Newsletter - 24 July 2025

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Next week celebrations will take place throughout Queensland to mark Catholic Education Week. The theme for Catholic Education Week this year is Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.  This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.  As a child I was fortunate to attend a Catholic school for both my Primary and Secondary years of schooling.  Although my parents were not financially well off, it was important that their four children were educated in Catholic schools. 

Most teachers in Catholic Schools in the 1960’s were Religious Orders of Sisters who came from overseas countries. As a child, my peers and I enjoyed the order and discipline of our primary school of that era, and felt that it gave us all a feeling of belonging and self-worth.  We regarded our teachers not as friends, but as highly respected leaders and helpers, whom we were happy to obey, for we knew that they had our best interests at heart. I am forever grateful to these dedicated women who ensured that the values taught at home were lived out at school. These religious orders, supported by lay teachers, have made an enormous contribution to Australian learning and culture over the past 150 years. 

Since the 1960’s government funding has been provided and Catholic schools today are staffed by lay teachers committed to the goals of Catholic education.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of individuals and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

Catholic Education

• Is a faith-based education which places the values of Jesus at its centre.
• Is a high quality, holistic education for 1 in 5 young Queenslanders, educating them to be well informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community.
• Values diversity and treats each student with dignity enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all.
• Nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness.
• Prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources.
• Is an integral part of the local and universal Church.
• Occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.

During Catholic Education Week 2025, Catholic education communities across Queensland are invited to celebrate and share all that has occurred within their school communities since Catholic schools were established in Australia over the past 200 years.

We at Emmanuel would like to invite all families to join in our Catholic Education Week celebrations by attending a community Morning Tea next Friday 01 August commencing 10.30am on the grassed area outside the Library (Mary Moore Resource Centre).  Mums, dads, grandparents and the wider ‘Emmanuel Family’ are encouraged to bring along a picnic morning tea which may be shared with your children during this time.  We look forward to you joining us in this special celebration.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

FRECKLES - A REFLECTION

A woman and her young grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger stripes and leopard spots.

"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the grandson.

Embarrassed, the boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."

The boy looked up, "Really?"

"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."

The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face and softly whispered, "Wrinkles.”

(Unknown Author)

‘GRANDPARENTS ARE A TREASURE!’ (Pope Francis)

On 26 July each year we celebrate the feast of St Joachim and St Anne. They were the parents of our Blessed Mother, Mary and the grandparents of Jesus.  Their feast reminds us of the love, support and wisdom of our grandparents and that we should appreciate and give thanks for the blessing they are to each of us.

We will give thanks for the gift of grandparents at a special prayer celebration on Friday 1 August.  It will take place in the Marist Centre at 9:30am.  All grandparents welcome.

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS

This Sunday 27 July, the Church will celebrate the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. 

The theme this year is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sir 14:2).

These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age.

In the Jubilee year, the Day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.

Click on the tab below to read the Pope’s 2025 message:

Click on the tab below for prayers, resources and ideas on how to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly:

CELEBRATING WITH OUR PARISH

This month’s Children’s Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am this Sunday 27 July at St Joseph’s Church. Students wishing to participate in the ministries should contact Mrs Kliese in the office.  We are looking for readers, singers and students to bring forward the gifts. Our school group will sit together near the piano. All welcome!

These Masses are always a wonderful celebration and a great opportunity to support and thank our parish.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK (21-27 July)

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated across Queensland 27 July – 2 August this year. This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

The 2025 theme is ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.’

Catholic Education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

The State’s Catholic Education Week Launch will be live streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton on Wednesday 30 July at 11:00am.  Bishop Michael will be presiding.

At Emmanuel we will be celebrating Catholic Education Week with a number of activities.

Classes will explore the theme and pray daily for all students, families and staff of Catholic schools.

Throughout the week, students in all year levels will participate in ‘Acts of Kindness’.  They will be encouraged to make an extra effort to Make Jesus Real in the way they Greet, Speak and Treat others.

Wednesday 30 July

Coffee and a Chat (7:30am – 8:30am)

Parents are invited to meet staff and other parents on the concrete area between the Year One and Year Five classrooms for a coffee treat.

Thursday 31 July

Chapel Mass (8:00am)

We will join with Holy Spirit College and Fr Andrew to celebrate and give thanks for the contribution our AMAZING staff make to our school and college communities. All welcome!

Friday 1 July

Grandparents Prayer Celebration (9:30am)

Please join us in the Marist Centre to give thanks for the gift of grandparents.

Open Classrooms (following our prayer celebration)

Pop into your child/ren’s classroom to see what they have been learning.

Annual Catholic Education Week Family Picnic (10:30am)

This morning tea will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building.  Please bring a chair or rug and some treats to share with your child/ren. We look forward to as many members of our Emmanuel Family as possible joining in this celebration.

FEAST DAY

On the 6 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord.  It is the Fourth Luminous Mystery of The Rosary and tells the story of Jesus being transformed, and of God proclaiming from heaven that "This is my beloved Son." This feast celebrates the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor (Mark 9:2-10, Matthew 17:1-9, Luke 9:28-36).

The Transfiguration is our school feast day and each year we gather to remember and celebrate that ‘God is with us.’

Please join us in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 6 August to celebrate. Our Mass will begin at 9:00am.  All welcome! 

BEACH DAY – WALKATHON

Our annual beach day and walkathon will be held on Wednesday 6 August at Bucasia Beach.  Each year this walkathon is held in conjunction with our Feast Day Celebrations and raises awareness of and money to support a justice initiative.  All students are asked to bring a gold coin donation.  All monies raised will be added to the funds raised through our ‘THE BIG WALK' and ‘Walk for Water’ challenges to support those who do not have water security.

Students travel to and from Bucasia Beach Park by bus. They participate in the walkathon and beach activities before enjoying a sausage-sizzle lunch, kindly donated and cooked by the Emmanuel P&F Association.

Students are to wear their SPORTS UNIFORM and bring their morning tea and a bottle of water. Every child must wear their SCHOOL HAT and is encouraged to apply SUNSCREEN.

If your child carries medication (such as an asthma puffer) this must accompany them to the beach.

CELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK

We have had a wonderful week celebrating and learning about our First Nations People. 

On Tuesday some of our indigenous students and staff, school captains, student leaders and Leadership Team participated in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph’s Church. All who attended participated prayerfully and proudly represented themselves and our school. Bishop Michael, assisted by all of our Mackay priests, led this wonderful celebration. Congratulations to all who planned and organised this Mass and provided the amazing music and singing.

Tomorrow morning at Assembly, Year 5H will lead us in a special NAIDOC prayer.  This will be followed by a performance by a local Torres Strait Islander dance troupe. Students will then participate in a morning of NAIDOC and cultural activities and our Walk for Reconciliation. A big THANK YOU to Mrs Penola, Mrs Tomkinson and all staff who have organised these celebrations and activities.

DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM

Throughout this term, our school will be implementing the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum with students in all year levels. The curriculum is based on principles of best practice in child safety education and centres around three key messages: Recognise, React and Report. Through a series of lessons, students will learn how to recognise, react and report when they are unsafe or find themselves in situations that can have a significant detrimental effect on their physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing.

Recognise

The focus of lessons in all classrooms next week will be RECOGNISE - the first key safety message of the curriculum. Recognise is about being aware of your environment. Children, young people and adults can all learn to take notice of what is happening around them to help keep themselves safe. Everyone can use clues, such as the things we see, hear, smell or feel to help protect us from harm and keep ourselves safe. Clues can be simple things that warn us about a danger, like hearing a fire alarm or seeing smoke, that prompt us to react. We can also use clues to prepare for potentially unsafe situations.

When we recognise that there might be a safety problem, we can take steps to move away or reduce the risk or develop strategies that can help keep us safe.

It is important that the key safety messages of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum: Recognise, React and Report are reinforced, both at school and home. I encourage you, wherever possible, to talk with your child/ren about safety to help them stay safe now and in the future.

Information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum can be found at:

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 – PURPOSEFULNESS

 Being purposeful is having a clear focus, instead of being unsure of what you are doing or why you are doing it. You are acting purposefully when you have a goal you are working toward. You concentrate your mind and your efforts to achieve your goal. You have a positive attitude and don’t let obstacles stop you from doing what is important. Some people just let things happen. A purposeful person makes things happen.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” (Lewis B Carrol)

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

WHITSUNDAY VOICES 

“Best day ever!”, “I loved it!”, “I want to write a book!” — these were just some of the reactions from students who attended this year’s Whitsunday Voices Literature Festival.

The festival was a resounding success, with renowned authors sharing their wisdom, connecting with students, and most importantly, igniting a genuine love of literature.

From discussions to writing workshops, the event created space for students to explore storytelling, ask big questions, and imagine the possibilities of their own literary journeys.

We’re so proud of the students who participated and grateful to Whitsunday Voices for crafting such an unforgettable experience.

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Brooke Tomkinson

Assistant Principal Curriculum (Acting)

APA News

LATE ARRIVAL & EARLY DEPARTURE

• Classroom rolls will be marked each morning at 8:45am. If your child/ren arrive at school after this time, it is necessary for a PARENT / GUARDIAN to sign in at the school office. 
• If your child is being collected during the school day by any person who is not listed in your emergency contact list we ask that you notify the office BEFORE pick-up occurs and advise the office staff of this arrangement. 
• Staff cannot dismiss a student if the person collecting your child/ren is not listed as an emergency contact in your file and permission has not been communicated to the office or teacher.
• We ask that you ensure your contact details and emergency contacts are up to date via Parent Orbit App / Parent Lounge.
•  A reminder that when collecting your child during class time, you must report to the Administration Office and advise staff of the necessity for early collection.  Your child will then be called to the office, whereby you may then sign-out / collect your child.  Please do not collect students directly from the classroom without first presenting at the school office.  

MATHS PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATH COMPETITION

All the best to the Year 5 and 6 students who will attend the Maths Primary Schools Maths Challenge at St Joseph’s tomorrow.  Mr Dempsey and Mrs McDonald will accompany our students. The teams are as follows:

Team 1 - Connah C, Thomas W, Kayden H, Mikito N, Albert L

Team 2 - Siale H, Max C, Jonty W, Michael H, Noah S

JEWELLERY AND UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

Please find below the school’s expectations in regards to hairstyles and jewellery. 

HAIR GUIDELINES

HAIRSTYLES ARE TO BE APPROPRIATE FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENT

Students attending Emmanuel are expected to wear their uniform in a way which reflects pride in their school and in their own personal appearance.  Accordingly,

• Hairstyles should be appropriate to this expectation – extreme hairstyles are not acceptable.

• Hair should be clean, brushed and generally neat – not unruly.

NOT PERMITTED:

• Variations to hair colour
• Cut less than gauge three
• Hair longer than collar length and fringe past the forehead is to be tied back
• Spiked cuts
• Wedge cuts
• Track cuts
• Multiple braiding
• Rat’s Tail
• Mullet Cuts

• If hair bands or scrunchies are to be worn, they are to be gold or blue of the school colours.  No decorative hair bands are to be worn.

IF PARENTS ARE UNSURE OF SCHOOL UNIFORM OR HAIR STYLE REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL OFFICE FOR CLARIFICATION OR REFER TO OUR WEBSITE FOR UNIFORM GUIDELINES.

JEWELLERY GUIDELINES

As per the Uniform List:

- Girls are permitted to wear only small sleepers or studs in the lobe of the ear – one pair only. NO drop

  earrings are to be worn, in accordance with Workplace, Health & Safety. 

- Boys are not permitted to wear earrings.

- A small cross and chain around the neck is permitted, preferably long enough to be worn inside the uniform

  for safety purposes. 

- Rings are not permitted under any circumstances.

- Fitbit / smart watches may be worn, however, communication / messaging functions MUST be disabled.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2025

From our Counsellor

A new programme is on offer at Mackay Youth Support Services.

The programme is called step-up and is aimed at 10 to 17-year-olds who behave disrespectfully towards their parents.

In this case, being disrespectful goes beyond the occasional storm off to the bedroom, this programme is targeted at early abusive or violent behaviour.

Examples of this might include:

• standing over a parent or sibling physically.
• early coercion, refusal to participate or behave in an age appropriate manner unless they are receiving something.
• gender or other stereotyping: "girls can't play football" or an unwillingness to hear a female's view as her own decision making.
• damaging property as a means of coercion or intimidation.

Step-up works directly with children, and parents.

I have attached the flyer for this programme and another programme "who's in charge" which is a parenting programme designed to help parents regain control in their home.

Shane Sturdy is the facilitator of step-up and is happy to discuss the programme with anyone interested on 0447 418 940 or 0417 223 747.

As always, if you need advice or support, feel free to reach out to me between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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.

Sporting News

CHALLENGE CUP - RUGBY LEAGUE CARNIVAL RECAP

Last week, 15 passionate and determined rugby league students represented our school at the annual Challenge Cup Rugby League Competition. Over three action-packed days, the team proceeded through the first two days, undefeated, finishing at the top of their pool—a huge achievement out of 24 participating teams.

While the semi-final result didn’t go their way, with no reserves and multiple injuries, the boys displayed unwavering resilience. Not once did they drop their heads. Their determination and effort was truly inspiring.

Beyond the scoreboard, their sportsmanship shone bright. They encouraged their peers on the netball team, showed respect to every opponent they faced, and made their coaches incredibly proud. The carnival wasn’t just about rugby—it was about friendship, spirit, and unforgettable memories.

A special thank you to the organisers of the carnival, our dedicated parents for transporting, supervising, and cheering on the boys, and to our wonderful coaches—Mr Charles, Mr Battaia, and Mr Dempsey—for guiding the team through another successful Challenge Cup.

CHALLENGE CUP - NETBALL RECAP

The skies were clear, the weather was hot and everyone was excited for the Challenge Cup in Yeppoon last week. The Emmanuel netball and rugby league teams made the trip south this year.

The Emmanuel Netball team included Leela, Lilli, Lila, Claudia, Madi, Josie, Ellie, Emmy, Ivy and Laliah. The team played extremely well, displaying amazing teamwork and sportsmanship. The girls came home with the Bowl winning their grand final in a nail-biting game against St. Brendan’s Mackay. Well done to all the girls for their amazing dedication and enthusiasm. You all made the school proud! Thank you to all the parents who helped make this carnival a fun experience for all. A massive thank you to past Emmanuel student and Challenge Cup Netballer Mia (Claudia’s older sister) who assisted Mrs Mansfield in coaching the girls. It was very much appreciated.

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TOM DEARDON GALA DAY

On the final day of Term 2, twenty enthusiastic Year 4 and 5 students from Emmanuel proudly represented our school at the annual Tom Deardon Gala Day. Their performance on the field was a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and school spirit.

The team played five  matches , winning four—an outstanding achievement! The boys showed exceptional sportsmanship and determination throughout the day, making our school community incredibly proud.

Thanks to all the students who participated, our coaching team and the parents for their support.

LEAGUE STARS PROGRAM

This week in PE lessons students were lucky to have NRL game development staff visit our school to promote their upcoming League Stars Program. Madi, Jaz and Brielle delivered high quality, skills based lessons to our students. These lessons were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

All Emmanuel students are invited to participate in the League Stars program which will be held at Glenella State School on a Friday afternoon from 3:30-4:30pm. The first session will be on August 8 and it will run for 6 weeks. The program is aimed at students aged 5 - 12 years and introduces them to the game of Rugby League. No Rugby League experience is necessary. All lessons will be fun, active and non-contact. There will be no tackling in these sessions. The cost of the program is $89 which includes 6 x 1 hour sessions and a League Stars pack. For more information or to register your child please visit https://www.playrugbyleague.com/league-stars/

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INTERSCHOOL CRICKET COMPETITION - Years 3-6

MDSS will be running an interschool cricket competition this term for boys and girls in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. This competition is for both experienced and beginner players. It is a great opportunity for students to get together after school for a bit of fun and friendly competition. Notes will be handed out tomorrow to any student who wishes to register their interest in this competition. At this stage we are only taking expressions of interest to see if we have the numbers to form teams. Queensland Cricket Participation officers will supply all equipment and be on hand to assist coaches and players as necessary.

When: Begins Wednesday 6 August and will run until Wednesday 10 September.

Time: Games will begin at 3:45pm and finish at 5:15pm. Games will be 90 minutes in length.

Where: Harrup Park

Cost: $10 per player

Expression of interest notes are due back to school by Tuesday July 29. Please email Mrs Bottcher if you have any questions or if your child is absent tomorrow and would like a note.

MDSS CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Hunter and Wes who has been selected in the Mackay Cricket team. Well done Hunter and Wes, an amazing achievement! Good luck at the Capricornia Trials.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

School Choir

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 1.

Finance

TERM 3 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Term 3 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families yesterday, 15 July with payment due Wednesday, 30 July.

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). 

2026 SCHEDULE OF 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.