1 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Compass

Meet and Greet

Welcoming our new Yr 7’s

Our Yr 7 students enjoyed their first week at Gilroy. Yr 7’s were also visited by Father Damian. Father introduced himself to our new students and explained his role in the Parish.

Immunisation Program

In 2018, Queensland Health is once again providing free vaccinations for all Yr 7 and Yr 10 students, as part of Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. All Yr 7 students are being offered free vaccinations as recommended on the National Immunisation Program to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough). Yr 7’s immunisations will take place 9 March and 14 September 2018.

Yr 10 will receive their Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination on 8 March 2018.

The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children have breakfast on the morning of vaccination.

A consent pack was given to your child to bring home last week. Please read the information booklet carefully, sign the consent card and return the consent card to the school by 16 February.

For more information, please contact Jane Bortolanza (School Immunisation Coordinator) 47203078

Oral Health Education 2018

‘Engaging Communities in Oral Health’ is a project which aims to work with people of the Ingham community to help identify what is important in terms of their oral health needs.

‘The lift the lip screening’ involves qualified health professionals asking your Yr 7 child to lift their lip to look at their teeth and gums. If treatment is needed a letter will be sent home advising of the referral process. Screening will take place for Yr 7’s at Gilroy on the same day as the second immunisation on 14 September 2018.

Forms were sent home attached to the Immunisation Program and should be sent back to school by 16 February 2018.

Yr 7 & Yr 8 Debating

During Term 1, Gilroy will be fielding teams to represent the college in the Townsville Inter School Debating Competition.

Debating is the art of arguing a proposition and persuading an adjudicator. Topics usually come out near the middle of the term and debating often take place in Week 7.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all our College community back for the 2018 School Year. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and a great start to the year. I also take this opportunity to welcome all our new families to our school. We have over 290 enrolments this year, an increase of over 15 students from 2016. We are confident they will enjoy Gilroy and I know our existing students will warmly embrace them and support them.

We welcome our new staff to our college. Ms Sharon Duffy joins our Maths Department and Mrs Heidi Cianciullo our Humanities Department, Ms Danielle Mastrippolito takes the role in our Hospitality area, Mrs Laura Davis replaces Sarah Dunn in Learning Enrichment while on maternity leave. Mr Jonathan Sargent joins us from Tannum Sands and joins our Digital Technologies team. Finally, welcome to Ms Ashley Spina who joins our Careers Team after working at St Teresa’s Abergowrie for several years. We also welcome back Mr David Price and family after enjoying a wonderful teacher exchange experience in Colorado, USA.

This year promises to be another great year with many activities and projects planned which will continue to provide great educational opportunities for our students. One such project is the refurbishment and enclosure of the MPH. Construction will begin at the end of this term and will be completed by the end of Term 3.

Another exciting building project we are applying for this year is the demolition of M Block and the subsequent construction of a new library, new hospitality centre and new classrooms. It’s an exciting project, has the full support of the Catholic Education Office and if the application is successful will ensure the school has modern building and facilities for many years to come.

A highlight over the Christmas break were the results that our 2017 Yr 12’s achieved. We had two students who achieved OP 3 and another student who gained an OP 5. Altogether we had 86% of students who received an OP from 1-15, which is an outstanding result. The Townsville Catholic Education Office sets our Catholic secondary schools two important targets. The goals are that 85% students gain an OP 1-15 and that all senior students receive a Queensland Certificate of Education. We are proud to say that our 2017 seniors continued our great tradition of achieving these two targets. This is the fourth consecutive year we have achieved these two milestones. It is testament to the excellent teaching, support and subject offerings available at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

I’m pleased to report that school has started smoothly, highlighted by a beautiful Induction Mass yesterday. It was very well attended, with the music and singing a feature of what was a special way to formally start our school year and induct the Seniors of 2018.

Today we have our Interhouse Swimming Carnival, it will be great if the whole community rallied behind this event and it be well attended. We aim to foster an active lifestyle among our students where participation and having a go is the norm. The day is designed for swimmers of all ability with novelties, free swimming time complementing the formal swimming events.

A reminder to all parents/carers that we are very committed to supporting your child in every way we can, so please come and see me or your child’s teachers if you have any concerns.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

It was wonderful to see everyone back after the Christmas break. It was especially delightful to watch all the eager and excited Yr 7 students enter the gates as new secondary students. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new families to the college. We are very proud of our school and hope that you enjoy your time at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

This year we are celebrating the Year of the Youth. It was opened at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Sydney last year. Some of our students celebrated this event with around 15 000 of our young people from around Australia. All came back energised by the whole experience and filled with the Holy Spirit. At World Youth Day 2016, Pope Francis called young people and the Church to ‘open new horizons for spreading joy’.

‘My friends, Jesus is the Lord of risk, He is the Lord of the eternal “more”. Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths. To blaze trails that open up new horizons capable of spreading joy, born of God’s love and wells up in your hearts with every act of mercy.’ Pope Francis

In these words, Pope Francis encourages each one of us to take up the challenges that we face in our world, to stand up and make a difference no matter how small and help those around us that our less fortunate. We do this by following Jesus ways and our own hearts, to be the best person we can be each day.

Next week our Yr 12 students are on retreat at Genazzano Lake Tinaroo. It is always a busy time of the year.

Lord Jesus,
Your Church turns her attention to us, all the young people of the world.
We pray that we might boldly take charge of our lives,
Aim for the most beautiful and profound things of life
And always keep our hearts unencumbered.
Keep our hearts open to dreaming great dreams
And make us concerned for the good of others.
Accompanied by wise and generous guides,
Help us to respond to the call you make to each of us
And be aware that you are at our side
As we joyously proclaim you as Lord.
Amen.

God Bless
Christine Timms

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Welcome back everyone to our new school year.

Students and teachers are now settled into their classrooms with their students. It is great to see students back ready to learn. It has also been nice to see all the new Yr 7 student faces. As I walk around the school during lunch times and speak with their classroom teachers, they seem to be settling in well and playing with friends, both old and new. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new families that have joined our college community.

During the first week of school, our Yr 12 students participated in alternate programs. OP students underwent a three-day Queensland Core Skills (QCS) intensive training session where Paul Bevan from Mighty Minds equipped them with skills, techniques and tips in preparation for the QCS test in September. Students also did a practice test which will be sent away and marked so they received individualized feedback on how they went and where they can improve. Students have said that they learnt a lot over these days. These students will continue to prepare for the QCS test on Friday’s in period 4 with various subject teachers. Our vocational students (Non-OP) organised work experience for these three days. These students went to various workplaces to give them experience in what they may like to do when they finish school. All businesses have been sent evaluation forms which students will receive once returned that they can include in their resumes.

As we begin the school year students are being given assessment and work in their subject areas. Students need to ensure that they have all the required writing materials and books for their classes and need to begin revising work and ensuring homework is completed from day one. Included in this newsletter is a list of the Academic Support Program so please ensure students make valuable use of this time.

Subject Changes

If students would like to make any subject changes, please collect a subject change form from Student Reception as soon as possible and once completed, return it to student reception for me to formalise and issue a new timetable. Students are not to change classes/subjects until they have received a new timetable. All subject changes must be finalised by the end of week 3, Term 1. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or via email to ask any questions.

Assessment Planner

The assessment planners for Yrs 7-12 will be given out at year level assembly next Wednesday. They will then become available on compass and included as a link in our next school newsletter. This will contain all information for your child’s assessment throughout Term 1 as well what exams to expect at the end of this term.

God Bless
Melissa Carr

From the Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Welcome to all staff, students and parents for 2018. I am extremely happy to report that the first day of school was a happy and non-eventful day from all fronts. I spent much of the day meeting with new and old students and it was great to hear their stories from the holidays. If their holidays were anything like mine, it would have been a real struggle to have to think about coming back to school. While it may have been a struggle for some, the new crop of Yr 7’s were jumping out of their skins to get to school and experience their very first day in a secondary school setting. In my travels I was able to survey two random Yr 7 students (one of whom looked remarkably like my daughter) who reported that the day was a 10 out of 10 experience.

As has been the case in past years, Term 1 is shaping up to be another very busy start to the year. The first event that we experienced was the Induction Mass and Photo day held today. Friday will be the staging of our Annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival. In 2018, McAuley and O’Meara houses are looking to turn the tables on last year’s winners Rice. We encourage all students (swimmers & non-swimmers) to be part of this fun and exciting event. Please encourage and support your child to attend, as this day goes a long way to building college spirit and collegiality amongst all students.

Throughout this year, we will once again be revisiting our aims of instilling a growth mindset within our students. In anticipation of this year’s education program, The Unleashing Personal Potential team have been sharing some interesting reading on what it takes to develop and maintain a Growth Mindset. The latest research has revealed that there are six pre-conditions that increase our wellbeing and our ability to do well and feel good. These pre-conditions include:

• Positive Emotions: where we experience good feelings like happiness, peace and joy.
• Engagement: being fully involved in a task and living with interest and curiosity.
• Relationships: having solid relationships with self and others. Feeling loved and connected.
• Meaning: having a purpose in life, feeling that our lives are worthwhile and serving a cause greater than ourselves.
• Accomplishment: striving for and achieving things that really matter to us.
• Health: establishing habits that increase physical and psychological health.

As you can see, these headings are areas in our lives that we should all aspire to develop as members of a Catholic community. As the year progresses I will endeavour to share more data, as well as tips and suggestions on how to develop and grow these conditions in your children.

Finally, Week 3 will be the first of our annual year level camps and retreats. In a gruelling three days of over-eating and relaxation, the Yr 12’s will be “roughing” it in the beautiful and tranquil surrounds of Camp Genazzano at Tinaroo. As per usual, I have taken a bullet for the team and will be begrudgingly attending the camp. I have no doubt it will be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for all students and staff.

Blessings
Peter Groundwater

Careers

Ingham Parents & Teachers Defence Careers Night

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Date: 20 February 2018
Location: TYTO Information and Wetlands Centre - Cooper Street & Bruce Highway, Ingham
RSVP: cpttownsville@dfr.com.au

As the name suggests, this event is valuable to not just the teachers who advise students on careers but to parents seeking the correct information to adequately support and guide their children as they transition out of high school.

Parents and guardians of students in Yrs 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend the Parents & Teachers Defence Careers Night.

Information about the recruitment process, education requirements and fitness standards will be covered as well as sought-after information on the Australian Defence Force Academy (the ADF’s university offering through the University of New South Wales), ADF Gap Year and trade roles.

Defence Force Recruiting representatives from the Navy, Army or Air Force will be conducting the event. These will be the military members who will also assist your students through their application, so are valuable points of contact for the year.

Apprenticeship Sign Ups

The holidays began with the excitement of an apprenticeship sign up for Ben Pappin, as he commenced his Certificate III in Agriculture with Lenzo Farming. Ben will be combining work with his school studies, as well as learning with the Australian Agricultural College.

Abbie Furber also had a busy start to her holidays, signing up for a traineeship with Galipo's Midtown Meats. Abbie is studying for her Certificate III in Business through First Impression Resources.

We wish them both every success in combining their schooling with their apprenticeship and traineeship.

Nancy Douglas

CAREERS Term 1

We would like to sincerely thank the following businesses that hosted our Yr 12 students for their work placement block on 23 - 25 January. We thank them for their active involvement in our Work Experience Program. The opportunity these businesses have provided for our students is appreciated by both students and the College.

Our Yr 11’s will soon be commencing their Friday work placements on February 9. While our Yr 12’s will commence their Friday work placements on February 16. All agreements should be signed and handed in by now.

Term 1 Dates for work placement are:

Health Careers Program – Townsville Hospital Work Experience Applications

The Townsville Hospital are offering 4 days of Work Experience as part of their program for this year.

Students are required to submit an application - Please see Miss Spina in the Careers office for application forms.

All applications are first reviewed by the school before being sent to the hospital to continue their application process. This will allow us to assess each student separately and make alternate arrangements for exams if need be.

DATES

The 1 - day program will be offered on the following dates:

• Term 1 Friday 23rd March (Please note: some dates are in Exam Week) - Applications close Friday 2nd March 2018
• Term 2 Tuesday 19th June - Applications close Friday 1st May 2018
• Term 3 Tuesday 28th August - Applications close Friday 10th August 2018
• Term 4 Tuesday 16th October - Applications close Friday 28th September 2018

Please see Miss Spina in the Careers office (aspina1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au) if you have any questions, or to collect application forms.

Ashley Spina

Sports News

Gilroy Santa Maria Interhouse Swimming Carnival

The annual inter-house swimming carnival will be held today, Friday 2 February at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. All students are to be dropped off to this location where a roll will be taken.

This is a compulsory school day. Therefore, all students are expected to attend, even if they are not competing.

Students are encouraged to wear their house colours, but no spray paint or coloured zinc is allowed to be worn.

Food and drink will be available to be purchased on the day.

May the best house WIN!

Checklist of things to bring:

• Sun safe clothing (including hats, shirts, sunscreen and sunglasses)
• Swimmers
• Goggles
• Towel
• Change of clothes

Key sporting dates TERM 1

** Venues TBA through morning notices / notes to be distributed **

Meagan Castellaro

Academic Support

Indigenous Homework Support

Tuckshop News

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!

Tuckshop Volunteers are only needed to work from 8:30am to 12:00pm.

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

World Day of Prayer 2018

On 2 March 2018, the Ingham District Uniting Churches is hosting the Annual World Day of Prayer. This time of prayer is open to all in the community— men, women and students—and we will be praying for the people of Suriname in northern South America this year. World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer event which is held on, or near, the first Friday of March each year, all around the world, and each year a different country prepares the services, highlighting their culture, joys and problems. The service commences at 9.30am on Friday 2 March and all are welcome. Morning tea will be served after the service in the hall next door to the Uniting Church. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of Suriname as we pray for this country and its needs.

Senior Adult Ministry Update

Two exciting programmes commencing shortly. Befrienders Programme—volunteers visiting housebound people in our community as well as nursing homes. Free bus transport to Sunday Mass (10.00am at Canossa) - possibly monthly—followed by a shared cuppa with the Sisters and other residents. If you know of someone who may welcome a regular visitor or wish to attend Mass, obviously permission will need to be obtained so have a chat with them and then advise the Parish Centre of their name, address and phone number.

Lent

Christmas may still be in the rear-view mirror, but Lent is just around the corner. Ash Wednesday is 14 February. Now is the time to start thinking of how you will make this Lenten Season a time for personal renewal.

Upcoming Events

• Anointing Mass Canossa 5/2, 9.30am
• Abergowrie Induction Mass 6/2, 9.00am
• Ash Wednesday 14/2
• St Peter’s Induction Mass 23/2, 8.45am

For a Laugh! And The Lord Separated His Paper From His Plastics… My sister-in-law was teaching Sunday school class. The topic for the day: Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ. “What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.” One boy blurted, “Recycle!”

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

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