Newsletter 18 June 2025

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

I recently read an interesting article about how we praise children at school and at home. The article suggested that we need to think of praise as a diet and that moderate amounts of praise won’t hurt children as long as it is balanced. Too much of the wrong type of praise can be harmful.

The article named two distinct forms of praise. Person Praise which involves assessment based on behaviour or performance and when given too often can produce helplessness, e.g. you are smart/good/cute etc. The second type of praise is Process Praise which focuses on effort and strategy and when given will promote mastery behaviours e.g. you worked hard, you studied wisely.

Children who are fed a diet full of Person Praise are more likely to be less persistent and have a more fragile sense of self. Children who receive more Process Praise showed greater persistence and had better self-worth. Moderate amounts of Person Praise won’t hurt as long as the diet is rich in Process Praise. An example of Person Praise vs Process Praise might be in the way you respond when your child brings home a well graded book report or assignment. Person Praise would sound like, “Wow, aren’t you smart!” (focussing on the person) A Process Praise response would be “Wow, great work, all your effort made your book report so good?”

Effective praise names the specific strategy, effort or skill that led to the good outcome. This demonstrates that the praise is sincere and it enables the person to know exactly how he or she brought about the outcome. Effective praise is a powerful tool and identifies what is working and creates winning streaks. Try it at home and see the effect, it really does work!

A teaching colleague passed on to me an article from the Sun Herald, the sentiments of which I believe warrant sharing. The headline immediately caught my attention: “Bullies take sticks and stones from playground to internet.”

Studies reveal that cyber bullying continues to be on the increase with obvious damaging consequences for our children. The major tools for this type of behaviour are the mobile phone and internet. The use is now so sophisticated that a new language is evolving.

In cyberspace technology and language, many adults are unaware of the terms, flaming; online denigration; masquerading and outing. I found it quite unnerving to think that I work each day in a large school and yet could be so unaware of these practices. The speed at which the technology age is moving is exciting on the one hand, but disturbing on the other.

As pointed out by Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading psychologists and spokesman for the National Coalition Against Bullying,.. “parents are typically ignorant of these potentially devastating new bullying methods.” According to Carr-Gregg, a person’s “Buddy List” (the contact list on one online chat program) is a social indicator of that person’s status. Of course, the larger the lists, the greater potential for harm and misuse. Carr-Gregg argues also that cyber-bullying is even more harmful than the traditional schoolyard bullying as the subject cannot readily access someone such as a teacher to report to.

Carr-Gregg urges a joint approach to the problem. He suggests that parents and internet service providers actively work together against cyber-bullying. He writes: My one plea to parents is to do something about children’s computers in their bedroom. Put it out into the main part of the house.  In this way supervision is easier and interception of incorrect use is more likely to be a reality. The time spent can more easily be monitored and sleep patterns will not be disturbed by its use.

There is no argument that if used well, modern technology is a very valuable asset to our way of life. However parents are challenged to be extra careful in providing these “tools” for children who may not have the maturity to use them wisely.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

REFUGEE WEEK - 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, 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 in need this Winter.

REPORTING ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

With report cards being available next week, it is timely to remind everyone about Religious Education and what it looks like in our school. Like all Catholic schools in the Rockhampton Diocese, Religious Education at Emmanuel includes the teaching, learning and assessment of the RE Curriculum and the Religious Life of the School.

Our RE Curriculum is organised into four strands – Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church and Christian Life. It is taught and assessed like all other subjects. Ratings and comments on report cards will reflect what the student knows, understands and can do.  Don’t be surprised to see comments about Scripture, the relationship between God and the Jewish people, life in First Century Palestine, the mission and ministry of Jesus, the Spirit of God and the prayer life of believers on Semester One report cards.

Remember we are not assessing or reporting on student’s faith or belief in God.

The Religious Life of the School includes our Catholic identity and culture, how we pray, worship and celebrate and the ways in which we promote and support social justice and action. Our Feast Day Mass and Beach Day, Mission Fair, Lenten Challenges, Soccertober and Stations of the Cross in Holy Week are just some of the highlights.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

Confirmation, the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, completes Baptism. Through the Laying on of Hands, renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Anointing with Chrism, candidates are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and called to become involved in the life and mission of the Church.

Bishop Michael McCarthy will be at St Joseph’s Church for Confirmation at 10:00am this Saturday 21 June. Students will then receive Communion for the first time at parish Masses this weekend. Please continue to keep these students and their families in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacraments.

Meals are very important events. Not only do we physically need food and drink to keep ourselves alive, but we use meals to mark occasions and celebrate events: birthdays; weddings; dates; achievements; disappointments; reunions. There is a sacredness about gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal together. Stories are told; memories shared; the food is appreciated and more often than not there’s a drink to accompany the meal. Treating such occasions with gratitude – as blessed moments of grace – is living out the Eucharistic reality of welcoming Jesus into our lives and seeking to be more like him.  (Greg Sunter)

Jesus had many meals with his disciples and friends, but only a few meals are written about in the Gospels. His Last Supper had a special significance. Not only was it his final meal, but it coincided with the great Jewish celebration of liberation called the Passover. During this meal Jesus gave the ritual bread and wine a new meaning, that of his own life. When he was no longer physically present with the disciples they were to continue to gather around a table, to share bread and wine, and by his words, ‘This is my body; this is my blood,’ he promised that in these gatherings he will be present.  (Mary Coloe)

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 next week and distributed to families in need in the coming weeks.  Many thanks for your prayers and to those who have already provided items.

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.

The road to EXCELLENCE is always under construction.  (Unknown)

Excellence is doing your best. It is applying yourself wholeheartedly to any task you do or to any relationship you have.  Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose.  It is giving careful attention to every job, and to the people you care for.  It is a desire to be all that God created you to be.

                                                    Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.     (Pat Riley)

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

SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS

A reminder to parents to please check that you have downloaded the 'Parent Orbit App' or can sign in to Parent Lounge online prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.

Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 4:00pm on Thursday 26 June

Access Report Cards via Parent Orbit App:

1. Open Parent Orbit App

2. Select 'Student' on the lower menu bar of the app

3. Select 'Academic Reports'

Access Report Cards via Parent Lounge (internet browser):

1. Open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website:  ecps.qld.edu.au

2. Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links

3. Click on the Parent Lounge icon

4. Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used

The goal of the reporting process is to support student learning progress by providing parents and carers with clear, individualised information about:

• the learning expectations for the student
• the student’s achievement against expected standards
• how well the student is engaging with expected learning
• progress that has been made since the last reporting period
• strengths that the student has demonstrated and areas of challenge that may require more attention
• ‘next steps’ that will help the student improve.

The semester report is one part of a feedback loop, along with regular and consistent written and verbal communication such as on-going feedback on tasks, parent-teacher interviews, and daily opportunities for parents to discuss questions and concerns with teachers. The report reflects an on-balance judgement about the quality of student learning, based on evidence collected during the reporting period.

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

UNIFORM IN COLD WEATHER 

With the cooler weather upon us, a reminder that the Emmanuel School jumper is to be worn.  The Uniform Shop has a large number of second hand jumpers for sale if you wish to purchase this item of clothing. Our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm.

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

NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

The Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday 14 July and Tuesday 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 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Every other event will be held at the Mackay ARC on Tuesday July 15. Schools are allowed to nominate four entries for the 100m and 200m and three 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 Friday 20 June with a $5 levy payment (cash only).

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 Friday June 20)
• 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

Around the School

A big THANK YOU to the Holy Spirit Dance Troupe who performed a hip-hop and jazz routine for our students at Assembly last Friday. It was great to see some past Emmanuel students as part of the group.

School Choir

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 8.

Congratulations to Lucy who was the highest fundraiser in the recent Colour Fun Run. She received her medal at Assembly last Friday. Thank you Lucy!

Vacation Care

Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the June / July School Holidays.

Finance

TERM 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS - OVERDUE

Term 2 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 28 April. Payments are now overdue.

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.

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

CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.

Community News