22 July 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Yr 8 CAMP Quinola Lakes

Yr 9 CAMP Broadwater

Yr 10 RETREAT Hervey’s Range

Yr 11 LEADERSHIP CAMP Cairns

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College community,

Term 3 has commenced with an action-packed first two weeks due to camps, retreats, Mulkadee, as well as several sporting events taking place. The Week 1 camps/retreats/activities were an exercise in logistics to have so many students and staff dispersed in every direction all doing different activities. I am happy to report that the feedback on student participation, engagement and behaviour in all grades was exceptionally positive. I have heard stories of students being involved in activities they have never experienced before and concurring challenges they never thought they could. It is amazing what can be achieved with a positive attitude and a can-do approach. Whilst we had a few minor issues to follow up on and incidents to investigate, the week was a rousing success. I extend my thanks to the students for being present, parents for ensuring students were prepared and staff for organising, attending, and making the week the wonderful experience it was.

Student Reports will be distributed to all families during Week 3 which is always a time for reflection, review, celebration and/or concern. Reports will be available on the Compass portal as well as posted home. Report cards show a student’s academic achievement across the whole curriculum in all learning areas for the previous semester.

Report cards are an ideal opportunity for parents to engage with students and build a strong connection with teachers and the school. When discussing the report card with your child I urge parents to congratulate your child on the pleasing results and identify the subjects where grades have improved from previous reports. Ask your child which results they are proud of and what did they do to experience the success they did.

When talking about results which are below expectation, don't blame them for the grade. Focus on discussing the class itself, ask if the work was too difficult or if the class went too fast. If they say they were bored or "hated it," find out if they thought the class was too easy and ask them to explain their dislikes and try to address them. For example, if they say the subject seems "useless" and "boring", find ways in the future to show them how those skills may be used in the real world.

If you have concerns after discussing your child’s progress with them or if you have any questions, talk to your child's teacher. Together, you can find solutions to make sure your child thrives and grows during each semester at school.

I would also like to let our families know about an important event that is coming up on our calendar. The Gilroy on Show event is back this year after COVID forced us to cancel the event in 2020. Held on Thursday 19 August, the night will include, guided tours, subject displays, free food (including pig on the spit), entertainment by our students as well as an information session for our Year 6 families. It also provides an opportunity for families to meet staff and make connections with other families. I encourage as many families as possible to attend, and spread the word to the wider community.

Staff update:

A number of staff changes have occurred recently which I have outlined below:

Chloe Beauchamp has joined the GSM team as an Inclusive Practices Teacher working three days per week from the start of Term 3. Chloe will provide support to teachers and students in class and developing support processes. Her exceptional knowledge of the Australian Curriculum and her experience in the classroom make her a wonderful addition to our Inclusive Practices team here at Gilroy Santa Maria College. Chloe is passionate about supporting social-emotional well-being and is currently studying a Masters of Education (Guidance and Counselling).

Jacelyn Copley recently commenced at GSM as a Learning Assistant within the Inclusive Practices team. Jacelyn's role involves supporting students who require additional support, working with students on an individual, small group or whole class basis.

Nadine Jorgensen will continue her leave for the remainder of Term 3. In a recent conversation with Nadine, she informed me she has been recharging and recovering as she travels across Qld, NT and WA on her latest adventure. We look forward to Nadine re-joining our team for Term 4.

John Barbagallo is recovering well following his recent surgery. We wish John a speedy and successful recovery as he completes his rehabilitation back to full capacity. Kevin Tierney has agreed to extend his contract for another three weeks to replace John.

Rosanne Coyle has accepted a position at Southern Cross Catholic School and will be relocating to Townsville for the start of Term 4. Rosie's position as Academic Leader of Science will be advertised internally as we seek a replacement to commence in Term 4. Rosie has made a significant contribution as a curriculum leader at GSM for which we are forever grateful. I wish Rosie all the best in her future endeavours.

Jennifer Birch, teacher of IT has resigned from GSM due to family and personal reasons effective from the end of Term 2. On behalf of the GSM community, I thank Jennifer for her contribution to the students at our College and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. A familiar face in Michael Matthews has extended his contract to backfill Jennifer's position until the end of the 2021 school year.

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,

I hope that everyone has a safe and restful holiday. Welcome back to Term 3. The year certainly feels like it is flying by! I always feel that this term is the most exciting and eventful term of the year as we not only have more important and culminating assessments, we also start looking towards planning for 2022. This term really did start off with a bang! Last week, all year levels experienced an alternate program from Wednesday-Friday. To plan these events took a lot of time and commitment from numerous staff. I would like to thank and congratulate the College on their efforts as it was a special and enjoyable time for everyone. Getting away from the school setting is sometimes important. It gave the students time to build relationships, reflect on who they are and who they want to be and to enjoy the outdoors and the pleasure of other people’s company.

As I included in my previous newsletter article, we have four key events in particular coming up;, Yr 10 Senior Information Night next week, Gilroy on Show on 19th August which includes our Yr 6 Parent Information Night and the Athletic carnivals. Our Yr 11 students also have their mock exams in Week 10 of this term which, this year, will count towards their results for Awards Night held in Term 4. This will ensure students make the most of this opportunity to plan, prepare and revise their knowledge and understanding in their subjects.

Assessment Planners

These documents are extremely important and useful for both students and parents/carers in planning and organising for the term. I highly recommend printing this document and putting it on the fridge and another copy in the students’ diary. Having it on the fridge allows it to be a constant reminder and importantly, a talking point, for families as we know our children are constantly going to the fridge! Assessment planners provide important information on due dates, the topic and type of assessment that it is whilst also allowing you to see when the busy times are going to be and therefore how to best plan for ensuring all due dates are met and draft/final submissions are of the best quality. Receiving feedback from teachers after drafts have been reviewed is one of the most effective and important forms of individual feedback students will receive towards their summative assessment items.

Term 3 Assessment Planners:

Semester 1 Reports

All Semester 1 Reports will be available on Compass from Tuesday 27 July and printed copies will be mailed home. As per last year, reports will include both a grade for behaviour and effort as well as a result for different subjects. Across the College, the majority of our students have been working industriously. I again would like to congratulate those students who have worked hard, attended academic support and tried their best. Well done. For students receiving results that they may be disappointed with, I hope they take this opportunity to reflect on their efforts and commitment to their studies and how this may improve going forward. As always, we have a dedicated and committed staff who want to help our students achieve their potential. We have a free academic support program offered both during lunchtimes and after school as one avenue students may decide to commit to help improve their studies.

Year 10 Information Night

“Success in Senior” information night will be held on Thursday 12 August at 6.30pm. The information delivered during this evening will be vital for all year 10 students and their parents/carers. The evening will include an explanation of the Senior QCE System as well as guidance on selecting subjects for year 11. Each student in year 10 will have a mandatory individual SET (Senior Education and Training) plan interview following this information night or early in Term 4 to discuss student future pathways and subject selections.

Year 8 into Year 9 Virtual Information Session

This year, we have decided to release a virtual information session for all year 8 students and parents/carers. This webinar will provide information about how to best select the 2 elective subjects for years 9 and 10 and provide information about what these subjects also offer. In years 7 and 8, students have been experiencing all of their elective subject options so they are aware of what they enjoy and experience success in. Very simply put, the best way to select these subjects is to ask your child what they have enjoyed doing the most. We all know that if we enjoy doing something, we are more likely to try hard at it and experience success. This webinar will become available later this term.

Gilroy on Show & Year 6 Information Night

I would again like to encourage all interested Yr 6 students and their parents/carers to come to this event. This night will start with the Yr 6 Information night which will provide families with important information about what Yr 7 will look like for your child next year and what our College community can do to help support your child both academically and socially.

Year 12

Last week, the year 12 students were able to have three days to study by working online through their subjects whilst the rest of the College were on camp/retreat. It was great to see how studious students were in making the most of this time. External exams will be held part way through term 4. I have sent this out previously, but I again wanted to make this available to our year 12 students and parents:

External Exams

God bless
Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Professional Appraisal - Melissa Carr

Melissa Carr, Deputy Principal at Gilroy Santa Maria College is currently undergoing a professional appraisal which is part of the life and work of all school leaders in Townsville Catholic Education schools.

You are invited to take part in this process by completing the electronic survey (Survey B) which seeks to clarify Melissa's performance against the dimensions of leadership attached to the position of Deputy Principal.

To access the survey please click this link below and on completion, please press SUBMIT.

If you could provide responses to me by Monday 26th July 2021 it would be appreciated.

Many thanks for your assistance and I look forward to receiving your input.

David McNeale
Education Consultant – Townsville Catholic Education Office

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 the any nearby street is NOT permitted.

Sports News!

ATHLETICS UPDATE

Inter-house Athletics Carnival:

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

Inter-house Athletics pre-carnival events

Week 2 and 3 High Jump: Over the next 2 weeks all Interhouse High Jump events will be run at 2nd break as follows:

Week 2

Under 14’s Boys and Girls High Jump Friday Second break

Week 3

Under 16’s Boys and Girls High Jump Monday Second break
Open Boys and Girls High Jump Wednesday Second break
All students are encouraged to participate by completing a single jump to earn a point for their respective houses. Each house will have 4 pre nominated competitors who will then have 3 attempts to jump each height as per High Jump rules and regulations. Any questions about the running of this event can be directed to Mr Schifilliti at 1st break lunchtimes

Cross Country State Championships

Students Nathan Venturato, Codey Masters, Laura and Louise Poggio competed at the Cross Country State Championships held in Ipswich last weekend.

They all managed to do PB’s in their races.

Running for NQ against hundreds of runners from all over Queensland is certainly an experience to remember.

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

A big welcome back to Term 3! And what a busy term it is shaping up to be already.

This week the College will celebrate our NAIDOC Liturgy during assembly on Thursday. Thank you to Mrs Amy Squires and Mrs Jasmine Pearce for preparing this celebration with our students and for putting together the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural activities last week for the Year 7 students.

Next week we are celebrating Catholic Education Week. The theme for this year is ‘A Spirited Tomorrow’. Our captains and vice captains are travelling to Sacred Heart Cathedral with Mr Kevin Barnes to the combined diocesan mass on Monday. Congratulations to Isabella Melara on receiving the Deus Caritas Est Award for 2021. This award to presented to a senior student who espouses the gospel values in their everyday life and shows a commitment to the Catholic Church. Our Year 8 cohort will celebrate mass with Our Lady of Lourdes, St Peter’s, St Teresa’s and Mary MacKillop on Wednesday at St Patrick’s Church.

It is always a privilege to take students away on retreat and our Year 10 cohort was no exception. With a band of merry helpers, we ventured off to Camp Gedling at the top of Harvey’s Range Road for some time away with friends. Students were given the opportunity to abseil, zip line, rock climb, do the high ropes course, and participate in team building and retreat activities. Thank you to Father Damian for taking time out of his busy schedule to be a part of the retreat and to celebrate mass on Thursday night. Thank you, too, to the staff and students that made the retreat so memorable.

Taking the time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is important. Last weekend’s gospel reading is a prime example that during Jesus’ ministry on earth he too had the need to have a break, recuperate and relax. Even though this does not happen for Jesus in this passage, it is a reminder that we all get exhausted from life’s demands. We all need our own deserted place to rest, connect and refocus. Hopefully, the time away for all our classes last week was a time for everyone to have a break from school and come back re-energised for the rest of the term.

This week’s prayer is a prayer provided by Father Damian.

Slow me down, Lord. Slow me down!
Ease my pounding heart;
quiet my racing mind;
soothe my frayed nerves;
relax my tired muscles.
Teach me the art of taking momentary vacations,
of keeping in touch with myself,
of listening to the voice of God
and drawing from it new light,
new strength, and new courage.
Slow me down, Lord. Slow me down!

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week will be held from 25-31 July 2021.

Please click on the link below to view the fourth edition of the Catholic Education Week newsletter.

Please click on the link below to view the third edition of the Catholic Education Week newsletter.

Cane Train Reminder

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”, especially at our school entrance.

Use your Train Brain

Calendar Term 3

NAIDOC Week

As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations this year, Year 7 students participated in activities during Week 1 which included:

The Resilience Project

At this week’s Whole School Assembly, a Family Journal was given to every family (eldest student from each family). Please ensure this Journal is kept in a safe place. The Resilience Project’s Family Journal gives you 10 weeks of daily reflections, questions and practical activities, to complete together as a family. The journal is a great way to spend time together building connections whilst practicing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to improve your families mental health and wellbeing. This journal also includes a Healthy Family Habits tracker so everyone can monitor vital components to health and well-being such as exercise, sleep, healthy eating and family connection time.

The North Qld Cowboys have also given us Tickets for the Cowboys v West Tigers Home Game on August 14.

These tickets will be given to selected students based on:

• Effort on Reports
• Attendance
• Positive chronicles

Careers

JCU UniX excursion

Last Tuesday of Week 1, 11 senior students attended JCU’s UniX program. The students enjoyed browsing through the various subject stalls and had the opportunity to ask questions that were course specific. The group also participated in the campus tour and got to see where lecture rooms, the library, student services and cafes were located.

Find Your Future Career Expo

On Thursday 29th July, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to attend Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Find Your Future career expo at Tyto. The expo will provide our Year 10 students insight & information into various job opportunities and career pathways and may assist with subject selection later this year. This event is open to the public (10am - 4pm) and I urge any interested students to attend after 3pm. Permission letters were sent home with Year 10 students yesterday - please return these to students reception ASAP.

Apprenticeships 2022

It is that time of year where major companies are inviting applications for various apprenticeship positions for 2022. Wilmar, Glencore (Mt Isa mines) and Komatsu just to name a few. Please see the jobs section in this week’s newsletter for further information. If any students require assistance or clarification, please come & see or email me anytime.

Holiday Work Experience – Trenyce Pearce

During the Term 2 Holidays, Year 12 student Trenyce Pearce attended work experience with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Earlier this year Trenyce was interviewed by a panel of four scientists from AIMS, including Craig Humphries, the manager of the Sea Simulator at AIMS. We had some terrific feedback from him - The selection panel was very impressed with the way in which Trenyce carried herself during the interview. He has interviewed over 200 candidates during his time at AIMS - Trenyce stood out as one of the best even amongst adult candidates.

Congratulations to Trenyce - this is a fantastic and well deserved opportunity - well done!

God Bless
Mrs Louise Costabeber

JOB Opportunities

Cabinet Maker

Garutti Cabinets are seeking an apprentice cabinet maker. Would prefer full time apprentice but will consider a school based apprenticeship for the right applicant.

Phone Kristen Garutti on 0405 486 595.

Junior Parts Interpreter
Honeycombes Sales and Service - Full Time

Apprentices 2022 Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd - Full Time

ERNEST HENRY MINING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 2022
Glencore Australia Holdings Pty Ltd - Contract/Temp

Store Person
Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited - Full Time

Lifestyle Support Worker (Ingham)
Casual/Vacation

Customer Sales and Service - Repco – Ingham
Full Time

Komatsu Apprenticeship Program 2022

Komatsu–Townsville QLD - Full time, Apprenticeship

DENTAL ASSISTANT - QLD HEALTH - INGHAM HOSPITAL

Carpentry Apprenticeship at Auditore Builders

Certificate III in Carpentry – Approx. 4-year course.

Please email your resume and cover letter to joe@auditorebuilders.com.au

Due Date – 3:00pm Friday 6th August 2021.

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.

Breakfast Club

Gilroy Breakfast Club

Gilroy Breakfast Club will resume this term. Breakfast is available every Wednesday morning before school and is served from the tuckshop. Last term we had approximately 40 to 50 students coming to breakfast each Wednesday. If you are interested in helping out you can do this by

1. Donating goods such as milk, butter, milo. (We have plenty of cereals at the moment)

or

2. By baking some breakfast treats such as muffins, pancakes, scones…….

Please contact Rita Martin if you would like further information.

Mulkadee

This week 15 of our Students are attending Mulkadee in Townsville at the Entertainment Centre.

The weeklong program filled with workshops concludes with a Friday night performance which is already sold out. The theme this year is The Wizard of Oz. We can’t wait to hear all about it!

A very special congratulations to the following students who received major roles in this year’s Mulkadee:

Mickayla Coco - Tin Man!!
Noah Fitzpatrick – BOQ
Alyssa Melvin-Naughton – A Monkey
Lincon Skinner-Reynolds and Charlie McCullagh - Winkies

Mulkadee Students 2021

P & F Association

COAT HANGERS WANTED
If you have any spare coat hangers that you would like to give to the Gilroy Santa Maria DRAMA department, please drop to the front office. Thank you!!!

________________________________

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

Invoices for Term 3 fees and levies have been emailed to all parents. If you have not received them, please check your spam emails or contact the office. If you have and questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

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.

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 lunch times are as follows:

1st Lunch – 10:55am – 11:20am
2nd Lunch – 12:50pm - 1:30pm

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