Newsletter - 29 May 2025

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

In a small Irish town there was a parish priest with a reputation for delivering action-packed five minute sermons. No one quite knew what to expect from week to week but they knew that it would be unambiguous and straight to the point. One Sunday the sermon began in the usual manner with the priest taking up his position by leaning out of the pulpit as far as he could, his right hand at the ready and his left hand behind him gripped firmly to the pulpit rail.

Within a minute or so, the priest had become well wound-up; the right hand shot out and pointed to an unsuspecting gentleman five pews back and the booming voice declared: “You know why there’s no room for God in your life? It’s because you’re so full of yourself!” the gentleman in pew five took this as a personal attack on his character, rose immediately to his feet and shouted back: “That’s it!  Ther’ll be no whiskey comin’ to you from me this Christmas!” and with that, made for the nearest exit.

In every accusation, however rash, there is an element of truth. For example, if we as parents are so busy attending to our own needs, how do we have time to address the needs of our children?  If all our efforts are directed towards improving the quality and circumstance of our lives, how can we assist those who are truly poor and marginalised? If we pack our lives with end to end activity, where do we find the space to be reflective, to nurture our spiritual side so that we stay in touch with our inner self? Then, there is the priest’s proposition: “Is there room for God in our life?”

Our answer should be “yes”, if we believe that God is not simply “Our Father who art in heaven” but that God is also with us on earth, that the creator can never be separated from his creation and that we are part of that creation. Because God is within us and around us, we need to grow in our ability to trust God with the overall direction of our lives.  There is always the temptation to allow our lives to be motivated by achievement, performance and acquisitions. Life is not what is accumulated but what is given to others.

Mother Teresa who lived her life in the service of people who could never repay her with external gifts once wrote that: “The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action. Religion has nothing to do with compassion. It is our love for God that is the main thing because we have all been created for the sole purpose to love and be loved,”  for the love of God.

If we allow God to have a strong presence within us and to guide us towards an inner peace we will be happier human beings and not stuck in negative thoughts. “Our life is the creation of our mind. Our soul is our inner pilot, the more we listen to our soul, the more our outer life will flourish and prosper.”  Sri Chinmey.

Last Saturday was a special day for Australian Catholics as we celebrated the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians who is one of the patron saints of Australia. Historically, Australia was placed under the patronage of Our Lady by Archbishop Polding of Sydney and the thirty-six pioneer priests who met for the first provincial synod of the Church in Australia in 1844.  The choice of Mary Help of Christians may well have derived from the first Catholic priest in Sydney, Fr J.J. Therry who dedicated his church to St. Mary in November 1821. The title ‘Help of Christians’ was first introduced into Catholic tradition by Pope Pius V after a Christian victory in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

Fr Therry himself was ordained in Ireland in 1815 at a time when the Irish Church was adopting devotions to Mary Help of Christians. Our celebration of Mary Help of Christians as our patronal feast therefore symbolises the Roman and Irish heritage which is the foundation of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Pray for Australia

Eternal God,

You chose the Virgin Mary

To mother your only Son

Who is the light of the world.

By the help of her intercession, let the light of Christ

Shine over this land,

Guiding us in justice and Love.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

CELEBRATING WITH BISHOP MICHAEL

Thursday 29 May marks the 11th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our Bishop, Michael McCarthy. 

We congratulate Bishop Michael and pray for him as he continues to lead and guide our diocese.  We thank God for the gift of Bishop Michael and all he brings to his role as Bishop of Rockhampton.

RE Matters

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Jesus taught us that where he is, so shall we be, that he was going to prepare a place for us and that, in and through him, we will have life and have it to the full.

The feast of the Ascension is the day, each year, where we remember and we celebrate that, just as Jesus was welcomed to God's right hand, so, too, shall we be welcomed to the right hand of Jesus. This is his promise, this is our faith and this is the hope we are called to proclaim to the world. And let's be clear about the invitation. There is nothing we have ever done, are doing, or will do, that will get our name removed from the invitation list to the feast of Christ's kingdom. The challenge is accepting that we have a standing invitation and living lives worthy of the love that places our name on the list. The feast of the Ascension announces that Jesus will faithfully accompany us no matter how far we lose our way and that by our fidelity to Christ we accept or reject the standing offer. (Richard Leonard SJ)

THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The Church celebrates this feast on 31 May each year. It is the second Joyful Mystery and remembered in the beautiful prayer, ‘Hail Mary’. On Friday, the Chapel will be open and classes will be visiting throughout the day to spend some time in prayer and to listen to some ‘Mary’ hymns.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Lk. 1:39-42)

As the Month of Mary draws to a close, I encourage you to continue to pray The Rosary for peace in our families, our school, our country and our world.

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.

TINNIES FOR VINNIES - FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Each year Vinnies supports individuals and families in our community who are in need. Unfortunately, with an increasing number of people seeking assistance, their stock of tinned and non-perishable foods is running very low. They have asked for our help.

If you are able to assist Vinnies in their valuable work by contributing some of the needed food items, it would be very much appreciated. Donations can be dropped into the school office. They will be collected and distributed in the coming weeks.  Many thanks in advance for your generosity and prayers.

RECONCILIATION WEEK

National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Celebrated at the same time each year (27 May – 3 June), National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. 

This year’s theme “Bridging Now to Next” reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

It calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

We will be having our annual Walk for Reconciliation on Monday 2 June.

Find out about National Reconciliation Week @  https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/about-nrw/

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: Weekend Mass at St Brigid’s Farleigh returns to Saturdays at 6:00pm.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – POSITIVITY

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible!".  (Audrey Hepburn)  

Positivity means thinking in an optimistic way, looking for solutions and expecting good results and success. It is a happy and worry-free state of mind, which looks at the bright side of life. A positive attitude is one of joy, love and inspiration. It is choosing constructive feelings and emotions and acting with purpose and determination. If you have a positive attitude you avoid negative and unhappy feelings and thoughts.

“Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible.”.  (Rodolfo Costa)  

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

SCHOOL PHOTOS

* Photos for Prep - Year 3, School / House Captains will be taken on Tuesday 3 June. Students in Year 4-6 and School Choir will be photographed on Wednesday 4 June. 

* Students from Years 1 - 6 are to wear their blue day uniform, with girls wearing their school dress. Parents are asked to ensure that hair is neat and tidy, and hair longer than collar length is to be tied back. If hair bands, ribbons or scrunchies are to be worn, they are to be gold or blue of the school colours.  No decorative hair accessories are to be worn.

* Late Payments: Online orders will be open for 1 week after photo day. After this time a $15 processing fee will apply to all orders.

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.

ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE CULTURAL TOUR

Yesterday our Year 2 - 6 students were entertained by the St Patrick's College Cultural groups on their visit to us here at Emmanuel.  It was a great morning of singing, dancing and fabulous music, as the talented St Pat's students shared their gifts and talents with our school community. A big thank you to Mr Sam Bauer for organising such a wonderful showcase of the arts at St Pat's -  we really appreciate all of the hard work and effort that goes into not just organising such an event, but the hours of practice and dedication required to perform at such a high level.  We look forward to St Pat's returning on their Cultural Tour next year!  

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL SAUSAGE SIZZLE

The tuckshop will not be open on Wednesday 11 June. A Sausage Sizzle will be available to purchase via Quickcliq by Friday 6 June.

Please note: There will be a limited supply of sausages for Parents / Spectators available to purchase on the day until sold out.

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.

Sporting News

ATHLETICS TRIALS

Students have been working hard in PE class to prepare for the upcoming Athletics Carnival. Once again, this year, we will be running trials for certain athletics events. The events trialled will be 200m, 1500m, long jump, high jump, shot put and discus. Trials for field events will take place TOMORROW -  Friday 30 May and Friday 6 June at 11:50pm and will conclude at 3pm. Trials for 200m and 1500m will take place in week 7 on the following days:

Monday 2/6/25 - 200m boys trials (Yr 3 - 6) 

Tuesday 3/6/25  - 200m girls trials (Yr 3 - 6) As this is school photo day for Year 3, interested students will need to bring appropriate shoes / clothes to change into at lunch time as blue uniform must be worn on this day.

Wed 4/6/25  - 1500m:  Combined Boys and Girls (Yr 3 - 6) As this is school photo day for Years 4-6, interested students will need to bring appropriate shoes / clothes to change into at lunch time as blue uniform must be worn on this day.

Please keep an eye out on Parent Orbit for the most up to date information, particularly in the case of wet weather. 

Please find below information regarding the trials:

What? Students will be able to nominate on the day of the trial for high jump, long jump, shot put, discus,  200m and 1500m. All students who nominate will receive 1 point for their house. A reminder, only those who have parent permission will be allowed to participate in discus.

Why? To collate a final list of the top performing students, for each event, to compete in the finals which will be held during the Athletics Carnival in Week 8.

Who? All students in Years 3 - 6. Those students turning 8 this year and in Grade 3 are welcome to compete, however, these students will not be eligible for Age Champion or to proceed to the Northern Suburbs Trials. 

What to wear? Unless it is school photo day, as mentioned above, HPE uniform should be worn on trial days.  Appropriate shoes must be worn to compete in the trials at all times.  

Please note that these pre-carnival trials (in the table below) are an internal school event for students only. We look forward to seeing parents and spectators at our Athletics Carnival on 10 and 11 June.

When? 

Any student who is absent for trial dates and interested in competing will need to email their classroom teacher for further information.  

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Congratulations to Hunter who captained the Mackay District Rugby Union Team at the recent Capricornia trials in Rockhampton. The team remained undefeated throughout the tournament and Hunter went on to be selected in the Capricornia Rugby Union Team. Amazing achievement Hunter!

Around the School

YEAR 4 INCURSION

Students in Year 4 have been studying a Science Unit entitled ‘Water World’. This unit is an inquiry into the water cycle. Students have been describing key processes in the water cycle and how water cycles through the environment. As the unit progresses, students will be examining personal actions and community solutions to address water sustainability in our world.

As part of this unit, students were offered the opportunity to participate in an incursion with an expert from the Mackay Regional Council’s Water Management Department. The presentation gave students an insight into the water story of the Mackay region as well as the water cycle and how water is treated. This was an invaluable experience for students and has inspired them to think about ways that we can better manage our water and what conservation efforts we could take. The students were even gifted with water bottles, pamphlets and a shower timer courtesy of the council. We thank Alaryse Whitton from Mackay Regional Council for sharing her expertise with our students.

Year 4 Teachers

PEER SUPPORT

Peer Support commenced last Friday, lots of fun was had for the first session. Peer Support groups run on Friday's in Term 2 from 8:45am - 9:15am. It is important that students arrive on time for school, so they don’t miss the start of Peer Support.

YEAR 5 AUSKICK LESSONS WITH HSC

Today, Year 5 visited the HSC Sports Organisation Year 10 class for some Auskick lessons.

Students rotated and practised different skills while the Year 10 students facilitated the groups.

Year 5 enjoyed the activity. Thank you to HSC for their partnership with Emmanuel.

School Choir

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 5.

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

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