9 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Deus Caritas Award

Congratulations Emma Panzenbock on receiving the Townsville Catholic Education’s Deus Caritas Award.

Design Technology

Testing planes the students designed at the end of their Aviation Unit in Design Technology.

Matthew Schrodter

Debating

GSM’s Yr 7 / 8 Debating Team (Katie Groundwater, Belle Bourke and Lizzy Price) has entered the quarter finals of the Townsville Interschool Debating Competition recently. They successfully argued that “Celebrities are not bad role models.”

Of a starting field of some 23 teams, Gilroy is now in a small pool of six teams vying for a place in the final four. Students from Townsville Grammar, The Cathedral School, St Margaret Mary’s and Ryan Catholic College also remain in the pool.

Gilroy has not progressed to the quarter finals in debating since 2014. To date, Gilroy is the only small school competing in the local debating competition. Well done girls.

David Price

Youth Mass

Missionaries of the Poor – Australian Italian Festival

On the weekend many of our Mission Trip students and their families kindly volunteered their time to help with the Italian Festival clean-up. It was a massive undertaking and I would like to thank all the volunteers for their support and hard work. It wasn’t all work though as we did have a bit of fun throughout the afternoon trying to climb the slippery pole.

Christine Timms

Australian Italian Festival – Volunteers – Signors & Signorinas

When you look at the reasons why volunteering is important, it’s not only about the impacts we can make, but the role it can play in making us more tolerant individuals and giving towards the global community. Congratulations to the following students for volunteering their time over the weekend at the Australian Italian Festival as a Signor or Signorina:

Rachel Torrisi, Olivia & Georgia Biviano, Robert Giuliano, Allanis Melvin and Rachel Morelli.

Mulkadee

The 13th Annual Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival saw 30 Gilroy students travel to the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre each day to participate in the annual event. The Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival is the only event of its kind in Australia where students are involved in a week-long artistic program that goes above the school curriculum. These workshops are led by professional instructors in each discipline. The Band was led by Maureen Cameron, String by Antoni Bonetti, Guitar directed by Dr Paul Svoboda, Choir instructed by Rachel Cairns, Dance created by Dancenorth and Drama by the THEATREiNQ. Our students were among the 1000 students that participated this year in the Alice in Wonderland inspired Friday concert. The script was adapted by Terri Brabon from THEATREiNQ and Sandy Neal once again was the Artistic Director for the event. The new format of having all disciplines working together to create an inclusive performance that showcased all student’s abilities. This format was well received by the audience.

All students represented the College well and made the early mornings and last afternoons worthwhile. The excitement that could be felt on the bus each morning by the students ready to engage in another day of being challenged by their instructors verse the tired students that would return to the bus in the afternoon was a testament to the student’s dedication to the event. I am looking forward to 2019 and seeing our students develop their skills even further.

Linley Cerqui
Drama Teacher

Foodies Club

Lunchbox Snack by Lexi Tessieri

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

These carrot cake bliss balls take the flavours of a traditional cake and turns it into a healthy snack! They are sweetened with dates and fruit and rolled in yummy coconut! Substitute rolled oats for gluten free rolled oats for allergies. Omit almond spread with cocoa powder for nut allergies. This recipe is also dairy and egg free.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large carrot, peeled, coarsely grated
• 6 fresh dates, pitted, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped dried pineapple
• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon almond spread (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (40g) desiccated coconut

METHOD

• Step 1

Process carrot, date, pineapple, oats, almond spread, if using, cinnamon and nutmeg in a food processor until almost smooth and well combined.

• Step 2

Roll the mixture into balls. Roll in coconut to coat. Place on a lined tray in fridge for 1 hour or until set. Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 1 week.

Some of our Foodies students with Ms Coyle making Kale Chips and examining marrow bones for our gut health bone broth which we slow cooked for 24 hours.

Home Gardening Tips

By Hayden Di Bella

Herbs:

When it comes to sowing seeds and herbs, such as parsley and garlic chives, they seem to germinate better when sown in a box and given a little shade for the first three weeks. The seed responds well to an even temperature, humidity, and sunlight. When planting herbs, they prefer to be in at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and have enough room for the herb to reach the mature size listed on the label.

Herbs are best used fresh from the garden, but there are times when you may need to preserve them.

There are several ways to preserve your herbs:

• Dry – either air dry by hanging in bunches upside down or you can use the oven on a very low temp. Store them in a cool, dry environment
• Freeze – place on baking paper in the freezer and, when frozen, place in snap-lock bags (this keeps the leaves separated)
• Convert – make them into something tasty with a longer shelf-life; turn your excess basil into pesto or transform dill into a delicious sauce

Ms Mastrippolito & Ms Coyle.

Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Last Wednesday’s Combined Hinchinbrook Schools Mass was a wonderful event to locally celebrate Catholic Education Week. Held at St Patrick’s, the Mass involved students and staff from the four Catholic schools in our district. The Mass itself was beautiful with tremendous energy and spirit in the responses and singing. The Mass featured the Combined Schools Band and Choir led by Mrs Vera DiBella. Fr Damian was our celebrant, linking his sermon to the theme of Catholic Education Week this year being “Discovering New Horizons”. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Mass.

Also, as part of Catholic Education Week a delegation from the school attended the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass and Launch at St Anthony’s Catholic College in Townsville on Tuesday. It was a very enjoyable event and it was great to be a part of it. The highlight for us was seeing Yr 12 student Emma Panzenbock receive her Townsville Catholic Education’s Deus Caritas Award. Every year we nominate a senior student who is committed to Christian living through their involvement in the Church and school community, how they interact and treat others, their commitment to the Gospel Values and their generosity of spirit. Emma embodies all these attributes and this award is greatly deserved.

This Thursday we have visitors from Catholic Education, Principals and Deputies from other Catholic schools who form our Validation Panel. Validation is culmination of a five-year school renewal process whereby we celebrate our success but importantly look at aspects of our school that we can improve. From on-going discussions with staff, students and community groups like our Board, P&F and Community Contact Committee and the data collected from surveys like the Radii survey we have drafted a Strategic Directions and Action Plan from 2018-2023 which we trust will be approved by our Validation Panel. Once this has been endorsed we will publish the final draft to our school community. Our Strategic Directions and Action Plan will form the basis of our planning and improvement agenda for the next five years.

This Friday we conduct our Interhouse Athletics Carnival. It promises to be a great day and an important community building event. The day is planned to encourage maximum participation and the success of this carnival greatly relies on the spirit and attendance of our students. Our student attendance to such events is steadily improving and I hope parents continue to realise the importance of their child being part of all facets school life.

Last week, we conducted an information evening for current Yr 10 parents and students regarding Senior Schooling. Thank you to those who attended, we trust you found the evening beneficial. For parents who were not able to attend the information was emailed and sent home. It is important to note for all Yr 10 Parents there is a follow-up subject Selection Evening on Wednesday 29 August at 6:30pm. Academic Leaders and teachers will be on hand to share information about specific subjects and to answer questions.

A reminder to families that our final Yr 6 Transition Day is being held next week on Thursday 16 August from 8:30am-11:30am.

God Bless
John Nuttall

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello Parents and Students,

Term 3 continues to be a busy and exciting term.

Students returned from Mulkadee in Townsville having thoroughly enjoyed their total immersion in the Arts for a week. This experience is always very valued by all and especially by those who participate.

I trust that students are busily completing assessment tasks and revising for exams. Revision should never be left for the last weeks, it should be constant and consistent throughout the term.

Italian Speaking Competition

This week we will have 4 students attending the Italian Speaking Competition in Townsville. We wish them well and trust that the experience will be invaluable. It certainly isn’t easy to speak in front of others in a different language, so these Yr 7 and 8 students certainly are very brave.

New QCE System

Last Wednesday, the current Yr 10 students and families attended the Information Night on the New QCE System which will begin next year. As this is the new system that Queensland is moving into and all students in junior school will be undertaking, I thought it would be worthwhile informing all families. The Powerpoint presented at the Information Night has now been placed on COMPASS and emailed to all students and parents in Yrs 7 through to 10. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or ask any questions you may have.

Yr 11 and 12 OP Predictions

Nancy Douglas, the Careers Advisor, and I are undertaking OP interviews with Yr 12 students this coming week. These meetings are very beneficial. Discussions about their subject results, strengths and weaknesses and preparations for next year in terms of further study will occur. We have a variety of students undertaking many different pathway options both close to home and away. Students are now in the middle of completing their QTAC applications. It can be a daunting but exciting time for students so guiding them through these next steps is always helpful. Parents are encouraged to attend these meetings. Nancy Douglas is available Tuesday to Thursday to assist any students who would like it to complete their QTAC/UAC applications. Yr 11 OP eligible students will also be interviewed in a similar way.

Yr 6 to 7 Transition Day

The 5th Yr 6 Transition Day will be held on Thursday 16 August. It is always great to see Yr 6 students visiting our school and enjoying the experience.

Athletics Days

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival is being held this week with the Interschool Carnival in 2 weeks time. These are great days as we witness some amazing sporting talent. There will also be plenty of activities and events for the not so sporty.

God Bless
Joan Devietti

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. In this Year of Youth, Pope Francis is encouraging the young people of the world to engage with the Church and God and become active participants in living the gospel of Jesus in their lives. The celebration at St Patrick’s Church was truly wonderful, having representatives from each of our primary and secondary schools present to mark the special occasion. The presence of the combined band, ensemble and choir groups from St Teresa’s College and Gilroy Santa Maria College brought another dimension to Mass with the music and singing being indescribable. Thank you to Mrs Vera Di Bella for her time in preparing this group of talented musicians and singers. Also, thank you to Mrs Tracy Nuttall for the preparation of the Mass. It was beautiful.

We are celebrating Youth Mass this Sunday night at St Patrick’s Church at 7:00 pm. There will be a trivia competition before Mass starting at 5:30pm at Mercy Hall, followed by pizza and softdrink. It is a great way for everyone to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Gilroy and St Teresa’s will also have the band/ensemble and choir there.

The Mission Trip students have started preparations for the trip and are now well into fundraising. Just a reminder that tickets for the Charity Walk are on sale in Student Reception. It is on this Sunday starting at 7:00 am. The cost of the tickets are $20 each including a grand breakfast at the end of the walk. The Mission Trip Afternoon Tea is on Sunday 19 August. Tickets are $10 and on sale in the office. Everyone is welcome for an afternoon of entertainment and great food.

Please continue to pray for the mission group.

God who calls us and who sends us,
as our missionaries prepare for their journey,
we ask that you protect and guide them.
May their minds be open
to the new cultures they will encounter.
May their hands be helpful
and humble in your service.
May their eyes see your presence
in everyone they meet.
Help them to grow in love
for You and for one another,
not only on each day of this journey,
but every day until the end of days.
This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God Bless
Christine Timms

Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

This week was our third instalment of “No Phone Wednesday”. As you may be aware, this is an initiative that we hope will raise awareness that there are more things in life than the love of our phone and all of the distractions that it presents. I have been telling lots of people about my own experience. Last term, to make a positive move away from my own phone habits, I deleted my news app and miraculously I had a lot more spare time in my life. I read two books before and during the holidays and was able to spend a lot more time with family enjoying more of those simple things in life that we often take for granted and don’t appreciate. I cannot stress enough the damaging effects that can occur to any of us if we over-engage on our smart phones and other screen devices. On a more positive note, if we can break away from smart phones we may also be able to experience that awesomeness associated with the world around us. Luke McKenna from the Unleashing personal potential team highlights the importance of being involved with Awe Inspiring activities.

“When we experience something that is awe inspiring for us, we can feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. These times of transcendence are rare moments that lift us above the hustle and bustle of our daily life. In these moments our sense of self fades away, along with our worries and desires and we can feel deeply connected to other people and everything else that exists in the world (Smith, 2017). We can be inspired by a beautiful sunrise, by art or music, witness an act of kindness or be in a state of flow doing what we love. These transcendent experiences can change us. One study had students look up at a tall eucalyptus tree for one minute, afterwards they felt less self-centered, and they even behaved more generously when given the chance to help someone (Smith, 2017). Studies show spending time in nature can provide perspective, reminding us that we are part of a much bigger world (Zhang et al, 2014). Life can make more sense when we have moments of transcendence and we experience a state of peace and wellbeing. “Studies show that people who have meaning in life are more resilient, they do better in school and at work, and they even live longer.” Emily Esfahani Smith”.

As a reminder, remember to turn your phones off after the alarm goes on Wednesday morning and do not engage with it again until the alarm goes off on Thursday morning. It is actually a lot easier than what you think and gives you a lot of strength and resilience in other areas of your life. Remember, “What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger”.

This week is our Annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival. This is a great day for Athletes and non-athletes alike. You may be surprised that I have mentioned non-athletes. No, I am not suggesting that non-athletes turn up as some form of quasi-cheer squad for the more able-bodied individuals of this world. What I always say regarding school sporting days is that these days are not solely created for Athletes. They are in fact days that allow students to develop friendships and bonds that are more involved with the social side of attending school. These days also allow students to see the other side of staff in a more relaxed atmosphere than the pressure-filled walls of a formal classroom. We had a fantastic turnout at last year’s carnival and we are encouraging students to turn up and help support their house in whatever way that they can.

Blessings
Peter Groundwater

Careers

KFC currently have vacancies for after school, weekend and school holidays for interested students at the KFC Ingham restaurant.

There are also School Base Traineeships on offer for the students once they are employed with KFC.

Ashley Spina

From the Business Manager

Term 3 School Fees have been sent by either mail or email. If you have not received them, please contact the office.

Term 3 School Fees are due 24 August 2018

Please complete and return the Parent information form to the School Office if there are any changes in your contact details. These were sent out with your child’s report card.

If you are paying by direct debit, please ensure you include the family code located on your statement.

As always, if for any reason you are finding it difficult to pay school fees. Please contact the Principal or myself to discuss the matter.

BANK DETAILS are as follows:

WESTPAC Ingham
BSB - 034-187
Account Number – 145 925
Name – Gilroy Santa Maria College
Detail – (Family code from statement)

Ros Giuliano

Careers

KFC currently have vacancies for after school, weekend and school holidays for interested students at the KFC Ingham restaurant.

There are also School Base Traineeships on offer for the students once they are employed with KFC.

Ashley Spina

Academic Support

Indigenous Homework Support

Tuckshop News

Parent helpers are needed to work at tuckshop on Athletics Carnival Day. If you can spare some time, please contact Jodi on 0407 904 918.

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 regarding this roster or you are unavailable to attend, please contact Sandra Benedetto Home [4776 5321] Jodie Lino Home [4776 5718]

What’s Happening in the Parish

Upcoming Events

• Charity Walk - 12 August
• Youth Mass—12 August 7:00pm (Gathering for youth at 5:30pm for food and fun)
• Afternoon Tea Fundraiser for MOPS - 19 August
• First Holy Communion - St Patrick's 25 & 26 August; St Peter's 1 September; Canossa 2 September
• Youth Mass—2 September 7:00pm

Father Damian McGrath
Parish Priest
Ingham Region Catholic Parishes

District News

Mission Trip Afternoon Tea

Combined Schools’ Ball

Tickets are available from Student Reception. Please note: Boys are to wear ties.

2018 Next Step - Early School Leavers Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of Yr 10, 11 and 12 students who in 2017 left school without obtaining Yr 12 certification. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between August and September, students who left school early in 2017 can expect to receive an invitation to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Emerging Entrepreneur's Program

Are you ready to find out what it takes to turn your ideas into reality? Would you like to wake up every morning and do what you LOVE for a living? Would you like to be your own Boss and make money from your passions? Then get ready to be a game-changer with the Emerging Entrepreneurs Five Week program, the only program of its kind in Australia and available to you at a very heavily discounted rate.

This program is worth hundreds of dollars but thanks to a grant from the Queensland Government, Chamber is able to offer local young people aged between 15 - 24 a place in the course for only $70.00. There won't be exams or text books. All learning is project based and delivered in a relaxed environment.

You can look forward to being mentored by amazing facilitators and local industry experts, inventors and employers who will inspire and support you on your journey. The program begins in just a couple of weeks, so be sure to complete the attached consent form and return it with payment as soon as possible.

We all look forward to empowering the innovators of tomorrow - see you there!

5 Week Program + field trips

Who: Luke
When: Each Wednesday for five weeks, commencing August 15, 2018
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Where: TYTO Precinct
Investment: $70

Schedule:

Five two-hour sessions occurring each Wednesday that will include soft-skills and project-based learning, mentoring, pitching sessions and guest speakers.

A field trip will allow students to visit local innovators, inventors and businesses. Light lunch included (On a Saturday during the program, potentially Saturday 15 September)

Includes:

• Five two hour sessions
• One afternoon of field trips, including transport and a light lunch
• Water station included each day.

You Will Need:

Snacks and drinks

HCPSL Precision Agriculture Workshop

This workshop will showcase the latest developments from leading Australian researchers and advisors using and studying precision agriculture technology, showing how precision agriculture can be used to improve the management across many agricultural industries.

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