8 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Bishop’s Visit

Recently Bishop Tim visited Gilroy and met with staff and students.

Back to the 80’s – One Last Time

Transition Program 2017

School Social

Gamers@Gilroy

Friday 27 May saw a record number of gamers turn up for the latest round of computer gaming. Twenty-one gamers turned up with computers, PlayStation, Xboxes and a Nintendo Switch. The original Halo is still as popular as ever with eight players on the Blue and Red teams. This event is growing in popularity and will continue to be run once a term. The gamers are also supporting the local economy by purchasing 21 pizzas from the local Dominos store. The next round will be in Week 3 of Term 3.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

Message from Wilmar

Parents and students – please remember:

• We live in a cane growing region
• Every year at this time, our local mills start up to begin the cane crushing season
• Please be aware that cane trains are now on the move
• A fully-laden cane train weighs about 1000 tonnes, which means they take a long time to stop after brakes are applied
• Please stay safe this crushing season by keeping off cane trains and their bins and staying off cane railway bridges
• Always obey the signs and signals at railway crossings and give way to cane trains!

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

This week our Curriculum Assistant Principal, Mrs Melissa Carr and I along with representatives from the Townsville Catholic Education Office visited Armidale in New South Wales to learn more about how the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance Systems that begin in Queensland schools in 2019 may affect our school organisation and practices. The new Queensland System will mean Yr 12 students have to sit external exams for all their academic subjects (called general subjects). Most Australian states have been sitting external exams for many years where as currently Queensland schools are allowed to use their own internal assessment for all subjects so it will be a significant change.

We visited O’Connor Catholic College, a school in a rural farming community with similarities to ours. Our brief was to look how their external assessment structures impacted on the life of the school. It was really interesting to learn the following:

• Their Yr 12 academic program actually begins in Term 4 of their Yr 11 year. So they study their Yr 12 work in one term in Yr 11 and three terms in Yr 12 with Term 4 of Yr 12 being the term that all external exams are conducted at the same time throughout the whole state.
• Students only come to school for their exams during Term 4, in fact graduation and award ceremonies are conducted in Term 3, but they do have a formal after all the external exams are concluded.
• Their Yr 11 academic program is condensed into the first three terms of the year.
• Students are encouraged to drop a subject when they move from Yr 11 into Yr 12. They generally start studying six subjects but drop back to five subjects for Yr 12. Only the best five subjects are used to calculate an ATAR (the Australian wide tertiary entrance score which Qld is adopting) so their research indicated that students are better to concentrate on five subjects and have more study time rather than do an extra subject “just in case”.

These were just a few points to note in a visit that was really worthwhile. It’s important to note that while these were our observations it doesn’t mean that we will automatically adopt their structures. The new Queensland system while similar to what happens in NSW, does have its differences especially in the timing of assessment and therefore we will have to consider how best our calendar and other organisational considerations can be organised.

It was great to get back to our beautiful weather as it was -2 while we were there.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

Townsville Catholic Education Office Radii Surveys

Dear Parents/Carers

Each year the Townsville Catholic Education Office surveys all their school communities. The survey is conducted by the Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute and will be sent to your email address over the next two weeks. This is an opportunity for parents/carers to contribute feedback to the school and how it is delivering its educational agenda to the student body. The surveys are constructed around the 10 Characteristics of Effective Catholic Schools.

The responses and feedback you supply are an important part of the information we use as school leaders to shape the future direction of the school. This feedback is valuable to myself as principal, all our teaching and non-teaching staff as well as for the Townsville Catholic Education Office. I look forward to your contributions that will help us make our school an even better environment for your children.

Please note the closing date for the survey is Wednesday 12 July.

John Nuttall

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Last Sunday was the Feast of the Pentecost, the birthday of our Church. The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples as a powerful wind from heaven and tongues of fire that settled on their heads. In this instance, they received the courage and grace from the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News of Jesus. For us, we too through confirmation, are given gifts from the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and wonder. Let us remember the gifts that have been bestowed upon us and use these to spread the Good News of Jesus in our time like the disciples in theirs.

Ingham hosted ‘Relay for Life’ recently. As a school, we entered two Yr 12 Teams for the event and it was brilliant to see three other teams nominated by Gilroy students of their own accord. Thank goodness, the rain stayed away and we were fortunate to be able to walk around the grounds dry, albeit a bit cold. Through the efforts of Mrs Amy Squires and the students, our teams raised a little over $1800 to donate to the cause. Thank you to everyone who participated donated and helped with the success of the night.

Relay for Life

God Bless
Christine Timms

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello everyone,

I am writing this week's newsletter article from an aeroplane on my way to Armidale, NSW. Catholic Education are sending Principals and Deputies/Assistant Principals to Catholic Schools in NSW to gain insight and see firsthand, the new ATAR system we will be operating with in 2020 when our current Yr 9 students will be in Yr 12. We hope to bring back with us some more ideas for Gilroy and the Catholic Diocese. We will be visiting ‘like’ schools, meaning the schools we will visit are of a similar size and socio economic status. Students in Yr 9 will have a Careers session on the last day of term where we will be providing information to them on this new system.

In recent weeks Careers Australia, who is delivering our Certificate II Electro-Technology, has gone into administration. This has meant that we have now changed Registered Training Organisations and students will now receive training from TAFE NQ. Training will recommence this Friday in the same way it has been delivered since the beginning of the year. We are working with TAFE to ensure that students receive their certificate qualification by the end of this year, as they originally would have.

The Parent/Student/Teacher interviews conducted in Week 6 went well. As we look towards the end of term, all students should now be preparing themselves for exams starting in a fortnight's time. Exams start on Monday 19 and end on Friday 23 June in Week 10. Please see the exam timetable attached. Students are asked to ensure they check over this exam schedule so that are aware of where and when their exams will be. If your child has any issues with the scheduling of exams, please let me know. All students are required to sit their exams unless they present a medical certificate to the office prior to or on return to school. As per the school's assessment policy exams cannot be conducted beforehand so please ensure your child is at school for all assessment. If your child is absent for any reason please notify the office by 8:30am. Students will receive Semester One Report Cards, which will be mailed home to parents by Friday 21 July (Week 2, Term 3).

Students throughout the school will be undertaking various alternate programs in Week 1 of next term. Please refer to the schedule below for more information. We hope that students enjoy these programs and benefit from them. Students in Yrs 10 and 11 will all be undertaking work experience for two and three days respectively. Whilst some students have been organised in returning their forms there are still quite a few outstanding. To ensure students are able to gain placement where they would like to these forms must be returned as soon as possible to allow our Careers Advisor time to organise these. Some businesses also have time lines that require placement to be finalised months prior. If your child has not yet returned their form, please ensure they do so.

OP students in Yrs 11 and 12 will also be having OP prediction interviews in the first few weeks of next term. All OP eligible students will receive an information letter by the end of the term outlining the procedure for this. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend these interviews if available. These information letters ask parents to sign and return them to the office so we know you are aware these are happening. Both the Careers Advisor and I conduct these interviews and they have proven to be invaluable in preparing students for further studies and in career planning.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about child's academic progress please contact me and we can discuss this.

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Respectful interactions between students and staff is one of the key features that makes Gilroy the school that it is today. Indeed, the manner in which we all interact with each other plays a big role in how we are perceived by our peers and the wider community. Many times in a classroom situation, there are incidents that could have been avoided if only students were able to maintain a level of respect for staff and/or their fellow students. No matter, what the situation and how much we may have strong feelings against another human being, a courteous and respectful interaction will always prove to be the best option and ultimately, the one where confrontation can be avoided. In these times where social media often causes many of us to lose our “filter” for comments that would otherwise have never been raised, it is a great personal skill to be able to work face to face with others and understand that we are all different and have many things going on in our own lives each and every day. Above all, we must also realise that we are not perfect and that sometimes we will unfortunately say the wrong thing. I would suggest to each and every one of us (myself included) that in times like this, the word, “sorry” is a very powerful ally in helping to diffuse any situation and allowing us to rebuild respectful and caring relationships.

June is an absolutely glorious time of the year in Ingham and it is also the time of the year when preparations start to ramp up for the school’s Confraternity and QISSN campaigns. The training has increased, games have been played, the players are battling through injury, and the coaches are experiencing the pressure of yet another gruelling campaign. Yet, despite all of these barriers, this weeklong campaign is sure to be one of the highlights of the year for all who will be attending. On the weekend, I was writing an email to our accommodation venue in Brisbane reminding them that we were coming, as well as letting them know that our students were a very respectful and well-behaved group of young men and women. I also pointed out to them that we had been doing this Confro/QISSN thing for a long time now and were very aware of what was required when staying at accommodation.

All up, we have been attending Confraternity since 1996, while QISSN has been a part of Gilroy’s Netball culture since 2004. The longevity of these two sports as touring teams has been one of the features of Gilroy Sport and is something that many athletes throughout Gilroy have aspired to as they journey through their schooling life. While the first Confraternity Team may have been lacking in footballing ability, they ventured into a sporting landscape that has laid the pathway for some of the best rugby league players in our district, in the state league and in the NRL. Similarly, the QISSN girls have maintained a proud history in ensuring that they give of their all and punch well above their weight in terms of the competition that they take on and they manner in which they play the game. I wish both teams all the best for their tours and I know that they will do themselves and their school proud.

God Bless
Peter Groundwater

Parenting Ideas – Building Self Esteem Away from the Screens

Sports News

Cross Country

On Tuesday 23 May, twenty-two of our very own Gilroy Santa Maria students headed to Bicentennial Park in Townsville to take part in the Northern Secondary Schools Cross Country Trials. All of our students gave an excellent account of themselves on the day with not only their efforts and determination to run their best possible race, but also the excellent behaviour they displayed while representing themselves and our schools. Though all students can be proud of their efforts on the day, a special mention must go to both Kimo Srb (16 Yrs Boys) and Harry Reinaudo (17 Yrs & Open Boys) for finishing in the top 6 in their age group and earning selection in the Northern Secondary Schools Cross Country Team to participate in the Queensland Secondary Schools Cross Country Trials to be held later on in the year. Congratulations Kimo and Harry.

Northern Region Under 15 Soccer trials

Last Tuesday, boys and girls were involved in the Northern Region Secondary Schools Under 15 Soccer Trials. These trials were held at Brolga Park in Townsville and while all students that played in these trials toiled hard, two players were particularly outstanding on the day. Nashe Mangoyana and Nicholas Stokes. Both were selected to represent the Northern Region Under 15 Boys Soccer Team at the Queensland Secondary Schools Under 15 Soccer Trials to be held in July. Well done Nashe and Nicholas.

Under 15 Rugby League

In an effort by all three local high schools that make up Herbert River Secondary School Sport Association to promote after school sport in our district, Wednesday saw a 3 team Round Robin Under 15 Rugby League competition hosted by Gilroy Santa Maria College. As most of Term 1 sports is dominated by Open Age Trials and sporting events, the decision was made to organise an after school-sporting event to cater for our 15 Yrs Age Group. The afternoon was a success, with Gilroy losing the first game to Abergowrie 32 – 10, before bouncing back for an emphatic 36 – 4 victory over Ingham State High School. Aramai Cassady was Man of the Match for the game against Abergowrie with some punishing defence whilst Ethan Hillyard displayed some blistering speed to score two long range tries to earn Man of the Match in the game against Ingham State High School. Other key players over both games include Regan Adams, Kobe Stanford and Cian Mendiolea in the forwards while Andrew Finocchiaro led by example as team Captain. All Gilroy Under 15 Rugby League players played these games in a positive spirit, with some players even helping other schools to fill their teams. Well done to all the boys for making this after school sporting event a success and from this hopefully more similar events can be organised later this year.

Under 13 & 15 Six-a-Side-Soccer

In following on with the theme of promoting after school sport in our district. Gilroy teams spanning across both the boys and girls Under 13 and Under 15 age groups are currently involved in a Six-a-Side soccer tournament. This is to be held on Monday 5 and 12 June at the Ingham Football Club Grounds (Fairford Road) starting at 3:30pm and 4:45pm. Below is the draw for each team competing in this tournament.

Six-A-Side Football

We wish all our six-a-side soccer players the best of luck and invite parents and friends to head on down to Ingham Football Club on Fairford Road to support and encourage our younger Gilroy Students. See you there!

Confraternity

On Wednesday of Week 6 of this term, the Gilroy Open Rugby League Team played against Ryan Catholic College in Townsville. Gilroy displayed a match-improved effort to eventually be beaten 28-10 by Ryan Catholic College. Our boys showed a lot more resolve in defence through the middle of the field, with handling errors gifting the Ryan team possession in good field position to attack on many occasions. Tristan Clark was Man of the Match for his strong carries of the football though he was well supported by Regan Adams and Wes Gangemi throughout the match. Gilroy now moves on to preparing for their defence of the Brothers Cup which will be held at Ingham Brothers Community Club ( Townsville Road) this Friday Night starting at 5:30pm . Parents or students are encouraged to get themselves to the game to watch and support our students and to enjoy what should be a great game of Rugby League.

Inter-House Athletics Carnival

With our Inter-House Athletics Carnival to be held Thursday and Friday the 4 & 5 August (Week 4, Term 3) Our Gilroy Santa Maria students should start training for pre carnival events to be held over the next 3 weeks before the end of Term 2. Pre carnival events such as the 400m,800m and 1500m running are held during HPE subject time and lunch breaks to allow enough time for all other athletic events to run on the days set aside for our Inter-House Athletics Carnival. Nominations for all athletic events will take place during Whole School Assembly this week. This Thursday, second break on the oval, will see our first Inter-House Pre Carnival event with the 16 Yrs and Open Age Girls competing in the 400m. Below is a timetable of upcoming pre carnival events over the next week.

Ian Schifilliti

Netball News

The 2017 Open Gilroy Santa Maria College Netball Team has been training hard, strengthening combinations, getting ready to participate in the upcoming QISSN Netball Carnival and Vicki Wilson Cup.

QISSN

This year the QISSN Cup will be held in Brisbane from the 25 -30 June, competing against teams from all over the state. The girls are hoping to go back to back, as GSM were 2016 Division 6 Winners.

Vicki Wilson

The Vicki Wilson Cup has also commenced with the extended team going down in game 1 in a hard fort battle against Ingham State High School. Two games remain and will be held on Wednesday 7 June at Lourdes Menegon Hall and the final game at the Herbert River Netball Association 14 June.

We would greatly appreciate if you could come and support the team on those dates.

Netball Representatives

Congratulations goes to Emma Castles who represented North Queensland in the Opens Division recently. Also to Jessica McFayden who has gained selection in the Under 12’s NQ Team and Rachel Morelli who was shadow for the Under 15’s.

Meagan Castellaro

Careers

Yr 10 and 11 Students - Work Experience in Week 1 of Term 3

Update - The majority of agreements have now been sent home with students for signing. There are still some agreements to be created, and some students who are yet to submit their initial application form.

New application forms are available for both Yr 10 and Yr 11 students in the foyer of Student Reception.

If your student is having difficulty in approaching a business or organisation to undertake work experience, please contact me directly at the College, or email ndouglas1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au.

JCU Experience Day 2017 - Yr 12 Students

JCU is hosting an Experience Day for Yr 12 students, and the College is attending on Tuesday 11 July. Permission forms will be issued shortly and your cooperation in returning those forms ahead of block exams is greatly appreciated.

Yr 11 And 12 Weekly Work Placement in Term 3

There are only two more work placement Fridays for this term and arrangements for placements for Term 3 need to be confirmed now so that agreements have time to be generated.

Placement application forms are available from outside the Careers Room, on the Yr 11 and 12 classroom page, and also on the Gilroy Santa Maria College website under the Student tab, then in Vocational Information.

Our Yr 12 student, Mark, is currently undertaking Friday work placement with Ingham Toyota.

Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook

Students in Yrs 9 – 12 attended the Tyto Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook recently, to learn more about their employment and training options in the district and surrounds. Mayor Jayo and the Council CEO were on hand to meet the students and answer 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

Upcoming Events

• Feast of St Anthony, Bemerside, Sunday 11 June

Not long to go now!! Sunday 11 June is the 90th year we will be Celebrating the Feast of St Anthony in Bemerside. Mass will be starting at 11:00am, Street Procession at 2:30pm, Fireworks at 7:00pm. Great range of food to eat including our famous St Anthony fish. Live entertainment from lunchtime and free jumping castle for the little ones.

• 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

The Catholic Diocese of Townsville's Indigenous Catholic Council 2017 Reconciliation Dinner

Ingham Arts Festival

Nominations will close on Friday 16 June. The committee will be taking nominations on Friday 16 June at Conroy Hall from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 17 June from 8:00am to Midday. Preliminary Program are available at Ingham Newsagency in Lannercost Street.

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