Newsletter - 17 October 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

(Native American proverb)

In 15 years or less, the children of Emmanuel will be adults. What will the world look like?  Will we as parents and teachers have left it to our children in a better place than when we found it? Will our children be able to enjoy the same clean air that we as Queenslanders currently experience?

In the past thirty years we have seen a rapid growth in technology. As children growing up many of our current class teachers were not exposed to the internet, and social media was not even imagined. There was only one phone in most houses.  In my family home we bought our first colour television when I was an adult. Life was different then. As a child growing up in the 60’s most of us only had one car in our families, unleaded fuel wasn’t thought of and many of the current methods of conserving the environment for the future were decades away.

In the past 10 years, we as a nation have become more environmentally conscious of our world. We have established actions that are designed to conserve our environment. Some of these include recycling, converting to unleaded petrol, conserving power and using recyclable bags at supermarkets. These actions are a good start to being more in tune with the future needs of our planet.

When we educate our children to understand the future needs and challenges of our world we are providing them with the tools to make reasoned decisions about good lifestyle choices with respect to the environment.

Pope Francis has written in his Encyclical Letter entitled “Laudato Si’: On the Care of our Common Home” about the challenges that are facing our future world. He writes “The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” (#21) Pope Francis also writes “We seem to think that we can substitute an irreplaceable and irretrievable beauty with something which we have created ourselves.” (#34)

Strong words…but ones desired to invoke our thoughts and more importantly our actions.

It is possible that we can be dismissive of these comments or instead we can choose to “be the change that we want to see”. Our children are already alert to the future needs. It is our responsibility to continue to model to them what we would expect to see. Each and every day a small difference achieved by one will calculate to a massive difference achieved by many. I have great faith for the future because when I look around our school I see daily examples of children who are looking for ways to make a positive difference in the way they live in harmony with their actions.

Take a moment this week to ask your child(ren) what do we do as a family that demonstrates that we are environmentally conscious? Ask them what else could we do?

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

MONTH OF THE ROSARY

During October we are encouraged to pray The Rosary and to reflect on the mysteries of our faith which it memorialises. Please join us in praying this beautiful prayer for peace in our homes, school, community and world.

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”

(Saint Francis de Sales)

To find out more about The Rosary and how to pray it, go to Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php

To find out more about The Rosary and how to pray it, go to: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php

OCTOBER - WORLD MISSION MONTH

This month we are celebrating SOCCERTOBER.

It is an opportunity for us to focus our attention on those less fortunate than ourselves and to be grateful for all that we have. Students in all classes have been exploring Catholic Social Teaching and participating in activities that promote JUSTICE, PRAYER and ACTION.

Tickets in our SOCCERTOBER Raffle are on sale now. Tickets are 50 cents each or 3 for $1.00.  The winner will win a soccer ball for themselves and a soccer ball for their class. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the month.

Our exciting WALKING SOCCER competition kicked off last Friday.  The Year Three and Year Four classes played their preliminary rounds and had lots of fun. It was wonderful to see two classes playing two games of soccer against each other, with two soccer balls, at the same time, on the same field. They encouraged each other and practised fabulous teamwork.  Some found it difficult to walk, when their instinct was to run, but that is Walking Soccer. Our Year Five and Year Six classes will play tomorrow. The grand finals will take place next Friday. The classes who will be playing in the finals and competing for the trophy and bragging rights will be announced in our next newsletter.

At Assembly on Friday 25 October, we will announce our 2024 MISSION CHAMPIONS.

CELEBRATING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH 

On World Mission Day, which we celebrate each year on the penultimate Sunday of October, we recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life, help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel. (Pope Francis 2021)

This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is found in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God’s love to everyone.

Please join with Catholics around the world this Sunday to pray for those in need and those who generously support them in word and action. Remember to pray for yourself and the people you love and the members of our school, parish and local communities who live the mission of the Church every day.

DAY FOR DANIEL - WEAR RED

On Friday 25 October we will join with the rest of Australia in acknowledging ‘Day for Daniel’.  It is a child safety and protection initiative that aims to help empower our children to Recognise, React and Report if they feel something is not right. ‘Wear Red and Educate’ is the theme of ‘Day for Daniel’.

All students are invited to wear something red (t-shirt, socks, shoelaces, ribbons) with their school uniform on this day.  It is not a free dress day.  Donations are welcome, but not required for participation.  Badges will be on sale in the week leading up to the day.  All monies raised will be forwarded to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

For more information about the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and ‘Day for Daniel’ go to: http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/

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).

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 – GRATITUDE

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation. It is a mindful acknowledgement of all that we have been given. When we focus on the abundance in our lives, we discover a greater capacity for generosity, cheerfulness and contentment.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” (Meister Eckhart)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

2025 BOOKLISTS/BOOKPACKS

Brooke Tomkinson

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

CLASSES 2025

Term Four will see staff arrange classes for the 2025 school year. This process is very deliberate and time consuming, but also very important to creating balanced classes throughout the school. I would like to provide parents with some of the underlying principles that drive our decision making:

1. We always aim to create classes that are balanced in need. We consider the academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs of the children when placing them in a class. This is never straight forward and often needs considerable thought. A past practice has been that students nominate a friend, but as you can appreciate this is very difficult to accommodate in a school with 587 students. This practice will not be a deciding factor in class placements.

2. We consider the gender balance within the group, the body of knowledge that we have gathered on each child and any parent input that may assist.

3. We always endeavour to be just, fair, and compassionate to the needs of each child.

I invite parents to write to me if you have information about your child that may assist the staff in placing your child. While I always stipulate that parents are not able to request certain teachers and groups of friends, there is often information that, as a school, we are unaware of and would benefit from knowing. Please put your consideration in writing and send to the office addressed to Miss Rostirolla by TOMORROW, Friday 18 October. 

I would also like to stress that our staff know their students very well and will do their very best throughout this process. I urge parents to trust us in making informed decisions that we consider will be the best for each child.

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal

STOP DROP GO

Parents are asked to share this information with Grandparents and / or other adults who are collecting their child/ren from school.

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.

Sporting News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL – LAST CHANCE NOMINATIONS

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at the Pioneer Swim Centre next Thursday 24 October. The carnival is for all students from Years 2-6, with students competing in the age group that they will turn in 2024.

Permission/Nomination Forms were emailed to the parents of students in Year 2 and in Years 3-6 in Week One of this term.  These Forms will be closed at 9:00am tomorrow morning, Friday 18 October.  No nominations will be accepted after this time.

A reminder that a form needs to be completed for each child, even if they are not participating in events.

Only students who are nominated by parents via the emailed form/s will be swimming on the day.

A very big THANK YOU to parents who have completed and submitted the form/s.

Year 2 students will participate in width events in the main pool and/or novelty events in the wading pool and on the grass. They will then return to school mid-morning (approx. 11:00 am).  All other students (Years 3-6) will return to school around 2.00pm, ready for dismissal at the usual time of 3:00pm. Students will travel to and from the pool by bus.

Reminders:

• SLIP! SLOP! SLAP!
• A LARGE water bottle is a must.
• Students need to bring sufficient food and water to see them through the day.  A packed lunch is essential.
• The pool canteen will have snacks available from 11:00am.
• Leave all valuables (iPods, games, smart watches etc.) at home.
• No coloured zinc or crepe paper is allowed, as this interferes with the pool.
• Nominations for width / length events close FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 9:00am  NO FURTHER NOMINATIONS AFTER THIS TIME ARE POSSIBLE.
• Only students who have been nominated by their parents via the Google Form will be participating/swimming in events.
• Please find attached a program for the day.
• The marshalling area is out of bounds to everyone except the competitors.
• A designated parent area is allocated on the eastern side of the pool. Please bring a chair/rug and umbrella for shade would be advisable.
• The Year 2 novelty area will be roped off – parents are asked not to sit in this area.
• Parents are responsible for non-school age children – they cannot be in the wading pool.
• We ask that student swimming attire be brightly coloured – NOT the same colour as the pool
• Entry is free for parents

We are looking forward to another wonderful carnival.  Parents and friends are encouraged to attend and cheer on the students as they vie for house points and a day of friendly competition.

100m FREESTYLE EVENT

This year at the swimming carnival there will be an open 100m Freestyle event. This event will be open to Emmanuel students in Year 3 to 6 who can competently swim 100m and are currently competitive swimmers or students who attend regular swimming lessons. There will be a meeting held at morning tea tomorrow in the 6K classroom for any students interested in competing in this event.

PREP AND YEAR 1 - BLUE WATER LAGOON VISIT

While the rest of the school are at the pool, our Prep and Year One students will enjoy a visit to the Blue Water Lagoon. Information and permission forms have been sent home to the parents of these students.

AUSKICK

Emmanuel will be hosting Auskick this term. These sessions are an introduction to the sport of AFL and are open to all students at Emmanuel from Prep to Year 6. Auskick sessions will be held on the Emmanuel oval from 3:10 - 4:10pm on Friday afternoons. The sessions begin tomorrow, Friday 18 October and will run for 6 weeks. The cost of the program is $80 which includes 6 x 1 hour sessions and a backpack full of goodies for the kids. If you are on the fence about registering your child then the first session is free. Your child can come along to the first session without being registered then decide if they want to commit to the rest of the program. After the first session, students must then be registered and paid for to continue the program. 

Students who have registered or are attending the free trial will need to make their way to the front of the sports shed as soon as they are dismissed from class. Students are welcome to bring appropriate, sun safe active wear to change into for sessions. Students must be wearing a wide brim hat and running shoes. I hope to see lots of Emmanuel students at the program tomorrow! It promises to be a good time.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

CONGRATULATIONS LUKE

Congratulations to Luke (5G) who recently travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Track and Field State Championships. Luke made the final for both the 100m and 200m sprint, placing 2^nd in the 100m. Luke will now represent Queensland and will compete at the Track and Field National Championships. This is a big deal Luke! Congratulations!

Around the School

SHOEBOXES NEEDED - YEAR 6 HaSS / SCIENCE

This term in HaSS and Science, the Year 6 students are learning about Migration and adaptions to our ecosystems. Their assessment tasks for these subjects require students to create two diagrams. For students to fully engage in this task we are asking for donations of old shoe boxes. We would love for every student to have their own shoe box each (x2).

Please drop shoe boxes to the office or Year 6 classrooms if you have any to spare. Thank you.

School Choir

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 2.

Finance

TERM 4 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Term 4 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Tuesday 8 October, with payment due by 22 October. Statements can also be viewed via parent lounge using the ‘make a payment’ tab from the menu bar and clicking on the paperclip. If you did not receive your statement, please advise the finance office

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.

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: 

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN QLD AND THE 2024 STATE ELECTION

Please find attached flyer: A Fact Sheet for Parents - Catholic Education in Qld and the 2024 State Election that Catholic School Parents Queensland have asked us to share with families. 

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.

SCHOOL APP

Community News