Newsletter - 14 November 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Where has the year gone to? Only a few weeks of the school term remaining! However, when you look into faces you can see from the lines of weariness that a year has gone by and it will be great to have a break from the usual daily routine. I suppose the quick passing of a year illustrates in some way how brief the measure of our own life really is; the author of Psalm 102 further illustrates that a couple of thousand years haven’t made much difference to the way in which people have their ups and downs:

“Good Lord where are you? If you really do exist, why don’t you come out of hiding and do something about this creature in distress. I am physically weary, I am mentally depressed, I am spiritually defeated. I can’t eat, can’t sleep. I feel like discarded refuse in the back alley; like yesterday’s rubbish shuffled around by the wind.”

If you’re feeling as bad as the psalmist seems to be, then thank heavens for holidays. They allow for a change in routine and if you’re lucky, a change in scenery.  Also, they allow some time for “peace and quiet”. In times of serenity when the hustle and bustle is far away, it is possible to answer the question “Good lord, where are you?” and maybe like the psalmist you can experience the answer.

Hopefully, the remaining weeks of the school year will be a time of enjoyment and cooperation so that the rewards of a year’s fine effort can be experienced by everyone to the very last day.

During these final weeks of school it is important that we all continue to support each other in a positive way that allows everyone to stay settled and calm. It is also essential that we continue to maintain the high standards that we have set for ourselves and the children. Thank you for your ongoing help and support with the children to ensure that we all continue to support and respect each other, follow school policies and keep our communication channels open.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal

FAMILIES LEAVING

At this time of the year, plans are being made for 2025 and the key factor upon which planning is based is enrolment facts and figures. Whether it’s class composition, number of classes, number of staff members or budget planning, it is essential to be as accurate as possible in predicting the number of students at Emmanuel come January next year. Can I ask then that you keep us informed about potential moves between now and the beginning of the year? Thank you for helping us to be well-prepared for the year ahead.

RE Matters

THANK YOU – A REFLECTION

A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint gave the soul a tour. They walked side by side into a large workroom filled with angels. St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions asked in prayer are received." The soul looked around and noticed that it was very busy. There were angels everywhere sorting petitions from all the people of the world.

They continued on until they reached the second section, and St. Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings that people ask for are packed and delivered to those who have asked for them.” The soul saw how busy it was here too. There were countless angels working to pack all the blessing before they were delivered to Earth.

Finally in the farthest corner of the workroom, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stood there, doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," said St. Peter.

"How is it that, there is no work here?" asked the soul.

"That's the sad thing," St. Peter answered. "After the people have received the blessings that they have asked for, very few send their acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" asked the soul.

"Simple," St. Peter answered. "Just say, ‘'Thank you, Lord'."

(Unknown)                    

Why not listen or sing sing-a-long to one or both of these great songs:

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Pope Francis has declared Sunday 17 November to be the eighth World Day of the Poor. The theme this year is taken from the book of Sirach: “The prayer of the poor rises up to God." 

On this day we are invited to offer friendship, solidarity and welcome to the poorest of our sisters and brothers. As we reach out with love and support, let us hold all members of our global family in our prayers. 

In his message, the Holy Father reiterates that "the poor hold a privileged place in God’s heart" and invites everyone to learn to pray for the poor and to pray together with the poor, with humility and trust.

MASSES AND PRAYER CELEBRATIONS

Please find listed below upcoming Masses and prayer celebrations. Fr Andrew will be here to celebrate year level Masses at 9am on the dates indicated. Parents and families welcome.

A big THANK YOU to Fr Andrew for celebrating class Masses with us this term.  We all appreciate his support and encouragement and the opportunity to pray, to reflect and to learn. We are now looking forward to our Thanksgiving Mass, with Fr Andrew presiding, which will take place on Thursday 5 December.

It has been wonderful to lead the Year One and Year Two prayer celebrations this week.  Lots of parents and friends have joined us to pray and give thanks for the year we have shared.  We look forward to welcoming more families to our celebrations next week.

With the end of the school year almost upon us, we have much to celebrate - our students, our year together and Christmas. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and plan to join the fun.

CHILDREN’S MASS

A children’s Mass, led by Emmanuel students, will be held at 9:00am on Sunday 24 November at St Joseph’s Church. Students wishing to participate in the ministries should contact Mrs Kliese in the office. We are looking for readers, singers and students to bring forward the gifts. All welcome!

These Masses are always a wonderful celebration and a great opportunity to support and thank our parish.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Our annual Carols Evening will be held on Tuesday 26 November. All classes from Prep to Year Six will be involved. Following the student’s performances, there will be some community singing, where all present are invited to sing along. Please join us on the grassed area in front of the Drama Room for a 6:00pm start. All students are asked to meet their teachers by 5:45pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather at the end of the school year to share in the spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you there.

We will be collecting donations for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, so please bring along some coins to help others less fortunate this Christmas.

Please join us in praying for clear weather so we can enjoy our carols evening under the stars. We do have a Plan B ready just in case it is raining like it was last year. 

YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING

Our Year Six Celebration Prayer Celebration which will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 27 November at 6:00pm. Parents are asked to bring a plate of food for a light supper which will be shared on conclusion of our time of prayer and thanks.  A celebratory cake will also be cut by our School Captains. Please deliver your supper plates to the tuckshop prior to the commencement of our celebration.

All Year Six students are expected to attend this celebration.

Students are to wear blue day uniform.

YEAR FIVE PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

It is traditional for the parents of students in Year Five to set up and prepare for the supper that follows the Year Six Prayer Celebration. The Year Six parents supply the food. This year’s celebration will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 27 November at 6:00pm. If you are able to assist or would be willing to co-ordinate the supper, could you please contact Mrs Kliese or the school office. Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Each year our school supports the Vinnies Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region.  In our current climate, it is more important than ever that we recognise the needs of those families in our community who are under financial and emotional stress. Our support allows them a little relief during this joyous time of the year.

Each class will make up a hamper of non-perishable food items that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul Conference in the last week of school.  Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

Suitable hamper items include:

Other items which you may like to add include:

• Everyday staples - cereal, tea, coffee, long life milk, dried pasta, pasta sauce
• Toiletries - soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Our annual parish Christmas Raffle is back in 2024!  With $15 000 in Cash Prizes, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 20 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Tickets are available online, before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office

(Monday - Friday 9am to 12:00pm - phone 49574855).

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Each year our parish runs a program to assist parents in preparing their child/ren for reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist (First Holy Communion). The next program will commence with Registration and a Parent Information Session at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 25 February 2025.

A letter detailing the parish program, registration requirements and important dates was sent home with Year Three students today. If you have an older child wishing to receive the Sacraments as part of the 2025 Program, please collect a copy of this letter and information from the school office.

Students who have been Baptised will prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Penance in April and will be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in June.

Please Note: There is also a program for students who would like to be part of the Sacramental Program, but have not been Baptised. The parents of these students are invited to attend the same Parent Information session at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 25 February 2025. An alternate registration form will be available at this meeting.

Please contact Mrs Kliese if you would like further information about either program.

SOCCERTOBER RAFFLE

Congratulations to Jaxon in 4S who won a soccer ball for himself and one for his class. 

A big THANK YOU to all staff and students who bought tickets in our SOCCERTOBER Raffle.  The money raised will be forwarded to Catholic Mission to support their work in communities around the world.

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, updates and to book for weekend Masses go to the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh   Facebook page.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – GENEROSITY

Generosity is one of the best ways to show love and friendship. You share freely, not with the idea of receiving something in return.  Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need. When you are generous, you put others before yourself. When you're forgiving, kind and gentle to people, you show generosity of spirit.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” (St Francis of Assisi)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

YEAR THREE WRITING

The Year Three students have been introduced to the enriching world of poetry. Throughout Term Four, they have been immersed in the language features that constitute poetry and have explored the various forms of poems they can create. We hope you love their poems as much as we do!

 The Bad Storm

Pitter patter! Pitter patter! Goes the rain that is pounding on my roof.

Then it slowly drips on to the ground. Splash!

Suddenly, I hear a massive sharp CRACK and BOOM as loud as firecrackers that light up the whole entire sky.

The wind howls like a wolf howling to its pack, as lightening wraps around the dark heavy black clouds filled with rain.

Hush! The big violent storm has stopped, leaving outside as wet as the ocean.

I can only hear little rain drops falling on the ground.

Plop! Plop! Plop!

Ben - 3J

Nissan Navara

4x4, beast with shiny paint.

Heavy duty truck.

Rough tyres, hard tray!

Smells like soot and rubber.

Turbo pumping, engine roaring!

Vroom, vroom!

Jaxson - 3B

Star

Sparkling, sad star is crying because it is lonely.

I feel hot in space.

I see my yellow sparkling friends exploding – BOOM!

Penelope - 3H

Blue Toyota Supra

Blue Supra, Supra fly past around tight corners.

Vroom! Vroom, screech!

Past cars like a cheetah.

Drifting through tunnels.

Oh, oh! Don’t get arrested!

Mitchell - 3B

Winter

Snow, sledding, hot chocolates!

The fire crackles.

Crackly, crackle, crackle!

Audrina - 3B

Blue

Blue looks like tears dropping from my cheek.

Blue sounds like waves crashing against each other.

Woosh! Woosh!

Blue smells like the ocean on a sunny day!

Blue feels like sadness flowing through my body.

Blue tastes like sour gummies.

Blue is a cold heart!

Ella - 3B

INTERESTING READING

Over the weekend, I stumbled across this article featured in the Courier Mail written by Rebecca Sparrow, author and creator of the website 'Building Better Friendships'.  As parents and teachers, we are constantly reflecting, teaching and navigating around the boundaries and expectations we set for our children, especially around technology. This article really resonated with me and I hope you may also find it informative. 

Brooke Tomkinson

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

PREP to YEAR 2 SWIMMING LESSONS

What to bring:

PLEASE BE SURE TO NAME ALL ITEMS CLEARLY

• Togs
• Towel
• Thongs
• Shirt to wear over togs to/from the pool
• Sunshirt (optional)
• Swimming cap
• Goggles (these are highly recommended by the Marlins Swim staff due to the amount of time in the water)
• Packed lunch and water bottle
• Bag to hold everything

It would be beneficial to send a LARGE AMOUNT of morning tea (Tuckshop may be ordered at first break ONLY). There will be a lunch break at the pool, please provide a PACKED LUNCH and WATERBOTTLE.

CLASS PLACEMENT LETTERS

Class placement letters will be sent home via email on Monday 09 December 2024.

Please allow time to receive your class placement letter if you have multiple children here at school as they will be sent individually, over the course of the day, and this may take some time. 

Please note: we ask that you ensure your email details are up to date.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2024

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 tab via the link below or on our school website.

Around the School

LEADERSHIP SPEECHES

In recent weeks our Year Five students have been reflecting on and preparing for student leadership in 2025. Lots of these students have nominated for School Captain and House Captain roles and presented speeches to their teachers and peers.  Pictured below with Miss Rostirolla is Luke, who is wearing the cap that he had prepared for his speech. Love the logo!

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 6.

School Choir

CHOIR NEWS

Our school choir has been working hard every Wednesday morning learning some new songs for our end of year School Mass.  We are so looking forward to hearing them sing later this term.

At the start of Term Four, we welcomed our Year Two students to the group, with thirty eager voices joining us. We are so pleased to have them with us, and look forward to working with them next year. Below, is our choir rehearsing and learning with Miss Meg and Mrs Whelan. New members (Year 2 – 6) are always welcome!

Vacation Care

DECEMBER 2024

JANUARY 2025

Alex Martin

OSHC Co-Ordinator

Finance

Tuckshop News

Parent Orbit

We're excited to announce a new mobile app for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School, Parent Orbit, is now ready for you to download and use.

We will be decommissioning our current Emmanuel Catholic Primary School App on Friday 29 November 2024. We suggest you have the Parent Orbit app downloaded by Friday, 22 November 2024.

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

NON STATE SCHOOLS TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: 

SAFETY ISSUE – MACKAY BUCASIA ROAD

Parents who park in the parkland along Baxter Drive (ie: the grassed area opposite the Emmanuel Bus Stop) are asked to ensure they DO NOT enter or exit this area via Mackay Bucasia Road. We have been advised by Queensland Department of Transport that this is a significant safety issue and we ask that this practice does not continue. Mackay City Council have advised us that this area should not be utilised for parking in the morning or afternoon and that all vehicles need to park within the designated areas assigned for parking purposes outside Emmanuel Catholic Primary School and Holy Spirit College.

We appreciate and understand that there are considerable parking issues across both campuses, but would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that the preferred drop-off / pick-up site for Emmanuel students is the STOP, DROP, GO area, and parents are strongly encouraged to use this facility. Students are supervised until 3.30pm allowing for parents to delay pick-up of students so as to ensure a smooth flow of traffic within a timely manner. We thankyou for your assistance and cooperation in ensuring all members of our school community experience a safe and stress-free arrival to and departure from school.

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

Community News