoral Leaders throughout the year to discuss any issues students may have concerning their school. They are a great group of young leaders and look forward to engaging in some wonderful projects together!

Sports

The Gilroy Santa Maria College Interhouse Cross Country will occur on Friday 3rd May 2024. Students will be running on the headland at the back of the school with the first run starting around 12:35pm.

Students will complete the following distances based on their age group. Students can walk or run; however, they are encouraged to challenge themselves and run as much of the course as they can. Students are aware of their distances and maps. Due to the weather - distances may be altered on the day. Every student that participates in the cross-country and finishes will be given a point towards their house.

Teachers will be distributed around the course at checkpoints to ensure students safety and wellbeing. A water stand will also be positioned at the halfway mark of the course, cups will be available however, students are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. At the end of the cross-country fresh fruit and cold water will be available.

Distances:

All students must wear closed-in shoes, bring a hat and water bottle. The theme for the day is house colours, so students are encouraged to dress up in sunsafe clothing in red, yellow, or blue. Normal classes will run from homeroom up until the end of period 4, with the cross-country event starting at 12:05.

Jaidyn Spina
HPE Academic Leader & Sports Coordinator

Pastoral Leaders - Messages

National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation funding world-class breast cancer research towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.  

This year in May, Gilroy Santa Maria College is making a pledge to wear pink and raise some funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Students can support this event by coming to school dressed in anything PINK and making a gold coin donation! There will also be a game of cricket played at school on the day, between students and teachers so let’s get everyone on board and Go Pink this May for Breast Cancer.

This day will take place on Thursday 23 May. More information will be released closer to the date, via newsletters, compass and morning notices. If you would like to make a donation please following the link:

https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/erincerutti/gilroy-stars

By Hannah Swarbrick

The Push-Up Challenge

Get Fit, have fun and push for better mental health. The Push-Up Challenge is a free mental health and fitness event focussed on pushing for better mental health for all Australians.

Participants complete 3,249 push-ups over 24 days, representing the 3,249 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022.

It's free and simple to register. Simply click here and fill out a few details to join the challenge. 

Yr 11 Camp

As part of the Year 11 curriculum, students have the opportunity to attend a Camp held at Columba Catholic College from Wednesday 10 to Friday the 12  July, 2024 (Week 1, Term 3).

The objectives of the leadership camp is to aid in the development of students’

• Decision making skills.
• Ability to function as an effective team member.
• Ability to identify leadership styles.
• Conflict resolution skills; and
• Motivational skills.

A further letter will be distributed later in Term 2 outlining the finer details of the camp including activities, dietary requirements, medical form and what to pack.

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