25 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Transition Program 2017

School Social

Gamers@Gilroy

Gamers@Gilroy is on again this Saturday evening 27 May in M7.  The evening will run from 4:00pm to 11:00pm. Cost is $10 which includes a $5 pizza from Dominos. Other drinks and snacks will be available on the night. Console gamers are welcome to attend.  Gamers must be responsible for organising and looking after their own equipment.  Any queries see Mr Matthews.

Relay for Life

Thank you to all students who have helped fundraise for Relay for Life. We have raised $1800 so far - hopefully we can make the $2000 mark after all raffle books and money are counted. Please remember to bring your raffle books back as soon as possible. We look forward to a great night on Saturday!

Gruelling Games

Musical

What a week of energy!

As soon as the students at Gilroy Santa Maria College stepped onto the stage Thursday 18 May for their matinee performance of Back to the 80’s, it was evident that it was going to be two successful days of 80’s daggy jokes and greatest hits from the era.

At the start of the show, the audience first noticed the radical costumes that appeared to be taken straight from the student’s parent’s wardrobes. Special mention needs to go to Brenda Oats who was responsible for sourcing and creating all of the spectacular costumes that featured throughout the production. I am sure all that saw the show will have Huey’s Michael Jackson glove, Feargal’s high denim pants and the female cast member’s prom dresses forever ingrained in their minds.

A big thank you needs to go out to Sandra La Rosa and her Hair and Beauty girls that did a great job with all the hair and makeup for the show. All the students enjoyed their transformations, apart from the countless hours returning their hair to their natural style after the show.

The cast did a great job with putting all three performance audiences in stiches of laugher from their jokes and entertaining them to the point that they were dancing in their seats as they sung along to all the songs that featured. From their energy, it was clear that it was not just the audience that were having the time of their lives.

A big 80’s shout out must go to Vera Di Bella and all members of the band who were responsible for the vast sound that filled the Kelly Theatre. This mighty band of nine had the crowd engaged throughout the whole show through the atmosphere that they created. These songs were paired with the radical dance moves created by Chantal Bullock who showed them their true potential.

In all, the entire Back to the 80’s cast and crew should give themselves a massive pat on their backs for all their efforts, not just during show week, but for their efforts over the past months leading up to the show. You should be very proud!

Linley Cerqui

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Wow, what a week we had with our Back to the 80’s Musical and Gruelling Games being such successful events.

It was just fantastic to see the musical come together. There were some doubts along the way with hurdles to overcome but the adage of “It’ll be alright on the night” rang true and it turned out being a really entertaining show for everyone who attended.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. Christine Stephenson was responsible for the backdrops, the program and promotional material. Brenda Oats designed, collected and made many of the costumes. Our hair and makeup team led by Sandra La Rosa did a fantastic job. One of the features of the musical was the great dancing. Chantal Bullock was responsible in bringing out the best of our talented dance troupe. The music in show was awesome and the band really brought these great songs to life. Vera di Bella coordinated the band and did such a wonderful job in organising everything musical.

Like every musical, it takes a director/producer/counsellor/motivator to pull the show together. Our drama teacher Linley Cerqui did an absolutely incredible job in her second year at Gilroy and in only her third year of teaching. As I mentioned previously, Linley has made this her life for the last eight months. In doing so, she took everything in her stride and remained resilient and positive along the way. It was great to see the rapport that the cast and crew have for Linley and how appreciative they were.

Last but not least, I want to acknowledge and congratulate the cast. The performances over the two days were the culmination of a journey. Over time, we have seen them slowly break the shackles of shyness and self-doubt to put on a really warm and entertaining evening. It takes courage to perform publically and I know the school community are really proud of your efforts. I do hope the younger ones in our cast stay enthused for the next musical in 2019. I’m sure they would have inspired some others in the audience with their obvious enjoyment. It is great that we have such events as musicals as they give an opportunity for children of all interests and talents to shine.

Hot on the heels of our musical was our Gruelling Games on Saturday afternoon. It dawned a beautiful day and the event lived up to it. While nominations were a little down from last year, the event went on without a hitch and it was obvious that those who participated were thoroughly enjoying the muddy experience. We had a great number of helpers from parents, staff and students, which greatly contributed to the spirit and community building success of the day. A huge thanks to Chris and Tracey Castles whose passion for these type of events is the reason it is so successful and unique. Thanks also to everyone who contributed to the organisation, setting up and running of the day, especially our P&F Committee.

Finally, but not least, we had the pleasure of welcoming Bishop Tim Harris to our school last Tuesday. This was Bishop Tim’s first visit to Gilroy so we took him for a tour of the school escorted by our school leaders; he had lunch with the staff then visited our Yr 7 classes. He presents as a very humble and down to earth person who I’m sure will do great things for our Diocese. We hope to see him many times in the future.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

We were very fortunate to have Bishop Tim visit our school on Tuesday between Confirmation Liturgies and masses in the parish. It was wonderful to listen to him speak to our Yr 7 group and tell of his initial experiences as Bishop of our Diocese. Bishop Tim mentioned on numerous occasions that he said ‘YES’ to the call to be bishop, praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Much like Mary’s response to God to be the mother of Jesus, something we all can do. We look forward to Bishop Tim’s continued involvement in our school and diocese and wish him all the best in his journey as bishop.

This week we celebrate the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. As history tells, no priests were sent to the new colony early on so it was praying of the Rosary that largely kept the faith alive in catholic communities across Australia. Australia was also the first country to choose her under the title of ‘Mary Help of Christians’ as principle patroness.

Thank you to everyone who completed the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Survey over the past couple of weeks. We truly appreciate and value your contribution to the development of our school community. Congratulations to Kylie Girgenti who won the $200 gift voucher from Woolworths for attending our survey evening.

Real Talk

Paul Ninnes is the Managing Director of Real Talk Australia. He has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, postgraduate qualifications in Sexual Health and is currently completing postgraduate studies in Theology (Family and Marriage)

For more than a decade Paul has been working in youth ministry and his talks focus on relationships and personal identity from a Christian perspective.

He is married to Emma and they have two beautiful daughters. Paul uses his powerful life story and builds on his 10 years’ youth ministry experience to present a life-changing message on a variety of topics to more than 10,000 young people each year. Since Paul became managing director, Real Talk has been welcomed into more than 20 Dioceses, providing over 200 presentations to more than 15,000 young people in Australia and New Zealand. Real Talk has also reached more than 30,000 people digitally.

God Bless
Christine Timms

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello everyone,

Last week was a busy and successful week. We had our school Musical on Thursday and Friday, with Friday’s performance sold out! The ‘Back to the 80s’ musical was great to watch and a credit to all the staff and students who dedicated their time to making this so enjoyable to go and see. Students really embraced their characters and gave us many laughs. My daughter, who is sixteen months old, absolutely loved all the songs! Yelling out ‘more’ when they finished. I would like to particularly thank Linley Cerqui, Chantal Bullock and Vera Di Bella for their time and commitment needed to make this such a successful production.

Wednesday night was our Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews. It was great to see so many parents and students coming in to meet with their teachers. There were some meaningful conversations had, those of commendation and discussions on improvements as well. I hope that our students use the feedback and advice received from their teachers to make any necessary improvements over the next month, prior to their exams between Monday 19 – Friday 23 June in Week 10. Coming up in this exam block will be career sessions for Yr 9 and 10 students. These will provide invaluable opportunities.

As we approach closer to exams, students should be well underway with assessment and study. The exam timetable for Term 2 will be released in our next newsletter. I hope that students are taking advantage of Gilroy’s Academic Support Program offered in the library both at second lunch and after school at 3:00pm. I have been hearing excellent reports from our teachers in regards to students’ attitudes and effort towards their studies and hope this transpires into well-deserved achievements in their report cards. If you have any concerns regarding your child/children’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact their class teacher/pastoral care coordinator or myself to discuss how we can help to alleviate any issues.

Exam dates for Term 2 –

Week 10

• Start – Monday 19 June
• Finish – Friday 23 June

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

I am sure there will be a lot said about the recent “Back to the 80’s” School Musical, but may I just add that I was thoroughly entertained by the students’ performances and congratulate Ms Cerqui and the entire organising team on their wonderful efforts. To be able to organise a rabble of mismatched students of varying degrees of raw talent and then be able to turn them into a group of coordinated and entertaining performers is something that they should be very proud of. I congratulate each and every cast member on their ability to persevere and endure the many practice days; the countless hours it took in their own time to remember their lines and their dance moves and to eventually see the production through to its final performance on Friday evening. Can’t wait for the sequel … maybe “Back to the 70’s”?

Plans are well underway in organising the Annual Yr 10 Camp. In something new, this year’s crew will be heading up to the site of the Old Abergowrie College dairy, overlooking the picturesque river flats of Abergowrie. The campsite is a beautiful spot to experience this year’s retreat which will revolve around the theme of ‘Building Community’ where students can explore how their personal identity has been constructed in relation to their individual circumstances and their engagement with others in the world around them. Students also gain an understanding of how their personal identity can be strengthened by building a relationship with God and with fellow community members. While it all may sound very intense, students should rest assured that this process will be facilitated in a manner that they will be very comfortable to engage with. Other notable inclusions for the camp will be a ‘My Kitchen Rules’ house competition for one of our evening meals, as well as a much anticipated Laser Skirmish event.

Finally, congratulations to the College’s P & F Association on the Gruelling Games. The event was extremely well run and a big thank must go out to Chris and Tracey Castles for their ongoing expertise in running the physical side of the event. Thank you also to the many parents and other volunteers who ensured that the event was staged in the safest possible manner. While numbers were affected by the running of many other events over the weekend, there was still a great number of competitors in attendance and from the photos and the video that I have seen; it looks as if everyone had an absolutely fantastic time out on the course. Thanks also to Abergowrie and Columba College’s on sending their students to the games. They were all amazed by what was on offer and all have indicated that they will definitely be back again next year.

God Bless
Peter Groundwater

Careers

CQUniversity

Are you interested in going to University after Yr 12?

Would you like to know more about your study options?

Make sure you pay a visit to the CQUniversity stall at the upcoming “Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook” Expo on May 31!

CQUniversity staff will be on hand to answer any and all of your questions about studying on campus or online, our increasingly popular Start Uni Now (SUN) program as well as our bridging course for those looking to return to study or who haven’t met entry requirements.

CQUniversity offers a number of courses on campus in Townsville including Paramedic Science, Nursing, IT, Education, Psychology and Business.

To find out more information visit below or visit us at the Careers Expo!

Holiday Work Experience Form Submission Date

Applications for the June/July 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 June/July holiday work experience forms to be submitted is Friday 2 June 2017.

Please be aware that Wilmar Sugar does not accept work experience requests from Yr 12’s for the September holidays. If you are in Yr 12 and would like to undertake holiday work experience with Wilmar Sugar, then the June/July holidays are your last opportunity, and you should submit your form promptly.

Nancy Douglas

Football News

2017 North Queensland Futsal Competition

This year, boys and girls from Yr 7 to 11 competed in the NQ Futsal Competition; a 5-aside competition held in Townsville against other competing schools. Teams of very enthusiastic students travelled to Townsville on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 May and reports from each day were positive.

On Thursday, our U16 Girls’ Team made it through to the final but unfortunately did not come away with the win. On Friday, the U15 and U16 Boys’ Teams travelled down. Both teams of boys played well, with the U16 Team also making it to the final but also missing the win.

All of the students should be congratulated on their efforts for the day, both on the court and off.

A special thank you goes to Mr Dezolt and Mr Wardell for taking time out of their days to travel with the students and supervise.

Monique Martino

GSM Cup

Academic Support

Indigenous Homework Support

Tuckshop News

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!

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

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

Upcoming Events

• Walk of Witness for Christian Unity, 4 June
• Feast of St Anthony, Bemerside, Sunday 11 June
• Corpus Christi Procession, Sunday 18 June
• Women’s Group Spring Afternoon Tea 10 Sept

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

Ingham Arts Festival

Nominations will close on Friday 16 June. The committee will be taking nominations on Friday 16 June at Conroy Hall from 8am to 5pm and Saturday 17 June from 8am to Midday. Preliminary Program are available at Ingham Newsagency in Lannercost Street.

Ingham Music Teachers & Friends – Twilight Concert

Twilight Concert, which is being held on Monday 5th June, 6.30-8pm. The proceeds of the Concert will be donated to Emily Stokes Medical Fund.

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