4 March 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Around The School

YR 7 Retreat – Magnetic Island

On Wednesday 24 February, Year 7 students travelled by bus down to Townsville, before heading over to Magnetic Island on the Ferry. Staff and students stayed with Apex Camps near Picnic Bay. The day began with a quick induction and tour of the camp before moving into activities. The students rotated through the following activities archery, rafting and catapulting. For some students this was the first time participating in these activities, hopefully they all learnt something new. Towards the end of day 1, the students enjoyed some much needed down time, by dancing, playing cricket, volleyball or just talking to each other, it was great to get to know the students outside of the classroom. The food on camp was amazing, from hearty spaghetti bolognaise to delicious roast pork, students were never hungry. On Thursday, some of our students who were flooded from the previous day were able to join us, this was fantastic as it meant all of the year 7 students were together. The camp focussed on building friendships, in smaller groups we discussed characteristics of a good friend, took the students on a ‘trust’ walk and learnt how to communicate with peers. I would like to thank the staff who helped me to make this a wonderful experience for the students.

Mrs Cerutti – Year 7 & 8 Co-ordinator

From the Acting Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

On Wednesday 17 February we began our Church’s Lenten period with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Fr Vinoj Francis was our celebrant as ashes were given to everyone in our college community. Ash Wednesday takes place forty-six days before Easter Sunday, where we remember the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. This is a time where we are invited to repent and ask for forgiveness as a gesture to acknowledge Jesus’ suffering. As John Nuttall recommended last year, if this hasn’t already occurred, this time could provide a discussion around the family dinner table about what everyone in the family is doing during Lent. As was written in our Ingham Region Catholic Parishes newsletter, “We must remain committed, persevering daily in acknowledging that everything belongs to God. What we sacrifice, we simply give back to Him” (Tracey Earl Welliver, MTS).

Thursday 18 February was our Interhouse swimming carnival. As I said to our students today at assembly, our students and staff who attended this carnival demonstrated resilience and spirit as they represented themselves and their House team. Despite the rain, the students appeared to have a good time. Our College spirit was flying high with war cries and cheering from the stands. Our attendance was almost 80 students even across each of the house groups, but it was the Rice House who took out the Spirit Award on the day as they were able to fill almost all of their lanes throughout the carnival. We also had the 16years Boys 100m Freestyle record broken by Nicholas Di Bella which has been standing since 2003. Due to the rain, we finished the day early and returned back to the College to stay dry for the remainder of the day. As we wanted to celebrate age champions in the midst of the whole school, we congratulated these students today. Congratulations to all students who participated on the day as well as the students who received their Age Champion award. Well Done! Due to weather conditions, our Interschool Swimming carnival has been changed to Thursday 18 March. Parents and carers today should have received a compass notification making you aware of this date change.

This year we are launching The Resilience Project throughout our college community. This program delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness. The Resilience Project shares the importance and benefits of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness; and easy ways to practice these in our everyday lives. As I said to our students today at assembly, students who competed in our swimming carnival, demonstrated resilience on the day. These types of events make us stronger people and will only benefit us in the long run. Our staff have undertaken professional development with Ray Thompson, ambassador for the Cowboys, to ensure that we are invested in ensuring this program will benefit our students by staff being confident and competent in our pastoral care lessons each fortnight. One strategy that Ray mentioned at our staff professional development, was that all of us can benefit from discussing 3 positive things that happened to all of us today when we are sitting down together at the dinner table. I thought this would be a great place to start if this isn’t something that our families are already doing.

We also had our Yr 7 Study and Information night on Thursday 18 February. This was a well attended evening that provided our students and parents with insight into what secondary school is like, some hints and tips for success and an opportunity for parents to ask any questions they had. I’d like to thank Mrs Joan Devietti, for delivering this presentation evening as it, in many ways, provides a link that many families need when transitioning to a new school environment.

The last couple of weeks has presented us with some interesting moments. The changing flood levels have meant that some students have been unable to come to school. Thankfully, the waters have receded as quickly as they have risen so these absences have been kept to a minimum. I’d like to encourage students who have missed school to access their google classroom pages and take advantage of our academic support programs offered every lunchtime and afterschool on Monday-Wednesday if needed. Despite the water, all of our Year 7 students were able to attend their Camp this year. We did have eight students who joined everyone on day 2, but these students made up for lost time and their Pastoral Leader, Mrs Erin Cerutti, made sure they were able to swim at the beach as this was their one request for arriving later. It is always great to see our new students away from their daily class routines. From all reports, students had a great time and many made new friends. Thank you to Mrs Erin Cerutti and all staff who attended this camp. It is the generosity of our staff who give up their time to attend these extra-curricular activities that makes the journey of our students that little bit more special.

Finally, but importantly, this week we had our 3-day Year 12 Block Exams. Contrary to last year, where we spaced these exams out over the week, we decided to have these exams in three days to better prepare our students for their external exams at the end of the year which will require them to complete more than one exam on some days.

Next Wednesday, 10 March our Gilroy Parents and Friends Association will conduct their Annual General Meeting. All parents and carers are invited to attend this meeting which is held in the Staffroom and begins at 7pm. I’m grateful for the efforts of our P & F. They raise a considerable amount of money each year that sponsors special events and assists us to purchase many great resources for our students. Importantly, our Parents and Friends are always looking for ways to increase participation of parents and friends within our community and they have some terrific ideas in mind for this year. You’ll find everyone very welcoming; your opinions will always be respected, and the tone of the meetings are always positive and good spirited.

God Bless
Melissa Carr
Acting Principal

Hospitality

From the Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Life at Gilroy Santa Maria College is always very busy. We have held a very wet Swimming Carnival, a disrupted Year 7 Retreat, some sporting trials and as I write, Year 12 Exam Block. All this despite the weather and flooding.

Thank you to those who attended the Study and Assessment Information Evening. I hope you found the evening useful and informative.

Year 12 Tracking Interviews – Yr 12 Students

Louise Costabeber (Careers Advisor) and I will be conducting interviews with ATAR-eligible Yr 12 students this week. The purpose of these interviews is to check on the student’s well being, academic progress and update on possible career pathways. All students and parents/carers should have received an email informing them of the interview schedule. Schedules leading into term 2 are also underway for students completing a vocational pathway. We encourage parents to attend these interviews as it is a great opportunity to track progress. Mrs Louise Costabeber, our Career Advisor, is always willing to help and guide students if further assistance is required.

DRAFTS

Parents often become confused on the level of teacher input that is allowed when students submit drafts. The following is from the QCAA Academic Integrity Course which outlines clearly the rules for all teachers. I hope you find this information useful.

• Teachers can provide feedback on a maximum of one draft of each student’s response.
• Providing feedback is a consultative process, not a marking process. Teachers should not allocate a result for the draft student response.
• Feedback on a draft must not compromise the authenticity of student work.
• Teacher may not introduce new ideas, language or research to improve the quality of student responses.
• Teacher may indicate some key errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and calculations, and remind students that the draft requires more editing, but should not edit or correct all errors in a draft.

Also Teachers may use a range of suitable strategies to provide feedback on the draft response. Possible strategies include:

• Written feedback
• Verbal feedback
• Feedback provided through questioning
• A summary of feedback and advice to the whole class.

Reporting

Please be advised of the following dates in relation to student reporting

• Term 1 - No reports issued
• Term 2 - Interim Reports 28 April 2021 followed by Parent/ Teacher/Student Interviews Thursday 20 May 2021
• Term 3 - Semester 1 REPORT (early term 3 - July)
• Term 4 - Semester 2 REPORT (end term 4 - December)

Term 1 Assessment and Exams

As we are now nearing the end of Term 1, students are well underway with assessments. Year 12 students are currently undertaking examinations. Term 1 exams for years 7 - 10 will commence on Monday 29 March. Students in year 11 have exams from week 7 - 9 which are scheduled by the subject teacher.

All students will be expected to be at school until 3pm Thursday 1 April. Teaching and learning will continue. This is vital in all grades especially with the loss of time at the beginning of this term. The New QCE System also demands that every available teaching and learning minute is necessary. I ask parents and carers to please endeavour to have students at school each and every school day as teaching must and does continue after assessment is completed.

The exam timetable for years 7 - 10 will be available on COMPASS from next week. Students can see their scheduled exam by viewing their calendar from Monday 29 March on COMPASS. In the student’s timetable, exams are displayed in green and show all details. If there are any concerns with accessing this information on COMPASS then please seek assistance from the homeroom teachers, student reception or the IT department.

New QCE System

QCAA has a section on their website specifically for Parents and Student of year 11 and 10 students. (https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/) Please take time to explore this section.

QCAA has also compiled important resources specifically for students who are studying General subjects e.g. Biology, General Mathematics, Modern History. These resources include sample assessments. Please take the time to investigate the resources available. They can be accessed via the link below.

NAPLAN

Students in year 7 and 9 will be required to complete NAPLAN Practice Testing online on Thursday 1 April. For this practice and also for the actual test students will require their own personal earphones or earpieces and if they use a mouse then their personal mouse. The school will not provide these due to hygiene issues. The real NAPLAN online test is held in Term 2 from 11 -21 May and involves all students throughout Australia. Please use the link below for further information.

God Bless,

Joan Devietti
Acting Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Collection Notice for Parents

Assistant Principal Pastoral

Dear Families,

Pastoral care at Gilroy Santa Maria is off to a great start this year. There is lots of events happening or about to start to help give students minds a break from the academic side of school life.

Our Inter-house swimming carnival although being a rainy day, was still enjoyed by all and was a good chance to see our students getting the chance to shine in other areas of school. After the carnival concluded, staff came back to the college to do their ‘Resilience Project’ induction with ex Cowboys player Ray Thompson. Staff have nothing but positive things to say about the program and are looking forward to seen the impact it has on the students.

Our first whole school Pastoral event is taking place next week with all students participating in their House groups in a whole school trivia competition. Groups will be divided in multiple year levels to encourage students to make new connections in the school.

Today our students had their induction of the Resilience Project which is a huge step in developing more resilient students at our College.

This week our TRP focus is GRATITUDE:

Gratitude is being thankful and expressing appreciation for what one has – as opposed to focusing on the lack of something.

Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.

View Part 2: Gratitude of the series here:

There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a Wellbeing Journal. In the image below are a few ideas to get started.

Source: Psychology Today

Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal Pastoral

Sports News

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

The inter-house swimming carnival was held in torrential rain conditions Thursday 18th February, at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. Competitors from the Rice, McAuley and O’meara houses took to the pool with enthusiasm, despite the weather. The Rice house once again took out this year's trophy as overall winners. They should be congratulated on their efforts to fill lanes, as this made all the difference on the day.

A new record was set by Nicholas Di Bella, from the O’Meara house. He swam 100m Freestyle for the Open boys, in a time of 1:02.75, this record has been held since 2008, well done Nicholas.

Students are allocated a number of points depending on where they finish in a race. Points are then added together before an Age Champion is awarded. The Age Champions were:

Congratulations to our students from the Rice house and all of the Age Champions. The inter-school swimming carnival will be held Thursday 18 March (Twilight), at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. Students who made the Gilroy swimming team have been notified during Homeroom and permission forms need to be returned to Student Reception.

NQ Squash

Congratulations to Kate Butcher, Jack Butcher and Sharief Kabay who were selected in the NQ Squash Team.!!!!

Netball

Congratulations to the following students selected to represent Herbert River at the NQ School Sport Trials:

U15

• Kimberly Clemments
• Lara Deambrogio
• Claire Groundwater
• Jada Fichera
• Lucy Biviano
• Sophia Zunker
• Ashleigh Smallwood
• Adele Jensen

Opens

• Lucy Galletly
• Dana Kaurilla
• Katie Groundwater
• Kaila Marino

Rugby League

U14 and Opens Rugby League- Weather pending we have been invited to participate in Rugby League matches with Abergowrie College in Week 7. More information will follow as it comes to hand.

NQ Trials

NQ Trials 13-15 Girls & 16-19 Girls SOCCER
NQ Trials 13-16 Boys & 17-19 Boys SOCCER

Both trials are being held on 17 March at Brolga Park Townsville

Collect note asap from student reception- See Mrs Sartor

NQ Girls16-18 Basketball Trials: Any capable players who are interested in trialling for Under 16 to Under 19 years Girls Basketball teams(March 8) at the Townsville Murray Basketball Stadium can collect notes/forms from student reception. All notes MUST be returned to Mr Mendiolea or Student Reception before 3 March

NQ Boys 13-19 Hockey Trials: Any capable players who are interested in trialling for Under 13 to Under 19 years Hockey teams(March 8) at the Townsville Hockey Club can collect notes/forms from student reception. All notes MUST be returned to Mr Mendiolea or Student Reception before 3 March

Northern Region 13-19yrs Boys and Girls Volleyball teams.

Both trials are being held on March 17 in Townsville. Students can collect notes/forms from student reception. All notes MUST be returned to Mr Mendiolea or Student Reception before 10 March.

NQ Trials 13-15 and 16 - 19yrs Boys and Girls Touch teams.

Both trials are being held on March 17 in Townsville. Students can collect notes/forms from student reception. All notes MUST be returned to Mr Mendiolea or Student Reception before 11 March.

Mr Michael Mendiolea

Inter-house Swimming Presentations

Readers Cup

Readers Cup is organised by the Qld Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia. It is a state wide competition for young readers. Teams of four to five students together read a set of books, and then compete with other teams to answer quiz questions from the books. Winners from regional competitions then compete in a state final. If you are in Yr 7 or 8 and are interested in being in a team please see Mrs Coco in the library to put your name down.

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

School fees are due 12 March 2021.

Discounts are as below. There is no discount on levies.

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.

2021 School Fees

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.

If you have any questions or issues with your statement please do not hesitate to contact me. Again as always, if you are having difficulties paying school fees, please contact the Principal or myself.

God Bless
Ros Giuliano
Business Manager

What’s on

Hair & Fashion Show

Musical

Gamers @ Gilroy

The first Gamers@Gilroy event for 2021 was a huge success with over 30 people taking over C Block rooms.

Previous gamers also returned and were able to set up in the dining room and participate in a fun evening of gaming.

There were quite a few new faces including several Year 7 students who really enjoyed themselves and vowed to be back next term.

After spending $150 on pizzas we were still able to raise just over $400 to be donated to Caritas for their work overseas.

Thank you to Mrs Sheree Marano for helping supervise and for doing the Dominos pizza run.

The next event will be in Week 5 of Term 2. Hope to see you there.

Gamers@Gilroy... Gaming for Good.

Mr Matthews

Careers

It’s hard to believe that we are already in Week 6! This first term is certainly flying by.

Australian Defence Force

Due to the weather, the Australian Defence Force recruitment information session has been postponed to Tuesday 23rd March 10.55am-11.20am. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask recruitment officers any questions regarding trades, general jobs and university courses offered by the ADF.

CQUni Experience Day - Friday 26th March (Townsville)

Students have received an email with details of the day and are required to register their interest to attend this valuable opportunity to experience a day in the life of a uni student and get a taste of post-school study in an area of their interest. Please email Mrs C by Tuesday 9th March if you wish to attend as there are limited spaces available.

Job Outlook

Job Outlook is a website provided by the Australian Government which makes it easy to find and understand career information.

Use the career profiles on Job Outlook to learn about the future outlook, pay, main tasks, and physical and other demands of careers that interest you. Find out about the skills, knowledge and abilities you may need to get and keep a job. When you are ready to take action, follow links to job vacancies and related courses.

If you are not sure what sort or work you want to do or are considering a career change, the Career Quiz can help you to think about your work preferences and to get ideas for careers you can aim for.

Job Outlook provides a simple snapshot of the industries and careers that are likely to be in demand in 5 years. This can be useful information when you are thinking about future study and career options.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Holiday Work Experience forms (blue) are available from Student Reception. These must be filled out and returned to me by week 8 so that the appropriate insurance forms can be generated for parents, students and work provider to be signed. If you are wanting Work Experience at Wilmar or the Council, please see Mrs Zanghi for more details if needed.

Mrs Louise Costabeber
Careers Advisor

P & F Meeting

Where Are They Now?

We love hearing what our past students are up to! This week we focus on 3 past students from the Graduating class of 2020:

Stevie Barrett, Brittney La Rosa and Georgia Giliberto.

Stevie Barrett is currently undertaking the Diploma in Nursing through the Mater Hospital Townsville. Her 18 month course will have some exemptions as she completed competencies in the Cert III Health at Gilroy Santa Maria. Good luck Stevie!

Brittney La Rosa & Georgia Giliberto are both currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing degree at James Cook University, Townsville. They reside at John Flynn College. Good Luck Brittney & Georgia.

Academic Support Program

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

Tuckshop News

MONDAY 8 March & TUESDAY 9 March

Confro Rugby League boys will be selling Slushies $2.00 and Donuts $1.00

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

Assessment Planners

All Term 1 Assessment Planners have been distributed. They can be found on our College website here:

Assessment Policy & Guidelines have been distributed. They can be found on our College website here:

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