Newsletter - 17 November 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Where has the year gone to? Only a few weeks of the school term remaining! However, when you look into faces you can see from the lines of weariness that a year has gone by and it will be great to have a break from the usual daily routine. I suppose the quick passing of a year illustrates in some way how brief the measure of our own life really is; the author of Psalm 102 further illustrates that a couple of thousand years haven’t made much difference to the way in which people have their ups and downs:
“Good Lord where are you? If you really do exist, why don’t you come out of hiding and do something about this creature in distress. I am physically weary, I am mentally depressed, I am spiritually defeated. I can’t eat, can’t sleep. I feel like discarded refuse in the back alley; like yesterday’s rubbish shuffled around by the wind.”
If you’re feeling as bad as the psalmist seems to be, then thank heavens for holidays. They allow for a change in routine and if you’re lucky, a change in scenery. Also, they allow some time for “peace and quiet”. In times of serenity when the hustle and bustle is far away, it is possible to answer the question “Good lord, where are you?” and maybe like the psalmist you can experience the answer.
Hopefully, the remaining weeks of the school year will be a time of enjoyment and cooperation so that the rewards of a year’s fine effort can be experienced by everyone to the very last day.
During these final weeks of school it is important that we all continue to support each other in a positive way that allows everyone to stay settled and calm. It is also essential that we continue to maintain the high standards that we have set for ourselves and the children. Thank you for your ongoing help and support with the children to ensure that we all continue to support and respect each other, follow school policies and keep our communication channels open.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
THANK YOU – A REFLECTION
A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint gave the soul a tour. They walked side by side into a large workroom filled with angels. St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions asked in prayer are received." The soul looked around and noticed that it was very busy. There were angels everywhere sorting petitions from all the people of the world.
They continued on until they reached the second section, and St. Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings that people ask for are packed and delivered to those who have asked for them.” The soul saw how busy it was here too. There were countless angels working to pack all the blessing before they were delivered to Earth.
Finally in the farthest corner of the workroom, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stood there, doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," said St. Peter.
"How is it that, there is no work here?" asked the soul.
"That's the sad thing," St. Peter answered. "After the people have received the blessings that they have asked for, very few send their acknowledgments."
"How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" asked the soul.
"Simple," St. Peter answered. "Just say, ‘'Thank you, Lord'."
(Unknown)
“Dear God, I want to take a minute, not to ask for anything from you, but simply to say thank you, for all that I have.”
Why not listen or sing sing-a-long to one or both of these great songs:
Thankful (Children’s Thanksgiving Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTHDKxOL9cg
Thankful (2022 Gratitude Appreciation Kids Songs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeSdQmO51Ps
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Our annual Carols Evening will be held on Tuesday 29 November. All classes from Prep to Year Six will be involved. Following the student’s performances, there will be some community singing, where all present are invited to sing along. Please join us on the grassed area in front of the Music Room for a 6:00pm start. All students are asked to meet their teachers by 5:45pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the last week of school to share in the spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you there.
We will be collecting donations for the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal, so please bring along some coins to help others less fortunate this Christmas.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Each year our school supports The St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region. In our current climate, it is more important than ever that we recognise the needs of those families in our community who are under financial and emotional stress. Our support allows them a little relief during this joyous time of the year.
Each class will make up a hamper of non-perishable food items that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul Conference in the last week of school. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Suitable hamper items include:
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.
SAFETY CIRCUS
On Monday, our Year 2/3 classes participated in the dynamic theatre production that is the “Safety Circus”. A big THANK YOU to the Bachelor of Theatre students from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Sergeant Nigel Dalton of Mackay Police who shared important safety advice and reinforced the key messages of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum with our students.
This is what some of our Year Three students had to say about the experience:
It reminded us of all the things we learnt in the Daniel Morcombe unit. (Connah)
It reminded us again to listen to our body clues. (Claudia)
They showed us how to keep safe and who we could report to. (Chelsea)
They showed a lot of expressions and how you look after yourself. (Miabella)
It was fun with lots of tricks and dancing. (Ellie)
I learned to stand up to bullies and not be a bystander. (Nylah)
I liked when Buddy tried to ride the unicycle. (Lilly)
I liked the songs and acrobatics! (Jack)
I thought it was a great show to teach us about safety. (Savannah)
WALKING SOCCER
Our WALKING SOCCER Carnival was AMAZING! The sun was shining, the competition exciting, goals were kicked and teamwork on show. 4S and 4T played off in the final of the Year 3/4 competition and 6S and 6T in the Year 5/6 competition. 4S and 6T were crowned champions and Evelyn and Brodie named the carnival’s Best and Fairest. A very big THANK YOU to Mr Steel for organising and coordinating the carnival. Thanks also goes to all staff and students who refereed games and assisted with the setting up and packing up of tents and equipment. It really was a wonderful way to wrap up SOCCERTOBER.
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).
LITURGICAL CALENDAR
This Sunday, the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
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 – THANKFULNESS
“If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you’ that would be enough.” (Meister Eckhart)
Thankfulness is being grateful for what we have. It is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving and being. Appreciate the little things that happen around you and within you every day. Think positively. Thankfulness brings contentment.
“Thankfulness turns what we have into enough!” (Unknown)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
ICAS CERTIFICATES
English and Science ICAS Certificates have been received by the school, however due to technical difficulties Math Certificates are delayed. ICAS Certificates will be presented at Assembly as soon as the Math Certificates arrive. Parents will be advised via the Newsletter when ICAS Certificates will be presented.
REPORT CARDS FOR SEMESTER 2
A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign in to Parent Lounge prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.
Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 5:00pm on Thursday 1 December.
- To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website: ecps.qld.edu.au
- Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
- Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
- Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used.
BOOKPACK COLLECTION
SOLAR OVENS – YEAR THREE
Our Year Three students have been investigating how well heat is transferred using different types of materials (such as metals, plastics and ceramics), and identifying how materials are used to keep things hot and cold. Students designed and created a solar oven to cook ‘smores’ using tiny teddies, marshmallows and chocolate. They then wrote a procedure to teach others how they could make their own solar ovens. The students had so much fun and enjoyed cooking more food when they took their solar ovens home. Thank you to Elena Webber and Ma’s Pizza for supplying some pizza boxes and Mrs Sharon Kerr for her guidance.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriclum
APA News
END OF YEAR ENVELOPES
Should you require your end of year envelope to be posted, please leave a large stamped self-addressed envelope with your child’s Classroom Teacher. If no envelope is provided, unposted envelopes will be placed in your child’s file.
NO envelopes will be given out prior to 3:00pm on Thursday 1 December.
ANAPHYLAXIS AWARENESS REMINDER
Parents should be aware there are a number of students at the school who are anaphylactic. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction. It occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen to which they are sensitive.
There are many potential allergens that can result in an anaphylactic attack, however the most common (and most publicised) are nuts and eggs.
Schools have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to keep students safe at school. With regard to anaphylaxis procedures, our school ensures we meet our duty of care by:
- Training staff in the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to respond in the event of an anaphylactic attack.
- Ensuring a general use Epipen is available for use by first time anaphylactic sufferers.
- Ensuring Individual Action Plans and individual EpiPens are available in an emergency, when they have been provided by parents.
- Communicating known allergens to camp staff if anaphylactic students are attending camp.
- Encouraging parents of relevant year levels not to bring known allergens if a severe anaphylactic is present in that year level.
- Encouraging all parents not to send food containing the most common allergens.
The school cannot and does not claim to be nut or egg free. It is not advised schools do this, because a school has no day-to-day control over what food is placed in lunch boxes in the home and is not in a position to be checking lunch boxes during the school day and determining what the ingredients of all items in the lunch box are. However, we do request that parents avoid sending products that contain nuts or eggs to school.
Exposure to allergens is impossible to manage in public places (such as a school); the most effective risk management procedures with regard to anaphylaxis are:
- Parents of anaphylactic children educating their child so that, as they become more independent, they are more likely to identify their own signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic emergency and raise the alarm.
- Parents of anaphylactic children educating their child about their allergies and how to minimise the risk of exposure (such as not sharing food or utensils if allergic to food, or precautions outdoors if allergic to insects).
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Playground After School Rules
At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class.
The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.
We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
Around the School
SPORT AND CULTURE
At Assembly on Friday, we presented 93 pairs of football boots and two large bags of sporting apparel, donated through the Boot It Up Challenge, to the Hunters. This sports gear will be shared with the Wooribinda community. The presentation was followed by an AMAZING performance from the ‘Tchundal Malar’ dance troupe, that delighted us all. A big THANK YOU to all families who contributed to the challenge, the Hunters and the dance troupe. It was a wonderful celebration of culture, sport and generosity.
Sporting News
SWIMMING TROPHIES AND MEDALS
Trophies and Age Champion medals won at our recent swimming carnival were presented to the following Houses and students at Assembly last Friday.
Champion House Trophy: CASTLES
Spirit and Participation Trophy: CARROLL
Congratulations to our Age Champions - Henry, Sophia, Kaiden, Nevaeh, Connor, Joleigh, Flynn and Amber.
You are AMAZING!
CAPRICORNIA SCHOOL SPORTS NOMINATIONS
Direct Nominations for the Capricornia Swimming 2023 Regional Trials are now open. Visit https://capsport.eq.edu.au/ for details and forms.
Please Note: Only students affiliated with a swimming club can direct nominate for Capricornia Trials.
More information about an MDSS swimming trial (to be held in Term 1, Week 2, 2023) will be released in December for those students not affiliated with a swimming club.
All nominations are due to the Regional School Sport Office by COB on Tuesday 14 February 2023.
The Arts
Linda Miller
Music Teacher
Tuckshop News
With just two weeks remaining of school the canteen is now starting to minimise stock in preparation for our summer holiday period. Therefore we will be removing items from the menu as they become unavailable. Please have a second choice in mind in the event this happens during the day you place your order.
Tuckshop will be operating until Wedneday 30 November. Thursday and Friday of that week we will be CLOSED for cleaning.
Please ensure that returning students change their class/year details on their online canteen account.
With the increase in orders over the last year and less volunteers available we have changed the menu slightly for next year. Most items will still be available however some only on certain days. These will be our SPECIALS for the day. The new menu will be available shortly.
We wish to thank the amazing parents and grandparents who have volunteered over the year. Without your continued support we could not operate. We wish all of our departing families well and all a very blessed happy and safe Christmas.
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 has been sent home 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.
Notices
SAFE DRIVING ADVICE FROM QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE
Mackay Police have observed a substantial increase in the number of drivers conducting illegal (therefore dangerous) U-turns on Mackay Bucasia Rd at Phillip St traffic lights. Drivers are reminded of the following road rule; “A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection.” The fine for the offence is currently $115 along with two demerit points. To refresh your knowledge on road rules, go to www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road . Highway Patrol Mackay thanks you for driving safely.
RESTRICTED ACCESS PARKING
Please be advised that access to the Carpark at the entrance to the Emmanuel Administration Building is restricted to Authorised Staff Personnel ONLY as per the attached signage. This carpark is provided for the Administration personnel of both Emmanuel and Holy Spirit College and is clearly signed on both poles situated at the entrance to Emmanuel. Parents whose children access the OSHC service are asked to NOT park in this area when collecting children of an afternoon or when dropping off children when attending Vacation Care. This also applies to the STAFF CARPARK at the rear of the Year 5 Classroom Block. Parking for parents is provided outside Holy Spirit College within the short-term carpark adjacent to the College, or at the Emmanuel STOP, DROP, GO area which are the designated areas assigned for this purpose. I ask that parents refrain from utilizing this area unless collecting a sick child from the school.
Community News
2023 Mackay Sports Expo and Sign-on event
9am – 1pm, Sunday, February 12 at the MECC
The Sports Expo is a free, sport and recreation sign-on event for the Mackay region and will have 100+ sport and recreation booths on display at the MECC. There will be a range of active zone demonstrations on the day, heaps of prizes up for grabs and a wide range of sport and recreation clubs on display. For more information, visit the council website (please note - more details about prizes and active zone demonstrations will be added to the website closer to the event).
