28 May 2020

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Transition Day information

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 guidelines, we have had to postpone our Transition Day planned for Thursday 28 May.

Enrolment applications for 2021 are now open, please come and collect an enrolment pack from the College office.

Message from our Principal for YR 6 families:

Link to enrolment information and video:

Around the school

YR 11 Physics students working on their Experiment Assessment

Thanks for the delicious sausage rolls YR 11 Hospitality!

Reconciliation Week

“In this Together”

From the students

We asked students write a reflection on their Online Learning Experience. Here are just a few….their honest reflections are terrific.

Natalie Biasi YR 11

Overall, I had a fairly good experience with regards to online learning. I found that I got more work done online at home than I would have at school. I was able to take the time to complete tasks without being rushed or distracted, and I understood more content as I had the time to thoroughly read through and take valuable notes on each topic. Although I was able to understand the work better, I did miss the physical interaction element of school, and not having that instant face to face connection like I would if I was in a regular class.

Lucy Galletly YR 10

For the last five weeks, I have been at home doing online schooling. I must say that homeschooling is a lot harder as you can’t just ask your teacher a question, face to face, there at the moment. I also find it very hard to motivate myself and stay focused on the work I am trying to complete. There are many distractions at home! However, I have been lucky enough to be able to go over to the College a few days a week with my parents as that is where they work. I was able to get with a few other people who had come out with their parents to do their work and work together. This helped a lot because I could easily ask them a question and we could all help each other when needed. It is easy-going working at home as I do have a lot more freedom and can arrange to do my work whenever suits me best. I can’t say I am too keen to be going back to school but it is probably the best idea.

Caytlan Stephensen YR 10

Personally I am not sure how I feel about online learning. It is safe to say that I have definitely completed a whole lot more work each week than I normally would have at school, due to the fact that we are constantly being checked in to make sure that it is finished.

I found I get a lot less distracted while at home by not being able to talk to friends and other noise distractions in a school environment, but there are other things such as mobile devices that do tend to drag me away from my work at home. I do prefer online learning as I feel it helps me to understand the work better and be more efficient in finishing the set work, although I miss my friends and the social interaction that comes along with being at school on a daily basis. Online learning is extremely flexible and allows me to do my work when it is right for me. I found this extremely useful as I would be able to set out my work in a way that best suited me and as an outcome it made me enjoy doing the work more than I did at school.

Being able to access the learning material anytime and anywhere helps learners to better balance their work and study commitments which I believe is a very good characteristic to have. This experience has helped me gain time management and responsibility for my education. All in all, this is something I’m sure we will never forget and at least for a long time I don't think you teachers will hear any of us students complaining about being in class, at a desk surrounded by our friends. We all know this hasn't been easy for our teachers either and I'm sure me along with the rest of your students greatly thank you for the dedication and efforts you have put in to making sure we have everything we need to keep on track with school.

Sophee Lepinath YR 7

I think online schooling has been a great change for me. I believe it will benefit me in the long run by helping me to stay strong and get a good mindset for when I have to get homework done, go to activities I don’t like, etc. Before I wasn’t very good at sticking to a schedule and always wanted to go and play games. I didn’t like the way that I couldn’t be responsible and stick to a simple routine. As I said before, I think this will help me to stick to a schedule better as I had to manage myself and set a schedule for the week to get things done in time. This has helped me be more mature and responsible and I think I needed it, as I was and still am, only just settling into highschool. I know that in highschool you have to do things for yourself and be independent. You cannot rely on other people or lean on them because if they move you will fall face first into the ground. As Yr 7’s we are just getting used to stepping away from the people we may have been leaning on in primary and it can be tricky, but we will get there eventually. I think I do quite well at homeschooling. I get all my work finished as well as extension, and then I have free friday! It may have been a good, refreshing change, but I am looking forward to school again, where I can see my friends and where the classes don’t seem so long and don’t have lots of distractions.

Justin Roveglia YR 7

My experience of online learning was good. It was a bit weird and it was a different kind of experience. I did my work in my own time instead of being rushed to do it in a classroom. I had more time to sleep in and felt rested because I didn’t have to travel to and from school which usually takes up 40 minutes of my day. I felt like I was on school holidays except there was a lot of learning and studying to be done. At first there wasn't a lot of work to do, but as the weeks went on there was quite a lot of school work. I had an assignment for science which I am still doing. I could really concentrate on putting a lot of time into this assignment. This was really good. Every lunch time I would go eat my lunch out on the patio. I liked to do this. I could even do my school work out there and it was good because it was relaxing outside. I liked getting the fresh air I could even sit back and relax in the lounge to do my school work which was comfortable.

Every Wednesday and Thursday I would have live classes at specific times of the day and at the end of the live class everyone would ask questions. Most of my work had to be completed by Thursday or Friday.

Overall my experience with online learning was awesome.

Nicholas Di Bella YR 10

Online school learning was a great experience to have. There was a couple of things and I liked and a couple things I disliked during this time. To start off, the things I liked about school at home is that the week’s work was given out on Monday. This was a good thing as I was able to do 12-14 hour days of work and complete all the work given within a couple of days. The downsides to schooling at home were that it is a lot harder to learn at home and there is a couple of subjects that school facilities are needed to complete the work.

English Writing Competition

Got a story to share? You’re invited to put your writing skills to the test! Jacaranda’s writing competition is now open to Years 7-12 students until June 26th, 2020.

For the first time, Jacaranda will be publishing winning stories in our new English titles, making this a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to have your work published while helping teach future students the art of writing. We have a broad range of categories to suit all writers (short story, essay, poetry, flash fiction or micro-fiction) and plenty of prizes to be won.

What are you waiting for? Submit your entry today!

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE JUNE 26 2020

ALL information is at the following link:

Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

The sun shone brightly this week as we welcomed all students back to school. Although cold, we have been blessed with some beautiful weather for the return to school. It has been terrific seeing so many students enjoying the conditions by either playing on our oval or sitting around the picnic tables, catching up with peers. Even better has been the many smiles I have seen around the school; it is great having everyone back.

No doubt “online learning” has meant different things to many people. Some parents and students will shudder in fear at the thought of having to do it again, while others have thrived and could easily transition back and forth. Either way, let us cross our fingers that schooling is not affected by any future outbreak and therefore our community can return to long-term “normality”.

I mentioned it last week in my letter to parents, however, once again I just want to thank everyone for their support over the last few weeks. Firstly, to our families, I know parents and carers have been doing their best in difficult circumstances and your efforts are greatly appreciated. I also congratulate the overwhelming number of students who have worked hard and have done their best during this online learning phase. Finally, I thank our staff. They have devoted many extra hours over the last few weeks, they have collaborated so well with each other and their commitment to our students has been exemplary.

This week all around Australia we celebrate National Reconciliation Week. We have many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in our school along with staff and we have many in our wider community. So it should be extra special for us. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation involves building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians; enabling us to work together to close the gaps, and to achieve a shared sense of fairness and justice. We have a great deal of local history and culture to learn and experience, and as a school we are always striving to do this better.

Normally we would be hosting a Reconciliation Week Liturgy, but due to COVID we cannot conduct assemblies at present. Instead, our Indigenous Education Team have created a video which we will share publicly and there is also a display in the library. I encourage everyone to view the video and visit the display.

Last Sunday was the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians and this week at school we celebrated this important day in the church calendar a little differently. As we are not allowed to assemble in large groups, Father Damian said Mass in our College Chapel and then we “live streamed” it to all our homerooms. The live stream could also be seen by the wider community through our Facebook page, website, and the parishes various platforms. Father Damian has been streaming his Mass’ for many weeks now and it was terrific to be able to do it for our school community.

In the second week of Term 3 until the third week in Term 4 this year, I have been seconded into the Townsville Catholic Education Office to the role of Acting Director School Services. It is a great opportunity to learn and to experience educational leadership from a different perspective. While I am away, the school will be in very capable hands. Mrs Melissa Carr will be Acting Principal and Mrs Joan Devietti will be Acting Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Administration.

Finally, Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews have been confirmed for Thursday 11 June from 3:10pm to 7:30pm. Mrs Carr will be providing everyone with further information in the coming days.

God Bless
John Nuttall
Principal

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

It has been great to have all our students back at school learning and socialising with their friends. I know the teachers have also appreciated having all students back at school. Whilst appreciating that COVID-19 has presented many difficult times, our learning from home experience has also provided positive and good learning experiences for both staff and students. For one, everyone’s IT skills have drastically improved! For some of our students, they have learnt better ways to focus at home and for their learning to be more self-directed. Now that we are back functioning, relatively ‘normally’, hopefully everyone can take some positive experiences and apply them into their future learning. I also take this opportunity to ensure our community that we are continuing to maintain a high standard of hygiene and follow all necessary COVID-19 guidelines to ensure your child/children are as safe as possible when at school.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Our Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews have been confirmed for Thursday 11 June (Wk 8). These interviews provide an invaluable opportunity for meaningful conversations, recommendations and discussions between teachers, students and their families.

Please note we will be following COVID-19 guidelines by conducting interviews over more rooms and therefore spreading out more across the College.

Please see the attached document below on how to book your interviews through Compass. This portal will open on Wednesday 3 June at 9am and close the following Wednesday 10 June at 4pm. If you have trouble booking through Compass, please contact the College office.

Assessment/Exams

As we approach the latter half of the term, students should be well underway with assessment and study. Remembering that learning at home is very much part of work that can be assessed. For students who may not have put as much effort into home study as they could have, they will have some catching up to do to ensure they do their best in upcoming assessment. For students who have found their learning from home difficult, I hope they take up the opportunity to engage in our academic support program offered both at second lunch and after school. Teachers also meet at the request of the students. Attending these sessions is a very important medium for catching up on work missed and/or gaining additional support when required.

We will not officially have an exam week this term. Therefore, it is important that students are familiar with their assessment calendar and are writing key due dates for assignments and exams in their diaries. Should students have any concerns about locating their assessment calendars or need clarification with due dates, they need to please seek assistance from either their classroom or homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

Please also be aware of the College’s procedures regarding missed work and assessment:

• It is imperative that if your child misses an exam for any reason that the College is notified. Students in Years 10-12 must also supply a Medical Certificate or other official documentation upon return to school that covers them for any missed assessment.
• Extensions for assignment due dates must be applied for by the student before the assessment is due. Students can collect an extension form from Student Reception.
• Students requesting work for short-term and long-term absences: The school expectation is that students will see their classroom teacher when they return to school for work they have missed. All learning areas also will continue to use their Google Classroom pages to upload key resources and learning.
• Parents/Students gaining access to past exam papers: No student will be given copies/access to past exam papers, as this remains the intellectual property of the school.
• No student can conduct their exam prior to the scheduled due date.

I wish all of our students the best of luck with their upcoming assessments.

God Bless,

Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Assistant Principal Pastoral

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

The last few months have had a surreal feel to them. It has been great to see all students back at school once again this week. Like many of life’s experiences, it is the people around you that make something memorable. Our College is just a site and without students, staff and community coming together it would not be the great school that we all know.

Research shows the significant role that parents can play in the development of their children as they journey through the challenges of adolescence and schooling. The correct wearing of the College uniform is one way a student can show their pride in the College and the level of their self-discipline. Uniform expectations are always a high priority at Gilroy, just like academic progress, and with the return to school, this is something that all teachers will be monitoring. Just to refresh the College’s expectations, the ‘day’ uniform is to be worn on Tuesday and Thursday and the sports uniform on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If a jumper is to be worn, it must be the College jumper or a plain black or navy jumper, no hoodies are allowed. Black socks are also not to be worn and are not part of the school uniform. As part of the uniform, students should also be coming to school with a Gilroy hat and a ‘Gilroy’ school bag that is designed to safely carry their laptop. Please include a note in the student diary regarding any variation to the uniform.

A reminder mobile phones are not to be brought onto the campus for any reason and if you need to contact students you can do this through Student Reception. Students are more than welcome to contact parents using the school phone at Student Reception whenever it is required. Since we have had a total ban on mobile phones there has being a measurable decline in the level of cyber-bullying, which has been fantastic. It is still something though that we need to continue working on with the ongoing support of parents. Thank you for your continued support of our College’s expectations regarding uniform and mobile phone usage.

Running Club

The Running Club was a great success during first term with 20-25 participants turning up to each session. We will be starting this up again as of next week Monday June 1, so I hope to see all our students there again to take advantage of this beautiful running weather. Sessions are held Mondays from 4-5pm for speed sessions and Wednesdays 4-5pm for our longer runs. Please see me if you have any questions about Running Club.

God Bless

Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal
(Pastoral)

From the Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

It was great to return to normal classes on Monday. I must admit to being very fatigued by the end of the day, however, it was a good tired. Thank you to our parents and carers who helped with the at home learning during isolation. I am very grateful for the supportive community we have at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

This week we celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. This was a significant event, in that we had our first live stream mass to the school, the community and the parish. As I write this nervously, I hope it all went well and everyone enjoyed the mass. As I have previously mentioned, Father Damian has been wonderful in providing our spiritual connection during this time and I would again like to thank him for doing most of the behind the scenes preparation for our live streamed mass.

Father Damian has also been working hard to ensure the parish is ready to go with the lifting of restrictions and the re-opening of churches. Below is the PDF of all things necessary for the return to masses. Please take the time to read through these if you are thinking about attending any masses in the near future. You will also have to register with the parish if you attend mass with the 20 limit restriction.

To register, go to the link below and follow the prompts.

Last week, the Church celebrated The Ascension of Jesus into heaven and this weekend, Pentecost. Jesus revisited the apostles many times after his resurrection, encouraging them to spread the Good News. Even with his encouragement, the apostles were reluctant to go out to continue Jesus’ mission. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, empowering them to do as Jesus had asked. The Holy Spirit, for us too, gives the power to bear witness and to stand for what is right. It gives us life, stands by us, defends us, strengthens, and consoles us. We only need ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance when we need help and the courage to continue Jesus’ mission in our world.

God bless
Christine Timms

Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

From the Business Manager

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 2 fees have now been emailed. If you have not received them yet please contact the office.

In accordance with the mission, values and ethos of our school, we remain committed to providing an education to all of students regardless of their financial circumstances. If you are having any difficulties, paying school fees please contact the school as soon as possible.

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 you have any questions or queries, please contact the Principal or myself to discuss the matter. The sooner you make contact the sooner we can work together for a solution.

God Bless,

Roslyn Giuliano
Business Manager

Counsellor’s Corner

Wellbeing Tip for the Week

Are you feeling worried or anxious?

Mindfulness practice can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and worries. It is also helps us improve our ability to adapt to stressful situations and at the same time help us manage our emotions.

Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts and feelings as they happen. It is also about accepting those thoughts and feelings without judgement. Specific exercises can help us to become more mindful on a daily basis.

Mindfulness Walk

While you are walking, start by noticing how your body moves and feels with each step. Then, expand your awareness to your surroundings. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Make a conscious effort to notice the present moment through your senses.

Mindfulness Apps

Simone Cook
Guidance Counsellor

Careers

Sports News

If you would like further information, please contact Mrs Cerutti at the College.

What’s Happening in the Parish

Towards a covidsafe parish

Ingham Region Catholic Parishes Newsletter can be found here:

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