Newsletter - 26 June 2025

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

How many times have you found yourself saying he or she looks beautiful? Or that meal was beautiful or even that goal he or she scored was beautiful?

I, like many of you, probably say it without even thinking about it. Each and every day our media post thousands of images of both men and women that they describe as beautiful.  They are of course only providing an opinion of their physical beauty.  Perhaps they are equally beautiful on the inside.  Sports commentators in search of the dramatic will often resort to describing the play or the team as beautiful to watch.

One of my favourite stories, that taught many of us a lesson, took place on a British Talent Show in 2009 (Britain’s Got Talent).  Susan Boyle a 47-year-old lady who had only ever performed for small groups stood on stage.  Judges and members of the audience could be seen pulling faces that suggested what could this lady possibly offer.   Her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” was the beginning of her now successful international career and yet many had prejudged her as a “no-hoper” based on her looks and persona.

In that famous fable “The Ugly Duckling” we are taught that sometimes we need to wait for the beauty to blossom.  It is well known that Albert Einstein failed 100’s of times before he “discovered” many of his theories on science.

In our school community, and the wider community, there are possibly two or three Susan Boyle’s, “ugly ducklings” and Einstein's hidden from our immediate view.   I wonder … Do we never forgive “some people” for a past action?  Do we “forget” to smile at “some people” because we don’t know them or we don’t like the way they treated our child or me?  Do we think less of “some people” because of what they are wearing or the way they look?

Or…

Do we nurture the beauty of “all people” by being positive with our body and verbal language?  Are we the one person who will inspire those “some peoples” to achieve great deeds?  I wonder if our smiles will change their day?  I wonder do I look at them and see the beauty inside?

One of the greatest messages the bible tells us is how Jesus treated the “weak, the lame, the poor, the outcast and underprivileged”.   Indeed Jesus is still the inspiration and role model of how to treat all people.

Scratch the surface this week and remember that all of us were born beautiful, we may sometimes not share our inner beauty but all of us have a responsibility to nurture and inspire every person to be beautiful.   None of us is as important as all of us.   We all have the capacity to turn others’ days and indeed lives around by the way we treat one another.  Beautiful people are everywhere; we are all lucky to be a part of a school community where there are endless examples of this.

“It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it’s what on the inside that counts.”

(Anonymous)

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

HOLIDAY TIME – A REFLECTION

Vacation means ‘time away’.  It is time for rest, renewal, a break from responsibility and a time to settle back and realign your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centre of gravity.

Enjoy the time with your family.

REPORTING ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

With report cards being available this afternoon, it is timely to remind everyone about Religious Education and what it looks like in our school. Like all Catholic schools in the Rockhampton Diocese, Religious Education at Emmanuel includes the teaching, learning and assessment of the RE Curriculum and the Religious Life of the School.

Our RE Curriculum is organised into four strands – Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church and Christian Life. It is taught and assessed like all other subjects. Ratings and comments on report cards will reflect what the student knows, understands and can do.  Don’t be surprised to see comments about Scripture, the relationship between God and the Jewish people, life in First Century Palestine, the mission and ministry of Jesus, the Spirit of God and the prayer life of believers on Semester One report cards.

Remember we are not assessing or reporting on student’s faith or belief in God.

The Religious Life of the School includes our Catholic identity and culture, how we pray, worship and celebrate and the ways in which we promote and support social justice and action. Our Feast Day Mass and Beach Day, Mission Fair, Lenten Challenges, Soccertober and Stations of the Cross in Holy Week are just some of the highlights.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Congratulations to the students who were Confirmed and received Communion for the first time at parish Masses last weekend! It was wonderful to have Bishop Michael McCarthy with us to lead these celebrations.

‘Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.’

Confirmation, the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, completes Baptism. Through the Laying on of Hands, renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Anointing with Chrism, candidates are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and called to become involved in the life and mission of the Church.

‘Take and eat, this is my body.  Take and drink, this is my blood.’

Eucharist is the third Sacrament of Initiation and completes the initiation process. Catholics now express the fullness of belonging to the body of Christ, the Church, by receiving the Body of Christ in communion with the whole Church.

A big THANK YOU to Bishop Michael, Fr Andrew, the parents and families of these students and the Sacramental Team for guiding and supporting them throughout their preparation.

Confirmation

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First Holy Communion

REFUGEE WEEK

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our ‘ANYTHING BUT A BACKPACK DAY’ on Friday.  It was really exciting to see how creative students were in selecting alternatives to their usual school backpack. We had crab pots, toolboxes, eskies, make-up cases, cardboard boxes, cat bags, milk crates, guitar cases, fishing nets, shopping bags, gift bags, bin liners, buckets and so many more fabulous substitutes for backpacks. We even had a pram, a set of plastic drawers and a laundry hamper or two.

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Thank you to all who contributed a gold coin. Your contributions will be added to our Vinnies donations.

TINNIES FOR VINNIES - FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

A big THANK YOU to all families who contributed non-perishable pantry items to our recent Tinnies for Vinnies appeal.  Your donations were very welcome and much appreciated. You have helped Vinnies help others in the Mackay region.

It’s getting cold and Vinnies need help to support local individuals and families in need. The Winter Appeal provides us with a great opportunity to see if our winter clothes still fit, clean out our cupboards and help others at the same time. All clean pre-loved clothing and blankets in good condition will be very much appreciated. Drop them into Vinnies over the holidays or to school when we get back. Many thanks for your ongoing support and prayers.

Catholic Schools NAIDOC Mass: Tuesday 22 July

Catholic Education Week: 27 July – 2 August

Feast Day Mass and Beach Day: Wednesday 6 August

NAIDOC WEEK 2025

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

This year, NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 6 - 13 July and the theme is:                            'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.

At Emmanuel we will recognise NAIDOC Week in the second week of Term Three with various activities.

Our Year 3-6 indigenous students will participate in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass.

For weekly Gospel readings, reflections and meditations go to http://www.prayasyoucan.com.au/

Download this week’s parish bulletin @  https://rok.catholic.net.au/parish/mackay-st-josephs/#

For Parish News go to the Catholic Parish of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – EXCELLENCE

The road to EXCELLENCE is always under construction.  (Unknown)

Excellence is doing your best.  It is applying yourself wholeheartedly to any task you do or to any relationship you have.  Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose.  It is giving careful attention to every job, and to the people you care for.  It is a desire to be all that God created you to be.

EXCELLENCE isn’t being THE best; it is doing YOUR best!  (Unknown)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS

A reminder to parents to please check that you have downloaded the 'Parent Orbit App' or can sign in to Parent Lounge online prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.

Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 4:00pm on Thursday 26 June

Access Report Cards via Parent Orbit App:

1. Open Parent Orbit App

2. Select 'Student' on the lower menu bar of the app

3. Select 'Academic Reports'

Access Report Cards via Parent Lounge (internet browser):

1. Open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website:  ecps.qld.edu.au

2. Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links

3. Click on the Parent Lounge icon

4. Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used

The goal of the reporting process is to support student learning progress by providing parents and carers with clear, individualised information about:

• the learning expectations for the student
• the student’s achievement against expected standards
• how well the student is engaging with expected learning
• progress that has been made since the last reporting period
• strengths that the student has demonstrated and areas of challenge that may require more attention
• ‘next steps’ that will help the student improve.

The semester report is one part of a feedback loop, along with regular and consistent written and verbal communication such as on-going feedback on tasks, parent-teacher interviews, and daily opportunities for parents to discuss questions and concerns with teachers. The report reflects an on-balance judgement about the quality of student learning, based on evidence collected during the reporting period.

ICAS - ACADEMIC COMPETITION

If you are interested in entering your child, please complete the link below:
Parent Code: YKT454
Parent Page Link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YKT454

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm

INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING IN ACTION
Today, Emmanuel welcomed residents from Ozcare for a morning of games, colouring, lively discussion, and of course—tea and cake! Sitting face-to-face, our students connected with the residents through shared stories and laughter, building relationships that transcend generations. A special highlight was Peter, a long-time participant in our intergenerational program, who captivated students with tales and photographs from his travels around the world.

This beautiful exchange of experiences reminded us that knowledge passed from generation to generation empowers our young people in unique and lasting ways.
A big thank you to Marina and Mrs Deeth for their dedication to nurturing this invaluable program at Emmanuel.

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WHITSUNDAY VOICES 2025 PERMISSION

We’re thrilled to be participating in Whitsunday Voices this year—a fantastic celebration of literature, creativity, and young minds! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be inspired by authors and storytellers from across the country. 

Please ensure you’ve accepted the necessary permissions for your child via the Parent Orbit app to help us prepare for this exciting event.

Brooke Tomkinson

Assistant Principal Curriculum (Acting)

APA News

PREP VISION SCREENING - CONSENT DUE TOMORROW, FRIDAY 27 JUNE

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will be screening (student's with consent) on Wednesday 23 July 2025. It is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. Vision screening checks for common eye conditions which may affect your child's ability to see, learn and develop.

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened- “What is Prep Vision Screening?” 

For further information contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program on 1800 687 372.

Online consent will close FRIDAY 27 JUNE 2025

PEER SUPPORT

‘RESILIENCE’ has been the focus of our Peer Support sessions this term. Students have participated in activities, led by our Year Six students, that explored what resilience is, practised skills that build resilience and strategies that can be used when faced with challenges. They have learnt about the importance of taking opportunities, bouncing back when things don’t go as they plan or expect and asking for help when they need it. Why not ask them about the RESILIENCE SNAKES AND LADDERS game they played last Friday?

Congratulations to our Year Six students who led their groups with confidence and enthusiasm. It has been another fabulous year of Peer Support.

MACKTOWN SHOWDOWN

Winners are grinners! Congratulations to our Emmanuel Basketball stars who yesterday played against the McDonalds Mackay Meteors & Meteorettes in an entertaining and action-packed event, the Macktown Showdown. The enthusiastic crowd was thoroughly entertained by the action on the court, and we are super proud of our talented Emmanuel team!  Congratulations to Jack, Ollie, Lila, Paige, Jarvis and Noah on representing the Emmanuel team, and thankyou for sharing your talents with us...you are all superstars!

Thank you also to Mackay Basketball for allowing us to host such a great event – we are looking forward to the next time the two teams meet! 

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2025

SchoolTV

There are lots of amazing resources available on SCHOOLTV to support and empower parents to better deal with the challenges of raising happy, well and resilient young people. For short video clips, articles and fact sheets, from leading specialists and key wellbeing organisations, check out the ‘ALL TOPICS’ tab via the link below or on our school website.

Resilience has been the focus of our Peer Support activities this year.  Be sure to check out all School TV's fabulous parent resources on building and supporting resilience.

Sporting News

NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Following our recent Athletics carnival, 55 talented Emmanuel athletes have been invited to compete at the Northern Suburbs trials. This carnival is for students who are 10, 11 and 12 years old and experienced success at our school carnival. The carnival will be held over two days 14 - 15 July which is the first and second day back in Term Three. The only event occurring Monday 14 July is the 1500m race which will take place at 3:30pm at Mackay North State High School. All other events will take place on Tuesday 15 July at the ARC from 8:00am. 

Program for Tuesday 15 July

Warm Up 8am - 8:15am

8:25am Marshalling for 800m

8:40am 800m FINALS plus BLOCK A Field Events (10 yr Long Jump, 11 yr Shot Put, 12 yr Discus)

9:50am 100m Heats

10:15am BLOCK B Field Events (10 yr High Jump, 11 yr Long Jump, 12 yr Shot Put)

10:55am 100m FINALS

11:10am Block C Field Events (10 yr Discus, 11 yr High Jump, 12 yr Long Jump)

11:50am 200m Heats

12:30pm Block D Field Events (10 yr Shot Put, 11 yr Discus, 12 yr High Jump)

1:15pm 200m FINALS

2:10pm Clean up / Teams Assembly / Presentations

2:30pm Departure for home

Reminders:

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting students to and from the trial. Carpooling can be arranged between families if necessary.
• Students are to be signed in and signed out by a parent/guardian. Please see staff at the Emmanuel tent when you arrive and when you leave for the day.
• Emmanuel staff will be present all day.
• Students are only required to stay for their event and may return to school once they have finished competing.
• Competitors are to wear school sports uniform with suitable enclosed shoes for competition.
• Ensure competitors have hats, water bottles, sunscreen, morning tea and lunch.
• Canteen is available.
• Any student competing in discus must return the Queensland Representative School Sport permission form signed by a parent/guardian to Mrs Bottcher before competing on Tuesday.
• Permission booklets will be taken to the carnival by Emmanuel Staff.

CHALLENGE CUP COACHING MATCH

Yesterday, our Challenge Cup team hit the field for an exciting training-style match against St Mary’s, using the opportunity to sharpen skills and build team cohesion ahead of this year’s competition. The boys were fortunate to be guided by experienced referees Andy Battaia (Cutters Pathways) and Phil Clancy (St Mary’s), who shared valuable insights and game knowledge. It was a fantastic learning experience and a strong step forward as the team prepares to enter the Challenge Cup arena. Great effort, boys!

A big thank you to St Mary's Catholic School for organising this experience for our boys!

CHALLENGE CUP

The Challenge Cup is on again and our netball and rugby league teams will be travelling to Yeppoon in Week One of next term for the competition. Catholic primary schools from around the diocese will be participating.  We wish all teams the best for a fabulous celebration of sport and friendship.  Play hard, do your best, encourage and support each other, make new friends and have fun. A big THANK YOU to the staff and parents who will accompany and coach our teams and to the organisers of this wonderful competition.

10 - 12 YEAR GIRLS CRICKET TRIALS

Capricornia does not have a 10-12 yrs Girls Cricket team in 2025. The girls cricket pathway is through selection in the Wide Bay girls 10-12 yrs Cricket Team that will compete at the 2025 QLD School Sport 10-12yrs Girls’ Cricket State Championship, in Brisbane. This team is a partnership between Capricornia School Sport and Wide Bay School Sport, Queensland Representative School Sport and Queensland Cricket. The purpose of this team is to provide a genuine pathway to the State Championship for female cricketers in Capricornia. The selection trials for this team will be held in Maryborough 3 - 4  August 2025. For more information please contact Mrs Bottcher.

MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS

The following Mackay District Sport forms are available for collection from Mrs Bottcher. Nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.

• MDSS 10 - 12 yrs Boys CRICKET Trials (Due Monday 14 July) 
• WIDE BAY/CAPRICORNIA 10 - 12 yrs Girls CRICKET Trials (Due Wednesday 16 July)

Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Around the School

YEAR 6 HaSS

To celebrate the end of their HaSS unit on Asia, Year 6 students had the exciting opportunity to explore Japanese culture by making their own sushi. They enjoyed learning about the traditional ingredients and techniques involved, and embraced the hands-on challenge of rolling their creations. The activity was a hit, with plenty of smiles as students proudly tasted their sushi masterpieces!

School Choir

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 9.

Vacation Care

Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the June / July School Holidays.

Finance

TERM 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS - OVERDUE

Term 2 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 28 April. Payments are now overdue.

If you are making fee payments by Internet Banking, please ensure you use the six-digit Parent Code that appears on the top right hand corner of your Statement as your reference. Please contact the Finance Office if you have not received your statement, or if you wish to discuss making payments via a regular Direct Debit Authority.

Do you hold a current ‘means tested’ Government Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card? Parents/Carers with an eligible means tested Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can receive a 40% discount on the All-inclusive Education fee of all eligible students from the family (after any family discount has been applied). 

SCHOOL FEES EXPLAINED - FLYER

Please find attached a “School Fees Explained” flyer, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the Federal Government SRS Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. The flyer outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each School community, and School Fees.

Tuckshop News

Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.

Parent Orbit

The Parent Orbit app, which is connected to Parent Lounge, will improve our communication with each other as it offers a quick and easy way to receive notifications, view academic reports, book Parent/Teacher interviews, add and acknowledge Student Absences, view and pay School Fees, accept or decline excursions via the Events and Payments tile, update student details, email class teachers and much more.

Notices

CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.

Community News