11 June 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

The past two weeks has provided many reasons to be proud of our students’ achievements in a range of sporting and cultural events.

The Addams Family musical was a great production and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the cultural talents of our students. The courage and commitment from everyone involved deserves a special mention. The feedback and comments I received from the audience has been simply amazing. Many parents, grandparents and friends of the College commented about the wonderful performances and the quality of the choreography was a credit to the hard work and dedication of everyone who was a part of the musical team.

It is a well known fact that a very large number of people are required to run an event such as a musical and I am for ever grateful to everyone who played a part in making ‘The Addams Family’ the success it was. Following the final performance last Friday evening, we presented Vera Di Bella, Petrina Coco, Brenda Oats and Sandra La Rosa with a small gift to express our gratitude for their part in leading their teams and coordinating everything behind the scenes. We could not have had a musical without these ladies managing their teams.

I wish to publicly thank and acknowledge two staff members who went above and beyond to be the heart and soul of The Addams Family production and keep the dream alive right up to the final performance. To Ms Phoebe Slater and Mrs Mary McLaren please accept our thanks and gratitude for your commitment and dedication over the past months. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Monday and Tuesday this week I attended my first TCEO Principals Meeting in Townsville which were very productive days that allowed me to meet fellow Principals and establish networks from other schools. The agenda for the two days included a range of initiatives with a future focus on curriculum delivery and student outcomes through quality Learning and Teaching techniques. I am pleased to report that the workshops I attended affirmed that Gilroy Santa Maria College is well positioned with implementation of the plans which have been implemented across the Diocese in all Catholic schools. Having said that, the meetings also highlighted that our work is far from done and we must stay focused on our School Improvement Strategies and continue to strive to be better in every aspect of College life.

On Wednesday we held the Official Opening and Blessing of the Catherine McAuley Centre and The Santa Maria Centre in a ceremony which was attended by Bishop Timothy Harris who blessed the buildings, Senator Susan McDonald, TCEO Executive Director Jacqui Francis, politicians, counsellors and other dignitaries. This occasion marks another milestone in the ongoing building renewal program which has seen GSM transformed into the modern educational facility it is today. We all commented that we cannot wait for the current building works to be completed to further enhance our facilities.

To round off a very busy week, today we had our second Yr 6 Transition Day where we invite all prospective students to attend GSM to experience what Secondary school will be like. These days are always very exciting and action packed events as we want to highlight everything we have to offer. I always look forward to seeing the excitement in their eyes and their willingness to have a go.

God bless

Kevin Barnes
Principal

Meet our Principal Mr Kevin Barnes:

Transition Day FRIDAY

Today we welcomed nearly 80 Year 6 students from around the district for the second Transition day of 2021. This program is designed to give students a taste of life at Gilroy.

If you know any Year 6’s who might interested, they can come along to our remaining Transition Days on Friday 30 July and Friday 13 August.

From the Assistant Principal (Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

OFFICIAL OPENING & BLESSING - CMC & SMC

On Wednesday 9 June, we officially opened and blessed our two new buildings. These are our Catherine McAuley Centre (C Block) and Santa Maria Centre (Hall). Both of these buildings have the start of the art, modern facilities that provide the foundations to enable great teaching and learning.

MUSICAL

WOW, WOW, WOW! The ‘Addams Family’ musical held at the Kelly Theatre last Thursday and Friday was absolutely sensational. Mrs Mary McLaren and Ms Phoebe Slater, along with their talented students and parent helpers put together a fantastic show. It was funny, whitty, and entertaining. My daughter came along to this show with me and didn’t want it to end! Well done to everyone and THANK YOU for all your time and effort that went into producing such an event.

YR 6 TRANSITION PROGRAM

The second Transition Day for Yr 6 students was held today. It was great to see a large group of very excited and keen students from all different primary schools around our district eager to experience life as a student at Gilroy. Students have already been exposed to the specialist areas of Food Technology, Design Technology, and Science. Today we introduced Arts and Information & Computer Technologies (ICT). Students were also given a promotional bag with some ‘goodies’ inside for students but also some important enrolment information and prospectus of our College. We look forward to the remaining Transition Days on Friday 30th July and Friday 13th August.

GILROY ON SHOW

Next term, in Week 6 on Thursday 19 August, we will be having our ‘Gilroy on Show’ event. This event is open to both prospective students and families as well as current families. We will be commencing the evening with a Year 6 Parent Information Night, which will then be followed by Tours throughout the College and an opportunity to meet our teachers and current students as well as see the beautiful College and facilities. We will also be having live entertainment by Gilroy students from all different curriculum areas such as the Musical, Physical Education, Health and more. The senior Hospitality students, along with their teachers, will be providing a free dinner to everyone. This will include the infamous pig on the spit, yummy pizzas and hot chips! I encourage everyone to put this date into your calendars for next term.

TERM 2 EXAMS

As we look towards the end of term, all students should be preparing for exams. Many of our senior students have already undertaken internal assessments in the past few weeks. Feedback and results are starting to be given back to students. It is evident that many of our students are receiving commendable grades and are putting in the hours and dedication to their studies at school and at home. I would like to congratulate these students on their efforts to date.There are also students who need to make some important and contentious decisions about their future studies and determine if the subjects they have chosen are the right ones for them. Teachers will be communicating results with their classes in coming weeks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding elective subject selections, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is good that some students have already contacted me to organise a meeting with their parents/carer and our Careers Advisor to discuss these matters.

The exam schedule is now visible on COMPASS in student schedules. Students are asked to ensure they check over this exam schedule so that they are aware of where and when their exams will be. Please ensure your son/daughter is very clear about their upcoming exams. All students are required to sit their exams unless they present a medical certificate to the office prior to or on return to school. As per the school's assessment procedures, exams cannot be conducted beforehand so please ensure your child is at school for all assessments. If your child is absent for any reason please notify the office by 8:30am. Students in Yrs 7 to 10 and Yr 12 will receive Semester One Report Cards in Week 3, Term 3. Yr 11 will receive Unit 1 Report Cards at this time also.

YR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE - WEEK 10

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the last week of this term, all of our year 10 students will be undertaking work experience. Students have organised placements in industries ranging from the Cairns to Burdekins regions. These are exciting and important experiences for our year 10 students as it will provide them with some insight into their child’s current field of interest to help inform their subject selections and SET planning coming up later this year.

God bless

Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

MUSICAL 2021 WRAP

Wow what a production!

The 2021 Musical production of "The Addams Family" is now complete. We are very proud of the entire cast and crew (how good were they!!) We hope you all enjoyed it.

It takes a team to make these productions happen and we thank every single person that has dedicated their time. In particular we would like to thank:

Phoebe Slater (Director)
Mary McLaren (Set design)
Brenda Oats (Costumes)
Vera Di Bella & Band members
Sandra La Rosa, Hair & Beauty class (Hair & Make up)
Petrina Coco (Backstage)

Here are just a few photos captured!

Official Opening & Blessing of the Santa Maria Centre & Catherine McAuley Centre

Gamers@Gilroy

Last Saturday night, we had 21 students attend the Gamers@Gilroy term event.

C block was once again turned into a gamers haven with gamers taking advantage of the big screens and monitors available. Monopoly on the Xbox 1 proved to be very popular as did the original game of Call of Duty.

There was a competition for the best player in Call of Duty and Brendan Bogotto took the title in two rounds followed closely by Cameron Guiffrida and Dean Marano.

Overall it was another successful evening. We raised $325 which will be donated to St. Vincent De Paul.

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Marano for picking up and delivering the 23 pizzas from Dominos. We are certainly doing our part to support local businesses. Thanks also to the staff at Dominos who took the time to put individual names on each pizza box.

It certainly made things a lot easier. Joe Exelby deserves to be acknowledged for staying back and helping to pack up. Thanks, Joe.

Gamers@Gilroy continues to grow as a social evening for those who enjoy computer games. Hopefully, we will see you all back in week 5 of Term 3.

Gamers@Gilroy...gaming for good.

Mr Matthews.

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

It always seems to be busy at school and not a week goes by without something on.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Addams Family. What a sensational production! It is wonderful to have such talented staff and students at our school and I can only say that I am looking forward already to the next musical.

This week we officially opened the Santa Maria and Catherine McAuley Centres. Bishop Timothy Harris attended to bless our new buildings, along with many other officials, staff and students. Enjoy the photos of the celebration.

Last weekend the Church celebrated The Most Holy Body and Blood. This reaffirms the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. When receiving the Eucharist, Catholics are asked to be Jesus present in the world today. We are asked to move beyond our own preoccupations and to hopefully changing in our own small ways, the lives of those we encounter. This week, let us take the presence of God wherever we go.

Lord Jesus,
when we break bread together
and drink from the cup of salvation,
you are present within and among us.
Through the gifts we receive from you,
make us holy disciples
who will go to be gifts to others.
Amen

God bless,

Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Careers

Dear Families,

Our Year 12’s were fortunate to attend a Q & A session with JCU student advisor Patrick and JCU ambassador’s Andrew Waller (Secondary Teaching) and Grace (Vet Science). During this session, the student’s were provided with valuable information regarding specific courses, on campus accommodation & social life, early entry information and much more. Thank you to Patrick and his team at James Cook University!

Congratulations to Year 12 student Joshua Milani who has been accepted to attend the upcoming JCU/North Qld Cowboys Heroes in Sports Program. From this half day program, Joshua will gain unique insights into a career in sport. He’ll go behind the scenes at the Cowboys Community Training and High Performance Centre, and learn from industry experts in physiotherapy and sports and exercise science before hitting the field for a high performance training session with the Cowboys. Joshua undertook a written application process and was delighted to hear of his success in securing a place. We can’t wait to hear all about it !

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Hello GSM community, my name is Brittney La Rosa and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University in Townsville. So far, this course has been both challenging and exciting. There are many aspects I love about university, and these include studying, learning to be independent and most importantly the endless opportunity to make friends through on campus activities.

Already, I have learnt many vital skills that are essential to nursing practices and will help prepare me for my first clinical placement at the end of the year. I am looking forward to the next few years of studying and am hoping to secure a career within Queensland Health upon graduating. I am extremely excited to assist in changing the lives of others as a nurse in the future.

Brittney La Rosa

Brittney is pictured here with Georgia, past students of 2020.

God bless

Mrs Louise Costabeber (Careers Advisor)

Assistant Principal Pastoral

Dear Families,

It has been another busy week at Gilroy, and we are very proud of our students. We had 4 students make the NQ cross country team, another student make the QLD team for squash, and another student competing in boxing over the weekend. Congratulations to all involved.

A massive congratulations to our School Musical and to all the students involved, it was an impressive production, and all involved should be proud of themselves. A big thankyou to our teachers as well for giving up so much of their time over the past months to make it possible, Miss Phoebe Slater and Mrs Mary McLaren.

Pastorally the SRC members have organised another whole school event before the end of term which will give students the opportunity to socialize at a multi age level event, burn of some energy before exams and relax and have some fun. Feedback from these events has been great and they are something we look forward to continuing.

Referring to our previous discussion about the survey results that all students completed, our next school tip is as follows:

This final part of The Resilience Project’s series shares an important message about creating environments where our kids can ask for help.

65% of adolescents do not seek help for mental illness.

In this presentation, Martin shares a personal experience about a traumatic event that happened to him as a child. He explains how he overcame adversity and built resilience by asking for support, particularly from his family.

Note: This video contains a story of sexual abuse that may be triggering. Please consider this before watching. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

View Part 5: Summary of the series here:

God Bless

Mr Matthew Schrodter
Assistant Principal – Pastoral

Sports News!

CROSS COUNTRY NQ SELECTION

Students recently travelled to Townsville to compete against hundreds of runners from schools around the region for the Cross-Country NQ Trials. Congratulations to the following students who gained selection into the NQ School Sport Cross-Country team. They will now travel to Ipswich to race in the State Championships in their respective age groups.

Nathan Venturato
Codey Masters
Laura Poggio (placed 1st in her division in North Qld)
Louise Poggio

SQUASH STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Some of our talented Squash players travelled to Brisbane recently to compete in the State Championships.

Sharief Kabay was part of the Northern Under 15 boys team who were runners up for the under 15 boys division.

Kate Butcher was part of the Northern Under 15 team who were the winners for the under 15 girls division.

Kate also gained selection in the Queensland Team!!

Unfortunately though they do not get to travel away again to compete against NSW and New Zealand due to ongoing covid restrictions.

Rugby League News

Gilroy Santa Maria College 13-15’s team played in Townsville on 2 June. They Lost 10 to Ryan Catholic College in a close match. The boys fought hard and showed terrific sportsmanship always.

The Open Rugby League team lost to St Anthony's 18-6. The Boys were down on troops but played well against older and much bigger opponents.

It is wonderful that our students have opportunities to travel and play games such as these.

Thanks to the staff who dedicated their time for this to happen.

Breakfast Club!

Didn’t have breakfast? Still hungry even if you did? Come and see what’s on offer at the Gilroy Breakfast Club. It operates from the tuckshop each Wednesday morning from 8am until school starts. Cereal, fruit, toast and spreads are always available and each week we offer something different. This term, we have had egg muffins, blueberry muffins, toasties and pikelets. If you enjoy baking and would like to prepare something for our breakfast club the students would always appreciate your contributions.

Many thanks to staff, parents and friends who have been supporting us either by baking or by donating goods or money. Thank you to Woolworths Ingham who kindly donate our fruit each week. Thanks also to Mick’s bakery for their support of our Breakfast Club.

Thank you for your support.

Rita Martin
Teacher

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

School Fees are now Due.

Thank you to all who have paid fees to date. If you have not paid recently please do so ASAP. 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.

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.

God Bless

Ros Giuliano
Business Manager

Readers Cup

On Thursday evening 10 June, three of our students Elina, Esther-Rose and Georgia travelled to St Anthony's Catholic College in Townsville to compete in the annual Readers Cup tournament. They did not place in the top three, however, they should be very proud of their efforts competing against many other students around the region.

Thank you to Mrs Petrina Coco and Mrs Heidi Cianciullo for taking them

Exam Timetable

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