15 October 2020

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

World’s Greatest Shave

A group of Year 9 students along with Mr Matthew Giliberto, have decided to take part in World's Greatest Shave to raise money for blood cancer. Their goal is to raise $1000.

There is only a short turnaround time to when the heads are shaved!! This will occur on Wednesday of Week 5.

The boys have decided to fundraise through selling slushies and donuts at the tuckshop and there will be a 100 board in the staffroom to buy tickets in – keep a look out for their fundraising.

Well done boys!

Awards Night 2020

The Annual Gilroy Santa Maria College Awards night will be held on Wednesday 21st October. This year due to COVID-19 Guidelines, the ceremony will be split into 2 sessions. Students & carers are only permitted to attend their own year levels session. We understand this may be difficult to arrange however we must comply with the guidelines.

RSVP is essential.

A list of students receiving an award is at student reception’s notice board. Parents have also been emailed.

From the Acting Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

I thought this was a fitting message for this week’s newsletter with all that is happening in our College at the moment:

“We are committed to joining with parents and families in partnership for the education, development and formation of our young people. And this we do in a safe, caring and disciplined environment.”

This week will be my final week as Acting Principal as John Nuttall returns on Monday 19 October from his secondment at Townsville Catholic Education. I have truly enjoyed my time in this position. I will again resume my role as Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Administration. I want to also thank Joan Devietti, who again, did a terrific job in this role and as part of our Admin team during this time.

Our annual College Fun Run, held on the last day of Term 3, was a great day to end the term. We had good weather for the students’ walk to Cassidy Beach. Students were then able to enjoy time with their friends as a nice way to end a busy term. We did cut our day short and returned to school by 1.00pm due to some rainy weather. For the remainder of the day the students were able to choose an activity including sport and movies. We also had some Ironman and Ironwoman presentations to finish our day. It was lovely to see good attendance for this day and by all reports, the students had a great day!

Earlier this week I had the privilege and pleasure in being involved in the 2021 Senior Leadership Interviews. All applicants were extremely well prepared and are already leaders in our College community. It was evident from the quality of their interview answers which followed their well thought through speech at the whole school assembly last week, that every applicant really wanted this opportunity and will be great role models and ambassadors of our College.

It is with pleasure that I announce our College Captains for 2021 are:

Isabella Melara and Tahlia Nowak.

Our College Vice Captains for 2021 are:

Eryn Gusmeroli and Darcie Spina.

These ladies espouse the Catholic values our school wants for our students and as well as having developed some excellent initiatives for next year that will not only carry on the great traditions already in place but also influence some positive changes for 2022. Well done ladies! We have now commenced the process for electing our College Prefects and Sports Captains for 2021.

As we move towards the end of the school year, I take this opportunity to inform you on staffing news. Mr Michael Matthews who has taught and served in our community for over 12 years will be retiring from full time teaching at the end of this year. Michael has been a valued member of our College community. Our ‘Gamer’s’ program is an excellent example of Michael’s positive contributions. Nancy Douglas will also be leaving her role at the end of this year. During Nancy’s time at Gilroy, she has undertaken different roles. Nancy has made many positive changes and meaningful contributions to the College. Her wealth of knowledge and ability to provide career advice will be very much missed. Louise Costabeber will be replacing Nancy next year. Louise is already a member of our College community and is being mentored by Nancy for Term 4 in preparation for next year. In other staffing news, we have two members of our staff, taking maternity leave. Danielle Mastripollito has already commenced her maternity leave this term and will return at the beginning of 2022. Danielle will be welcoming her third child this month. We wish her all the best for the safe arrival of her new baby. Diane Giliberto has taken on Danielle’s class for Term 4 and we are in the process of finalising her replacement for next year. Karen Lahtinen will also be going on maternity leave at the end of this year. Karen is welcoming her second child into their family early next year. Replacing Karen for next year will be Jaidyn Spina. Jaidyn is a past student and has completed a practicum placement at Gilroy and therefore he is already very familiar with our College life and will be an asset to our teaching team.

Next Wednesday evening will be our Annual Awards Night in the Santa Maria Centre where we will celebrate the academic accomplishments of our students from years 7-12. This year, due to COVID-19, the evening will be split into two separate events. From 5:30pm-7:00pm, we will be celebrating our year 7-9 students receiving their awards. Between 7:30pm-9:00pm we will be recognising the year 10-12 awardees. A list of all award recipients was put on the notice board at the front of student reception on Monday of this week. Parents of awardees have also been sent an email congratulating their child and also asking for their RSVP. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we need to know exact attendance numbers so that planning in accordance with current restrictions are put in place. We appreciate the time taken to respond to this email. This evening is always a beautiful way to recognise and celebrate the industrious efforts of so many of our students.

This term is going to be a busy and relatively short term. Our year 12 students will be commencing their external exams on Monday 26 October. This will be the first time that all Queensland students will be undertaking external exams as part of obtaining the ATAR in December. Our students have been well prepared throughout the year for this event. At the end of Term 3, all students in General subjects, undertook a mock exam for each General subject. During their first week back, students and teachers have spent a considerable amount of time giving feedback on these exams and delivering tailored lessons designed to highlight areas for improvement within their class. Some results were overwhelmingly positive, whilst for other studies, in coming weeks, they will need to really focus on their academic efforts to ensure that they are prepared and ready for their external examinations. All subject teachers will be in their timetabled classrooms for all subject lessons up until the day of their external exam for any students who want to come in to ask questions and/or attend workshop structured lessons. The Senior Centre in C Block will also be available to students during school hours as a quiet and resourced place to study and prepare for their exams.

God Bless
Melissa Carr
Acting Principal

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

Welcome to Term 4. It is hard to believe that we are already at the final term of the extraordinary year of 2020!

GSM Annual Awards Night

The GSM Annual Awards Night will be held next week in two sessions. I see this evening as the highlight of the academic year and take great pride in witnessing those students who have been rewarded for their hard work. As this is my last report, I would like to congratulate in advance 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 who have worked to the very best of their ability. This 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.

Year 10 SET Planning

Careers Advisor, Mrs Nancy Douglas and myself have now completed all SET Plan interviews and are pleased to report that the experience was well worth the efforts. Students are well placed to begin Year 11 in 2021. They are also well informed of the expectations and efforts required to gain a QCE successfully. Some students may find that after receiving their results for their subjects for Semester 2, that a subject change in their selection for 2021 is required or recommended. Changes should be made as soon as possible and preferably before the 2021 academic year begins. All students should be placed in the appropriate subject by week 3 of year 11. While students may like to enrol in certain subjects, it is important that all are aware that if they the student is not capable of achieving a Satisfactory level or higher then it is NOT an appropriate subject for them.

Term 4 Assessment Planners

The Term 4 assessment planners have been emailed to all students and to all parents. The assessment planners outline all assessments for this term with the due dates and information about what exams your son/daughter are required to complete. Please understand that assessment is a very important part of schooling, hence students and parents should be very aware of these dates when booking holidays. School continues till Friday 27 November for years 7 - 12.

Year 11 Exam Block 26 October- 30 October

All year 11 students have been issued the Exam Timetable for week 4. It is also available on COMPASS. During this week, year 11 students are only required at school to complete scheduled assessment. ALL year 11 students are required at school to continue their studies as normal from Monday 2 November to Friday 27 November for all subjects.

Year 12

All year 12 students have been issued the External Assessment schedule for Monday 26 October to Monday 9 November. This schedule is also available on COMPASS. Please be aware that:

• During this time, year 12 students are only required at school to complete scheduled assessment, however classes and tutoring will be available with their teacher up to the scheduling of that exam.
• Students must be punctual to all assessments. Session 1 starts at 8:45am and Session 2 at 12:05pm.
• C4 classroom and the library is available to students if they wish to study at school.
• No student will leave an examination early
• Students must have the required equipment in a clear plastic ziplock bag
• Only a clear water bottle is permitted
• No electronic devices or watches etc allowed

Students have received all of the above information.

Once students have completed all their assessment, they are requested to go to work or work placement. Those who have paid work may like to utilize this time. Those who do not have paid work should be seeking work placement. Mrs Zanghi can help and support the student to obtain a suitable placement.

All year 12 students are asked to check their current results in the student portal in QCAA. If they have any concerns then they should be seeing their teacher or myself as soon as possible.

Year 8

Students are currently electing their 2021 elective subjects. Information and the instructions to complete this process online have been issued to students. All selections must be completed by Monday. Please contact me if there are any concerns.

God Bless
Joan Devietti
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

College Captains 2021

It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the 2021 College Captains and Vice Captains:

College Captains - Isabella Melara & Tahlia Nowak
Vice Captains - Eryn Gusmeroli & Darcie Spina

All four students prepared their speeches, interviewed extremely well and are very deserving of their positions.

We will now commence the process for our remaining 2021 Leadership positions.

The school is in good hands for 2021!!

YR 12 Student breakfast

On Monday 26th October, we will be providing breakfast for all YR 12 students before they begin their exams.

When: Monday 26 October from 7:30am
Where: Senior Centre
Why: To ensure they have a great morning before starting their exams!

All YR 12 Students are welcome to come along for the big brekky!

Assistant Principal (Pastoral)

Dear College Families,

What a great way to end Term 3, with the weather holding out long enough for us to sneak in our annual walk-a-thon at Forrest Beach and have lunch before the weather declined. After a year of so many cancellations the grade 12’s and all students really appreciated the opportunity to get outside and have some fun.

We have a few exciting events coming up at Gilroy Santa Maria this term. Wednesday, Week 3 we have our Academic Awards night so make sure you keep up to date with the details by checking your emails and our facebook page.

The senior students will be starting all their external exams soon so we wish them the best and the school will be putting on a few little activities to support them through these stressful times. Good luck Year 12.

Thursday week 4 we are holding the “Has Gilroy got Talent?” event with staff and students both volunteering to get up and show off their skills. There is going to be prizes for both Junior and Senior divisions so if your child hasn’t already emailed me with their act please encourage them to do so! It’s going to be a lot of fun!

God bless
Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal Pastoral

Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community

Last week we listened to four exceptional leadership speeches during assembly. Each brought their own flare and purpose for Gilroy Santa Maria in 2021. Congratulations to our School Captains, Isabella Melara and Tahlia Nowak, and Vice Captains Eryn Gusmeroli and Darcie Spina. I look forward to seeing what they bring to their roles next year.

We are holding our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal this year. Each year level has been allocated certain items that students will need to bring in to contribute to their Christmas box.

Year 7 – Pantry Goods e.g. biscuits, chips, jelly crystals, sugar, flour

Year 8 – Canned Goods e.g. soup, vegetables, lentils, beans, tuna

Year 9 – Breakfast Foods e.g. cereal, powdered milk, rolled oats, powdered eggs

Year 10 – Hygiene Products e.g. toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, soap

Year 11 – Packaged Goods e.g. pasta, pasta sauce, instant noodles, rice

Year 12 and staff – Christmas Foods e.g. fruit cake, custard powder, candy canes

Every little bit helps and goes a long way to helping those struggling at this time of the year.

Our senior Religion and Ethics classes have started a unit on Spirituality and Ritual. During the lesson’s students have been engaged in different types of Christian spirituality. One of these has been an Ignatian spirituality called the Examen. Basically, the Examen is a practice of taking a few moments to review the past day. It allows you to recognize the graces and blessings, as well as the challenges and lessons of your day. It is a discipline of noticing the activity of God in you, your life, and your world. In our busy lives it is important to take the time to reflect on each and every day and recognise the presents of God and the many gifts we have been given.

This week’s prayer is the Ignatian prayer.

Christine Timms
Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

From the Business Manager

Dear Parents & Carers,

Over the holidays, your Term 4 School fees were emailed out. A little earlier than usual, but hopefully only for this term. There were some teething issues, which I have spoken to some parents about. The statements will look different and you will notice that it no longer has our bank details on it. This is because our preferred way of payment is now BPAY and those details are on the statement. It also doesn’t say what term you are paying which is a glitch I will fix for the next year. As always, you can pay by credit card, BPAY or we can set up a direct debit through Payway.

If the statement does not look quite right and you don’t agree with balance or if you have any issues or questions regarding the statements please do not hesitate to see me.

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.

God Bless
Ros Giuliano
Business Manager

SPORTS NEWS

The following year 7 students are part of the Herbert River Junior Rugby League U12's team. They have made it through to the Grand Final to take on Burdekin THIS Saturday at the Kern Brothers grounds.

GOOD LUCK BOYS!

Shaun Devietti
Jack Butcher
Hayden Martin
Nickolas Coco
Oliver Flynn

Gilroy Open Rugby League Match V Ingham State High 17 September 2020

As term 3 came to a close, the Gilroy Open Rugby League team played a very tough and entertaining Rugby League match versus a spirited Ingham High School outfit at the Crushers grounds. The match was a see-sawing affair with the lead changing a number of times. Gilroy’s forward pack started well with Matthew Biasi, Ryan Carr, Greg Prior and Simione Turagabeci taking the ball forward and defending strongly. However, it was man of the match performer, Waisea Lido, who crossed the line for two barnstorming tries on the back of some creative work from playmakers Ethan Costa, Will Trethaway and Cian Mendiolea who all led the team around the park admirably. Ingham High fought back to lead 14 – 12 at half time with two converted tries and then a goal line penalty kick after some ill-disciplined play from the Gilroy boys.

In the 2nd stanza, ball security from both teams fell away but Gilroy’s outside backs Nick Stokes, Thomas Fenn, Wilbur Ormonde, James Hunter and Josh Milani stood up in defence. Special mention should be made of fullback, Nick Gofton, who was very safe under the high ball and came up with several try saving tackles. The Gilroy boys defended their line for almost twenty minutes before some counter attacking play and then some terrific defensive pressure saw the Gilroy boys claw their way back into the match. After finally getting the ball in Ingham High’s half, some better ball control and direct running saw the Gilroy boys press the line and then Cial Mclelland crashed over for the match winning try. Gilroy defended their lead and came out on top 18 – 14 in a cliff-hanger of a match.

Coach Schifilliti praised his players after the match as they never gave in and played for each other. Credit should be given to both teams for a match that was played in terrific spirit and a big thanks to the Crushers for hosting the match.

M.Mendiolea
Sports Coordinator

Counsellors Corner - TAKE TIME

Simone Cook
Guidance Counsellor

Academic Support

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

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]

ALL TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS MUST SUPPLY A BLUECARD – PLEASE CONTACT ROS (BUSINESS MANAGER)

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