26 May 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Gilroy Santa Maria College

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

In conjunction with Townsville Catholic Education Office we recently engaged a film crew to produce a number of promotional videos which will be used to demonstrate the wonderful facilities we have at Gilroy Santa Maria College and show case the experiences and opportunities students are exposed to each day. These snap shots of a day in the life of a GSM student will be released via Facebook and used at school events.

On Monday, I had the privilege of accompanying our student leaders and Mrs Timms to attend the celebration mass held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians as well as acknowledging 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. The mass was led by Bishop Tim Harris and accompanied by Father Damian and other parish priests from across North Queensland. It truly was an honour to represent our College alongside all other Catholic Schools.

During the Cathedral mass and at the celebrations which followed, I made the very honest and unbiased observation that our student leaders, who were dressed in their formal uniform were the most impressive and well-presented students at the event. In making this statement, I genuinely believed that our Gilroy Santa Maria formal uniform looked the most remarkable and our students represented our College exceptionally well.

The next few weeks will see many memorable events for our College starting with the Catholic Debutante Balls this weekend. I look forward to sharing the important milestone with many of our students, whether they be the young ladies making their Deb or the young men as partners. I encourage all students who are a part of the Deb Ball to make the most of this memorable event and be present for each other. But, most importantly, please be safe, be sensible and be sincere.

The Musical production is another major event looming which appears to be forging ahead under the expert guidance of our very dedicated staff. I have purposely refrained from attending rehearsals so that I can enjoy the full experience of what I believe is going to be an amazing production. During lunch breaks I have witnessed students practicing their lines and performing parts of their moves which has been enough to convince me that we are in for a gala evening. I cannot wait to see our College in all its glory.

The past few weeks has seen a major focus on sporting events against various schools in Cross Country, Netball and Rugby League. I wish to acknowledge and thank the many people who contribute to make these events possible as much behind the scenes work is required to provide students with opportunities to be involved and display their competitive nature on the sporting field. To the coaches, managers, administrators, bus drivers, grounds staff, referees, umpires and supporters I say a very big THANK YOU on behalf of our students. These events are not possible without your ongoing support and dedication.

I have highlighted the many events we have occurring at Gilroy right now and I wish to acknowledge the ongoing support and encouragement from our parents and carers who ensure students are at practice, have equipment for games, pick up after training, transport for weekend rehearsals, wash uniforms and provide support systems when times get tough. To the parent body, I express my sincere gratitude for your contributions to help make our College what it is today.

Whilst I have captured all the exciting extra curricula activities we are engaging in I need to ensure our main focus is on the Learning and Teaching of the young people in our care, and student engagement in education must always be our number one priority. Recently we have been leading staff through a Gradual Release of Responsibility model of curriculum delivery which is more relevant right now then ever.

The construction work on our new building is progressing again, following many delays due to inclement weather with structures starting to take shape over the past two weeks. We have seen plumbing and drainage works under way, slabs poured, and brick walls being built which puts the whole project in perspective. I look forward to watching the changing landscape over the coming months to the stage when we are delivered another amazing Learning and Teaching space in readiness for the 2022 school year.

Meet our Principal Mr Kevin Barnes:

Kevin Barnes
Principal

Transition Day FRIDAY

On Friday 28 May we will welcome Year 6’s of our district to Gilroy for their first Transition Day of 2021. This program is designed to ensure the Year 6’s experience a taste of life at Gilroy. The program starts at 8:30am and concludes at 11:30am. The students will rotate through various subject areas and will also join us for morning tea!

Any Year 6 student of the district is invited to attend so spread the word!

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

As we move past the middle of term, it is evident from this newsletter article that a lot is happening in our College. I have enjoyed getting into our classrooms and seeing the wonderful learning and teaching that is happening between students and teachers.

Confirmation

Last week we received our Confirmation results back for the Year 12 first assessment task with very positive feedback. Thank you very much to all of our teachers for their efforts. Congratulations to our students for their internal assessment results. I am sure you are the best indicator of your efforts for this assessment and in determining how to approach your next assessment task. Please ensure you are taking advantage of the academic support programs that are available during lunch time and after school and are making every effort to make the most of your education.

NAPLAN

In weeks 4 and 5, year 7 and 9 students also completed their first online NAPLAN exams. For the vast majority of students, they took a studious and conscientious approach to these exams which will result in data for our College to continue to know and prepare for contextualised learning and teaching.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Our Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews held in Week 4 provided an invaluable opportunity for those meaningful conversations, recommendations and discussions between teachers, students and their families. Walking around during these interviews, it was evident that conversations of commendation as well as targeted areas for improvement were being discussed. Thank you.

Tracking Interviews

Throughout the past few weeks, our Yr 11/12 Pastoral Leader, Paula Rand and our Careers Advisor, Louise Costabeber, and I have been having some tracking interviews with our senior students. Whilst it is evident that most of our students are certainly making the most of their senior education, there are some students who are needing to reassess their commitment to their studies as well as discuss possible alternate pathways. I am always available to have these discussions with our students and their parents/caregivers so if you have any questions or concerns please contact me. Teachers also meet at the request of the students. Attending these sessions is a very important medium for catching up on work missed and/or gaining additional support when required.

Year 10 Work Experience

Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 June will be an opportunity for all students in year 10 to undertake work experience in an industry/occupation that they think they will be interested in upon completing secondary school. This opportunity will allow students to see if they really do want to undertake a career in their chosen field or if they would like to explore other options. Both of these outcomes are timely and beneficial coming into SET planning discussions next term where students will be continuing important conversations regarding pathways and subject selections for years 11 and 12.

Assessment

Please be aware of the College’s procedures regarding missed work and assessment: The Gilroy Assessment Guidelines and Procedures documents are linked below.

I wish all of our students the best of luck with their upcoming assessments.

Like many of life’s experiences, it is the people around you that make something memorable. Our College is just a site and without students, staff and community coming together it would not be the great school that we all know. Research shows the significant role that parents can play in the development of their children as they journey through the challenges of adolescence and schooling. The correct wearing of the College uniform is one way a student can show their pride in the College and the level of their self-discipline. Uniform expectations are always a high priority at Gilroy, just like

• It is imperative that if your child misses an exam for any reason that the College is notified.
• Students in Years 10-12 must also supply a Medical Certificate or other official documentation upon return to school that covers them for any missed assessment.
• Extensions for assignment due dates must be applied for by the student before the assessment is due. Students can collect an extension form from Student Reception and it is available on our College website
• Students requesting work for short-term and long-term absences: All learning areas use their Google Classroom pages to upload key resources and learning.
• 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 due date.

Year 7 – 9 Assessment Guidelines and Procedures

Year 10 -12 Assessment Guidelines and Procedures

Musical

I would also like to thank Mary McLaren and Phoebe Slater for all their great work and generosity in preparing and working with our students in preparation for our upcoming musical on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 June. Producing a musical requires a lot of time and commitment by our students, parents and staff and by all reports ‘The Adams Family’ is going to be a show stopper! Tickets are almost all sold out for Friday night and there are only a handful left on Thursday night so please ensure you come along to one of these nights as I’m sure you will enjoy the experience!

Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Calendar Term 2

MUSICAL 2021

The Addams family is looking for some help!!

Ms Brenda Oats, who is in charge of costumes, desperately needs hangers and clothes bags that the Art Production crew are on the lookout for any Halloween style items that we could be donated or loaned for the duration of the musical production. (For example: spiderwebs, ugly masks, rubber spiders, snakes etc). Please drop them into the office!

Limited tickets remaining

Rehearsals!

A sneak peak of what the audience will see on the 3rd and 4th of June. The artwork in the production is mainly senior student design orientated in collaboration with the Performance Arts as a cross-curricular whole.

Science

Year 9 Science has started a new topic on electricity. This week we investigated the effect of static electricity using a Van de Graaff generator. The results were truly 'hair-raising'!

Mrs Belinda Strong (Teacher)

Design & Technology

Year 8 Design & Technology students recently completed their CO2 Racers. The students design and build these racers from a single block of wood (similar to balsa wood). Students produce concept drawings of different racers and apply the design process to create a final working model to be raced and tested on a track using CO2 cannisters as a power source. Some of these racers cover the length of the 20-meter track in less than one second. Students have a lot of fun and are very competitive in the building and racing of their cars. Congrats Year 8’s.

Mr John Barbagallo (Teacher)

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,

On Monday we celebrated 200 years of Catholic education in Australia at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townville. Representatives from the diocese participated in mass which also commemorated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians.

A little history … The first official priest chaplains arrived in Australia in May 1820 and in October of that same year, the first official Catholic school opened with 31 pupils in Parramatta, opened by Irish priest Father John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley. By 1833, ten Catholic schools were operating in the colony. Today, there are more than 1750 Catholic schools in Australia, educating 765,000 students. Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school.

Last Sunday the Church also celebrated Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles, giving them the power to spread the word of God without fear. The Holy Spirit continues to help and guide us in our daily lives, helping us to live out the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. All we need to do is listen!

This week we also have the privilege of a visit from Bishop Tim. During his time in Ingham, Bishop Tim with celebrate Confirmation in the parish, as well as spending time will all four schools in the district.

This week’s prayer is for 200 years of Catholic education and the hope for our future.

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Careers

TRAINEESHIP NEWS

Amber Todd has begun a School-based Traineeship with Lisa Maree to complete a Certificate III in Business. Congratulations Amber.

James Cook University
Parent Session

We understand that choosing to go to university is a big step for everyone. No one goes to university alone. Parents and carers also have a place at JCU and are invited to our parent sessions.

Whether parents want to help reassure and assist their child’s transition into university life or gather information for their own peace of mind, this evening session is for them.

• JCU Townsville - 5.00pm - 7.30pm 15 July 2021

If you would like to find out more or register to attend, email us at futurestudents@jcu.edu.au.

Where are they now?

Stevie Barrett

2020 GSM graduate Stevie Barrett commenced a Diploma in Nursing through the Mater Hospital in Townsville. Whilst studying, she is employed part time at Ingham Disability Support Services as a support worker. At the completion of her diploma in 18 months, Stevie will be a qualified Enrolled Nurse (EN) and ready to seek employment as a nurse in her preferred setting of remote communities in Australia. Stevie plans to work as an EN for a few years then further her studies to complete a Bachelor course of Registered Nursing and work in a hospital. Stevie says, “During my diploma studies, Mater Education has been nothing but supportive and delivers an amazing course. I am going to a nursing home for a 5 week placement block in June and I’m really looking forward to it!”

Mrs Louise Costabeber
Careers Advisor

Work Experience

Holiday or After School Work Experience Form

Applications for the June/July school holidays are now open, and application forms can be collected from Student Receptionby emailing Mrs Zanghi.

Please be aware that Wilmar Sugar does not accept work experience requests from Yr 12’s for the September holidays. If you are in Yr 12 and would like to undertake holiday work experience with Wilmar Sugar, then the June/July holidays are your last opportunity, and you should submit your form promptly.

All forms should be back to me no later than week 9.

Yr 10 Work Experience

All Yellow Work Experience forms should be back to me signed. students are to attend work Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 June. If you have any problems, please see Mrs Zanghi or email me.

Mrs Julie Zanghi
Work placement co-ordinator

Assistant Principal Pastoral

Dear Families,

Recently our students were given the opportunity to take part in a Pastoral Care survey that was funded by the NQ Cowboys, our college was then able to compare our school results against a variety of Australian schools that had taken part. This has given us a great insight in to where we are with our students and what things Gilroy Santa Maria College has been doing well and some areas that could do with some fine tweaking.

Gilroy Santa Maria is continually working with ‘The Resilience Project’ and the ‘NQ Cowboys’ to come up with new strategies to help improve the wellbeing of our students. This is something that we take very seriously and will be working with all staff to make a positive change in the school.

This week’s focus for TRP is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is about practising a moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment – with curiosity, and without judgement.

Thousands of studies have proven benefits include reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

View Part 4: Mindfulness of the series here:

God Bless
Mr Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Sports News!

On Wednesday 19 May, our students completed in the Inter-School Herbert River Cross Country event held at Abergowrie. Our students did extremely well and we had an incredible number of students placing in their age groups – we had 9 students place first out of the 12 age groups!!

A special mention to the following students that placed first in their age groups:

12 Boys Rocky Jensen
13 Boys Jack Butcher
14 Boys Nathan Venturato
15 Boys Bodhi Matsen
Open Boys Bradyn Scott
12 Girls Ella Kaurila
14 Girls Louise Poggio
15 Girls Kate Butcher
16 Girls Laura Poggio

The top 4 of each age group were selected to go to the NQ Trials held in Townsville on June 1. Good luck to those Gilroy students competing.

Inter-School Cross Country results

Breakfast Club!

Have you missed breakfast??

Come along to the Gilroy Santa Maria Breakfast Club Wednesday mornings 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

Volunteers Week

Each day of Volunteers week, our Vinnies group members baked morning tea for the St Vincent De Paul workers to show our appreciation for the work they do for our community. Our students baked some wonderful sweets, and it was greatly appreciated!!

Here is Katie Groundwater giving the cake she made to the St Vincent De Paul volunteers.

The Gilroy Young Vinnie’s students visited the Palm’s Nursing Home recently to play games and chat to some of the residents. It was a great afternoon filled with joy, and everyone enjoyed the activities. The residents really enjoy it when our students visit and we encourage any students wishing to come along to see Mrs Rita Martin.

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

School fees are due 4 June 2021.

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

The Musical “The Adamms Family” is on 3 & 4 June. Friday night is a sell out so get in quick for your tickets.

The Qissn girls are holding a car wash on 5 June at Duffy’s Auto. (Opposite Rotary Park) Funds raised will help them get to Brisbane over the school holidays.

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

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