5 September 2024

Introduction of 2025 School Leaders

We are thrilled to announce our newly appointed College Student Leaders for 2025 at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

We are confident that these leaders will make a meaningful impact within our College community in 2025. 

All candidates demonstrated exceptional dedication, integrity, and passion throughout the rigorous leadership selection process, and should also be congratulated.

Date Savers

GSM Fun Run

When:  Friday 13 September 2024 (last day of Term 3)

Where:  Forrest Beach

Cost:  FREE! (incl. transport, sausage sizzle and drink)

What to Bring:  Hat, towel, sunscreen & water bottle

Clothing:  Appropriate free dress that is sun safe (singlets are not to be worn)

Permission Form: On Compass (no verbal permission)

The annual Gilroy Santa Maria Fun Run consists of a round trip run/walk from Forrest Beach to Cassady Beach. Students are to arrive at school by 8:30am via usual transport. They will be transported to Forrest Beach by bus and return to school by 3:00pm.  

It is an Olympic themed Fun Run this year and every student who completes the course, a point will be added to his/her house total in the 2024 GSM Cup. Students will be given the option to walk to the shop or participate in sports activities after the walk.

 FORREST BEACH STUDENTS

If students live at Forrest Beach, you are to meet at the Lifesaving Club at 9.00am.  

Please note that this is a school day and attendance is compulsory.

Enrolment 2025

Important Dates for Term 4

From the Principal - Kevin Barnes

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Last Friday, our staff participated in professional development activities focused on preparing for the implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. This day was hugely successful in planning and preparing to deliver the best educational opportunities for our students.

The gradual transition to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum is a significant step forward in ensuring our teaching practices remain current and effective as our staff engaged in collaborative planning sessions to familiarise themselves with the updates of the revised curriculum and consider how to best meet students' needs. This preparation is crucial in maintaining the high standards of education that our College strives for.

In addition to curriculum updates, teachers explored the benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in curriculum planning. AI tools can streamline the creation of curriculum documents, making the process more efficient and allowing teachers to focus more on student engagement and personalised learning of each student.

In this newsletter I have included articles on a number of topics to ensure parents and students are aware of the relevant information. 

Enrolment Terms and Conditions

When a student is enrolled at our College, parents/carers/guardians sign a Student Enrolment Agreement which contains important terms and conditions that apply whilst the student is enrolled at GSMC.  These terms and conditions are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they are current and accurate.

The Conditions of Enrolment at our College are available on the GSMC website    https://www.gilroysm.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-information  

Student Protection

Student Protection is everyone’s business, and at Gilroy Santa Maria College we are committed to making our school a safe, secure, and protected place of learning for every student.

Should any student be concerned about how they are being treated by an adult or another student, they are encouraged to speak up to a trusted staff member or one of our ‘safe persons’ who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform this role in school.

All students should be aware of who the safe persons are as there is a poster in each classroom depicting who the “Safe Persons” are.

Media/Photography/Video Consent for Students 

During the enrolment process, parents/carers/guardians consent to the use of images of their child. The consent is outlined below. Parents who wish to withdraw this consent should contact the school.

Photos, video footage and work samples of students are used regularly by the school for the purpose of acknowledging the efforts of the students, or for promotion, marketing or advertising GSMC or Catholic Education. Parents consent to the student being photographed or filmed for College, Catholic Education or Townsville Catholic Diocese related communication or for education purposes. Parents understand this may include media (e.g. television, radio, publications), school publications (e.g. newsletters, year books), online media (e.g. websites) and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram). Please note the student’s name and voice may be included with the photograph/video. Parent’s understand it is their responsibility to notify the school if they do not wish to consent to the student’s photograph/ video appearing in any or all of the above, or if they wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable holiday .
God bless
Kevin Barnes

Prayer

From Melissa Carr - Deputy Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College community,

As we approach the end of Term 3, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some important upcoming events and activities that will be crucial for our students’ academic progress.

Year 10 SET Planning

Our Year 10 students have now completed their Senior Education and Training (SET) pathways meetings, which have laid the foundation for their future academic and career aspirations. This is always an exciting and valuable process where Vicki Gardner, our Careers Adviser, and I meet with the student and their parent/s to listen and have conversations regarding their interests, strengths and long-term goals. It was great to see that students have carefully considered their subject choices for Year 11 and 12. We do have some students who still have questions regarding subject choices and we will seek to provide guidance to students throughout Term 4. Moving this process forward into the end of Term 2 and beginning of Term 3 was very advantageous to both students and the College. This is a process we will continue going forward.

Year 8 Elective Information Online Session

On Friday this week, Year 8 students will be receiving an information letter about their 2025 elective subject choice process. This letter will also be sent via a compass notification to families with the links available. This letter will provide a QR code and link to a recorded information session that I have prepared to help provide some essential information required when making these elective choices. It will be imperative for students and families to watch the recorded presentation before making their selections, as this will provide valuable insights into the available elective options and help them make informed decisions based on their interests and aspirations. It is crucial for students to choose subjects that align with their passions and strengths, rather than being swayed by peer pressure or external influences. Remember, there are no prerequisites for Year 11 and 12 choices, so students have the flexibility to explore a diverse range of subjects that resonate with them.

Year 12 Mock Exams next week and Term 4 External Exams

As our Year 12 students gear up for their final year exams, we are conducting mock exams next week to simulate the external exam experience and prepare them for the challenges ahead. Our Year 11/12 Pastoral Leader, Erin Cerutti, and I have discussed the expectations with students, and parents have been notified via email in regards to ‘block exams’ expectations. This document is also available on the College website for reference. Mock exams will mimic the Year 12 external exams and will commence in Week 4 of Term 4 this year, with all exams taking place in the library. 

I’m sure students are already familiar with their external exam timetable that has been developed by QCAA, but here is also a link to this document.

Year 7-10 Exams

In addition to the Year 12 exams, Year 7-10 students will also be undertaking exams next week. All scheduled exams are already available on Compass. I encourage students to approach these exams with a positive mindset and utilise the resources available to them for effective preparation. 

I look forward to seeing our students excel in their academic pursuits and achieve their full potential. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our College community.

Warm regards
Melissa Carr

Emerging Leaders Graduate

Recently, our Emerging Leaders Zane Bremen, Cash Ormonde, Anameeka Romelo and Ashleigh Smallwood, attended the Townsville Catholic Education's Blak Excellence and Graduation Liturgy at the Rydges in Townsville, where they listened to two inspirational speakers talk about their journeys into adulthood and their chosen career paths.

Following that, students attended a special liturgy led by Father Emene at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and were presented with their stoles from Principal, Kevin Barnes and their graduation certificates from TCEO Director, Louise Vella-Cox and Father Emene.

A special congratulations to Ashleigh who was nominated for the prestigious Bishop Michael Putney Award.

Congratulations to our 2024 Emerging Leader Graduates. 

Essential Emails

From the Business Manager –Ros Giuliano

Term 3 School Fees are now OVERDUE!

If you have not paid school fees yet, please do so ASAP. There are a number of ways to pay, including BPAY, direct debit as well as credit card etc.

All school fee statements have been emailed so please notify the school if you have not received Term 3 statements. If you have not supplied us with your email, address please do so.

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.

Office hours over the School Holidays.

The office will be open over the school holidays please see adjusted hours below.
Monday – Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm.

Ros Giuliano
rgiuliano@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Sports

NQ All Secondary Schools Touch Competition

On the 24 and 25 August, Gilroy sent three mixed teams to the NQ All Secondary Schools Touch competition in Townsville.  Each team played hard, with the Opens coming away with an undefeated day of play, then facing St Mary’s Catholic College on Sunday to top their pool.  Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalise on their amazing run and went down to Gordonvale State High in the semi’s.  The Minors worked hard to win against William Ross each game but went down to Bowen each time they met them.  Semi finals on the last day of play was a tough one for the Minors.  They had to win against William Ross for a third time.  Even after drop off the score was tied, with William Ross eventually making a try to win the game. The Juniors also worked hard coming away with a win from Townsville State High on day two. They played with absolute heart, with Mr Gusmeroli giving some words of wisdom to the team.  A massive thanks must go to Mr DiBella, Mr Dixon and Mr Spina who refereed almost every game for the school.  Also thanks to Dallas, Jack, Levi and Lara who volunteered to referee to give our teachers a break.  We cannot wait to go back again next year and take our trophies home again!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Next

Northern Region Athletics Trials

Six Gilroy students travelled to Townsville to compete in the Northern Region Athletics trials. Congratulations to Nathan Venturato, Molly-Rose Gaggiano, and Jess Furber who were selected in the Northern Region Athletics team. These students will travel to Brisbane next term, to compete in the Queensland School Championships.

Interhouse Athletic Age Champions

Recently the Interhouse Athletic Age Champion certificates were presented.  Congratulations to:

12 Years - Adam Mammino and Rori Biasi
13 Years - Kallum Namie and Lara Biasi
14 Years - Brayden Marino and Molly-Rose Gaggiano
15 Years - TJ Duncan and Jess Furber
16 Years - Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila and Joelene O'Neill
Open -Nathan Venturato, Logan Aird-Clement and Akayla Weston.

Jaidyn Spina
HPE Academic Leader & Sports Coordinator

Palliative Care Donation by Yr 10 Market Day

Our talented Year 10 Business student entrepreneurs donated the sum of $1664 to Ingham Palliative Care.  This money was raised from the Year 10 Market Day proceeds.  Mrs Cardillo accepted the donation on behalf of the Ingham Palliative Care Committee.  

Market Day

After weeks of planning, the Year 10 cohort finally had the opportunity to showcase and sell their creative products and services.  From magnetic pens to delicious treats and bags, there was something for everyone.  

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 35

Next

Year 7 Expo Day

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 155

Next

Important Information

Compass Parent Portal

Gilroy Santa Maria College uses the Compass School Manager software and an important component of this software is the Compass Parent Portal.  Each parent is issued with an individual login name and password for the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal allows you to:

• view your child's timetable and the school calendar
• view up-to-date attendance information for your child
• enter details of upcoming absences or explain past absences or late arrivals for your son or daughter
• access your child's Semester Reports
• view a news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates
• communicate by email with your child's teachers
• update your contact details (email and mobile phone number)
• order a replacement student identity card (see instructions below)

Additional features will become available in the Parent Portal in the future.

The Parent Portal is a web-based system that can be accessed by clicking this link.

An app called Compass School Manager is also available for both iPhones/iPads (via the App Store) and Android phones/tablets (via the Google Play Store).

The browser version of the Parent Portal contains more features than the app. A brochure which provides more information about the Compass Parent Portal is available here for you to download.

Student Identity Replacement Card - Link

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.

Tuckshop

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