Newsletter - 27 October 2022

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

There is an old saying that states

“If the mountain was smooth you couldn’t climb it”.

What a powerful statement!  Our lives are sure to be full of trials and tribulation, this is inevitable, but it is our perspective on things that will shape how we see these trials and how we will resolve the tribulation.  With prayer, reflective thought, fortitude of character, wisdom and the knowledge that we are people of God, we can turn hard times into the stepping stones to our maturity and growth.

We are all here on the journey of “life” to learn, grow and become better.  We are here to experience this earth, this life, to come to know God and all the emotions that we are blessed with.  Hope, Joy, Love and Peace are a few of the top emotions that we are constantly thirsting to get more of but the other not-so-comforting emotions that we try to avoid are important too.  For they help us truly appreciate the world and all its joys and heartaches, and in the final analysis, it’s the only world we have; so inspired by the words of Mother Teresa let us never forget….

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realise it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfil it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.                          

~ Mother Teresa ~

Best wishes to all of our staff as we celebrate World Teacher’s Day tomorrow. Despite all that technology can offer, the personal relationship between the teacher and student is vital to learning.  I would like to encourage you to discuss with your child how they might be able to say thanks to their teacher/s.  A kind word, a short poem or story would add to every teacher’s day this Friday.

Thank you to ALL STAFF of Emmanuel for all that you do to ensure the best possible learning for the children in your care.  Happy Teacher’s Day!

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

ONE FOR THE TEACHERS – A PRAYER

We pray for all teachers…..

that their hearts may be full of love and compassion.

that their hearts may be full of welcome and understanding.

that their hearts may be full of passion and enthusiasm for their calling.

We pray for all teachers…..

that they teach with generosity, kindness and respect.

that they teach with patience, confidence and faith.

that they feel valued and appreciated as they strive to make a difference in our world.

Bless them with your love and peace and grant them wisdom and understanding, strength and courage, joy and happiness today and always.

Tomorrow is World Teacher’s Day, and we wish all of our teachers a very happy day.

ALL WE CALLED TO BE

When I say SUPERHERO many of you will think of Batman, Flash or The Phantom. If you are a Marvel fan you might think of Iron Man, Captain America or the big green guy…… but what about the superheroes of the church? I am of course talking about the saints. They might not be members of the Justice League, have superpowers, be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, fly an invisible jet or even have a golden lasso, but they are heroes - heroes of kindness, mercy, compassion and love.

In November we celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day.  We remember those who have gone before us, those who have answered God’s call and those who have taken up the challenge and become the very best version of themselves. It is our challenge too!

We ask God to help us to live the life that He has called us to live.

Father, may the inspiration and example of the saints help and challenge us as we go about our lives now and always. Amen.

We trust in God’s mercifulness and ask Him to welcome our loved ones home.

Merciful God hear our prayer and console us. Strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in Christ’s resurrection and attain the joy of eternal happiness in your kingdom. Amen.

MONTH OF THE ROSARY      

“The Rosary is a magnificent and universal prayer for the needs of the Church, the nations and the entire world.” (Pope John XXlll)                  

It has been wonderful to see so many students and staff gathering in the chapel to say The Rosary at lunchtimes this October. We have prayed for peace in our families, our school and in our world.

As the Month of The Rosary draws to a close, I encourage families to continue to share this beautiful prayer and to reflect on the mysteries of our faith which it memorialises. 

“Confidently take up The Rosary once again. Rediscover The Rosary in the light of the Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives.” 

(Pope St John Paul ll)

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

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

SOCCERTOBER

Our World Mission Month SOCCERTOBER activities are coming to an end.  We have learnt about the work of Catholic Mission and this year’s focus country Ethiopia.  We have raised funds and awareness, prayed for and walked in solidarity with children around the world who are not as lucky as we are.

Tomorrow we will draw our Soccertober raffle (tickets still available), and students in Years 3-6 will participate in an exciting walking soccer competition. See next week’s newsletter for all the highlights. A big THANK YOU in advance to Mr Steel for his organisation of this culminating activity.

At Assembly last week 3B led us in prayer and showed us the soccer ball that they made using recycled materials. The class went out to play soccer with it and realised how hard it was to kick the ball and that it didn’t necessarily go where they thought it would.  Even though they enjoyed their ‘game’ they all agreed that the soccer balls they usually play with are better balls than the recycled one.

“It’s easier playing with our ball. The other one, the one made out of recycled things is really hard to kick.”

“It’s small and heavy and hard to kick!”

A big thank you to all who have contributed to SOCCERTOBER 2022. Together we are making a difference.

DAY FOR DANIEL - WEAR RED

Tomorrow we will join with the rest of Australia in acknowledging ‘Day for Daniel’. It is a child safety and protection initiative that aims to help empower our children to Recognise, React and Report if they feel something is not right. On this day we are all encouraged to ‘Wear Red and Educate’.

The theme of the Day for Daniel 2022 is "Courageous Conversations".

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. No donation is required for participation. 

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

HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

We have accepted an invitation from the local Stella Maris group to participate in their annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Each year they support and aim to bring a little Christmas cheer to seafarers who are far from home during the festive season. Many they help are on ships away from family and friends for many months and even years at a time.

A Christmas shoebox typically includes simple everyday items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, roll on deodorant, razors, shampoo, soap and socks; things to keep them busy and their minds active like playing cards and puzzle books; and a few treats like nuts and sweets.

All students are asked to bring $2.00 by Friday 4 November to support this initiative. We will be shopping for all the goodies in the coming weeks and our Mini Vinnies students will help fill the boxes. We are also looking for some empty shoeboxes, covered in Christmas paper, to put all the goodies in. All donations will be very much appreciated. A big THANK YOU in advance for your support of the Seafarers.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things for God.”

(Mother Teresa)

MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

There may not be NORFAIR this year, but our parish is selling tickets in an amazing raffle. With a First Prize of $10 000, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 9 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).

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, updates and to book for weekend Masses go to the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – UNITY

“So powerful is the light of unity, that it can illuminate the whole world.” (Unknown)

Unity is inclusiveness. It helps people work and live together peacefully. When you practice unity, you feel connected to everyone and everything. It is achieved when we value each other. The joy of one is the joy of all. The hurt of one is the hurt of all. The honour of one is the honour of all.

“Where there is unity, there is strength.” (Unknown)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

PREP to YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS – Commencing Soon

Prep to Grade 3 Swim and Survive lessons begin shortly at Marlins Swim Centre. A letter outlining dates / costs was distributed late Term Three.   These lessons are designed to ensure our children possess the basic water skills to operate safely around the pool.  Please see the schedule below:

What to bring:

PLEASE BE SURE TO NAME ALL ITEMS CLEARLY

• Togs (one-piece for girls)
• Towel
• Thongs
• Shirt to wear over togs to/from the pool
• Sunshirt (optional)
• Swimming cap
• Goggles (these are highly recommended from the Marlins Swim staff due to the amount of time in the water)
• Packed lunch and water bottle
• Bag to hold everything.

A reminder note will be sent home prior to the commencement of lessons to provide further information for the session format and tuckshop ordering.

Karla Falzon

Acting Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2022

COVID Update

The Arts

Linda Miller

Music Teacher

Awards

Congratulations to the students who received an award in Week 3.

Tuckshop News

We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to the special mums, dads and grandparents who have volunteered their time helping in the tuckshop. Your efforts are very much appreciated. We cannot keep up with demand without parental assistance. Due to work and family commitments we will be needing more assistance in Term 4, so please consider helping just one day a month.

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. 

Term 4 School Fee Statements

Term 4 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Tuesday 11 October, with payment due by 25 October.  Statements can also be viewed via parent lounge using the ‘make a payment’ tab from the menu bar and clicking on the paperclip.  If you did not receive your statement, please advise the finance office.

Notices

P & F MEETING

The next P & F meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 November at 5:00pm. This meeting is to revise the Constitution. No general business will be discussed.

TRAVEL SUBSIDY

Student travel rebate applications are only open in October for Semester 2. Please visit https://schooltransport.com.au/ to check if you are eligible.

Community News