20 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

Essential Emails

Yr 7 & 8 Co-ordinator: Mr Matthew Giliberto mgiliberto1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Yr 9 & 10 Co-ordinator: Ms Meagan Castellaro mcastellaro1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Yr 11 & 12 Co-ordinator: Mrs Karen Lahtinen klahtinen@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care: mschrodter@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Assistant Principal Administration & Curriculum: mcarr1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Assistant Principal Religious Education: ctimms1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au
Principal: jnuttall@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Gilroy on the Go

INDUCTION MASS

INTERHOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

PEER SUPPORT

RUNNING CLUB

Running Club is on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. Please see Mr Schrodter to join.

IMMUNISATIONS

Immunisation program for Yr 7 and Yr 10 students

Our school is participating in Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. All Yr 7 and Yr 10 students will be offered free vaccinations as recommended on the National Immunisation Program schedule to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Yr 7 students will be offered human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough). Yr 10 students will be offered meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

It is important that you read the information booklet contained in the consent pack, which was sent home with your child

Only students with a signed and completed consent card, indicating ‘Yes to Vaccination’ will be vaccinated. If you would like your child to be vaccinated, please fill in the consent card and return it to the school within one week.

If you do not wish your child to be vaccinated, or your child has already been vaccinated with the offered vaccines, please complete the ‘No to Vaccination’ section on the consent card and return the consent card to the school within one week.

The Public Health Act 2005 requires the school principal to disclose student and parent/legal guardian/authorised person information for eligible Yr 7 and Yr 10 students to the school immunisation provider if requested. This information will enable the school immunisation provider to determine those who have and have not consented, and directly follow- up with parents/legal guardians/authorised persons of students who have not returned a consent card. This direct follow-up ensures all parents/legal guardians/authorised persons are offered the opportunity for their child to participate in this important school health program. It may also assist you in making decisions about your child’s immunisation needs.

Parents, legal guardians and authorised persons who have indicated ‘No to Vaccination’ will not be followed up by the provider.

School immunisation providers will be bound to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). This Act stipulates the requirements for the secure collection, use, storage and disposal of personal information to be followed by school health program providers.

The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses and/or a medical practitioner. Parents, legal guardians or authorised persons are encouraged to ensure their children have an adequate breakfast on the morning of vaccination.

The vaccination team will be visiting the school to give the free vaccinations on the following date/s:

For further information about the School Immunisation Program please call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit at the link below.

PRINCIPAL

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Our recent Beginning of the Year and Student Leader Induction Mass was a terrific way to officially launch our school year. We were able to conduct this mass for the first time in our Santa Maria Centre. Everyone appreciated the fact it was air-conditioned and the convenience of being able to celebrate it here at school. Being able to host our morning tea in the same venue was also a bonus. At the Mass, our Yr 12 Student Leaders received their badges as well as our Yr 11 Peer Support students. The names of all our Yr 12 School Captains, Prefects and House Captains is listed below. We are confident they will all do a great job in 2020 in fulfilling their leadership responsibilities.

I was very impressed with the spirit demonstrated at our Interhouse Swimming Carnival recently. The attendance and participation was terrific among the students and it was obvious that everyone enjoyed the day. Congratulations to our Senior Leaders who did a great job encouraging their respective teams, their efforts were noticed by many. A big thank you to Mrs Cerutti for organising a wonderful carnival and to all the staff who helped on the day. Well done to the Rice House who were again the victors, they again take the lead in our yearlong house competition, the GSM Cup. Special mention goes to Ryan Elliott and Nicholas Di Bella who broke eight school records between them. Congratulations to all the students who were selected for our Gilroy Swimming Team and will compete at the Twilight Interschool Carnival conducted on Thursday 12 March.

I read with interest an article written by the Townsville Bulletin recently where our school was listed in the Top 10 performing secondary schools in North Queensland, based on Yr 12 OP scores. I don’t usually share this type of news in our newsletter but since 2019 was last year of OP scores in Queensland I thought it was topical to mention it as we usher in the new ATAR scores from this year on. Historically we have always done very well in this area and it is reassuring to leave the OP-era having done well once again.

I know Mrs Carr; our Assistant Principal Curriculum and Administration will be mentioning this in her newsletter article, but I also take this opportunity to invite all families (students and parents/carers) to attend our Study and Assessment Information Evening conducted next Thursday 27 February. It’s tailored for Yr 7 families, but all year levels are welcome. It will be an opportunity to listen to what students can expect, tips for success and importantly time to ask questions. I hope many families attend.

God Bless

John Nuttall

2020 STUDENT LEADERS

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(Administration & Curriculum)

Hello students and parents/carers,

In the next few weeks we have some important events coming up that I would like to ensure everyone is are aware of.

In week 6, we have the Yr 12 Exam Block (Monday 2 - Friday 6 March). Student timetables have now been finalised and available on Compass. Yr 12 students can now go to their schedules on Compass for week 6 and find their exam schedules. There will be no scheduled classes during the week, as the expectation is that students will be studying, attending their exams or at scheduled classes/workshops as per their timetable on Compass. Please note, that vocational students also have some scheduled classes/workshops during this time (i.e. Construction, Engineering and Cert II Beauty all have 1-day workshops during this week). These are on students' timetables.

Students and parents please note that normal school rules apply during exam block. Students are required to wear their full school uniform and ensure they sign in and out of school at student reception each day they are at school. If students are at school, but not in an exam, they are required to be studying quietly in the library. Lunch breaks are the same as a normal school day. I wish all students the very best in preparation for their exams in this week.

On Thursday 27 February at 6:30pm (Function Room), we are hosting a Parent Information Night regarding Study and Assessment. We received positive feedback from students and parents last year when we hosted our first information night and therefore want to offer this night to our families again. This session helps to explain expectations regarding homework, study and other assessment related topics. Many of our parents and carers are unclear what our expectations are or what strategies help to assist their child. We hope that this night might clear up a few topics and assist with the difficult role of guiding your kids through these potentially challenging times. While the night is tailored to our Yr 7 families, parents and carers of students in all year levels are welcome to attend.

God Bless
Melissa Carr

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(Religious Education)

It has been a busy and very hot start to the year.

Our Induction Mass was a beautiful occasion to celebrate the start of the school year and introduce the team who will be leading our student body. This was also our first occasion to use the Santa Maria Centre for this Mass. Many hands make light work and it was with many helpers that the Mass was a success. As for Father, his highlight may have just been the air-conditioning and not losing three litres of sweat during the mass. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Father Damian for his continued support of our school and the marvel job he does bringing the gospel alive to our students.

Next Wednesday we will celebrate a liturgy to mark the beginning of Lent. This also marks the beginning of our Project Compassion campaign within the diocese. This project is a major focus which shows our community the work that the Caritas Australia does throughout Australia and the world to provide education and services to those struggling in a world that doesn’t necessarily live for social justice. This year’s theme is ‘Go Further Together’, highlighting that we can all make a difference, even just a little, if we join together to live as true citizens of the world.

Have a good week!

God Bless
Christine Timms

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(Pastoral Care)

The year 2020 is well underway with the first three weeks flying by and being exceptionally busy with students already accomplishing so much. All classes are functioning well and in some cases assessment tasks have begun. Every student at Gilroy Santa Maria College is a unique individual with special gifts and talents – we hope that with motivation, encouragement and hard work that our students will discover their potential and build confidence and resilience.

I believe all teachers at Gilroy Santa Maria go out of their way to help provide for students in their own way, whether it’s tutoring at lunch times and after school, Train Club or Gamers Nights with Mr Matthews, Confro and QISSN training held during lunches and after school with Mr Schifilliti, Mrs Cerutti and Mrs Giuliano. There is now also a Gilroy Running Club, which is held after school with 20-25 students and six staff currently attending sessions twice a week.

Another great example of building students up is the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) club run by Miss Coyle and Mrs Jorgensen. They meet weekly working on projects and are currently making a hydraulic crane.

A big congratulations to the current Yr 12’s and Mrs Lahtinen for their successful Valentine’s Day fundraising event. Students did a great job and sold lollies, roses and serenades with all funds being donated to Project Compassion.

We have some great Pastoral events coming up in the next semester involving parents and students and we cannot wait to work with you all.

Blessings
Matthew Schrodter

FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

School Fees have been emailed. If you have not received them, please contact the school. If you are unsure if we have your correct details please check on Compass, if they have changed, contact the school. The school fees are due Friday 13 March.

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

One Child - $26.35
Two Children - $46.05
Three or more Children - $60.95

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 - $175.55
Two Children - $307.05
Three or more Children - $406.30

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

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

SPORTS NEWS

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

The Interhouse Swimming Carnival for 2020 was held on Friday 7 February. Overall, the day was a success, filled with fun and excitement coming from all of the students in each house. In hot and humid conditions, competitors from Rice, McAuley and O’Meara enjoyed a great day of spirited swimming competition. Eight new records were set and many personal bests were achieved throughout the carnival as swimmers from every house gave their all in the quest for swimming’s top prize.

A Message from the Rice Leaders:

The students in the Rice house did an exceptional job at participating and putting in their best efforts to fill the lanes. Every student put in their all when in the pool, especially after being promised a lolly bag for participating. Early in the day, students were informed that the points were close and that Rice was only just in front of the other houses. This boosted their competitive spirit and gave them the motivation they needed to stay in first position. Throughout the whole day, Rice house was cheering for their team and supporting each other with their new war cries and chants.

The day ended with Rice house winning the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, as well as the Junior Boys and Senior Girls. As their leaders, we are so proud of our amazing house and grateful to lead the Rice house. We cannot wait for the Interhouse Cross Country!

Ryan Carr & Olivia Biviano

From the O’Meara Leaders:

We started the day nice and early to create a tropical-themed area to let the other teams know O’Meara was serious.

O’Meara house saw an impressive amount of participation, with lanes filled in almost every race. We had so many people jumping in the pool, swimming their hearts out to gain points for O’Meara. We were proud to see high participation levels from our new Yr 7’s who swam for O’Meara for the first time. We would like to congratulate Nicholas Di Bella for breaking three records, our four O’Meara students who won Age Champions and last but certainly not least, and all those students who jumped in the pool and gave it their best effort.

Our loud war cry voices still need a bit of work, so we hope that we can make the next carnival even better by having more students cheering and encouraging their house members. On a positive note, it was great to see students helping one another in marshalling. Early in the day, we were told that there were not many points separating first, second and third. This boosted our competitive spirit and gave us the motivation we needed to keep filling our lanes. At the end of the day, O’Meara managed to come through and bag the Senior Boys Shield, coming in second place overall for the day. Congratulations to all!

Brennen Caruana & Sidnee Sadleir

From the McAuley Leaders:

McAuley’s house leaders were very impressed with the students showing strong courage and support to all team members. It was great to see so many students participating in at least one race and if they weren’t swimming, students were cheering for their team. Although it was a very hot day, we all still gave it our best shot. McAuley’s house overall won the junior girls award and the spirit award. After an exhausting day, McAuley students did an amazing job in helping with the cleanup. This helped the house captains focus more on packing up the equipment.

All students are to be commended for their great spirit and their fantastic level of behaviour throughout the day.

William Tretheway & Cheylsea Molloy

Age Champions for the Carnival:

Records:

Shield Winners:

Interschool Swimming Carnival

The swimming carnival will take place on Thursday 12 March. The carnival begins at 5:30pm sharp and concludes at 9:15pm. Team members are asked to assemble at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre at 5:00pm. Team members must wear their Gilroy Sports Uniform to the Carnival. Also, we strongly suggest our swimmers wear appropriate swimwear for competition. Try to avoid baggy clothing, which will slow you down. Food and drinks will be available at the pool on the night. So please come along and support our Gilroy Swimming Team.

Erin Cerutti

NQ Swimming Selection:

Congratulations to Ryan Elliott and Cara Elliott who were both selected for in the NQ School Swimming team. They will travel to Brisbane for State Titles in Week 8.

HR and NQ Trials:

With only a limited amount of time between Herbert River and Northern Region School Trials, it is important that both students and parents use the information given in our Gilroy Santa Maria newsletter, the daily student notices or contact our Sports co-ordinators Mrs Erin Cerutti and Mr Mendiolea, at the school to keep up to date with trial information. For team sports, where there aren’t enough students to form a Herbert River 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 convenors of the respective sports.

Secondary Trials Calendar Term 1 2020

Yr 7 Sports Day:

Postponed to Week 7

Rugby League:

In Rugby League news, the Open Gilroy Santa Maria Team has been training the past two weeks in preparation for upcoming fixtures as part of Herbert River Secondary School Trials and other matches leading up to Confraternity Shield. 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, Open’s Team training is held on Monday afternoons from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. Any parents or friends of the school wishing to help with the Gilroy Santa Maria programme are more than welcome to contact Mr Schifilliti at the school. ischifilliti@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Please note that the Matty Bowen Nines carnival was postponed due to extreme weather conditions (heat) last week and also that the Gilroy Open Boys Rugby League Team will not be participating at the Columba Catholic Schools Carnival due to clashes with other events.

Anyone interested in trialling for U15 or Opens HR Rugby League, come and see Mr Schifilliti at the coordinators’ room to sign up. (HR Trials U15 -Tues 25 Feb Week 5 and Opens- Thur 27 Feb Week 5 at Gilroy)

Netball:

Open QISSN netball trials were held on Monday 3 February and again on Wednesday 5 February at second break at the SMC. A team has been named and is in training as part of the lead up to Vicky Wilson matches- 11, 18 & 25 March and the QISSN tournament to be held in Brisbane during the Semester 1 holidays.

HR Trials:

In other Netball news, Herbert River Secondary School trials will be held at ISHS on Tuesday 18 February, in Week 4. Girls will need to wear their sports uniform and bring a water bottle. Below is an outline of the relevant information. Anyone interested in trialling for U15 or Opens HR Netball, come and see Miss Castellaro at the coordinators’ room to sign.

NQ AFL Trials:

Any 13 or 14 Yr old boy or girl interested in NQ AFL trials come and see Mr Mendiolea at Student Reception during lunch times.

NQ Girls Rugby League Trials:

Any U15 or Opens girl interested in NQ trials come and see Mr Mendiolea at Student Reception during lunch times.

Primary/U12 NQ Calendar:

Is displayed on the Sports Noticeboard or can be found on the Northern Sports Townsville website. Some U12 NQ trial dates below. HR Trials still to be confirmed.

Netball Girls -26 – 27 April – Townsville
Rugby League Boys- 26 – 27 April – Proserpine
Rugby League Girls- 21 July – Townsville
Football Boys & Girls - 24 – 25 May – Burdekin
Tennis Boys & Girls - 27 May – Home Hill
Softball Girls - 7 – 8 June – Charters Towers
Touch Boys and Girls- 14 – 15 June – Ingham
Cricket- 9 - 10 August – Home Hill

Michael Mendiolea

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

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

INDIGENOUS HOMEWORK SUPPORT

TUCKSHOP NEWS

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 – 11:20am
2nd Lunch – 12:50pm - 1:30pm

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

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE DISTRICT

Ingham Arts Festival 2020

I would like to advise that the Ingham Arts Festival for 2020 will be held from Sunday 23 – Thursday 27 August 2020.

Friday 21 August will be the collection of Music, Art, Craft and Photography.

Kind regards
President
Vera Di Bella

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