Newsletter - 18 August 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
I pose for you the following question, ‘Are you a competitive parent?’ It seems that there is quite a culture of competition out there, with many of you becoming increasingly aware of society’s tendency to reduce the meaning of life to how much can be produced and consumed. Many people want to get off the treadmill which has them trying to keep up with others. They are tired of the stress this puts on everything from friendships to finances and parenting.
Of course it is not only parents feeling the pressure of this worldview of accumulation and competition; children are also feeling it. And why wouldn’t they, when they are surrounded by the symbols of status that come at them from all angles, from their peers, the television and social media. It’s hard to escape when multi-million dollar advertising campaigns convince us that we can’t live without whatever it is they are selling. Does every child really need a smart phone? Brand-name clothing and shoes? The latest gadget? Half a dozen activities after school? It takes a strong awareness of what is important, a strong sense of moral purpose to hold firm against the inevitable pressure. In a world that has become so busy, so time-poor, so focussed on money-making and having everything now, on image and symbols of success, it is easy for children and their accomplishments to get sucked into the competitive mix.
Why not get back to the basics? Mums and dads spending real time with their children, on activities that cost little (or nothing). Real time together – just talking while baking a cake, digging a flower bed or going for a walk along the beach. What about talking in the car instead of children watching a movie or using the ipad on the backseat? Why not ride the bikes and teach the children road safety? Watch a great movie together and discuss its meaning and moral. Aren’t children today in the care of others long enough? Isn’t it time to reclaim parenting by spending time with the children, to really get to know them, and they, you? To have fun, relax and chill with them just because you love them and like them and want to be a positive influence.
Is it any wonder there are so many anxious kids today? So many anxious parents? Life is so busy and adults so distracted, that perspective is easily lost with the smallest matter catastrophized and a scapegoat sought. Maybe it’s time to step back and take stock.
When these children are grown up, what will be remembered (and valued) more – the new Nike sneakers or the regular Saturday afternoons with dad? The expensive birthday parties or the daily family meals around the table discussing life matters that changed as the years passed? The gymnastics lessons or the cartwheels and chasing games in the backyard with mum and siblings? Perhaps your family can do both? Great. But maybe you can’t and then the questions are, Do I need to provide these things to be a good parent? To keep up appearances? Am I stressing myself and the budget to provide these things for my children? Is this what my children really need? What really matters here? What am I teaching my children in the process?
Have a great week everyone. Enjoy time with your wonderful children. I know the best parts of my week are those spent talking with students about the ups and downs that affect their lives.
It’s a privilege.
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
THE LEAST – A REFLECTION
It was a cold Sunday in Winter. The church’s parking lot was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that several people were pointing and whispering among themselves as they walked towards the church.
As I got closer, I saw a man sitting up against the church wall. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds, dirty pants and a woollen scarf. His toes stuck out the holes in his old worn shoes. He wore a felt hat that was pulled down so that his face could not be seen. I assumed this man was homeless and asleep, so I walked on by and in through the front doors of the church.
Those of us seated in the pews were enjoying a quiet chat when someone brought up the man who was resting outside. Some people gossiped and wondered about who he was and where he had come from, but no one had bothered to ask him to come in, including me.
A few moments later, the organ started playing and we all joined in the opening hymn. We were waiting for the preacher to take his place when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man, walking slowly down the aisle with his head lowered.
People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up into the pulpit. When he took off his hat and coat, my heart sank. There stood our preacher. He was the "homeless man". No one said a word. The room was silent and still.
The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand.
"Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I'm preaching about today.”
(Unknown)
GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!
After weeks of training and competition, the medal presentation ceremonies of The Emmanuel Games were held on Friday. Teams (classes) displayed the banners of their events and celebrated their champions (medal winners) with a cheer/song which they had written especially for the games. Students were applauded for their achievements and recognised with bouquets and medals. It was fantastic to see how all the students entered into the spirit of the games and congratulated each other on their participation and success. Well done everyone!
We have had lots of fun celebrating that ‘GOD IS WITH US’ this year – Mass, Beach Day, The Emmanuel Games!
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
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 gathered in the Marist Centre for Mass. Fr Stephen lead our celebration and a small group of students and staff from Holy Spirit College joined us to honour Mary. A big THANK YOU to Fr Stephen and all who set up and assisted with the music.
MISSION FAIR
Our annual Mission Fair will be held on Wednesday 7 September. The staff has been busy organising stalls and we are all looking forward to another fabulous fair. A list of stalls and activities will be included in next week’s newsletter.
Please encourage your child to do some jobs at home to earn their spending money for this exciting event.
Tickets in the multi-draw raffle will be on sale on Monday. They are great value at a cost of 50 cents each or three for $1.00. Our Year Six Leaders will be selling the tickets before school and at lunchtime each day. The raffle will be drawn after the Mission Fair.
TRASH AND TREASURE
The Year Six students will be running a Trash and Treasure stall at the Mission Fair and are looking for donations of pre-loved books, puzzles, toys, games, collectables and knickknacks to sell. They can be sent to school from tomorrow. The Year Six students will collect them from classrooms daily. Thank you for your support.
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY
We will be having a picnic and all dads and grandads are invited. It will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building at 10:30am on Monday 5 September. Please bring a chair or rug and morning tea to share with your children.
We look forward to sharing this time with as many fathers and grandfathers as possible.
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
“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat other people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything!” (Unknown)
Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right. It is being honest and sincere with yourself and others. You have integrity when your words and actions match. You fill your life and mind with love, kindness, reliability and service. Integrity gives you self-respect, honour and a peaceful heart.
“Wisdom is knowing the right path to take…. Integrity is taking it.” (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
SCHOOLZINE - SCHOOL CALENDAR
We have become aware that the viewing of our school calendar on the newsletter when using a PC is different to a Smart Phone. Please see below a quick guide on how to access our School Calendar which holds important dates, such as our P&F meetings:
SPORT EQUIPMENT FROM HOME
Classrooms have designated sport equipment, which students use during play times. Using school equipment supports positive social interaction across classes on a year level, as often year level rules have been given for equipment use.
Due to this, students are asked not to bring personal play equipment to school.
YEAR 5 CAMP
I was able to visit our Year 5 campers yesterday afternoon and spent time catching up with students, staff, and parent volunteers. All were in high spirits and had experienced a wonderful first day of activities. We look forward to hearing more about the camp in next week’s newsletter.
DANCE FEVER CHALLENGE – YEAR 3 - 6
A note has been sent home today, highlighting the upcoming Year 3 - 6 Interschool Dance Fever Challenge. This event provides an opportunity to gather as a school community and showcase Emmanuel’s team spirit, as well as the newly taught dance moves. At the base of the letter, is a permission slip, which needs to be returned to the front office please. The due date for the permission slip is Friday, 9 September, which will provide us with important information for staff supervision.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS AUSTRALIA
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
The Arts
MACKAY EISTEDDFOD 2022
A VERY BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs Miller, Mrs Whelan and all of our students who participated in choirs at this year’s Mackay Eisteddfod. Their hard work and dedication has resulted in wonderful performances and results. They received a Silver Award in the Year Two section and Gold Awards and the Adjudicator’s trophy in the Year One, Year Three, Year Four, Year Six and under, Hymn and Folk Song, Small Folk Group – and were awarded the Choral Championship Trophy for Primary Schools.
The adjudicator awarded the Carmel Daveson Award for the most accomplished Primary Choral Conductor to Mrs Miller.
A very big THANK YOU to our amazing accompanist, Mrs Whelan, for her ongoing support of our choirs and school. You are a treasure!
WELL DONE EVERYONE! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
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 un-named 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
