Newsletter - 3 November 2022

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Around this time each year, discussion commences about placing children in classes for the next school year.  This is a matter that we do not take lightly at Emmanuel, and the staff and I spend countless hours forming well-balanced classes in which all children will have an opportunity to learn and to grow in their academic and social skills.  It is hoped that this clear communication of our procedures for class placement of students will eliminate the need for parents to individualise their concerns or make requests for specific teachers.  When year level classes are structured, we follow a clear set of guidelines.  Classes are formed into groups with the following in mind:

• An even boy/girl balance (dependent on the overall boy/girl breakup of the year group)
• A range of aptitudes within each class
• An even proportion of abilities and learning styles across the classes at each year level
• An equal number of students in each class on a year level

Once these factors have been considered, teachers and support staff begin to “build a class” of children who show promise of working well together.  Quite naturally, these decisions are based upon observations made by the teachers during the course of the year.  While we welcome your input about your child’s individual learning needs, I would also ask that you do not request or reject a specific teacher.  I also trust that you understand that your comments are but one of the many factors that we consider in forming classes and that the final decision with class placement rests with the school.  Once classes are set, to make one change can affect many others.  Thank you to the many parents who place their trust in our decision making.

SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON

A Future Not Our Own

This is what we are about.

We plant seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that.

This enables us to do something, and do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,

an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and to do the rest.

We may never see the end results,

but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.

We are the workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

WHAT’S IMPORTANT? – A REFLECTION  (Author Unknown)                    

While on holiday in Eastern Europe, an American tourist paid a visit to a renowned rabbi. He was astonished to see that the rabbi’s house was only a simple room filled with books, a table and a single bench.

“Rabbi,” asked the tourist, “Where is your furniture?”

“Where is yours?” replied the rabbi.

“Mine?” asked the puzzled American, “but I am only a tourist here. I’m only a visitor passing through.”

“So am I” said the rabbi.

Money can buy us a house, but not a home; A bed but not sleep; Status and fame, but not inner confidence and lasting security; Comfort, but not peace.

All our possessions are useless at the moment of our death. All that we take to eternity is the love that we have sowed and the life we lived before our God and neighbours.   

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul” (Matthew 16:26)

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 TOMORROW, 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, wrapped 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)

MISSION CHAMPIONS

At Assembly last Friday, we announced and acknowledged our 2022 Mission Champions. These students consistently show their love for God and others in the way they greet, speak to and treat everyone in the school community. They honour our Core Values (respect, dignity, love, justice, honesty, faith) and practise virtues like kindness, generosity, helpfulness and consideration. Their words and actions Make Jesus Real and reinforce that God is truly with us at Emmanuel.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Next week students enrolled in the new Sacramental Program will participate in the Sacrament of Penance for the first time. Their sacramental journey will continue next year with Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Where: St Joseph’s Church

When:  Tuesday 8 November 3:30 – 5:30pm or Wednesday 9 November 3:30 – 5:30pm

Please continue to pray for these students and their families. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY    

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month each year we pause to remember all those who have fought for their countries in war. On this day, known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, we honour those who have died with a minutes silence and pray for peace in our world.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest We Forget.

As you pause to remember next Friday, I encourage you to pray for all those who fight for freedom, live in conflict zones and make decisions that can bring peace to our world.

CHILD SAFETY IN FOCUS

Last Friday our school community we joined with the rest of Australia in acknowledging ‘Day for Daniel’.  It was great to see lots of students adding something red to their school uniform (t-shirt, socks, shoelaces, ribbons) and red balloons all over the school.  All classes revisited the key safety messages: RECOGNISE, REACT, REPORT.

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

SAVE THE DATES

With the end of the school year almost upon us, we have much to celebrate - our students, our year together and Christmas. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and plan to join the fun. More details in next week’s newsletter.

Wednesday 23 November                 Year Six Prayer Celebration

Tuesday 29 November                       Carols by Candlelight

Thursday 1 December                        Thanksgiving Mass

YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING

Our Year Six Prayer Celebration which will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 23 November at 6:00pm.  Parents are asked to bring a plate of food for a light supper which will be shared on conclusion of our time of prayer and thanks.  A celebratory cake will also be cut by our School Captains.  Please deliver your supper plates to the tuckshop prior to the commencement of our celebration.

All Year Six students are expected to attend this celebration.

Students are to wear blue day uniform.

YEAR FIVE PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

It is traditional for the parents of students in Year Five to set up and prepare for the supper that follows the Year Six Prayer Celebration. The Year Six parents supply the food. This year’s celebration will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 23 November at 6:00pm. If you are able to assist or would be willing to co-ordinate the supper, could you please contact Mrs Kliese or the school office.

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).

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 – UNDERSTANDING

“I am the thankful for the gift of understanding. It enlightens my viewpoint.” (Unknown)

Understanding is sympathetic and sensitive. It is being aware of other people's needs and feelings. When you understand you are tolerant, accepting and forgiving of yourself and others. Understanding gives us the power to care, to show compassion and to learn.

“If we could look into each other’s hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care.”   (Marvin J Ashton)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

PREP to YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS – Starting Next Week

A reminder note has been sent home this week to provide further information for the session format and tuckshop ordering.

 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.

Karla Falzon

Acting Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2022

COVID Update

Around the School

YEAR SIX CAMP

Our Year Six students have been on camp at Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough this week.  All the details and photos will be shared in next week’s newsletter.

Sporting News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2022

Our Year 2-6 Swimming Carnival was held at the Pioneer Pool last Thursday.  It was a wonderful day.  Our Year 2 classes participated in novelties in the wading pool and some of them showed what great swimmers they are by swimming across the pool. The 25m width events were very popular this year, with a record number of students competing in all strokes. Heats and finals in the 50m races kept swimmers busy. Congratulations to Kaiden and Nevaeh who won the 100m Freestyle events.  A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the organisation and running of this day.

Please Note: Age Champions will be announced and winning house trophies presented at Assembly next week.

The Arts

Linda Miller

Music Teacher

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 Fees are now overdue.  We would like to thank those families who have paid their account.  However, if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately.  (This does not apply to those families who have a Direct Debit authority/payment plan in place).

If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the Finance Office.

2023 FAMILY DISCOUNT FORMS

The 2023 Family Discount/Confirmation of Enrolment 2023 form will be sent home on Monday with the eldest student in each family.  (These forms are on Lavender paper).

This document is required in order for families to receive their Family Discount in 2023.  Please ensure you complete the form based on students year level  and school in 2023.   The form needs to be returned to the classroom teacher by Friday 18 November.  It is a requirement that even single student families complete and return the form.   If you have any queries, or have not received you form,  please contact Therese or Robyn in the Finance Office.

Lost Property

Notices

Community News