21 February 2019

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Gilroy on the Go

Yr 12 Retreat

Induction Mass and School Photos

This Friday 22 February is the Yr 12 Induction Mass followed by School Photos.

Transition Dates

Success Companion Book

These books will be a valuable learning tool for all ages. The Success Companion is available from Student Reception for $5.00 each.

Compass

From the Food Technology Department

With the disruptive weather causing some hiccups to the start of the year, our Food Technology students have not let it dampen their strive to create some wonderful cooking. Yr 9’s started our year off with knife skills practice, making chocolate drizzled fruit skewers, great for lunchboxes. Yr 10 students made Spinach and Feta warm pastries & Char Grilled Pineapple that was perfect in our rainy weather.

Last week, our supplies were low due to flooding, therefore we set the children an “invention test”, by designing recipes from what we had on hand in our pantry and fridge. There were outstanding creations made by the Yr 9 students, using wonderful design principles and research to achieve delicious outcomes. Some of the recipes created included, Toffee Apples, Watermelon Sorbet & Warm Apricot and Almond Pastries. The class learnt to adapt new skills in creating very different dishes, well done!

#FILLTHEFREEZERCHALLENGE

By Yr 9 Food Technology Students

Another year started and another lunchbox to fill. Weekends are eventful and weekdays are busy. However, the need for more homemade, belly- filling snacks is at the top of everyone’s list! Our Yr 9 class have put our design caps on and issued our school community a 5 day ‘fill the freezer challenge’.

Term 1 Challenge if you accept; to spend 5 afternoons after school in the comfort of your own home, making one snack recipe to freeze. Over the 5 afternoons, your family will have a total of 200 snacks in your freezer, to have on hand to add to your lunchbox, have with your yummy tuckshop order or as an afterschool snack.

If you would like to get a copy of our 5-day challenge recipe booklet, collect from student reception.

Happy cooking! From the Yr 9 Food Technology Class.

Danielle Mastrippolito

Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Last week our Yr 12 Retreat was conducted at Genazzano on the shores of Lake Tinaroo. It was beautiful to see so much water in the lake but more importantly, wonderful to witness the outstanding behaviour, spirit and attitude demonstrated by our students. I know all the adults who attended were also impressed. There was a lot of time for soul searching and reflection on what they wish to achieve this year both personally and as a group. Thanks to all the staff who attended, special mention to Mrs Timms for organising and leading the retreat and to Fr Damian for facilitating many of the excellent sessions. It was a great way for our seniors to begin their final school year.

As I write this newsletter, we have just postponed our Interhouse Swimming Carnival for the second time. My apologies for the late notice but we were hoping for a possible cool change and then late Tuesday the forecast rose to a prediction of 41 degrees. It just was too big a risk for the safety and plain comfort for our students and staff. Our “third time lucky” date is now Monday 4 March. No better way to cure Mondayitis than with a beautiful swim!!!

Last Wednesday evening we conducted a Study and Assessment Information Evening. It was tailored for our Yr 7 families, but all parents and carers were welcome. While much information is delivered to our students during class, many of our parents report they are unsure how they can support their child more effectively when it comes to homework or when preparing for tests or assessment. We answered a lot of questions on the night and trust parents found the evening worthwhile. Thanks to Mrs Devietti, our Curriculum and Administration Assistant Principal who planned and facilitated the evening. A reminder that if parents have any queries about your child’s education our senior and middle leadership team are here to listen and assist in any way possible.

Our refurbished multi-purpose hall which will result in us having a fully enclosed air-conditioned hall with canteen, sporting and performing arts facilities is taking shape. The weather in recent months has delayed the project and we are now looking to occupy the centre for the beginning of Term 2. I congratulate our students and staff as they have been without a well-used play and teaching area for a while now but have been patiently waiting. I know their patience will be rewarded and everyone will be impressed with the final product.

I hope to see a number of our Yr 12 parents and carers at our Induction Mass this Friday morning at St Patrick’s Church.

God Bless

John Nuttall

From the Acting Assistant Principal (Administration & Curriculum)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Yr 12 Retreat at Genazzano Retreat Tinaroo. The students fully embraced each session and were engaged at all times. They reflected thoughtfully on their present life and the future. It was truly a great experience. I would like to thank Father Damian and Mrs Timms as the retreat facilitators and the students for their positive attitude.

Assessment/Block Exams

Academic Leaders have examined the assessment planners and decided there will be no need for BLOCK exams at this stage for all grades. With the new Senior requirements and the subsequent timetabling changes, it is believed, that all students will be able to be assessed within their allocated class time. This change really only affects the senior students. The recent flooding has meant loss of class time and hopefully the removal of block exams will help classes catch up on lost time.

Subject Changes

As we are now in Week 4 of the term, no subject changes will be considered until the beginning of Term 2.

OP Prediction Interviews – Yr 12 Students

In the coming weeks, Nancy Douglas (Careers Advisor) and I will be conducting OP Prediction Interviews with OP-eligible Yr 12 students. This will be the second of three OP prediction interview students undertake. An information letter will be sent home with students so as to ensure parents/carers are aware of the interview schedule. We strongly encourage parents to attend these interviews and ask any questions they may have. It is also a great opportunity to discuss plans for next year, including desired universities, QTAC applications and accommodation. If you are unable to attend the time allocated for your child’s interview, please contact Nancy Douglas at the school to make an alternate meeting time.

Vocational Education (Non-OP) Yr 12 Students

All Yr 12 Vocational pathways students are also being tracked. If there are concerns about your son/daughter obtaining their QCE, then contact would have already been made. Parents/Carers are always welcomed to contact me if they have any questions in regards to their child’s academic progress. It is very important that students are making the most of their work placement on Fridays as this is an excellent program that provides students with authentic work experiences and definite potential career opportunities post school.

Reports

Please be advised of the following dates for issuing of reports cards. Also Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will be held in Term 2. If you have any concerns beforehand, please use COMPASS to email teachers.

• Term 1- No Reports
• Term 2 - Interim Reports 7 May 2019

Parent/ Teacher/Student Interviews Thursday 23 May 2019

• Term 3 - Semester 1 REPORT (early Term 3 - July)
• Term 4 - Semester 2 REPORT (end Term 4 - December)

God Bless

Joan Devietti

From the Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

One of the greatest privileges I have in my role as APRE is taking our students away on retreat. It’s a chance for myself and the staff attending to spend time getting to know students outside of lessons, curriculum and assessment. For the Yr 12’s, it is an opportunity for them to relax, spend time with friends and set goals for the year. The students who attended this year’s retreat were very engaged and committed and I believe this will be reflected in their leadership of the school in 2019. Thank you to Father Damian who helped run the retreat, as well as, Mr Cianciullo, Mrs Devietti and Mr Barbagallo for their continued support before, during and after the retreat.

Thank you to everyone who donated money towards the flood disaster appeal last week. When communities are hit by natural disasters it never ceases to amaze me how everyone comes together to help each other through the difficult times and support those in need. It is also rewarding to be able to help from a distance, even if just a little.

On Friday, we are celebrating our Induction Mass at 9:00am at St Patrick’s Church. Student Leaders, as well as the Yr 11 Peer Support Leaders, will be presented with their badges. It is also an opportunity for the school to look forward to the year ahead and look to God for guidance and care. Everyone is welcome!

The prayer I leave you with this week is our school prayer, a fitting way to start the year.

Prayer for our School

Dear Lord,
Our school is composed of people like us.
We help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if we are.
Its classrooms will be filled, if we help fill them.
It will do great work, if we work.
It will make generous gifts for many causes,
if we are generous givers.
It will be a school of love and compassion, respect and inclusion,
and a school of forgiveness and justice,
if we are filled with these same things.
Therefore, with your help, dear Lord,
We shall dedicate ourselves to the task of being all the things
That we want our school to be.

Amen.

God Bless

Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal (Pastoral Care)

At Gilroy Santa Maria, we see reconciliation as valuing and respecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures. This year I have taken on the position of Indigenous Coordinator and I am excited to learn more, not only about how to best support our Indigenous families, but also what they have to offer, on a spiritual, cultural and academic level.

The year kicked off with our Emerging Leaders’ evening, which was originally postponed due to weather but was held Monday 18 February in the function room. The Emerging Leaders Incentive Scheme provides an equitable model of financial support to Indigenous students based on attendance, academic improvement and engagement in all aspects of college life. As a college, we have also been working on our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which is currently, still in draft stages but will be finalised in the coming weeks. We have a lot of ideas about how we plan to ensure that Indigenous story and culture are embedded in the college life and we can’t wait to share them with you so watch this space.

Blessings

Karen Lahtinen

From the Business Manager

School Fees have now been issued, if you have not receive them, please contact the school. School fees are due on 22 March 2019.

Just a reminder about the discounts available.

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

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

SOFT SKILLS - Teamwork (Diary Page 46)

Working in teams is something that you will be required to do both in and out of school. To be an effective member of any team, you need to:

1. Be reliable, do your share of the work and meet commitments,
2. Communicate constructively by expressing your ideas clearly and respectfully,
3. Listen actively, understand all members’ viewpoints and accept constructive feedback,
4. Be an active participant,
5. Share knowledge, information and experience openly and willingly,
6. Work as a problem-solver,
7. Be flexible and open to new ideas and situations,
8. Cooperate and offer assistance,
9. Treat others with respect and support, and
10. Show commitment to what the team is trying to achieve.

Sometimes working with other people can come with problems. Your diary has valuable information on handling both peer pressure and conflict on Page 131. Please take the time to read the strategies available.

FEE FREE TRAINING FOR YR 12 LEAVERS

Yr 12 graduates have been able to access free training in high priority areas since January 2014.

To be eligible for free training, Yr 12 graduates need to start an apprenticeship, traineeship or training in a high priority qualification with a pre-approved training provider within the calendar year following their completion of Yr 12.

Free training applies to high priority qualifications available under the Queensland Government's Certificate 3 Guarantee program or User Choice program, which funds training and assessment services for apprenticeships and traineeships. To find out more on the high priority qualifications available, visit the Queensland Skills Gateway.

Nancy Douglas

Sports News

February

With Term 1 2019 underway, Herbert River Secondary School Sport trials have begun. Below is a breakdown of the age group involved in these sport trials, when and where each of these trials will take place along with dates for Northern Region Secondary School trials. For team sports where there aren’t enough students to form a Herbert River Secondary school team to participate at the Northern Region Secondary School trials, students may be forwarded on to these Northern Region Secondary School trials at the discretion of the teachers and coaches of the respective sports.

With only a limited amount of time between Herbert River and Northern Region Secondary school trials, it is important that both students and parents use the information given in our Gilroy Santa Maria newsletter, the student notices or contact our sports co-ordinator, Erin Cerutti at the school to keep up to date with trial information.

Rugby League:

In Rugby League news, the Open Gilroy Santa Maria team will begin training this week in preparation for their upcoming fixtures as part of Herbert River Secondary School Trials and the Columba Open Catholic Schools Rugby League carnival. Below is a timetable with the relevant information regarding each of these rugby league events. All students wishing to play rugby league for the school this year will need to have their parents fill out a permission note and return it to Mr Schifilliti, as well as attend training sessions. At this stage, training will be held on Monday afternoons at 3:15pm to 4:15pm. Any parents or friends of the school wishing to help out with the Gilroy Santa Maria program are more than welcome to contact Mr Schifilliti at the school.

Netball:

In Netball news, trials will begin this week in preparation for Herbert River Secondary School Trails and the Columba Open Catholic Schools Netball Carnival. Netball trials for the Columba Carnival will be on Tuesday 19 February at Our Lady of Lourdes, Menegon Centre, from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, and also Thursday 2nd lunch on the Basketball Court at Gilroy. Girls will need to wear their sports uniform and bring a water bottle. Below is an outline of the relevant information regarding these events. Notes will be handed out to students in the coming days.

Herbert River Touch Trials were held last Thursday at Ingham State High School. Congratulations to Brayden Spina, Damien Marino and Lucy Biviano for being selected to play for Herbert River. A great effort was made by all participants, on what was a very hot afternoon.

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

Ingham Region Catholic Parishes Newsletter

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.

Upcoming Events

• 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

Ingham Football Club

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