31 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Optiminds

Congratulations to Team 5 who competed in the Science Engineering Optiminds Challenge on Sunday. Hayley Spina, Jazmin Altadonna, Joshua Spina and Benjamin Jorgensen received Honours for their design and presentation of a ‘Flat’ Pack! dwelling that automatically constructs itself in one single activation, and also automatically deconstructs itself in one single activation.

Four Gilroy teams presented their work in the Optiminds Challenge. Three of these teams in the Science Engineering Challenge and one in the Social Science Challenge. These students showed tremendous resilience by overcoming many difficulties in completing their very challenging long-term task. The students were also given a spontaneous challenge on the day in which they had only ten minutes to work as a team to find a solution to an unseen problem.

Roseanne Coyle

Netball and Soccer

Last week, Wednesday 23 August, Gilroy’s U15 Netball and Soccer teams travelled to Townsville to play Southern Cross Catholic College in their respective games. The netball girls came away with a win and of 27 – 23.

The mixed boys and girls soccer team weren’t so lucky and went down 2 – 0. All students played very well in their games and should be proud of their efforts. Gilroy was represented in an excellent manner.

A special mention goes to Mr Groundwater for driving the bus down. Also to Ben Barbi for giving up his time to train and coach the soccer team, as well as travelling with us to Townsville.

Monique Martino and Meagan Castellaro

Fun Run – Friday 15 September

The Annual Gilroy Santa Maria Fun Run will consist of a round trip run/walk from Forrest Beach to Cassady's Beach. Students are to arrive at school by 8:30am via usual transport. After homeroom they will be transported to Forrest Beach by bus and return to school by 2:55pm. There will be an award given to the U18/U15/U13 Iron Man and Iron Woman (student that completes the course first). In addition to this, for every student who completes the course, a point will be added to his/her house total in the 2017 GSM Cup. The students will be given the option to have a swim after lunch or participate in sports activities, such as beach volleyball (sun safe clothing applies).

Ingham Arts Festival - Speech and Drama

Congratulations to all students that participated in the Ingham Arts Festival this year from Gilroy Santa Maria College. In the Speech and Drama section, Gilroy Santa Maria College had a large level of participation. Rosie Galletly entered the Recitation of a Set Poem and was awarded 1st Place. She was also a part of a new improvisation section that was added this year, along with 31 other students from Yrs 7-12.

The Improvisation section required students to be in groups of four where they were given 5 minutes to prepare a 5 minute performance on an unseen topic. These topics were designed to be interpreted anyway the group felt fit. In this section, students were judged on how well they established the topic and setting of their performance, how well they shaped a linear storyline and the tension that was created on the stage. Gilroy Santa Maria College was fortunate to receive two Highly Commended certificates, a Third Place and a First in this section.

1st 92 Celina Barra, Rosie Galletly, Rachel Kaurila and Mickayla Liesenberg.

3rd 89 Matthew Castles, Alicia Galipo, Charve’n Laminero and Sidnee Sadleir.

HC 88 Jake Gori, Harry Hardy, Ellah Hodge and Dana Kaurila.
85 Hayden Girgenti, John Prior, Callum Romano and Dylan Watts

Congratulations to all students entered, you should all be very proud of your efforts. I am already looking forward to next year to see what entertaining performances you can create for the audience.

Linley Cerqui

Ingham Arts Festival - Art

….because every picture tells a story … The enormous effort put in from the Art Classes for the Ingham Arts Festival. There were too many entries to individually acknowledge. Mrs Pietrobon was so proud of them all.

Miranda Pietrobon

Indigenous Camp - Gamin

The GAMIN program or “Gilroy Adolescent Mentoring for Indigenous in Need” aims to make positive connections with Indigenous mentors who share their life journey and challenge young students to make their own mark on the world.

Indigenous Tutoring

The purpose of tutoring is to help students help themselves, or to assist or guide them to the point at which they become an independent learner. GSM Indigenous Tutoring Program Teachers are very passionate about helping our students to achieve at school and welcome all Indigenous students to join them.

Sports Report

Interschool Athletics

Last Friday saw high school students from around Ingham gathering at George Day Oval for the 2017 Interschool Athletics Carnival. Conditions were warm and sunny as all Gilroy Santa Maria athletes and students prepared to give their all for their school. Throughout the day, there were many athletes competing in various events, and even more spectators cheering them on and encouraging the athletes. This support worked wonders for our Gilroy Athletes, particularly our Junior and Senior girls who took at the Inter-School athletics championship in their respective divisions! This was a tremendous result for our school, one which can be attributed to the fact that all students, not only the girls, turned up for one another to continually fill events leading to a results that our entire Gilroy Santa Maria community can be proud of. Congratulations must go to our Interschool Athletics Age champions Zoe Kemp (12 Yrs Girls), Maddison Greenaway (14 Yrs Girls), Cheylsea Molloy (15 Yrs Girls) and Harrison Reinaudo (17 Yrs Boys) for their outstanding individual athletic performances through the Interschool Athletics carnival. Also a special congratulations goes to Alicia Galipo who broke two 14 Yrs Girls Interschool athletics records. Alicia set a new 14 Yrs Girls Discus record with a throw of 31.35m and a new 14 Yrs Girls Shot Put record with a throw of 12.16m. Excellent work Alicia!

There were other outstanding performances from Gilroy students during Friday’s carnival, with the students named below being chosen in the Herbert River Secondary School Athletics Team to compete at the Northern Region Track and Field Trials next Friday 1 September.

Maddison Greenaway – 100 m, 200m
Trenyce Pearce – 200m, 100m
Alicia Galipo – Discus, Shot put
Alana Romano – Shot put
Akema Greenaway – 100m
Leon O’Keefe -100m
Ethan Hillyard – Long Jump, 400m, 100m, 200m
Harry Reinaudo – 200m, 400m and 1500m

Gilroy also represented at the Northern Region Primary Schools Athletics trials that were held on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August with the following students gaining selection in the Herbert River Primary Schools Athletics Team:

Lucy Galletly – Shot Put
Zoe Kemp - 800m & Long Jump
Dana Kaurila - 1500m

Congratulations to all these students.

Ian Schifilliti

Earn & Learn

Get your stickers in fast!

From the Principal

This week our Yr 12 OP-eligible students have been sitting the annual Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test. The QCS is a statewide test designed to contribute to the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) that are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. Our eligible students have been preparing for a number of months. I thank Mrs Leonardi and Mr Hill for all the practice and preparation work they have done to ensure our students perform to their best.

To further ready our students and put them in the correct frame of mind, we meditated and prayed together on Tuesday morning. In addition, Mr Staples and the Yr 11 students cooked breakfast for Yr 12’s on both Tuesday and Wednesday. It was pleasing to see every student attend these before school activities, it demonstrated a positive attitude to the Test and an appreciation to those that help prepare them.

I was also very proud of our students and their contributions in two important community events recently. Firstly, many of our students were involved in the Ingham Arts Festival which was wonderful to see. We certainly have some talented students as many received prizes and commendations. Thanks to our Arts Department for promoting and encouraging our participation. Secondly, was the involvement of our athletes at the recent Interschool Carnival, I was impressed with their commitment as they really tried hard in all events. This attitude of ‘giving it your all’ no matter the result, is a quality that I hope continues in everything we do here at Gilroy. As a reward for their efforts and spirit, it was a tremendous result to win the Junior, Senior and Overall Girls Trophies. We had not won a trophy at the carnival for a number of years so it was great to witness all the excitement. Thanks again to Mr Schifilliti and our PE department for preparing our team.

In the final week of this term, we have an important visit from staff from the Catholic Education Office as part of our School Renewal Process. We are currently in the fourth year of our five-year renewal cycle and part of this process is for the school to evaluate ourselves against the “Ten Characteristics of an Effective Catholic School”. Admin team, staff and board members have been part of our evaluation process. Our visitors listen to our evaluations then interview staff, students and parents to assist them in verifying these evaluations. I am hoping the process will be an affirming one for our school, where it will commend us on the many great things that happen at Gilroy but also give suggestions for improvement in areas. I look forward to sharing the results of our Verification with the community in the near future.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

It is always a pleasure being a part of our school community. Friendly smiles and welcoming hellos from students and staff are what make Gilroy a place of respect, generosity and inclusion. Our students play a big role in building the faith and mission of our school community even though sometimes I feel they are not aware of it.

This week we have been busily putting together a group of students who will take part in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Sydney from 7 to 9 December. I am grateful for all the students who have put forward their names to be a part of a truly wonderful experience that provides young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia. At this point in time, it looks like we will be sending around ten students, keeping the faith and mission of the college alive and well.

We are also in final preparations for our Youth Mass this Sunday evening at 7:00pm at St Patrick’s Church. Our ensemble group is organised and our choir groups have been practicing. I hope this will be the first of many in our community.

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus explains to his disciples what is to become of him: to suffer and die in Jerusalem and rise from the dead on the third day. Peter does not like this idea and the difficulties that lie ahead. Jesus goes on to teach that being a disciple was not going to be easy and to follow him was heading down a difficult path. Even for us, following Jesus is not the easiest thing to do. In this day and age when we can be so caught up in our own lives, putting others first can prove a most difficult task in itself. This week, may we choose the difficult path, to follow Jesus and go out of our way to do what is right for those around us.

Prayer for Discipleship

God of love,
source of mercy and compassion,
weave your dream for the world
into the fabric of our lives.

Transform our lives,
so that we may accomplish your purpose.
Anoint us with your spirit of love
that we might bring good news to the oppressed,
bind up the broken-hearted,
and proclaim release to the captive.
Give us a new urgency
and a new commitment
to feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
shelter the homeless,
and visit those who live in isolation.
Help us to reach out to those
whom no one else will touch,
to accept the unacceptable,
and to embrace the enemy.
Surround us with your love,
fill us with your grace,
and strengthen us for your service.

Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus –
to deny ourselves,
to take up our crosses,
and to follow.
Make us your disciples.
Amen

Christine Timms

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello everyone,

Very importantly, our Yr 12 OP Students have just finished their QCS testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students were well prepared for this test and I know they have put everything they could into this test. I would like to congratulate students on their efforts and attitudes.

As we approach towards the end of Term 3, all of our students are busy completing assessment and preparing for exams. Currently, the Term 3 Exam Timetable is in draft but will be emailed to students and parents by the end of this week. It will also be made available on the Compass portal. Exams commence on Friday 8 September and finish on Thursday 14 September. On the last day of term, we have the Gilroy Fun Run which has historically been a great day enjoyed by all of our students. It is a great day outdoors where we all go to Forrest Beach. Students complete a walk, followed by some games and activities for the remainder of the day. I hope to see all of our students there enjoying the last day of term together.

On an academic and pastoral note, Nancy Douglas and I have completed the Yr 12 OP Prediction Interviews and will have the Yr 11 OP Interviews completed by the end of this week. We have had some truly invaluable conversations with both students and parents regarding not only current academic achievement but also future planning for when they leave school. As always, if parents have any questions following these interviews please do not hesitate to contact Nancy or myself.

On Thursday 14 September, Nancy and I will be meeting with the Yr 10 students to discuss their SET Plans and begin looking at subject selections for their Yr 11 and 12 schooling. In Week 2 of next Term we will be having a parent-student information night for year 10’s where I will be explaining in more detail what students can expect in Yrs 11 and 12 as well as what they need to start preparing for in looking towards their future after school.

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Last week was a very busy week for Gilroy Santa Maria College, with students representing the school in Netball and Football against Southern Cross Catholic College in Townsville, as well as many students attending the first annual Indigenous Camp at Abergowrie. The sporting afternoon against Southern Cross was the first ever competition that has been staged between these two schools. A big thank you must go to Meagan Castellaro for looking after the Netball girls, while an equally big thank you must go out to Ben Barbi and our very own Monique Martino who were in charge of the Under 15 Football outfit. Both teams performed very well, with the Netball girls taking first honours over Southern Cross, while the Footy guys (and girls) were gallant in defeat only going down in the final five minutes of the match. Both games were played in extremely good spirits and officials from Southern Cross and Gilroy are very keen to continue the “City Country Challenge” as a yearly event that will include other school from across the diocese. We look forward to this exciting chapter in interschool rivalry.

With the dust barely settled, Indigenous students from across the year levels were fortunate to experience the very first Indigenous “GAMIN” program annual camp. The GAMIN program or “Gilroy Adolescent Mentoring for Indigenous in Need” aims to make positive connections with Indigenous mentors who share their life journey and challenge young students to make their own mark on the world. Over the past two weeks, we have been blessed to listen to Mr Michael Barrett and former International League identity, Mr Sam Backo who shared their journey as proud Indigenous. While on camp, we were very fortunate to have the services of former Locals, Mr Mark and Dion Devow. Dion is a successful businessperson who is the current NAIDOC Indigenous Businessman of the Year. Dion was blown away by the calibre of students that we have at Gilroy Santa Maria College and enjoyed sharing his story with us. Dion’s message was a simple one, in that we needed to make the most of our opportunities and that education was the key to success in a highly competitive world. A massive thanks goes out to Dion and his father Mark who both really enjoyed their time with our students. A special thanks also to Paul Dezolt, Brendan Spina and Jasmine Pearce who all gave up their valuable spare time to make the camp possible. I would also like to thank Hailey Mazzone and Dearne French who journeyed from the Townsville Catholic Education office to be a part of our camp on the Friday morning session. Finally, on behalf of Gilroy and its Indigenous cohort, I would like to extend a very big thankyou to Mr Rob Corboy, Mr Angus Galletly and Mr Nazzim Kahn from Abergowrie College. This group of men along with Ashley Spina in the office, provided overwhelming support in making the Abergowrie College Dairy available and in assisting with an exciting game of touch for our battle weary campers. To top it all off the Kitchen staff provided a fantastic feed in their college dining room upon completion of the game. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude.

Blessings
Peter Groundwater

Careers

Resumes

Nobody can ever underestimate how important it is to have a good resume. First impressions count, and the first impression that a potential employer will have of you, is going to depend on how you present your resume.

The statistics are that the average employer only spends a few seconds looking at a resume. In this increasingly competitive job market you need to have a professional resume that contains the right information and give you the best possible chance of getting their attention.

Referees

Get in touch with the people you would like to be your referees and politely ask them if they would be happy to give you a reference if required. If you don't do this and they get a cold-call from one of your prospective employers, not only will they be less than impressed but also they may not be able to give you the rap you deserve.

BUT don't just ask once and then think that person is fair game forever. Let them know every time someone may be getting in touch.

Give your chosen referees some background on the job you are applying for: the job title, what you will be doing and the attributes the employer is looking for. Also politely remind them of the projects you have worked on and your accomplishments so they will be well prepared. It can also be helpful to give your referees an up-to-date copy of your resume.

Holiday Work Experience

Applications for the September/October school holidays are now open, and application forms can be collected from outside the Careers Room, or by emailing Mrs Douglas.

The due date for September/October holiday work experience forms to be submitted is Friday 8 September 2017.

Please be aware that Wilmar Sugar does not accept work experience requests from Yr 12’s for the September/October holidays, as it coincides with their apprenticeship process.

Term 4 Friday Work Placement

Work placement students in Yrs 11 and 12 need to submit their forms for Term 4 Friday work placement by Friday 8 September.

Applications for Tertiary Studies in 2018 – QTAC, UAC, VTAC

Students in Yr 12 are now placing their applications for courses at universities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. It would be wise to have submitted your application prior to the beginning of holidays, as many courses require the submission of additional information before the end of September. Ensuring that you have placed your application now gives you the most time to be able to act on requests for further information from application processing centres.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Nancy Douglas

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

St Peter's Catholic School Celebrates 90 Years

2017 marks the 90th year of St Peter's Catholic School Halifax (formerly St Therese's) educating children in the Lower Herbert district. The school is celebrating this milestone with a special event to be held at the school on Saturday November 18. Celebrations will begin with a Mass at 2:00pm followed by formal proceedings and an afternoon tea. The school then invites the community to stay on and connect with friends, past and present. Food and drinks will be available as well as activities to amuse children (big and small) including rides and jumping castles. If anyone has photographs or memorabilia it would be appreciated if these could be dropped in at the school where photos can be scanned straight away. If you live in the Ingham area items can be dropped in to Chella at the Parish Office Mon - Fri 9:00am—Noon.

Upcoming Events

• First Holy Communion; Halifax 2 September; Canossa 3 September
• Rosary in the Park—14 October
• St Peter’s School 90th Anniversary—18 November

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

Touch Football

Ingham Theatre Group - Fourplays

School Dental for Year 10 Students

Tyto – coming soon

LASER TAG

As a part of the September School Holiday activities at TYTO there will be Laser Tag in the Parklands.

To be held on Thursday 21 September there are different age levels that will be catered for starting from 9am. See poster for more details

Bookings are essential. Cost: $5. Participants are able to book more than one session at a time.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Experience the fun of building a pirate ship as we batten down the hatches and sail the seven seas or build your own princess castle, with this fun and interactive block building workshop for both boys and girls. Designed for Primary school students in Prep through to Grade 6, Bricks 4 Kidz workshops are designed to include a balance of fun with learning through activities that engage curiosity and creativity. 19th September 10am – 12pm. Bookings Essential. Cost is $15pp.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Junior Cricket

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