20 August 2024

2025 Year 7 Expo Day

We have decided to make the most of our last Transition Day for 2024 by inviting you all to join your child on Friday 23 August from 7.30am for our 2025 Year 7 Expo Day!

How long do parents/caregivers attend for?
Parents can come along from 7.30am for free breakfast and coffee and stay until 9.45am and participate in the Parent Information Session and College Tour.

How long do students stay for?
Students will participate in a variety of activities for the remainder of the day until 3.00pm.

Students can be collected by parents at that time from the M Block zone (turn right as you enter the college) or families can contact local bus companies to make arrangements.  Please note students will NOT be dropped back to their schools on this day.

What if I can’t attend?
*We will record the Parent Information Session and make that available to you.
*You can call the office on 4776 2888 to arrange a private tour of the college at a time suitable to you.

Please note that this event will replace the previously advertised Gilroy on Show event that was to be held on 29 August.

We look forward to seeing you all there on this day!  If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the College Office on 4776 2888.

Enrolment 2025

Important Information

Prayer

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

We recently recognised Catholic Education Week, where we took the opportunity to celebrate the rich traditions and values of Catholic education and honor several individuals within our community who exemplify these ideals. Among the 2024 award recipients, Year 12 student Lijllianna Heystraten was recognised with the Deus Caritas Est Award, a prestigious accolade that highlights her embodiment of the Catholic call to love and serve others.

Christine Timms received the Spirit of Catholic Education Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the principles and ethos that guide Catholic education. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to both students and colleagues, fostering a spirit of faith, compassion, and excellence within our community.

Peter Groundwater was honored with the Aunty Joan Hendriks Award, which acknowledges outstanding contributions to the reconciliation and recognition within the Catholic context. Peter's work in this area demonstrates a deep respect for culture, history, and the ongoing journey towards unity.

Congratulations to Lijllianna, Christine, and Peter on their well-deserved awards, and thank you for your contributions to our college and the wider Catholic educational community.

The recent GSM Interhouse Athletics Carnival was a resounding success, with a week filled with competitiveness, sportsmanship, and some remarkable achievements. The event was well-supported by enthusiastic students whose participation and school spirit made it a memorable day. The competition saw athletes from all year levels pushing themselves to achieve personal bests and contribute to their house teams.

This year’s carnival was notable for the longstanding records that were broken. These achievements were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes.  Witnessing students surpass these records was a highlight, as it demonstrated individual excellence and commitment.

Behind the scenes, the event’s success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff. From the organisation, coordination and officiating, our staff played a crucial role in making the day run smoothly. By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, every student had the opportunity to shine and feel supported throughout the day.

We had even more memorable moments as we took on St Teresa’s College and Ingham State High School at the Interschool Athletic Carnival last Friday.

God bless
Kevin Barnes

From Maddyn White - Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Supporting Student Behaviour and Wellbeing

Dear Parents,

As we navigate through another school term and start to reach the pointy end of the year, it’s essential to focus on the holistic development of your children. Their behaviour and wellbeing are crucial aspects that significantly impact their academic performance and overall growth. Here are some insights and tips to help support your child’s journey.

Understanding Student Behaviour

Children’s behaviour in school can be influenced by various factors, including their home environment, social interactions, and emotional state. It’s important to recognise that:

1. Consistency is Key: Establishing consistent routines at home can help children feel secure and understand expectations both at home and school.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging good behaviour through positive reinforcement can be more effective than focusing on negative behaviours. Praise and rewards for good behaviour can motivate children to continue acting positively.
3. Open Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with your child can help you understand their feelings and challenges. Encourage them to express themselves and listen actively to their concerns.

Promoting Wellbeing

Wellbeing encompasses physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some strategies to support your child’s wellbeing:

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity. These are foundational to their overall health and ability to focus in school.
2. Emotional Support: Be attentive to your child’s emotional needs. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and provide a supportive environment where they feel safe to express themselves. We are fortunate enough at Gilroy to have a supportive Pastoral Care team including our pastoral leaders, guidance counsellor and our school chaplain. Please contact the front office if you wish to speak to one of our team about your child’s wellbeing. 

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. To foster resilience in your child:

1. Encourage Problem-Solving: Allow your child to face challenges and work through them independently. Offer guidance but let them take the lead in finding solutions.
2. Model Resilience: Demonstrate resilience in your own behaviour. Children learn a lot by observing how adults handle stress and adversity.
3. Supportive Relationships: Foster strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and teachers. A robust support network can provide children with the confidence and security they need to thrive.

By focusing on these aspects, we can work together to create a nurturing environment that supports our children’s behaviour and wellbeing. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay patient, stay positive, and keep the lines of communication open.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

Warm regards,
Maddyn White 

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.

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

Interschool Athletics:

Gilroy competed in the annual Interschool Athletics Carnival on Friday 16 August, against Ingham State High School and St Teresa's, Abergowrie College.

All students represented the college with pride, and showcased all of their amazing skills. Gilroy won the overall girls trophy, and finished second in the boys, to St Teresa’s Abergowrie College.

A special mention goes to our 3 age champions:

U12 girls - Rori Biasi

U13 girls - Lara Biasi

U15 girls - Jess Furber

Molly-Rose Gaggiano won the Girls George Day Gift, which is a handicapped race made up of all the 100m sprint winners.

Two students also broke some inter-school records; Lacey Jayasuria in the U12 girls 1500m, and Nathan Venturato in the Open boys 800m.

Interschool Basketball:

Gilroy secured a game 2 victory, 40-33, against Ingham State High School. This now makes the series score 2-0. They will try and complete a clean sweep in a fortnight’s time at Gilroy. Come and see the action take place in the Santa Maria Centre on Monday 2 September, from 3:30pm.

Work Placement

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