19 August 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

Gilroy on Show

Our Gilroy on Show evening was huge success.

A big thank you must go to the staff, students & parents that made this event possible.

Our hospitality students spent the afternoon & night preparing, cooking and serving for our guests.

We had performances by our Ensemble, Musical cast, Sam Di Bartolo, Katie & Claire Groundwater.

Our subject displays were amazing thanks to our staff.

There was slime making, face painting, hair braiding, Artwork and more.

We truly have a great community at Gilroy Santa Maria and this was just a glimpse of it.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College community,

On a recent visit to Brisbane, I was able to reunite with Br Kev McDade who was Principal at Cardinal Gilroy College from 1979 until 1981. Br McDade was in charge during my time as a student at Gilroy College and we enjoyed swapping stories and reliving many memories from those years. We both enjoyed a laugh and good-hearted banter when we reminisced that I was his school captain in 1981.

I was very impressed how fondly he spoke about the families of Ingham and how well informed he is about the career paths his past students have taken in the preceding forty years. I look forward to involving Br McDade in future events as we celebrate the history of Gilroy Santa Maria College in the years ahead.

I extend my congratulations to students, staff and parents for making the recent GSMC Olympics themed Inter-House athletics carnival the huge success that it was. These days are always a great time to mingle with students in a less formal environment and share in the atmosphere and competitiveness of students. Student participation and behavior was of a very high standard with sportsmanship and keen rivalry evident from the first event. Congratulations to Rice house who took out overall champions for 2021.

As each week of the school year approaches, we are faced with a number of major events which provides our students with opportunities to show case their skills and abilities and display the wonderful prospects for our young people. In particular I refer to evets such as:

• The QAMT Maths Camp
• Health careers expo
• Ingham Arts Festival
• Information nights
• Athletics carnival
• Rugby league games

Events for students are endless if they seek out the opportunities, get involved, be part of everything and have a go.

Thursday evening this week we held our Gilroy on Show. The event was very rewarding after weeks of planning and preparation was undertaken by so many people to make the event possible. This was an amazing opportunity for us to show case the endless opportunities for students and the wonderful facilities we have here at Gilroy Santa Maria College. We welcomed new families to our College for the Year 6 information night which was held in the SMC for all Year 6 students and families of the district. Thank you to all of the staff, students & parents that put in so much time and work to make this event happen. It was a great success.

God bless
Kevin Barnes
Principal

Meet our Principal Mr Kevin Barnes:

From the Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Year 10 “Success in Senior” Information Evening

Thank you to all who attended this information evening held last Thursday. An enormous amount of information was presented and given to students and parents/carers. This information is very important as students now move into selecting suitable and appropriate subjects to undertake in senior. Students are encouraged to continue to talk to their teachers, Louise Costabeber and I about the details of subjects that they are interested in and with regards to career pathways. Each family received an information package on the evening which included a USB with the night’s powerpoint presentation which included links to key documents such as the Senior Handbook which will provide further information pertaining to subject selections.

Students will be shown how to submit their online subject selections in Homeroom next week. Students are expected to submit their selections via two (2) platforms:

1. Hand in their subject selection form to students reception (included in the packs)
2. Complete the online subject selection

Students must submit both forms of paperwork no later than Friday 28 August. SET Plan interviews with all year 10 students and their parents/carers will commence the following week and conclude early in Term 4. Interviews will review the suitability of the selected subjects to ensure that each student is on a suitable career pathway as well as provide opportunities for everyone to discuss any questions or concerns.

Assessment

The second half of the term is always busy with assessment. I trust that students are busily completing these tasks and are revising for exams. Revision should never be left for the last few weeks. It should be constant and consistent throughout the term.

A reminder that the College’s Academic Support Program is available to all students Monday-Friday during second lunch and after school Monday and Wednesday. Teachers also meet at the request of students. Attending these sessions is a very important medium for catching up on work missed and/or gaining additional support when required.

Drafts

Parents/Carers and students sometimes become confused with the level of teacher input that is allowed when students submit drafts. The following information, from the QCAA Academic Integrity Course, clearly outlines the rules for teachers:

• Teachers can provide feedback on a maximum of one draft of each student’s response.
• Providing feedback is a consultative process, not a marking process. Teachers should not allocate a result for the draft student response.
• Feedback on a draft must not compromise the authenticity of student work.
• The teacher may not introduce new ideas, language or research to improve the quality of student responses.
• The teacher may indicate some key errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and calculations, and remind students that the draft requires more editing, but should not edit or correct all errors in a draft. which all students should be completing.

All students should complete the Academic Integrity Course, on the QCAA website in myQCE to be fully aware of their expectations.

Word Length for Assessment

I would like to draw students’ and parents attention to word length requirements of assessments. QCAA are very strict with students adhering to word length requirements for assessment tasks. When student work is submitted for confirmation, this is scrutinized and therefore students need to ensure that their work meets the word length requirements of the task. Below is our policy for students who fail to adhere to word length requirements which is directly from our assessment guidelines & procedures document

Year 12

Year 12 students will be undertaking ‘Block exams’ exams in Week 10 of this term in full preparation for external exams which commence in Term 4, week 4. For both of these sets of exams, students are only required to be present at school for their scheduled exam. C4 will be available to students during the school day to provide a quiet place for study. Normal school rules will apply. Year 12 students who do not have any exams are encouraged to do work placement; however, any student who has outstanding assessment or course work in any subject, GENERAL, Applied or VET, will forfeit this privilege and be expected at school completing the outstanding work. The exam schedule for year 12 will be forthcoming shortly.

Year 8 into Year 9 Elective Subject Selection Information

In years 7 & 8, students experience a number of different subjects. From this experience, students choose 2 electives to continue with in years 9 & 10. Students will be asked to select these electives early in Term 4. To help assist students and parents/carers, this year, we will be providing an online information session which will have a pre-recorded information session provided by myself as well as links to subject specific information from teachers and students about each elective subject that students may select for years 9 and 10. This site will also include links to the Year 9/10 subject handbook and other important information including subject selection forms. In preparation for this, it would be helpful if parents/carers are discussing what subjects their child has enjoyed over the past couple of years.

To assist with these conversations, below is a list of the elective options for years 9 and 10:

• Visual Arts - 09VAR.01
• Performing Arts - 09PAR.01
• Design Technology - 09DT.01
• Engineering & Construction Technology - 09ECT.01 (which includes Certificate II Manufacturing Pathways in Year 10)
• Food Technology - 09FT.01
• Digital Technology - 09ICT.01
• Italian - 09ITA.01

Year 12 students and guardians:

Please read the attached letter pertaining to important information for year 12 students intending to study at JCU next year. The document has two important links that need to also be read and the survey completed in order to register interest. This looks like an excellent opportunity for one lucky Gilroy Santa Maria graduate who will be presented with this scholarship at our Awards Night on Thursday 21 October 2021.

God Bless
Melissa Carr
Assistant Principal
(Administration & Curriculum)

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

Last week I had the privilege of spending some time away from school with other APRE colleagues. The conference we attended was presented by Father Damian and was based on the Holy Bible, history, and scripture. After two very intensive and full days, I can say that I am very grateful to have a parish priest in our community who willingly gives of his time to educate us and share his vast expertise of the Bible and all things Catholic. Thank you, Father Damian, for your support and guidance.

Last weekend the Church celebrated the Assumption. This feast day proclaims that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven. This was God’s special gift to her for saying ‘Yes!’ to be the mother of Jesus and doing His will. Like all mothers, Mary would have experienced many highs and lows with raising Jesus. Jesus would have needed his mother, to guide, encourage and support him like any other child. Mary continues her motherly presence in our world today, offering each of us guidance, encouragement, and support if only we ask. May we look to Mary and her love of Jesus, as a model of how to live our lives through unwavering faith.

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

CALENDAR TERM 3

English Department Notice

Notice for all Year 12 English General students:

Gilroy will be providing access to the following upcoming event to support preparation for the English external assessment in term 4. Students are invited to attend the Challenge & Change for the External Assessment - Student event, which is being conducted online by The English Teachers Association (ETAQ) for students enrolled in the year 12 English General course.

Event details are as follow:

Date: Wednesday, 8th September 2021
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Venue: The dining room (C-block)

This pre-external examination event draws on the collective learning from 2020 to deliver just what students need to help them feel motivated and prepared. With the very generous assistance of academics across the university sector, the student event will provide expert support for General English. The program will consist of three sessions:

A. Writing the analytical essay: pre-recorded materials available from 3 pm, Wednesday 8 September.
B. Text webinars: pre-recorded, based on the EA texts from the Prescribed Text List and available from 3 pm, Wednesday 8 September.
C. Live discussions in 30-minute blocks at 4, 4:30 and 5pm on Wednesday 8 September - we have registered for the 4:30 pm block.

These Zoom sessions will primarily relate to Writing the Analytical Essay, but students will be free to ask questions about their selected texts. The discussions will not be recorded.

Attending the event is optional for students, but strongly encouraged. Please email Mrs. Winterbourn if you will be attending.

Mrs. Winterbourn
English Teacher

Work Experience

Dear students & families,

Work experience is available to students who are over 14 years of age, who would like to learn more about an occupation or business as part of their career decision making.

Forms (blue) are available from outside the Careers Room to apply for after-school, weekend or school holiday work experiences. These forms must be handed to me at least 3 weeks prior to the dates.

Please note Wilmar is not taking work experience this year.

Please contact Mrs Zanghi in the office or email jzanghi1@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

God bless
Mrs Zanghi
Work placement/experience co-ordinator

Ingham Arts Festival

We had so many students taking part in the Ingham Arts Festival over the past couple of weeks. Well done to all performers and entrants.

Pictured here is our Ensemble with Mrs Vera Di Bella. They won 1st Place - 4 to 8 Performers Secondary.

Well done Thomas, Pierce, Jada, Brooke & Elina.

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.

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

School fees were due Friday 13 August. If you have not paid fees yet, please do so ASAP unless a payment plan has been set up.

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 any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

Combined Schools Ball

School SOCIAL

Thursday of Week 7 (August 26) we are having our Term 3 social.

Come dressed in a costume or character starting with the letter of your initials!
$5 in costume, $6 out of costume.
It’s from 6:30pm - 9:30pm in the SMC.

Drinks, Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase, and we ask that no other drinks or food containers are to be brought in.
It is a no phone event.

Students who need to leave early or arrive late must register their name and
reason at student reception before the night.

Hope to see you all there!!

Forrest Beach FUN RUN

The annual Gilroy Santa Maria Fun Run will consist of a round trip run/walk from Forrest Beach to Cassidy’s Beach. Students are to arrive at school by 8:30am via usual transport. They will be transported to Forrest Beach by bus and return to school by 3:00pm. There will be an award given to the Iron man/woman for each year level (student that finished first.). In addition to this, for every student who completes the course, a point will be added to his/her house total in the 2021 GSM Cup. The students will be given the option to walk to the shop or participate in sports activities after the walk.

**Parents please note that this is a school day and attendance is compulsory.

FORREST BEACH STUDENTS

If students live at Forrest Beach, you are to meet at the Lifesaving Club at 9.00am. You must submit your permission note below. Any student without a permission note will be required to return to the College before catching their normal bus back to the beach.

PLEASE HAND IN PERMISSION NOTES ASAP

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 Else is Happening?

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