Newsletter - 24 April 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Welcome back everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the time spent with your family and found the faith experiences of the Easter celebrations to be a special time for you. I also hope that you had the opportunity to reinforce the real meaning of Easter and eggs and the new life and hope they represent. It was wonderful to see the safe return of our students filled with great stories of Easter holiday adventures. I wish everyone in our school community a tremendous term ahead in which we can all live out our motto: “God With Us.”
The Easter message is one of hope; hope amidst cruel injustice. It is this one, small word that will carry us through difficulties that accompany each person’s journey. Our staff express their hope for our students in their own impressive work ethic and positive approach to their jobs. I am encouraged by the people I work with and become changed by them. My hope is that I am not changed to the detriment of offering hope to others and that I work hard to make a positive difference.
Tomorrow Emmanuel will join with thousands of others throughout Australia in celebrating Anzac Day. While all students are invited to participate in the march, we will particularly be looking to our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students to step forward. We will meet in the under covered car park at Canelands. All students who march will need to wear their blue day uniform.
This holiday ranks as one of the most widely celebrated in Australian culture because of the place that the brave deeds of many Australians have in our history. Anzac Day is our solemn memorial to honour our Navy, Army and Air Force service personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the battle to free us from the enemies of our country and to protect the democratic values for which we stand.
It is my prayer that the spirit of Easter may permeate Anzac Day, so that a renewed vigour for peace and goodwill among all our citizens may be rekindled from remembering the sacrifice of so many in times of war. They died so we might not only cherish, but also spend ourselves for authentic values of truth, justice and peace in our land. May we work for the common good of all by building up the harmony and peace for which the fallen fought and died.
Anzac Prayer
God of love and liberty,
we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy,
which was won for us through the courage and devotion
of those who gave their lives in time of war.
We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain,
but that their spirit may live on in us
and in generations to come.
That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve
may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life
for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Jesus’ spirit is very much alive but it can only live on in people. As we begin this term together, may we care for each other, enjoy the gathering times and continue to nurture our own spirit.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
POPE FRANCIS
We join with the Church in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
At 9:45am on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Read more about Pope Francis @ https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope.html
COLOUR FUN RUN
Next Friday we will be having our Colour Fun Run. To participate in the Fun Run students must be registered. Please go to the website: www.myprofilepage.com.au to ensure your child is registered.
Students have an option to earn prizes or to select a charity (Dollys Dream, Smith Family, Great Barrier Reef, Oz Harvest and Tree Planting) to donate their fundraising to. If the students choose to donate to one of these charities, they will still be fundraising for our school by setting up an online profile and asking for donations. The money raised by the Colour Fun Run will go towards a new playground for our students.
All students who raise $50 will go in the draw to SLIME our staff!
On the Fun Run Day:
- Students need to wear a white t-shirt, old/play shorts and closed in shoes to school - these will get wet and covered in coloured paint powder.
- Years 2-6 bring a towel and a change of clothes (free dress or sports uniform)
- Prep and Year One will be scheduled at the end of the Colour Fun Run and parents are strongly encouraged to take their child/ren home after they have run. If children in these year levels are remaining at school they will need a towel and a change of clothes.
- Parents in all year levels are welcome to attend and take their children home after the run if they wish.
Below is a guide for the running of the day. Please remember, this is a guide only!
11:30am Year 6
11:50am Year 5
12:10pm Year 4
12:30pm Year 3
1:00pm Lunch – whole school only eating, no play
1:20pm Slime the Teacher (whole school watching – no play)
1:45pm Year 2
2:05pm Year 1
2:20pm Prep
We are looking forward to a great day. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.
If your child/ren is not going to be at school Friday 2 May, could you please advise their classroom teacher as this will impact fun run planning.
RE Matters
STARS IN THE WINDOWS – A REFLECTION
During World War I, families with a son fighting in the war would place a star in the window.
One evening a man was out walking with his grandson. The little boy, seeing the stars, asked “Why do all these homes have stars in the windows?” The grandfather explained to him what the star symbolized.
They walked along and every time they passed a home with a star in the window the boy would smile and clap his hands together. Then the boy looked up into the sky and pointed to a star. “Look,” he said. “God must have given his son too!”
Many gave their lives for their country, but God gave his son for the world.
(Unknown)
CELEBRATING EASTER - ALLELUIA HE IS RISEN
Although Easter Sunday is just one day, the Season of Easter extends over 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing through the Ascension of the Lord until Pentecost Sunday.
As we know from the Gospels, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead.
Since Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, it is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. (https://www.catholic.org/lent/easter.php)
The sacred spaces in classrooms and around the school have had a change of colour to reflect the changing of the season. A white cloth and candle have replaced the purple cloth and candle; the ‘LENT’ sign has been removed and an ‘Easter – He is Risen’ sign has been added.
ANZAC DAY
ANZAC Day is Australia and New Zealand’s National Day of Remembrance for all servicemen and women who have fought and died in wars and conflicts around the world. Every year on 25 April, people in both countries gather for services at dawn, as well as for parades and ceremonies throughout the day.
It is interesting, and perhaps poignant that we commemorate ANZAC Day during the season of Easter. Through the resurrection, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus, just as on ANZAC Day we remember the sacrifice of so many who went to war to defend the values of justice, peace and freedom.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget.
WE REMEMBERED AND PRAYED FOR PEACE
This morning our school community gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day and to pray for peace. Three students from Holy Spirit College, representing the Army and Air Cadets, formed the guard and Mr and Mrs Collins (grandparents of Jaeger and Parker) reflected on their service in the Royal Australian Navy. Mrs Tomkinson and Mrs Coburn lay a memorial wreath on behalf of our community and representatives from all classes placed poppies at the foot of the cross. It was a reflective and respectful celebration. It was a wonderful way to remember and honour those who served and gave their lives to defend the values of justice, peace and freedom.
A big THANK YOU to Mrs Whelan who provided the music, Osmond and our school choir who lead the singing and all who participated in the ministries and assisted with the preparation and set up of our sacred space. It was lovely to have so many members of our Emmanuel Family join us for this time of remembrance.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Welcome to the family Osmond, Declan, Amaya, Isla and Harley who were Baptised, Confirmed and received Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil. May they continue to be blessed and know the love of the Risen Lord in their lives.
Other students enrolled in the parish Sacramental Program will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and receive Eucharist for the first time in June. Please continue to pray for all of these students and their families.
FEAST OF ST PETER CHANEL
St Peter Chanel is the Patron Saint of Oceania. He was a Marist priest and as such has a special significance for us here at Emmanuel. (The Society of Mary, Marist Fathers, is a religious order of priests, so called on account of the special devotion they profess toward the Blessed Virgin.) Peter Chanel was one of the first priests professed on 24 September 1836, along with Jean-Claude-Marie Colin and Marcellin Champagnat. His feast day is 28 April.
St. Peter Chanel, you left your homeland to proclaim Jesus, Saviour of the world, to the peoples of Oceania. Guided by the Spirit of God, who is the strength of the gentle, you bore witness to love, even laying down your life. Grant that like you we may live our daily life in peace, joy, and in love. May your prayer and example call forth from our midst many workers for the Gospel so that God’s kingdom may reach to the ends of the earth.
You will find a short video about St Peter Chanel @ http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=403
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 go to the Catholic Parish of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT - JOYFULNESS
Joyfulness is an inner sense of peace and happiness that fills us with delight and hope. It allows us to enjoy simple pleasures and to appreciate the gifts that each day brings. Joy can carry us through the hard times, even when we are feeling very sad. Joy gives us wings.
“Joy is the sound of love, the colour of gratitude and the song of hope.” (Mary Davis)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
Brooke Tomkinson
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
ANZAC DAY MARCH
Once again, our school has been invited to participate in the ANZAC Day March to be held on Friday 25 April.
Prep to Year Six students will be required to assemble in The Caneland Central drop-off area along Matsura Drive before the March at 8:00am.
Either drop your child off in the allocated drop-off area or walk your child to the ground-level car park by 8:00am. Look for the Emmanuel banner and staff members (we will be situated in the carpark opposite the Coles Entrance to Canelands). The march will start at 8:30am and move onto Victoria Street and march along Wellington, Gordon, Macalister and Alfred Streets. Following the march, students can be collected as per dispersal map below, on the Mackay Central State School Grounds.
Emmanuel Year One to Year Six students are to wear their BLUE SCHOOL UNIFORM (school blue dress for girls) correct socks and clean shoes. Prep students wear their usual Prep uniform. The school hat is essential. Students may wear medals of their parents, grandparents and other ancestors on their right breast.
Further important details regarding drop off and dispersal procedures are attached in the link's below:
DISPERSAL INFORMATION
Emmanuel students are to be collected on the Mackay Central State School Grounds immediately after the march. Please look for the Emmanuel School banner and umbrellas. See dispersal image below.
Please Note: Friday 25 April is ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
LUKE KENNEDY GUEST SPEAKER
Next Monday 28 April, our Year 4 and 5 students will take part in a presentation led by motivational speaker Luke Kennedy. We have had the privilege of working with Luke in past years, and are pleased to welcome him back to our Emmanuel School Community. During his time with the students, Luke covers many important messages pertinent to our student body. Topics covered include:
- How to Be Yourself & Stop Worrying what people think
- Leadership
- Mental Health
- Bullying (Self-Bullying & Impact of Negative Self Talk)
- Detaching from Labels & Negative Beliefs
- Body Image
Holy Spirit College is also hosting Luke for a parent session and they have kindly invited all families across the Mackay Region to attend.
The event will take place on Monday 28 April at 6.00pm at the Father Bucas Centre, Holy Spirit College.
Luke's parent events aren’t just focused on the children—they’re about empowering parents to make meaningful changes that positively impact their families. These sessions uncover how a parent's self-talk, the labels they place on their children, judgements, and actions can deeply affect their children’s mental health, confidence, and overall well-being.
The Focus
- Connection: Strengthening family bonds through positive examples and open communication.
- Self-Reflection: Helping parents understand how their behaviours and attitudes shape their children’s lives.
- Inspiration: Motivating parents to become the best version of themselves, raising resilient and confident kids.
Parents come seeking advice on their children but leave inspired to improve themselves and their family connections.
Key Topics Covered
- Building Resilience in Kids
- Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies
- Motivation and Inspiration
- Adapting to Change and Overcoming Adversity
- Strengthening Family Connections
For more information, visit https://www.lukeskennedy.com/youth-speakers-parent-talk
All Emmanuel parents are both welcomed and encouraged to attend.
STUDENT PROTECTION - SCHOOL CONTACTS
At Emmanuel any concerns or reasonable suspicions about a student’s safety and wellbeing or the behaviour of a staff member or volunteer which a student considers to be inappropriate, will continue to be managed in accordance with Rockhampton Catholic Education Student Protection Processes. The Student Protection Contacts at Emmanuel are:
Geraldine Rostirolla (Principal)
Amanda McDonald (Deputy Principal)
Noeleen Kliese (APRE)
Hayley Francis (School Counsellor)
Alexandra Martin (OSHC Co-Ordinator)
Further information about Rockhampton Catholic Education's commitment to Student Protection is available here: website: https://www.rok.
STUDENT PROTECTION – USE OF TOILETS
At Emmanuel, we are committed to the safety of all students in our care. It is imperative that students understand the importance of using the toilet facilities at school in an appropriate manner. Classroom teachers regularly remind students of these behaviour expectations, and use the poster below (located in all school toilets) to ensure all students understand these important messages. We ask that you discuss these expectations at home with your children, so that we are all doing our part to keep children safe at school.
DESIGNATED TOILETS FOR PARENTS
At Emmanuel we have lots of volunteers, parents and contractors visiting our school each week. Therefore, it is important that we provide toilet facilities for their use. From a student protection perspective, we ask that parents do not use the student toilets. There are two toilets designated for the use of all parents, toddlers and visitors. These are the disabled toilets which are located at the back of the Library and beside F Block (Year 6 Classrooms and OSHC room) and at the end of R Block (Year 1 Classrooms). There is a yellow sign on the doors of these toilets advising parents that they are welcome to use this facility. Hope this helps you to not be ‘caught short’!
STOP DROP GO ZONE
STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Congratulations to the following students who have been elected by their peers as Student Representatives for Term Two:
6M: Lila T and Chad H
6D: Grace M and Cruz T
6WD: Siale H and Jaxon S
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
From our Counsellor
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 ‘ALL TOPICS’ tab via the link below or on our school website.
Sporting News
NORTHERN SUBURBS CROSS COUNTRY
Yesterday, Emmanuel took a team of 13 keen runners to the Northern Suburbs Cross Country Trials which were held at Fitzgerald State School. All of our runners showed determination and grit by completing the course without stopping. We are so proud of you! Emmanuel had 3 runners make it through to the next level. Hudson won the 10 year old boys competition with Harrison taking out second place. Lila came fourth in the 12 year old girls division. These three competitors will now proceed to the Mackay District Cross Country Trials which will be held next Tuesday at the Botanical Gardens. Well done Team Emmanuel!!
WHITSUNDAY SCHOOL FUTSAL TITLES
Notes have been sent home with students who are competing in the Whitsunday School Futsal Titles next week being held at the Mackay Basketball Stadium. We have 3 teams competing on Monday April 28. These teams are students who are turning 9 this year and students who are turning 10 this year. We also have 2 teams that are competing on Tuesday April 29. These are students who are turning 10 and 11 this year. Best of luck to all our teams. Looking forward to a great couple of days of Futsal!
CHALLENGE CUP AND NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Parents who have children that may be competing in both Challenge Cup and Athletics please be aware that the Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival is currently scheduled for the 15th of July which is the day before Challenge Cup. Students may compete in both so please take this into consideration when planning your travels to Yeppoon.
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS - FORMS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
The following Mackay District Sport forms are available for collection from Mrs Bottcher. Nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.
- MDSS 11 - 12 yrs Boys and Girls RUGBY UNION Trials (Due Thursday 24 April)
- Capricornia 10 - 19 yrs Boys and Girls GOLF Trials (Due Monday 28 April)
Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport.
RUGBY LEAGE - CHALLENGE CUP PLAYERS NEEDED
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are calling for any students in Year 5 who would like to join their Challenge Cup Rugby League team. If interested, please contact Lisa Evans: Lisa_evans@rok.catholic.edu.auLisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
Congratulations to Isaac, Dylan, Harrison and Pascalle who, over the holidays, represented the Liam Shipton Soccer School and travelled to Cairns for a 3 day Tournament called the FNQ Youth Cup.
They competed against teams from Sydney, Brisbane, New Zealand, Townsville, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Mackay. They won 8 out of 9 Games, including the Grand Final against the Luke Wilkshire Football Academy from Wollongong. Amazing achievement for our Emmanuel Soccer Stars and for Mackay!
Around the School
SING OUT!
Congratulations to Harlow, Olivia, Amaya and Violet who attended the SING OUT! program at the end of last term. Thank you for representing Emmanuel with your beautiful voices.
P & F News
Our P&F Association will be running a Mother’s Day Stall on Thursday 8 May.
There will be a variety of gifts available, and they will range in price from $3 to $10 (one gift per child).
It should be lots of fun! The students always love shopping at the stall for their mums.
Why not give your child/ren a job so they can earn the money to buy a gift?
School Choir
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Term 1, Week 10
Finance
SCHOOL FEES EXPLAINED - FLYER
Please find attached a “School Fees Explained” flyer, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the Federal Government SRS Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. The flyer outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each School community, and School Fees.
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.
Parent Orbit
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
Community News
Help shape active transport in the Mackay region for the next 10 years
Mackay Regional Council invites you to share your thoughts on active transport in the Mackay region
Take the 10-minute Mackay Active Transport and Micromobility Plan survey to help council gain valuable input about how best to improve walking and riding infrastructure across the region.Community feedback will help shape the future of our pathways, cycleways, road crossings and connections to key destinations. Whether you walk, ride a bike or ride a scooter, or are simply interested in safer and more accessible transport options, council would like to hear from you. Active transport includes walking, riding and rolling on any device that requires human power for movement. Micromobility devices are lightweight, electric powered transport services, such as e-scooters and mobility scooters.Take the survey now, visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/active-transportSurvey closes on Sunday, April 27 at 11.59pm.