8 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Important Emails

Yr 7 & 8 Co-ordinator: Mr Matthew Giliberto mgiliberto1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Yr 9 & 10 Co-ordinator: Mr Matthew Schrodter mschrodter@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Yr 11 & 12 Co-ordinator: Mr Claude Cianciullo ccianciullo@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Acting Assistant Principal Pastoral Care: klahtinen@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Acting Assistant Principal Administration & Curriculum: jdevietti@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Assistant Principal Religious Education: ctimms1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Principal: jnuttall@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Gilroy on the Go

Yr 9 Camp Woodleigh

Yr 8 Science –Balloon Powered Cars

Catholic Education Week

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week across the diocese. Our leaders travelled to Townsville to attend the opening mass.

Each year one student from each secondary school is acknowledged for their outstanding commitment to their school and parish community and their involvement in service to others. Congratulations to Mary Galletly who received the award for our school!

Joan Devietti received the Spirit of Catholic Education Award at a presentation held at the Townsville Catholic Education Office recently. Here she is with the Executive Director of TCEO Jacqui Francis and Bishop Timothy. No one is more deserving of this award than Joan.

WWI Link Project – Canberra Trip

In Week 3, nine students from the GSM’s WWI Link Project, Mrs Squires, Mrs Costabeber and Mr Hayden travelled to Canberra for an Educational Tour of our nation’s capital. The tour was the culmination of two years’ work on the Ingham WWI Honour Roll, with highlights including a visit to the Australian War Memorial, where the students found many of the names of the soldiers they researched, a walk of Anzac Parade, visits to Parliament House, Old Parliament House, The High Court, The Australian Mint, the National Capital Exhibition, Questacon, and of course a day in the snow at Perisher.

The students spent much of this year in fundraising efforts for the trip, as well as being assisted by a kind donation by the Herbert River RSL.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National Capital, Canberra as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $200 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Foodies Club 2019

This semester the foodies club is back with lots of new members joining. Foodies club is a mixture of Food Technology and Science, delivered by Ms Danielle Mastrippolito & Ms Roseanne Coyle. It runs in second semester of the school year and occurs each week at Tuesday lunchtime.

Last year, our topic was “Gut health & Gut microbiome”- Ms Danielle made some recipes enhancing our inner health and Ms Coyle was the scientific information provider, teaching the children some of the science behind why some foods are good for us. We made Kombucha, Bone Broth, Kale Chips, Acai Bowls and much more. We finished the year with a Christmas Market selling, homemade soaps and edible gifts.

This year our theme is “Sustainability”. We have started the term using our off cuts from foods and vegetables to regrow them into plants for our balcony garden made from recycled broccoli boxes. We feel it is our need to use waste we have from food technology and turn it into something regrown or made into a recipe. Students will also be collecting vegetable scraps for compost. Last week we were able to regrow and regenerate tomato’s using left over seeds, celery, shallots, coriander and lettuce by just using the base regrown in water. Lots of science being promoted with plants and growth.

Our Yr 7 & 8 students have been very enthusiastic in getting involved, with most children willing to come in and take care of our balcony gardens during the week as well as start one at home. We feel this is a great project for young students to be involved in and get them outside more, working on tasks that are good for the kitchen and environment.

In Foodies Club, we also love experimenting and eating food! This week we looked at the science behind ‘honeycomb’, making a frothy mix and turning it into homemade ‘Crunchy Bars’ coating it in dark chocolate. It was enjoyed by all.

See some of the wonderful picture from Foodies Club so far this term!

School-Based Religion Course

Our Yr 11 students are helping in classrooms at Lourdes. During Religion classes, students are going out into the community as part of a service-learning component of the new School-Based Religion Course. Here are a few snaps of them in action recently.

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 as well as the Mary McKillop Early Learning Centre. The Mass itself was beautiful with tremendous energy and spirit in the responses and singing. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Damian and assisted by Deacon Emene and featured the Combined Schools Band and Choir led by Mrs Vera Di Bella. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Mass.

Carrying on the tremendous opportunities our students are provided by our staff, a group of students travelled to Canberra last week to visit the nation’s capital. This group of children had previously researched and collated information that resulted in their work being displayed in our local Tyto Museum as part of the World War I section. Partially sponsored by our local RSL, this trip was an opportunity for the students to visit the Australian War Memorial among other tremendous educational experiences. By all reports they had a great time and again I thank the generosity of our staff who organised and cared for our students on this trip.

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. I thank Mrs Cerutti for the great work she has done in organising these events and the staff that support her.

It has been a pleasure for our Leadership Team in recent weeks to begin interviewing the many Yr 6 students in our district who have enrolled for Yr 7 in 2020. We look like having over seventy students in Yr 7 next year from all around our district from both State and Catholic schools. Many of these students have been attending our Yr 6 Transition Days and becoming familiar with our school environment and routine. They all comment that they love the new subjects and the fantastic facilities they get to experience. Importantly, they share that they feel welcome and are part of a safe and caring environment. A reminder to families that our next Yr 6 Transition Day is being held this Thursday 8 August from 8:30am-11:30am.

On Thursday 22 August at 6:30pm, we will be conducting an information evening for current Yr 10 parents and students regarding Senior Schooling including subject selections for Yr 11. There will be very important information presented that families will need to consider before making decisions regarding the subjects and courses they may wish to study. Academic Leaders and teachers will be on hand to share information about specific subjects and to answer questions and I invite all current Yr 10 students and parents to attend.

God Bless

John Nuttall
jnuttall@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Students have had some wonderful experiences already this term. The small but energetic group who attended Mulkadee in Townsville thoroughly enjoyed their total immersion into the Arts for a whole week. This experience is always highly valued by all those who participate. Another group of students tripped off to Canberra. They also enjoyed their week immensely with the highlight being the Australian War Memorial and of course the snow! These students were focussing on history after spending much time researching local war veterans. A huge thank you to all the staff who gave generously of their time to care for these students.

I trust that students are busily completing assessment tasks and constantly revising. Revision should never be left for the last few weeks; it should be constant and consistent throughout the term. The second half of the term is always busy with assessment.

Successful students:

• have good organizational skills
• can manage their time well
• consistently and constantly revise practice
• seek help when needed

Nancy Douglas, the Careers Advisor, and I are undertaking OP interviews with Yr 12 students this 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/UAC applications. It can be a daunting but exciting time for students so guiding them through these next steps is always welcomed. Nancy Douglas is available Tuesday to Thursday to assist any students who would like to complete their QTAC/UAC applications.

All Yr 11 students will also be interviewed in a similar way with the main focus being the progress of the subjects currently being undertaken. Tracking student progress both academically and emotionally is very important. I trust students will find these meetings helpful and meaningful.

Yr 10 Senior Schooling Information Night will be held Thursday 22 August. If you have a student currently in Yr 10 then please enter this date into your diary. The information delivered on this evening will be vital for all Yr 10 students and their parents. The evening will include an explanation of the New QCE System as well as guidance on selecting subject for Yr 11. There will be an opportunity for students and parents to discuss subjects with teachers. This is to ensure the subject selections are made with maximum support. Also every Yr 10 student will have an individual SET (Senior Education and Training) plan interview early in Term 4 to discuss their subject selections.

There have been some requests for teachers to supply schoolwork to students prior to them being away from school due to an extended family holiday. Most classes have a “classroom page” that students can access. Please refer to the classroom page rather than the teacher or work on revision and assessment. Students need to speak to the teacher on return and also be prepared to catch up.

The fourth Yr 6 Transition Day will be held on Thursday 8 August. It is always great to see Yr 6 students visiting our school and enjoying the experience.

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival is being held this Friday prior to the Interschool Carnival on Friday 16 August. These days are very enjoyable and highlight the amazing sporting talent of some of our students. There will also be plenty of activities and events for the not so sporty.

As always, if anyone has any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or by email. I hope that everyone has a great term.

God Bless

Joan Devietti
jdevietti@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week across the diocese. At the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville, Bishop Timothy and Mrs Jacqui Francis presented Mary Galletly with the Deus Caritas Est Award for her dedication and commitment to the Catholic Spirit of our school and the parish.

Our own Hinchinbrook Combined Catholic Schools Mass was also very special. It is always delightful to have all our schools under one roof to celebrate our Catholic identity. This year we were lucky to be joined by our Secondary School’s Choir and Band. Thank you to everyone who help with the organisation of this event.

Our Yr 11 students have started a new round of service learning in their Religious Education program. This term they will be visiting Our Lady of Lourdes and helping teachers in the classroom. Last week they helped with Under 8’s Day.

We have a Youth Mass for our parish this Sunday at St Patrick’s Church. The Mass starts at 7:00pm and everyone is invited to help us celebrate.

This week we also have students participating in the Interhouse Athletics Carnival. All the best to all our competitors (especially McAuley). GO MCAULEY!! This week’s prayer is dedicated to our athletes.

God bless

Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

How Can We Be Happier?

At the Yr 7/8 Year Level Assembly last week and in Whole School Assembly this week, we addressed this timeless question. Like anything in life that we want to get better at, it is no use wishing for it, we need to work for it, and being happy is no exception. We began the session by brainstorming all the things we can do to be happier and comparing this to the research and trust me when I say, there is plenty of research.

The students did really well working together to come up with most things, including getting the recommended amount of sleep, eating well, reducing screen time and exercising, to name just a few. This then lead to some quality discussion around the reasoning and science behind each. We then prepared some easy everyday activities that can have immediate effects on increasing mood, starting with an “attitude of gratitude”.

Research shows that taking a few minutes each day to think of two or three things that you are grateful for can have overwhelming effects on your overall happiness. Surprisingly, giving a compliment (not receiving one) can be equally as powerful so we started practicing this too. The session ended with a reflection and meditation and yes, you guessed it, more great ways to give your overall mood a good boost. Please encourage your child to complete their pastoral homework, which was to select one thing from the list to work on this week. Yr 7 and 8 students have the full list in their diary that can also be accessed through the following link.

Indigenous Report:

As Indigenous coordinator for the school, it is my pleasure to inform you about the recent and upcoming events regarding embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into our College. Last Friday all Yr 8 students and Indigenous students attended the NAIDOC day at Abergowrie College. Traditionally, we have only taken our Indigenous students to this event, however we felt that this defeated the purpose as NAIDOC week is about sharing and celebrating Indigenous culture with everyone.

All students had a fantastic day, which included performances by renowned singers and dancers, boomerang and spear throwing, weaving, contemporary and traditional dance lessons and my personal favourite, creating messenger sticks. There were also lots of stalls offering goods to purchase and lunch consisted of a kup murri tasting platter cooked traditionally underground, that did not disappoint.

A reminder that selected Yr 10 students need to bring back their QATSIF forms to be considered for the QATSIF scholarship program.

Our GAMIN Camp is fast approaching in Week 7. Please keep an eye out on notices for further updates.

Blessings

Karen Lahtinen

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 16 August 2019

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

Health Related Pathway

Students interested in pursuing a heath related pathway are invited to attend an information evening in Townsville hosted by The University of Queensland.

With Australia set to experience the highest job growth in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, now is the time to kick-start your career in health.

At this information session, students, parents and teachers will learn more about:

• The range of Health and Medicine programs available at UQ;
• UQ’s Rural Access Scheme for regional students; and
• Hear from a university student about placements, classes and the health student experience.

Students from all year levels are welcome to attend.

SCARTWATER EDUCATION TRUST

SCARTWATER AND CUNNINGHAM SCHOLARSHIPS -2020

Dear Parents, Students and Care Givers,

The Board Members of the Scartwater Education Trust are pleased to advise that once again applications are sought for both Scartwater and Cunningham Scholarships for 2020.

Their web site, below contains the history of the Trust and applications for both the Scartwater & Cunningham Scholarships and details of the eligibility criteria.

The Scartwater Area, broadly defined, runs from Proserpine to Innisfail and back to the Western border.

The Scartwater Scholarship will be awarded upon the results obtained in Yr 10 and is designed to assist a student to continue full time studies through Yrs 11 & 12. The allowance presently payable under the scholarship is $2000.00 per annum. Terms and conditions in relation to the scholarship are provided in the enclosed documentation.

The Cunningham Scholarship will be awarded upon the results obtained in Yrs 11 and 12 and are designed to enable a student to undertake full time studies in an approved Tertiary course at an approved University within Queensland. The allowance presently payable under the Scholarship is $3000.00 per annum. Terms and Conditions in relation to the Scholarship are provided in the enclosed documentation.

Applications must be forwarded to the Secretary by 30 November at the address below.

Nancy Douglas

Sports Update

Our main Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held Friday 9 August 2019. All parents and friends of the school are more than welcome to come along and support our athletes, please remember to sign in at the office first. Some terrific performances have already occurred.

2019 ATHLETICS PROGRAM - FULL BREAKDOWN

FRIDAY 9 August

Following our Interhouse Athletics Carnival, our Gilroy Athletics Squad will take on Ingham State High School and Abergowrie College at the Interschool Athletics Carnival held during Week 5.

Interschool Athletics Carnival Events are as follows:

Monday 12 August: 1500m at 3:15pm at the George Day Oval.

Wednesday 14 August: High Jump and 400m. These events will be in the afternoon from 12:00pm at Ingham High School and George Day Oval.

Friday 16 August: All other events will be held beginning at 9:00am and finishing at 2:30pm and will be conducted at the George Day Oval.

This is a compulsory school day for all students. Students are to meet at the George Day Oval. Buses will take students to George Day Oval and pick up there in the afternoon as well.

P&F News

Our Parents & Friends Committee would like to order shirts for our volunteers. If you are part of our P & F or would like to join us for meetings and fundraising events please click on the following link and add your name to the list so a shirt can be allocated to you. If you have any questions please contact myself or P & F Committee President Peter Staples through the school office.

Kindest Regards

Karen Lahtinen

Academic Support

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

Indigenous Homework Support and English 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 – 10:55am – 11:25am
2nd Lunch – 12:55pm finish 1:25pm

Start time is preferably 8:30am - 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:

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