24 June 2021

Newsletter Articles

ESSENTIAL EMAILS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College community,

As semester 1 draws to an end, marking the half way mark of the school year, it is timely to reflect upon how successful our journey has been so far. We also need to reflect on what adjustments need to be made to ensure semester 2 is a productive one. By now students will be aware of their performance for most subjects, so the holiday period would be an ideal time to do some honest self-reflection and ask themselves:

• Did I commit to my studies and apply me learning to achieve my best results?
• Could I have taken a different approach to my learning opportunities?
• How would I do better next time?

By reflecting upon our past performance and being true to ourselves we are able to determine what adjustments we need to make for future improvement. I strongly believe that honest self-reflection is one of the most powerful and useful tools we should all commit to. How true is the saying, “if we keep doing what we have always done, we are going to keep getting what we have always got”.

School holidays are always a time to relax, unwind and recharge for the remainder of the school year. On Whole School Assembly this week I urged students to take extra care and attention now that the sugar cane crushing season has started. I especially warned our newest drivers to take extra care and attention due to the extra road traffic such as haul out tractors, trucks and cane trains. I know I have the ‘Use Your Train Brain’ jingle ringing in my ears, and it is such a powerful message for us all to abide by. Take care and be aware.

For a large number of students, staff and parents the school holidays will be consumed by travelling to Rugby League Confraternity (QISSRL) and Netball (QISSN) Carnivals in Brisbane. I have seen the excitement amongst our students as they have been training and preparing for many months and raising funds to offset the cost to families. Unfortunately, injuries have already taken a toll on a number of our players which has depleted our squads before we have even left Ingham. I want to reinforce my recent message to all players that at all times when travelling, playing or site seeing you are representing Gilroy Santa Maria College, representing yourself and your family and therefore your conduct and sportsmanship must be acceptable to our high standards. We have a lot to be proud of here at GSM and we must always be aware of our responsibility of leaving a positive impression on other people.

Term 3 will start on Monday 12 July. First up during week 1, Year 8 to 11 Camps will run from Wednesday to Friday. From the planning documents and risk assessments I have approved over the past few weeks, it is evident that our staff are very conscious of providing students with experiences and challenges that they may not otherwise have an opportunity to do. Each year level retreat has a different focus with a range of intended outcomes for students. My request is for each and every student to be involved and have a go in all activities. School camps are an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, get to know other students better, develop new friendships, be independent and show leadership potential. These are a very important skills which help prepare our young people for future challenges. I am looking forward to interacting with students outside of the school setting, and developing rapport with them in an unfamiliar environment.

2021 has been an extremely busy year with many events, carnivals and performances keeping our calendar full. The remainder of the year will be no different with the athletics carnivals only weeks away, several pastoral events, Speech Night and Graduation already scheduled. However, as we launch into semester 2 after the holidays, I will be refocussing everyone on our No. 1 priority of quality Learning and Teaching of our students. Our Academic Leaders have been working with teachers to review and forward map their Master Plan and Individual Plans for each subject to ensure our curriculum is aligned to the Australian Curriculum content descriptors and achievement standards which ensures our teaching is reliable, valid and consistent.

I wish everyone a safe, relaxing and rewarding break.

God bless

Kevin Barnes
Principal

Meet our Principal Mr Kevin Barnes:

GILROY ON SHOW

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
(ADMINISTRATION & CURRICULUM)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

As Term 2 draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of students, parents and our Gilroy staff. It has been an exciting and busy term. We have experienced many extra curricular activities this year that were not possible last year. Students and staff had many after school sporting and cultural events. We also have our QISSN and Confro teams competing in week 1 of these holidays. These are important experiences of College life that are only possible from the generosity of staff time and commitment from students and parents.

This week students are also finishing off summative assessments so that reporting can be completed and sent home early next term. Semester 1 reports (Yrs 7-10 and 12, along with Unit 1 reports for Yr 11 students will be both posted home and available on compass in Week 3, Tuesday 22 July in Term 3.

Important events for Term 3 include -

As you can see, next term will be both busy and exciting. Please make sure you pencil in some key dates. I have highlighted both the Yr 10 Information evening and Gilroy on Show event as they are very important to attend. The Yr 10 Information evening is a compulsory evening for both students and their parents/carers as there is a lot of valuable information presented as well as time for individual conversations with senior year subject teachers to information Yrs 11 and 12 subject selections and SET Planning interviews that will follow in the following weeks.

I would like to wish you a safe and restful holiday period and look forward to seeing everyone next term.

God bless
Melissa Carr

Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

PARKING NOTICE

Generally, our pickup and drop off zones have worked well over the course of this year so far.

However, we have noticed that vehicles have recently been waiting at the corner of Atkinson Street. Please be advised that waiting along any nearby street is NOT permitted.

CAREERS – FROM MRS COSTABEBER

Where are they now?

(Written by Josh Spina)

Hello GSM community, my name is Josh Spina and I am a 2020 graduate of Gilroy Santa Maria College. Currently, I am studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education at JCU Townsville. So far, I have really been enjoying my course and learning about the basics of becoming a teacher. The two teaching areas I have chosen are Business and Geography, both of which have allowed me to make many new friends throughout my varying classes.

Recently I completed my first 5 days of placement at a local Townsville school and it was a great experience. Although I feel like I only graduated yesterday, being a part of the classroom environment again was great and I am really looking forward to completing my course over the next few years. In future, I would love to come back to Ingham to start my teaching career.

Mr. Joshua Spina
1st year Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

James Cook University - Heroes In Health Program

Heroes in Health is a joint collaboration between JCU and the Mater Hospital where students from around the region are invited to submit written application forms. After being selected to complete a short interview, I was lucky enough to be 1 of 20 students selected out of 170 applicants to attend the two-day program.

The program was jam-packed with presentations and hands-on activities. We heard from a range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who spoke about their journey from senior schooling into university and onto specialising in their fields. Between these presentations we toured the hospital and new Mater Education Centre as well as learning how to take vital signs, complete CPR, estimate blood loss, remove sutures, hygiene rules and how to scrub into surgery as well as simulating different scenarios on interactive mannequins. These activities helped enforce the passion that each of us has and showed us the teamwork skills we must have no matter what path we decide to take in the medical field.

I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in studying medicine or nursing after high school apply to attend the next program being held at the end of this year.

Paige Girgenti (Yr 12)

Year 10 Work Experience Week

This week, all of our Year 10 Students have been on work experience at various workplaces around the region (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday). From all reports, our students have done a wonderful job. This work experience is a vital part of our vocational education program here at Gilroy and gives students an insight into the various careers they may wish/ not wish to pursue. Although, many students may already have part time jobs, it is sometimes daunting to attend work experience.

God bless
Mrs Louise Costabeber (Careers Advisor)

SPORTS NEWS!

Confraternity Shield 2021

On Sunday 27 June, our Confraternity boys will be heading off to Iona College, Lindum for the annual Queensland Independent Secondary School Rugby League Carnival (QISSRL). From June 28 through to July 2, will see a combined team of 13 Gilroy Santa Maria College boys and 6 Southern Cross Catholic College boys compete against schools from all over the state. They will be accompanied by Ian Schifilliti (Coach), Matt Spina (Trainer), Petrina Coco (Manager), Nickolas Coco (Linesman), Claude Cianciullo and Kevin Barnes (Principal). We wish the boys all the best for their time away.

QISSN 2021

This year, 10 of us will be travelling down to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Competition. We are going away during the first week of the June/July holidays and we will be playing games against multiple schools from all over Queensland. We are all looking forward to playing Netball, spending time with each other and exploring Brisbane.

The 2021 QISSN team includes Lucy Galletly and Kaila Marino (Co Captains), Katie Groundwater, Hayley Gangemi, Ella McLennan, Laura Poggio, Claire Groundwater, Kelcee Robino, Kate Butcher and Dana Kaurila.

Our coach for this year is Mrs Ros Giuliano and our team manager is Miss Mihan.Thank you both for all your time and effort in preparing for this trip. We have been counting down the days until we leave for Brisbane and we are very excited. Thank you for contributing and helping us fundraise as well as the ongoing support.

Enjoy the break everyone!

Lucy Galletly and Kaila Marino (Co-Captains QISSN Team)

ATHLETICS UPDATE

Inter-house Athletics Carnival:

Half day – Thursday 5 August
Full Day carnival – Friday 6 August

RECORDS BROKEN

Pre-events have begun for the Inter-house Athletics. Congratulations to:

Laura Poggio who broke the 1500m 16 years girls record with a time of 5:23:02. This was a 26 year old record previously held by Nicole Plint (1995 - 5:34:41)

Laura Poggio also broke the 800m 16 years girls record with a time of 2:38.50. This also was a 26 year old record previously held by Nicole Plint (1995 - 2:45:65).

Rocky Jensen broke the 1500m 12 years boys record with a time of 5:53:36.

P & F NEWS

P&F Catholic Debutante Ball Sub-Committee - Expressions of Interest

The Gilroy P&F Association has been asked by the Parish to consider taking over the organising of the yearly Catholic Debutante Ball.

To this end, we are looking for interested persons to join an Organising Sub-Committee of the Gilroy P&F which would take on the organising and running of the ball.

We are particularly looking for:

• parents/family members of our Gilroy familiesparents/family members of girls planning to make their Deb in the coming years
• Parish members
• any other general community members

A meeting for interested parties will be held at 5.30pm on Wednesday, 21 July in the Catherine McAuley Centre at the College. All are welcome.

For further information, email P&F Secretary, Rita Melara on c58.pandf@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au or call 0439 848 944.

Rita Melara (P & F)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

The reading from last weekend’s Gospel is of Jesus calming the storm. During my last APRE cluster meeting, I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to unpack this reading with my fellow APRE’s.

Jesus Stills a Storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Jesus was asleep during a storm. The disciples woke him to question whether he cared about what was happening around them. We too, can find ourselves in the midst of raging storms, driving winds and crashing waves. In the chaotic world we live, we too, can find ourselves looking for calm and reassurance. There are many questions we can ask after reading this scripture passage. Do we assume that Jesus is absent from the situations in our lives? Do we have faith enough to trust that God is the calm that we may need? These questions can only be answered personally. How we answer them can determine how we react and feel in our day to day lives when faced with the turmoil and strugglers we face. God is there for us, if only we have faith.

As the term ends, I would like to thank everyone for a great and successful Term Two and I hope you all enjoy a restful and peaceful break and return safely for next term.

Lord of all creation,
you command all elements of nature
to abide by your holy plan.
Protect your people as we seek refuge;
grant us your peace
in what can be a hectic
and confusing world.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

CANE TRAINS

The sugar cane crushing season has started and this means we need to take extra care when crossing train lines. Remember to use your “Train Brain”

CALENDAR TERM 3

COMPASS APP UPDATES

BOARD GAMES!

Board Games every Wednesday at second lunch in P1

Do you enjoy board games? Are you looking for something different to do during the break? Pop in to P1 during the second lunch break on Wednesdays and choose from the great variety of games and activities available. There is always some food to munch on if you are feeling hungry. You don’t have to be an expert to play, and everyone is welcome.

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. Reminders will be sent out over the school holidays.

The office will be open during the school holidays Monday to Friday from 8.00am – 3.30pm closed for lunch between 12pm-1pm.

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

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING 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