26 July 2024

Deus Caritas Est Award - Lijllianna

Congratulations to College Vice Captain Lijllianna Heystraten, who was presented a Deus Cartias Est (God is Love) Award by Bishop Timothy Harris at a special liturgy held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville recently.

This Award is presented to a student from each secondary college in the Diocese who demonstrates a commitment to Christian living in how they interact and treat others.

Spirit of Catholic Education Award - Christine

Congratulations to Mrs Christine Timms, who was awarded a Spirit of Catholic Education Award from Bishop Timothy Harris at a special liturgy held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville recently.

These awards are presented annually in conjunction with Catholic Education Week to celebrate the outstanding contributions to Catholic Education in Queensland.

Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award - Peter

Congratulations to Peter Groundwater who was our college's nomination this year for this special Townsville Spirit of Catholic Education (SOCE) Award.

Peter is a passionate and compassionate teacher and mentor who embodies both the Spirit of Catholic Education Award and the Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award. Peter's dedication to the Emerging Leaders Program, and the care, attention and support of our First Nations students over many years makes Peter the most worthy of recipients.

Save the Date

Important Information

Prayer

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

By now you will have received your child's Semester 1 Report. I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements and reflect on their progress throughout the first half of the school year. Each student's results should reflect their individual efforts and commitment to their studies. As we are now well into Term 3, it is an ideal time for students to set themselves goals for how they may improve their outcomes and identify what they need to do to further improve their academic success.

During week 1 of the recent school holidays, 20 of our male students competed in the Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival and nine female students competed in the QISSN Netball Carnival, both held in Townsville.  It was very rewarding to be able to witness these students wear the blue and gold with pride and display great sportsmanship and never say die attitude.  

Additionally, three of our female students were asked to play rugby league for Southern Cross Catholic College at Confro.  From this team, Adele Jensen was selected in the Queensland Merit Team for her outstanding efforts.

I am very proud to commend each of these students on their commitment to represent our College and remain competitive throughout the week-long carnival. 

To support these students many staff gave up a week of school holidays to make the carnivals possible for our students.  These staff are the coaches, managers, bus drivers, first aiders and sideline assistants who give of their time to allow students to achieve their dreams.  As a College we greatly appreciate the efforts of everyone involved. 

Week 1 of this term set a very positive tone across the College as we launched into camp week.  I have been very pleased with the positive comments we have received from students, parents and staff about how enjoyable each of the camps or retreats were.

Camp week is a massive commitment for the College to send students and staff to four separate locations, as well as several sites around the district.  The logistical planning and negotiating to ensure the many buses required and ensure staff are adequately allocated to each group, plus negotiations with each site takes many months and hours of planning.  Yet again, it was so rewarding to hear the energetic responses and positive feedback which makes this time of year so rewarding. 

All families will have received an invite to complete an opinion survey to help inform us on how we can continue to improve our practice to best cater for all students.  I ask that you take the time to complete the survey as your responses are an important part of the continuous improvement process as we strive to provide students with the best educational environment. 

Thank you for providing feedback and assisting us to improve our school.

God bless
Kevin Barnes

From Cassandra Venturato - Acting Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Catholic Education Week stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to nurturing our Catholic Identity and fostering a spirit of unity within our community. Our faith is not merely a heritage but a living, breathing journey that we undertake daily. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to this journey, ensuring that the values we hold dear continue to inspire and guide us into the future. This week is also about fostering unity and a sense of community spirit. It is a celebration of the collective ethos that binds us, the shared beliefs that unite us, and the common goals that drive us forward. Together, we are more than a community; we are a family bound by faith and commitment to the betterment of each other.

On Monday night 22 July, at the Townsville Spirit of Education Award Ceremony, we honoured the achievements of:

• Deus Caritas Est Award - Lijllianna Heystraten (College Vice Captain)
• Spirit of Catholic Education Award - Mrs Christine Timms
• Aunty Joan Hendricks Reconciliation Award - Mr Peter Groundwater

whose dedication to Catholic Education and demonstration of Catholic values shine as a beacon for us all.  We again congratulate each of these award recipients.

This was followed by the Townsville Catholic Education Week Mass on Tuesday 23 July, where our School Captains and Vice-Captains represented us at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville, embodying the leadership and faith that are the cornerstones of our educational philosophy.

Lastly, on Friday 26 July, the Year 8 students will participate in the Combined School Mass at St Patrick's Parish, a beautiful expression of our unity and shared faith.

As we partake in the joyous events of Catholic Education Week, let us pause to reflect deeply on the profound significance of our faith and education. This is a time to not only celebrate but to also rekindle the fervent spirit of our Catholic heritage. It is a call to action, to embrace the teachings of Christ with renewed passion and to let these principles illuminate every aspect of our learning.

Catholic education is the heart of our community, shaping souls and minds in the image of divine love and wisdom. It is our sacred duty to uphold this legacy, to ensure that the light of Catholic values continues to guide our youth towards a future filled with hope, purpose and service.

Let this week be a reminder of the transformative power of our faith; let it inspire us to live out the Gospel with unwavering conviction. For in doing so, we do more than educate; we empower a generation to carry forth the torch of Christ’s love into the world.

We look forward to sharing this blessed week with you.

In Christ’s love,
Cassandra Venturato

Assessment Planners

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 3 Assessment Planners for all year levels:

Essential Emails

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Invoices for Term 3 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 due date is 9 August 2024. Please deduct the discount amount from the
payment. Discounts are as follows:
One Child - $19.75
Two Children - $33.55
Three Children - $43.45

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

Sports

Confraternity: 

This year, the Annual Confraternity Carnival was held in Townsville. After a great pre-season of lead-up games in the Townsville Blackhawks Schoolboy Trophy, the team were very keen to shake up the competition. The boys started the carnival strong against St John’s Nambour and it looked like we were going to be off to a perfect start, but sadly a very late try and conversion to the opposition winger gave us our first loss of the carnival. Final score 18-14 with Shaun Devietti and Josh Venables among some of our best.

The boys did not let this hinder their spirit and bounced back with a great win over Chisholm Catholic College. With Tristan Milan and Jaia Poppi starring in a 10-4 win.

Day 2 came around quickly and we were up against the reigning C Grade Champions - Xavier College. The boys played well but some lapses in defence late in the game saw the scoreline blow out to 24-4. Cooper Barnes and Jaia Poppi stood out in that game. 

Finishing the pool phase with 1 win and 2 losses, the boys were excited to bounce back after our Wednesday rest day. Our next opponents were local rivals - Southern Cross Catholic College. The boys played really well in this game, especially Grant Martin and Matty Spina. Sadly their efforts were just not enough when a try after the siren saw the game levelled up at 12-12. With the rules of confraternity dictating that the team that scores first wins the game, handing us another heartbreaking loss. 

With a point to prove in game 5 of the carnival, the team put on one of their best performances of the year, scoring 28 points against St John’s Roma. Jaia Poppi, Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila and Grant Martin contributed most to the 28-8 win. 

With confidence high the final game of the carnival was a rematch against Chisolm catholic college. The horrendous field conditions did not slow down our attack with Dallas Brown, Nathan Venturato and Cash Ormonde leading the troops to a 20-0 win to finish off the carnival. 

All players should be extremely proud of how they represented their school on and off the field. Everyone wore the jersey with pride and displayed all of the great values that the Confraternity Carnival has been built upon. The respect for each other and staff members off the field made it a very enjoyable week. 

Gilroy would like to say thank you to all the supporters that travelled down or  watched from the live stream at home. Finally, to all of the staff and parents that made this year's carnival possible, thank you for your time, patience and enthusiasm! 

We look forward to starting our Confraternity 2025 campaign later this year. 

Matthew Spina

QISSN 2024:

Players: Ashleigh Smallwood (C ), Loren Jensen, Akayla Weston, Jess Furber, Nyah Fichera, Jada Fichera, Ciera Fichera, Louise Kaurila and Grace Thomson.

The QISSN Carnival was this year hosted by St Margaret Mary’s College, Townsville. Teams from across the state were brought together to the Townsville Stadium on the first week of the June/July school holidays.

The event kicked off on Sunday afternoon with the Opening Ceremony, where all teams were presented proudly to an array of inspirational speakers and members of the netball and school communities.

Throughout the first three days of games, we played seven teams with three wins.  The girls battled it out in a series of intense matches. With only four members from the 2023 QISSN Team, different combinations were trialed and tested before the major semi finals commenced on Thursday.

The girls began their finals campaign against All Souls St Gabriel’s, which proved to be the game of the week!  The girls left nothing on the court after being down by 8 points at half time, and following some inspirational words from Jillian Joyce, came back in tremendous form to win in extra time by 5 points.  Winning meant they were guaranteed a top four position overall.

However, the game took its toll on the girls, both physically and mentally, and they were unable to come back against St Joseph’s on the second final of the day. They played courageously but were playing the grand final for third or fourth place.

After a very early start on Friday morning, the girls came against St Catherine’s College, Whitsundays in the grand final.  The girls managed a great lead that allowed for Captain Ashley, who had been battling tonsillitis all week, to play the last minutes of her very last QISSN game, taking her team to win the game and place third overall of their division.

Our shooting combination this year of Loren, Nyah and Grace played well together and left their best shooting of the carnival to the finals when it counted.

The defense had a tough time with a player down, with Ashleigh being unwell, which didn't allow for a lot of rotation which meant that Ciera, Louise and Akayla had a lot of game time and not much rest but their performance was outstanding.

Our mid court players, with Jess in Centre position leading the way, delivered some outstanding performances in both attack and defense.  Jada, who injured her ankle in the very first game of the week, was brilliant in the Wing Attack position.

The carnival was a resounding success, celebrating athleticism and sportsmanship. Jess was named 2024 Most Valuable Player. Congratulations to all players for their outstanding performance.

Special thanks to all the parents that came along and supported us, Ms Jillian Joyce and Ms Maddyn White for coaching and preparing the team, and Ms Taya Jevons and Mrs Michelle Biasi for their help and support over the week.

Roslyn Giuliano

Pastoral Leaders - Messages

Year 7 - Cultural Week

We celebrated Cultural Week with our Year 7 students. Cultural Week is a week immersed in First Nations Culture, the students engaged in a variety of events over a course of 3 days. On the Wednesday the students participated in a rotation of activities - Art with Mrs Fontana, Indigenous Games with Mr Mendiolea and Cooking with Mrs Mastrippolito, In Art the students made bracelets and painted a pictures, Indigenous games the students played a range of games like ‘Kai and Pulyagge’. Over in C Block the students cooked ‘Crocodile Spring Rolls with Lemon Myrtle Spice, Coconut Panna Cotta with Sugar Banana and Cinnamon Myrtle Spice and lastly Domboys with Hibiscus and Strawberry Gum jam, Kakadu Plum and Raspberry Jam, Finger Lime and Raspberry Jam. 

On Thursday the students spent the day out at Crystal Creek. The Students enjoyed swimming, a Sausage Sizzle and playing a range of games. 

On Friday, we received a visit from Ranger Michael, Ranger Olivia and Ranger Destiny from the Girringun Rangers. They showed the Students how to throw Spears. After Morning Tea the students went on a First Nations Scavenger Hunt, on this hunt they learnt about First Nations success stories and some facts on First Nations people, history and culture. To end a fun-filled week, we all joined together down at C Block once again to enjoy a beautifully prepared feed of ‘Kangaroo Stew’ by our amazing hospitality teacher Ms Mastrippolito. What an amazing week it was!

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Year 8 Camp Quinola Lakes

Year 9 Camp Paluma

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Year 10 Retreat at Camp Gedling: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Unity

As the sun rose over the picturesque Hervey’s Range, our Year 10 students embarked on an adventure that would not only test their limits but also offer a respite from the everyday hustle. Held in the serene embrace of Camp Gedling during Week 1, the retreat was a harmonious blend of excitement, reflection, and camaraderie.

The retreat commenced with the students diving into the basics of outdoor living, setting up their tents, which would be their homes for the next three days. This initial activity set the tone for what was to come—teamwork, independence, and a touch of wilderness.

Daylight hours were filled with heart-pounding activities like abseiling and navigating high ropes courses, challenging the students to push beyond their perceived limits. Team building games fostered a spirit of unity, while retreat activities prompted introspection and personal growth.

As dusk fell on the first night, laughter echoed through the campsite. Trivia night brought out the competitive spirit in everyone, with minute-to-win-it games that were nothing short of hilarious. The evening culminated with music around the campfire, a symphony of crackling wood and melodious voices under the night sky.

The presence of Fr Will on Thursday added a spiritual dimension to the retreat. His leadership during the outdoor liturgy, set under a canopy of stars, was a poignant moment for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fr Will for enriching our retreat with his wisdom and serenity.

Retreats offer a precious pause button on life’s fast-forward mode, allowing us to realign with what truly matters—the priceless treasures we often overlook. Our students delved deep into their personal journeys, contemplating their future paths. The sketch they created, depicting turbulent seas and a bridge to the unknown, symbolised the ever-changing nature of life and the courage to traverse it.

The success of such retreats hinges on the support of parents and students alike. It’s a time for bonding, for nurturing personal and spiritual facets of our being. We are immensely grateful for the enthusiasm and backing from our community.

Finally, a standing ovation is due to our dedicated teachers. Their tireless efforts in planning and supervising ensured that our retreat was not just an event, but a memorable experience. Their commitment to our student’s well-being and growth shines as bright as the stars under which we gathered.

As we reflect on these three transformative days, we carry forward the laughter, the lessons, and the bonds forged. The Year 10 Retreat at Camp Gedling was more than just a break from routine; it was a milestone in our student’s lives, a testament to the power of stepping back to leap forward.

Mrs Venturato

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Year 11 Leadership Camp:

Last Wednesday the Year 11 students travelled to Columba Catholic College in Charters Towers to attend Leadership Camp. The camp featured several informative and rewarding sessions, helping the students to understand and fully comprehend what it takes to hold a leadership position at Gilroy Santa Maria and the steps needed to achieve one. In groups, we participated in various activities that fostered a successful bonding experience, allowing everyone to exhibit leadership qualities.

Columba Catholic College welcomed us warmly with its large, inviting facilities, such as the extensive pool and lush, green ovals, which were home to friendly roaming sheep. Most afternoons were spent relaxing and playing various sports in these beautiful surroundings.

Unlike previous years where we camped in tents, we were fortunate enough to have warm beds waiting for us in our allocated dorms. After a long day, we ended the night with a lively group trivia competition and "Minute to Win It" games, in which everyone thoroughly enjoyed and participated in.

Thursday afternoon included a trip to Towers Hill, where we watched and captured the stunning sunset over Charters Towers. This was followed by a lovely dinner and a session on the town's history and its mining industry. We concluded our last night back at camp with toasted marshmallows by the fire, before heading back home on Friday.

By Jada, Grace & Brooke

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Year 11 Leadership Timeline:

The 2025 School Leadership process is currently underway. Students were briefed on the leadership positions on offer, the application process and timeline during their Leadership Camp in week 1. Self-nominations for the 2025 Student Leadership positions close on Week 5, Tuesday 6 August. School Captain speeches will be made on assembly Thursday 8 August, shortlisting and interviews will occur on Tuesday 20 August before a decision on our 2025 Student Leaders is made and then announced on Wednesday 21 August.  House captains and Prefect interview will occur on Tuesday 21 August by a college panel and take place at the college. With the final decision being made Wednesday 21 August.

Year 12 JCU Open Day:

While the rest of the school enjoyed their camps, the Year 12 students had the opportunity to attend the JCU Open Day for Schools. Throughout the day, we participated in tours and presentations led by professors and current students. These sessions provided valuable insights into various courses and allowed students to engage with current students about life at JCU. Many tours included visits to accommodations like Saints and John Flynn, showcasing the vibrant student community through decorated common rooms and event planning activities. This opportunity, offered by JCU and the school, was greatly appreciated, as it provided us Year 12’s with the guidance and clarity we need to make informed decisions about our career pathways and whether JCU was the right fit for our studies. By Jacinta Jeffery

Uniform Reminders:

As a gentle reminder, it is essential that all students adhere to our college uniform expectations. This includes appropriate hairstyles, nails, and facial hair that align with our guidelines. Any deviation from these expectations will result in an email being sent home and a reminder to the student. Continued non-compliance will lead to a lunchtime detention. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the high standards of our college. Thank you for your understanding and support. The most up-to-date Uniform Policy can be found within our 2024 Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework accessible on our website.

Emerging Leaders News

Zane Bremen and Zhea Alexander attended the 2024 QATSIF Graduation Ceremony last week, both Zane and Zhea were very proud to be representing all of our First Nation students in Year 12 when receiving their Certificates.

Tuckshop

Parent Helpline for those who are having trouble placing their child's tuckshop order on the Flexischools tuckshop app.
Ph 1300 361 769

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