8 February 2019

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all our College community back for the 2019 School Year. I also take this opportunity to welcome all our new families to our school. We are confident they will enjoy Gilroy and I know our existing students and staff will warmly embrace them and support them. We welcome two new staff members to our college. Ms Paula Rand joins our Maths Department and Mr Gerhard Bekker joins our English Department. Again, I’m sure our community will make them feel welcome.

It has been a wet and interrupted start to the school year, and I hope we can settle into a routine soon. Our region has taken a soaking over the last week and it looks like lasting a little longer as I write this article. We are praying and thinking about those families affected, especially the many in the Townsville area that have suffered a unique and catastrophic event for that city.

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. Our refurbished MPH is nearly finished although this wet weather has prolonged the building period. It will be great when we can use it again, the completed project will be a great asset for our school and community.

Last week I was invited by the Townsville Catholic Education Office to write a Back to School Blog for secondary school parents in our Diocese. I’d never written a blog before, but they wanted me to give some advice/suggestions (for what it is worth) for parents of secondary students. I have inserted a copy below this article, and I hope you might be able to take something from it and spark a discussion in your home.

A highlight over the Christmas break were the results that our 2018 Yr 12’s achieved. I’m pleased to report that our 23 OP eligible students received great results. We had one student with an OP 2 score, one OP 3 and two OP 4’s. All other students performed strongly and gained OP scores that have opened the doors to many tertiary courses this year. Congratulations not only to our OP eligible students but to all our Yr 12 graduates who as reported previously all gained a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in 2018. This is the fifth year in a row we have achieved this target and is a testament to the excellent teaching and learning that occurs at our college.

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. If it is more convenient you can email me directly at jnuttall@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au. All other staff have direct emails and these can be accessed through Compass or by contacting the office 47762888.

God Bless
John Nuttall

John Nuttall - Secondary School Back to School Blog

Another historic day for secondary schools in Queensland this year when all Yr 11’s in the state begin the New QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) System.

No more OP scores, no more QCS Tests for them, instead an ATAR score at the end of Yr 12 and external assessments for most of their subjects. Like anything new, there will be a feeling of the unknown for all involved, but we are as ready as we can be and excited to begin.

Secondary schools will also welcome a new intake of Yr 7’s to their communities. It’s always great to see these excited young men and women walk into our colleges (usually in oversized uniforms) ready for the new experiences that secondary schools offer. They are always keen when they begin and the challenge for all secondary schools is to keep them enthused and motivated along the journey. I know it’s a challenge for parents too.

Parenting has different challenges as children develop, so for what it is worth, here are some tips for parents based on my experience as a teacher and as a parent of three children now in their early 20’s.

• Be connected to your school. There is a fallacy that when a child begins secondary school, parents are less welcome. Kids want you to think that but trust me, stay interested, ask questions, attend events and be present as best you can.
• Set a routine that enables family time, down time and study time. A big challenge for secondary students is juggling time. Many have jobs, do sport or cultural activities, then try to juggle study and some down time. Set some routines and be prepared that some activities might have to go. Timetabling study times during the week is important for a child to keep on top of things
• Monitor social media and gaming time. This is a real challenge today, so much time is wasted and much of the social media content just causes stress that could be so easily avoided. Put some rules or restrictions in place. Be tough here, this is something worth standing your ground on. Like any moments of tough love, your children will thank you later.
• Encourage them to be a good classmate. We all want our kids to be good people and treat others respectfully. Encourage them to include other children into their games and conversations. Being inclusive and looking out for those children that are sometimes on the outer is a beautiful quality to foster. Encourage them to be a person who can say sorry and be empathic to the feelings of others.
• Foster a strong work ethic. I have seen so many intelligent kids do just okay at school and so many not so gifted children perform outstandingly because they knew how to work and push through when things get tough. This is another challenging one for parents and I’m sure we would all like a switch we could flick. Suggestions would be to make sure children contribute to the jobs needed doing around the house. Importantly have the expectation that their job is done well and completed properly. Again, a bit of tough love required here but over a period of time some good habits will be formed that hopefully permeates through all facets of their life. No guarantees here as this the quality we would all like to bottle.
• Have a go and worry little what others think. I see so many secondary children not having a go at things because they worry about being shamed. Congratulate your children when you can see they have gone outside their comfort zone and taken healthy risks.

I know all these tips are easier said than done and it makes parenting one of the most challenging things we can do. Stay positive, try to remain calm when you discuss these issues with your kids. Importantly, remember they will all make mistakes and do the wrong things at times. Be there to dust them off and put your arm around them when needed.

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Welcome back to another exciting and what will be a very busy school year.

It has been a very unsettling start to the school year due to the weather; however, teachers and students are keen to settle into the school routine. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new families that have joined our college community.

Yr 9 and 10 Class Structures

In Yrs 9 and 10, the classes for the core subjects, English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities have been purposely structured. Academic Leaders have invested considerable time generating these classes to maximise the provision of support and extension to all students and to best prepare students for senior and the New QCE System. These subjects have also been specifically arranged in the timetable so that students can be moved from class to class depending on their progress. All decisions have been data based, using the student’s past results, NAPLAN and PAT testing. If you have a particular issue with the class your child has been placed in, then please discuss this with the appropriate Academic Leader.

English - Mr Clint Bullock cbullock@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Mathematics - Ms Sharon Duffy sduffy@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Science - Ms Roseanne Coyle rcoyle@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Humanities - Ms Debbie Greeff dgreeff@gilroysm.qld.edu.au

Subject Changes

If students would like to make any subject changes, please collect a subject change form from Student Reception as soon as possible. This form must be completed then returned to student reception. The change will need to be consulted, formalised and if appropriate a new timetable will then be issued. 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

The assessment planners for Yrs 7 - 12 have been released. All students and parents will be emailed the assessment planner. Year 7 will also receive a paper copy. A link in the school newsletter is also available. Assessment Planners contain all necessary information for the assessment of each subject expected throughout Term 1. Some students may become rather overwhelmed by the quantity of work ahead. The key to survival is being organized. The school diary is a great source to keep students organized. 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. Students should also take advantage of the academic support which is available in the library every lunchtime and after school Monday and Wednesday.

Study and Assessment Information Evening

On Wednesday 20 February, a Study and Assessment Information Evening will be held in the Function room at 6:30pm. The aim of the evening is to help students understand:

• what is study
• how to study
• how to use the school diary
• how to be organised

All parents and students are very welcome and encouraged to attend but the evening is particularly tailored for our new Yr 7 families.

VET and Careers

A huge thank you to Ash Spina and Nancy Douglas who inducted the students who are undertaking VET courses and who attend work placement on Friday 1 February. The students were very attentive and interested in the information given and grateful for the advice being offered. Ash and Nancy are always very willing to help students as they endeavour to reach their career goals please do not hesitate to contact them at the college.

Flood Work / School Work from Home

For those students who are home flooded or sick, please note that you can still access most school lessons by logging in to Classrooms on Compass.

God Bless
Joan Devietti

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Hello and welcome to 2019. The start of our school year has been slightly disruptive to say the least, however, we are glad to have students and family returning from the Christmas break safe and eager to start the new year.

Friday, 22 February, the Induction Mass for our school with be held at St Patrick’s Church at 9:00am. During Mass our Yr 12 students will receive their badges and make their pledge to the school and the Peer Support students will also receive their badges. Everyone is welcome to join us that day. All students are asked to wear their full formal uniforms on the day as school photos will also be done when we return to school.

Many people across the region have been affected by the latest rainfall and floods. For many families, their losses have been very devastating. At GSM we are undertaking a donation drive to help those in need. We are asking students to bring in a money donation to their homeroom teachers by Wednesday next week. Contact with GIVIT will be made, and a decision as to what will be donated, for example, linen, towels or non-perishable goods, will be made.

With the weather that was and will probably continue for another couple of days, our prayer today is for those who were affected by the recent flooding.

God Bless
Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Welcome back to all our staff, students and parents for 2019, I trust that everyone had an enjoyable and rewarding Christmas break. A special welcome to Yr 7 students and those that are new in our school community.

I have the privilege of taking over Peter Groundwater’s Assistant Principal of Pastoral Care role for the year. Please do not hesitate to make contact with me if you have any concerns, ideas for the school, or are looking for a friendly face to chat with.

A new year brings a new start and some of us would have set new year's resolutions to try and live life differently on some level. Yet every year, after a couple of weeks people find themselves disappointed that they have not lived up to their resolutions. Some of us might have even set the same goals multiple years in a row. Which begs the question, why bother? Nelson Mandela once said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up."

With that in mind, if you have already given up on your new year’s resolutions, I encourage you to keep trying. This year, this month, today or, even this moment are all good times to start fresh and make the changes you want to see in your life.

Blessings
Karen Lahtinen

From the Business Manager

Welcome back to the new school year. I hope that after all the disruptions we can settle back into school life.

School Fees will be emailed next week. If you do not receive them by Friday 15 February 2019, please contact the school. If you are unsure if we have your correct details please check on Compass, if they have changed please contact the school. School fees are due on 23 March 2019.

A 3% discount is applicable if you pay the term fee by the due date. The amounts are as follows.

One Child - $25.60
Two Children - $44.75
Three or more Children - $59.25

There is also a 5% discount on fees if you pay the full year fees by the due date. Amounts are as follows.

One Child - $170.65
Two Children - $298.40
Three or more Children - $395

This year the school has issued Gilroy Back Packs for all Yr 8, 9 and 10’s with their laptops. If you would like to purchase a Gilroy Backpack, they are available from Menz. Anyone in these year levels that have already purchased a backpack, please check your school fee statement for a refund.

There are a number of ways to pay for school fees either weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by term and a number of ways to pay, direct debit, credit card, cash or cheque. If paying by direct debit please do not forget to enter your Family Code (found on your School fee Statement). If you have paid without entering a family code, please contact the school to verify payment.

BANK DETAILS are as follows:

WESTPAC Ingham
BSB - 034-187
Account Number – 145 925
Name – Gilroy Santa Maria College
Detail – (Family code from 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. The sooner you make contact the sooner we can work together for a solution.

Ros Giuliano

Careers

Happy New Year to everyone!

As students approach a new year level and, for some, new subjects, having good organisational habits and study goals are vital.

Your Gilroy Santa Maria College student diary contains a wealth of information. I would like to draw your attention to the footer of Page 30, which focuses on Making a Plan.

Making and sticking to a plan for your homework and study will minimise stress and ensure that you get your schoolwork done, without giving up your commitments outside of school.

To make a good plan, map out every aspect of your day, including:

1. Your plan of life. It is important to prioritise this as it is the foundation for everything else you do,
2. Extra-curricular commitments like exercise and social activities,
3. Required homework,
4. Additional study,
5. Free time.

The plan should also take into account the need for getting enough sleep. Don't try to overcommit yourself, but also recognise your priorities.

Using the full year school planner on Pages 4 and 5 of the diary to note down school events, holidays and due dates is one way to ensure that you are aware of upcoming, events enabling you to organise your study schedule accordingly.

Tertiary Education News

James Cook University has developed QTAC packaged offers, which incorporate a pathway diploma course prior to a bachelor degree course.

A packaged offer is an offer of two or more courses through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Applicants may receive a packaged offer if they are unsuccessful in their application but are eligible for a relevant pathway course.

2019 Packaged Offers

Bachelor of Advanced Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Business – Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Business – Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Honours)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Environmental Practice
Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical)
Bachelor of Geology
Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Marine Science
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-Registration)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Planning
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science – Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science – Bachelor of Psychological Science

Nancy Douglas

Academic Support

PLEASE NOTE: All students welcome for Homework, Assignments, Academic Tutoring and Organisation.

Indigenous Homework Support

Tuckshop News

DID YOU KNOW? Tuckshop now has Tap-n-Go. (No change given)

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!

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

Please note: The NEW lunch times are as follows:

1st Lunch – 10:55am – 11:25am
2nd Lunch – 12:55pm finish 1:25pm

Start time is preferably 8.30 am- 12.00pm or until when you are available.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all again this year.
If there is any query in regards to this roster or you are unavailable please contact:
Sandra Benedetto [ 0427 765 321] - Jodie Lino [0407 904 918]

What’s Happening in the Parish

World Day of Prayer – March 1

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women, who welcome everyone, men and women, to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. The format for the service this year has been compiled by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Slovenia. The service is held every year on the first Friday in March. St Patrick’s is the host church in the Herbert River District for this years’ service. The theme for the service is "Come - Everything is Ready". As the service is being held in our own church at 9:30am Friday 1 March, we would love to see a good representation by our parishioners. Please bring plate of food to share for morning tea afterwards.

Playgroup – Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School

Our Playgroup meets every Tuesday (term time), from 9:00am to 10:30am in the Lourdes School grounds (location dependent on weather—so call into the office if unsure). All parents/ grandparents/caregivers with children under 5 are welcome to attend. The cost is $3.00 per family/week. BYO morning tea. Everyone welcome.

Upcoming Events

• Our Lady of Lourdes, start of year Mass with induction of student Leaders—Monday 11 February at 9.00am at St Patrick’s Church
• Farewell to Fr Vitalis—Saturday evening February 16 following 6.00pm Mass (shared plate supper).
• St Peter’s Halifax, start of year Mass with induction of student Leaders—Wednesday 20 February at 9.00am at St Peter’s Church.
• St Teresa’s Abergowrie, start of year Mass with induction of student Leaders—Thursday 21 February at 9.00am.
• Gilroy Santa Maria, start of year Mass with induction of student Leaders—Friday 22 February at 9.00am at St Patrick’s Church.
• Ordination of Emene Kelemete to the Diaconate— 7.00pm Friday 22 February at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Mundingburra.
• World Day of Prayer hosted by St Patrick’s—Friday 1 March.
• Ash Wednesday—6 March.
• St Patrick’s Day—Monday 18 March.
• Mass of the Holy Oils, 7.00pm Thursday 11 April, Sacred Heart Cathedral.

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