Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyGilroy Santa Maria College is committed to providing a seamless and enriching transition experience for students considering enrolment in Year 7. The College has designed a comprehensive program to help prospective students and their families explore the school’s vibrant learning environment, modern facilities, and strong pastoral support.
Year 7 Expo – Friday, 16 May
The first event of the transition program is the Year 7 Expo, which will commence at 7:30am. Families and potential Year 7 students will begin the morning with a delicious breakfast, followed by engaging interactive displays at the Santa Maria Centre (SMC). These displays, hosted by faculty members, will showcase various subjects including Science, English, Mathematics, Arts and more.
Students will receive an enrolment pack and a special ‘passport’ to complete by visiting different activity stations. Completed passports will be entered into a draw to win a Bluetooth speaker.
At 8:30am, Acting Principal Melissa Carr and the Senior Leadership Team will present an information session outlining the College’s strengths, including its commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and state-of-the-art facilities. Following this, guided tours led by Year 12 students will provide families with firsthand insight into the school environment. Prospective students will then participate in interactive sessions across key areas such as hospitality, the trade training centre, and STEM facilities, allowing them to experience college life in a dynamic and engaging way.
Transition Days – A Pathway to Success
Following the Year 7 Expo, the College’s three Year 7 Transition Days, are designed to help students build confidence and familiarity with their future school community. These sessions enable students to interact with their peers and teachers, ensuring they feel welcome and prepared well before the formal Orientation Day at the end of the year.
The Year 7 Transition Days will take place from 8:30am to 11:30am on the following dates:
• Friday, 20 June
• Friday, 25 July
• Friday, 15 August
Orientation Day – Tuesday, 2 December
The transition program will culminate in a full-day Orientation on Tuesday, 2 December, where incoming Year 7 students will participate in a structured program designed to familiarise them with their new school environment, peers, and teachers.
For more information on Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Year 7 Expo and Transition Days, please refer to the College website or official flyers. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience all that Gilroy has to offer and take the first step towards an exciting secondary school journey.