Newsletter - 11 August 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
“Most of the problems in our world would be solved by looking in the mirror
before looking out the window…….” (Anonymous)
As a Catholic school we believe in the importance of celebrating Mass. The Mass enables us to gather and experience the joy of Jesus’ love for each of us. For me the breaking open of the word via readings from the bible allows me to reflect on my own life. When I listen to the word of God I ask myself “so what”? What can words that were written around two thousand years ago be of meaning for me in 2022?
Some while ago, I found myself drawn to reflecting on the parables that were shared at a Sunday Mass (Matthew 13:24-43). The readings resonated well for me. They reminded me, that “We ALL have weeds in our own gardens that need tending to”. I was drawn to thinking about how could I be a better sister, aunt, school leader, colleague and friend. What do I need to do in my relationships to make a difference in the world? What is it that I need to do better?
Commentators have often discussed the Australian “tall poppy syndrome”. To put it simply, many Australians will seek to find fault in others, in the case of the “tall poppies” it is those who have had some sort of success. Equally, we too can be drawn into looking or even seeking out ways to be negative about “ordinary people”. It can be difficult to see the good in others if we only ever see or hear of negative things.
As a Catholic school community, we must continue to challenge others and most importantly ourselves to reflect the news of the gospel. We are challenged to uphold the core values of our school “Love, Justice, Respect, Faith, Honesty and Dignity”. By reflecting these values we are becoming part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Children never cease to amaze me in their capacity to “forgive and forget”. They have the ability to “move on” if the adult examples show them the way. It is our responsibility to continue to model to our children the sorts of behaviours that are reflected in the school values.
Ask your children this week in what ways have I reflected the core values of Emmanuel?
“We must teach more by example than by word.”
(Mary MacKillop)
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
I WANTED TO CHANGE THE WORLD – A REFLECTION
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself. I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
(Author Unknown)
This story reminds me of the movie “Evan Almighty.” Newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter wanted to change the world. He prayed to God to give him the opportunity. God listened to and answered Evan’s prayer…..but not quite the way Evan thought He would. After lots of twists and turns, the building of an ark and a very big flood, Evan realised that the best way to change the world was one Act of Random Kindness at a time.
THE ASSUMPTION
On 15 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast reminds us that having completed her earthly life, Mary was ‘assumed’ body and soul into heavenly glory. In this way, Mary was honoured as the mother of Jesus and of the Church.
On Monday, we will gather in the Marist Centre at 9:00am for Mass. Fr Stephen will lead our celebration and a group of students and staff from Holy Spirit College will be participating. All members of our Emmanuel community are welcome to attend.
FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS
We have been having a wonderful time celebrating our school feast day, The Transfiguration of the Lord.
At Mass on Tuesday Fr Stephen explained the meaning of The Transfiguration and how it is relevant in our lives today. The students participated prayerfully and sang beautifully. A big thank you to Fr Stephen who continues to encourage and support us, Mrs Whelan and Miss McDonald who provided and led the wonderful music and singing and to all member of the Emmanuel Family who joined the celebration.
Our Beach Day, walkathon and picnic at Bucasia Beach was 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.
Our celebrations continue tomorrow with the Medal Presentation Ceremonies of the 13th Emmanuel Games. Competition has continued this week and classes have prepared banners and practised cheers. Gold, silver and bronze medals and bouquets will be presented. Parents are welcome to join the fun.
Prep - Year 2 Medal Ceremony - 9:00am
Years 3 - 6 Medal Ceremony - 11:30am
Please Note: Teachers will not be advising parents if their children are receiving a medal.
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.
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 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 – INTEGRITY
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” (Dr Seuss)
Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right. It is being honest and sincere with others and yourself. You have integrity when your words and actions match. You fill your life and mind with love, kindness, reliability and service. Integrity is living by your highest values.
“The things you do when no one’s looking are the things that define you.” (Unknown)
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 delivered the ‘Think You Know’ cyber safety presentation to our Year Five and Six students on Monday, 8 August. As always, Sgt Dalton was engaging with his use of IT to show reenactments of real events, high student involvement and Miss Giarrusso being an honorary police officer for some time. Listed below is a highlight of content and strategies discussed with Sgt Dalton, who encouraged students to go home and speak with family members about what they discovered.
Photo Privacy
- A selfie was taken by Sgt Dalton and using ribbon, he visually highlighted how photos can move from person to person once published.
- The question, “Are your photos private?” sparked valuable conversations, resulting in students becoming highly aware that it is impossible to know or control where photos will go and deleting the image does not remove it should others have it.
- Images can be used for blackmailing purposes.
Social Media
- The legal age for social media was highlighted – Minimum of 13 years of age.
- Profile privacy settings should be on ‘private’ or ‘friends only’.
- Have a username that does not identify details about you.
- Not everyone is who they say they are. Be aware who you are friends with online. Students were given warning signs on how to spot a person not truly being who they say they are.
- Data retrieved from a photo or video post, with some examples below:
- Name of a person – if embroidered or written on personal belongings
- School uniform - shows what school a person attends
- Geotag – highlights the specific location a photo was taken.
Safe Gaming
- Average gamer was revealed to be 32 years of age.
- Recommendation to play in single player mode or multi player with trusted friends only.
- Trusted friends are those people who you know offline.
- Adhere to age ratings.
- Nothing is so bad that you cannot tell someone.
- Report any concerns to a trusted adult.
KIDSHELPLINE
Share A.W.A.R.E Resource
SCHOOL PHOTOS
On Monday, School Photos were delivered to us and were distributed to students that afternoon. Please contact your classroom teacher if you do not receive your order. For any other issues, please contact advancedlife photographers directly.
Some parents opted to collect photos directly from the school office and these are now available for parents to collect.
Please find below a message from advancedlife photographers:
advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Emmanuel Catholic Primary School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS AUSTRALIA
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Please note there will be no assembly tomorrow Friday 12 August as it is our Emmanuel Games Ceremony.
Prep - Year 2 Medal Ceremony - 9:00am
Years 3 - 6 Medal Ceremony - 11:30am
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
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!
From our Counsellor
Term 3 School Fees
Term 3 School Fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the Finance Office.
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
