17 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Year 9 Digital Technology

Year 9 Digital Technology students visited the Herbert Cane Productivity Services offices recently and were given an insight into the GIS mapping and GPS tools available in the local agricultural industry. Plus the highlight of the day, the UAV (drone) flight.

Boxer – Jeff Horn

Jeff Horn visited Gilroy today at assembly. Jeff Horn is a professional Australian boxer who competed at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Baku and was selected for the 2012 Summer Olympics in the light welterweight division. Jeff has been touring North Queensland to talk about his world title fight with Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium. Jeff, a Brisbane schoolteacher, spoke to the students and then answered questions regarding his training and fighting.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

On Wednesday we conducted our Meet and Greet BBQ. The evening was well attended and a chance for new families to meet our community. Our talented musicians entertained the crowd and members of our Parents and Friends Association catered for the evening. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the evening.

I was very impressed with the spirit demonstrated at our Interhouse Swimming Carnival recently. The attendance and participation was terrific among the students 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, they again take the lead in our yearlong house competition, the GSM Cup. Special mention to Trinity Reinaudo who broke a school record. Congratulations to all the students who were selected for our Gilroy Swimming Team and will compete at the Interschool Carnival on Monday evening 6 March.

Last week I briefly attended the Yr 12 Retreat at Genazzano on the shores of Lake Tinaroo. I must commend the students as their behaviour, spirit and attitude to the retreat were outstanding. I know all the adults that attended were so impressed with them all. Thanks to all the staff who attended, special mention to Mrs Timms for organising and leading the retreat and Fr Damian for conducting many of the excellent sessions the students participated in. It was a great way for our seniors to begin their final year of school.

I’d like to give early notice to parents/carers that the Term 1 Interim Report Card will be mailed to families on Friday 3 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)

Last week I spent three days with our Year 12 students at Genazzano’s Retreat Centre at Tinaroo. This was the first time that we had decided to run the retreat ourselves (in house) and I have to admit this did make for many nerves and a tremendous amount of time to decide on sessions/activities that Father Damian and I thought would be most beneficial to the students. To say I was impressed by the response of our students would be an understatement. Their participation and commitment in each session was phenomenal. By the end of retreat they had each set out goals for the year, the hurdles which might hinder their success and a letter which highlighted any fear or concerns they may have. All of which I hope will set them up for every success in their final year at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

Huge thanks must go to the committed staff who supported and encouraged our students in their time at the retreat; Mr Groundwater, Ms Board, Ms Coyle, Mr Wardell, his wife Amy and Mr Nuttall. Also to Father Damian who is always willing to take time out of his busy schedule to plan and run the retreat.

While on retreat we were glad to hear of the appointment of a new Bishop for our diocese. Father Damian spoke very highly of Bishop-elect Timothy Harris and the warmth and compassion he will bring to the diocese. We look forward to welcoming him into our school community which I hope will be sometime soon.

Prayer

As Morning breaks, I think of you, O Lord, and my desire is to serve you joyfully.

With gladness, I consecrate this day to Your Sacred Heart, and offer whatever joys and sacrifices may come my way.

Thank You for the graces you will send, all the love, all the beauty, and the ways you will answer my prayers.

Today, may I love my enemies, and treat others, as I would ask to be treated.

May I forgive seventy times seven and show mercy;

May I welcome the prodigal; have compassion for the Samaritan; be a peacemaker and love my neighbor unconditionally.

Take all my heart, and mind and strength, O Lord, that this day may be truly lived for your greater honor and glory and for the salvation of souls.

Amen

God bless

Christine Timms

The Holy Father has appointed Fr Timothy Harris, a priest of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, as the sixth Bishop of Townsville.

Yr 12 Retreat

Hopping off the bus that lead me to the retreat, I knew I had to make the most of my time there as it was my very last retreat ever! I thoroughly enjoyed the Yr 12 Retreat because I was able to focus on just myself for as little as 3 days, and in all honesty, it was just what I needed to remind myself that I am whoever I want to be. It reminded me that I can easily access my goals in life and make my last year at school the best it can be. It assured me that God will be with me on my travels through my last year at school and this thought left me in complete comfort and assurance.

Madie Tantalo

Yr 12 School Retreat was a time of realisation for me, realising that this was the last first time for everything, swimming carnivals, socials and athletics events. I think everyone can agree with me when I say it was truly an emotional rollercoaster. Especially with the O`Meara House Captain Luke Bona leaving school to pursue his apprenticeship. The camp itself was a wonderful experience, talking to people that you don’t normally and learning things you could never guess about people. It is also a time for you to reflect on your school life and put your future into perspective, through various activities that were hosted by Mrs Timms and Father Damian. The Mass on the last night also wins the “I’m not crying I just have something in my eye” award. Overall this year’s school retreat was an enjoyable and magnificent experience that allowed me to bond further with my friends.

Matthew Castles

Over the duration of the past three days the Yr 12 class participated in a wide range of spiritual and religious activities in regards to ourselves and the people around us. We had the chance to engage and get to know our fellow peers whilst reinforcing relationships and creating stronger ones. We were fortunate enough to enjoy each other's company away from our everyday life, with the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tinaroo. A big thankyou goes out to Father Damian and Mrs Timms for all the organisation and preparation that went into making this retreat enjoyable for all.

Kiara La Rosa

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

As we approach the half way mark of this term, all students are well underway with their term’s work and assessment.

Assessment Planners

Assessment Planners for all year levels went out to students on Monday of this week and can also be found using the link below. These planners are very useful for both students and parents in organising, planning and preparing for all their Term 1 Assessment.

Subject changes

Students should now be settled into their chosen subjects (Yrs 9-12). If your son/daughter is still wanting to make a subject change, please do this as soon as possible as we are getting to the ‘business end’ of the term. A change of subject form can be collected from student reception. Students must have a new timetable with their changed subject prior to being able to change classes.

Reporting

In Week 6 of this term the school will be sending home student interim reports. These reports will provide an overview of where your son/daughter is at in terms of their behaviour and effort. Towards the end of the term, teachers will also be asking students to write their subject results into their student diaries to communicate to parents where they are currently achieving. Teachers will also contact parents if their child has failed any initial assessment conducted this term. I would like to encourage students to take advantage of the school’s academic support program available at lunch times and after school to ensure that they achieve the best possible results they are capable of.

Exams will begin on Friday 24 March and finish on Thursday 30 March. The exam timetable will be available on the student webpage shortly and it will also be emailed to students and parents. This term will conclude with the Interschool Cross Country on Friday 31 March.

In week 6 of Term 2, we will be conducting parent/student/teacher interviews as well as a formal Semester 1 report going out to parents in Week 2 of Term 3.

OP Prediction Interviews – Yr 12 Students

On Friday 24 February, Nancy Douglas (Careers Advisor) and I will be conducting OP Prediction Interviews with Yr 12 students. This will be the second of three OP prediction interview students will have. Parents are welcome to attend. A letter will be sent home shortly and a link to our SOBs site provided so that parents can book their interviews if they would like to attend.

Interview with Vocational Education (Non-OP) Yr 12 Students

Following the OP Prediction interviews with Yr 12’s, Nancy and I will be following up with all Non-Op students to ensure they are tracking well with their QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) and job pathways post school. Again, parents are very welcome to attend these interviews and details for this will become available in the coming weeks.

God Bless

Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the annual Yr 12 Retreat at Genazzano on Lake Tinaroo. As I sit here and write my Pastoral report in 39 degree temperatures I definitely wish that I was back on camp duties and pondering whether or not I will wear a jumper at night. Thank goodness for air-conditioning!

From my camping experience with our Seniors of 2017 I can safely report that Gilroy has a wonderful crew of young men and women who will be leading us throughout this Year. While, it is always a given that Gilroy students display excellent behaviour during school times and during extra-curricular activities, the behaviour and the manners of this group of students made my time away from my own family a much easier task to negotiate. The Yr 12 Retreat is very different from previous camping experiences, with the spiritual aspects of their lives at the forefront of what this retreat looks to deal with. I would imagine that there would have been much trepidation as to what to expect on the three days at Tinaroo. Thankfully Fr Damian and Mrs Timms were able to deliver a spiritual and community building experience that was well received by all who were in attendance. A big thank you goes out to these two people who freely gave of their time to expertly plan and deliver a wonderful retreat.

Questions on the benefits of school camps in all year levels is an area that we take very seriously, especially with the constant price rises in transport, food and accommodation costs. We view the camp programs that we have in place as being extremely beneficial to the pastoral development and education of your child. It is not compulsory for staff members to attend camps, yet the Gilroy community is very fortunate to have a dedicated and caring staff who give their time year in and year out to be involved in a range of year level camps. When we have excellent behaviour as displayed at this year’s camp, it makes the whole “being away from home” experience a worthwhile endeavour for all staff concerned.

In week 5, the Yr 7’s will attend their first Gilroy camp; also at Lake Tinaroo. Although some of the campers will have experienced this camp site on previous occasions, it is very important that students are able to go through this journey with their new classmates. When you witness the tight bond that our Yr 12’s now have, you will appreciate the impact that ongoing camp attendance has on the spiritual development and teambuilding aspects of each year group. If any family has difficulty in meeting the costs associated with camps or are unsure about other aspects of our programs, please do not hesitate to contact myself or the College so that we can assist in relieving some of the burden associated with these valuable events.

God Bless

Peter Groundwater

Musical News

Linley Cerqui

Careers

Gilroy Santa Maria College graduates of Yr 12 in 2016 have been finding their way in the world, with twenty-three students gaining offers into university courses, and we are pleased to say that 100% of QTAC applicants were offered places in their first or second preference degrees.

Similarly, a number of students who undertook the vocational pathway have gained apprenticeships and traineeships already this year. Other students have enrolled to begin occupational courses or started employment. I am still available at the College for Yr 12 graduates who have questions or may like assistance in job seeking or resume preparation.

For the Yr 12’s of 2017, preparations for those students undertaking the QCS test later this year have begun in earnest. As the cohort is graded by their performance on this test as a whole, it is vitally important that each student intending on sitting for the QCS test is fully committed to obtaining the best results possible, as this in turn will help their fellow classmates. The QCS test really is a team effort!

Yr 11 and Yr 12 students undertaking the vocational pathway have begun Friday work placements with a number of Ingham businesses, with one student travelling to Townsville each Friday to learn more about his particular vocational interest. A set of Yr 11 and Yr 12 students are gaining qualifications in the Certificate II in Salon Assistant and the Certificate II in Electro-technology as part of their Friday timetable, and will have the opportunity to do work experience later in the year.

Work experience is available to students who are over 14 of age, who would like to learn more about an occupation or business as part of their career decision making. Forms are available from outside the Careers Room to apply for after-school, weekend or school holiday work experiences. Please contact Mrs Douglas in the Careers Room or email ndouglas1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Best wishes,

Nancy Douglas

GSM Cup

Sports Update

Inter house Swimming Carnival:

The Inter House Sporting Competition for 2017 has started with a huge splash with the Rice Bulls taking out the title of Champion Swimming House at last Friday’s Swimming Carnival. This is now four interhouse swimming championships in a row for Rice, and house captains Harry Reinaudo and Emma Castles were delighted with the result. “We are really proud of the team and everyone’s participation today. It was by filling all possible races through nominations that helped Rice get over the line to become interhouse swimming champions for the fourth straight year”.

In hot and humid conditions, competitors from Rice, McAuley and O’Meara enjoyed a great day of spirited swimming competition. One new record was set and many personal bests were achieved throughout the carnival, as swimmers from every house gave their all in the quest for swimming’s top prize. Trinity Reinaudo broke a long standing record for the 14 Yrs 50m Breaststroke, well done Trinity. Hopefully Trinity, along with the rest of the Gilroy Swim Team, can repeat these magnificent efforts at the up and coming Interschool Carnival on Monday night 6 March. All students are to be commended for their great spirit and their fantastic level of behaviour throughout the day.

Age champions for the carnival were:

Boys Girls
Under 12 Bailey Brown (McAuley) Jessica McFayden (McAuley)
Under 13 Nicholas Di Bella (O’Meara) Kyra Giandomenico (O’Meara)
Under 14 Wilbur Ormonde (O’Meara) Kacey Lynch (Rice)
Under 15 Ethan Costabeber (Rice) Cheylsea Molloy (Rice)
Under 16 Kimo Srb (Rice) Tina Paton (O’Meara)
Open Age Harry Reinaudo (Rice) Cheylsea Lynch (O’Meara)

Records:

Trinity Reinaudo 14 Yrs Girls 50m Breaststroke Time: 39.61 Secs

Shield Winners:

Overall Rice House
Junior Boys O’Meara House
Junior Girls Rice House
Senior Boys Rice House
Senior Girls Rice House
Spirit Trophy McAuley House

The Gilroy Interschool Swim Team has been announced and a printed list of all selected swimmers and their respective events will be posted up outside Student Reception and also below in this school newsletter. Students and parents are asked to check and find out if they have been selected to swim for Gilroy at the Interschool Swimming Carnival to be held on Monday the 6 March. Students who will be swimming in this carnival should continue their training in order to give their best possible effort at the Interschool Swimming Carnival. Any questions regarding the Interschool Swimming Carnival can be raised with Mr Schifilliti at the Year Level Co-Ordinators room at either break times.

Herbert River Secondary School Trials:

With Term 1 2017 underway, Herbert River Secondary School Sport trials are about to begin. Below is an updated breakdown of the age group involved in these sport trials, when and where each of these trials will take place along with dates for Northern Region Secondary School Trials. For team sports where there aren’t enough students to form a Herbert River Secondary School Team to participate at the Northern Region Secondary School Trials, students may be forwarded on to these Northern Region Secondary School Trials at the discretion of the teachers and coaches of the respective sports.

With only a limited amount of time between Herbert River and Northern Region Secondary School Trials, it is important that both students and parents use the information given in our Gilroy Santa Maria Newsletter, student notices or contact our Sports Co-Ordinator, Ian Schifilliti at the school to keep up to date with trial information.

Confraternity Rugby League:

In Rugby League news, the Open Gilroy Santa Maria Team have been training over the last 2 weeks in preparation for their upcoming fixtures as part of the, Matty Bowen 9’s Competition being held on Friday 17 February. All students wishing to play in the Matty Bowen 9’s have been given an information and permission note and will need to have their parents fill out a this note and return it to Student Reception. A reminder to any open age boys wishing to be involved in Confraternity Rugby League this year, training is held on Monday afternoons 3:15pm. to 4:15pm. Any parents or friends of the school wishing to help-out with the Gilroy Confraternity Rugby League program are more than welcome to contact Mr Schifilliti at the school.

QISSN Netball:

Round 2 of Open QISSN Netball Trials were held on Monday 13 February at second break at the MPS. All girls interested in playing netball as part of the lead up to the QISSN tournament to be held in Brisbane during the Term 2 holidays were encouraged to attend.

Ian Schifilliti

Academic Support

Indigenous Homework Support

Immunisation Program comes to School

In 2017, Queensland Health is once again providing free vaccinations for all Yr 7 students on 2 March, 5 May and 1 September, as part of Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. All Yr 7 students are being offered free vaccinations as recommended on the National Immunisation Program to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough).

The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses.

A consent pack was given to your child to bring home, please read the information booklet carefully, sign the consent card and return the consent card to the school by 17 February.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children have breakfast on the morning of vaccination.

For more information, please contact Jane Bortolanza (School Immunisation Coordinator) 47203078

Tuckshop News

2017 Tuckshop Menu & Price List

SALADS:

Wraps (SCT Chicken, Lettuce, Cheese Mayo) $4.00
Salad Rolls (Chicken or Ham, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Beetroot) $4.00
Char Grilled Chicken/Salad Box.
(Chicken, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Carrot) $4.50
Chicken & Avocado Wrap Toasted $4.50

HOT FOODS:- EVERYDAY

Pies (Plain) $4.50
Chicken Fillet (Oven baked) $3.00
Sweet Chilli Tender Chicken (Oven baked) $2.00
Wedges – Cup – (Oven baked) & Potato Gems $3.50
Toasted Sandwiches – Various Fillings $3.50
Mouse Traps – (Bread Roll, Tomato sauce, Ham, Cheese) $2.00
Spaghetti (Red/White) Cup $3.50
Pizza $3.50
Hot Dogs with Cheese $3.50
Crumb Steak/Salad Sandwich (Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Steak)(Mon/Wed/Fri $4.50
Hamburgers (Homemade mince, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese)Tue/Thurs $4.50
Fish Burgers (Grilled Fish, Lettuce, Tartare Sauce) (Fri) $4.50
Chilli Beef Wraps (Mon/Wed/Fri) $4.50 Lasagne $5.00
Char Grill Chicken Burger (Tues/Thurs $4.50
Roast Pulled Pork & Gravy Rolls (Wed) $4.50
Mince Buns (Mon) $4.50
- Fish will be served Ash Wednesday, price to be advised. There will be other non-meat food offered as well.
- Condiments Sauces, Salad Dressing, Sour Cream extra charge.
Fruit Salad $2.50
Fruit Salad & Yoghurt $3.50

DRINKS:

Milk, Flavoured 500ml $3.50
Milk, 300 ml Flavoured $2.50
Ice Breaker $4.00
Plain Water – various sizes $ 2.00 - $ 3.00
Fruit Juice 500ml $2.50
Fruit Juice 300ml $2.00
Deep Spring, Ice Tea, Vitamin Water, Powerade $4.00

Drink prices subject to change during the year. Some Specials vary throughout each week.

Tuckshop Roster 2017

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]

Class Reunion

The Gilroy Santa Maria College Class of 1985, 86 and 87- “The Pioneers” are holding a class reunion.

This class was the first senior class of the school.

The reunion will be held on the 8th and 9th of April, 2017.

For more information or to register for the reunion please contact Lawrence Di Bella on 47760258 a/h or ldibella@hcpsl.com.au

What’s Happening in the Parish

St Patrick’s Day Morning Tea, Mercy Hall

The Women’s Group will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Morning Tea in Mercy Hall commencing at 10.00am following the Mass. Cost of Tickets $15 each on sale from Monday 27th February at the Parish Office. Parishioners, if you are able to donate a prize to be used in the Cent Sale, please have these into the parish office by Wednesday 8th March, Also if you are able to bake for the morning tea on the 17th March, please contact Jeanette on 0447720740 or a.c.glas@bigponmd.net.au

Little Black Books for Lent

These will be available for purchase at all Masses on the weekend of 25/26 February. Thereafter available at the Parish Office. Cost $3 each.

Upcoming Events

• St Patrick’s Parish meeting about Covered Entryway to St Patrick’s Church—Tuesday 21 February 7.30pm in Mercy Hall
• St Peter’s School, Feast Day Mass (Chair of St Peter) with induction of leaders— Wednesday 22 Feb 8.45am • Adult Mission Trip to the Philippines Information Night—Tuesday 28 February 7.30pm in Mercy Hall
• Ash Wednesday, 1 March
• World Day of Prayer—St Mark’s Lutheran Church, Friday 3 March
• St Patrick’s Day Morning Tea, 17th March
• Easter Sunday, 16 April
• Debutante Ball, Sat 22 April
• Confirmations, Mon 22 & Tues 23 May

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

2017 Vinnies Youth Competition

Ingham FC

Come and Try Night - 24th Feb from 6pm

Competition Commences - 10th March

Registrations now open at

Emma Sanderson
Secretary

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