20 September 2021

Newsletter Articles

Essential Emails

R U OK DAY

By Isabella Melara (College Captain)

A simple question can empower people. A simple question can inspire connection. A simple question can change a life.

This is what we aimed to do, on Thursday of week 9 as we participated in R U OK? Day, which raised awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. The simple question R u ok? can start a conversation with those who may be struggling. Sometimes, you don’t have to, you don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. We encouraged students to look for signs that may indicate their friends are struggling with something in their life affecting their mental health.

To do this, seniors wrote chalk messages on the cement, all around the school, explaining the four steps to having a conversation. First asking R U OK?, second listening, third encouraging action and lastly, checking in. At the second lunch, we all handed out yellow cupcakes, lollipops and special stickers. There were lots of happy smiles and great conversation. Thank you again to everyone who helped :)

Final day of Term 3

On Friday, students and staff spent the day at Forrest Beach to relax and celebrate the end of Term 3. The day started with the annual Fun Run, followed by a bbq lunch, time on the beach, activities and time with friends. The weather was perfect and the students were incredibly well behaved.

From the Principal

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College community,

As this term draws to an end and I reflect upon the past ten weeks, it is a reality check just how busy our College calendar has been. Camps and Retreats kicked off Week 1 of the term, then Mulkadee, followed by numerous sporting events including, Netball, Rugby League, Athletics and Cricket. Opportunities to show case the College followed with Yr 6 Transition Days, Gilroy on Show as well as several parent Information nights. Next, we elected our Student Leaders for 2022 and supported the Combined Schools Ball plus a school social. All these events as well as the day to day events which occur at school certainly provides many occasions for students to be a part of College life.

To make these events possible we require never ending support from parents and commitment from staff who make the magic happen. I know we all support these events to give our students opportunities and play our part in watching them develop and utilise the skills and abilities they possess. Thank you to the staff, parents and caregivers for the part you play in assisting the students of Gilroy Santa Maria College.

On Friday we farewelled two long serving staff members who have decided the time is right for them to pursue another adventure in their life’s journey:

Roseanne Coyle is relocating to Southern Cross Catholic College in Townsville. Rosie has been a great contributor to GSMC as Academic Leader of Science and leaves behind a legacy that will be surely missed.

Gary Hayden is taking leave to accomplish some adventures he has long been waiting to undertake. Gary’s absence will be felt across numerous departments and his knowledge, cool head and dedication will be hard to replace.

Amy Squires is on maternity leave while she awaits the arrival of her second child. Amy’s drive within the Emerging Leaders program will be felt by many students until we transition to a new face in this space.

You will have noticed progress on construction of the new buildings has advanced very well in the past few months as the site takes on a new look each and every day as major works is being completed. This week I have observed the steel work being installed for the under-cover areas and breeze way ready for the installation of roofing on these spaces. It has been great to walk through the buildings and visualise just what the finished product will look like and understand its functionality.

I believe our prayers for fine weather have finally been answered to allow the contractors to progress their work without further weather delays. The start of the 2022 school year is looming and hand over of these buildings continues to be a race against the clock but we remain confident of meeting the deadline.

The purchase of 15 Chamberlain Street has recently been completed and the property is now owned by Gilroy Santa Maria College. Planning is underway to demolish the existing house in the coming weeks so we can start preparations to construct an off street car park at the College entrance. This project is another step in the renewal program for our Buildings and Facilities and will be a wonderful addition. Completing of the car park may not occur for some time as we seek funding approval.

May everyone in the community have a relaxing, calm and peaceful break surrounded by family and friends free of COVID restrictions. I look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday October 5 for the start of Term 4.

God bless
Kevin Barnes
Principal

Meet our Principal Mr Kevin Barnes:

From TCEO

WIN an iPAD

Have you completed the survey for secondary school selection?

We are seeking your assistance in understanding the drivers and influencing factors in selecting secondary schools within our regional areas and invite you to participate in the attached survey.

Through completing the survey, you will have an opportunity to WIN an iPad 8th Generation. (Terms and conditions apply)

Please follow the attached link and complete the survey before 11pm on Friday, 24th of September, 2021 for your chance to win.

Term Magazine

Our Term 3 magazine is now available on our website and will be available in schools next week. This term we are focusing on Indigenous Education.

We are blessed to have a hard-working and dedicated Indigenous Education team who work closely with our schools and assist in the delivery of Indigenous education programs to ensure better educational experiences and outcomes for our Indigenous students.

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Gilroy Santa Maria College Community,

It is always a sense of relief to get to his point in a term, knowing what has been accomplished, remembering the triumphs of the term, and reflecting on how far we have come through our learning and living.

During week 9 we celebrated our Mercy Mass. The Sisters of Mercy Tradition has been a part of the Hinchinbrook community for over 100 years. Santa Maria College was established in 1949 at Our Lady of Lourdes before being relocated in 1973 near Gilroy, until the merging of Cardinal Gilroy and Santa Maria College in 1984. It is an honoured tradition steeped in compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, service and courage. Through the religious life of the school, may we continue to uphold the values established so long ago in our district.

I hope you all have an enjoyable relaxing holiday. Term 4 is already shaping up to be a big one.

God bless,
Christine Timms
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Term 4 Dates

Term 4 Begins on Tuesday 5 October
Year 12 Graduation Friday 19 November
Year 7 - 11 Students - Term 4 Ends on Friday 26 November

World’s Greatest Shave

Well done to Robert Giuliano and Dexter Britton who participated in the "World's Greatest Shave" raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation & Dementia Australia.

Mrs La Rosa and Miss Ellis cut the boys hair in front of their school mates on Wednesday.

Great job Robert and Dexter

Sports Awards Assembly & Awards Night

Sports Awards Assembly & College Leaders Handover
Thursday 7 October 8:30am (Week 1, Term 4).

At this Assembly, our Sports Awards will be presented for 2021. If your child is receiving an award you will receive a notification closer to the date.

The 2021 College Leaders will also complete their "Handover" to the 2022 College Leaders at this Assembly.

All Parents & Carers are invited to attend. No RSVP is required.

2021 Awards Night - Thursday 21 October

This year's Awards Night will be held on Thursday 21 October (Week 3, Term 4). We will have the same format as last year with the Junior and Senior sessions held separately:

Yr 7 to 9 at 6:00pm in the Santa Maria Centre
Yr 10 to 12 at 7:30pm in the Santa Maria Centre

All Parents & Carers are invited to attend. Award recipients will be notified and invitations sent out closer to the date. RSVP's are essential.

Sports News

Congratulations to Pierce Carrara and Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila for gaining selection into the NQ School Sport U15 Cricket Team. The team will now travel to Toowoomba to compete at the State Championships.

Ingham Sugar City Rodeo

We certainly have some very talented students in our community. Last weekend many competed in the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo.

Here are just a couple of images which include Hector, Brayden, Hayden & Grant competing. They all placed very well in their events.

Well done to:

Jess Furber winning 1st place in Bending Race 11-U14
Brayden Spina winning 1st place in Steer Ride 11-U14

U13 Rugby League Grand Final

Well done to the U13 Herbert River Rugby League team who played in their Grand Final in Townsville last weekend Unfortunately the team lost, however they showed a lot of heart and spirit.

They are pictured here with Principal Kevin Barnes along with Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

From the Business Manager

Dear Families,

Office hours over the School Holidays.

The office will be open over the school holidays please see adjusted hours below.

Monday – Wednesday 8.00am to 4.00pm Closed for lunch 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Thursday & Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 1.00pm – 2.00pm

If you have not paid school fees, yet please do so ASAP. There are a number of ways to pay, including BPAY, direct debit as well credit card etc.

All statements are emailed so please notify the school of any changes to your email address. If you have not supplied us with your email address please do so.

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.

Term 3 School Fees are now OVERDUE!

God Bless
Ros Giuliano
Business Manager

Maraka Float 2021

This year we will again be taking part in the Maraka Float procession on Saturday 30th October. It is always a very enjoyable afternoon for students to be involved in. In the coming weeks we will be holding working bees to prepare our float. The theme this year is HALLOWEEN DOWN UNDER. Any student Year 7-12 is encouraged to be on the float, and/or help during the working bees if they can. Our first working bee will be held on the first Friday of the Holidays. Students are invited to attend to paint, cut & create!

Maraka Float WORKING BEE – All students welcome
Friday 24 September at the Art Room 9am to 3pm

More working bees after school will be held in Term 4 in preparation for the Maraka Float on Saturday 30th October.

School-Based Traineeship News

Congratulations to the following students on recently securing a School-Based Traineeships with local businesses.

Seth Winterburn – Wild Local Prawns
Kasey Roati – Roati Legal

Industry Breakfast

Science Department

The Science Department is on the hunt for empty matchboxes and ice-cream containers.

If you have any you can donate, please drop to the office.

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?

Media Release from Hinchinbrook Shire Council

For Immediate Release – 8 September 2021

2021 North Queensland Sportstar Awards

Nominations are now being called in the following categories for the 2021 North Queensland Sportstar Awards:

• Senior Sportstar of the Year (18 years and over);
• Junior Sportstar of the Year;
• Masters Sportstar of the Year;
• Service to North Queensland Sport;
• Athlete with a disability; and
• Sport Team of the Year.

If you or your organisation has a member/s who you believe make a significant contribution to sport in North Queensland, we request that you complete an online Nomination Form by no later than midday Friday 17 September 2021.

You may nominate more than one person for each category. Nominees must be a resident of the Hinchinbrook Shire to be eligible. To nominate please visit, North Queensland Sports Foundation's website 2021 NQ Sportstar Awards page.

Cr Donna Marbelli said “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise local athletes who have excelled in their sport and also those people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for the betterment of sport in our community. Nominate today!”.

This year’s gala function will be held in Charters Towers on Saturday 30 October 2021.

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