18 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

2016

Gilroy on the Go

Bubble Soccer

The new phenomenon at Gilroy is Bubble Soccer. Students and staff are bubbling about this new game of soccer.

Beauty and the Geek – Term 3 Social

Year 6 Entering Year 7 in 2017 – Parent Information Night

Year 8 Entering Year 9 in 2017 – Student and Parent Information Night

If your child is currently in Year 8 and entering Year 9 in 2017, please join us for a very important and informative night for parents and students. We look forward to you joining us.

Year 10 Entering Year 11 in 2017 – Student and Parent Information Night

If your child is currently in Year 10 and entering Year 11 in 2017, please join us for a very important and informative night for parents and students. We look forward to you joining us.

Mathematics Camp

On Sunday 7 August, we were given the opportunity to attend a Mathematics Camp run by QMAT (Queensland Mathematics Association of Teachers). The camp was attended by students whose mathematics skills had been recognised by their respective schools in Townsville and surrounding districts. During the course of the three days at the Magnetic Island Apex Camp Centre, we partook in many activities and challenges, in groups and teams, that saw us apply a range of math's skills and concepts to everyday situations or places. These included challenges like an 'Amazing Race' around the Picnic Bay area in which a total of 8 difficult clues had to be solved and a walk up to Sail Rock where our task was to calculate the weight of the rock. The camp proved a perfect opportunity to meet some great new people who both challenged us to work to our limits whilst helping us learn new things and to simply have a laugh with. It was through these new people we met that we expanded our repertoire of mathematics strategies. Overall the camp was a great experience, even if slightly puzzling at times, and we were very grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend.

By Lara Gusmeroli, Jade Stevens, Tina Paton, Kimo Srb

Year 12 Chemistry Visit Victoria Mill

As part of the Year 12 Chemistry unit on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, students got to experience first-hand chemical analysis in the sugar industry by visiting the Victoria Mill laboratories. During their visit, students worked in teams to create their own standard solutions for calibrating the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machine. They then prepared and tested a molasses sample, once the machine was calibrated. Students also got to observe and use other chemical analysis instruments including a polartronic, spectrometer, digital refractometer, BRIX spindle and desiccator. The highlight of the trip however, was visiting the fugals which use centrifugal force to process the massecuite (sugar crystals and molasses syrup). These experiences would not have been possible without the extensive planning and preparation from the laboratory team at Wilmar and the Chemistry students would like to thank them for this invaluable opportunity.

Engineering Camp

Year 11 Mathematics C students have recently attended the Engineering Camp at JCU. Students solved engineering problems by applying maths and physics that they have learnt in class. One challenge was to design and build a bridge with limited material whilst also considering traffic, budget and timeframe. Real engineers in different engineering disciplines presented information on what engineers actually do, how to become an engineer and career opportunities. These students found the camp a lot of fun and very interesting. They were also able to meet students from other schools and explore the University.

Biology Camp

The Year 11 Biology class, along with the senior Biology boys from Abergowrie, were lucky enough to encounter some weird, wonderful, cute and even scary creatures on camp at Paluma last week. The students spent the first day immersing themselves in both the Rainforest and Open-Forest ecosystems, and completing their transects. However, it wasn't until the sun went down that they realized the true beauty of what these unique Australian ecosystems have to offer. After dinner the mammal viewing area proved to be a hit as fruit was laid out under special red lights, which hungry mammals cannot see, allowing them to be viewed unknowingly. Amongst the cute and cuddly visitors was a Striped Possum (D. trivirgata) which is an uncommon species rarely seen in Australia. The night Rainforest walk also did not disappoint as students got to see luminescent fungi and even reported a sighting of a feral pig. Ms Board and Mr Hayden would like to thank the students for their excellent behaviour and involvement on camp.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

You often hear that behind the success of any organisation is the "culture" within that organisation. The term "culture" can mean many things in many contexts but in general it can be described as a set of behaviours, expectations and standards that people within a group understand and try to live up to. Like any organisation a great school should exhibit a strong culture. What are examples of a positive culture? There are many including a strong work ethic among staff and students, a determination to give our best to studies and extra–curricular activities and importantly as a Catholic school a commitment to our Gospel values and relationships with others.

Importantly, successful organisations have the culture built from within not from above. For example staff don't value things just because the principal says so and students don't just value things because their teachers say so. Each group knows what is expected, what is right and goes about working together to make sure the standards are upheld.

It is obvious, that Gilroy has enjoyed a positive culture. We exhibit many great traditions and meet high standards in many areas that have been passed down from staff and students since the school opened in 1949. Therefore as present members of our community it's our responsibility to ensure this culture flows on. That we look beyond our own little world and endeavour to make sure we look at positive ways we can contribute to our school and that we ultimately leave a legacy for others follow.

Good luck to the Gilroy Athletics Team who will compete in the Interschool Carnival this week. We had a great Interhouse Carnival recently and since that day it been wonderful to see so many students turning up to training over the past week to get ready to represent the school. This type of commitment is another example of a positive culture and one we must continue to encourage. Thanks to Mr Schifilliti and assistants for all their efforts in organising the carnival and preparing our team.

Congratulations and best wishes to all students that have or will be participating in the Ingham Arts Festival this week. We have numerous students in a variety of categories involved and I'm sure the experience to perform or exhibit items will be invaluable. Well done for having the courage to be involved, we are very proud of your efforts. Thanks to our fantastic Arts Department staff who have organised students to be in various categories.

Regards
John Nuttall

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

We are now coming to the important end of the term as students start preparing for exams and finalising assignments.

As the term end draws closer so too does the Mission Trip. Our Mission Trip students are well on their way preparing for their journey. Through regular meetings run by Father Damian the students are getting to know each other, learning a new language and getting the feel of what is expected of them over in the Philippines. They are busy packing, fundraising and buying little treasures that they will give to the people that they meet. Please keep our students and staff in your prayers over the coming weeks.

Monday was the Feast of the Assumption which commemorates the death of Mary and her body being taken up into heaven. Our prayer this week is for Mary.

God bless
Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

All terms are busy but Term 3 certainly takes gold! As we move into the last four weeks, it is vital that all students are organized and consistently working both in class and at home in order to manage their stress levels as well as their academic results. Academic support is available in the library every day at lunch time and Monday to Wednesday after school. Students should be taking advantage of these opportunities.

It was great to see, through perusing student report cards, that students had been rewarded for their hard-work, persistence to achieve and diligence. Congratulations must go to the following students who excelled in their studies.

Subject Information Night for our current Year 8 and Year 10 students will be held on Wednesday 31 August. This night is for both students and parents.

The Year 8 information session is for Year 8 going to Year 9 and will commence at 6:00pm in the Function Room and will be followed by discussions with subject teachers in G Block. The aim of this evening is to provide students and parents with vital information on Years 9 and 10. In Year 7 and 8, students have had a small taste of many electives from which they will now be required to select two elective subjects as part of their studies.

Year 10 information session will commence at 7:00pm in the Function Room and will be followed by discussions with subject teachers in G Block. An information pack and letter will be given to all students on Wednesday 24 August at their year level assembly. This package will contain the current QTAC book, 2017 subject lines, suggested pathway options, senior subject handbook for Years 11 and 12 and an information letter for parents.

We hope to see as many parents and students at this evening as possible.

Year 12 OP-eligible students will undertake the strenuous QCS tests on Tuesday and Wednesday 30 and 31 August. Students will be required at school for the entire day and are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the break between tests.

Year 12 Non OP students have been issued with details of their activities for the two QCS days. Please contact the school if you are unsure of the requirements of your student.

Year 12 students are receiving constant emails and information from our Careers Coordinator Mrs Nancy Douglas. This includes prospective apprenticeship applications, job applications and QTAC applications which have opened. Students are encouraged to keep checking their emails and have their resume ready and up to date. Students are also encouraged to contact Mrs Douglas for assistance.

Exams will commence on Wednesday 7 September and move through to Tuesday 13 September. The timetable will be emailed in the coming week.

Joan Devietti

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Term 3 Social and a leadership camp for our Indigenous Students at Mungalla Station. Both of these events highlighted to me once again the excellent behaviour and manners that are on display when our students are in the public eye. This aspect is not something that we as a school can lay sole claims to, and I must acknowledge the excellent work that families are doing in instilling these traits in their children. Above all, the students themselves should be commended for the respect that they show towards staff and the wider community. Well done!

The social, while not reaching the dizzying heights of the Term One Social, was great just the same with all those in attendance enjoying themselves and engaging in the fun aspects of the evening. Some of the costumes were very memorable and I must say that Matthew Spina and Lachlan Castles cut quite an impressive pose in their Pride and Prejudice ball gowns. My congratulations go out to guys like these who can forget about the stigma of shame and enjoy themselves in a fun, safe and responsible manner.

Away from the school social, our younger Indigenous students were engaged in a weekend based on developing leadership skills. Led by Carmen Franks-Weier from Townsville Catholic Education, our students were involved in a number of talks and activities that encouraged and inspired these young Indigenous students to be the best that they could, so that they could also be an inspiration to others. From the manner in which they participated, I would say that the future is bright for this group of Gilroy students.

Our Annual Interhouse Athletics carnival was held two Friday's ago and what a great day we all experienced. The weather was great, the activities were fun and the participation was excellent. In all, 86% attendance was achieved. While this was short of the 95% challenge that I put out prior to the carnival, it was a massive 22% increase on last year. Well done to all students who attended and participated in the spirit of the events. This day was also the unveiling of the new "Bubble Soccer" game. Bubble Soccer is the new sporting craze that is currently sweeping the planet. While it is not yet in the Olympics, I am sure that it is only a matter of time. A big thank you must go out to our Parents and Friends association who have helped greatly in the purchase of the bubbles. If anyone would like to witness the sport that is Bubble Soccer, there is a short Gilroy example on our Facebook page.

On the pastoral front, students throughout the school were very fortunate to be able to experience guest speakers from Project Rocket and the ever-popular, Motivational Media. Both events were very different in their approach with Motivation Media showcasing everyday heroes and the amazing things that everyday people can achieve in their lives. Alternatively, Project Rocket highlighted the ever-present problems associated with our on-line identities and how we all need to work together to interact with our peers in a caring and respectful manner. While some of the messages throughout these events may not have been exactly what many students would have liked to acknowledge, I would encourage an open mind to thinking about the consequences for their actions now and in years to come.

Peter Groundwater

Careers

Last year's student, Aiden Low, explains why it is very beneficial to attend the JCU Open Day.

Nancy Douglas

Sports Report

Last Friday, the final day of the Gilroy Santa Maria Inter-house athletics carnival was held in picture perfect conditions. This day was a culmination of all athletics events held for each age group running over the last 2 weeks to determine a champion House to be crowned the 2016 Interschool Athletics Champions. This year McAuley proved far too strong on the day taking bragging rights for 2016. Congratulations to Alicia Galipo, who broke the 13 Years Discus record, which had been previously held since 1981, with a throw of 24.33 m during this carnival. Other strong performances on the day came from our various age champions;

Boys

Girls

These students are to be congratulated on their sporting achievements during our Interhouse Athletics Carnival.

• From our Inter-house Athletics Carnival, our Gilroy athletics squad to take on the Ingham State High School and Abergowrie at the Herbert River Secondary School Interschool Athletics Carnival has been chosen. The squad has been e-mailed to all students and training sessions at break times, before school and after school are well underway for all athletics events held during Week 6.
• Events will be held on Friday 19 August beginning at 9:00am and finishing at 2:30pm and will be conducted at the George Day Oval. Buses will take students to the George Day Oval on Friday and pick students up from there in the afternoon. Students, please remember a hat and water bottle on the day.

It is important that all students continue giving their best effort and dedication to their selected event as demonstrated during our Interhouse Athletics Carnival, as they will do in the Interschool Athletics Carnival. Best of luck to all our Gilroy students competing at this carnival.

Senior Cricket

Our Gilroy Santa Maria First XI Cricket Team played Ingham State High School last week in the first round of the Queensland Secondary Schools T20 Competition.

We were sent in to bat after losing the toss. Andrew Pallanza (8) and Hadley Hall (17) both made steady starts and did a great job seeing off the new ball. However after they lost their wickets we experienced a middle order collapse and it was up to Nicholas Bonassi (19) to hold the innings together and with help of Jack Paton (8 not out) we were able to compile a total 67 runs.

It wasn't a bad total as the outfield was very thick and runs were hard to score. Going onto the field to bowl we knew if we could bowl accurately they would also find it difficult to score. This is a how it played out. Our boys bowled really well led by Jared Erkkila (2 for 10) and their energy in field was terrific. To Ingham State High's credit their batsman also knuckled down and concentrated hard. They batted carefully and passed our total in the third last over.

Nicholas Bonassi did a great job leading our team and I'd like to thank Mr Greg Erkkila for coaching our team and umpiring on the day.

John Nuttall
(Manager)

GSM HOUSE CUP 2016

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 ALWAYS NEEDED!!

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

St Patrick's Women's Group Afternoon Tea

A "Welcome Spring" afternoon tea is being held on Sunday 28th August at 2.30pm at Mercy Hall. Tickets will be available from the Parish Office from 8th August $12 per adult. Please indicate who will be sitting with when you purchase your ticket. Fashion Parade, Entertainment, Cent Sale, Prize for "Spring" outfit/fascinator and delicious afternoon tea. So get your table together and come along for a relaxing afternoon. Part of the Proceeds will be donated to Meals on Wheels Ingham Centre. If anyone is able to donate a prize towards the cent sale, please drop donations into the Parish Office by Monday 22nd August. If you are able to make/bake something for afternoon tea, please drop off to Mercy Hall from 1pm on 28th August. Anyone who is able to help on day, please contact Jeanette Cockburn 04477207

EDGE Night for Middle Schoolers

Every Friday Night from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in Mercy Hall, we are starting a new youth program for students in Years 7 to 9. The group will meet to build friendships with each other, have fun and dive deeper into our Catholic faith. If you have any questions, please contact our Youth Ministry worker Michael Van Blerk on mvanblerk@tsv.catholic.org.au

Upcoming Events

• Mission Trip—16 –30 September

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

Ingham Junior Arts

The display of all art, craft, photography and literature will be at Conroy Hall, McIlwraith Street.

This display will be opened to the Public on Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 between the hours of 10:00am and 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 5:00pm on these days.

School Dental Service

The School Dental Service will be offering treatment to your school in the near future. We will be offering a general course of dental care to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 attending your school.

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