5 February 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Around the grounds

Induction Mass

Congratulations

From the Acting Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all our College community back for the 2021 school year. I also take this opportunity to welcome all our new families to our school. We have over three hundred and thirty students enrolled this year, with 63 new yr 7 students. I’m confident that our welcoming, safe and supportive Gilroy community will ensure that all our new students will settle in quickly and our existing students and staff will warmly embrace and support them.

We welcome eight new staff members to our College.

Teaching Staff:

• Ms Jess Mihan, who is teaching both junior and senior Business, Accounting and junior HASS
• Ms Phoebe Slater, who, whilst not new to our College, has transitioned into a teaching role in the Performing Arts and English learning areas
• Mr Jaidyn Spina, who joins our Physical Education and Science learning areas
• Mr Leon Stewart, who is in our English and HASS learning areas
• Mrs Belinda Strong, who is teaching junior Science, Biology and Maths

Support Staff:

• Mrs Belinda Musemeci, Mrs Leisa Bradshaw, Mrs Rosie Stringini, Mrs Anita Cooper and Ms Georgia Adams

We also welcome back Mrs Kate Stringini, who returns from maternity leave this year. All of our new and existing staff are refreshed and energised for a wonderful year of learning, teaching and community involvement.

As everyone is aware, we are almost near the end of demolition, ready for construction to begin in the near future. I would like to thank parents/caregivers for adjusting to the new drop off/pick up routine. By all reports, this is working well. Our new library, administration and classrooms being built this year are going to provide excellent and modern learning spaces that our staff and students will enjoy and provide environments conducive to learning. I’m certain, once completed, everyone in our community will be impressed, especially students and staff!

Last year, we saw the rollout of the new QCE system. Our Yr 12 students performed very well and should be commended for their efforts and achievements. All graduating students received a Queensland Certificate of Education, which provides an excellent platform as they begin their journey beyond school. Given the introduction of external assessment we were unable to confidently calculate the Dux for 2020 at our Awards night last year. Therefore, at our Induction Mass this week, we invited the award recipients and their families so that they could be presented these prestigious awards. On behalf of the Gilroy College community, I would again like to congratulate Benjamin Jorgensen as the Dux of 2020 and Brennen Caruana, who was awarded the Principal’s award. We also presented the Excellence in Vocational Education and Training award to Matthew Biasi who demonstrated initiative and excellence in this field. Congratulations to all three boys for their excellent results. Thank you also to all our staff who play an imperative role in ensuring our students are given every opportunity to succeed in whatever path they choose and enjoy. A thank you must go to parents/caregivers for your ongoing support and dedication to your children.

A reminder to all parents/carers that we are very committed to supporting your child in every way we can, so please let your child’s teacher or myself know if you have any concerns. If it is more convenient, you can email me directly at mcarr1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au. All other staff have direct emails and these can be accessed through Compass or by contacting the office 47762888.

God Bless
Melissa Carr
Acting Principal

Meet our new staff !

Teaching Staff

Ms Phoebe Slater

Support Staff

Mrs Anita Cooper

From the Acting Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Welcome back to another exciting and what will be a very busy school year.

Despite the demolishing and construction that is all around us, teachers and students are keen to settle into the school routine. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new families that have joined our college community. I trust you will enjoy being part of our school community.

Year 9 and 10 Class Structures

In years 9 and 10, the classes for the core subjects, English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities have been purposely structured. Academic Leaders have invested considerable time generating these classes to maximise the provision of support and extension to all students and to best prepare students for senior and the New QCE System. These subjects have also been specifically arranged in the timetable so that students can be moved from class to class depending on their progress. All decisions have been data based, using the student’s past results, NAPLAN and PAT testing. If you have a particular issue with the class your child has been placed in then please discuss this with the appropriate Academic Leader.

English - Mrs Nicola Winterbourn
Mathematics - Ms Sharon Duffy
Science - Ms Roseanne Coyle
Humanities - Mrs Heidi Ciancuillo

No student will be allowed to move class without consent from these Academic Leaders or a strong recommendation from our counsellor Ms Kate Stringini.

Subject Changes

If students would like to make any subject changes, please collect a subject change form from Student Reception as soon as possible. This form must be completed then returned to student reception. The change will need to be consulted, formalised and if appropriate a new timetable will then be issued. Students are not to change classes/subjects until they have received a new

timetable. All subject changes must be finalised by the end of week 3, Term 1. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or via email to ask any questions.

Assessment

The assessment planners for Yr 7 - 12 have been released. All students and parents have been emailed the assessment planner. Year 7 will also receive a paper copy. A link in the school newsletter is also available and is also placed on the school website. Assessment Planners contain all necessary information for the assessment of each subject expected throughout Term 1. Some students may become rather overwhelmed by the quantity of work ahead. The key to survival is being organized. The school diary is a great source to keep students organized. Students need to ensure that they have all the required writing materials and books for their classes and need to begin revising work and ensuring homework is completed from day one. Homework entails consolidation of the day’s lesson, revision of previous learning and working on any upcoming assessment. Students should also take advantage of the academic support which is available in the library every lunchtime and after school Monday and Wednesday.

Please also be aware of the Assessment Guidelines & Procedures regarding missed work and assessment. These documents are available on the school website and clearly outline procedures for assessment.

Some major points include:

• It is imperative that if your child misses an exam for any reason that the College is notified. A Medical Certificate upon return to school that covers them for any missed assessment is necessary.
• 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 due to any absence. Most learning areas are using Google Classrooms so students should be able to access missed content and course work at any time.
• 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 date.
• All assignments must be submitted before or on the due date.

Study and Assessment Information Evening

On Thursday 18 February, a Study and Assessment Information Evening will be held at G-BLOCK at 6:00pm. The aim of the evening is to help students understand:

• what is study
• how to study
• how to use the school diary
• how to be organised

While the evening is particularly tailored for our new year 7 families, all parents and students are very welcome and encouraged to attend.

All students requiring a White Card to undertake VET courses or attend specific work placement sites have completed this course last Friday. I am sure they have clearly understood the skills and safety awareness required in these situations.

God Bless
Joan Devietti
Acting Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Welcome back to Gilroy Santa Maria!

I wish to extend a special welcome to our new students and their families and to our new staff as well. It is great to have you as a part of our College community.

RESILIENCE PROJECT

For the past 12 months I have been talking to NQ Cowboys and The Resilience Project about getting the program up and running at Gilroy. This program has amazing feedback and reviews from not only schools but sporting clubs and other business that have used it.

We have been lucky enough to land a sponsorship program and now will have the NQ Cowboys helping us deliver the program to not only students but to staff and parents as well.

Staff are undergoing PD on the program and I will let you know when we are able to book in the Parent presentation. Starting in Week 5 of Term 1, we are pleased to be introducing The Resilience Project’s online wellbeing curriculum into our classrooms.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience. The Digital Program consists of online presentations and lessons for students, professional development for staff, and a video series for our parent and carer community.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the Parent and Carer Program with you. The videos are 5-10 minutes long and will walk through the key pillars of resilience: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. You’ll hear stories and be introduced to activities to show how these strategies can support our kids learning and development, and also support you as parents and carers.

This program is an important part of our school’s effort to look after the mental health of our community.

View the first presentation of the series here:

Part 1: Meet Martin and learn about The Resilience Project:

We will be in touch weekly to share the remainder of the program, including research and wellbeing activities to integrate into day to day life.

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page

God bless
Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal
(Pastoral Care)

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Welcome to the 2021 school year and a very warm welcome to our new students, staff and the families. It is wonderful to see so many new faces join our community and to see everyone returning safely from the Christmas break.

As I write this, we are busily preparing for the Induction Mass on Thursday. Of course, it will all be over by the time you read this. I look forward to presenting our senior cohort with their leadership badges and the Peer Support students who will be helping with our year 7 students transition into high school. This year we will also be presenting our special academic awards, Excellence in Vocational Education and Training, Principal’s Award and Dux to the year 12 students from 2020. I am sure it will be a beautiful occasion celebrating the beginning of the school year. It will also be an opportunity for Father Damian to introduced himself to the new school community.

Last weekend’s gospel reading tells when Jesus performed the miracle of casting out a demon from a man who had entered the synagogue. Imagine those who were present and the reaction they would have had to a man shouting aloud during a prayer service. They may have been very quick to judge him on his actions and outward appearance. As human beings we are all prone to judging others without knowing them and who they really are. It is particularly important at the beginning of the school year that we are all slow to judge those who are new and give everyone the opportunity to fully part of our school community. Let us welcome those around us as we strive to make Gilroy Santa Maria the welcoming and inclusive school that we want it to be.

The prayer for this week is our school prayer. May we dedicated ourselves to being all that we want our school to be.

God Bless
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal
(Religious Education)

Sports News

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

The first event on the carnival calendar is our Inter-house Swimming Carnival. This event will be in week 4, Thursday 18 February at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre, Ingham. Students will nominate for the swimming events during school assembly in week 3. They must listen to morning notices in homeroom for any important information regarding this carnival. This is a compulsory school day for all students.

A letter will be sent home with students in the coming weeks, outlining all the details. Any questions please email me ecerutti1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au

Erin Cerutti
Teacher

Run Club news

Northern School Sport News

Around the district

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

Please see below the 2021 school fees. Your fees will be emailed to you in the next couple of weeks. Please make sure the email address we have on file is current.

Due to the new finance system we have implemented, we have had to streamline the way we charge school fees for 2021.

As all year levels attend either a retreat or a camp we have decided to include all school camps in the general levy.

Previously only year 10’s were charged a laptop levy of $250 per student, however all students now have a device so an IT levy of $100 per student has also been included.

The General Purpose levy consists of:

• Subscriptions
• Technology – including licences, accidental insurance and laptop bags
• Subject levies
• Textbooks and other resources
• Camps/Retreats
• Student devices

We have also separated the Building Fund Levy of $400 per family. This was previously included in general levies but this fee is now per family not per student.

MULTI-SCHOOL FAMILY FEE DISCOUNTS

As of 2015, a new fee structure gives families discounted fees for the second, third and subsequent children across both secondary and primary systemic Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese.

To take advantage of this extended fee discount, parents/carers should contact the principal of the primary school, informing them of older siblings attending a systemic Catholic secondary school. Diocesan Tuition fee discounts will be applied accordingly.

PENSIONER AND HEALTH CARE CARD HOLDERS FEE DISCOUNTS

In addition to these family fee discounts, parents/carers with a means tested Australian government health care or pensioner concession card may be eligible to receive a 70% discount to tuition fees. Card must be in the name of the parent/carer not he child/student.

Families without these cards who are experiencing financial difficulty should speak with their school principal to apply for special consideration.

No child will be denied enrolment due to financial difficulty. Parent/carers should discuss this matter with the school principal who will treat the situation with understanding, sensitivity and confidentiality.

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

ZOOM SESSION

Catholic School Parents Qld Diocese of Townsville

Come along and join us in person or via ZOOM for an interesting info evening with Mr Tony Hytch from Townsville's Catholic Education Office.

Tony is the Systems Learning and Teaching Adviser for Secondary. Tony will update us on Year 12 learnings and results.

When: Thursday 18 February @ 6.30 pm. Flyer attached.

Following our guest speaker, we'll have a brief meeting to share the 2021 initiatives planned for parents, carers and school communities.

Each school can have up to two reps attending these quarterly meetings (only one meeting per term, held Thurs of week 4).

It's a great way to keep your school informed and ensure your school's parents/carers have their voices and needs heard.

Ensure your school's parent group (P&F, FACE, PACE, CAFE, CSPA, etc) has a seat at the table on 18 February.

Let's build a strong, connected and proactive Diocesan P&F voice.

RSVP necessary, so drop me a reply email and tell me how you want to join in.

What’s on

Careers

Please read the following information on Employment opportunities at KFC Ingham:

Blanco’s Carpentry Job Opportunities

Blanco Carpentry is wanting to hire a full-time Year 11 or Year 12 apprentice. It will be expected that the students undergo a short trial period with Blanco Carpentry before starting work. Cassie is looking for expressions of interest. Students are to call Cassie on 0447 113 567 or drop a resume into the store.

Mrs Louise Costabeber
Careers Advisor

Academic Support Program

PLEASE NOTE: 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 11:30am.

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 – 11:30am 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]

TUCKSHOP MENU

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