Newsletter - 18 September 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
One of the most important issues in society today is the way we care for, develop, value and celebrate our children and young people. As parents and teachers, we have the responsibility of working together to listen to what children are saying and most importantly to promote their well being.
Parenting is as challenging as it is rewarding. So, what might we do in our home environment to assist our children to be successful in the environments outside our home? The answer is to continue to provide good nurture, with plenty of love and encouragement that has sensible structures and boundaries.
Changes in society over the last 30 years have resulted in changed structure for many families. In the past, the task of parents in raising children was probably eased by the informal supports of the extended family, having a network of friends among neighbours and from living in a community that shared common interests and aspirations.
Nowadays, as individuals and families, we are very mobile. We travel around the country and overseas for work, for affordable housing, for fun. We get around our city, town or suburb much more easily than our grandparents could. We become involved in cultural activities, sports and hobbies even though they may be some distance from our homes. We make friends with people who live a long way off and we use new communications technology to maintain relationships with them. This single factor of mobility has greatly changed family dynamics.
Evidence has been accumulating about the best ways to promote the well being of our young people. Children’s Commissioner Gillian Calvert suggests it is critical for young people to have strong connections with their family and with the institutions in their community especially with their school. “Strong relationships are the best way to maximise the possibilities that children grow up safe and healthy, that they will participate in education, culture and employment and they will not become involved in violence and crime”.
To make life better for our children, we don’t need to access the internet from our mobile phone, or be able to convert foreign currency to dollars in an instant. We do need supportive families and communities. Time spent with your family is time well spent.
As this is the last Newsletter for the term, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. May the next two weeks be a time for relaxation and renewal, a time to spend with family, a time away from the routine of ‘school life’ and a time to enjoy the important part each of us plays in God’s greater story.
Have a wonderful week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
WHAT’S IMPORTANT? – A REFLECTION
A fisherman was sitting on a beach under a palm tree. He was relaxing and looking out to sea. A tourist walking on the beach stopped to talk to him. He asked the fisherman why he was not working. The fisherman replied that he had caught enough fish for the day to meet his needs and those of his family. Hearing this, the tourist asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The fisherman answered, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and take a siesta. In the evenings, I go into the village with my wife. We spend time with our friends, have a few drinks and sing a few songs. I have a full life."
The tourist interrupted, "I am a business man and I can help you! You should start by fishing for longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch and with the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
“What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy more boats and employ more people. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city. From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the business man.
“What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.
"Well my friend,” answered the business man, “that's when it gets really interesting. When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"
"Really? “What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live by the beach, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying time with your family and friends."
“You don’t need to wait for tomorrow to be happy and enjoy your life. Today is a gift - that’s why it is called the present.” (Unknown)
Enjoy every minute!
111th WORLD DAY of MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) is an annual event observed by the Catholic Church to express solidarity with migrants and refugees across the globe. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of those who are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, poverty, or environmental challenges, and to celebrate the contributions they bring to societies.
The WDMR was instituted by Pope Pius X in 1914 and has been observed since then, reflecting the Church's commitment to advocating for the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees.
This year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees coincides with the Jubilees of Migrants and of the Missions.
The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO), an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has created online resources to help celebrate this special day.
‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ (Mark 9:37)
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 Catholics around the world on Sunday 5 October to pray for those who must flee their homes in the quest for freedom, safety and a better life; and for those who welcome them home.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY ACTIVITY?
Why not have some family fun @ freerice.org these school holidays? This online challenge that rewards correct answers with ‘free rice’ is an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme. It is a great way to enjoy some friendly competition, practise your skills/increase your knowledge and help to feed the hungry in our world at the same time. There are various categories and levels of difficulty. It is worth the effort, for you and for others.
7000 grains of rice = 1 cup of rice
How many cups of rice can your family collect these holidays?
How many cups of rice can your family collect this October - World Mission Month?
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
INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING
Our Year 6D students continue to build meaningful connections through our intergenerational learning program with Oz Care. Every fortnight, they meet with their Oz Care friends, and today’s Zoom session was filled with laughter and lively conversation as they played 'Would You Rather' and a spirited round of Bingo. These virtual gatherings have become a highlight for our students, who always look forward to spending time with the residents. Next term, we’re excited to take the next step—visiting our Oz Care friends in person! We can’t wait to deepen these special friendships face-to-face.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY - FIRDAY 21 NOVEMBER
We’re excited to share that Emmanuel School will be hosting a Community Engagement Day on Friday, 21st November, and we would love to invite you to be part of it. The purpose of this day is to connect our students with the diverse and vibrant community groups that form our Emmanuel Community. We’re looking to bring in professionals and organisations from outside the school to share in a day of culture, art and movement! If you would be interested in collaborating with us on the day, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please note that this would be a paid engagement, in recognition of your time and contribution.
If interested, please email Brooke_Tomkinson@rok.catholic.edu.au
Brooke Tomkinson
Assistant Principal Curriculum (Acting)
APA News
SHORT-TERM CARPARK CLOSURE: HSC HOLIDAY UPGRADES
Parents are advised that Holy Spirit College will be commencing Solar Panel works in the Short-Term carpark in front of HSC from Monday 22 September until Friday 3 October 2025. During this timeframe, OSHC parents will be unable to park in the short-term carpark and are asked not to park in the Administration carpark in front of the Marist Centre. Parents are advised to park in the Stop, Drop, Go Zone when dropping off / collecting children during the school holiday period.
HAIR GUIDELINES - REMINDER FOR TERM FOUR
With the school holiday's approaching please take the time to review the school's expectations regarding hair styles at Emmanuel. There are some students currently in breach of these guidelines, and we ask that if your child's hairstyle does not meet the requirements below, that this is addressed over the holiday period. Thank you for your support of the school.
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.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
From our Counsellor
It's holiday time again!
For many of us, holidays are a time to get things done.
If one of those things for your family was finding a way to help your child with anxiety, depression or wellbeing, then Momentum Hub might be exactly what you are looking for.
Momentum is an online service which takes parent input and creates an online programme for your child.
Details are attached below.
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
SWIMMING CARNIVAL PERMISSION / NOMINATIONS
LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE
ONLY students who are nominated by parents via the emailed form/s will be swimming on the day!
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.
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.
EMMANUEL OZTAG TEAMS
Emails were sent home last week 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. Registrations will soon be capped due to the popularity of this competition. We have a couple of spots available in our Prep/Year 1 team, Year 2 team and Year 4 team. Please email lisa_bottcher@rok.catholic.edu.au if you have a child who would like to fill these spots. If you have any questions about registration please email Courtney at mackay@oztag.com
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Gabby who won the Harrup Park colouring in competition in the Upper Primary division. Her efforts were rewarded with a cricket prize pack. Well done Gabby!
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
Around the School
DRAMA NEWS
The Year Four classes have been creating, experimenting and performing with shadow puppets in Drama this term. Did you know that shadow puppetry originated in China and India up to 3,000 years ago? We have had a lot of fun working together and learning about this ancient art form!
DISCO FUN!
The Disco was fabulous!! Everyone danced and had fun! A big THANK YOU to our staff and P&F for making it possible.
WRITING AROUND OUR SCHOOL!
Recently, we were lucky enough to have a special visitor - Mrs Louise Dempsey from the 'Literacy Place' to work with our teachers and students. Being inspired by Mrs Dempsey, our Year 3 students wrote a poem - I like.... but I don't like.... Here is what they came up with:
School Choir
Year Two students are welcome to attend School Choir in Term Four. We look forward to seeing you there!
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 9.
Congratulations to these students pictured below who received a Service Award or an OPTI-MINDS certificate at Assembly on Friday.
Vacation Care
VACATION CARE PROGRAM
Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the September School Holidays.
Finance
2026 SCHEDULE OF FEES
The 2026 Fee schedule is now available in the link below:
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.
Community News
