20 July 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Business Students Win National Finals

It was a tremendous thrill to receive a text from Mrs Bullock advising us that her team of Gilroy Business students had won the National Final of the School Business Challenge.

The team consisted of Shantelle Teichmann, Jessica Timms, Matthew Castles and James Aranas. They had previously won the regional final and obviously took their good form and business knowledge into the final.

Congratulations to our team and to Mrs Bullock for preparing our team.

School Fee Invoices

School Fees will no longer be posted they will instead be sent by email. If you have not received your invoices by Friday 28 July or you would prefer not to be emailed can you please contact the office as soon as possible.

Can you please also check to ensure that we have your correct email details on file. If you are unsure whether the school has the correct email address on file, please email or ring the school office.

JCU Careers Day

On Tuesday 11 July interested Yr 12 students took the opportunity to travel to Townsville for the James Cook University Experience. On arrival students went into their chosen sessions with James Cook University student ambassadors and lecturers.

Sessions included Business, Law, Medicine, Psychology, Science and Engineering, Social Work, Exercise Physiology and many more. The day provided an insightful look into life as a student. James Cook University provided a Subway lunch, live music and some fun activities during the lunch break.

Our students said the day consisted of interesting course content and inspirational speeches. Overall, our students found the day to be a very worthwhile experience.

JCU is hosting Open Days for parents and students of all ages in August - Townsville on Sunday 13 August and Cairns on Sunday 20 August.

The JCU website contains more information on both the Cairns and Townsville Open Days, and is available here:

Yr 10 Work Experience

Yr 11 Work Experience

Yr 12 Work Experience

Ingham Show:

Cane Winners

Lourdes and Gilroy Santa Maria cleaned up at the Ingham Show recently with their cane. A special thanks to the parents, teachers and students who assisted getting the cane to the show.

(left-right) Jarred Moeder (GSM), Hayden Di Bella (GSM), Nicholas Di Bella (GSM), Breanna Patane (OLS), Gemma Di Bella (OLS), Melanie Adams (SRA- Variety Officer), Greg Shannon (Show Judge) and Lawrence Di Bella (HCPSL- Manager).

Wearable Art Winners

Congratulations Rachel Torrisi and Elli Burchell on winning Wearable Art at the Ingham Show recently. What a lovely model Taneisha Girgenti made to display your art.

Show School Display

What a wonderful Show Display. Many thanks to Nancy Douglas, Annie Yung and Randi and Remo Pietrobon for making our Show Display magnificent.

QISSN

After many years of watching the Gilroy Netball Team from the sideline, this year I felt very privileged to be chosen for the 2017 QISSN Team to travel to Brisbane during the first week of the June school holidays. Together with eight other amazing girls, our awesome coach Miss Castellaro and fantastic managers Mrs Timms and Mrs Giuliano, we fought through some very tough competition and managed to win 9 out of 12 games. This led to us moving up a division and playing off for 3rd place against Holy Spirit College Mackay and winning 15-11. As a team, we played with real spirit and determination and never gave up!

This year the carnival expanded from 48 to 60 teams where 600 school girls displayed their netball talent. Each year every team has one player nominated for Most Valuable Player and this year it went to our captain Emma Castles who is an outstanding shooter. 2017 was Emma Castles, Emma Russo, Zoe Mina and Jessica Timms end to their QISSN journey and I am sure they will take with them very fond memories. Being the youngest member of the team I can certainly say that you gain so much more confidence and it is such a great experience getting to know so many different people.

On behalf of the Gilroy QISSN Netball Team I would like to extend a very big thank you to our coach, managers, parents, supporters, and all who were there with us during the carnival celebrating our success. Also to Mr and Mrs Groundwater, Mr Nuttall, Mr Schiff, Mr Dezolt, Mr Spina we want you to know how much we appreciated all the work you did back at the motel to make sure we were all comfortable and fed well.

Rachel Morelli

Earn & Learn is Coming

Start collecting your stickers to send to school.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Welcome back to Term 3.

Last week was again a tremendous advertisement for the commitment and energy of our staff here at Gilroy Santa Maria College. Throughout the week, we had students of all grades participating in a variety of activities and educational experiences. Our Yr 7’s spent three days experiencing our Indigenous cultures, Yr 8’s had three days on retreat at Magnetic Island, Yr 9’s camped for four days at a cattle property near Ravenshoe, Yr 10’s enjoyed a retreat at the old Abergowrie dairy, Yr 11’s had work experience and Yr 12’s enjoyed a mixture of work experience, JCU Careers Day and QCS Practice. There was much time spent organising and planning and I take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, as I have heard nothing but positive reports about how much the students enjoyed their respective activities.

I was thrilled to attend the Rugby and Netball Confraternity Carnivals in Brisbane during the school holidays. Our Netball Team was outstanding, winning all but three of their games and taking the scalp of many larger schools. Our rugby league team did battle against bigger and more experienced opposition and while there were glimpses of their potential, they lacked consistency. It was a real learning experience for the boys and I hope they take something from the week.

I was proud to be cheering both teams on as they demonstrated tremendous sportsmanship and were great ambassadors for our College. Again thanks to our tireless staff members who gave up the first week of their holidays to look after our teams.

Many of our students are currently attending the annual Catholic Education Mulkadee Arts Festival. Our students along with hundreds of students from Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese will experience a variety of artistic workshops delivered from some of the best artistic tutors and teachers in the country. Their week will culminate this Friday night when they perform in the Concert Finale at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. We wish them all the best.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education Week. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. During the week we are reminded that “Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.”

We will be celebrating Catholic Education Week with a combined Hinchinbrook Catholic Schools Mass next Wednesday morning at 10:00am. Mass will be celebrated at the Menegon Centre at Our Lady of Lourdes and parents/carers are welcome to attend.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Welcome back to Term 3. Hopefully everyone had time to relax during the break and are ready for what is shaping up to be a busy term.

This term always starts with an array of activities, seeing students and teachers involved in a number of extra-curricular events. I am always privileged to be a part of Yr 8 ‘Friendship’ Retreat and this year was no exception. Details of the trip are in the newsletter, however, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Father Damian who presented the retreat, as well as Mr Barbagallo, Miss Castellaro, Miss Cerqui, Mrs Squires and Mr Wardell for volunteering their time to help with the organisation, running and supervision on retreat.

Our Diocese is celebrating Catholic Education Week from 24 July to 28 July. This year’s theme is: Sharing the Journey. Pope Francis has said:

Today, we need a Church capable of walking at people’s side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.
The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation … to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of the homeland towards which we walk. What is important is the whole journey by which we arrive at the mission the Lord entrusts to us.

Catholic Education Week is a state-wide event that promotes the distinctive mission of Catholic Schools throughout Queensland. The week is celebrated by all schools through a range of activities, liturgies and events. Each of the Catholic Schools in the district will be attending a Combined Schools Mass on Wednesday, 26 July at 10:00am in the Menegon Centre at Our Lady of Lourdes. This promises to be a spectacular event with every student from the schools attending, hopefully raising the roof with the melodious sounds or our voices.

Just a reminder that tickets for the Charity Walk for ‘The Missionaries of the Poor’ Trip are on sale at student reception. It will be held on Sunday 30 July at 7:00am and everyone is welcome.

God Bless
Christine Timms

Prayer:

Almighty Father,

You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people. He has given us the prime example of the importance of education. As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.

Thank you for the many sisters, brother, priests and laypeople who have dedicated their lives in service of our Catholic Schools. Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools today. Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives. Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.

Bless Gilroy Santa Maria College and the many people who advance our mission. May our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others. May our community always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers.

Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom. May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation of it.

Fill our hearts with gladness. May we always turn to you in times of need.

Fill our hands with the tolls we need to serve other. May we show them your unceasing love through our action.

We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Yr 8 Retreat

Yr 8 ventured over to Magnetic Island last week for their annual retreat. The trip over in choppy seas turned a few faces green, however, that was the only dampener over the three day break. With the theme of Friendship, students were engaged throughout the retreat listening to and discussing with each other what it meant to be a good friend and a not so good friend. With the help of get-to-know-you games, challenges and activities, students were able to make new friends and build on already existing ones.

On Thursday afternoon we walked down to Picnic Bay for some relaxation. Free time involved walking along the beach and jetty and fishing for those who brought their lines. The only thing caught though was a school hat that flew off due to windy conditions. Thanks to Jackson who reeled it in on the first cast of his lure.

The highlight of the retreat was the celebration of mass on Thursday night. Student participation throughout the mass was exceptional, engaging wholeheartedly in every aspect, from the singing of hymns, meditation after communion, to giving thanks for all our blessings.

A big thank you to Father Damian who presented the sessions and to Mr Barbagallo, Miss Castellaro, Miss Cerqui, Mrs Squires and Mr Wardell who volunteered their time to help with the organisation and running of the retreat.

Below are some comments from the year 8 group about what they enjoyed on the retreat:

I really enjoyed the mass on camp because we all contributed and said what we were thankful for.

I enjoyed the activities that helped us build closer bonds with others. I also enjoyed the mass because it was very calming and made me think.

I liked that we did the games with only girls and the free time with my friends.

At camp I enjoyed the blind trust exercise. I also liked the throw and tell.

I enjoyed the whole camp because it was fun to do activities linked to friendship.

I really liked going to camp because our whole class got to bond.

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Welcome back to Term 3.

Week 1:

We started this term off a little differently to our other terms throughout the year as all students undertook some form of alternate program; whether it was a retreat, camp, QCS practice or work experience. Feedback from students from all year levels has been very positive which makes all the hard work in organising everything worthwhile. I’d like to not only thank students for making the most of these activities but also thank all our Staff who put in a lot of time and effort organising these events.

Reports:

All students’ reports will be mailed home this Friday so parents will start receiving them in the mail next week. All students are tracked in terms of their progress in their studies. I would like to congratulate students who have tried their best and received results that they are proud of. It does take a lot of time and determination to perform your best and hopefully this will be paid off when students are able to pursue the life and career pathways they want when they finish school.

Yr 12 QCS Testing:

In relation to Yr 12 QCS Practice, students’ papers have been sent away for marking. In coming weeks students will receive individualised feedback comments that they can work on improving. This will be the final set of QCS Practice testing that students will complete prior to the actual QCS test on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August this term. Students will continue to have their QCS preparation lesson on Friday morning’s right up until their QCS Exams to ensure they are as prepared and confident as they can be.

Yrs 11 and 12 OP Predictions:

All OP eligible students will be meeting with our Career’s Advisor, Mrs Nancy Douglas, and myself in the next few weeks to discuss how students are tracking academically and, for Yr 12 students, planning for life after school. Letters will be sent home to students shortly so that parents are aware of when their child/children’s interview will be held. Parents are very welcome to attend these meetings. We will be asking that all students return their forms signed by their parents/guardians to ensure they are aware these meetings are taking place. We will require this form signed and returned prior to conducting their prediction interview. Last week, Nancy and I held a QTAC information session with the Yr 12 OP eligible students, from this we hope that students will come with questions and more certainty about what they would like to do next year. Yr 12 students have been given a ‘draft’ QTAC application where they rank their top five university courses for next year. It would be beneficial if students attempt this prior to our meeting as this will allow us to ensure your child has completed this form correctly and that they have met all the requirements for course entrance.

Please find Assessment Planners below for your convenience.

As always, if anyone has any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or email.

I hope that everyone has a great term.

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Term 2 has come and gone and the business of 2017 just keeps on rolling on. As you may be aware, on the first week of the holidays, the Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball teams ventured down to Brisbane for their annual carnivals.

On the field and on the court, it was a tale of two differing fortunes, with the Netball girls really standing up to reap the benefits of a solid year of training and preparation for their tilt at Netball glory. On the other hand, the Rugby League boys found the going extremely tough and now realise that they will have to raise the bar in future confraternity campaigns. Both teams should be congratulated on a couple of very positive aspects.

Firstly, hats off to all players who put themselves out there and committed their efforts to playing and journeying to Brisbane to compete in their respective carnivals. It is easy to sit back at home on the holidays and watch TV and not put your bodies under the exertion and pain that a week of Netball and Rugby League will deliver. To their credit, this definitely wasn’t the case and Gilroy is very proud of both teams’ commitment to attend and compete in Brisbane. The other very positive aspect of the tour is the behaviour and manners of all students. This is so often a feature of Gilroy students that it is easy to overlook the importance of respectful and positive behaviour. As one of the teachers on duty it was a huge weight off our shoulders to know that the behaviour of our students wasn’t (and never is) an issue that we had to worry about. While the final results for both teams mightn’t have been what we had all hoped for, the tour itself was still very enjoyable and I trust that the players enjoyed their time away from home as well.

Speaking about being away from home, Week One saw students from Yr 8, 9 and 10 attend their annual camps around North Queensland. I was lucky enough to be on the Yr 10 retreat that was at the Abergowrie College Dairy for the very first time. One of the biggest problems in having a camp in the local district is trying to sell its worth to the students. While it took a bit of convincing, once we got to the Dairy, the students could see for themselves how good this camping spot was. The retreat itself was a really nice event with students engaging wholeheartedly in the theme of “Building Community”. Other highlights of the camp were a “My House Rules” cooking evening on the first night and two sessions of laser skirmish throughout the camp. I would like to thank all of the staff over the three camps as well as those that assisted in the Yr 7 Cultural week, QCS practice and Yr 11 work experience. With all of this going on it is hard to believe that it was still only Week 1.

Blessings
Peter Groundwater

Yr 9 Camp

Last week the Yr 9’s ventured off on their four day Bush Survival Camp. This year the camp was held at the beautiful Woodleigh Station just west of Ravenshoe. The aim of the camp was to develop qualities and skills which they don’t always get to experience in the classroom. Teamwork, organisation, plus skills such as trapping water, starting fires using various methods and navigation using the sun or stars were all taught on the camp as well as a few bush cooking skills.

Students also got to experience what it was like to camp on a remote station as they had to conserve water wisely, deal with the horses, goats and cattle walking through their camp site, dig a hole to go to the toilet and heat their shower water up over a fire.

Some of the highlights of the camp were learning new skills such as the fire starting with a magnifying glass or flint as well as the road trip to Innot Hot Springs where the students got to dig their own holes in the creek and enjoy the natural hot springs while the cold rain set in.

Yrs 9 & 10 Coordinator
Matthew Schrodter

Careers

Please find apprenticeship vacancies in Townsville and other districts following:

Electrical Apprentice

KDP Electrical Pty Ltd
Townsville & Northern QLD
This diversified role as an Electrical apprentice will provide you with advanced skills in the fields of Electrical, Telecommunications and Solar

Apprenticeships 2018

Private Advertiser
Townsville & Northern QLD
Develop your skills, experience and knowledge with our four-year apprenticeship program, commencing in January 2018. Residentially based in Bowen

2018 Electrical and Mechanical Apprentice Intake

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd - Hay Point QLD
Our apprenticeships follow a. Shortlisted for these apprenticeships. Undertaking Mechanical or Electrical Apprenticeships starting. Fixed Term - Full Time....
Easily apply to this job

Apprentice Chef 1st or 2nd Year

JAM corner
Townsville & Northern QLD
JAM is looking for a passionate apprentice chef to join our team

The Navy, Army and Air Force

Recruiting for trade positions that offer great pay, an active lifestyle, nationally recognised training and a whole lot of adventure. With over 200 careers available, you'll be able to find one that matches your skills, interest and education.

Attend the next Trade Careers Information Session

Date: Monday 24th July
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: TYTO Conference & Events Centre, 38 McIlwraith Street, Ingham QLD 4850

To book your seat, call 13 19 01 or register below.

Australian Jobs 2017

The Australian Jobs 2017 Report presents an overview of the Australian labour market, and the complete 48 page report is available in PDF format via the Department of Employment website:

Limited print copies of the Australian Jobs 2017 booklet are available from the College. Please contact the College office if you would like a copy sent home with your student.

GSM Cup

Academic Support

Indigenous Homework Support

Tuckshop News

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!

Tuckshop Volunteers are only needed to work from 8:30am to 11:40am.

Tuckshop Roster 2017

Please note: The lunch times are as follows:

1st Lunch – 11:15am – 11:40am
2nd Lunch – 1:20pm finish 2:05pm

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

Weekend Masses

St Patrick’s Women’s Group “Welcome to Spring” Afternoon Tea

Date: Sunday, 27 August @ 2:00pm in Mercy Hall. Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday, August 1 at the Parish Office. If any Parishioners are able to donate prizes to be used in the Cent Sale, please have these prizes into Parish Office by Tuesday, 15 August. Also, if you are able to bake/make food for the Afternoon Tea, please let Jeanette know on 0447720740 or a.c.glas@bigpond.net.au

Upcoming Events

• Charity Walk—30 July
• First Holy Communion—Ingham 26 & 27 August; Halifax 2 September; Canossa 3 September
• Women’s Group Spring Afternoon Tea—27 August

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

CHARITY WALK 2017

"Feeding the hungry & Feeding the soul"

Walk with us to support the Missionaries of the Poor in their dedicated work amongst "the poorest of the poor", Sunday July 30, 7:00am sharp, from Mercy Hall to Victoria Estate and back. Hot scrumptious Brunch included. Tickets are Adults $20 and Youth $15 and are available from Sadleir’s Pharmacy, Gilroy Santa Maria College and the Parish Office.

INGHAM NAIDOC

Is hosting A DEADLY DAY OUT on SATURDAY 22 July from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Rotary Park Ingham. Everyone Welcome. This is a free community event. Friendly march, kids rides and activities, elders tent, market stalls, live music, students awards, kids games, free BBQ etc COME ENJOY A GREAT DAY OUT

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