Newsletter - 15 May 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Looking for the perfect gift to give your child? Look no further, for you already have this perfect gift within your power: a happy childhood is one of the best gifts that adults have in their power to bestow upon their children. If we make a child happy today, we will make the child happy twenty years on by the memory of it.
There is no way that parents can make children happy all the time. Children need to learn how to deal with some distress and to figure out how to cope with it. Learning how to deal with life’s frustrations and setbacks is essential for future happiness. A parent’s role in these situations is to help children find solutions, not provide them. What’s more, children need to know that it’s all right to be unhappy sometimes; it’s part of life.
If we try to eliminate unhappiness, we might be giving the message that it’s wrong to feel sad; children need to experience the whole range of human feelings including sadness. However, parents can encourage children to be happy about what’s going okay, or what they have, instead of being sad about what’s not going okay or what they don’t have.
Likewise, conflicts and disagreements are a normal part of life and are important in as much as they allow for the statement of differences and the expression of feelings. However, our behaviour and manner of relating affect those around us profoundly, so, parents need to ensure that differences are reconciled without destroying the differences or the people who hold them. Maybe St Peter’s words to his community of believers could be a source of inspiration to us:
“And now this word to all of you. You should be like one happy family, full of sympathy towards one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” 1 Peter 3:8
Most parents can relate to the statement, “Thank heavens, I’ve got some time to myself!” It is a heavenly feeling not to be at the beck and call of others or on the treadmill of house chores. And why is it a heavenly feeling? Because we have time to be with ourselves to simply do nothing or to do something that is relaxing and pleasing to us personally.
Well, children are no different to adults in this regard. They need to have some scheduled activities which develop social skills or individual talents. But, like us, they need their own space, their chance to follow their own interests, their time to manage as they choose, their opportunity to build an inner happiness which they will carry on through life.
As parents, we need to keep an eye on the “big picture” of life and set it within a positive and healthy home environment where our children can develop into value-driven, successful and happy people. If they can develop positive attitudes about themselves, their family and their community, they will be less inclined to be lured by the, oftentimes, seductive messages of popular culture. They will want to be successful, happy contributing people. Their happiness will be our happiness.
A tremendous challenge and responsibility for the future.
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
COLOUR FUN RUN
A big THANK YOU to parents who ordered prizes or donated their child/ren’s fundraising to one of the charities. If you were unable to do this, you do not need to worry – all students raising $10 or more have been allocated a prize by the organisers. These prizes will be distributed when they arrive at school. More details will be forwarded to parents when these prizes are available for collection.
As some students had not used the full balance of their fundraising efforts on prizes/donations, we were able to select additional prizes which will be donated to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
Thank you everyone!
RE Matters
LIFE IS A GIFT - REFLECTION
HABEMUS PAPAM! WE HAVE A POPE!
On Friday morning we heard the exciting news that white smoke had ascended from the roof of the Sistine Chapel signalling the election of a new Pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, will be the Church’s 267th Pope.
From the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, his first words to the crowd gathered in the square below, and to people watching and listening around the world, were "Peace be with all of you!"
In the coming weeks, months and years we will learn more about Pope Leo XIV as he leads and guides the Church in our modern world. Please include him in your prayers as he begins his pontificate.
To find out more about our new pope and what he has been doing in his first week as leader of the Catholic Church, click on the tab below.
MAY – MONTH OF MARY
FROM MARY we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things.
FROM MARY we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.
FROM MARY we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!
(Pope Saint John Paul II)
When I was at school we prayed ‘The Angelus’ every day. The Angelus bell would ring at noon and we would stand for prayer.
The Angelus is based on the story of The Annunciation. It recalls that Mary said ‘Yes!” to God, that she agreed to be the mother of Jesus. Mary was scared and unsure,
but she trusted in God and answered His call.
Traditionally this devotion was repeated three times a
day and gave ordinary people the opportunity to sanctify their everyday lives with regular pauses for prayer.
The Angelus (Traditional) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPERfvbpVg
CELEBRATING MOTHERS
Last Friday, we gathered at St Joseph’s Church to honour Mary, our heavenly mother, and to thank God for the gift of our mothers. It was a wonderful celebration! Lots of mums and grandmothers attended, our students listened and participated prayerfully and sang beautifully.
A big THANK YOU to Fr Andrew for his continued support and encouragement, Mrs Whelan for sharing her amazing musical talents, Mrs Janus, Mrs Wells and our School Choir who led the singing, our fabulous staff who prepared our students and all who contributed to the planning and organisation of this liturgy. A special well done to Osmond, Gabby, Adele and Olivia who sang on the microphones.
It was great to see lots of mums at the Mother’s Day Picnic that followed our Mass. We appreciate your participation and know that your child/ren loved having morning tea with you at school. There were all sorts of sweet and savoury treats shared and enjoyed.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (24 - 31 MAY)
Laudato Si’ Week is a celebration of Pope Francis’s encyclical and a call to ‘Care for our Common Home.’
‘Ten years ago, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’, setting out a bold vision for our common home. While we celebrate ten years of prayer and action together, we look ahead to an even brighter future. The next chapter of Laudato Si’ begins with us.’
During Laudato Si Week we are encouraged to focus our prayers on the environment, our stewardship of the world’s resources, people and places affected by natural disaster and those who are devastated by famine, water insecurity and exploitation. It would also be great to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for all His gifts of life and the blessings bestowed upon us.
We are also called to action. If we all do just one thing (big or small) we can make a difference, we can save our world and love those we share it with at the same time.
What will you do next week to care for our common home?
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.
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 (1991 - 2006). He was due to be canonised by Pope Francis on Sunday 27 April during the Jubilee of Teenagers. His canonisation will be rescheduled now that 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
Curriculum Corner
ROCKSTAR WRITERS
Andrew: The fire begins with a loud pop from the frying pan. In seconds , bright flames burst into the pitch black sky , it crackled, the flames hissed, the pots were ashes in minutes. My skin felt like lava was pouring down on it. My eyes were stinging , my lungs were burning , as I fell to the ground coughing , heart beating furious.
Emily: My Crazy Kitchen Fire
The kitchen blew up in flames as my popcorn burnt. The dark night made the flames glow even more. The fire licked the air as it made a low rumble. The amber flames stung my eyes as my sweat trickled down my face. It felt as hot as fire. I backed away stumbling over pots and pans. I ran out the door as it started to spread around the house. Then I called 000.
Kyan: The Threatening kitchen fire 🔥☠️
Poof ! Pop ! Crackle ! A flickering fire started
in a large pan. I tried to blow out the raging fire but failed. The scorching heat was melting my eyeballs as I scrambled desperately for another solution.
Hunter: As the fire was popping like popcorn and sweets while the interesting sound started echoing through the room.They were getting ready the fire was sizzling exploding and waiting while it was running in the same spot as it went past the time when it was crackling exploding, burning, furious and polluting air.
Emmy: The Hectic Fire
As I creaked the door open, I saw a bright, orange fire happening right in front of my eyes. ROARING flames flew up my nostrils as it singed all my tiny,little hairs off. as pieces of black sparks STRUCK into my mouth I could taste crumbly ashes settling on the top of my slimy tongue. My body was sizzling as the BLAZING fire covered me like a big weighted blanket. I Gasped for air as my heart was racing and my lungs SHUT from the smoky embers.
Sophia: Fire
The lights were off and it was blazing and it made me feel croaky. The flames felt so hot I felt like boiling under the blazing sun .After that my skin felt like it was going to peel .It tasted like black smoke burning my throat into crust.
Darcie: Flames In The Air
As I opened the door the smell of fire was horrifying. I stood there for a second while watching my kitchen burn to ashes. It felt like the world was crashing upon me like God hated me. My eyes were burning with rage, my body was aching in pane. Fireballs were hitting pots and pans, and crashing the ground. Black smoke …
Adele: The Tremendous Fire
As I opened the creaky door, a flash of roaring flames dissolved into ashes. Bit by bit my throat tightened, lungs closing in. Crawling under the mat was a strike of intense heat, crushing grey wispy thongs. Suddenly the fire alarm went off, echoing into the forest as the smoke devoured onto the ground. Smoke curled through the air, heart beating none stop, all I could see was a blur. Sparks flew through the dusty room like fire balls.
Boston: HELL FLAMES
As the man peered at the blooming smoke creeping through the door, he felt a tingle in the void of his stomach. Opening the door, he saw a roaring orange tongue of flames engulfing his kitchen. His jaw dropped, eyes as giant as an eight ball and body frozen as if it was paralysed. He looked for the closest water supply around the house but it was in the kitchen. As the bright orange flames danced along the kitchen, all the ovens and microwaves exploded.
Eddie: As I opened the door the crackling flame from the roaring fire hit me. The sound of smoke alarms screamed as the smoke ran through my lungs. The pans on the kitchen bench in ashes as
I gasped for some air with no luck. I was feeling dizzy, scared, and nauseous.
Kiara: The Fire
The fire in the kitchen looked like red and orange glowing flames. There was smoke coming from the oven. It was stinging my eyes.
The sound of the crackling fire reminded me of steak that has been cooking for too long. Alarms go off loudly!
NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME 2025
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
OUR STUDENTS TAKE ON THE READERS CUP CHALLENGE
Four of our talented students are currently in training to represent our school in the Readers Cup competition, showcasing their passion for reading and teamwork. This exciting challenge puts their knowledge, comprehension, and teamwork to the test as they compete against other schools.
Through dedication and preparation, they’ve been diving into a selection of books, discussing themes, characters, and key details, all in the spirit of friendly competition. Their hard work and commitment highlight the importance of reading and the joy that comes with exploring new stories.
The competition takes place on June 12th. Stay tuned for further updates on the teams progress.
Brooke Tomkinson
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
DO IT FOR DOLLY DAY - FRIDAY 16 MAY
Day for Dolly will be tomorrow, 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:
SCHOOL PHOTOS
SIBLING PHOTOS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Queensland School Photography schedule sibling photos before school on both photo days. Parents are encouraged to accompany your children to the sibling photos in the Marist Centre from 7:45am onwards.
Details are below:
Students with a surname A-L are to present in the Marist Centre on Tuesday 3 June.
Students with a surname M-Z are to present in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 4 June.
FAMILY DOGS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton WH&S guidelines clearly state that DOGS should NOT be on school property unless the permission of the principal is obtained. This pertains to dogs of all breeds and sizes. This permission is only to be given in the case of requests involving assistance animals (eg: guide dogs, therapy dogs, etc.) or requests involving dogs visiting classrooms for class activities.
Whilst we understand that many families in our school community keep dogs as pets, to ensure that our school remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone, we have in place a number of rules that we expect all families to follow:
- No dogs will be allowed in the school premises between the times of 7.30am and 3.30pm on school days.
- Dog owners are required to always be mindful that children are the first priority in a school environment and that some children are allergic, unfamiliar and even afraid of dogs.
- Dog owners must be familiar with their legal responsibilities and be aware that the school takes no responsibility for the behaviour or actions of their dogs.
- Staff can request that dog owners remove their dog from the school grounds at any time.
- Incidents involving dog bites or injuries to children, adults or other animals will be reported to Mackay Regional Council.
- The Principal has the authority to prohibit certain dogs from school grounds or modify this policy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and members of our school community at any time.
Thank you for your understanding and support of this request.
LATE ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Late arrival at school is a genuine problem for students. During the first ten minutes at school much work is done by teachers to orient students to the day ahead. Prayers are said and important instructions are issued. The Daily Bulletin is read to students and important notices on that Bulletin, including messages for individual students, regarding music lessons, sporting teams etc is read out. All classes read at the beginning of the school day. Students who come late to school, miss this precious time and can find themselves in all sorts of trouble for not heeding these instructions. Late arrival at school ruins a student’s day and frustrates teachers. Of course, sometimes things happen and it can't be avoided and teachers have no problem with “one off” occasions. However, repeated late arrival at school is a serious issue for some students and affects their feelings about the day right from the beginning. Students who arrive late to school are to be signed in at the office by an adult as rolls are marked in the first few minutes of the day and attendance records sent to the office. Late arrivals need to have their records changed for the day.
Teachers who note a pattern of late arrivals will discuss it with the Principal and bring the matter to parents’ attention.
Repeated late arrival at school tells children that school is not important.
Parents are advised that when children are late, they (the parents) are to come to the office and sign them in / out via our electronic arrival / departure register.
Please Note: Assembly will commence at 9:15am from next Friday 23 May due to Peer Support.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
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
Tomorrow, is the final day of our Scholastic Book Fair. The library will be open from 8am - 1:30pm.
Sporting News
JOHN PAAP RUGBY LEAGUE
The school boys rugby league team played their second game of the season against St Mary’s and came away with their first victory. The players showed great teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, working together to secure the win.
Every player brought their skills to the game, helping the team stay strong both in attack and defense. They supported each other, stayed focused, and played with real determination.
Thank you to Mr. Dempsey and Mr. Charles for their dedication in training and supporting our students.
This win gives the team a big confidence boost as they prepare for their next match. There are sure to be more great moments ahead this season!
Congratulations to Cooper, Harrison and Pascalle who recently travelled to Gladstone for the Capricornia Soccer trials. We are so proud of your achievements!
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 - OVERDUE
Term 2 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 28 April. Payments are now overdue as of 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.
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
