Newsletter - 07 August 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
I pose for you the following question, ‘Are you a competitive parent?’ It seems that there is quite a culture of competition out there, with many of you becoming increasingly aware of society’s tendency to reduce the meaning of life to how much can be produced and consumed. Many people want to get off the treadmill which has them trying to keep up with others. They are tired of the stress this puts on everything from friendships to finances and parenting.
Of course it is not only parents feeling the pressure of this worldview of accumulation and competition; children are also feeling it. And why wouldn’t they, when they are surrounded by the symbols of status that come at them from all angles, from their peers, the television and social media. It’s hard to escape when multi-million dollar advertising campaigns convince us that we can’t live without whatever it is they are selling. Does every child really need a smart phone? Brand-name clothing and shoes? The latest gadget? Half a dozen activities after school? It takes a strong awareness of what is important, a strong sense of moral purpose to hold firm against the inevitable pressure. In a world that has become so busy, so time-poor, so focussed on money-making and having everything now, on image and symbols of success, it is easy for children and their accomplishments to get sucked into the competitive mix.
Why not get back to the basics? Mums and dads spending real time with their children, on activities that cost little (or nothing). Real time together – just talking while baking a cake, digging a flower bed or going for a walk along the beach. What about talking in the car instead of children watching a movie or using the ipad on the backseat? Why not ride the bikes and teach the children road safety? Watch a great movie together and discuss its meaning and moral. Aren’t children today in the care of others long enough? Isn’t it time to reclaim parenting by spending time with the children, to really get to know them, and they, you? To have fun, relax and chill with them just because you love them and like them and want to be a positive influence.
Is it any wonder there are so many anxious kids today? So many anxious parents? Life is so busy and adults so distracted, that perspective is easily lost with the smallest matter catastrophized and a scapegoat sought. Maybe it’s time to step back and take stock.
When these children are grown up, what will be remembered (and valued) more – the new Nike sneakers or the regular Saturday afternoons with dad? The expensive birthday parties or the daily family meals around the table discussing life matters that changed as the years passed? The gymnastics lessons or the cartwheels and chasing games in the backyard with mum and siblings? Perhaps your family can do both? Great. But maybe you can’t and then the questions are, Do I need to provide these things to be a good parent? To keep up appearances? Am I stressing myself and the budget to provide these things for my children? Is this what my children really need? What really matters here? What am I teaching my children in the process?
Have a great week everyone. Enjoy time with your wonderful children. I know the best parts of my week are those spent talking with students about the ups and downs that affect their lives.
It’s a privilege.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
TWO HORSES – A REFLECTION
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse, but if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting - one of the horses is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing, but if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a metal bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives……and at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.
(Author Unknown)
CELEBRATING GOD WITH US
Our Feast Day Mass yesterday was a wonderful celebration. Our students listened and participated prayerfully and sang beautifully. It was wonderful to have so many members of our Emmanuel Family joining us to celebrate.
A big THANK YOU to Fr Andrew, who presided at our Mass, for his continued support and encouragement, Mrs Whelan and Mrs Dale for sharing their amazing musical talents, our fabulous staff who prepared our students and all who contributed to the planning and organisation of this liturgy.
FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS
Our Beach Day, walkathon and picnic at Bucasia Beach were lots of fun. A big thank you to everyone who helped to make it such a wonderful day. The sun was shining, the beach was long, the sausage sizzle was delicious and a great time was had by all.
ST MARY OF THE CROSS PRAY FOR US
Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842. She was the eldest child of Alexander and Flora MacKillop. Mary had three sisters and four brothers.
Mary was a teacher. She loved books and learning and wanted all children to go to school. In 1866 Mary set up her own school. It was called St Joseph’s School. Mary loved God and wanted to teach everyone about Him. Mary showed her love for God by helping others. Mary helped people who were poor, lonely, homeless, sick or old.
Mary became a nun. She promised to work hard for God. Mary started the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph. The sisters worked together to care for people in need. They opened schools and taught people about God. Mary MacKillop kept her promise to God. She travelled around Australia and shared her love of God with others.
Mary MacKillop died on 8 August 1909. People remembered all the work that Mary had done for God. They asked the Pope to make Mary a saint. Mary MacKillop was canonised on 17 October 2010. She is Australia’s first saint. Her feast day is 8 August.
(written by Mrs Kliese and 1K, October 2010)
Quotes attributed to St Mary of the Cross Mackillop
“We must teach more by example than by word.”
“Find happiness in making others happy.”
“Be a gift of love and compassion for one another.”
“So great is the strength we possess in our unity.”
Find out more about Mary Mackillop @ http://www.marymackillop.org.au/
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
We were really excited to welcome more than 200 grandparents and great grandparents to our prayer celebration on Friday. It may have been wet and raining, but our Open Classrooms and Family Picnic that followed our time of prayer were well attended and enjoyed by all.
We give thanks to God for our wonderful community of faith, learning and family.
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 if they are safe or unsafe. Next week‘s lessons will include the naming of private body parts and body ownership. Our safety lessons will then be focusing on the second safety message: React.
It is important that these key safety messages are reinforced, both at school and home. I encourage you, wherever possible, to talk with your child about safety to help them stay safe now and in the future.
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.
“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Service is giving to others and wanting to make a difference in their lives. It is looking for ways to be helpful instead of waiting to be asked. The needs of others are as important to you as your own. When you work with the spirit of service, you give any job your best effort. You make a real contribution. People who want to be of service can change the world.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
ICAS ASSESSMENTS ARE UNDERWAY!
A big thank you to all the students who have registered for this year’s ICAS assessments! We kicked things off on Tuesday with the Digital Technologies test, and we’re proud of everyone who participated.
Upcoming ICAS Schedule:
- Digital Technologies: August 5
- English: August 12
- Science: August 19 & 21 (to cater for Yr 5 students on camp)
- Mathematics: August 26
We wish all our students the very best for this competition!
WRITING AROUND OUR SCHOOL
Our Year Six's have been exploring figurative language - specifically creating a great 'Hook' to engage our readers! Here are some examples using our mentor text "Pookie Aleera is NOT my boyfriend!" by Steven Herrick
Character: Mick
Hook: Creak! The glass door with its rusted, metal handles, flung open. A small, deep voice ran through the classroom, "Can I have Mick please?" it said. My heart pounding, I followed the small voice, only to find myself, being lead to the principals office... (Lotti & Harsha)
Character: Cameron
He slowly raised his hand in panic. "Miss?" Mrs Arthur's eyes darted over to the boy, knowing that he just wanted a laugh. "Yes Cameron?" He bit his lip and crossed his fingers for a laugh. "I've lost my mobile phone Miss."... Selina laughed.
Character: Jacob
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to fly? Well I was about to find out. There was one obstacle in my way! A flat, smooth, groundsman shed.
Character: Laura
As the girl in the vacant seat in the 3rd row in class 6A waltzes through the corridor, everyone turns their attention to get a glimpse of the nerd that talks to herself. Laura is the non, the non existent girl.
BOOK WEEK 2025 - SAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY 29 AUGUST
Brooke Tomkinson
Assistant Principal Curriculum (Acting)
APA News
SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photos are being sent home by classroom teachers TODAY
EISTEDDFOD - SCHOOL CHOIR
MACKAY MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE
On Friday 25 July, two Emmanuel teams represented our school at the annual Mackay Mathematics Challenge. Teams consisted of three Year 6 students and two Year 5 students. Congratulations to the following students on your participation, teamwork and exemplary behaviour:
Year 5 students: Michael H, Mikito N, Noah S, Albert L
Year 6 students: Max C, Jonty W, Kayden H, Siale H, Thomas W, Connah C (absent in photo)
A special thank you to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School for hosting the event and Christine Davies for organising the challenge.
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE - FRIDAY 15 AUGUST
Next Friday, 15 August, is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Parents and schools form an important partnership in ensuring that children are kept safe and enjoy their time at school. The 'BULLYING NO WAY' website provides some interesting and informative advice to parents and teachers to help empower and educate them about this important topic:
Talking about bullying
Children and young people who know what bullying is, and know what to do about it if it happens, also know they are not alone in dealing with it. They know that parents and teachers will be willing to help if needed.
Don't wait for bullying to happen to talk about it.
Use opportunities in conversation
Parents can use the many opportunities that arise to talk with their child/ren about how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other. If your child tells you about things at school or you see things in public that involve conflict or bullying, and if it is appropriate, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.
Talk about what bullying is before it happens so children can recognise it and know what to do.
First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself by checking out the formal definition of bullying at understanding bullying. You can also find ways to describe bullying that are suitable for children of various ages.
Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens over and over and makes you feel like you can't stop it. If you want, you could use some of these questions:
- What do you think 'bullying' is?
- Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?
- Why do you think some people bully other kids?
- Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
- Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?
- Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?
- What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?
- Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?
Tell children that bullying can happen to anyone but it is NEVER OKAY. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure children know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.
Most importantly, let children know how to get help if bullying happens.
Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens, and to keep on asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. Read more about what to say at responding to bullying.
Talk with students about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.
Parents and carers have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to argue or disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.
Words to avoid
Avoid describing a child as a 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in research and in the media, they are not very helpful for finding positive and lasting solutions.
Talk about bullying with the understanding that children and young people are growing and still learning how to be effective members of the community.
When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.
Children can change the way they behave with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.
The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.
Keep communication open
Children and young people will ask for advice and help with problems if they think parents and caregivers are interested in them and their concerns.
When parents and carers spend some time each day asking about what happened during the day, and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.
Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about, but don't jump in to solve their problems. Ask them what they think they can do about it.
Be alert too, that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.
Read more about what to say and do if your child tells you about bullying.
Students are invited to add something ORANGE (t-shirt, socks, ribbons, shoelaces) to their uniform on Friday 15 August, to raise awareness of this important topic.
Challenge Cup Awards will be presented at Assembly Friday 08 August 2025
SAVE THE DATE - SCHOOL DISCO - THURSDAY 04 SEPTEMBER
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
From our 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
LEAGUE STARS PROGRAM
Carly and Madi from the NRL visited us today to promote their League Stars Program. 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 held TOMORROW 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/
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
School Choir
Finance
TERM 3 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS- OVERDUE
Term 3 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 15 July. Payments are now overdue as of 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
TUCKSHOP NEWS
Due to work commitments and illness, the tuckshop is in need of volunteers for Mondays and Tuesdays. Please contact the office if you can assist on these days, even just for a few hours once a month.
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.
