18 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

2016

Gilroy on the Go

2016 Swimming Carnival

Year 7A Archaeological Dig

Students took part in a simulated archaeological dig, unearthing mysteries yet to be solved.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Last Wednesday we conducted our Meet and Greet, which included our Yr 7 and Yr 11 Parent Information Sessions. Both nights included tips for parents in assisting their children. Information regarding study, assessment and the pastoral support structures in place at the school. Both sessions were well attended and I trust they were helpful for everyone. I'd love to hear what our parents thought, so please send me an email or give me call if you have any ideas to improve the format in the future.

I'd like to acknowledge our P&F and the wonderful role they played at our Meet and Greet. As it was Ash Wednesday, they cooked Fish and Chips and it was a big job to prepare and to cook for so many people. Luckily they had a tremendous group of volunteers and the meal was beautiful. The Parents and Friends play a vital role in the school. Apart from discussing school issues and fundraising, they provide a very important social opportunity for all our families and I know they have some plans to get our community together, more in 2016. Reminder that the Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 March at 5:30pm in the Parents and Friends Room (Old Graphics Room).

I was very impressed with the spirit demonstrated at our Interhouse Swimming Carnival last Friday. There was great participation and cooperation and it was obvious that everyone enjoyed the day. Congratulations to our Senior Leaders who did a great job encouraging their respective teams, their efforts were noticed by many. A big thank you to Mr Schifilliti for organising a wonderful carnival and to all the staff who helped on the day. Well done to the Rice House who were again the victors on the day. They take the lead in our yearlong house competition, the GSM Cup. Special mention to Lachlan Napier who broke a long standing school record. Congratulations to all the students who were selected for our Interschool Swimming Team and will compete next Tuesday evening 23 February. I trust the great school spirit and attitude continues so please come along and support them.

I'd like to give early notice to parents/carers that a Term 1 Interim Report Card will be mailed to families on Friday 4 March. The aim of this report card is to give parents an indication of how their child has begun the school year. The report will contain a rating for effort and behaviour in class for all subjects. Another important notice for parents is that the results of all assignments and tests will be recorded in your child's diary for signing. Be assured that if there is a negative trend appearing in your child's work or attitude, then our teaching staff is committed to contacting you as soon as possible.

God Bless

John Nuttall
College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

(Religious Education)

Christine Timms

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent in our Church calendar. This is a time for each of us to turn back to God through prayer, fasting and giving alms. May we, through prayer, ask God for the strength to act rather than just talk. May we, through fasting, become more aware of the sufferings of the world. And may we, through alms giving, be the people who make a difference and challenge those around us to be more compassionate.

"In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there are so many hungry children". – Pope Francis

During Lent every homeroom has been given a project compassion box to raise money for the most vulnerable around the world. This year's focus for Caritas is 'Learning More, Creating Change': it is all about getting involved, raising awareness and acting as one for the poor. Students are also asked to bring in clothes, children's books and household items to be donated to St Vincent de Paul at the end of the term. Every little bit helps. We can all make a difference!

God bless.

From the Acting Assistant Principal

(Administration & Curriculum)

Joan Devietti

SCHOOL WORK

As we complete week 4 and near the midway point of Term 1, I expect that all students are very busy with homework and assessment requirements. Students should be spending towards 2 hours (depending on grade and subjects) each evening on school work. Please ensure that the Term 1 Assessment Planner is being followed carefully. As Mr Nuttall explained, Interim Reports will be issued in week 6 and will indicate student effort and behavior.

I trust the Year 7 and 11 informative talks at the "Welcome, Meet & Greet" evening were helpful to both students and parents. Thank you for your attendance and interest, please call the school any time if you require clarification or more information.

Nancy Douglas and I have interviewed all OP eligible Year 12 students; to ensure they are on track with their studies and aware of the commitment necessary to achieve their goals. We will now continue interviews with the OP ineligible students.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10, 11 and 12 students will all undertake block exams, where they will be issued with an exam timetable. All other grades will undergo exams in their subject lesson. Due to this term being very short, ALL STUDENTS, from all grades will be required to be present at school till the end of term. This has been explained to the students and will mean that students will be either doing an exam or in a classroom studying or continuing with work. We welcome parent support in this small change.

COMPUTERS

In the past 3 years, the school has issued students with a computer. It is expected that all year 10, 11 and 12 students have their computers at school and in the lessons where it is necessary. The library will only lend students a spare computer if the computer technicians advise.

From the Assistant Principal

(Pastoral Care)

Peter Groundwater

I can't believe it is week 4 already. It only seems like yesterday that we were all preparing for Christmas and now, in the blink of an eye, we are almost halfway through Term 1. Before we know it there will be hot cross buns in the supermarkets (Too late, … that happened in early January). Life just doesn't seem to stand still long enough for us to just take a breath and have time to enjoy those precious moments in our lives. One aspect that we are currently taking the time to enjoy is the positive manner in which all students have commenced this year and the excellent behaviour that they are displaying throughout the school. As a pastoral leader and as a teacher it is so refreshing to have the opportunity to teach in an environment that is tailor made for learning.

Positive student behaviour is a must in any schooling situation and students must be congratulated for their great behaviour at last Friday's Swimming Carnival. This was a great day for all concerned and the efforts that the senior leaders put into organising their respective teams were evident throughout the day.

While on the topic of sport, last Wednesday I had the pleasure of coaching our Under 15 Rugby League team. Nothing warms the heart more than to witness young people pulling on a Gilroy Jersey and going out to battle in the sporting arena. While we were well and truly outclassed on the scoreboard, it was extremely encouraging that all members of the under 15's made a commitment to train hard in order to improve. It is this type of "Growth Mindset" that we are looking to cultivate in all aspects of student learning throughout this year and beyond. This Wednesday during assembly time, the Year 11 cohort will delve further into the notion of a Growth Mindset with special guest speaker, Christine Stephensen from the Herbert River Newsagency sharing aspects of her infectious and enthusiastic story.

As we move towards week 5, myself, Mr Giliberto, Ms Martino and Mrs Devietti will be preparing our swags and training hard in preparation for the annual Year 7 camp at Lake Tinaroo. This camp is a highlight in the first year of a student's entry into Gilroy life. We are looking forward to another great camp and I am sure there will be plenty of stories to share in the next Newsletter.

Careers

Nancy Douglas

Careers, Work Placement, Traineeships and Apprenticeships

This term has begun well with two of the College's Year 11 students signing up for traineeships. Shimera Smith began her Traineeship with Cardwell Care at the start of the year in Administration while Celina Barra is also undertaking a Traineeship in Administration with St Theresa's College, Abergowrie.

Two Year 12 students also have secured training and employment opportunities recently. Hadley Hall signed the paperwork to commence his Certificate III in Retail Operations with McDonalds Ingham on Monday 15 February and Isabelle Nicoll was signed up yesterday to commence her Certificate III in Business with the Forrest Beach Takeaway.

It is with great gratitude that we would like to thank these four employers for the opportunities they are providing for our students to earn and learn within our district.

The College would like to congratulate these students on their dedication and work ethic in securing these traineeships. If you would like to find out more information regarding traineeships and apprenticeships, please contact Chantal Bullock, Vocational Education Leader, or Nancy Douglas, Careers Adviser, at the college on 4776 2888.

Our weekly work placement program is now underway with our Year 11 and Year 12 vocational students hosted at various businesses each Tuesday. Many of these agreements finish at the end of this term, so it is a good time for students to consider if they would like to undertake workplace experience at a different business for Term 2.

Counsellor

Megan McQuade

Raising Teenagers!

Teenagers go through a huge number of changes in both their body and their brains. Teens battle their physiology as moods can swing wildly, sleep patterns change and assessing risk becomes more difficult.

It's also a period of challenge as they frequently question parent authority, and can go to great lengths to remind you that you aren't the font of all wisdom as they once thought.
There are 3 phases of adolescence:

1. Early adolescence lasts from 10 - 13 years and comes as a shock for many parents. Peers rather than parents are important in a young teens' mind. They like to have more privacy and their vocabulary starts to shrink as well!
2. Middle Adolescence, from 13 - 16 years, sees boys take more risks and girls being downright cruel to each other in times when social success is far more important than academic success.
3. Late adolescence starts around 17 years of age and can last until well in to the twenties. It's an easier stage as teens begin to negotiate different relationships with their parents. Still they are emotionally and financially dependent on their parents for longer than past generations.

Teens need parents who know how they tick and can handle them effectively at each stage of development during these high-risk, volatile times.

Visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au/ for more insights and ideas on how to manage teenagers!

Library

Petrina Coco

Book Fair Coming Soon

Gilroy Gamers

Gilroy Gamers is on again - Saturday 20 February (End of week 4) in M7. The cost is $10 for the day; bring your own equipment etc. Please see Mr Matthews for more information.

P&F News

Winner of Raffle

The Gilroy Santa Maria P&F is happy to announce the winner of our Cowboys Season Pass raffle is Sandra Tento and family. Congratulations Sandra.

Thank you to all families who sold tickets for the raffle.

Regards
Jane Bortolanza

Secretary
Gilroy Santa Maria College
Parents and Friends

Annual General Meeting

Reminder that the Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 March at 5:30pm in the Parents and Friends Room (Old Graphics Room).

Tuckshop Roster

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR 2016!!

Please note: The lunch times this year are as follows:

1st Lunch – 11:15am
2nd Lunch – 1:20pm finish 2:05pm
Start time is preferably 9:00am until when you are available.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all again this year.If there is any query in regards to this roster or you are unavailable please contact

Sandra Benedetto Home [ 4776 5321] Jodie Lino Home [4776 5718]

What's Happening in the Parish

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

Stations of the Cross

There will be Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 9.30am in Canossa Home and at St Patrick's at 5.30pm.

2016 Catholic Debutante Ball

Practises commence 8 February 2016 at 7.00pm in Mercy Hall, Abbott Street. For further information phone Paula on 0427635022 or Madeleine 0419715494.

Relay for Life 2016

St Patrick's Parish will be supporting this worthy event again this year which is being held May 28/29. We are calling for motivated members to join our "St Patrick's Angels" team so fundraising can commence. Early bird registrations of $20 person close on Sunday, 28/2. After this the price goes up to $30. However this price will still go towards fundraising and the teams total. We have all been touched by this heartbreaking disease. Please show your support. For further information call Giovanna Melvin 47763574

Children's Liturgy

Are you interested in bringing God's Word to children? If so, would you like to become a member of the Children's Liturgy teams on Saturday nights during the 6.00pm Mass. To volunteer please contact the Parish Office 4776 2600 during our office hours.

Upcoming Events

• Works of Mercy Lenten Programme - Begins Thursday 18 February, 7.30pm, Mercy Hall
• St Peter's School Induction Mass—Thursday 18 February at 9.00am
• Catholic Debutante Ball—Saturday 23 April

Advertising with Schoolzine

Would you like to advertise in our new Schoolzine eNewsletter? Currently, Dion Guthrie the Advertising and Sales Manager is working diligently to source family friendly advertising sponsors. Schoolzine will then rebate quarterly 20% of revenue back to the school.

If you are interested in advertising either contact the school office or feel free to email Dion any questions, suggestions or advertising enquiries.

Dion Guthrie email: dion.guthrie@schoolzine.com.au

P 07 5450 2710 / MB 0416 890 824