20 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

2016

Gilroy on the Go

Transition Day:

The second day of our Transition Program was held last Thursday and was another great success. Students from all over the district attended and had a magnificent time in Science, Food Technology and constructing a game in Design Technology.

Day 3 of the Transition Program will be held Thursday 26 May starting at 8:30am and students being returned to each primary school at 11:30am. All Year 6 students are welcome to attend.

Confro Team– Lamington Making

The Confraternity Team made lamingtons with the help of their mothers for their annual Lamington Drive. These lamingtons are always a huge success with the wider community and the boys take great pride in their lamington making skills.

Skate and Movie Night

What a huge success the Skate and Movie Night was, with 50 Year 6 – Year 9 students attending last Friday night. With blades, skates and scooters rolling everywhere, games such as limbo played and then a full belly with a sausage sizzle, drinks and chips the students settled in to watch the movie Jumanji. All proceeds made on the night will go to Relay for Life.

Past Student Scott Panzenbock

Scott Panzenbock's outstanding work in Mathematics C was recently showcased in the first edition of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, QCAA, Assessment Highlights Book, 2015. He was selected, along with twelve other Queensland students, for their very high achievement in senior subjects.

The excerpts of Scott's work that were published demonstrated the development of mathematical models using skills including translating real-world problems into mathematics, interpreting solutions, comparing different models, manipulating data and using technology efficiently to explore his findings and communicate his ideas. Scott's tried-and-tested approach in undertaking difficult tasks is to take it one step at a time from the beginning.

As Scott's teacher for Mathematics C, I can verify that Scott worked very hard every day and that he showed great determination in attaining his achievements.

Roseanne Coyle

Year 12 Chemistry

The Year 12 Chemistry class have been very busy this term with their Extended Experimental Investigations (EEIs). This assessment task requires students to generate their own research question, design and conduct an experiment and analyse the results. Some of the experiments that the students are completing are investigating the Vitamin C content of different juices, the synthesis of aspirin and the distillation of Eucalyptus oil.

Bavelin & Lachlan

Ranger Day at Broadwater.

On Friday 6 May, our Ranger Students were very fortunate to attend an excellent industry based experience with our local Rangers at the Broadwater National Park. The Park Rangers delivered presentations that were engaging, interesting and hands-on. Students learnt about stone pitching, chemical spraying of weeds and the trapping of feral animals in the wild. The students (and staff) enjoyed the way in which the Rangers were able to demonstrate their skill areas with equipment, photos and interesting stories. A big thank you must go out to the National Park's Rangers for their assistance in making this a great day of learning and engagement for all students. This day contributes greatly to the attainment of the student's "Certificate 1 in Conservation and Land Management".

Bus Fare Assistance Program

Semester 1, 2016 online applications for the Bus Fare Assistance Program and the Students with Disabilities Scheme will be accepted online from 1st May until 31st May 2016.

Bus Fare Assistance Program Eligibility: The family must spend more than a weekly threshold of $33.00 per family or $25.00 per concession family (for those who hold a current Health Care, Pensioner or Veterans Affairs Pensioner card) and live more than 3.2 kilometers from school. See the website for more information.

Students with Disabilities Scheme Eligibility: see the website for criteria.

Applications must be submitted online before the end of May. Please visit the website below for more information. Click on the BUS FARE ASSISTANCE box and follow the prompts to access the online application form.

Please contact the school office if you require any assistance.

Gruelling Games

Combined Secondary Schools Ball

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

If we are to truly prepare children for adult life, promoting a culture in our school of maximum attendance is an important goal. This week we presented forty-one certificates to those children in our college who have so far attended every day this year. As I mentioned on assembly last week, such a certificate would impress any future employer and says a lot about the character and resilience of a person. This is not to say that we think any less of a child who has missed a day of school. Most children have a very good reason, especially those who have medical reasons.

However, there are times when the easy option is taken. For example attendances at our sporting carnivals are poor, so are the days around our school holidays. Sadly, a culture exists where some students miss school unnecessarily, they are absent just because they don't feel like attending that day. Students must get used to the fact that sometimes school will be boring, sometimes it will be hard and sometimes they will be doing activities that that they don't enjoy or have no interest in. We must realise that "every day counts". Parents and caregivers I ask that you be strong when your child next asks to stay at home when you know deep down they are well enough to attend. It will greatly benefit your child if they attend school as much as possible. It toughens the mind and builds resolve, qualities that stand them in good stead for their future lives.

It is a big week for our Gilroy Santa Maria community. This week we will host our Gilroy on Show Open Night. A great deal of effort has been made by all our staff in the lead up and on the night itself. I'm confident we will present ourselves very positively to our community and I'm hoping everyone will be impressed with the facilities and programs we offer here at Gilroy. Thanks also, to the many students who will be assisting on the night in various roles. All these students are terrific ambassadors for our college and play a huge role in the success of the evening.

The other big event is our Gruelling Games this Saturday. It promises to be a really enjoyable day with great participation from people all of ages. A big thank you to our Parents and Friends for running such a great event; especially to Chris and Tracey Castles whose passion for fitness and these types of events has given our College a tremendous opportunity to do something unique in the community and at the same time be a great fundraiser. I look forward to seeing many of our school and the wider community being involved on Saturday. Thanks again to those families who have volunteered to assist, it is greatly appreciated.

Regards
John Nuttall

Congratulations - Students of the Month

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Over the weekend our Year 12 Relay for Life team was involved in a carwash to raise money for this very worthy cause. I would like to thank all the students who volunteered their time on Saturday morning. They worked nonstop throughout the morning. I would also like to thank Miss Board and Mrs Squires for assisting the students. I believe it was a very successful morning and a big thank you should go to all those who supported us.

Last weekend we celebrated the feast of the Pentecost. This is when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles to give them courage to go out into the world and spread the works of Jesus' mission. Sometimes we also need courage to overcome our fears. The prayer for this week hopes that we may hear the call of God and be the people God would want us to be.

God of yesterday, today and tomorrow,
we call to mind your presence within us and around us.
Open our ears that we may hear your Word.
Open our hearts that we may understand your Word.
Open our mouths that we may speak your World.
restore hope where it has been lost, and work to bring about
May we live the Gospel with courage, constancy and love.
May we be open to the challenge of your call to true freedom.
May we be faithful to you in our daily choices and decisions.
May we make your love known through our words and actions.
May the triune God reign in our hearts, now and forever.
Inspire us with the Gospel message,
that we may celebrate all that is life-giving,
change where it is needed.
Amen

God bless
Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Welcome everyone to Week 6 of this term.

Last week NAPLAN was undertaken by the Year 7 and 9 students. I was very proud of the students who all earnestly tried their best. They were exceptional; accepting the testing process as a serious and important task. At Gilroy, NAPLAN results are used as part of the important process of tracking our students, seeking areas where students are both thriving and struggling. Tracking helps answer questions such as: Are low achieving students catching their peers? Are high achieving students being stretched? Are students progressing or are they cruising?

Next week we have our Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews. SOBS is up and running and I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to the teachers who have an important role in your child's education. Interviews are particularly successful when both the parent/s and student can attend. Please remember that this is not the only opportunity for you to have discussions with your child's teacher. You are encouraged to ring the school at any time and arrange a time to speak to them.

The second of our Year 6 Transition Program was held last Thursday. These visits are proving to be invaluable for students coming across from Catholic and State primary schools to ensure that they become familiar and comfortable with our environment and some of their teachers for 2016.

All students have now experienced a Science, Food Technology and Design Technology lesson. It was lovely to see how enthusiastic and eager they were to learn about science equipment and lighting a bunsen burner. Anzac biscuits were successfully baked and eaten and a hands-on game was constructed in Industrial Technology.

I encourage you to visit our College for 'Gilroy on Show' evening this Thursday 19 May from 3:30pm – 6:30pm. Many of the staff and students have been working very hard in preparation for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable evening. Entertainment will be provided by our staff and students and many teachers will be available to talk to parents about any questions they may have concerning the curriculum and its delivery. Key subject area displays and activities will be showcased throughout the evening to allow future parents and students opportunities to discuss the educational program at Gilroy and meet our experienced and dedicated staff. This invitation is open to all, past, present and future families and the community; come and enjoy what Gilroy has to offer.

Joan Devietti

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

In recent weeks, students were very fortunate to have Luke McKenna from Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP) spend a day each with our Year 7 and Year 10 students. As I discussed in previous newsletters, Luke deals in matters relating to a Growth Mindset. Students enjoyed a fantastic day with Luke and his assistant, Peter, as they delivered their presentation with enthusiasm, humour and passion. Through the UPP website, we have accessed a series of lessons that will be utilised over coming months to help embed this mindset within all of our cohorts.

Many senior students are working hard in their subject areas and at home as they strive to achieve at their absolute best. From a pastoral perspective, it is very important that students maintain a balance between their studies and their extra-curricular activities. Life is not predominantly about one area or another and there is no shame in admitting that it is hard work being a young adult who is trying to create their own path in the difficult terrain that is the 21st Century. If your child is experiencing any sort of problem in negotiating aspects of school and/or their personal life, please contact myself or our pastoral staff who are always there to support students in their needs. Sometimes it is just a matter of bringing things into perspective or providing an ear to listen to their problems that helps in settling the concerns of students and parents. So please contact us early so that we can help ease the burden that often exists at this stage of the academic calendar.

Peter Groundwater

GSM HOUSE CUP 2016

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability – 2016

What is the NCCD?

All Australian governments have agreed to work together to implement an annual national data collection on school students with disability. This data collection process has been in place since 2013. All Australian schools since 2015 and will now have commenced their plans for the data collection required in 2016.

What information will be collected?

Every year your child's school will collect the following information for each student with a disability:

• the student's level of education (i.e. primary or secondary)
• the student's level of adjustment
• the student's broad type of disability.

This data collection reinforces the actions required of schools under the National Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005. The significant difference with this collection is the use of a broader definition of disability than the one currently used to identify and allocate resources for students with a disability in our educational systems. As a result of this shift in the definition, we believe that more students in our community may be considered eligible for identification in the data collection. This legislation mandates schools and education systems to make, where appropriate, reasonable adjustments for all students with a disability.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a measure or action taken to assist a student with disability to participate in education on the same basis as other students. Adjustments can be made across the whole school setting, in the classroom and at the individual level. Some students with disability, at particular stages during their time at school, may not require any personalised adjustments beyond the quality differentiation that teachers provide to all students on a day to- day basis. Differentiation occurs when teachers use a variety of teaching strategies to cater for reasonable adjustments for students with disability. Differentiation is recognised as a part of good teaching practice.

What will this mean for my child?

Determining the level and type of support needed for an individual student is not a new activity for Australian schools. However, the information provided by this particular data collection will enable all Australian governments to better target support and resources to assist students with disability in both government and non-government schools.

What is the benefit for my child?

The aim of the national data collection is to collect quality information about school students with disability in Australia. This information will help teachers, principals, education authorities and families to better support students with disability to take part in school on the same basis as students without disability. The national data collection is an opportunity for schools to review their learning and support systems and processes to continually improve education outcomes for their students with disability.

Further information

Information will be recorded in such a way to be sure that no child can be personally identified at a state or national level. Student names will not be collected centrally by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission or Federal Government.

The information collected by schools will be provided to all governments to inform policy and programme improvement for students with disability. It may assist in improving funding commitments from the Commonwealth Government for all students with disability.

Further information can be found at the website including parent/carer factsheets. See the website:

What do I need to do?

This information is provided to all parents and carers of students in our school via the Newsletter to inform them of our participation in the 2016 data collection. If, after reading this information, you would like to discuss this further with the school staff please speak with your classroom teacher or Principal.

Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews

Our 2016 Parent/Teacher Interviews are being held on Thursday 26 May from 3:10pm to 7:30pm. Parent/Teacher Interviews are a valuable component of successful home-school relationships and I encourage all our parents and carers to attend.

Apart from inviting all parents/carers, I would strongly encourage your child to accompany you to the interview. This results in a consistent message being communicated to all parties which is helpful to all involved.

As a two way conversation, the interviews are an opportunity for parents to learn about their children's progress in various subjects and for our teachers to gain insights into a child's development from a parent's perspective.

The booking facility, SOBS, is now open and closes on Tuesday 24 May at 4:00pm. Importantly, parents will need to know the names of their child's teachers, so it might be worth having this information on hand when you are booking your interview times.

The interviews will be held in our Function Room. Should you have any queries or concerns please call Student Reception on 47762888.

Parent / Student / Teacher Interviews

Student Online Booking System (SOBS) Instructions

Please follow the instructions below to book your interview.

• Open up a Web Browser on your computer (eg Internet Explorer, Google Chrome).
• Copy and Paste in the Address Bar to the Web Browser you are using the following:- http://www.gilroysm.catholic.edu.au/
• Within the Gilroy Santa Maria Website move your mouse over the Heading Parents, the last heading on this drop down menu is Parent Teacher Interviews.
• Click on this heading, this will take you to the (SOBS) Website.
• Then click on the below link "Parent/Teacher Interview Bookings".
• On the left hand side click on "Parent Access"
• Enter the word Gilroy in the School Selection Box.
• Click Search.
• On the right hand top side of the screen the "Gilroy Santa Maria College" will be listed.
• Click on this school.
• Then click on "Parent Click Here".
• Enter in your E-mail Address.
• Click Next.
• If your Personal Details do not automatically appear add Your Name and Phone Number.
• Select from the list the corresponding Teacher for the Interview.
• Click Next.
• Allocate the Interview Booking to the time slot for the Teacher.

Please Note: Should you have any queries or concerns please call Student Reception at Gilroy Santa Maria College on (07) 4776 2888.

Needed

Mr John Barbagallo at the Trade Training Centre is in need of empty ice cream containers, please leave at TTC or student reception. Many thanks.

Mrs Miranda Pietrobon from the Arts Department is in need of plastic coke bottles. Also if anyone has any old Barbie type dolls, donations would be appreciated. Please leave at Student Reception. Many thanks.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to help at the tuck shop on the weekend of the NQ Touch Football trials - Sunday 5 June and Monday 6 June. Please contact Jodie Lino 4776 5718.

Winter Uniform

We are in the process of finalising a Boys Jumper, but unfortunately it doesn't look like it will be available for this winter. In the meantime it is recommended that boys wear a black or navy or the old royal blue jumper. This is only the case for boys. There is a girl's jumper available from Duffys and Ingham Underages.

School Fees

A reminder that School Fees are due next Friday 27 May 2016. Get in early to receive your discount.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Academic Support will be offered for students after school MONDAY, TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY from 3:00pm-4:00pm.

Monday: Support will be available in the Library, senior Sciences in L1 and at the Trade Training Centre.
Tuesday: Support will be available in the Art Room for the Arts (Art, Creative Art, Drama etc).
Wednesday: Support will be available in the Library and the Indigenous Tutoring program will also continue.

Lunch time support is still available Monday – Friday in the Library.

Students can use this time to:

• Complete homework
• Work on assessment
• Gain subject specific tutoring

with up to 3 teachers from various faculties present for student support.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this very generous donation of precious teacher time.

Tuckshop Roster

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR 2016!!

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

1st Lunch – 11:15am – 11:40am
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

Relay for Life

Taxable donations can be made online if anyone wishes to donate more to support our Team. Ingham Relay for Life 2016 - Click on St Patrick's Angels under "Top Teams" and click donate. We are still looking for participants to join our jolly Team. Staying all night is not a requirement. If interested please contact Giovanna Melvin 47763574 and leave a message.

St Anthony's Feast Day Celebrations

The St Anthony committee is once again calling for volunteers to help set up and take down marquees and stalls used for The Feast of St Anthony day which is on Sunday the 12 June this year. All people interested can contact Anthony Girgenti on 0408877328 or be at the church grounds in Bemerside by 8.30 am on Sat 11 June. Also looking for parishioners interested in joining our Committee. To keep this 90 year tradition going we need to have more people involved as it is the only celebration left of a Saint in the Townsville Diocese.

St Teresa's Abergowrie Pre-Harvest Mass

The St Teresa's Parish Pre-Harvest Mass will be held at Tom & Eva Duffy's residence on Saturday 21 May at 5.30pm followed by a shared plate meal. During the Mass Fr Damian will bless a very large piece of machinery and the fields. Please bring a chair and drinks.

Corpus Christi Procession May 29

A Corpus Christi Procession will take place to commemorate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, a feast day honouring the true presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The procession will begin after the 8.30am Mass at St Patrick's Church. Along the route, we will stop to pray at a series of prayer stations before returning to St Patrick's Church for Benediction. Morning tea will be provided in Mercy Hall following.

Fiji Appeal - Nabukadra Village

Donations of money, non-perishable foods, kitchenware, clothing, beddings etc. are required. Donations of money are able to be deposited in the following account: Westpac; Acc. Name: Fiji Appeal - Nabukadra Village; BSB: 034187; ACC. NO.: 259607. There will be boxes placed in each church to receive your donation of any of the above items (not money). Items may be brought to the parish offices.

50 Years of Holy Trinity Church Mundingburra

Celebrate 50 years of Holy Trinity Church, Mundingburra by joining the community for 8.00am Mass followed by a celebratory BBQ breakfast on 22 May. A story of the last 50 years of the parish will be launched. Copies of the publication will be available for purchase or order.

MenALIVE Weekend Retreat for Men

What are you doing on 11-12 June? Could you benefit from a weekend retreat, featuring talks, personal testimonies, opportunities for discussion, and space to reflect? Since menALIVE commenced in 2003, thousands of Catholic men have been encouraged and inspired at weekends across Australia. Now, the Townsville Diocese will be hosting a menALIVE weekend which will be held at St Joseph's School Library, Mundingburra. The weekend will be conducted by experienced leaders from Brisbane Men Alive Team. For further enquiries: Len Horner 0400 487 355 or John Rens 0401 645 926 or the Diocesan Office 4726 3200

Mary Help of Christians—Patroness of the Diocese

A Diocesan Mass will be held on Tuesday 24 May at 7pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate the feast of the patroness of our Diocese, Mary Help of Christians. Light supper to follow.

Upcoming Events

• Relay for Life — 28/29 May
• Corpus Christi Procession, St Patrick's —29 May
• St Anthony's Feast Day Celebrations —12 June
• Walkathon for Missionaries of the Poor—17 July

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

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