14 November 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

Farewell Class 2019

Orientation Day

Father Emene’s Ordination

We were privileged to be present at Father Emene’s Ordination recently. Our choir was asked to sing Psalm 23 during Communion. It was a spectacular ceremony and one I believe no one will forget.

Annual Awards Night

On Wednesday 30 October, we held our Annual Awards Night and as always, it was wonderful celebration of the achievements by our students this year. Congratulations to all recipients.

Wanted for Science Department

Ice cream containers are needed for the Science Department. Please drop at the Labs or Student Reception.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Congratulations to all students who received awards at our Gilroy Awards Evening two weeks ago. It was a great night, which recognised the efforts and achievements of our students, and I hope everyone who attended enjoyed the evening. Apart from acknowledging the tremendous efforts of our students, we farewelled long serving staff member Ms Debbie Greeff who was our special guest on the night. Debbie has been teaching at Gilroy for the last 23 years and has displayed outstanding service to our school community. Debbie along with other experienced staff has set the tone and expectations for the college for many years and leaves a great legacy. Debbie will be moving to the Sunshine Coast and will take up a teaching position down there in 2020.

Also, at our Awards Night we presented the Mark Mappas Award to Tony Panzenbock. The Mark Mappas Award is given annually across all Townsville Diocesan schools to outstanding volunteers who have served and contributed to our school communities. Tony was our Parents and Friends President from 2008 to 2012. He was the driving force at many working bees, Deb Balls, Gilroy Fetes and Graduations during these years and beyond. He earned the respect of past and current P&F members and our school is a better place for his outstanding service to our school community.

Another person who contributes greatly to our college community is Fr Damian McGrath. Fr Damian celebrates his 25th Anniversary as a priest this weekend. Father contributes greatly to the life of our college and we are very lucky to have a person so vested in our community. We congratulate him for twenty-five outstanding years of service to our Church and its people.

Recently, our 2020 College Captains, Prefects and House Captains were selected.

Congratulations to:

College Captains: Josh Spina, Alicia Galipo
College Vice Captains: Ethan Costabeber, Emily Firth
Prefects: Benjamin Jorgensen, Patrick Bortolanza, James Hunter, Brittney La Rosa, Allanis Melvin, Hayley Spina
McAuley Captains: William Tretheway, Cheylsea Molloy
Rice Captains: Ryan Carr, Olivia Biviano
O’Meara Captains: Brennen Caruana, Sidnee Sadlier

It was terrific to see so many students apply and a great sign that students feel comfortable to put their hand up for positions without the fear of others might think or fear of missing out. Congratulations to all our student leaders for 2020, I am confident they will do an excellent job.

Finally, and not least, this Friday our Yr 12 students graduate from school. They started as a cohort of seventeen students in Yr 8 and have grown in numbers and character during their time together. They have had their challenges and triumphs during their time together but have grown strong as a group. We are very proud of them. On behalf of our college community I wish them all the best as they celebrate the milestone of finishing school and ultimately as they make their way in the world. We trust they will have fond memories of Gilroy, their teachers and classmates, remembering they will always be members of our college family. I thank their Coordinator Mr Claude Cianciullo for his organisation and care of these students throughout the course of the year. I’d also like to thank the staff and parents who have assisted in organising the Graduation this Friday night. It promises to be a great night.

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

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Awards Night

On 30 October, we witnessed the culmination of a year’s hard academic work at Awards Night. Congratulations to all recipients for a job well done and for receiving a reward for your consistent effort and dedication to your studies. I am always particularly proud of the Academic Effort and Industry recipients; to have worked to the very best of their ability is all that we can ask of any student. In my opinion, this award is the most important and the one that all students should aim to achieve.

Yr 12 Students

On Friday, the Yr 12 students will conclude their secondary education at Gilroy Santa Maria College. This cohort are a respectful and fun-loving group of students who have many talents however, opportunities can only take them so far in life. It’s the other qualities of passion, perseverance, commitment, determination and sheer hard work that will take them the rest of the way to achieve their dreams. I congratulate them on achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education. I sincerely wish them well and pray that God will guide and protect them through the next chapter of their life journey.

All students received a copy of their final results for checking this week and will be farewelled on Friday, starting at 10:00am. Morning Tea for the Yr 12 students and their families will follow in the Function room.

Information about the release dates of the 2019 QCS Test grades, Yr 12 results, OPs and FPs are in the QCAA memo attached below. As has been discussed with all Yr 12 OP students, it is

very important that they know their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) number and password to access their QCAA Student Connect account as this will be how they will receive their OP results the quickest way. Students have been encouraged to access their account prior to school finishing so that if there are any issues they can be sorted. Students should also change their email address from the school email, as this address will become obsolete.

Surreal Meal

Congratulations to the Arts Department and their helpers who once again put on a splendid Surreal Meal last Friday evening. All invited students and staff enjoyed the evening, which was certainly a lot of fun. Thank you to the staff who obviously went to an enormous effort for students to enjoy a night of fun.

Yr 7-10

The exam schedule for Yrs 7-10 has been emailed to all students and parents. Exams for students begin on Monday 25 November and conclude on Thursday 30 November. All students are expected to complete their exams and assessment. Should a student be unable to complete an exam then a medical certificate is required.

All students will enjoy a Fun Day on Friday 29 November to conclude the school year.

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

From the Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Where has 2019 gone? I believe I ask myself that question every year. Sitting here finalising lessons, assessments and masses for the end of the year it is impossible not to look back and consider the many blessings that have been bestowed upon our students, staff, families and school community. Our Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday is a beautiful celebration which gives us the opportunity to thank God for the many good things that have come our way this year.

Of course, as we are grateful for our many blessings, many around us find themselves in less fortunate circumstances. As a school, each year level has been asked to bring in donations for the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Donations have been coming into homerooms. Here is the list for each class:

This week we farewell our Yr 12 students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Several of the graduates from this year I have known since they started prep at Our Lady of Lourdes, so even though I’m not a graduating parent, I still have a sense of sadness. I have also had the privilege of teaching this cohort at Gilroy and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the students that have joined over the years. Tonight will be the Yr 12 Graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Church at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration and look forward to seeing you there.

I would like to take this opportunity to which all our Yr 12 students the very best for their futures. May they be happy in all their endeavours and may God keep them safe.

Blessings
Christine Timms

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

2019 Graduates

Week 6 is the final week of school for our Yr 12’s and on Friday night, they will officially graduate from our College. As the original half cohort of prep students, this group of seniors mark the end of an error in schooling history and have left their own special mark on our College. I can confidently say these students have made the best of every situation. I will always remember them as the grade that got every secondary student in the district up and dancing at the Inter-School Cross Country. Congratulations to all Yr 12 students, I wish you all the best for the future and please remember that our College doors are always open if you need support or would like to pop in for a visit.

2020 Student Leaders

In the past couple of weeks, we have been busy reading applications and interviewing students for our 2020 Student Leadership positions. Although this is always a hard job, it has been particularly tricky this year with a very large quantity of quality applicants. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the courageous students who applied for leadership positions, you are all excellent candidates and I am confident you will be fantastic leaders and role models for our younger students next year. A special congratulations to students selected for leadership positions.

Blessings
Karen Lahtinen

From the Business Manager

2020 School Fees

SUBJECT LEVIES

Yr 9 – 12 Graphics Levy - $25 / student per term
Yr 9 – 12 Industrial & Design Technology Levy - $25 / student per term
Yr 9 – 12 Art Levy - $25 / student per term
Yr 9 – 12 Hospitality Levy - $25 / student per term
Yr 10 – Computer Levy $250

School fees are due on the 15 November. If you have not yet paid this account, please do so ASAP.

Thank you to all who have paid fees to date. 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

Validation is the Best Parenting Skill

At a time when the mental health and wellbeing of children and teenagers is firmly in the spotlight, validation is an essential parenting skill.

When a child or teen comes to you when they are struggling emotionally, they want you to understand their dilemma. They don’t want to be dismissed or told to ‘get over it’. They generally want someone to acknowledge that their concern is real with comments such as:

“I see you’re worried about going to camp. I can understand that. “

“I’d be afraid too if I was left alone on my own for that long.”

Validation of a child’s struggles helps them

Validating a child’s struggles helps in a number of ways. It works to:

• Build deep connection
• Relationships built at the time of vulnerability go deep and are hard to break.
• Promote a child’s wellbeing

Validation helps kids feel safe, which is what ‘worry warts’ and anxious kids want. Lack of understanding rather than fear itself often impacts negatively on a child’s happiness.

Overcome disappointment and build resilience

Validation encourages kids to give voice to their concern or disappointment and either takes steps to rectify it or move on.

Develop emotional intelligence

Parental validation models emotional intelligence for children and teens. It requires you to identify the emotions that may be behind their language or behaviour.

Encourage empathy

Validation requires you to stop, listen and get on the same wavelength as your child.

Four steps to validating your child’s emotions

Follow these steps when your child comes to you with their worries or concerns to make sure they feel understood.

1. Attend
   Stop what you are doing and give your child full attention.
2. Observe
   Listen with your eyes as well as your ears.
3. Reflect back their worries
   Get down to their eye level if necessary, saying something like, “I see you’re really concerned about this.”
4. Touch
   If appropriate, gently touch their shoulder or give them a hug when you speak to them. This will help them feel safe and comforted.

There’s no better feeling for a child or teen who is struggling than knowing someone they value truly understands them.

Michael Grose
Kate Stringini
Guidance Counsellor

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