Newsletter - 4 August 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
One of the great things about children is watching them grow. Each and every child in our school grows in different ways. Last term I was interviewing kindergarten children for Prep placements for 2023. Even in those hour long interviews I could see so many differences in the children. Some came along full of boundless energy, ready to answer questions, eager to please, others were circumspect, shy and unsure of what lay ahead. Indeed when this group of beautiful individuals begin schooling in 2023 they will respond in so many different ways. They will make mistakes, they will fall over, they will do things that are inappropriate, they will also do things we don’t expect, they will challenge us and one another, they will laugh, cry and capture our hearts.
Children are unique. No two are the same. That’s what makes them special. Catholic schools are places that welcome all kinds of children. We aren’t a selective school that “weeds out” the ones that don’t fit in, we don’t turn away children because they behave or respond differently from the norm. In fact quite the contrary, we should and do welcome the marginalised as that is what being Catholic is about. As the adults in our community we have a critical role in the education of children. This applies to not only how we treat our children but equally how we respond to all members of our community.
As adults we are often challenged by how we perceive other children are treating our children. As a “rule of thumb” we must seek first to understand and then seek to be understood. When things don’t appear to have gone well for our children the best way we can support all of the children involved is to discuss with school the circumstances. If we choose to lay blame at other children or our school this will do little to improve the situation. Indeed our own children watch and respond based on our own responses. If we choose to look for a solution that maintains the dignity of all involved, it is our children who will learn to approach circumstances such as these with dignity and empathy.
Life is about learning. Learning from others, learning from circumstances, learning from the environment. Each and every day our students teach me more about them and indeed teach me so much about myself. Your children are blessings that enhance the quality of our world. Celebrate the blessings around you this term.
“A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against the other. Each one is different, each one is special, each one is beautiful.” (Anonymous)
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
GOD WITH US – A REFLECTION
The man whispered, "God, speak to me."
And a meadowlark sang, but the man did not hear.
So the man shouted, "GOD, SPEAK TO ME!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky, but the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And a star shone brightly, but the man did not notice.
And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!"
And a life was born, but the man did not realise.
So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know that you are here!"
Where upon God reached down and touched the man, but the man brushed the butterfly away ……. and walked on.
(Author Unknown)
God is with us – We just need to open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to see, hear and love him in the people we meet, the life we lead and the world we share.
BEACH DAY – WALKATHON
Our annual beach day and walkathon will held tomorrow, Friday 5 August, at Bucasia Beach. Each year this walkathon is held in conjunction with our Feast Day Celebrations. Families are asked to sponsor their child’s/children’s walk by giving them a gold coin to donate. All monies raised will be added to our ‘Walk for Water Challenge’ total collected at the Athletics Carnival.
The children will travel to and from Bucasia Beach Park by bus. They will participate in the walkathon and beach activities before enjoying a sausage-sizzle lunch, kindly donated and cooked by the Emmanuel P&F Association.
Prep students are to wear their PREP UNIFORM and students in Years 1-6 are to wear their SPORTS UNIFORM. All students need to 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.
FEAST DAY MASS
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 Tuesday 9 August to celebrate. Mass will begin at 9:00am. All welcome.
A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 9.00am - 10.00am as ALL STAFF will be attending the Mass.
THE EMMANUEL GAMES
While the eyes of the world are turning to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, we are hosting our 13th Emmanuel Games. Students in all year levels are currently competing in their class events. These are not the conventional sporting events of the Commonwealth Games, but rather virtues, qualities and behaviours which are within the potential of every student and which enhance everyday relationships.
Competition will continue next week, and classes will be preparing banners and practising cheers ready for the medal presentations on Friday 12 August. Parents are welcome to join the fun.
Please Note: Teachers will not be advising parents if their children are receiving a medal. We all have to be patient, just like our students.
Be sure to check out the clips on our Emmanuel Facebook page that introduce the game and events.
AUSTRALIAN SAINT - MARY MACKILLOP
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)
Find out more about Mary Mackillop @ http://www.marymackillop.org.au/
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
Our annual Catholic Education Week Family Picnic was a wonderful occasion enjoyed by all who attended. A big thank you to all who joined the fun. It was great to have you here to celebrate with us!
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK – SERVICE AWARDS
At Assembly last Friday, ‘Service Awards’ were presented to students who have made a special effort to be of service to others throughout the year. A big thank you to staff who recognised and appreciated the contribution of these students and nominated them for awards.
Henry Porter for his consistent and positive leadership. He is a thoughtful and reliable student who treats all members of our school community with respect and kindness. We appreciate his happy and friendly nature, helpful cooperation and willingness to encourage and include others. We congratulate and thank him for showing, in word and action, what is important to us at Emmanuel.
Ainsley Barber for representing our school with pride and enthusiasm. On the stage, sporting field and in academic competition she displays confidence, fairness and determination to do her best and to encourage and support others. We appreciate her positive attitude, team spirit and respectful interactions with her peers and other competitors. Congratulations and thank you for sharing the gift of yourself with all of us.
Ben Tickle for his generous and thoughtful support of younger students. He is a helpful and enthusiastic buddy who displays initiative, patience and understanding. We appreciate his willingness to assist and encourage others without being asked and congratulate him on his happy, friendly and positive attitude.
Congratulations to these Year Six students whose service provide a positive role model for their peers and younger students.
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.
Information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum can be found at:
https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/school-curriculum/Pages/danielMorcombe.aspx.
For resources and information about child safety go to:
https://danielmorcombe.com.au/fact-sheets/
https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe-resources/
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, updates and to book for weekend Masses go to the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – SERVICE
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.
“Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.”
(St Teresa of Calcutta)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
BOOKWEEK
This year the theme of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week is “Dreaming with eyes wide open…” We are looking forward to celebrating Bookweek on Friday 26 August with a “Dress as your favourite book character day”. On this day all parents are invited into classrooms at the beginning of the day to read or listen to a student read their favourite books. Each classroom will have a display linked to one of the CBCA Shortlisted Books for 2022 for you all to see when you visit your child/ren's classroom.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
CYBER SAFETY TALK
Sgt Nigel Dalton has been invited to speak with our Year Five and Six students next Monday 8 August and will share information and strategies to inform our students on cyber safe practices. We look forward to sharing more information next week after we have heard Sgt Dalton’s presentation.
FLU SEASON REMINDER
As you are aware every year Queensland experiences an influenza or flu season. It is timely to remind parents and caregivers not to be complacent about flu. Queensland Health advises that where possible, people need to be vaccinated for the flu every year.
Flu is a virus more serious than the common cold and can be spread through talking, coughing, and sneezing. Symptoms include sudden fever, dry cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose.
If your child has flu-like symptoms, the following is advised:
- Keep your child home from school.
- Ensure your child washes their hands regularly with soap and water or sanitiser gel.
- Encourage your children when coughing or sneezing, to cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately.
- Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.
- Consult your doctor if you are concerned about their symptoms.
Queensland Health Guidelines advise that individuals displaying flu like symptoms should stay at home until symptoms have passed.
Families should also reinforce the recommended protective actions listed above.
Increased awareness and ongoing attention to prevention and control measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, are steps that we can all promote to reduce the impact of influenza.
STOP, DROP AND GO REMINDERS
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Please note there will be no assembly tomorrow Friday 5 August as it is our Beach Day.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
Principal's Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received Virtue Vouchers and Principal's Awards this term.
Around the School
BOOKFAIR
Our school is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair 8 – 12 August in the Emmanuel Library.
Times: Monday to Thursday 8am – 3:30pm and Friday 8am – 1:30pm.
You and your child will have the opportunity to explore a huge range of affordable books featuring characters and subject’s children love and want to read about. From newly released books and bestsellers to award-winning titles and perennial favourites.
This is also a great way for you to learn about and discuss your child's interests and every book sold benefits our school, adding resources to our library and classrooms.
Scholastic Book Fairs help us show students the wonder of reading. After all, when children choose their own books, they will be more excited to read, and they will naturally read more!
Term 3 School Fees
Term 3 School Fee Statement were emailed on Friday 22 July, with payment for those paying the account in full each term due by the 5 August. Statements can also be viewed via your Parent Lounge Portal.
The Year 6 Seaforth Pines Camp, and the Year 5 Leadership Camp were also charged on this fee statement. Please refer to correspondence from the Year Level Camp Co-ordinator in relation to payment of the camp charge. We remind parents that school fees are required to be up to date, including the camp payment prior to students attending.
CONCESSION CARD DISCOUNT
Parents/Carers with an eligible means tested Australian Government Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card will automatically receive a 70% discount against the Tuition portion of their fees. Please follow the link for further information regarding eligible cards. If you require any further information, please contact the Finance Office.
Tuckshop News
Our very busy Tuckshop is ugently in need of more volunteers. At this point we have no one on our emergency list to cover volunteers who become unavailable. Please phone the office if you can help.
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
Angie & Carly
Tuckshop
Notices
Lost Property
We have a large amount of lost property located in front of the office.
Please have your child check the lost property box if you are missing any items.
Community News
ST ANNE'S GARDEN PARTY
More tickets have been released for the St Anne’s Garden Party. This is a great day out and is a LADIES 18+ event only. Get your tickets for a day of great food, music and fun.
Garden Party Ticket Link - www.trybooking.com/CAKAT or scan the QR CODE
Raffle Link - www.rafflelink.com.au/stagp22 or scan the QR code
