Newsletter - 07 November 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6)

Each and every day ALL of us engage in a broad range of conversations. In our personal lives we chat or talk with and to our families. Our conversations define who we are. Ultimately all of us have said things, or not said things, that we have later regretted. Even by being present or not in a conversation it says a lot about us as people. We talk to children in our school about “poor body language”; do we model that in our own interactions?

As a Catholic school we believe in the human dignity of every one. When we enrol our children or take up employment in a Catholic school we “sign on” to the same expectation.

In professional lives ALL of us have daily conversations with children, colleagues, parents and other school community members. For all of us having conversations with some people is very difficult. That may be because we are intimidated by who they are or how they respond to us, that may be because they “bore us to tears”, that may be because we are not in the right frame of mind, that may be because they take 10 minutes to say something that could take 2 minutes, indeed there are many reasons we “fear” having a conversation. Being fearful won’t go away if we don’t address the problem.

Think about the word “conversation”. It actually means it is at least two-way. In all problems/ challenges we have a part to play.  Ask yourself what am I doing that I could do to improve the situation. How have I respectfully challenged a person who “bores us to tears”? Do I genuinely listen to what is being said or am I too caught up in getting my words/message in?  Do I control the conversation or am I an empathetic listener? Do I talk negatively about people “behind their backs” or do I have the courage to speak directly to them?

As a species, humans have the capacity to make things better. We are able to be better listeners, better conversers. For this to happen it will need us to first look at our own behaviours before we dare challenge/speak poorly of how others conduct themselves.  Positive conversations are the starting point to solving problems.

One of the greatest privileges of being a leader at Emmanuel is that I witness thousands of conversations. People with a positive approach will come into a conversation looking for a solution when they sense a problem. People with a negative approach will look for blame amongst everyone but themselves.

In most cases I’m enormously proud, that we as a school, genuinely look to respect the dignity of those we converse with.  In some cases we could ALL take the advice of Stephen Covey….

“Seek first to understand and then to be understood...”

“Most people do not listen with intent to understand. Most people listen with intent to reply…” (Stephen Covey)

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

MY MASTER – A REFLECTION

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side”.

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know”.

“You don’t know? You’re a religious man. You must know what comes next!”

From the other side of the door came the sound of scratching and whining. When the doctor opened the door, a dog sprang into the room with his tail wagging excitedly.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough for me.”

(Unknown)

REMEMBRANCE DAY    

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month each year we pause to remember all those who have fought for their countries in war. On this day, known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, we honour those who have died with a minute’s silence and pray for peace in our world.

As you pause to remember on Monday, I encourage you to pray for all those who fight for freedom, live in conflict zones and make decisions that can bring peace to our world.

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.

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.  All welcome!

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 St Vincent de Paul 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).

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 – UNDERSTANDING

Understanding is sympathetic and sensitive. It is being aware of other people's needs and feelings. When you understand you are tolerant, accepting and forgiving of yourself and others. Understanding gives us the power to care, to show compassion and to learn.

“People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand them.  (Unknown)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

Brooke Tomkinson

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

PREP to YEAR 2 SWIMMING LESSONS

Prep to Grade 2 Swim and Survive lessons began today at Marlins Swim Centre. A letter outlining dates / costs was distributed to students. These lessons are designed to ensure our children possess the basic water skills to operate safely around the pool.  Please see the schedule below:

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.

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

YEAR SIX CAMP

Last week, Miss Kirwan, Mrs Tomkinson, Mrs Scott, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Buckeridge, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Wheeler, together with our amazing parent helpers (Mr Morris, Mr Brady, Mr Martin) travelled to Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough for a fun-filled, activity-packed four days of leadership challenges and adventures. The students all had a fantastic time, it was excellent to see the students step outside their comfort zone and build new friendships through challenging experiences. The students participated in activities such as Low Ropes, Abseiling Croc Rock, Iron Man Series, Pines Challenge, Gauntlet Run, Stadium Games, Catapults around Seaforth, Lawn Bowls, Archery, Waterpark and an Indigenous Cultural Experience at Cape Hillsborough. The highlight for many was smashing the teachers with sponges at the Gauntlet Run and facing their fears when abseiling the side of a cliff face at Croc Rock.

We had the pleasure of exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures with Miss Ahwang, Mrs V and Deadly Choices. We thank them for their time and for allowing our students to be immersed in the First Nations Culture with a range of fantastic activities. Many thanks to our wonderful staff and parents who accompanied, supervised, and supported the students on their adventures. 

Highlights from the students:

Lincoln (6K): Pines challenge, it was fun getting to work without people to find the pieces.

Chloe (6K): Gauntlet Run – throwing sponges at my friends and Mrs McDonald.

Jensen (6D): Abseiling croc rock!

Juliet (6D): Gauntlet Run – getting muddy and having fun.

Braxton (6T): Pines challenge, it was fun trying to solve the riddles. The food was AMAZING!

Lucy (6T): Being in the dorms with my best friends and having fun at all the activities.

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Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 5.

School Choir

Finance

TERM 4 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS - OVERDUE

Term 4 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Tuesday 8 October, with payment now overdue. 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 immediately.

2025 FAMILY DISCOUNT FORMS

The 2025 Family Discount/Confirmation of Enrolment form was sent home on Monday 28 October with the youngest student in each family.  (These forms are on Pink paper).

This document is required in order for families to receive their Family Discount in 2025. Please ensure you complete the form based on students year level and school in 2025. The form needs to be returned to the classroom teacher by Friday 15 November. It is a requirement that even single student families complete and return the form. If you have any queries, or do not receive your form, please contact Therese or Robyn in the Finance Office.

Please note: Some families may have received this form more then once, please only complete one form per family.

SWAP IT

TIME SAVING TIPS FOR LUNCHBOXES

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