College Prospectus
Mission Statement
“ To nurture the growth of the whole person in a safe, supportive and inclusive Catholic learning environment “
GILROY
Welcome to Gilroy Santa Maria College
Whether you are already a part of our community, exploring the possibility of joining our College or reading for interest, we hope you find the information presented in this booklet useful.
Situated in the cane fields of North Queensland on the outskirts of Ingham, Gilroy Santa Maria College offers outstanding educational opportunities to our students within a warm and caring Catholic environment .
College Administration
Principal
Mr Kevin Barnes
Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching/Administration
Mrs Melissa Carr
Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Ms Maddyn White
Acting Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Mrs Cassandra Venturato
Business Manager
Mrs Roslyn Giuliano
Contact Details
P (07) 4776 2888
E admin@gilroysm .catholic .edu .au
17 Chamberlain Street, Ingham Qld 4850
P O Box 1013, Ingham Qld 4850
www .gilroysm .catholic .edu .au
GILROY
Principal’s Welcome
Gilroy Santa Maria College is a co-educational Catholic secondary college with an enrolment of approximately 320 students
The College is recognised throughout North Queensland as a school that has achieved great success in the academic, vocational, cultural and sporting fields since opening in 1949 The College proudly embraces the joint charisms of the Christian Brothers and Sisters of Mercy, with spiritual formation and pastoral care of students as its foundation
Gilroy Santa Maria College is committed to providing a broad range of opportunities for the development and success of each student Graduates, high in number, have been successful in obtaining places in tertiary institutions, apprenticeships or work in their chosen fields
Gilroy Santa Maria College strongly promotes a friendly, learning, Catholic community and encourages the growth of our students through the Catholic values and traditions that underpin our College life . Our staff are dedicated professionals with a supportive, pastoral approach who believe in the holistic development of our young people The College emphasises an inclusive approach with a focus on high quality learning and teaching to provide all students with focused adjustment and differentiation to ensure each learner is supported in their learning journey
Our mission is to nurture the growth of the whole person in a safe, supportive and inclusive Catholic learning environment
Kevin Barnes College Principal
Our History
The College is the result of a merger in 1984 of two secondary Catholic schools, both established in the district in 1949: Cardinal Gilroy College, a boys’ school administered by the Christian Brothers and Santa Maria High School, a girls’ school administered by the Sisters of Mercy .
College Mottos
“Sub Tuum Praesidium” means “under your protection” and is the motto of the Sisters of Mercy
“Facere Et Docere” means “to do and to teach” and is the motto of the Christian Brothers .
College Colours
The colours of Gilroy Santa Maria College’s crest and uniform, blue and gold, are taken from the colours of the individual schools
Royal blue is the traditional Church colour symbolising Our Lady under her title of “Stella Maris” or “Star of the Sea” . Thus the colour blue represents the sea
The gold colour symbolises light and reminds us that the light of Jesus Christ is available to all people . Thus the mission of the College is to enhance the light of Christ in every person we meet
GILROY SANTA MARIA
College Houses
Every student at Gilroy Santa Maria College belongs to one of three house groups Siblings are placed in the same house The houses compete in the College’s Interhouse Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals Students are encouraged to develop team loyalty to their houses and to participate within an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and competition The interhouse competition is not solely based on sporting fixtures but also academic, cultural and recreational pursuits Throughout the year a variety of activities count towards the Gilroy Santa Maria Cup, our year-long house competition
The names of the houses tell some of the history of Gilroy Santa Maria College and its founders .
McAuley
Catherine McAuley from Dublin, Ireland, saw the plight of young women in what was then one of the largest cities in the British Empire She saw the need for education of these Catholic girls who, up until then, had been neglected and left to grow into an “unwanted class of British citizens” In order to achieve this work, she founded the Sisters of Mercy whose ministry throughout the world is still very active today .
Rice
Edmund Rice was a very successful businessman who traded from the flourishing Irish port of Waterford Like Catherine McAuley, he too saw the need to help disadvantaged children, especially boys, who because of their poverty and low standing under British rule, were doomed to a life of servitude and waste After the tragic death of his wife, he used his own wealth to establish the religious order of the Brothers of the Christian Schools of Ireland who today minister as Christian Brothers to many people throughout the world in various ministries .
O’Meara
Fr David O’Meara was a diocesan Irish priest of the Rockhampton Diocese, the northern section of which became our present Diocese of Townsville As Parish Priest of East Ingham, he was noted for his unorthodox ways and his passion for providing Catholic Education to the people of the Herbert River District
Our Catholic Identity
Gilroy Santa Maria College is a Catholic school founded on the traditions and charism of Edmund Rice and the Sisters of Mercy The College shares in the vision and priorities of the Diocese of Townsville by empowering, shaping and enriching our students to live by the Gospel values of Jesus Christ
Gilroy Santa Maria College is a supportive, learning community that:
• celebrates mass as a community,
• encourages dialogue with others,
• models social justice,
• welcomes inclusivity,
• connects with community (older/younger/families)
• fosters opportunities for evangelisation and spiritual growth
Gilroy Santa Maria College is a Christ-centred community that contributes to the enhancement of God’s kingdom on earth The College provides support to all students so that they may realise their full potential We seek to provide a place where Gospel values can be witnessed and lived each day
Religious Education at Gilroy Santa Maria College develops students’ religious literacy in the light of the Catholic tradition Students are invited to participate critically and effectively in the life of their faith communities and wider society . Within our school, we provide a balanced and holistic education based on service, commitment and living Christ’s message through action We encourage students to contribute to society through clubs and organisations, such as Young Vinnies These groups focus on social justice issues locally, as well as globally, making a difference to those in society Students actively participate in school retreats, College masses and meditation
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Academic
Quality education is our passion . Our curriculum has a breadth of options designed to provide all students with opportunities and choice to equip them for their future lives We are a high-performing College who supports students throughout their learning journey with us Our staff are innovative and dedicated, with a commitment to putting students first and a targeted teaching approach that suits the learning progression of each student Digital learning is integrated across the curriculum Gilroy Santa Maria College has a strong tradition and reputation for student success,
whether they are obtaining an ATAR, university pathway or vocational pathway . All teachers share a common understanding and pedagogical approach to learning
We foster high standards of academic and vocational learning by nurturing the abilities of each student, and working with each person to develop meaningful pathways to the future The inclusive and supportive learning environment promotes the building of selfawareness, resilience and global mindedness
Year 7 & 8
At Gilroy Santa Maria College, we are committed to providing a positive, studentcentered and inclusive environment for our students which enables them to become successful, confident, creative, active and informed learners The Year 7 and 8 curriculum is diverse, stimulating and challenging . We provide quality teaching and explicit instruction to engage adolescent learners Our teachers are passionate advocates for adolescent learners and are able to build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect . They support the wellbeing of all their students by making connections beyond the classroom to build a partnership between families and the College
In Year 7, various forms of testing are undertaken to provide vital information on each student’s level of performance and assist us to recognise and cater for individual differences
Year 9 & 10
In Year 9 the curriculum becomes more flexible as students will choose two elective subjects . Students are able to continue gaining an understanding of their own areas of interest and ability While students study a set number of subjects, they are encouraged to pursue their own special interests so their options for career pathways remain flexible .
Year 10 is the start of students’ senior studies and is a time when students are exposed to more independent learning strategies and the regiour expected in Year 11 and 12 subjects In Semester 2 of Year 10, students are encouraged to plan and commit to a two year course of study for Years 11 and 12 To facilitate this, all Year 10 students complete a Senior Education and Training (SET) plan . The SET plan helps students work towards their goals in their senior years of schooling as well as their plans for further study or the workforce In Term 3, all students and their families will be encouraged to attend an Information Night that will help to explain expectations of Years 11 and 12 This also provides families the opportunity to speak with teachers and ask any relevant questions before confirming subject selections for Years 11 and 12
Year 11 & 12
Gilroy Santa Maria College offers its students a wide range of subjects to cater for a diverse range of student abilities, skills and interests . This high degree of flexibility and choice, combined with excellent facilities and resources, provides ample opportunity for every student to experience success and to pursue multiple career pathways to the future .
The study options available in Senior Secondary include:
• General subjects (preparation for tertiary entrance)
• Applied subjects (practical/skill based subjects)
• Vocational Education & Training (VET) certificate courses (direct entry into the workforce or for further education and training)
• Support with school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
• Recognised subjects/courses from other universities and training organisations
• A combination of the above
All students will work towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), earning points for the completion of all subjects and courses . Tertiary bound students will need to study a minimum of five general subjects or four general subjects plus either an Applied subject or Certificate III courses to be eligible to receive an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) . Students are also encouraged to view university entrance requirements Students not looking for university entry are encouraged to choose subjects they enjoy and will be successful in, to provide them with a post-school pathway . Students may combine their studies with work experience and/or placement, school based apprenticeships or traineeships Vocational students will participate in a work placement program every Friday that will provide them with authentic work experience in the industries of their interest
Subjects offered each year will be described in detailed in year level course guides
Sport
Gilroy Santa Maria College has a proud history and tradition associated with school sport The College has made a significant contribution to sport in the district and has produced many great athletes over the years, with many representing Queensland and Australia, including Olympians . The College provides a variety of sporting opportunities throughout the year and is blessed with beautiful sporting grounds and facilities . The College has participated in Queensland Confraternity Rugby League and Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnivals (QISSN) for many years
Students are encouraged to develop skills across a range of sports Students participate in interschool swimming, athletics and cross country competitions Additionally, the following interschool sports are also available for students to participate:
• Cricket
• Netball
• Rugby League
• Rugby Union
• Tennis
• Football (Soccer)
• Volleyball
• Touch Football
Cultural
Students have the opportunity to be involved in many artistic endeavours within the arts These cultural activities play a significant part in the overall education of students Those who participate have opportunities to present and perform in public arenas including College productions, Mulkadee and various festivals .
Cultural activities add a breadth of learning and promote the holistic development of the student Participating in cultural activities helps promote communication and builds confidence
Music
Students have the opportunity to be involved in our band, ensemble and choir groups
Musical
Our bi-annual production is one of the highlights of the school calendar . Students of all ages take to the stage in a musical extravaganza which has developed a great reputation in the district
Mulkadee
The Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival is the only event of its kind in Australia, offering a week-long program of artistic workshops led by professional instructors in the areas of choir, dance, drama, band, guitar and strings Students will be exposed to professional training, over and above the school curriculum The experience culminates with an evening concert in Townsville
Ingham Arts Festival
This event gives students a chance to shine by providing an opportunity to display their acting, singing and visual art skills and talents every year .
Debating/Public Speaking
Opportunities for all students to experience public speaking are embedded into our learning areas . In addition, our students can participate in public speaking competitions such as the Lions Youth of the Year Speech competitions and debating competitions
General Groups & Clubs
• Young Vinnies
• Gamers Club
• Breakfast Club
• Readers Cup
• Maraka float
Pastoral Care
The purpose of Pastoral Care at Gilroy Santa Maria College is to fulfil the College’s Mission Statement: “to nurture the growth of the whole person in a safe, supportive and inclusive Catholic learning environment ”
Pastoral Care at Gilroy Santa Maria College is a program of planned strategies and informal experiences which build supportive relationships between members of the College community It places the student at the centre of its activities and aims to assist all members of the Gilroy Santa Maria College community reach their full potential
Enrolment at Gilroy Santa Maria is dependent on acceptance of the school rules, codes of behaviour and policies, including those regarding curriculum, discipline, dress, conduct, Workplace Health & Safety and wellbeing . School expectations and policies are in the interest of the well being of the whole school community .
The College pastoral care program is supported by a team consisting of:
• Assistant Principal Pastoral
• Year level specific Pastoral Leaders
• Guidance Counsellor
• College Chaplain
The Pastoral Team is able to provide assistance in dealing with behavioural and social issues, anxiety, stress, resilience, study habits, harassment and other emotional needs The team also facilitates year level and whole school pastoral events ranging from the Arts to sports to cater for all students .
Gilroy Santa Maria College has partnered with “The Resilience Project” The project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience and teach positive mental health
Student Support Programs
Academic Support Program (Tutoring)
A feature of our College is the afterschool and lunchtime tutoring programs that are voluntarily provided by our committed and experienced teaching staff . The free tutoring service provides an opportunity where students can revise classwork and gain additional exposure to key concepts in their learning area throughout the entire year
Peer Support Program
The Peer Support Program is based on the belief that the peer group is a very powerful influence in the lives of teenagers . A voluntary group of Year 11 students work with all Year 7s for one lesson per fortnight during Semester One The invaluable experiences offered within this program makes the transition from primary to secondary easier and allows the Year 11 students the opportunity to develop skills in leadership and community building .
Inclusive Practices
The Inclusive Practices department enacts the mission of the College to nurture the growth of the whole person in a safe, supportive and inclusive Catholic learning environment Our team supports the provision of opportunities for students to experience success in their learning across all curriculum areas within the classroom . Inclusive Practices Teachers and Learning Assistants work collaboratively and in consultation with class teachers, students and families in planning for the academic progress of each student We do this by planning and providing specific adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment .
Career Education
Formal careers education commences in Year 9 and continues in Years 10, 11 and 12 with work experience and/or work placement . Students are provided with a variety of opportunities to expand their knowledge of potential careers and courses The College caters for academic students, as well as students undertaking vocational career pathways We have developed a wide range of subjects and an extensive work experience and work placement program to meet the individual needs of each student
Students are given the opportunity to hear from guest speakers from various industries, universities and organisations on a regular basis . Students will experience University Open Days, Health Experience Days, Career Expos and Australian Defence Force Placements to further explore their career options Students will be provided with assistance in applying to university, finding employment and applying for scholarships
Year 10 Formal Work Experience Programs
Students in Year 10 are involved in a three day work experience program during the year This is an important element of their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning in preparation for the selection of their senior program . Students go out into industry, gaining valuable exposure within the careers they are interested in . At the completion of this experience, students receive an evaluation from their workplace that they can include in their portfolios to show future employers
In addition to this, all students 14 years or older are able to participate in work experience outside of school that is covered under the College’s insurance policy Students are able to undertake work experience in school terms, after school hours, on weekends, and through school holidays
Structured Work Placement Program
Senior students who have selected a vocational pathway participate in our work placement program on Fridays . Students organise and undertake formal work placement to gain exposure and specific knowledge in different career pathways Students are able to go to numerous businesses throughout this program, allowing them to gain real-world skills and advance their way to future employment . Students involved in this program have flexible timetables on work placement days
School Based Apprenticeships / Traineeships (SBATS)
Flexible, individualised timetables are also created for our school-based apprentice and trainee students . Students undertaking this formal training with a business have allocated time in their timetables where they can work on their qualification and have access to teachers for support All school-based apprentices and trainees are monitored by our VET Coordinator to ensure they are on track
Camps & Retreats
Year 7 – “Friendship” Retreat
Year 8 - “Getting to Know You” Camp
Year 9 - “Outdoor Education” Camp
Year 10 - Building on Relationships Retreat
Year 11 - Developing Leadership Camp
Year 12 - Looking Back, Looking Forward Retreat
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Facilities
Trade Training Centre (TTC)
Our industry-standard Trade Training Centre is a state of the art facility which delivers quality vocational learning at Gilroy Santa Maria College . This facility reflects the College’s commitment in preparing students for various industry qualifications including, construction, engineering, automotive, electrical and design
Science Laboratories
The College’s three science laboratories are resourced with modern instrumentation and scientific equipment They cater for a range of authentic practical learning experiences in a variety of scientific fields .
Chapel of Our Lady
Our College Chapel is an original building constructed in 1948 for the College Opening in 1949 It is the “heart” of the College, in many ways, and serves as our important spiritual place This building has been beautifully refurbished and is where class masses are held .
Catherine McAuley Centre (including Hospitality Centre)
The Catherine McAuley Centre was opened in 2021 and includes an industry standard hospitality centre, equipped with state of the art resources designed to introduce students to food technology and the hospitality industry This area boasts numerous workstations with current industry facilities, including a cafe
The Catherine McAuley Centre also includes four flexi classrooms that facilitate collaborative studentcentred learning Furniture in these rooms allows for students and teachers to design their room to support best teaching practices and allow students to choose different learning spaces to suit their preferred learning environment All classrooms are equipped with the latest technology that supports modern learning and teaching
Edmund Rice Centre
The Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) was newly opened in 2022 and houses our new library facilities The College has a well-appointed library with extensive reference and multimedia resources . The library provides students and staff with:
• a quiet and comfortable area in which to read, work and learn;
• a tutoring space during and after school, facilitated by subject teachers;
• a variety of resources and flexible learning spaces that support the leisure and learning activities of the school, and
• professional assistance in using the library, its equipment and resources
The Edmund Rice Centre also has meeting rooms and a multimedia room The Librarian, Inclusive Practices unit, Guidance Counsellor, Pastoral Leaders, Careers/VET team, College Chaplain, Emerging Leaders team and IT staff are also based in the Edmund Rice Centre
Information Technology
Students have access to the web based Google platform Students sign an Appropriate Use of Technology Agreement as part of their enrolment
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are provided with a Chromebook device Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are provided with a high quality laptop
Our specialised IT Department is on hand to provide necessary support and device maintenance
Santa Maria Centre
A variety of sports and physical activities can be enjoyed in the College’s multi-purpose facility The modern non-slip surface and flexible court options provide for numerous sports . The multi-purpose facility is a well-utilised and popular venue for students and overlooks our extensive sporting ovals
The SMC has a performing arts area with sound and lighting equipment which is used for many functions and events held by the College . This stage area can also be converted to a classroom The Santa Maria Centre also houses a fully equipped gymnasium, drama storeroom, drama/music classroom and state of the art tuckshop facility
Sporting Ovals
A highlight at our College is the beautiful and expansive sporting ovals . Our grounds have the potential to accommodate five full size football fields as well as cricket, tennis and athletic facilities
GILROY SANTA MARIA COLLEGE
Other Information
Communication with Families
An important part of maintaining an effective home/school partnership is communicating information to families This is done in the following ways:
• Compass Parent Portal
• Newsletter, distributed electronically every three weeks
• College Website
• Letters containing important information
• Facebook College Masses
College Masses are conducted in the College Chapel each month on a Tuesday morning commencing at 8:00am Everyone is welcome, including parents and friends
Each year level will also celebrate a Mass each term
Mass is also celebrated for important feast days and special events such as the beginning and end of year, and Catholic Education Week
Textbooks
The College operates a textbook loan scheme that allows students to be supplied with necessary books for the year All necessary textbooks are loaned to students at no cost to assist parents in meeting the considerable costs of secondary education Parents may be required to pay for replacements if their child has been responsible for damage or loss
Tuckshop
The College Tuckshop is operated by convenors and assisted by volunteer parents and friends
The tuckshop provides a variety of nutritional food at a reasonable cost, and operates every school day Ordering is via the Flexischool App which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play
Parents/caregivers are encouraged to assist at the tuckshop on a rostered basis or whenever possible
Parent Community Groups College Board
The Board is comprised of College staff, Parish representatives, parents and other community members . It is responsible for the development of policy and advises the Principal on the overall direction of the College The College Board meets monthly
In cooperation with the staff, the Board aims to bring to fruition the expectations of the local faith community . It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that the College Mission Statement, together with the broad policies which flow from it, are consistent with these expectations of the faith community
The College Board must ensure that diocesan policies are implemented and that local policies, consistent with these, are developed
Parents & Friends Association
The P&F Association represents all families attending Gilroy Santa Maria College . It is an essential and vigorous body of the College community and forms a vital link with the College administration
The P&F Association meets regularly throughout the school year and dates appear in the College newsletter and on Facebook .
Meetings are open to all parents and carers and provide a forum by which to discuss matters of interest and concern relating to the College, and provide an opportunity for parent feedback . The P&F also hosts a number of fundraising and social functions throughout the year
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Enrolment Guidelines
Catholic schools are established by the Catholic community specifically to support the family by nurturing its children in the education of their Catholic faith and the living of the gospel values in their daily lives At the point of entry into a Catholic school, parents, students and staff must have an understanding and acceptance of these values and goals, so as to preserve the distinctive character of our schools and to justify their existence
The guidelines outlined below will be used by the Principal when assessing the enrolment applications of potential students
• At initial enrolment, all parents must give a firm undertaking that they will accept and support, during the period of their child’s enrolment, the life, nature and identity of Gilroy Santa Maria College This includes the appropriate participation of their child in religious education programs
• Acceptance of any application for enrolment is always subject to a satisfactory interview
and references . Ultimately, after having sought appropriate advice, it is the Principal’s final discretion to accept the enrolment It also must be noted that there may be confidential circumstances only known to the Principal that may influence decision-making concerning families with great pastoral and family needs Enrolment will not be finalised until all documentation has been provided and fully completed and signed
• All families accepting enrolment within the school will be given the clear expectation that they will contribute to the financial upkeep of the school by means of tuition, service and other such fees that will be required However, please note that no child will be denied enrolment at Gilroy Santa Maria College because of an inability of a parent/ guardian to meet financial requirements . The College acknowledges that each family within the school must be treated fairly and justly in the pursuit of collection of monies
Enrolment Procedures
Step 1
Visit our website at:
www gilroysm catholic edu au
Complete the online Application for Student Enrolment form
Attach a copy of:
•Birth Certificates
•School Reports (most recent)
•NAPLAN Results
•If possible, include certificates for all sacraments received
Also include any other documentation relevant to the application e .g . medical reports, assessments, individual support plans, court orders etc
Step 2
Upon receipt of the above information, an interview will be scheduled for the parents/ carers, student and a member of the Senior Leadership Team
Step 3
Following an interview and depending on availability, a place may be offered via a formal letter of offer, and can be accepted by signing the Enrolment Agreement .
