5 September 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

Fun Run

Save the Date: Murder Mystery Dinner

Save the Date: 2020 Yr 7 Parent Information Night

GSM v Southern Cross Rugby League

GSM’s Under 16 Rugby League Team played against Southern Cross Rugby League Team at 1300 Smiles Stadium as the curtain raiser to the Cowboys v Penrith Panthers NRL game. Our boys were victorious 14 – 12. Well done, a very proud moment. A busload of students and parents attended to support the teams.

Design & Technology

Yr 8 Design & Technology students recently completed their CO2 Racers. The students design and build these racers from a single block of wood (similar to balsa wood). Students produce concept drawings of different racers and apply the design process to create a final working model to be raced and tested on a track using CO2 canisters as a power source. Some of these racers cover the length of the 20-meter track in less than one second. Students have a lot of fun and are very competitive in the building and racing of their cars. Congrats Yr 8’s.

Yr 7 Design & Technology students recently completed their Eco lamps. Students gain knowledge in design and apply these principles to develop a desktop lamp. Students study the application of lighting throughout history and how it has changed and improved in its design and efficiency.

Yr 10 Manufacturing also completed one of their projects. The completion of a jewellery box using various hand and power tools including CNC machinery. This project is one of two practical tasks required for the completion of this certificate II course in manufacturing.

Mr John Barbagallo

Air Force Simulator

Some of our students were lucky enough to participate in the Air Force Simulator Experience when ADF representatives visited on Friday 23 August. Thank you for visiting and providing our students with this engaging experience.

Food Technology

Food Technology often involves more than learning how to cook. Our curriculum states we also need to investigate and make judgements on the ethical and sustainable production and marketing of food and fibre as well as learn to explain how products, services and environments evolve with consideration of preferred futures and the impact of emerging technologies on design decisions. With that in mind today was a great example of teaching our students these design principles.

Our Yr 9 food technology class were lucky enough to listen to our guest speakers, Daniel & Leanne Cordner from "Bellasato Chicken Farm". Their insightful talk about their chicken & cane farm and farming practices impressed our students. They spoke about their journey to set up their farm life in Ingham and we were impressed with their passion and dedication to producing high quality chickens, which they sell throughout Queensland. Students learnt about the 'Sommerland' chickens that they produce on their Braemeadows farm.

They brought along with them, one of their carefully farmed and produced chickens to demonstrate how to debone and breakdown the different parts. We endeavour to create a bone broth for chicken soup this week and will carefully use each part to create different chicken dishes. The students thoroughly enjoyed their morning with Leanne and Daniel and we thank them for their time in educating us on their knowledge, experience and expertise.

Ms Danielle Mastrippolito

GSM Cup 2019

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

This week our Yr 12 OP-eligible students have been sitting the annual Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test. The QCS is a statewide test and students have been sitting the test in Queensland since 1992. It is designed to contribute to the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) that are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. Our OP-eligible students have been preparing for several months.

Historically, this is the last time students in Queensland sit the QCS Test. From 2020, the QCS Test will cease and instead students will sit external exams for the individual subjects they study. Therefore, our current Yr 11’s is the first cohort experiencing the New QCE System, so this year definitely marks a huge change for Senior Schooling in Queensland.

I’m pleased to report that our latest building project begins next week. The project is a significant one, which includes an industrial kitchen and adjoining dining area, which will enable us to teach junior food technology classes all the way up to advanced certificate hospitality classes. We will also be building four new classrooms; the design of these classrooms will allow for a variety of configurations and therefore provide many flexible learning opportunities. Finally, the project will also include a brand-new service road that will run from the front entrance of the college all the way around to a newly built roundabout in front of our refurbished Santa Maria Centre. This new building project is another step in our goal to provide modern teaching and learning spaces for our students and staff into the future. Also, in the pipeline is another application we have made to build a new library, three classrooms and science lab. I’m waiting patiently to hear if this application was successful and we should be notified in the coming weeks.

Also being built this month will be a new cricket net complex. We have entered into a partnership with the Herbert River Cricket Association which will see four new cricket nets built. Our current nets have been well used over the years and these new nets will provide modern coaching and practice facilities for many members of our local community into the future.

Congratulations to staff member, Matthew Giliberto who was married last week-end.

God Bless
John Nuttall
jnuttall@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

From the Acting Assistant Principal (Administration & Curriculum)

Hello everyone,

QCS Testing

The Yr 12 OP Students have now completed their QCS testing. I would like to congratulate the students on their effort and positive attitude. It was a gruelling 2 days but I can honestly say that all students have performed to the best of their ability. Thank you to Father Damian and Mrs Timms who join the students for Prayer and Meditation before each QCS test day and the students and Staff who provided them with a substantial and nourishing breakfast each morning. I’m sure the students felt truly supported.

Absence from School

Recently, we have had a large number of parents notifying the school that their child will be absent from school during the exam period. While we understand some absences are unavoidable there seems to be an increasing number of cases that could be avoided if more importance was given to students being present at school during the exam period.

As a school, our priority to ensure that students are organised. Assessment calendars, clearly showing all assessment for the term, are published and emailed to parents and students at the beginning of each term. In Yr 7-10 exams are usually held in the last week of term. In Yrs 11-12 exams can be held anywhere throughout the term but usually in the last 4 weeks of term.

It can be argued that students who are in Yrs 7- 9 are less affected by missing assessment. However, in higher year levels, absence from school and assessment is detrimental to a student’s progress. In fact, in the New QCE System our Yr 12 students across the state must sit their various exams on designated dates and times. If they miss the exam, they will receive zero marks for that assessment piece. This is a QCAA rule and consistent across the state as part of the senior schooling procedures.

We believe understanding these rules and procedures in the younger year levels is important and is why we have tried to develop a culture whereby the importance of completing assessment on time and being present for exams is a priority for students and their families.

I do apologise for the tone of this letter, however, I trust you do understand the importance of it. All we ask is that before planning your next holiday, adventure, concert or fishing trip can you please consider the timing of your child’s assessment and exam period and implications of their absences

Can I also take this opportunity to clarify a couple of points regarding assessment and exams:

• Students who are absent are obligated to complete assignments on or before the due date unless an extension has been granted.
• To maintain the integrity of exams, exams cannot be completed before the rest of the class. Therefore, students will need to complete exams on their return. However, in some cases a teacher will not ask a child to sit an exam when they return if they believe they already have enough evidence of the student’s work to award a result.
• For all students, teachers can only report on the evidence they have.
• Teachers are not required to provide work in advance as it is the expectation that the students “catch-up” on their return.
• Parents must explain all absences.

If you have any queries please contact me.

Exams

At this stage of the term, students should be very busy completing assessment and preparing for exams. Yr 11 and 12 exams commence in week 9 and Yrs 7-10 on Monday 16 September. All students have already received their exam timetable. These timetables are also available in COMPASS. A medical certificate should be obtained if a student is unable to attend school for an exam. Yr 12 students will be on BLOCK from Monday 16 to Thursday 19 September only. If any student in Yr 12 has outstanding schoolwork or assessment, they will forfeit their BLOCK exam privileges. These students will be made to attend school to complete their work.

SET Planning

On Wednesday 29 August, Yr 10 students and parents attended the Senior Schooling Subject Selection evening. Students have now submitted their proposed subjects. Careers Advisor, Mrs Douglas and I will continue to meet with the Yr 10 students to discuss their SET Plans. In the next few weeks, based on the submitted subject choices, we will also set the subject lines for Yr 11. Early in Term 4, each student will be interviewed and subject will be closely reviewed as part of the SET Plan finalisation. Interview booking times will be available on COMPASS.

Yr 8 Electives for Yr 9 2020

In the next few weeks, we will be working with Yr 8 students who will select two electives for Yr 9 in 2020. Parents have received an email concerning this. I apologize that the students have not yet received the Yr 9 & 10 Handbook. This Handbook has needed major updating due to the New QCS System for senior. Students will be receiving this Handbook in the next few days.

Fun Run

On the last day of term, we have the Gilroy Fun Run which has historically been a great day enjoyed by all of our students. Students will complete a walk from Forrest Beach to Cassidy Beach, followed by lunch and some games and activities. I hope to see all of our students there enjoying the last day of term together.

God Bless
Joan Devietti
jdevietti@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

We are coming to the business end of the term, assessment tasks due and exams on the horizon. Many of the Religion classes are in the middle of assignments. These tasks are done during class time, which give students the time to work on other subjects at home. If your child is experiencing any difficulties with their assignments, please contact either their teacher or myself. We are always more than happy to help during lunch hours if needed.

This week our Yr 12 OP eligible students sat their QCS Exam. This is always a stressful time for our young students. The thought of results and where that will lead to next year is always daunting and overwhelming.

Before sitting their first exam, Father Damian led them in an exercise where they wrote down their worries on a piece of paper and threw them away. Studies have revealed that for some this lessens the load mentally so students can just focus on the task at hand. It is a ritual that students look forward to in the hope that it will help. This was followed by a short meditation and prayer.

The prayer we said is below. It is a beautiful prayer that all our students can prayer during exam time. I wish all students the best during their upcoming exams. Study hard!

God bless
Christine Timms

Dear Lord,
As I take this exam,
I thank you that my value is not based on my performance,
but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test,
but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam,
bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain calm,
confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today
you are there with me.
Amen.

From the Acting Assistant Principal (Pastoral Care)

Social Media Warning:

As a parent it may not come as a surprise to you that the majority of bullying and friendship issues that are reported to the school have either begun with or been exacerbated by social media.

I wanted to make particular mention to an app that is very popular with students at the moment but also has a lot of potential to be harmful. YOLO (which stands for You Only Live Once) is a sub branch of Snapchat that allows you to anonymously ask questions or give information to other users. You can also share your reply via Snapchat. Like many social media platforms, the Terms and Conditions state that the service is intended solely for users who are seventeen years of age or older. Alarmingly, the terms also state that the app may “collect and store personal information” which could include your name, phone number, email address, password, location or photo.

The major concern with this app, however, is that anyone can send inappropriate or harassing messages to students without their identities being revealed. Obviously, this can have serious flow on effects for students’ social-emotional wellbeing, which is further complicated by the fact that students or staff cannot address the issue with the perpetrator if we don’t know who it is.

I’d like to urge all parents to talk to their students about and restrict access to this application as it has proven to be harmful in our community.

Gilroy Adolescent Mentoring for Indigenous Needs (GAMIN) Camp:

Our annual GAMIN Camp will be held at the Abergowrie Dairy today, Thursday 5 September and Friday 6 September. We will leave school at 8:30am Thursday and return by 2:30pm Friday. This camp is designed to foster leadership, whilst encouraging and supporting our Indigenous students to achieve their potential and be proud of their culture. If your child is attending this camp, please make sure they have returned their permission form to student reception and the school has been notified of any issues that we should be aware of.

Secondary School Surf League

The Secondary School Surf League is to be held in Townsville on 19 September, the second last day of Term 3 and will include events such as ocean swim races, board races, beach flags, beach sprints and relays. The day is all about trying new things and having a go as a large portion of students attending will not have previous experience with surf events. Gilroy Santa Maria will be taking a team to this event so please encourage your child to register their interest at student reception by Monday 9 September.

Our local Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club will also be recruiting and training new members in the coming weeks in preparation for the upcoming season which runs from October to May. Beach patrols are a great way for you to provide community service within a team environment. As a surf club member, you will have access to free training in surf rescue, first aid and CPR and surf sports equipment. Please let me know if you or your child may be interested and I can pass on further information regarding how to get involved.

Blessings
Karen Lahtinen

From the Business Manager

REMINDER

Term 3 School Fees are now overdue.

MULTI-SCHOOL FAMILY FEE DISCOUNTS

As of 2015, a new fee structure gives families discounted fees for the second, third and subsequent children across both secondary and primary systemic Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese.

To take advantage of these extended fee discount, parents/carers should contact the principal of the primary school, informing them of older siblings attending a systemic Catholic secondary school. Diocesan Tuition fee discounts will be applied accordingly.

PENSIONER AND HEALTH CARE CARD HOLDERS FEE DISCOUNTS

In addition to these family fee discounts, parents/carers with a means tested Australian government health care or pensioner concession card may be eligible to receive a significant discount to tuition fees. Card must be in the name of the parent/carer (not the child/student).

Families without these cards who are experiencing financial difficulty should speak with their school Principal to apply for special consideration.

No child will be denied enrolment due to financial difficulty. Parent/carers should discuss this matter with the school principal who will treat the situation with understanding, sensitivity and confidentiality.

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

Last Thursday, 28 August, the Principal of Cromwell College on the University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus, Mr Ross Switzer, come to the College to speak to students who are considering studying in Brisbane.

If your child was unable to make the session, or you would like to investigate the facilities that Cromwell College offers to Brisbane based university students, their website is below. Each year Cromwell College welcomes a minimum of one or two Ingham students.

As Yr 10 SET Planning is now underway, students were given the opportunity to undertake a careers quiz using the Job Outlook website. It is a website that has a wealth of information on occupations and training pathways and I would encourage parents and carers to open the website and have a look, as it is very comprehensive.

Students can go through the career quiz as many times as they like. It can be accessed by clicking on the second yellow rectangle displayed on screen.

Nancy Douglas

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