Newsletter - 17 June 2022

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

This term has been an extremely busy one for us at Emmanuel, but it has been one in which we have been able to demonstrate how well we work together as a team – students, teachers and parents.  Thank you to the many parents who speak so positively about our school and the care that the staff take of the children each and every day.

In the last few weeks I have been interviewing many families who are seeking enrolment for Prep in 2023 at our school.  Many of these families have spoken about the fine reputation our school holds in the community as well as the recommendations that our current and past families have given them about Emmanuel being a nurturing community.  It is wonderful to hear how some of these families have ‘family friends’ at the school and they are impressed by what they have been told about Emmanuel.

Whenever our students are on excursions or represent our school out in the community, we receive wonderful feedback about our children’s behaviour and manners.  They really do stand out as articulate and polite children.  It is always heartening to receive so many generous affirmations from our families, be it in relation to the safety of the children or the dedication of the teachers to providing engaging learning opportunities.  The staff are very appreciative of the support that you give to them and the partnership that they have in working with you to build this wonderful Emmanuel community.  I hope that you are as proud to be a part of this community as we are.

My appreciation and thanks to you as parents, for your valuable role as the primary educators of your child and to the staff, a dedicated team of professionals who give so generously of their self, their skills and their time.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal                   

RE Matters

THE REAL GIFT – A REFLECTION

A young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher.

After a four-day journey he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.

Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. The water had become stale because of the old leather container.

The student challenged his teacher: "Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?"

The teacher replied, "You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving-kindness and nothing could be sweeter!”

(Unknown)

WATER BUCKET CHALLENGE – WALK FOR WATER

Did you know that more than 2.2 billion (1 in 3) people around the world, do not have water security – they don’t have access to clean drinking water, water is scarce and/or they need to make long, sometimes treacherous, journeys every day to collect water.

At our Athletics Carnival on Wednesday, a small group of students and staff walked around the school carrying buckets of water. We did this in solidarity with the large number of women and children who walk for water every day. We started with about a dozen students.  As the walk continued, some dropped out and others joined. When we crossed the finish line some 110 minutes later, we had walked just over five kilometres.  Four of the students, Hudson, Henry, Jasmyn and Ivy, had walked from beginning to end. We are so proud of them.  They gave up the chance to cheer their team mates on, to raise awareness for people they will never know.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who added a donation to our buckets.  We hoped to raise awareness, but with your help we were also able to raise $330.75 to support the work of CARITAS, who work in communities around the world, where water continues to be a life and death issue.

For more information, visit https://www.caritas.org.au/global-issues/water/

REPORTING ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

With report cards being available next week, 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 students know, understand 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 students' 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 and Soccertober, and Holy Week plays and prayer celebrations are just some of the highlights.

Meals are very important events. Not only do we physically need food and drink to keep ourselves alive, but we use meals to mark occasions and celebrate events: birthdays; weddings; dates; achievements; disappointments; reunions. There is a sacredness about gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal together. Stories are told; memories shared; the food is appreciated and more often than not there’s a drink to accompany the meal. Treating such occasions with gratitude – as blessed moments of grace – is living out the Eucharistic reality of welcoming Jesus into our lives and seeking to be more like him.  (Greg Sunter)

Jesus had many meals with his disciples and friends, but only a few meals are written about in the Gospels. His Last Supper had a special significance. Not only was it his final meal, but it coincided with the great Jewish celebration of liberation called the Passover. During this meal Jesus gave the ritual bread and wine a new meaning, that of his own life. When he was no longer physically present with the disciples they were to continue to gather around a table, to share bread and wine, and by his words, ‘This is my body; this is my blood,’ he promised that in these gatherings he will be present.  (Mary Coloe)

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.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Students participating in the Sacramental Program will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time next month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.

PEER SUPPORT

Last week in Peer Support our students learnt about the importance of acknowledging and passing on kindness. They watched a clip about an ordinary girl whose simple act of kindness made a difference in the lives of others, and then had lots of fun playing 'Pass the Kindness Parcel'. The prize in the parcel was a Kindness Coin for all who played. The Year Six Peer Support Leaders encouraged everyone to pass their coin onto someone at home who acts with kindness.

Today our activities will focus on CELEBRATING KINDNESS. Students will sing, dance and play games that promote kind choices.

Be sure to join the FUN - Sing the "Kindness is a Muscle" song and dance along at home.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ZYnckHaYc

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – ENTHUSIASM 

Enthusiasm is being cheerful, happy and full of spirit. It is doing something wholeheartedly, with zeal and eagerness – giving 100% to what you do. Being enthusiastic is being excited about something, looking forward to something. When you are enthusiastic, you have a positive attitude and people like to be around you. Enthusiasm makes life more enjoyable.

“Enthusiasm is the match that lights the candle of achievement.” (William Arthur Boyd)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS

A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign into Parent Lounge prior to reports being released next week. 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, 23 June.

1. To access Parent Lounge, 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 ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENTS FOR YEAR 5 AND YEAR 6 STUDENTS

We are delighted to inform you that Emmanuel Catholic Primary School will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS Assessments^TM this year.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised.

We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment, that has been running for 40 years. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.

ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to online assessments. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results.

Learn more about ICAS here: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas

Parent payment system

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for Maths, Science and English for Year 5 and 6 students only. Through this system parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the following details to register your child no later than Friday 29 July.

Access details for parents

These assessments will take place during the weeks of:

• ICAS English Monday 15 August to Friday 19 August (Term 3 Week 6)
• ICAS Science Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August (Term 3 Week 7)
• ICAS Maths Monday 29 August to Friday 2 September (Term 3 Week 8)

Specific dates and times will be confirmed after registration depending on number of students involved.

Please email Janine Refalo (janine_refalo@rok.catholic.edu.au) once you have registered and paid for your child’s participation, to confirm that I have received notification confirming your child’s registration.

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

HERO FOR HEARTKIDS AWARENESS DAY

Today, students came to school dressed up as a superhero to help raise awareness for the real heroes, the children and families who are impacted by congenital or childhood acquired heart disease.  HeartKids is a national not-for-profit organisation who supports and advocates for all people impacted by childhood heart disease.

More details and photos will be published in our Newsletter next week.

AEROSOL DEODORANTS

A reminder that students are permitted to bring roll-on deodorant to school, but AEROSOL DEODORANTS are NOT PERMITTED.  Roll on deodorant is preferred as spray deodorants can be accidentally sprayed on to other students.  Thank you for your support in this matter.

Karla Falzon

Acting Assistant Principal Administration

Playground After School Rules

At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class. 

The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.

We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

Strategic Priorities 2022

COVID Update

Sporting News

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our Athletics Carnival, held on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, was a wonderful celebration of sport, competition, co-operation and team spirit. It was wonderful to have so many parents and members of our Emmanuel family there to join the fun. Students participated in field events, ball games and running races, encouraging each other, and enjoying the day together. Our House Captains and Year Six students displayed fantastic leadership in the way they organised the cheering, assisted younger students and worked with staff. A big thank you to Mr Dodson and all who contributed to making the day such a fabulous success. A full wrap of results and photos will be included in next week’s newsletter.

Principal's Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received Principal's Awards in Week 8.

Term 2 School Fee Statements

Term Two school fees are now overdue.  We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately.  If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the finance office.

Lost Property

We have a large amount of lost property located in front of the office.

Please have your child check the lost property box if you are missing any items before the end of Term 2.

Vacation Care

Please see attached information regarding Vacation Care and Weekly activity plan

Tuckshop News

Our very busy Tuckshop is in need of more volunteers urgently due to work commitments and general sickness in the community. At this point we have no one on our emergency list to cover volunteers who become unavailable. Please phone the office if you can help.

Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required (Queensland Government mandate).

Angie & Carly

Tuckshop

SURVEY OF BICYCLE AND SCOOTER USE IN SCHOOLS

Dear Parents / Carers and staff,
In partnership with Arup and Zwart Transport Planning, the Department of Transport and Main Roads is gathering insights from parents/ carers and staff about bicycle and scooter parking at schools across Queensland. The Queensland Department of Education and Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton has granted permission for schools to be involved in the research.
If you would like to contribute your experiences and assist in improving bicycle/scooter parking at schools, we invite you to complete the following online survey by Friday, 24 June 2022. 

Survey on bicycle parking in Queensland schools (for parents/carers and school staff) (office.com)

Community News

The Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) state-wide Youfor2032 Talent Identification program launched 12 April 2022.

The aim is to develop and nurture young Queensland talents who have the potential to win on the world stage, at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Youfor2032 has been designed to identify our next generation of elite athletes.

To be eligible for Youfor2032 you must be:

• 13 to 23-years-old (born between 1999 – 2009 inclusive) for Olympic Sports, or
• 13 to 30-years-old (born between 1992 – 2009 inclusive) for Paralympic Sports.

Queensland aspirants can self-register for the opportunity to be identified for one of 15 Olympic and 8 Paralympic sports prioritised by the QAS for 2032. It doesn’t matter whether you have experience in any of these sports – you may have hidden talents yet to be discovered. Athletic ability coupled with a great attitude to excel are the key ingredients needed for #Youfor2032.

Those successful in being selected for Youfor2032 will receive expert training, coaching and development support from State and National Sporting Organisations as well as the QAS.

Curious to hear more, you can find more information and register for Youfor2032 via the website https://youfor2032.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

Know someone who should sign up?

We are looking for as many talented aspirants to register in Youfor2032. If you’ve got a teammate, friend, sibling, cousin or neighbour who you think has what it takes, please encourage them to join you in registering.

Mackay Youfor2032 athlete testing is to be conducted 14-16 June 2022

Spread the message by sharing the QAS social media posts.