24 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

2016

Gilroy on the Go

School Annual Magazine

Every family will receive a copy of the School Magazine. Additional copies will cost $32, please contact the School Office.

GSM Orientation Day

Yr 8 Music Class Entertain Respite Centre Clients

Yr 8 Music Class played for the Blue Care Respite Centre last week. Mrs Vera Di Bella - Music Teacher, accompanied the students.

Lee Osmond attends Genesis Cup in Sydney

Lee Osmond participated in the Genesis Cup in Sydney recently. Although Lee didn't place, he had a great time and it was an honour to play at the NSW Golf Club. The course is rated the 4th hardest course in Australia and in the top 100 of the world.

Yr 10 Science Egg Parachutes

The Yr 10 Science students have been designing and analysing egg parachutes. This group decided to make a double parachute in order to gain more uplift. This increased uplift should increase the chances of the egg's survival by reducing the impact velocity.

Surreal Arts Dinner

Alien Banquet was the theme for this year’s Surreal Arts Dinner. Students were invited to the dinner because of their involvement in various arts events throughout the year.

Students arrived dressed as Aliens and took part in many activities as they searched for a way back to their original galaxy. The night flew as aliens tasted interplanetary vacuum packed dinners, painted pictures of their homeland with cream cheese and performed plays about their leader’s heroic deeds.

The banquet was a feast of green served on a silver conveyor belt and eaten in the alien way with straws or tongs, no human cutlery around!

The banquet was a celebration of creativity and a wonderful way for the artists of Gilroy to end their year.

Lions Q2 District Convention

GSM student leaders were Flag Bearers for Lions Q2 District Convention Opening ceremony on Saturday.

P&F Thank You Letter

Yr 10 Design & Technology

This term Yr 10 Design & Technology students completed an IPOD Dock as part of their assessment.

GSM Indigenous Awards

GSM Indigenous Awards were held recently. It was pleasing to see nearly everyone attend with their parents, carers, grandparents and friends. Congratulations to all awardees. Also thank you to Beryl Friday for attending and helping out.

Reading Programme

We have been running a reading programme this year. Grade 7 to 9 read once per week. Years 7 and 8 also have a homework programme where their reading is checked by their parents.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Last week’s various Graduation events were all wonderful ways to farewell our “Class of 2016”. On Thursday evening Mass was a chance to be thankful for the tremendous senior group they have been, as well giving our blessings for the future. The part of the celebration when parents presented their child with a cross was particularly emotional for many families. The Farewell Assembly and Graduation Evening itself were also tremendous events. Our seniors were in great spirits and were really excited about taking those next steps into the big wide world. The hall was decorated spectacularly and it was obvious that much work had gone into preparing such a wonderful night. To our many parents, staff and students who assisted either before, on or after the night please accept our community’s appreciation.

To our Class of 2016, best wishes for the future. Remember you will always be a part of our school community and if you ever need any assistance or advice please ask.

We have very few staffing changes for 2017, which is great for the stability of the school community. The changes we do have for 2017 are as follows:

• Mr David Price is going on a 12 month teacher exchange to Colorado in the USA. Therefore as part of that exchange we welcome Samuel Wardell to our community at the beginning of next year. We wish Mr Price and his family all the best for their year overseas experience.
• Mrs Lauren Devietti and Mrs Cassy Venturato continue their maternity leave.
• We welcome Ms Meagan Castellaro to our teaching staff next year. Meagan is an ex-student of Gilroy and joins our PE department.
• We also welcome back Mrs Melissa Carr from maternity leave and she will return to her Assistant Principal Administration and Curriculum role in 2017. I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Joan Devietti for her commitment and the excellent job she has done fulfilling the role this year.
• Finally, I have pleasure in announcing that Ms Karen Board will be our Yr 11/12 Pastoral Coordinator in 2017. Karen has been the Acting Yr 11 Coordinator for the final part of this year and has done a fine job. I also thank Ms Debbie Greeff for the outstanding job she has done as our 12 Coordinator not only this year but in previous years. Debbie continues as our Humanities/Arts Head of Department in 2017.

As this is our last newsletter for the year, I take time to thank the staff, students and parents for all your efforts and support this year. We have achieved many things during this school year and next year promises to be another great one with many plans and projects taking shape. One of the highlights will be the refurbishment of our Multi-Purpose Hall to be an enclosed building with new Tuckshop, Gym and Performing Arts Centre. It will be a great addition to our already beautiful buildings and grounds.

Please note school resumes on Monday 23 January for all year levels. Report Cards will be mailed out next week.

Please have a safe, happy and Holy Christmas.

God Bless

John Nuttall

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

I can’t believe it is this time again, the time when we can look back at the year past and give thanks for the wonderful blessings we have received this year.

We said goodbye to our Yr 12 students last week with two beautiful celebrations; Mass on Thursday night and the dinner on Friday night. It was wonderful to see the families, friends and college community members who attended the Mass to celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings we have shared with our graduating class of 2016. I would like to thank all the many helpers on the night and a special thanks to Father Damian and Father Vitalis.

On the weekend Pope Francis officially closed the Extraordinary Jubilee ‘Year of Mercy’ by closing the Mercy Door at St Peter’s Basilica. At Gilroy we marked the end of the ‘Year of Mercy’ by celebrating Mass with our Yr 8 students and closing our door of mercy. It marks the end of a year where we have been asked to give generously of our time, money and prayers for those less fortunate. Hopefully through our efforts we have seen a change in the world and in the mindset of all that will continue to see everyone strive to be more compassionate and sensitive to the needs of all.

Thank you to everyone who has helped throughout the year. A special thank you to Father Damian and Father Vitalis who celebrate Masses throughout the year and whose continual support is truly appreciated.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and Holy Christmas holiday filled with many blessings and love. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

God bless

Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Last week we farewelled the Graduating Class of 2016. It was with great pride that we could assure all Yr 12 students that they would be attaining a Senior Certificate. 100% QCE is one of the many aims of our school so to have achieved this again is not only rewarding but also reflects the efforts of all staff and students. Thank you to Mrs Nancy Douglas who has assisted me in tracking the students and ensuring that they were on target of achieving their QCE.

Individual student QCS results were also released last Wednesday and the results were very impressive. The College has always asked students to achieve at their optimum level and the QCS results indicated that, so we were very pleased. In December, we will receive information from QCAA in regards to how our students compare to the rest of the students in Queensland. I feel confident that the results should place us above the state mean which of course is always a College aim. These results are attributed both to the efforts of our students and the preparation that all of their teachers have made. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs Dianne Leonardi and Mr Andrew Hill who have been working with these students on a weekly basis for over a year.

Congratulations to all our Graduates for a great year and for good results and we look forward to hearing of their next step in life’s journey in the coming months.

Gilroy has decided to again engage an expert to train the 2017 Yr 12 students for the QCS Test. Ms Julie Davis from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane will be working with the students during the first three days back in 2017 Term 1, giving the OP eligible students the kick-start for the year. The program aims to equip students with the essential skills required and allows our school weekly QCS program to continue the intense training so as to gain maximum advantage towards higher OP scores.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Alien’s Art Banquet. A fantastic night was enjoyed by the students and staff. Congratulations to Mrs Randi Pietrobon, Miss Linley Cerqui and other staff for their huge efforts on the night. Their attention to detail was amazing and their commitment to the arts is relentless.

Yr 7 to 11 students are busy sitting the remainder of their exams before Friday when they will finish the year off with well-deserved fun activities at either Broadwater or Lucinda.

Tuesday, 29 November, will be the Gilroy Orientation Day for 2017 Yr 7students. Students will enjoy a great day getting to know their pastoral co-ordinator, teachers, peer support leaders and their fellow classmates. It will also give them the opportunity to further familiarise themselves with their new school, classrooms and playing areas. On Orientation day, students will receive information packages that contain essential information in preparation for the new school year.

As the school year comes to an end, so does my year as Acting Assistant Principal. I welcome back Mrs Melissa Carr after her year on maternity leave and I look forward to returning to the classroom. The experience has been enjoyable and certainly highlighted another aspect of education and school structures. I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for their support this year and wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas holiday break.

God Bless

Joan Devietti

Young Vinnies News

Thank you to Natalie Biasi, Patrick Bortolanza, Isabella Melara and Tahlia Nowak who attended the end of year gathering of Saint Vincent de Paul volunteers last Saturday. Three of the students spoke of the activities that they have been involved with this year as members of the Young Vinnies group at Gilroy Santa Maria College while Tahlia entertained the group with her rendition of the song “Under the Sea”. Their contribution was greatly appreciated by all present.

Rita Martin

Careers News

It has been a huge year for the Careers section and we are aiming to make 2017 even bigger.

Activities undertaken in 2016 include:

• Weekly work placement for senior vocational students
• Holiday and after school work experience for students above 14 years of age
• Career development classes for Year 10
• Resume, cover letter and interview assistance
• Employment readiness with USI numbers and tax file number information
• Study skills assistance
• Practice aptitude tests
• Regular job vacancy updates for senior students
• MyCareerMatch – vocational assessment for Year 12 students
• Scholarship application information
• University admissions assistance
• Apprenticeship and traineeship support
• Academic overviews for all senior students
• Parent meetings
• Involvement in the first Hinchinbrook Shire Council Careers Expo at Tyto
• JCU and CQU experience days in Townsville

Next year there will be more opportunities for students to engage with industries, universities, training providers and the wider community to enable students to interact with occupations that they are interested in, gain insight and knowledge around careers, and a whole lot more.

We look forward to providing you with the resources you need to put your students on the career path right for them. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Douglas (ndouglas1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au) if there are any career avenues that your student is interested in that you would like further information on.

I would like to wish all of the families of Gilroy Santa Maria a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday break.

Nancy Douglas

Musical News

A big thank you and congratulations to all the students that auditioned and gained a lead in the 2017 musical Back to the 80’s. This musical tells the story of Corey Palmer’s senior year, who is now in his 30s, at William Ocean High. His final year was, yes you guessed it, in the 80’s.

Corey shares many stories with the audience from that year including his lust over his next door neighbour, who is also the coolest girl in school, Tiffany Houston. Sadly, Tiffany doesn’t notice how Corey feels as she is too busy daydreaming over the football captain and hottest guy in school Michael Feldman. Though not all is against Corey and his two best friends Alf Bueller and Kirk Keaton as they are not at the bottom of the hierarchy. That would definitely be Feargal McFerrin III who is best friends with his computer. Feargal even shared his predictions of how the cassette tape will one day be replaced by CD’s.

This musical is filled with many of the classics from the 80’s from artists Toni Basil, Wham!, Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, Dolly Parton and Bon Jovi.

Linley Cerqui

Sports Awards 2016

NQ Secondary School Representatives

Acknowledgement of Excellent Sporting Performance outside of school based sports:

Ian Schifilliti

Uniforms for 2017 - BLAZERS

Please order your blazers NOW (Year 11 and Year 12 only)– so that you can be ready for Photos and Induction Mass 2017.

New and second hand Blazers are available from the College Uniform Shop. New Blazers are $175.00 to $185.00 and second hand Blazers range from $50.00 to $110.00.

The College Uniform Shop is open by making an appointment with Sandra Benedetto by seeing her at the Tuckshop or ringing the school office.

At present, we have NO second hand uniforms; for second hand uniforms please see Tammy at Duffy Brothers.

For those who wish to sell their second hand blazers, they can be left at the office with your name, phone number and amount you would like for them, firmly attached to the blazer. Money will be paid once the blazer is sold.

Please Note:

• All second hand blazers must be ‘Dry Cleaned’ before handing them in to be sold.
• Only the new style Blazers will be sold. We no longer accept the older royal blue blazer to sell in the second hand shop.
• The second hand shop does NOT sell ties. These must be purchased from a local supplier.

College Uniform and Shoe Stockists:

Duffy Bros Mensland, Phone 4776 2146
Ingham Underagers, Phone 4776 3277
Bossi Boots, Phone 4776 1636
Sports Power, Phone 4776 2929

Tuckshop News

The new Tuckshop Roster will be posted with the Report Cards. If you would like to join the Tuckshop Team – please contact Sandra or Jodie.

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]

NDIS Information

Students with a disability may be eligible for support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). My NDIS Pathway information is available at the Office for collection.

The following information for students with a disability and their families includes:

• how to access the NDIS,
• getting ready for your planning conversation, and
• developing your first plan.

What’s Happening in the Parish

Charity Golf Day

The 3rd Annual Fun Charity Golf Day is on Sunday 4 December 2016 at the Ingham Golf Course. All funds raised will be directly paid to the Missionaries of the Poor in Naga City so that the Brothers may continue to serve the poor and inspire everyday people like our recently returned Yr 11 and 12 students. All donations of cash or prizes will be greatly appreciated. Why not enter a team and come along to enjoy a great day whilst also helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Contact Jim Busuttin on 0417 779 932 or Darren Firth on 0419 649 008 for more information.

Fundraiser Raffle – all proceeds to the Missionaries of the Poor, Naga City. For only $2 a ticket you may win one of the main prizes of a guided fishing charter in the Hinchinbrook Channel with Full On Fish’n Charters or 2 night’s accommodation at Lucinda Fishing Lodge. Many other great prizes on offer as well – All prizes drawn at the Fun Charity Golf Day on the 4 December. Tickets are on sale at Firth Lawyers and will be available after Masses on the 26 and 27 November.

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

Advertising with Schoolzine

Would you like to advertise in our new Schoolzine eNewsletter? Currently, Schoolzine is working diligently to source family friendly advertising sponsors and 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 Schoolzine any questions, suggestions or advertising enquiries.

Email: advertising@schoolzine.com.au
Phone: 07 5414 2361