Go “Beyond the Books” At Gilroy Santa Maria College

Gilroy Santa Maria Collage has many sporting opportunities that can take students to regional, state and the national stage. Photo supplied

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Since 1949 Gilroy Santa Maria College has had a proud Sporting and Extra-Curricular focus, with generations of Hinchinbrook locals proudly representing the college and for some, carving out successful careers which closely related to the opportunities they had while at GSMC.

The moment a student walks through the gates of Gilroy Santa Maria College as a Year 7 student, it is evident that the school goes far beyond the classroom, with extracurricular STEM and Sporting Programs that rival the offerings of big city schools.  

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The STEM program led by experienced Academic Leader, Belinda Strong grants students the opportunity to take part in the annual Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), Future Fuels Innovation Challenge and much more. In late 2025, the GSMC “Velocity Raptors” qualified for the World Titles in Germany after winning the North Queensland titles, an outstanding achievement for a regional school.  

On the sporting field, Gilroy Santa Maria College are the leaders across the region for offering multiple sporting opportunities that can take students to regional, state and the national stage for their chosen sport. Experienced Sports Coordinator Annan Whittington oversees the GSMC Sporting Program and works with highly experienced coaches to ensure the students of the college have the opportunity to compete at the QISSRL Confraternity Carnival (annual statewide rugby league tour), Blackhawks Schoolboy Trophy (regional school rugby league season), QISSN Carnival (annual statewide netball tour), Vicki Wilson Cup and Marbelli Cup (netball), Football Queensland Futsal Championships (state/national finals pathway), Queensland Cricket T20 Championships and the North Queensland All Schools Touch Carnival.

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The inaugural ‘Beyond the Books’ 50/50 raffle has begun and will run across Term 2 to support GSMC’s major extra-curricular sporting and STEM opportunities.  

Excitingly, the student/family that sells the most tickets will score themselves a $500 travel voucher from NQ Travel and Cruise. Links to supporting GSMC’s Beyond the Books 50/50 raffle can be found on the GSMC social media accounts.

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