16 November 2020

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

NAIDOC WEEK

During Week 6 we celebrated NAIDOC Week - Always Was, Always Will Be.

Our NAIDOC Week celebrations involved a range of activities across the week.

Traditional First Nation Warrgamay Owners Josie Barrett and Christine George demonstrated some traditional and contemporary basket weaving to students. We also learnt some words in Warrgamay Traditional Language. Many thanks to Josie and Christine for sharing your time, knowledge and culture with us!

Our Year 12's arranged Traditional Indigenous Games on the oval during lunch time which students enjoyed. We also held a special presentation and prayer on Assembly, followed by NAIDOC cupcakes for everyone!

It was a wonderful week of celebrations and a big thank you must go to Mrs Groundwater and Mrs Pearce for their organisation.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

As I write my newsletter, I find myself at the Genazzano Retreat Centre on the banks of Lake Tinaroo (Thursday 12 November). I have been lucky enough to join our Yr 12 on their final school retreat. This retreat is usually conducted at the beginning of the year and was postponed. It has turned out to be an excellent change, as the students are very much relishing their last days together at school and appreciating being able to reflect, relax and give thanks to their years together. It has also been a great opportunity ponder what life after school will look like and be able to discuss with others their dreams, hopes and fears. I thank Fr Damian and Mrs Timms for organising the retreat and the staff that are attending. I know the Yr 12’s are very appreciative.

It is a busy time for our Yr 12’s. They have recently completed their external exams, which a new experience for all Queensland students and on Wednesday they have their farewell assembly, their Graduation Mass on Thursday evening and their Graduation Ceremony on Friday night. There Graduation will be held at school at the Santa Maria Centre. This is the first time we have used the SMC as a graduation venue, so that is exciting although it has been a lot of work for our organising committee and our school staff. I thank them in advance for all their efforts. I am sure it will all be worthwhile.

I’m pleased to announce that we have finalised our 2021 Student leaders. Congratulations to the following Yr 11 students, I know they will do an excellent job.

During week 6 we celebrated NAIDOC, National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance. It is a week to raise awareness of the rich culture, history and achievements of our First Nation Peoples. Throughout the week there were various activities that all students could experience. On Monday we also conducted our Indigenous Awards Evening. A chance to recognise the achievements of our students and the progress many have made through excellent attendance, participation in the life of the school and excellent academic results.

Enrolments are looking very good for next year with nearly 340 students predicted to attend our school. We look like having sixty-five Yr 7’s from various schools throughout our district. A reminder that our Yr 7 Orientation Day will be conducted on Tuesday 1 December. Please contact the office if you have any queries.

God Bless

John Nuttall
Principal

Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

Hello Parents/Caregivers,

What a wonderfully busy couple of weeks we have had. In the last couple of weeks, we have had two major events for our year 12 students; their QCAA external exams and Retreat Wednesday-Friday of last week. I would like to congratulate our students on their amazing attitude and effort towards both of these events. With regards to the external exams, all students arrived on time and prepared for their assessment. We have had mixed reviews from students after completing their exams, but on the whole, as teachers we can see that students have really put in their biggest efforts to ensure they perform at their best. I would like to thank Mrs Joan Devietti for her commitment to planning and ensuring these exams were all organised and ran smoothly throughout the last few weeks. All reports from Year 12 retreat last week have been very positive and commendation of students’ attitude and involvement in their retreat. This week we look to celebrate many milestones for these students as they prepare to leave the gates of Gilroy Santa Maria College for the final time and step into the next step of their future. This year’s cohort is no exception to the continuation of committed students leaving our College with a plethora of qualifications and pathways open to them for their futures. I sincerely wish them well and pray that God will guide and protect them through the next chapter of their life journey. Please see the table below for key reporting dates:

As has been discussed with all Yr 12 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 ATAR via this platform. 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.

The Yr 7-10 The exam schedule for Yrs 7-10 has been made available to all students and discussed during their homeroom time last week. Exams for students begin on Monday 23 November and conclude on Thursday 26 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 27 November to conclude the school year.

God Bless

Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

SCHOOL TO WORK

Counsellor’s Corner

Video resources to help children and teenagers cope with stress in the time of COVID-19

The Brave Program has created a series of videos to teach children and teenagers the skills to reduce stress and worry about life during COVID-19.

Click on the link to access the special COVID-19 video or visit our YouTube channel to view the entire series.

God Bless
Simone Cook

Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

Our YR 12’s attended their final Retreat from Wednesday 11 November to Friday 13 November. Here are some photos of their time!

Christine Timms
Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

World’s Greatest Shave

A group of 7 students and 1 staff member participated in the World’s Greatest Shave this year.

The group shaved their heads on assembly during Week 5 and worked hard to raise money over the past few weeks,

They raised an incredible $8,000.

Well done boys!!

Ben, Jake, Sam, Michael, Darcy, Seth, Bodhi and Mr Giliberto

From the Business Manager

Dear Parents & Carers,

School fees are now due!!

Please contact the school if you have not received Term 4 school fees. They were emailed over the September school holidays.

Just a reminder that our preferred way of payment is now BPAY and those details are on the statement. As always, you can pay by credit card, cheque or cash or we can set up a direct debit through Pay way.

If the statement does not look, quite right and you do not 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 RUGBY 7’s

As part of developing the Gilroy Santa Maria Rugby program, on Wednesday 11th November, the Gilroy under 13 & under 15 boys Rugby Union teams played in the Rugby 7’s afternoon at Ingham State High School. This was a chance for our younger players at Gilroy Santa Maria to start building team combinations in preparation for their future Rugby Union and League tournaments and competitions. The teams battled it out against Ingham High and Abergowrie teams with mixed success but displayed great school spirit throughout. They gained a good experience playing Rugby, with many of them playing for the first time and learning the many rules and interpretations involved. Thanks to Mr Nuttall for coaching the teams and to the many parents and friends who came along to support. Our girls Under 16 Rugby team will be playing on Wednesday 18th November afterschool so come and support them.

Good luck girls!!

Michael Mendiolea (Sports Coordinator)

Lunchtime sport

As the weather is starting to heat up outside, it was a perfect opportunity to take sport indoors. Students in year 7 and 8 have enjoyed a round robin of Netball, whilst the year 9 and 10 students took to the courts to play Basketball. The students were able to select and manage their own teams, whilst some preferred to cheer from the sideline. They should be congratulated on their organisation, punctuality, and sportsmanship. Congratulations goes to Claire Groundwater and Katie Spina who won players of Netball competition. Both girls showed leadership, fairness and played extremely well in the finals.

In the final basketball game scores were close. Darcy Di Bella’s team going down to Dylan Watts’ team 10 to 11. The boys played the entire game with grit and determination. A lot of talent was shown on the court. Well done to all of the players who participated in Netball and Basketball.

MUSICAL 2021

It is with excitement that we announce next year's musical - The Addams Family! Dark, twisted and full of comedy, The Addams Family tells the tale of a slightly abnormal family whose daughter, Wednesday Addams, wants to get married....to a very normal boy! When the Addams family invites Wednesday's new boyfriend and his parents over for dinner, can the Addams Family manage one normal night?

School musicals are an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to get involved in the Arts life and spirit of our school. The Performing Arts are a fantastic outlet for creativity and collaboration through singing, dancing and acting. There is an opportunity for everyone to be involved, whether in a lead role or in the chorus. Auditions have started this week and will continue into Week 7 with our lead roles being announced in Week 8. It's not too late to get involved! Rehearsals will begin in Term 1, 2021 with the final performance week taking place in Term 2, Week 3. Students should contact Miss Slater or Mrs McLaren if they are interested in taking part.

Miss Phoebe Slater
(Director)

YR 7 Orientation Day

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

AROUND THE DISTRICT

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