Newsletter - 08 May 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
This weekend we celebrate one of the most important days in the whole year – Mother’s Day. Any woman who is privileged enough to be a mother knows that motherhood is the greatest blessing in any woman's life. Motherhood is a symbol of love, kindness and forgiveness. A mother's touch is the first human touch in a child's life. A mother's heart is filled with a never-exhausting love for her children. She lives and dies for them. A mother is the most beautiful woman in any child's eyes.
I know well that every family is different, but in my family, it was Mum who kept us together. Amongst all that goes on within family life, we always knew that our mum was there for us, and that her love for us was unconditional – as difficult as that must have been at times.
In the book of Proverbs we read – what is a woman’s worth? To me, my mother was worth more than the finest jewels. She was the strongest woman in spirit that I know. She lived a life that saw generations being birthed and buried, and she survived to the grand old age of eighty-nine. She saw her first-born son buried in infancy and her husband of sixty-three years taken to his final resting place. She endured much and accepted everything. That is part of this woman’s worth.
Although my mother is no longer with me, she is certainly not forgotten. She lived a full life and spent most of it in the service of others. She raised four children into adulthood and in this world we now share, that is no small accomplishment. Along with my dad, she produced a family that believed in Jesus Christ and who faithfully went to church each week, regardless of the weather or how we were feeling. We would never make the nightly news as the perfect family but we knew with mum as our example that we had a story that outshone most world events. There was nothing particularly special about my mum, except that she was just herself. There were no airs and graces about her. She was not an artist’s model and would never grace the pages of haute couture magazines but she had a beauty that was timeless and a soul that spoke volumes. My mother was a good and holy person. To me, she was indeed a woman worth more than fine jewels.
This Mother’s Day take time to remember the importance of telling those we love, and those who love us, how much we appreciate having them in our lives. So, whatever you are doing this weekend and even if you do not have children, think about a woman in your life who has nurtured her family and has tried her best. If your mother has passed, spend some time in prayer thanking God for having blessed you with such a wonderful gift, or if you are estranged from your mother, send her a card, even if it is only on this one day of the year.
I encourage you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to celebrate all mothers as they are our mentors, advisors, teachers and best friends.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR MUMS, GRANDMOTHERS AND MOTHER FIGURES.
SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON
A Mother’s Crown
Heaven lit up with His mighty presence, as all the angels looked down. Today the Lord was placing the jewels in all the mother’s crowns.
As He held up a golden crown, as all the mothers looked on, He said in His gentle voice, “I just want to explain each stone”.
He held the first gem in His hand, but the radiance couldn’t match His own. For He was the light of Heaven, reflecting off each of the stones.
“The first gem,” He said, “is an emerald, and it’s for endurance alone, for all the nights you waited up, for your children to come home.
For all the nights by their bedside, you stayed till the fever went down. For nursing every little wound, I add this emerald to your crown.”
“A ruby, I’ll place by the emerald, for leading your child in the right way. For if you hadn’t taught them about me, they wouldn’t be here with you today.
For always being right there, through all life’s important events, I give you a sapphire stone, for the time and love you spent.”
“For untying the strings that held them, when they grew up and left home, I give you this one for courage.” Then the Lord added an amethyst stone.
“I’ll place a stone of garnet,” He said, “For all the times you spent on your knees, when you asked me to take care of your children, and them for having faith in me.”
“I have a pearl for every little sacrifice, that you made without them knowing, for all the times you went without, to keep them healthy and growing.”
“And last of all I have a diamond, the greatest of all gems, for those mothers who lost their children, when they came home to heaven before them.”
“This is the most precious sacrifice, so I give the most precious stone, for I know just how you felt, I too lost a child of my own.”
After the Lord placed the last jewel in, He said, “Heaven is now complete, for every mother had her crown of jewels, and all her children are at her feet.”
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
COLOUR FUN RUN
What do you get when you add 598 excited students in white t-shirts, rainbow sunglasses and headbands to powder paint, water, running, skipping, jumping, crawling and an amazing obstacle course with parachutes, pool noodles, hula hoops, balls, hurdles, stepping stones, tunnels, ladders and more?
Well …… you get a great day full of fun, laughter and happy students with smiling faces and colourful shirts, and lots of parents and friends watching and cheering on their children.
And that’s what we had on Friday!
Our Colour Fun Run was a wonderful success. Our students loved it! They participated enthusiastically and had lots of fun getting colourful.
A big THANK YOU to families who registered and supported their child/ren’s participation and fundraising and came along on the day to watch the run. Your assistance and interest are very much appreciated. The money raised will go towards the new playground we are planning for.
A big THANK YOU to our staff who promoted, organised, set up and packed up our day of colour, fun and exercise. Special thanks to those who encouraged students by ‘running’ alongside them and to those who were slimed at lunchtime.
A big THANK YOU to our Year Six Student who helped with the obstacle course, sprayed the paint and cheered on the younger students.
Now that our Colour Fun Run is over, parents need to finalise their child/ren’s rewards. Students can select prizes or donate their fundraising to a charity.
Please note: Reward Ordering closes at midnight on Friday 9 May.
Login to www.myprofilepage.com.au to order prizes or to donate.
Choosing prizes - Mix and match up to a total of 5 prizes based on your donations received (bonus donations included). It goes on the lower dollar value in each category.
Prizes will be sent to school and parents will be advised when they are ready to be collected.
The Nintendo Switch Console draw will take place when the prizes arrive.
Thank you Jessica Wilson Photography and our lovely Teacher Assistant Lauren Sonneveld for sharing the photos below. THANK YOU EVERYONE!
RE Matters
CELEBRATING OUR MUMS
Each May our school community comes together to honour Mary, our heavenly mother, and to thank God for the gift of our mothers. This year we will be celebrating with a school Mass at St Joseph’s Church on Friday 9 May at 9:15am.
All mothers and grandmothers are invited to join us at the church and to bring morning tea to school to share with their children afterwards. We expect to be back from Mass around 10:30am for the usual morning tea break. The picnic will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building. Please bring a chair or rug to sit on. Looking forward to sharing this time with as many mums as possible.
REMINDERS FOR OUR MASS AT ST JOSEPH’S TOMORROW
Year 1-6 students need to wear blue day uniform. Girls to wear dresses please. Prep students wear their usual Prep uniform.
We will travel to and from St Joseph’s Church by bus.
Seating has been reserved for parents on the side of the Baptismal Font.
Parents are asked not to park in the bus bays directly in front of the church. This is a safety issue.
The school office will be closed from 9:00am – 10:45am as all staff will be attending the Mass.
Looking forward to celebrating with you.
MONTH OF MARY - PRAY THE ROSARY - PRAY FOR PEACE
On 13 May 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal. It was an apparition that was repeated on the 13th day of every month, for six consecutive months. Our Lady told the children,
"Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war."
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday this month, students and staff will gather in the chapel at lunchtime to meditate on the Mysteries of The Rosary. We will pray for peace in our families, our school and our world.
To find out more about The Rosary and how to pray it, go to:
http://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php
For more information about the apparitions go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeMq0SpGKrw
To hear the Our Lady of Fatima song go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d-vZj5Fecg
This May, all classes will be learning about Mary and praying various Marian prayers, including The Rosary. I encourage you to do the same.
“The Rosary has a peaceful effect on those who pray it, leading them to see the face of Christ in others, to recognise other’s grief and to yearn to make the world more beautiful, more just, more closely conformed to God’s plan.” (Pope John Paul II, 2002)
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
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.
CONCLAVE
Please join with the Church in praying for the College of Cardinals who are gathering in the Vatican to elect our next pope.
Father Most Holy,
Our God and King,
Protect Your Church in this time of transition.
Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty.
Grant them Wisdom and Courage,
Hope and Charity,
and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.
https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayer-for-the-pope/
THE RELICS OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
The Catholic Parish of North Mackay and Farleigh is hosting the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Saturday 17 May – Wednesday 21 May.
Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager beatified in 2020, is often called the ‘cyber-apostle of the Eucharist’ for his devotion to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and his use of technology to share his faith. Before his death from leukaemia at just 15, Carlo documented and compiled Eucharistic miracles from around the world into an online exhibition, which has since inspired Catholics across the globe.
Blessed Carlo Acutis will be the first millennial saint. He was due to be canonised by Pope Francis on Sunday 27 April during the Jubilee of Teenagers. His canonisation will be rescheduled when we have a new pope.
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.
Please Note: The change of Mass time at St Brigid’s Church.
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.
“Enthusiasm is the match that lights the candle of achievement.” (William Arthur Boyd)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
DO IT FOR DOLLY DAY - FRIDAY 16 MAY
Day for Dolly will be Friday 16 May at Emmanuel. Students are welcome to wear something blue with their uniform (t-shirts, socks, shoelaces, ribbons). No donation is required for participation. Find out more about Day for Dolly in the link below:
Curriculum Corner
INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING
Intergenerational learning is a collaborative educational approach where different age groups—typically younger students and older adults—engage in shared learning experiences. This method fosters mutual understanding, knowledge exchange, and social connection between generations.
We are so thrilled to continue our partnership with OzCare in the intergenerational learning program. Year 6D had their first zoom session today, playing a game of Guess who & a questions and answer session. It was an absolute hit!
Benefits of Intergenerational Learning
- Enhanced Learning Outcomes – Students gain real-world insights from older generations, improving comprehension in subjects like history, literature, and economics.
- Social & Emotional Growth – Encourages empathy, respect, and communication skills by interacting with older adults.
- Wellbeing & Mental Health – Reduces loneliness and isolation for seniors while boosting students’ confidence and engagement.
- Cultural & Historical Awareness – Helps younger generations understand past societal changes and traditions through firsthand accounts.
We look forward to building strong connections within this community partnership.
WRITING ROCKSTARS - FIRE WRITING 5S
DEXTER
As I pushed the door aggressively, my feet were tingling as I approached the blasting flames. Golden flames surrounded the kitchen turning everything to black, dry ashes. Panicked with horror, I approached the land line at the speed of light but the blazing fire had already cut the power. I ran outside peering at the flames overtaking the white, timber house. The fire was so toxic that the thick smoke filled my lungs with it. My heart was pounding rapidly as I started to pass out on the old, muddy footpath.
JACK
As I opened the door I was swallowed by the raging roar of the blaze. It crackled and popped as I believed I was getting forced into a hurricane. The burning fuel of the fire stung the hair on the back of my neck and suddenly, I got a sense of devastation. The glow spread across the room, the ruby red ember popped and crackled. It was a catastrophic nightmare.
NOAH
As I opened the black door, the breathtaking crackle pulled me in. It clogged my lungs and made me feel like someone was stabbing my backside. The golden flames danced like people at a disco. Once the flames calmed down, I went back in. The fire had already filled my eyes with burning, incredibly hot gas. “Fire and flames”, I said to myself, as I put the leftover flames out. I watched as the chemicals and flames from the fire oozed over the table.
CONNOR
As I opened the door the roaring and ashes of the fumes consumed my body. My eyes were watering and my feet were like lava. The room in front of me was engulfed in flames spreading quickly. I was in so much shock that I fainted. My heart was pounding quicker than a cheetah running.
LILY
As I opened the door, the crackling smoke zoomed throughout the blazing room. The sound of popping and crackling breaks me down into tears. The flames fiercely grow continuously around the kitchen. Tears run down my face as I watch in fear with the heat increasing. A sharp pain pierces through my body.
NOAH
As I opened the door, the smell of the rising smoke took my breath away in a heartbeat. I immediately felt devastated, my body freezing stiff so I could not move. The fire was roaring, it’s catastrophic force blew me away. I ran out of the room, looking for the bright red fire extinguisher. I searched and searched and there it was sitting there waiting to be used. I ran straight to the dining room putting out the fire, the flames gone.
Brooke Tomkinson
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY - Friday 16 May
The annual Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is a day when all primary school children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. This event will be held throughout Australia next FRIDAY 16 MAY.
As in previous years, Emmanuel students, staff, parents and friends are invited to participate in WSTSD by assembling in Tolcher Street park from 7.45am on FRIDAY 16 MAY. From this point, at about 8.00am, police will ensure the safe crossing of Tolcher Street and Arthur Street, walking to the intersection of Phillip Street and Bucasia Road, then along the walkway running parallel to Bucasia Road. The group will cross Baxter Drive at the supervised crossing, arriving at school by the first bell at 8.25am.
One of the many aims of the Pedestrian Council of Australia is to promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age. Please note that NO CHILD will be able to leave the school grounds on Friday morning to join the walk – parents are asked to drop students at the Tolcher Street park to meet teachers on Friday morning. Parents are most welcome to walk with us as well. An added bonus is a shared breakfast which will be held as we enter the schoolgrounds after our walk. A big thankyou to Mackay Regional Council for sponsoring this initiative.
For catering purposes, we ask that you register via the link below:
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing many members of our school community walking with us next Friday.
SAVE THE DATE
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June
More information on how to order School Photos will be advised
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
From our Counsellor
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH - MAY 2025
The theme for 2025 is: Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland.
The current statistics report that 1 in 4 women (23% or 2.3 million) and 1 in 14 men (7.3% or 692,000) have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15. (ref: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2025).
May is Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
Domestic Violence is not just physical violence. It’s coercive and controlling behaviour.
Domestic violence can impact children now and in the future. Even if it’s not happening in your home, children receive information from other children, who may be receiving different messages about what is expected in relationships.
The small things we don’t address now, each time we see or hear them, can contribute to a societal tolerance of coercive and controlling behaviour.
Mackay has an awareness event occurring on 30 May 2025, details of which I have included below:
Rotary Mackay Region Respect in Every Step—March to end domestic violence
Friday 30 May 2025 11.30 am
Rotary Clubs of Mackay Region
The Rotary Clubs of Mackay Region will hold a community march where students and local residents will march to raise awareness about respectful behaviours and the impact of domestic and family violence. They will march from St Patricks College to Blue Water Quay, where several prominent speakers will reinforce the community's commitment to ending domestic violence. The primary focus for the march is to: educate and empower students to understand the community’s expectation of respect and healthy relationships; and extend the message to the wider community to reinforce the importance of creating a safe environment for all.
Start: Friday 30 May 2025 11.30 am
End: Friday 30 May 2025 18.00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Assemble at the council car park, Corner of River and Gregory Streets, MACKAY QLD 4740
Hayley Francis
School 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.
Bookfair 2025
Sporting News
ST JOHN'S CHALLENGE CUP - NETBALL PLAYERS NEEDED
St John's are looking for girls interested in joining their Challenge Cup netball team. If interested, please contact Mrs Mansfield.
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
School Choir
Finance
TERM 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 2 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on Monday 28 April, with payment due Monday 12 May.
If you are making fee payments by Internet Banking, please ensure you use the six-digit Parent Code that appears on the top right hand corner of your Statement as your reference. Please contact the Finance Office if you have not received your statement, or if you wish to discuss making payments via a regular Direct Debit Authority.
Do you hold a current ‘means tested’ Government Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card? Parents/Carers with an eligible means tested Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can receive a 40% discount on the All-inclusive Education fee of all eligible students from the family (after any family discount has been applied).
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
URGENT - HELPERS NEEDED FRIDAY
The tuckshop is in desperate need of helpers on a Friday!
If you can assist for even a few hours please contact the office on 4994 8255
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 2.
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
CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.
Community News
