Newsletter - 11 September 2025

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

This week I’d like to share with you two little rhymes which I’m sure you have heard before. “Two men look out from prison bars; one sees mud the other sees stars.”  (Author Unknown)  Another version of the same rhyme reads: “Two salesmen were sent to Africa by a Shoemaking Company to investigate and report back on market potential.  The first salesman reported: There is no potential there; nobody wears shoes!  The second salesman reported: There is immense potential there; nobody wears shoes!”

How important it is that we teach our children to have a positive attitude to life and to be optimistic about themselves.  As people of faith, we know that, as it is stated in the Psalms (16:11) ‘You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ In the midst of often seemingly unbearable sorrow and anguish, we know that our God is there holding us in the palm of his hand.

I love the saying: This too will pass, for in times of great happiness, it makes you feel grateful and in times of worry, it reassures you that a better day will come.  Such a wise saying can become your daily refrain.

We all know from experience that what we believe about ourselves affects the way we act.  As parents, you are the main influence in the development of self-belief within your children.  What you say, either positive or negative, can have a long-lasting effect on your children, because they believe you.  As parents you all want your children to think that they can do things, that they can give it their best shot.  One of the saddest things that teachers hear is the child who refers to himself or herself as “stupid” or “hopeless”.  It is incredibly difficult to change this early pattern of negative self-image.

Children’s belief in their own ability to do things is of great influence on their motivation, perseverance and success.  Self-belief can motivate children more than their actual skill level.  The more our children believe they can do, the more likely they are to generalise that self-belief to other areas of their life.  Self-belief is about being aware of and valuing your true self.  It is not about how others see you or how you think others see you.

Parents can help children to believe in their own ability by teaching them to take the initiative to make things happen, instead of waiting for them to happen.  For example, if your son cannot kick straight, go out and teach him the skill.  Show him that practice does make perfect.  Likewise, parents can help children to be proactive by helping them – not telling them – to think about options and solutions instead of problems and barriers.

“Your mind can think of only one thought at a time; make it a positive one.” 

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK (7 - 13 September)

National Child Protection Week is all about the ways that we can work together to build communities that support children and families. Children are safest when they are listened to, respected and believed.

In 2025, the National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘‘EVERY CONVERSATION MATTERS: Shifting Conversation to Action’.

Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well. Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.

This year’s theme highlights that while open discussions are crucial, words alone are not enough: we must turn dialogue into meaningful action.

For resources and to find out more about this year’s campaign visit www.napcan.org.au

‘Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well. What role can you play in supporting children and their families?’ (Leesa Waters, CEO, NAPCAN)

RE Matters

SEVEN WONDERS – A REFLECTION

A group of primary school children were asked to list what they thought were the ‘Seven Wonders of the World.’ Though there were some disagreements, the following choices received the most votes:

1. Egyptian Pyramids
2. Great Wall of China
3. Christ the Redeemer Statue
4. Machu Picchu
5. Taj Mahal
6. The Colosseum
7. Stonehenge

While collecting the votes, the teacher noticed that one student was still working on her paper.  She asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little bit. I can't quite make up my mind because there are so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help you."

The girl slowly read "I think the "Seven Wonders of the World" are:

1. To see
2. To hear
3. To touch
4. To taste
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. To love

“The most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”

(Author Unknown)

FEAST DAY

Celebrated on 12 September each year, the Feast of The Most Holy Name of Mary commemorates all the privileges given to Mary by God, and all the graces we have received through her intercession and mediation. It is a day of special significance for all Marists, who look to Mary as their model. 

FROM MARY we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things.

FROM MARY we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.

FROM MARY we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!

(Pope Saint John Paul II)

Tomorrow, all classes will offer a special prayer for the Marist Sisters who founded and staffed our school and continue to ‘live the Gospels as Mary did’ in our world today. The Chapel will be open for The Rosary at lunchtime and classes will visit throughout the day.

DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM

Throughout this term, our school has been 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.

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.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – UNDERSTANDING

“I am thankful for the gift of understanding. It enlightens my viewpoint.” (Unknown)

Understanding is sympathetic and sensitive. It is being aware of other people's needs and feelings. When you understand you are tolerant, accepting and forgiving of yourself and others. Understanding gives us the power to care, to show compassion and to learn.

“People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand them. (Unknown)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP: PARENTS IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

At Emmanuel, we believe that learning doesn’t stop at the school gate—it continues at home, in conversations, in curiosity, and in connection. One of the most powerful influences on a child’s learning is the partnership between school and home. When parents are actively engaged, children thrive. Lyn Sharratt, renowned educator and author of Clarity, reminds us that learning is most effective when it’s visible, purposeful, and shared. Her work highlights the importance of asking the right questions—questions that help children reflect, articulate, and take ownership of their learning. And who better to ask those questions than you, their parents?

Let’s be honest—have you ever picked your child up from school and asked, “How was your day?” or “What did you do?” only to be met with the classic response:

“Nothing!”

We promise you—our school days are jam-packed with learning, discovery, and growth. Sometimes children just need a little help unlocking those experiences.Here are five powerful questions, inspired by Sharratt’s work, that you can ask your child to spark meaningful conversations:

• What did you learn today?

• How did you do?

• What did you do if you didn’t understand?

• How do you think you can improve on your learning?

• What are you most proud of?

These questions do more than gather information—they build confidence, encourage reflection, and show your child that their learning matters to you. They also align beautifully with our school’s commitment to fostering independent, thoughtful learners who know how to evaluate and improve their own progress.When parents engage in these conversations regularly, they become co-pilots in their child’s educational journey. You don’t need to be an expert in every subject—just being present, curious, and supportive makes all the difference.

So, the next time you’re in the car, at the dinner table, or winding down before bed, try swapping “How was your day?” for one of these deeper questions. You might be surprised by the richness of the answers—and the pride in your child’s voice.

SENTENCE WORK - BY ARCHIE

' The white dog was at the windy beach when he met a beautiful crab and a mean bird! The hungry bird ate the crab! The white dog tried to protect it! '

Brooke Tomkinson

Assistant Principal Curriculum (Acting)

APA News

SCHOOL DISCO

DISCO SAUSAGE SIZZLE

All sausage sizzle pre-orders for 04 September disco have been cancelled due to being rescheduled.

Please pre-order your sausages for the rescheduled disco (Friday 12 September) for catering purposes only by midnight TONIGHT Thursday 11 September via the NEW TryBooking link below. 

CASH payment is to be made on the night

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2025

From our Counsellor

SchoolTV

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day and every day is the day to ask, 'Are you OK?'

It inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. 

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

Be sure to check out School TVs Special Report: R U OK? Day via our school website or the tab below.

Sporting News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL 
Our Year 2-6 Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at the Pioneer Pool on Thursday 23 October. 

Permission/Nomination Forms were emailed to the parents of students in Year 2 and in Years 3-6 on Monday 1 September. Please complete the form/s giving permission for your child/ren to participate in the carnival. 

A form needs to be completed for each child, even if they are not participating in events.

Year 2 students will participate in NOVELTY EVENTS in the wading pool and on the grass. Students who can competently swim are also invited to nominate in a WIDTH EVENT. 

Year 3-6 students may compete in either width OR length events, not both. 

Please Note: Points towards Age Champion are only awarded for length events, and only 50m swimmers are eligible to compete in the relays. 

Students swim in the age group that they turn in 2025.

Only students who are nominated by parents via the emailed form/s will be swimming on the day.

Forms must be submitted by 2:00pm on Wednesday 17 September. 

We are looking forward to another wonderful carnival. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend and cheer on the students as they vie for house points and a day of friendly competition.

PREP AND YEAR ONE - BLUE WATER LAGOON VISIT - THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER -TBC
While the rest of the school are at the pool, we are hoping that our Prep and Year One students will enjoy a visit to the Blue Water Lagoon. However, at this point we have not yet received confirmation of our booking and are having difficulty contacting the Blue Water Lagoon. A decision will be communicated in next week's newsletter as to whether this event may need to be rescheduled to later in the year. 

MDSS INTERSCHOOL CRICKET COMPETITION

I am very proud to announce that the Emmanuel Cricket team have been crowned champions in the Year 3 and 4 division of the MDSS Interschool Cricket Competition. They defeated Whitsunday Anglican School in the grand final 200 runs to 157 runs to win the trophy. This is the first time an Emmanuel team has won this competition. The boys were an absolute joy to work with each week watching their excitement and skills grow. They showed commitment, supported each other and were always polite to their opponents and the umpires. Thank you so much to the parents and staff who showed up to support our team. If there was a trophy for the loudest supporters we would have won that too. The Emmanuel spirit was high! Congratulations Daxton, Zethius, Vinshu, Jean-Pierre, Connor, Jarryd, Griff, Wes and Miller.    

EMMANUEL OZTAG TEAMS

Emails were sent home on Monday to all families who returned the Oztag note. Please ensure you register and pay for your child by the end of this term following the instructions sent in the email. We are still chasing three Year 2 students and two Year 4 students to complete our teams. Please email lisa_bottcher@rok.catholic.edu.au if your child would like to fill these spots. If you have any questions about registration please email Courtney at mackay@oztag.com

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Around the School

PREP - CREATING OUR VERY OWN BLUE THINGAMAJIGS!

YEAR ONE INSECT INVESTIGATION DAY

It was a wonderful day in Year One on Wednesday. It was our Insect Investigation Day. We had butterflies, bees, ladybugs, grasshoppers, elephant beetles, spiders and so many more insects join us for this bug-tastic day. The children all enjoyed writing about insects and spent the middle session rotating through lots of different insect investigations such as looking at insects through microscopes, building a ‘bug hotel’, playing a game of ‘Bug Jars’ outside and making their very own insect biscuit. We ended the day eating our biscuits together. Here is what a few of the students had to say:

1S:

Cooper: “I liked making my own bug cookies”

Georgia: “It was fun to dot paint my own butterfly”

Angela: “I liked drawing a bug on the magic paper”

Niav: “I liked playing Bug Jars outside with Miss Casey”

Ellis: “I loved absolutely everything!”

School Choir

Vacation Care

VACATION CARE PROGRAM

Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the September School Holidays.

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

The 2026 Fee schedule is now available in the link below:

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