14 May 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

I send a belated blessing to all mothers, grandmothers and female role models who are part of our student's lives. Mothers Day is a special time of the year when we recognise, celebrate and acknowledge the support and nurturing provided for our students by these wonderful ladies. I know our College is a better place for your hard work and dedication towards our students and staff.

Recently parents would have received their child's term 1 report card through the Compass Parent Portal. Student progress reports are intended to provide an opportunity for reflection on student achievement and the chance to set goals for the remainder of the school year. Whether your student is experiencing success and progressing well or finding their learning challenging there are many ways that the school can offer support to help students to continue to improve and strive for even better outcomes. One of the most effective improvement strategies is clear communication with your child’s teacher and the opportunity to meet and discuss improvement strategies or guidance that help students to achieve their individual goals.

I also strongly encourage students to attend our Academic Support programs which to assist student learning. Lunchtime support is offered each day and after school support is on Monday and Wednesdays.

On Whole School assembly I encouraged all year 7 and 9 students to commit to NAPLAN as these tests provide an opportunity for our school to measure student academic gain compared to their performance on previous NAPLAN tests. As a school, we believe that NAPLAN results provide a dataset that can be used to measure student progress which allows our teachers to plan for curriculum consolidation, extension or learning support as required. I will share analysis of our students NAPLAN performance later in the year and explain what strategies we have implemented as a result of the student performance data provided.

As we progress through Term Two and experience cooler weather I believe it is timely to reiterate the winter uniform expectations. In winter students may need to wear additional clothes and the acceptable items are detailed below:

• Girls—Navy Cardigan with School Logo or Unisex Navy Spray Jacket with School Logo
• Boys—Unisex Navy Spray Jacket with School Logo
• Track suits / track pants are not part of the compulsory school uniform, however, students may wear a pair of plain blue / navy track pants when they are travelling to school on the cool mornings, but must be removed once at school.
• NO other coloured pants or multi-coloured track pants are acceptable.
• Beanies / Knit Hats are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn at any time

I appreciate your support in maintaining our uniform expectations. A copy of the Gilroy Santa Maria College Uniform Guidelines can be accessed on the GSM website/Enrolment/College Handbooks.

Kevin Barnes
Principal

Term 2 Social

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Throughout this week and on Monday of next week, Gilroy year 7 and 9 students will be completing the annual national NAPLAN assessment. Testing at Gilroy has been completed during this week and will conclude on Monday. This is the first year that we will be conducting the testing online. NAPLAN online is a tailored test that adapts to student responses, presenting students with questions that may be more or less difficult - resulting in better assessment and more precise results. Students have undergone preparatory testing so that they were reading for this new phase of online testing. So far, students have been well-prepared for this testing. It is important to note that these tests provide us with a snapshot of students at a particular point in time. These tests do not give a complete picture of a students’ ability or their future potential. Rather, these results assist in helping our teachers identify trends relating to areas that may need a greater focus and how students are tracking across the cohort.

Interim reports were mailed home and available on compass at the end of Week 2 of this term. It is evident that many of our students have done very well both industriously and academically. There are, however, students who need to reflect on their Term 1 efforts and how they can bring a newed focus and commitment to their studies from this point forward.

This week we held our Parent/ Student/ Teacher interviews on Thursday afternoon. It was great to see so many parents booked interviews to meet with their child’s teachers. These interviews provide an excellent opportunity for teachers, parents and students to discuss important information regarding their child’s academic progress.

As our community is aware, our new Principal, Kevin Barnes, commenced a couple of weeks ago, throughout the past couple of weeks, Joan Devietti, has continued to work full time to support this transition. This Friday will be Joan’s final Friday as she will be going to part time as she enjoys her time again being the teacher in front of the classroom. I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Joan for all her hard work, dedication and friendship both this year, last year and whilst I was away on maternity leave in years before. Joan has done a tremendous job in the Acting Deputy Principal role and I am very grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for our College.

Last week we had our first College Social in over 12 months. It is great that we are being able to again experience some of the important extra-curricular activities since the outbreak of COVID. We also had our Inter-house cross country this morning and it turned out a great event for all the students. The wet weather that we have had in previous weeks meant that the event was postponed to today. We are thankful that the sun was shining for us this week and the farmers were able to slash the headlands for us to use. A big thank you to the staff and surrounding farmers that helped us prepare for this event.

In other event news, I attended the Lourdes Fete on Saturday evening. It was a very popular and well-run event! My family thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations to Paula Martin, Jessica Murray and their team of helpers.

Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Calendar Term 2

MUSICAL 2021

Tickets now available from the College office, they are going quick!

Pick up/ Drop off Zone

Please be reminded that you must not use the back dirt road behind our SMC (Hall). Cars are to enter via the front entrance of our school, go through the round-a-bout and go back the way you came (Through the front entrance of the school).

Thank you for your understanding.

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Happy Mother’s Day to all the very special women in our lives, mothers, grandmothers, aunties and friends. I hope it was a relaxing and enjoyable day.

I always think it is poignant that the Gospel readings for the weekend of Mother’s Day focus on ‘Love’. Many of us have the understanding that love is a feeling. I always enjoy Father Damian’s homilies at this time of the year with our students. He starts with asking students to come to the front of the chapel to demonstrate a few doing words, for example, jumping, running, skipping, laughing. Father then explains that love, too, is a doing word, an action. In John’s account of the Gospel, he tells that “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” This is the selfless act of Jesus, dying on the cross so that we may be saved.

As Christians, we are baptised into action, to see the world around us and to try to make right what is wrong. It is important to note that not all of us are going to be remembered for the great works that changed the world. What is really important is that we have the chance to do our little bit, even if it is for the person sitting next to us, our next-door neighbour or a stranger. We have the power to show love in action in the smallest ways that will make a difference to someone’s life, even though little to us, it may be life changing for the person on the receiving end. This week, let us be ‘love in action’.

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Careers & Work Placement

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

James Hunter

2020 Graduate James Hunter is currently doing an I.T. traineeship at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council. He is completing a Certificate IV in Information Technology.

James maintains various council facilities assisting to resolve technology issues and setting up different types of equipment like business telephone systems, remote devices and computers. James says, “Everyday brings a new challenge with a lot to learn. In the future I hope to use my IT knowledge to move into a role either in the police force or air force.”

Thank you for sharing your career journey James.

ATTENTION: Senior Students

Please access our exclusive careers website and explore the various features on offer. This is a valuable resource which allows you to find information on post school options, workplace learning, and much much more!

JCU Early Offer Program

On 17th May, the 2022 James Cook University Early Offer Program will open. This is a wonderful opportunity which takes the stress out of getting into uni. Information is available on the JCU website or alternatively I will be conducting an information session for interested students at second lunch break on Wednesday, 19th May in C4.

WORK PLACEMENT

In Week 10 of Term 2 (Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 June), the Yr 10 students will have the opportunity to complete a three-day block of Work Experience. This activity is compulsory and will be undertaken by all Yr 10 students.

Work Experience is an important educational experience. It provides invaluable insight into the workplace and helps students develop the skills and qualities they will need for a successful transition into working life. It also provides a firsthand experience for students to explore and evaluate the career pathway of interest.

It is important that students choose their work experience placement carefully and find a placement in which they have a genuine interest. Many students in the past have been successful in obtaining part time work or a school-based traineeship/apprenticeship following work experience.

Due to COVID-19, students should ensure they follow their workplace guidelines.

It is expected that:

• students work the normal hours of the business
• students complete the 3 full days at their placement
• no payment is received
• the student follows the COVID-19 Guidelines
• the student arranges private transport to and from work
• the student makes the first contact with the placement
• the student completes the form (white) and returns it to Student Reception by Tuesday 11 May 2021

On the completion of the above process, students will be issued with a ‘Work Experience Placements for School Students’ form (yellow). This is required to be signed by the student, a parent/carer and the workplace contact and then returned to Student Reception for our records.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS: If your child is wishing to go to any of the following businesses, the College will make the initial contact for placement.

• Wilmar (due to COVID-19 restrictions, Wilmar has limited places)
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council/ Townsville City Council
• Primary schools

Unfortunately, due to confidentiality, the Ingham Hospital and Townsville Hospital are unable to take students, so please do not contact them.

Students also need to be mindful of any requirements they need prior to placement. For example, White Card for entering a construction site, appropriate work wear and boots etc.

Please contact Julie Zanghi at the school on 47762888 or email jzanghi1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or need assistance with this process.

Julie Zanghi
Work Experience Coordinator

Julie Zanghi
Work Placement Co-ordinator

Breakfast Club!

Have you missed breakfast??

Come along to the Gilroy Santa Maria Breakfast Club which starts next Wednesday 5 May and will continue each Wednesday of the school term.

Venue: Tuckshop area at SMC
Cost: Free!
Menu: Cereal, Toast & Spreads and whatever donations of food come our way.
How can you help? If you enjoy cooking (or are just feeling generous) please feel free to cook something for our breakfast club.

You could contribute to our breakfast club by including something extra for us in your next grocery shop. Suggestions: a box of cereal, a tin of milo, a container of milk, a container of pancake mix, a loaf of bread, a jar of vegemite / jam or any breakfast item. Any donations will be gratefully accepted.

Thank you for your support.

Rita Martin
Teacher

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

Invoices for Term 2 fees and levies have been emailed to all parents. If you have not received them, please check your spam emails or contact the office. Apologises again for the confusion with the fees. The final statement that you would have received is the balance owing. If you have and questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Discount is available however; I did not have enough room to print it on the statement. The discounts are as follows:

One Child - $18
Two Children - $30.60
Three Children - $39.60

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.

BPAY is our preferred method of payment. The details are on the family statement. You can also pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by term by Payway, direct debit, credit card, cash or cheque

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.

2021 School Fees

God Bless

Ros Giuliano
Business Manager

Sports News

RUGBY LEAGUE AND NETBALL GAMES

On Wednesday afternoon our Open Netball team, our U15 Rugby League team and Open Rugby League team, played against Southern Cross Catholic College.

It was a terrific afternoon of sport and our students played with pride. Thank you to the families that came to support our students. Also a big thank you to the dedicated staff that made this event happen.

Results:

Opens Rugby League Southern Cross 24 - Gilroy 12
U15's Rugby League Southern Cross 28 - Gilroy 0
Open Netball Southern Cross 32 - Gilroy 28

Our Rugby League teams will play again next Wednesday 19 May, this time against Ryan Catholic College again on our Gilroy oval!! Come and support the teams at 4:30pm on oval 1 & 2! It is excellent that our school is able to play in these games, especially with the Confraternity trip coming up through the Holidays for our Open Boys team.

CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

The inter-house cross country event was held today and it turned out a terrific morning.

Congratulations to all of the students that participated, especially the age champions of each age group:

Results

12 Years Girls Ella Kaurila
12 Years Boys Rocky Jensen
13 Years Girls Carly Roati
13 Years Boys Jack Butcher
14 Years Girls Louise Poggio
14 Years Boys Nathan Venturato
15 Years Girls Kate Butcher
15 Years Boys Bodhi Matsen
16 Years Girls Laura Poggio
16 Years Boys Haydan Girgenti
Open Girls Katie Groundwater
Open Boys Luca Adornetto

The top 6 finishers of each age group (6 females and 6 males) have all been selected to represent GSM at the Herbert River District Cross Country event held next WEDNESDAY 19 MAY. All selected students and reserves received a note today and are to be returned on Monday.

This event will be at Abergowrie College and ALL students will be transported via BUS together at 8:30am, returning to school by 12pm.

JCU TSV FIRE – BASKETBALL

See below for more details about this awesome clinic!

Wilmar Ingham Basketball Clinic

FREE

Registrations are now open for you to Join Fire players and Staff in Ingham on the 21st May for a fun filled afternoon.

All skill levels are welcome! Even if you have never touched a basketball we want you there!

Boys and Girls aged between 8 - 17years old.

Fire Players and Staff will teach you all kinds of skills and drills PLUS you'll have loads of fun with different games and activities the staff have planned.

Everyone must register at ourfirefoundation.com.au to participate in the clinic.

More details about the Wilmar clinic will be emailed once you have submitted your registration online

We cant wait to see you all.

Limited spots available.

JCU Townsville Fire

NCCD Information

English Department

This term students across years 7-9 will be participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge. This is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Through the challenge, students are given an opportunity to develop their appreciation of the English language and are encouraged to explore and enjoy a wide range of literary texts. The students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland, and we plan to present certificates during the Premier's Reading Challenge Celebration weeks in November.

If you have a child in years 7-10, please encourage and support their participation in this endeavour by participating in talking about the books and their authors, asking questions, perhaps modeling reading at home.

Reminder: English tutoring is available every Tuesday in C1 unless otherwise stated in the morning notices.

Record sheet

Mrs Nicola Winterbourn
English Teacher

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

Hair & Fashion Show

Schools, Teachers and Students - This is for you

Come be part of the Sports Festivities

Don't miss your chance to be part of history with the inaugural Festival of Athletics - one of the largest and premier community athletics event in Australia. With so much to do and see there is something for everyone.

The Festival of Athletics will involve three events all located at the Townsville Sports Reserve. This includes the 5km and 9km Fun Run, the Team Challenge for schools and corporate bodies, and an athletics championship targeting regional to Olympic athletes.

To provide further enticement, the day will include entertainment on the fun run course, sponsor activations and a range of innovative attractions and stalls that promote healthy living and increases community engagement.

All of this and more. Lock in your calendars now the 18-20 June 2021.

Latest News

Entries are now open for the Community Fun Run. Run, walk or roll around a course that showcases the best of North Ward. There is a range of courses, including a team run, that is perfect for all fitness levels. Make sure you register early so you can get a limited edition participation medal. This event is perfect to end the school terms Cross Country program.

Team Challenge entry portal is now live. Sign your team up now to compete in a fun, innovative challenge to see who will be rewarded with the golden cup.

• •School Challenge – compete with your classmates, teachers and/or family members to see which school comes out on top. We want to know who will be the champion school for 2021.

Track and Field event portal is now live. Students, parents and teachers can sign up to compete in a range of track and field events - open to all ages and abilities. No membership requirements required - reducing the barriers to compete in sport. We have confirmed that over 20 Olympic / Olympic hopefuls will be present - how cool would it be to watch and compete with them.

Arts and Drama Classes - Lets Partner Up

Let's activate the community

The Festival of Athletics aims to bring the whole Townsville community together for 3 days of great festivities and showcase the best of what the city has to offer. We are looking for 6 local schools to be involved in the Festival to build community linkage and promote their skills, by offering them to hold activations on the Fun Run course (unique to Queensland).

Schools can create an activation that is fun, joyful, encouraging and motivating for all fun run participants.

More details and Expression of Interest Form can be viewed 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