Newsletter - 23 June 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
As we come to the end of another term there have been so many opportunities to celebrate the wonderful things that happen in our school and our community each day. It is also a time to reflect that there are some occasions where things do not always go as planned.
I think it is important for us to remember that our young children at Emmanuel are trying to do the best that they can with the information they have now. Our parents at Emmanuel are trying to do the best that they can with the information they have now. Our teachers at Emmanuel are trying to do the best that they can with the information they have now. We are all trying to reach for the right rope with the information that we have now. There are times however where we all manage to reach out and take a hold of the wrong ropes.
Our belief at Emmanuel is to never give up. To not stop trying. If we don’t get up each day believing there is still hope to help us, then we are in the wrong form of employment or we have chosen the wrong school for our children and we need to seriously re-evaluate our choices. Hope is the most important gift that we can give our children. That tomorrow or the next day things can be different or better.
Children who are hopeful are happier. They are more satisfied with life. They even do better with academic and athletic achievement and success. Hopeful kids have better relationships.
Our children are our future. They need us to guide them and provide them with feelings of safety and love. They need structure and boundaries more than spankings and harsh words. If they are treated with patience and compassion they will learn patience and compassion. If they meet the world with hope and confidence they will feel loved and protected.
My hope for everyone over the next couple of weeks is that you take time out of your busy lives to enjoy and appreciate your children. There is never a better time than right now to spend time with those you love. As we close the term, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to you, our parents, for your generous support and involvement in so many ways.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
HOLIDAY TIME – A REFLECTION
Vacation means ‘time away’. It is time for rest, renewal, a break from responsibility and a time to settle back and realign your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centre of gravity.
Enjoy the time with your family.
REPORTING ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
With report cards being available this afternoon, 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.
REFUGEE WEEK
This week is Refugee Week. The theme this year is simply……‘HEALING’.
This week the pope encourages us to reflect on the kind of society we want to live in today and leave for those who come after us. He challenges all to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate those who flee in search of safety, freedom and peace. Pope Francis asks us to pray for those who are displaced and those who accompany them on the journey.
Remember, the Holy Family were refugees. They fled from Herod into Egypt and stayed there until it was safe to return home (Matthew 2:13–23). They knew danger, fear and alienation and they knew what it was to be safely home.
Jesus welcomed and included everyone, and we are called to do the same.
Please join with people around the world to pray for those who must flee their homes in the quest for freedom, safety and a better life.
Listen to the story ‘Room on Our Rock’ for two points of view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXHymkbaTIc
NAIDOC WEEK 2022
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
This year, NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 3 - 10 July and the theme is:
‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!.’
At Emmanuel we will recognise NAIDOC Week in the second week of Term Three with various activities. Our Year 4-6 indigenous students will participate in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass.
PEER SUPPORT
Last week in Peer Support our students had lots of fun CELEBRATING KINDNESS. There was singing, music and dancing. Students played games that reinforced that Kindness is a Choice, made a Human Kindness Chain and lined up to pass on kindness. It was lots of fun and all the more special because many of the students were dressed up as heroes. It reminded us that those who are kind to others, themselves and our world are everyday heroes, and that kindness is within the power of each of us. We can …. CHOOSE KIND #loveothers!
A big CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to our Year Six students who have been fabulous Peer Support Leaders this term.
Remember to CHOOSE KIND this holiday!
SAVE THE DATES
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.
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 – 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.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM.” (Anonymous)
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.
- To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website: ecps.qld.edu.au
- Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
- Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
- 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 AssessmentsTM 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
Your school access code is: | RKA839 |
Your parent page link is: |
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
We were so proud last Friday, 17 June to dress up as superheroes and 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. Through Peer Support discussions last Friday, we realised we do not have to wear a cape or have superpowers, as we can be everyday heroes through our words and actions when we flex our kindness muscle, our heart. The Emmanuel community generously donated $370 to this worthy cause. Thank you everyone!
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
We had a wonderful day at our Athletics Carnivals last week. Students aged 9-12 years participated in field events (shot put, discus, long jump, high jump) and the younger students had fun playing ball games and novelties. All students, including our Kindy kids, participated in running races.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following houses and students on their successes and trophies.
Marist Sisters Champion House – Wallace
This is awarded to the house who accumulates the most points from track and field events and ball games.
Sue Stock Memorial Trophy – Carroll
This is awarded to the house who displayed the best Spirit during the march past, war cry and in participation.
Faix Family Trophy – Wallace
This is awarded to the house who accumulated the most points in relays.
Age Champions
These medals are awarded to the students who have accumulated the most points in their age group in track and field events.
Girls 9 years – Lila Thomas
Boys 9 years – Jonathan Lucas
Girls 10 years – Joey White
Girls 11 years - Elliana Ness
Boys 11 years – Kaiden Neilsen
Girls 12 years - Laila Scott and Breanna Dolfin
Boys 12 years – Paolo Lo Presti
A big THANK YOU to our P&F and all volunteers who assisted with the Sausage Sizzle and J&J Wiredbird Coffee Van.
STATE OF ORIGIN
It is State of Origin time again and we are having a dress up day to celebrate. Students are invited to come dressed in their ‘team’ colours on Wednesday 13 July (the day of the third game). All footy codes welcome - soccer, AFL, rugby league or rugby union. No donation required for participation. Just dress up and join the fun!
The Arts
Principal's Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received Principal's Awards in Week 9.
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
Notices
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.
First Aid For Kids at Ma’s Pizza Kitchen Friday 1st July 2022 4pm and Thursday 7th July 4pm
Bookings essential – Trybookings https://www.trybooking.com/CAPYV
FB: Swim Aid + Survival
