Newsletter - 16 October 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.

SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON                          

Show children that wisdom is to live healthily, to think positively, to read spiritual books, and to relax often enough. As a parent, recognize that it is difficult to educate some children to wisdom when they like to eat sweets, watch TV, and do only what they want to. As children grow, they are in a constant struggle between short- and long-term thinking, and as a parent, it is your role to guide them in learning how to tune into their deeper selves, to delay instant gratification, and to realize the virtues of self-discipline.

Lead by example: be strong, clear, and show them the value of freedom to make choices and to think for themselves. Children learn primarily by watching positive role models, with education supplementing what they have already learned from those they trust and love the most.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

FAMILIES LEAVING

At this time of the year, plans are being made for 2026 and the key factor upon which planning is based is enrolment facts and figures. Whether it’s class composition, number of classes, number of staff members or budget planning, it is essential to be as accurate as possible in predicting the number of students at Emmanuel come January next year. Can I ask then that you keep us informed about potential moves between now and the beginning of the year? Thank you for helping us to be well-prepared for the year ahead.

DAY FOR DANIEL - WEAR RED

All students are invited to wear something red (t-shirt, socks, shoelaces, ribbons) with their school uniform on this day.  It is not a free dress day.  Donations are welcome but not required for participation. 

Students in all year levels will also participate in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson on this day.

For more information about the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and ‘Day for Daniel’ go to: http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/

RE Matters

MONTH OF THE ROSARY      

During October we are encouraged to pray The Rosary and to reflect on the mysteries of our faith which it memorialises. Please join us in praying this beautiful prayer for peace in our homes, school, community and world.

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”

(Saint Francis de Sales)          

To find out more about The Rosary and how to pray it, go to Catholic Online:

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php

ROSARY ART

It’s October and we are celebrating the Month of The Rosary with a new and exciting Rosary Art competition.

All students and staff are invited to submit an entry in one of the following categories:

• Colour an image of Mary (available from the office and classroom teachers)
• Design your own image of Mary
• Illustrate one of the Mysteries of The Rosary

Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Images and illustrations should be created on A4 paper/card.

Entries must be submitted to Mrs Kliese by Friday 24 October.

All entries should have a completed entry form glued on the back.

Good Luck Everyone - Let the creativity begin!

OCTOBER - WORLD MISSION MONTH

This month we are once again celebrating SOCCERTOBER.

It is always a fun way to raise awareness and funds for the Missions, walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who are experiencing poverty, develop positive attitudes, and practise the virtues of gratitude, generosity, love, consideration and so much more.

SOCCERTOBER is an opportunity for us to focus our attention on those less fortunate than ourselves and to be grateful for all that we have. Students in all classes have been exploring Catholic Social Teaching and participating in activities that promote JUSTICE, PRAYER and ACTION.

People all over the world play soccer (football) - race, colour, culture and creed are irrelevant. For some it is a way out, for many it is time out from the difficulties of life and something to enjoy. 

See an inspiring ‘soccer’ clip which promotes working together, perseverance, hope, gratitude, creativity and more @  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU4oA3kkAWU   LOVE THIS CLIP!!!!

Tickets in our SOCCERTOBER Raffle are on sale now. Tickets are 50 cents each or 3 for $1.00.  The winner will win a soccer ball for themselves and a soccer ball for their class. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the month.

Some fabulous ‘Mission Markets’ and a Coinline Challenge are also planned. Please encourage you child/ren to do some jobs at home to earn their participation. All monies raised will be forwarded to the Missions.  Together we can make a difference. 

Thank you to students who bought Jibbits and Badges at this week’s markets. Good news – if your child missed out, there are some left, and we will be selling them again tomorrow. House Badges for the Swimming Carnival will also be available.

Next Week’s Mission Markets will be ‘Everything Soccer’ – badges, keyrings, scrunchies, hairclips, rings, stress balls…. (priced 50cents, $1.00, $2.00).  Available outside the Prep G classroom from 8:10am on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from the library at lunchtime on Tuesday and Wednesday. All monies raised will be forwarded to the Missions.

Our exciting Walking Soccer Competition is also back in 2025.  Our Year Three and Year Four students will play their preliminary rounds tomorrow, the Year Five and Year Six classes will play theirs on Friday 24 October, and the grand finals will take place on Friday 31 October. It promises to be lots of fun! Let the games begin!

P-2 students will also enjoy some SOCCERTOBER fun and games on Friday 31 October. More details to follow.

CELEBRATING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

On World Mission Day, which we celebrate each year on the penultimate Sunday of October, we recall with gratitude all those men and women who by their testimony of life, help us to renew our baptismal commitment to be generous and joyful apostles of the Gospel. (Pope Francis 2021)

This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis and carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, ‘Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,’ highlights hope and unity, showing how together we can turn faith into action.

Please join with Catholics around the world this Sunday to pray for those in need and those who generously support them in word and action. Remember to pray for yourself and the people you love and the members of our school, parish and local communities who live the mission of the Church every day.

ACTION ACTION WE WANT ACTION

Why not have some family fun @ freerice.org this World Mission Month? 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 this October?

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Our annual parish Christmas Raffle is back in 2025!  With $15 000 in Cash Prizes, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 19 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Tickets are available online, before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office

(Monday - Friday 9am to 12:00pm - phone 49574855).

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 – JUSTICE

Justice is being fair in everything you do. It is standing up for your rights and the rights of other people.  It is taking responsibility if you make a mistake and making amends.  Justice is about recognising the inherent dignity of every person. It is acting fairly, treating others with respect and kindness, and contributing to the common good. Justice is not just about laws and rules; it is a way of living in harmony with God’s will, seeking what is right and good for everyone. When justice is practised, everyone has a fair chance to be seen for who they are. They are not judged by their gender, race, ability or religion. With justice everyone gets a fair share.

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

 (Micah 6:8)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY - FIRDAY 21 NOVEMBER

We’re excited to share that Emmanuel Catholic Primary 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

CLASSES 2026

Term Four will see staff arrange classes for the 2026 school year. This process is very deliberate and time consuming, but also very important to creating balanced classes throughout the school. I would like to provide parents with some of the underlying principles that drive our decision making:

1. We always aim to create classes that are balanced in need. We consider the academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs of the children when placing them in a class. This is never straight forward and often needs considerable thought. A past practice has been that students nominate a friend, but as you can appreciate this is very difficult to accommodate in a school with 596 students. This practice will not be a deciding factor in class placements.

2. We consider the gender balance within the group, the body of knowledge that we have gathered on each child and any parent input that may assist.

3. We always endeavour to be just, fair, and compassionate to the needs of each child.

I invite parents to write to me if you have information about your child that may assist the staff in placing your child. While I always stipulate that parents are not able to request certain teachers and groups of friends, there is often information that, as a school, we are unaware of and would benefit from knowing. Please put your consideration in writing and send to the office addressed to Miss Rostirolla by the end of Week Three, Friday 24 October. 

I would also like to stress that our staff know their students very well and will do their very best throughout this process. I urge parents to trust us in making informed decisions that we consider will be the best for each child.

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal

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.

Sporting News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL 

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at the Pioneer Swim Centre next Thursday 23 October. The carnival is for all students from Years 2-6, with students competing in the age group that they will turn in 2025.

Permission/Nomination Forms have now closed and no new nominations are possible. 

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

A very big THANK YOU to parents who have completed and submitted the form/s.

Year 2 students will participate in width events in the main pool and/or novelty events in the wading pool and on the grass. They will then return to school mid-morning (approx. 11:00 am). 

 All other students (Years 3-6) will return to school around 2.00pm, ready for dismissal at the usual time of 3:00pm. Students will travel to and from the pool by bus.

Reminders:

• Only students who have been nominated by their parents via the Google Form will be participating/swimming in events.
• SLIP! SLOP! SLAP!
• A LARGE water bottle / school hat is a must.  Students will be reminded to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
• Students need to bring sufficient food and water to see them through the day.  A packed lunch is essential.
• The pool canteen will have snacks available from 11:00am.
• Leave all valuables (iPods, games, smart watches etc.) at home.
• No coloured zinc or crepe paper is allowed, as this interferes with the pool.
• The marshalling area is out of bounds to everyone except the competitors.
• A designated parent area is allocated on the eastern side of the pool. Please bring a chair/rug and umbrella for shade.
• The Year 2 novelty area will be roped off – parents are asked not to sit in this area.
• Students may wear closed-in shoes to school and change into thongs / crocs before boarding the bus for the pool.
• It is expected that students return to school via bus at the end of the carnival.  However, if you are collecting your child from the pool, please sign your child out at the sign-out sheet located at the scorer's desk.
• Parents are responsible for non-school age children – they cannot be in the wading pool.
• We ask that student swimming attire be brightly coloured – NOT the same colour as the pool.
• Entry is free for parents

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 - FUN DAY - THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER

We have not yet received any confirmation from the Blue Water Lagoon for our Prep and Year One visit. 

Students in Prep and Year One will participate in a 'fun day' at school on Thursday 23 October. Students can wear 'free dress' on this day. Please note: There is NO tuckshop available on this day.

AUSKICK AT EMMANUEL

This week, our students were lucky to have Alex Brooks running Auskick clinics in their PE lessons. Alex visited us to promote the Auskick program which will be hosted at Emmanuel this term. It will be held on our oval from 3:10 - 4:10pm on Thursday afternoons starting next week and will run for six consecutive Thursdays. 

Auskick is an introduction to Australian Football. With game-based activities kids love, learning is disguised as playing. Auskick is open to everyone from 5 - 12 years. Alex is very engaging and the students always thoroughly enjoy his lessons. This program is highly recommended to get kids moving! To sign up please visit this link https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d521c6 If you are still on the fence about registering your child, the first session next week is free. From Week 2, students must be registered to continue.

Students who wish to participate are welcome to bring a change of clothes to school next Thursday afternoon and will meet Alex on the oval straight after school. Hope to see lots of Emmanuel students there!

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Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

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 1.

Congratulations to the students picture below who received their Student Council Badge for Term Four.

Finance

TERM FOUR SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Term Four Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 13 October and payments are due 27 October.

As we are nearing the end of Year for families who have a Direct Debit Authority in place that would like to review arrangements for 2026, please contact our finance team, enm_finance@rok.atholic.edu.au.

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.

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

NON STATE SCHOOLS TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: 

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

Community News