Newsletter - 28 November 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

The Church year is drawing to a close. It will soon be Advent, then Christmas … At this time of year the Church’s readings remind us that the earth as we know it is passing away and that Christ will come again at the end of time. What does this mean for our lives? It means we are to live each day with a sense of hope, expectation, vigilance and ready to meet the Lord at all times. Pope Francis says, “It means not allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by distraction or by superficiality, but living in a full and aware way, with concern first of all for others”.

At this time of the year, you will notice that the agapanthus plants are just getting ready to flower. Indeed this purple flower (sometimes called “The Star of Bethlehem”) is a special reminder to keep our ‘eyes ahead’, to ‘get ready’ and to live primarily with a ‘concern for others’.

I think Advent is a beautiful and reflective season – focussed on waiting for the child Jesus and celebrating the Incarnation of God-with-us in human form.  The scripture readings during Advent encourage us to “stay awake”, “watch” and “prepare”.  There is a sense of great anticipation and hope.

As the school year draws to an end I look back on the many things that I am grateful for; these include…………..

1. The many students, parents and staff members with whom it has been a privilege to walk this year, especially those who have faced hard times or the hard questions that life asks of each of us;
2. The waves, smiles and greetings shared, without which everyday contact becomes dry and lifeless;
3. The unforgettable sharing at staff prayer each Friday morning which tells me, more reliably than any survey, that relational trust is alive and very well in this workplace;
4. A growing spirit of Unity and Service;
5. The incredible facilities and resources that support our teaching and learning;
6. Fr Andrew for his pastoral support of our community.  An active partnership with Parish means so much to students, staff and parents.
7. A peaceful mind, free from the stories that the mind likes to create and the unnecessary suffering that results;
8. A community that pulls together when the going gets tough.

   
   

With the close of 2024, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Emmanuel staff for making it a pleasure to come to work each day. Their professionalism, generosity of spirit, care for students and their learning is second to none. To staff leaving Emmanuel – Chantelle Richard, Elaine Ivory, Emma Riggs, Natalie Smith, Cassie Davis, Hollie Cleaver and Hannah Deguara - I say thank you for the privilege of sharing your personal and professional journey. Go with our best wishes and heart-felt thanks and prayers for a safe, happy and fulfilling future.

To students and families who are leaving us, especially the Year 6’s, may your journey be blessed with true friends, great learning, accepted opportunities and a giving heart. Most of all, may you personally know the great love that God has for each of you.

To you, our parents and caregivers, thank you for being valued partners in the education of your children and for your co-operation and support in building Christian community at Emmanuel.

And, finally, to staff, parents and students whose charitable and unselfish deeds, large and small, may have gone unseen and unheralded, the One who sees everything knows what you do, and I say thank you on behalf of us all. Truly, may the enduring peace, the unselfish love and the simple joy of Christ be yours this Christmas and always.  Be safe everyone. I look forward to seeing you again next year. 

As has been the custom over the past few years, our Final School Assembly will take place on Friday 06 December in the Marist Centre commencing at 12.00pm. Parents are welcome to collect children on conclusion of the Assembly. Supervision will be provided for those families whose work commitments do not allow for early collection of students. 

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal

RE Matters

ADVENT

Advent begins this Sunday 1 December.  It is the liturgical season of anticipation and hope that begins the Liturgical Year and prepares us for the celebration of Christmas. Sadly, Advent is often forgotten in all the excitement of Christmas. Please find below some fabulous resources that explain the season and support its celebration.

Find out more about Advent

http://www.catholic.org/advent/advent.php?id=5     

Advent Videos, Prayers and Reflections

https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent/

Watch the short animation “What is Advent Again?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4NCCH40PA

YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING

On Wednesday evening, our Year Six students and their families gathered in the Marist Centre to reflect on and to give thanks for their time at Emmanuel. Fr Andrew reminded the students that God had given them many gifts and that they are called to use them, to ‘be a light for the world’.  Miss Rostirolla acknowledged and thanked those parents whose association with Emmanuel will end next week.

Other highlights of the evening included the ‘Ceremony of Light’ and the presentation of certificates. Mrs Whelan and Mrs Rooney provided the fabulous music and Miss McDonald sang beautifully.  It was a wonderful celebration!

A special thank you to the staff who prepared the sacred space and Marist Centre, our amazing musicians, and the small group of Year Five parents who kindly set up and served the supper that followed the prayer celebration. We appreciate your time, talents and support. You are AMAZING!

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THANKSGIVING AND FAREWELL MASS

Our tradition of celebrating the end of the school year with a Thanksgiving Mass will continue this year.  Fr Andrew will join with staff and students to reflect on and give thanks for our year together.  This Mass which will take place on Thursday 5 December at 9:00am in the Fr Bucas Centre at Holy Spirit College.  All welcome.

Students need to wear blue day uniform.  Girls to wear dresses please.

A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 8:50am - 10:10am as ALL STAFF will be attending the Mass.

We are looking forward to celebrating the year we have shared.

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 student knows, understands and can do.  Don’t be surprised to see comments about Scripture, Prophets, Prayer, Sacraments, Mary, Care of Our Common Home and Social Justice, on Semester Two 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.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Each year our school supports the Vinnies Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region. All classes are making up hampers of non-perishable food items / Christmas treats that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul conference in the last week of school.

A big THANK YOU to all families who have already contributed Christmas goodies to these hampers and to those who will send them along in the coming days.  Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

Hampers will be collected from school on Tuesday 3 December.

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

A big THANK YOU to all who added a donation to the Christmas Buckets at the Carols Evening.  We collected more than $700.00.  This will be added to the Vinnies Christmas Hampers to assist those who require a hand up this Christmas.

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 all Year Three students recently. 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.

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).

CELEBRATING WITH FR ANDREW

Fr Andrew will be celebrating his 10^th Anniversary of Priesthood on Monday 9th December. It will coincide with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass will be celebrated at 5.30pm at St Joseph’s, North Mackay and will be followed by a light supper. For catering purposes, please RSVP through the Parish Office by Tuesday 3 December.

HABANA ADVENT MASS

There will be a special Sunday Mass under the Christmas Tree at Habana, (1091 Mackay-Habana Rd) this Sunday 1 December at 6:00pm. Great for families. Bring a plate to share for supper afterwards. Contact Peter for more information 0427598715.

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 – LOVE

Love is at the center of our being.  It is the vital force that gives us energy and direction.  It connects one heart with another. Love is cherishing others. Love thrives on acceptance and appreciation.  It has the power to heal.  You show love in a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful act or a hug. Love is contagious. Pass it on.

“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth.  Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

REPORT CARDS FOR SEMESTER 2

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 5:00pm on Thursday 5 December

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

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

A Reporting Taskforce was formed by the Curriculum Team at Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton.  As a result of their consultation, some changes have been made to ensure consistency for the core features of reporting across the Diocese.  These changes came into effect for our Semester Two, 2023 Report Cards.    

• ​​Prep achievement wording revised

• Year 1 - 6 achievement uses an A - E scale

• EFFORT AND ATTITUDE now replaces the previously used term 'Application'. A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement. This scale applies to student diligence, behaviour and engagement.    
  

• SOCIAL AND PERSONAL LEARNING now replaces the previously used term 'Social Development and Work Habits'.  A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement.

READING BUDDIES

This Year students in 5S and Prep G have been participating in Reading Buddies. Every Monday and Wednesday the students in 5S listen to their Prep Reading Buddy read and talk about their reading strategies. It has been a wonderful learning experience for both Year 5 and Prep students. We have enjoyed spending time with each other!

Brooke Tomkinson

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

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.

END OF YEAR GIFTS AND TREATS
With the end of year upon us, many students bring in cards, lollies and gifts for classmates and staff. Whilst it is a lovely gesture to bring in a card or gift, I ask that students refrain from bringing in candy canes or other lollies to share with their classmates. 

MEDICATIONS KEPT AT SCHOOL

As per Workplace Health and Safety protocols, all medication stored at school must go home at the completion of your child’s last day of school this year.  Medication cannot be sent home with students, so it is necessary for parents/caregivers to collect the medication from the front office. An important letter and necessary documents has been sent home today to help families prepare for the return of medication and documentation at the start of the 2025 school year.   

FINAL ASSEMBLY-FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER - EARLY PICK-UP PROCEDURES

At the conclusion of our final assembly, all classes will move with their teacher, back to their individual classrooms. Parents of students in all year levels are welcome to collect their child on conclusion of the final assembly (approximately 12.30pm).

Students leaving at this time must be signed out at their classroom. Should any parent be collecting a child or children from another family we ask that this information is communicated to classroom teachers via email.

If you are collecting your child during the lunch hour or the afternoon session, please sign out at the office as per normal procedures.

Supervision will be provided for those children whose parents are unable to collect them prior to 3:00pm due to work commitments.

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

BASKETBALL GALA DAY

Yesterday, 30 Emmanuel students participated in the Mackay Primary School Basketball Gala Day held at the McDonald's Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium. Throughout the day, Emmanuel teams experienced a mixed bag of results with some wins and some loses. Congratulations to Isla, Lily, Lola, Sophie and Emmy who won the Grand Final in the Years 5 and 6 girls rookie division. All teams reported having a fun day full of learning, sportsmanship and teamwork. Thank you to Mrs Buckeridge and Mrs Wilson who supported our students. Thank you to all parents who rearranged their days to make sure their children were there and ready to compete.

CAPRICORNIA SWIMMING NOMINATIONS

Parents of competitive swimmers at Emmanuel please be aware of the procedures for Capricornia 10-12yrs Swimming Team nominations which are due early in 2025.

• The regional team will be selected from times submitted.
• Regional selections will be based on times recorded at a QSA sanctioned long course meet in a 50m pool during the current season (as of Sept. 2024 - Current 2025) ONLY.
• There will be regional qualifying standards applied for nominations.
• Individuals will be requested to send ALL NOMINATIONS to the Capricornia School Sport Office for purposes of regional selection.
• To avoid confusion and misplacing of nomination forms, Regional Nomination Forms will be available through SCHOOLS, CAPRICORNIA SCHOOL SPORT OFFICE and WEBSITE www.capsport.eq.edu.au
• Swimmers may nominate their best times for selection in the following events from a QSA sanctioned event ONLY (this does not include Club Night participation):
• 50-metre events (all strokes / all age groups – i.e. 10, 11 & 12 years – born 2015, 2014, 2013)
• 100 metre events (all strokes / all age groups)
• 200 metre Individual Medley (all age groups)
• 200 metre events (all strokes / 10-12yrs age group)
• 400 metre Individual Medley (10-12yrs age group)
• 400 metre Freestyle (10-12yrs age group)
• ALL nomination forms must have attached a printout copy from either Swimming Australia’s ‘Results Central’ or ‘Swim Central’ ONLY, highlighting the child’s name, Long Course verified event and the nominated event/s times from 1st Sept. 2024.
• Each nomination MUST have the “Principal Approval Form” attached filled out and submitted along with the Nomination Form to be considered for selection.
• Ages are calculated on Year of Birth - Maximum age is 12 years (Born 2013)
• Confirmation of receiving your nomination will be emailed to the address indicated.
• NOMINATIONS ARE DUE TO CAPRICORNIA SCHOOL SPORT BY- Wednesday 12th FEBRUARY 2025.
• Complete Online Registration & Cap Trial $13.00 Levy Payment by Wednesday 23th February 2025.

ALL students wishing to nominate will be required to register and pay the Capricornia Trial ($13.00 Inc GST) non-refundable Levy ONLINE prior to being considered for selection. Capricornia Trial levies can be paid online at https://rssshop.education.qld.gov.au/ Please select the Capricornia Region and Regional (10-12yrs Swimming) Trials to register and make payment.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Congratulations Charli for receiving the following awards for Gymnastics:

• Most Improved Team 5 (Level 4)
• Team Gym Application
• Judy Shanks Scholarship Award

Well done Charli!

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in week 8.

School Choir

CHOIR THANKYOU 

A big thankyou to the Year 2 - 6 Emmanuel School Choir who entertained us with some wonderful Community Carols on Tuesday evening. The crowd loved singing along with a few Christmas favourites, and it was a great way to end a lovely night. A huge thank you to the parents of these students, who not only  attended our Christmas Carols on Tuesday evening, but who also make the effort every week to ensure students arrive at school by the 8am rehearsal time. This is a huge committment, and we thank you all for your support. Thank you also to our amazing Choir teachers, Miss Meg, Miss Nicole and Mrs Whelan -  we appreciate all you do for our Emmanuel school community in sharing your gifts and talents in the form of music. 

This Wednesday saw the final choir practice of the year - you all will be able to sleep in a little longer next week!  We look forward to seeing you all again in 2025!

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Vacation Care

DECEMBER 2024

JANUARY 2025

Alex Martin

OSHC Co-Ordinator

SWAP IT

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