27 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Start Dates for 2018 -

School commences on Mon 22 January.

Gilroy on the Go

World Teachers’ Day – Friday 27 October

Term 4 Social – When I Grow Up

Design and Technology

At the end of Term 3, our Yr 8 Design & Technology students recently completed their CO2 Racers. Some of these racers cover the length of the 20m track in less than one second. Yr 7 Design and Technology students completed a Race and Chase car and Yr 9 students studied the process of flight and manufactured an electric powered model aeroplane. All students engaged in a fun and challenging learning experience covering many different aspects of Design and Technology.

John Barbagallo

ProcrastinARTors

After much thought, contemplation, crying, stress, research, and procrastination we have created sufficient work for our exhibition. The title, ProcastinARTors, came to us effortlessly.

The exhibition showcases our exploration of the theme Phenomena. You will see bark people emerging from a tree trunk, an enlightened Buddha and beauty emerging from the murk.

The Renaissance theme has been reincarnated resulting in many beautiful pieces.

The Yr 7s have been working with inventive textures and monoprints to create their assembled city scene while the Yr 8’s have looked at different colourful possibilities with fish.

The Yr 9 Art class has been working with animals, pencil studies and relief clay projects.

The Yr 10 Art class have produced self portraits, using ply silhouettes and abstract colours and textures.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy so please come to the Exhibition!

Mc Happy Day at Gilroy

Finnley Gossner Yr 11 instigated a fundraiser for Mc Happy Day by a free dress day at Gilroy recently. Sarah, the Manager of McDonalds was very impressed and came to thank the school personally. Well done Finnley and thank you to everyone who got involved - your generosity means a lot to families with seriously ill children.

School-Based Traineeship

Earlier this week, our Yr 10 student, Rachel Torrisi, undertook her sign up interview with MEGT to begin her school-based traineeship with Lou's Food Emporium. Rachel will be studying a Certificate III in Business, in combination with her senior subjects next year.

Student of the Month

Congratulations to Aaron Girgenti, Emma Castles, Emma Russo, Sidnee Sadlier and Harry Hardy for receiving Student of the Month in October.

From the Principal

Last weekend, I along with a number of our Parent and Friends members attended the Mark Mappas Awards Dinner. The evening, hosted by Diocesan Parents and Friends Association, acknowledges the hard work of volunteers from all the Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese. This year our school community nominated Annette and Garry Accornero for their tremendous contribution to the Gilroy community over a number of years. Gary and Annette Accornero were parents at our school from 1993 to 2011. Gary was an active member of the P&F for sixteen years, holding the role of president for a period. He also was Chairman of the School Board. Annette was Treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Both were involved numerous working bees, helped organise fetes, social functions, running of the bar for the Graduation and many other fundraising events.

One of the highlights for me each year is attending the Gilroy Arts Exhibition at Tyto. I am always impressed by the quality of the Expo and artwork presented by our students. This year’s exhibition, titled “The ProcrastinARTors” opened last night and runs until Sunday 5 November. Opening hours are from 10:00am-4:00pm Monday to Sunday. I invite all our community to attend while the Expo is open; I know you will be impressed by the creativity, variety and quality of the work. Thanks to Mrs Pietrobon and all our Senior Art students for their contribution to this year’s exhibition.

By now, all parents of students who are receiving awards at our Awards Night should have received their respective invitations. I also take this opportunity to invite all our parents and carers to this important evening, conducted next Friday 3 November at the Menegon Centre beginning at 6:15pm. I look forward to witness the success, efforts and achievements of our students. Special guests for the evening will be two retiring teachers Mrs Diane Giliberto and Mrs Dianne Leonardi. Collectively, these ladies have contributed over sixty years of service to our college and have been key people in the life and success of Gilroy Santa Maria College.

Today is World Teachers’ Day and I’m sure our school community will agree that we are blessed with the outstanding teachers and staff we have at Gilroy. I believe our students genuinely appreciate the great support our teachers offer both academically and pastorally. “Teachers and staff that care” is a common statement you hear that describes our school.

God Bless

John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal

(Religious Education)

October is World Mission Month and last Sunday was World Mission Day. World Mission Day is celebrated in every country wherever there are Catholics committed to building a better world for all God’s people, a world where every person feels dignified and leads fulfilling lives.

We will be holding a Crazy Sock Day this Tuesday to help raise funds for Mission Month. Students are asked to come in their craziest socks and give a gold coin donation. All fundraising will be donated to Catholic Mission. For more information you can access the website:

O God, you sent your Son into the world as the true light.
Pour out the Spirit he promised
to sow seeds of truth in people’s hearts,
and to awaken in them obedience to the faith,
so, that being born to new life through Baptism,
all may become your one people.
Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

God Bless
Christine Timms

From the Assistant Principal

(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello everyone,

Last week, John Nuttall and I attended a Principal’s Conference in Brisbane where we were provided with some new information about what senior will look like for students starting in 2020. The new ATAR system will transition in with the current Yr 9 cohort. The ATAR is a ranking system for exiting Yr 12 students into universities that the rest of the country is currently using. This system will replace the current OP system. At the Yr 8 information night in Week 2, we started providing parents with some information about how the new ATAR system will work and look at Gilroy College. At the beginning of next year, we will also be having an information night for Yr 9 parents and students as we will continue to develop a much clearer picture of how this system will look and how it will affect these students. It is an exciting time and this change has been well planned and researched by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). Teachers are currently being trained for this new ATAR system by attending professional development days throughout the year which will continue into the new year. As a school we are constantly discussing and planning for this new change to ensure students, parents and our community are well prepared by 2020 when the first cohort of ATAR eligible students will be in Yr 12.

As we near towards the end of the year, we have had several information nights for the Yr 6, 8 and 10 cohorts. Yr 6 students are excited and ready to transition to secondary school, Yr 8 students have now selected their two elective subjects for next year and Yr 10 students have almost all completed their subject selections and parent/student interviews this week. It has been a busy, but very productive start to Term 4.

Next week, Yr 12 students will be given their exam timetable which will commence on Wednesday 8 and conclude on Monday 13 November (Week 6). On Tuesday to Friday of Week 7, Yr 12 students will have their graduation week program alternate to regular classes. On Friday 17th, students will be given their final levels of achievement for all of their subjects which will be used to determine their eligibility for the Queensland Certificate of Education and Senior Certificate, and if they are OP eligible, their OP result. Students will need to ensure they have their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) numbers if they would like to access their OP results online via the QCAA website at the earliest possible time they are released. Students have been reminded of this several times throughout the year. It is a very exciting time for Yr 12 students as they near towards the completion of their secondary education; however, they need to stay focussed right up until the end to ensure they give themselves every opportunity to do their best in their final exams. For the rest of the school, exams will commence on Monday 20 November (Week 8).

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal

(Pastoral Care)

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through the final term of 2017. For the Yr 12’s we are even more advanced and before they know it they will be the next batch of ‘Past Students’ for Gilroy Santa Maria College. Before we get too advanced, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the up and coming awards ceremonies for the College. The first of these is the annual Sports awards ceremony, which will be held next Wednesday the 1st of November at 1:30pm. Sport plays a very big part in our community and our school and we are very excited to celebrate and share the many achievements that have occurred throughout 2017. I would like to welcome all parents to this ceremony; we would love to see you there, as would your children.

The other major award ceremony is the Annual Academic Awards which will be held next Friday evening on the 3 November. The evening will commence with a Meet and Greet at 6:15pm prior to the formal part of the evening. Last year was the very first time that we had a Meet and Greet for our awards night, and from all reports, it was very well received. Just a reminder that there will not be a supper after the Awards. The Awards night itself will commence at 7:00pm and will likely conclude around 9:00pm. This night will be a chance for parents and the wider community to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work that students have displayed throughout the academic year.

I asked a student recently if they were happy with their year and had they put in a lot of hard work throughout the year. The student said that she had put in a lot of work and was excited about the prospect of possibly receiving an award. I then asked how she would feel if she didn’t get nominated for an award and she said that she would be disappointed, especially as she knew how hard she had worked. My advice to her was the following: If you know that you have worked hard and achieved at your best, it really doesn’t matter what others perceive of you. Your opinion is the one that really matters and your determination to keep going while not receiving awards is what you should truly value in your education and your future career. She agreed.

Finally, I wish all students the best of luck on the awards front and I hope that each and every one of you can keep working hard, no matter if you receive an award or not. Good luck!

Blessings
Peter Groundwater

Awards Night

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Friday 3 November is our Awards Night.

The Awards evening will be held at the Menegon Centre at Our Lady of Lourdes starting with a Pre-Awards Meet & Greet at 6:15pm for a 7:00pm start.

All students are asked to wear their dress uniform, including ties and blazers (Yrs 11 and 12).

Special request is for everyone to stay for the duration of the evening and not to leave after receiving their awards.

Regards

John Nuttall
Principal

Selection Criteria for the Major Student Awards

Christian Living Award

This award is for students whose results in Religious Education are commendable and who is outstanding in espousing the College Ethos and Gospel Values in their everyday life and wider school community.

Academic Effort and Industry

This award is for students who are nominated by teachers from each of their classes who they believe have worked to the best of their ability. Students in each year level achieve this award provided they are nominated in at least 75% of their subjects. Only core subjects are considered for Yr 7 and 8.

Academic Excellence Award

This award is received by students who satisfy the following criteria:

Subject Prizes

This award is presented to the top student in the subject for the year level, providing the student has attained a minimum standard of a mid B.

Principal’s Award

A special Academic Award is to be presented in any year level to a student whose aggregate is very close to Dux. This is not automatically given at all year levels.

Dux

Students are awarded Grades from A+ to E for all subjects and results are aggregated. The student with the highest aggregate is awarded Dux.

• Yr 7 - RE, English, Maths, Science, Humanities, HPE, ICT, Italian [core subjects only]
• Yr 8 - RE, English, Maths, Science, Humanities, HPE, ICT, Italian [core subjects only]
• Yr 9 - English, Maths, Science, Humanities, HPE plus Elective subjects
• Yr 10 - English, Maths, Science, Humanities, HPE plus Elective subjects
• Yr 11 and 12 – Students are awarded points equivalent to their level of achievement for all authority subjects entered for Term 3 in Accelerus. The best five subject results are aggregated and the student with the highest aggregate is awarded Dux.

Special Awards

Dues Caritas est Award

Is a Catholic Education Week Award for a student who demonstrates outstanding Christian Leadership by their words and actions, as well as showing a love for God, others and self.

The Spirit to Achieve Award - In memory of Gabriel Debono

"The Spirit to Achieve Award” is in memory of past student and College Captain Gabriel Debono. Awarded to a junior student who demonstrates qualities of enthusiasm, determination, commitment and a strong work ethic.

The Hayden Carey Memorial Award

"The Hayden Carey Memorial Award" is in memory of past student and College Leader Hayden Carey. Awarded to a senior student who demonstrates qualities of enthusiasm, determination, commitment and a strong work ethic.

P & F Community Service Award

This award recognises an individual’s exceptional contribution to the school community, with a high quality of service provided throughout the year. This student volunteer has to have made an impact by going above and beyond their duties and expectations and making a significant difference to the College and or/its reputation.

Caltex Award

Criteria: Presented to a junior student who has strong academic results and active involvement in all areas of College life.

College Board Award

Criteria: Presented to a senior student who has strong academic results and active involvement in all areas of College life.

Sports Awards Assembly

As the Sports Awards Assembly is not too far away, Wednesday 1 November at 2:00pm at the MPH, I am inviting all parents and students to nominate Gilroy students to be acknowledged for a Sporting Achievement involved with School Sport during this year. This may involve you or someone you know, representing North Queensland, Queensland or Australia in a registered sporting event inside or outside of school sport. If you would like to be acknowledged, or you know of someone who should be acknowledged, please see Mr Schifilliti with evidence to support the level of achievement ie Photo's in Rep Uniform, gameplay photos, Official Programmes, Certificate of Achievement etc.

If you have any questions about this process please contact Mr Schifilliti at the Year level Coordinators room, lunch break 1 or 2 during school.

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

Youth Faith Formation

Faith Formation for Yrs 6-8 is on every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 6:00pm -7:30pm at Mercy Hall; supper included. Next meeting is Friday 27 October. This Faith Formation program is a great opportunity for Yrs 6-8 to discover the love of God for each person. Feel free to contact, Sr. Thao by email haofdcc9@hotmail.com.au

St Patrick’s Parish Altar Server Training

On Wednesday 25 October at 3:15pm at St Patrick’s church, there will be a training session for children who are interested in serving at Mass. All children who have completed their Sacraments are eligible. If your child is interested, please contact the Parish office on 47762600.

St Peter's Catholic School Celebrates 90 Yrs

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 Reconciliation, Ingham—6 & 7 November
• First Reconciliation, Halifax—9 November + St Peter’s School 90th Anniversary—18 November
• Charity Golf Day—3 December

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