Newsletter 12 June 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to the boil. In the first she place carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and place it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.” “Carrots, eggs and coffee,” she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?” her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity – boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a break-up, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
I recently reflected on the above and was somehow reminded of the following words of Scripture
“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious:
He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”
We have all been called to be cornerstones in our own lives, at times we must be pillars of strength for those around us. But at other times we must lean on others for support. How we handle life’s difficulties will ultimately be reflected in how we are as people. Are we carrots, eggs or coffee?
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
PAINTING GOD – A REFLECTION
A teacher asked her Year One class to paint something. She told them that it was their choice, they could paint whatever they wanted to. All the children got busy. Some painted dinosaurs, others rainbows and unicorns. There were frogs and beaches, houses and colourful fish. As the teacher walked around, she noticed that Georgia was particularly focused on her painting. ‘What are you painting Georgia?’ asked the teacher.
‘I'm painting God’ replied the little girl.
‘Well, that must be difficult because no one knows what God looks like.’
At this, Georgia stopped, looked up and confidently announced, ‘But they will when I'm finished.’
What do you think God looks like?
Where do you see the face of God?
WATER BUCKET CHALLENGE – WALK FOR WATER
Did you know that more than 2.2 billion (1 in 3) people around the world, do not have water security – they don’t have access to clean drinking water, water is scarce and/or they need to make long, sometimes treacherous, journeys every day to collect water.
At our Athletics Carnival yesterday, a group of students and staff walked around the school carrying buckets of water. We did this in solidarity with the large number of women and children who walk for water every day. We started with about thirty students. As the walk continued, some dropped out and others joined. When we crossed the finish line some 110 minutes later, we had walked just over six kilometres. Some of the students, walked from beginning to end. We are so proud of them. They gave up the chance to cheer their team mates on, to raise awareness for people they will never know.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who added a donation to our buckets. We hoped to raise awareness, but with your help we were also able to raise funds to support the work of CARITAS, who work in communities around the world, where water continues to be a life and death issue.
For more information, visit https://www.caritas.org.au/global-issues/water/
REFUGEE WEEK
Next week is Refugee Week. The theme this year is ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’.
Refugee Week is a time to reflect on the challenging journey towards freedom that many refugees take, escaping oppression and uncertainty for safety, and how we as a community can welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers in building a life here in Australia. Christ calls us to honour the human dignity of all and to welcome the stranger, who is, indeed, not a stranger but our sister or brother.
The Diocesan Social Justice Group have prepared an article for your reflection that has been drawn from the Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement from 2015-16, titled For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas: Justice for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
We invite you to take the time to learn more about this issue, engaging with recommendations both in the article and the original Bishops’ statement, and taking the time to reflect on how we can welcome the stranger in our own lives.
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.
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. We also pray for those who welcome and support them in their new countries, homes and lives.
ANYTHING BUT A BACKPACK DAY
What would you take with you if you had to flee your home with nothing but a backpack and the clothes on your back? This is the reality for many refugees. What if you didn’t have a backpack? What would you take your belongings in?
To raise awareness of refugees and how they can only take what they can carry, we are having an ‘ANYTHING BUT A BACKPACK Day. On Friday 20 June students are invited to bring what they need for the school day in ‘anything but a backpack’ – shopping bags, sports bags, drawstring bags, your choice. Be creative, but remember students must be able to carry it, it should keep their belongings together and safe and have their name on it. Gold coin donations would be very much appreciated – we will forward them to Vinnies to help them support those who need it this Winter.
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.
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 – CREATIVITY
“Creative people do not see things for what they are, they see them for what they can be.” (Unknown)
Creativity is the power of imagination. It is discovering your own special talents. Dare to see things in new ways and find different ways to solve problems. With your creativity, you can bring something new into the world. Creativity helps us to be all we are called to be.
“My dear young people, the Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.” (Pope Francis)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
ICAS - ACADEMIC COMPETITION
If you are interested in entering your child, please complete the link below:
Parent Code: YKT454
Parent Page Link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YKT454
Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm
READERS CUP CHALLENGE - CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS!
A huge congratulations to Lailah, Sophia, Charlotte, and Mia-bella for their incredible effort in the Readers Cup competition! Over the past term, these dedicated students have been diligently reading, taking notes, and preparing for the challenge. Their enthusiasm and commitment made them strong contenders, and they represented Emmanuel with pride.
A heartfelt congratulations also goes to all the schools that participated, showcasing a love for reading and learning. A special thank you to St Mary’s for hosting such a successful and memorable event.
Well done to everyone involved—what an inspiring celebration of literature and teamwork!
APA News
PREP VISION SCREENING
The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will be screening (student's with consent) on Wednesday 23 July 2025. It is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. Vision screening checks for common eye conditions which may affect your child's ability to see, learn and develop.
The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened- “What is Prep Vision Screening?”
For further information contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program on 1800 687 372.
Online consent will close FRIDAY 27 JUNE 2025
REMINDER: 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.
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.
Resilience is the focus of our Peer Support activities this year. Be sure to check out all School TV's fabulous parent resources on building and supporting resilience.
Sporting News
2025 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL WRAP UP
There was plenty of colour and enthusiasm on show this week at our Athletics Carnival held on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was great to have so many parents and members of our Emmanuel family there to join the excitement and celebrations. Students participated in field events, ball games and running races, encouraging each other, and enjoying the day together. Our House Captains and Year Six students displayed fantastic leadership in the way they organised the cheering, assisted younger students and worked with staff.
A day like this is not possible without many hands. A big thank you all the staff at Emmanuel who contributed to making the day such a fabulous success. An extra special thank you to Mrs McDonald, Mrs Mansfield, Mrs Tomkinson, Mr Michael, Mr Bill and Mr Dempsey for putting in many hours of work before the carnival to provide coaching sessions, organising trials, setting up and preparing the grounds for events. Thank you also goes to our tuckshop ladies and all volunteers who assisted with the Sausage Sizzle and J&J Wiredbird Coffee Van.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following Houses:
Sue Stock Memorial Trophy (House Spirit) - Carroll
Faix Family Relay Trophy - Castles and Wallace
Weissman Family Trophy (Participation) - Castles
Marist Sisters Trophy for Champion House
1st - Castles (601 points)
2nd - Wallace (540 points)
3rd - McBride (523 points)
4th - Carroll (492 points)
Age Champions
CONGRATULATIONS to the following students who were crowned as 2025 Athletics Age Champion.
9 year girls - Elle B (McBride)
9 year boys - Conrad M (Castles)
10 years girls - Sophie W (Wallace)
10 years boys - Eli B (McBride)
11 years girls - Josie B (Castles)
11 years boys - Luke P (Carroll)
12 years girls - Lila T (Wallace)
12 years girls - Jack S (Wallace)
CONGRATULATIONS to the following students who broke a record at this year's Athletics Carnival.
Conrad M - 9 years boys 800m
Penelope J - 9 years girls Discus
Eli B - 10 years boys 800m
Luke P - 11 years boys 800m, 200m and 100m
Josephine B - 11 years girls 800m
Lila T - 12 years girls 800m
NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival will be held on the 14 and 15 July which is the first and second day of term 3. The only event held on Monday July 14 will be the 1500m race. This will be held at Mackay North State High School from 3:30pm until 4:30pm. Every other event will be held at the Mackay ARC on Tuesday July 15. Schools are allowed to nominate 4 entries for the 100m and 200m and 3 entries for each other event. Notes will be coming home tomorrow to students who have been successful in their selection to this event. If your child is unable to attend please let Mrs Bottcher know as soon as possible so that I am able to offer a position to a reserve. Notes are due back to the sports box in the library by Thursday June 19 with a $5 levy payment (cash only).
JOHN PAAP RUGBY LEAGUE - A SEASON OF DEDICATION
Our Emmanuel boys played their final match of the John Paap competition yesterday, facing off against an experienced Marian State School side. Despite a hard-fought effort, they went down 4 tries to nil. While the result may not have been what they hoped for, their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship have been nothing short of exceptional.
Over the season, the team displayed resilience and skill, securing three wins and three losses—an impressive performance that reflects their commitment to the game. As they shift their focus to the upcoming Challenge Cup, training will continue throughout the term, ensuring they are ready for the battles ahead.
A huge thank you to our dedicated parents for their ongoing support, our amazing referee Titan; and to coaches Mr. Dempsey and Mr Charles for generously volunteering their time and expertise to help shape our players into stronger athletes and individuals. Well done, team!
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.
- Northern Suburbs ATHLETICS (Due Thursday June 19)
- MDSS 10 - 12 yrs CRICKET Trials (Due Monday July 14)
Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport.
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
Congratulations to Sophie who recently travelled to Toowoomba to compete at the State Championships in the sport of Hockey. Sophie was part of the Capricornia team who placed 6th in the Championships. Amazing achievement Sophie!
Around the School
PREP LUNCHTIME FUN!
Our Prep students are enjoying home corner activities during lunchtime each day. Thank you to the staff involved in setting this up for our Preps - they are loving it!
SCHOOL DISCO
The Disco was fabulous!! Everyone danced and had fun! A big THANK YOU to our staff and P&F for making it possible.
School Choir
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 7.
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 we are unable to secure any more volunteers to assist on a Friday,
this service will NOT be available to families on this day.
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.
SWAP IT!
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
Mackay Show Public Holiday
Thursday 19 June
Please Note: Friday 20 June is NOT a Pupil Free Day at Emmanuel Catholic Primary School
CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.
Community News
