Newsletter - 16 February 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
In the Sufi tradition there is a story that has some relevance to the commencement of a new School Year. The story is about a stream that had its source in a faraway mountain. The stream passes through all kinds of countryside, carving its own way and being powerful and strong. But one day the stream meets a vast desert and there is no way it could pass. After a while, the stream hears the voice of the wind saying, “Just let go and I will get you across the desert.” At first the stream feels fear and doesn’t want to let go but, finally, it does surrender to the wind. The stream is evaporated, drawn up and taken high into the sky. It moves across the desert and eventually rains down into another stream.
Like any parable, this one can suggest a number of meanings such as the possible fear and apprehension students might have, when they have gone as far as they can at a class level and must move on. However, if we were to regard our Catholic School as the river having its source in the mountain, we have an important symbol, for mountain is regarded as the bond between earth and heaven; it was on Mount Sinai that God revealed the law to the Hebrews.
Likewise, wind is symbolic of the presence of God’s Spirit; the apostles felt a strong wind blow at the first Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. It is essential that a Catholic School has its inspiration from God and its direction from the Holy Spirit, if it is to fulfil its true function.
The word “spirit” also denotes those invisible but real qualities such as love, courage, peace, truth, forgiveness and care, which shape the life of a person or a community. A person’s or a community’s own spirit is their inner identity or soul, the sum of those invisible but real forces which make them who they are. Our school community is made up of individuals who have their own real qualities of soul. Hopefully, when these qualities are generously given to our school community, we will all enjoy the benefits of a harmonious and productive environment in which our students can prosper academically and personally. Like the home, our school must be supporting yet not smothering, loving yet disciplined, encouraging yet challenging. So:
This is the beginning of a new year.
We have been given this year to use as we will.
We can waste it or use it.
We can make it a year to be remembered for its joy, its beauty, its achievements,
Or it can be filled with pettiness.
What we do together this year is important, for at its end we will all be different to the way we were at its beginning. The type of difference depends upon each of us. May God be at the source of all our actions. May God’s Spirit be our constant guide.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
SCHOOL TV
Emmanuel Catholic Primary School is very excited to introduce a new initiative to help support the wellbeing of our students. After all, happy and well supported students are better equipped to learn and succeed.
We know that it can be difficult and time consuming for parents to source credible information when it comes to ongoing wellbeing support strategies for their children. To aid with this we have partnered with SchoolTV, an online resource designed to empower parents to better deal with the challenges for raising happy, well and resilient young people.
Because parenting doesn't come with instructions, the SchoolTV resource has now been implemented at our school to assist parents and caregivers in navigating the challenges of modern-day parenting. This outstanding resource delivers credible information with practical strategies featuring video interviews with leading specialists, supported by a host of resources from key wellbeing organisations.
SchoolTV offers parents a fresh approach to the issues and pressures faced by children and young people in our communities throughout Australia.
Some topics featured include:
- Youth Anxiety
- Raising Girls
- School Refusal
- Positive Parenting
- Digital Reputation
- Managing Screen Time
- Cyberbullying
We encourage you to visit our SchoolTV site and view the content but more importantly use this resource if and when needed to support your child and family through particular needs as they may arise. At a time when the wellbeing of our youth has never been more challenged, we are pleased to be able to offer this accessible, credible and empowering resource to our families.
Many thanks again to the support provided by Catholic Education Rockhampton Northern Region to get this up and running across all schools in the region.
RE Matters
THE ECHO – A REFLECTION
A son and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, the son fell, hurting himself on a rock and screamed: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
To his surprise, he heard a voice repeating, "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yelled: "Who are you?"
Back came the same answer: "Who are you?"
Angered at the response, the boy screamed: "Coward!"
Back came the same reply: "Coward!"
He looked at his father and asked: "What's going on?"
The father smiled and said: "My son, pay attention."
And then he yelled to the mountain: "I admire you!" The voice answered: "I admire you!"
Again the man yelled: "You are a champion!" The voice answered: "You are a champion!"
The boy was amazed but did not understand.
So his father explained: "People call this echo, but really this is life. It gives you back everything you say and do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want to be treated with kindness, treat others with kindness. If you want more co-operation in your team, become more co-operative. This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life. Life will give you back everything you have given to it.
“Smile, and the whole world smiles with you - Be the change you want to see in the world.”
(Author Unknown)
LENT
Lent is one of the major liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church. It is a special time of preparation for Easter. Lent is a time of penance. It is observed with prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. Lent is about conversion - turning our lives more completely over to Christ and His way of life. It is a quiet season of reflection. The church is draped in violet and praying the ‘Stations of the Cross’ is a common devotion.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent which continues until Holy Thursday. On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our forehead in the form of a cross. The ashes are made from the palm leaves left over from last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations. They have been dried out and burnt and mixed with some blessed oil. The practice of tracing a sign of the cross dates back to Old Testament times, when ashes were placed on people who consciously desired to turn away from their selfish ways and enter into a more life giving and wholesome relationship with God.
More information on Lent and Ash Wednesday can be found @ http://www.catholic.org/lent/
ASH WEDNESDAY
Please join us on Wednesday 22 February for our Ash Wednesday Prayer Celebration. It will be held in the Marist Centre at 9:45am. Ashes will be distributed.
CARITAS - PROJECT COMPASSION
‘For All Future Generations’ is the theme of Project Compassion 2023.
It reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.
This Lent all classrooms will have a Project Compassion collection box and poster. Students will learn about their brothers and sisters around the world who are less fortunate than themselves and be encouraged to offer their prayers and practical assistance.
Don’t be surprised if your child asks you for a job, so they can earn some money to put in the Project Compassion box in their classroom.
For more information, about the work of CARITAS and projects that the 2023 Project Compassion Appeal will support, check out the Caritas Australia website @ https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
40 ACTS IN 40 DAYS
“Aspire not to have more, but to be more." (St Oscar Romero)
This Lent I invite you to join me in undertaking a challenge to enrich your life and the lives of others.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.” (St Mary of the Cross Mackillop)
Each day of Lent do something to improve the day of someone else. It might be a smile, a welcome, a helping hand, a listening ear, a simple act of kindness, a prayer, your time.
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
I think it is a good idea to plan what you are going to do but be assured that lots of opportunities to help others will arise during Lent. Be open, be spontaneous, be kind.
The second part of this challenge is to appreciate what you have and who you are. To be grateful is to thank God for his many gifts.
“What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” (Unknown)
YEAR SIX LEADERSHIP INDUCTION PRAYER CELEBRATION
Last Friday we gathered in the Marist Centre to acknowledge, commission and congratulate our School Captains, House Captains, Student Representatives and Year Six students. Jada Welcomed us to Country, Year 6K dramatised the Gospel, Isabella helped lead the singing, Leadership Commitments were made, and badges presented.
A big thank you to Mrs Whelan, Miss McDonald, Mrs Carter, the Year Six Teachers and all who contributed to the planning, organisation and setting up of this prayer celebration.
It was wonderful to have all of our students and so many members of our school community there to celebrate with us.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – RESPECT
We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and accept them for who they are. We honour the opinions and feelings of others and the rules of our family, school and nation. Respect yourself and others will respect you.
“Respect means you care enough to think about others’ feelings, before you act.” (Unknown)
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.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHTS
It is wonderful to have the opportunity to conduct face to face Parent Information nights once again this year. I would like to strongly encourage you to attend these short sessions to learn about the year ahead in your child’s classroom; daily routines; whole school expectations and begin the relationship building with this year’s teacher which is the cornerstone to a successful year at school for your child.
“It is parents, families and carers who have the most influence on their children. When families are actively involved in their children’s education, children usually enjoy school and achieve better results.” (Australian Curriculum, Version 8.3, website)
It is for this reason that the Australian Curriculum website offers extensive information for parents. The Parent Information section of the website provides information for families and carers about their children and the Australian Curriculum. The following information is included: an Overview of the Australian Curriculum; Information Sheets; Handy Links; FAQ’s; Student Work Samples.
A copy of the Australian Curriculum Year Level Overview will be handed out at Parent Nights or during the day of the coming fortnight.
The information sheets provide an overview of the knowledge and skills children will develop in particular year levels. Below is an explanation of Mathematics across Years 1 and 2.
The Student Work Samples then provide illustrations of what the student might create within the classroom. This is a Student Work Sample for Year 1, illustrating a Math’s fluency skill of skip counting in 5’s.
For further information click on the following link:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/parent-information/
We look forward to seeing you all at the Parent Information Nights.
NAPLAN
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
COLLECTING STUDENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS
When collecting your child throughout the school day please allow enough time to sign them out and for them to arrive at the office. It is important to keep in mind that students are not always in their classroom and may take longer to make their way to the office. To minimise disruption to classrooms and maximise student learning, Administration staff will only phone classrooms for collection of your child upon your arrival at the office to sign your child out. Please do not phone ahead or email the classroom teacher asking administration staff / teachers to have your child waiting at the office for collection.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP MESSAGES
It is important to ensure your child/ren are aware of afternoon pick up arrangements before leaving home in the morning. Please refrain from phoning Administration to pass a message onto your child as a reminder of where and who will be collecting them in the afternoons.
We understand circumstances change throughout the day and there are times that this cannot be avoided, however please understand that this is both time consuming and disruptive to classroom learning.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Around the School
Traffic Information
CAR TAGS - STOP, DROP, GO
Please ensure your car tag is placed on the top left sun visor of your car when moving through Stop, Drop, Go. If you have misplaced your car tag or have not received one, please phone the office on 4994 8255.
STOP, DROP, GO ACCESS – KEEP CLEAR
Please note that parents must not queue from the beginning of the Stop, Drop, Go driveway though to the Keep Clear area (pictured below), so as to allow Kindy parents access to the Kindy carpark. Kindy pick-up occurs between 2.30 – 3.00pm, and it is imperative that the entrance to the Stop, Drop, Go remains clear so as to allow vehicles to enter this designated space.
Strategic Priorities 2023
COVID Update
Sporting News
In 2023, there are a large number of sports which students will be able to nominate for and compete in. Please discuss the following list of events with your child. It will be crucial students collect and return permission notes before closing dates to ensure they do not miss out on their opportunity. Students will be notified via the morning bulletin when notes become available for collection. These notes will be available from Mr Dodson each day during lunch eating periods.
Once again, this year, students are offered the opportunity to prepare and qualify for the Emmanuel Cross Country Team. Qualifying students will compete in the Northern Suburbs Cross Country competition on Tuesday 28 March. Upon completing our school trials, I will provide further information regarding Northern Suburbs to qualifying athletes. Emmanuel's trial will take place on Friday 24 March.
Term One also offers students the opportunity to participate in a Wednesday Afternoon Touch Football competition held at the Norris Road touch football fields. The competition is an opportunity for students to play against other schools in the region alongside their peers. Games commence Wednesday 15 February and conclude Wednesday 29 March. Notes were distributed this Friday, nominations close Monday 13 February.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me on my school email: luke_dodson@rok.catholic.edu.au
Luke Dodson
HPE Co-Ordinator
From our Counsellor
Wise words from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (School TV)
“The ability to obtain, maintain and retain friendships is, according to all the childhood psychologists in the whole wide world, the greatest predictor of wellbeing. Having a rich repertoire of friends is a true indicator of whether your child is travelling ok.”
Of course, building this repertoire takes time, and friends will come and go from our circle across our lifetime. Friendship for young people is also a dynamic space, and what happens if they find themselves in a tightly controlled clique? This type of friendship group usually has a leader who calls the shots and decides who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out’. This is a tough situation for everyone in the clique, but it is also where kids learn independence and problem solving in relationships with guidance from you of course. For more information I recommend the article Helping Kids Cope with Cliques from kidshealth.org that you will find on School TV, along with a great fact sheet on Building Friendships. And hey parents, don’t forget to check in on your friends and plan catch ups when you can, these connections can be lost in our busy lives, make the first move.
Kindly,
Sharon Martin BVA, GDLT, MEd
School Counsellor
School Choir
We are pleased to announce that School Choir will begin NEXT WEEK at Emmanuel for interested students in Years 4, 5, and 6. Choir will take place in the Music Room from 8am each TUESDAY morning. We welcome back Mrs Vanessa Dale, past Emmanuel Music teacher, who will be conducting the Choir. She will be assisted by Miss Meg McDonald, and Mrs Jan Whelan will accompany the group. We sincerely thank these ladies for giving their time to our students to foster the love of Music in our school. All students in Years 4 – 6 are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Tuckshop News
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.
Finance
TERM 1 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 1 School Fee Statements were emailed out on Tuesday 7 February and are due next week by the 21 February. If you have not received your statement contact the Finance office immediately.
CONCESSION CARD DISCOUNTS
Do you hold a current means tested Health Care Card? If so you may be eligible to receive a concession on your Tuition Levy. Please click on the link for the information sheet regarding Concession Card Discounts.
Notices
COLLECTION NOTICE FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS
SCHOOL APP
Community News
