Newsletter - 30 March 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
It is difficult to believe that Week 10 has arrived and with it the end of term. In these final days of term we take time to reflect on the Lenten journey we have shared and give thanks for the many blessings that have graced our days in what has been a very busy and productive term.
During the past week our students have journeyed with their teachers through the events of Jesus’ last days. This journey has immersed the children in the solemn nature of these events as they learn of the importance of this week in revealing Jesus’ divine nature to us. Our celebration of the Easter story is central to our faith as Christians and one which we share with great passion during Holy Week.
For many, Easter is an ideal time to have a holiday with family and I trust you will have the opportunity to have some quality time with your loved ones over the course of the Easter holiday period. Easter is a great time of celebration where we experience the joy of the risen Lord upon us. In amongst all the chocolate and eggs it is important to reflect on the true meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is central to our Christian faith. It is the Easter story that is the pinnacle of our lives as Catholics and Christians and it is important that we take time through these three days of Easter to remember and celebrate in liturgy.
In sending your children to a Catholic School, I encourage you over the Easter weekend to take the opportunity and reflect on the true meaning of Easter through participation at Easter ceremonies in the parish across the weekend.
As this will be the last newsletter for the term, on behalf of the staff I take this opportunity to wish all of our families a very Happy and Holy Easter, as well as a safe and rest filled holiday. May you and your family be blessed with the peace and joy of the risen Lord and may your faith be deepened and strengthened during the Easter season.
I know that many of our students are feeling very tired and in need of a break! I look forward to their return on Monday, 17th April. Have a wonderful holiday and may you be aware of God’s blessings in all that you do.
Wishing you a truly safe, holy and happy Easter Season,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
THE SON – A REFLECTION
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.”
The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home, he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later.
There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
"$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time…… Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son almost 2,000 years ago to die on a cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" ….. because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything!
(Author Unknown)
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week, which precedes the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, is the most important week of the church year. It starts on Palm Sunday, sometimes called Passion Sunday, and continues through Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The week that begins in celebration ends in despair. It is not until Easter Sunday that we rejoice in and recall Jesus’ resurrection.
This morning our Year Six students dramatized Jesus’ last supper, agony in the garden, betrayal, passion, death on the cross and resurrection. It was a reflective and prayerful celebration and a wonderful way to share in the events of the final day of Jesus’ life. A well-earned and sincere congratulations and thank you to the students, their teachers, Mrs Whelan who provided the music, Miss McDonald who led the singing, and all staff members who contributed to this memorable re-enactment. Happy Easter Everyone.
PARISH CELEBRATIONS
It would be wonderful if your family could experience the richness of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies in our parish churches this year. The ceremonies are as follows:
SCHOOL MASS
Last Friday we gathered at St Joseph’s Church for our first Mass of the 2023 school year. It was a wonderful celebration! The children listened and participated prayerfully and sang beautifully. It was great to be back in the church and to see so many parents and friends of Emmanuel sharing this celebration with us.
A big THANK YOU to Fr Stephen who really makes liturgy come alive for our students! We are so grateful for his continued support and encouragement.
Here is what some of our Year Two students had to say about the Mass:
Today we went on the bus to church for Mass. We kneeled on the kneelers, and we got blessed by Father Stephen. We waved the palm leaves and it was so much fun. I love church so much.
Today we went to church for Mass. We sang hymns and we said prayers. In the important parts we kneeled on the kneelers and Father Stephen said prayers.
Today we went on the bus to St Joseph’s Church for Mass. We waved palm leaves, we kneeled down on the kneelers and we also sang some songs. We got to see Father Stephen and got Holy Water on us. I am so lucky I got to go to God’s House.
Today we went to St Joseph’s for Mass. Father Stephen blessed everyone with Holy Water. We had to kneel for some special parts. We sang hymns and prayed. Father Stephen gave out hosts to some students and teachers and Father Stephen drank wine.
We went to church today for Mass. We went on the bus and it was bumpy. I got wet with the Holy Water. We got to wave the palms and sing the songs. We kneeled down and Father Stephen let us have fifteen extra minutes of play.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Please continue to pray for our students who are preparing to receive the Sacraments. They will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy in June and receive Eucharist for the first time in July.
The parents of students enrolled in the 2022/2023 Sacramental Program should have received an email from parish secretary Chris Haines, in recent weeks, about the upcoming Information Evening. It will be held on Wednesday 19 April at St Joseph’s School Hall. Please contact Mrs Kliese if you did not receive your email or have any questions about the program.
LENTEN CHALLENGE
FARMITAS has been lots of fun. Students have bought lots of tokens and parents have reported that their children have been doing lots of jobs at home to earn the money to buy them. Thank you everyone. Your efforts have contributed to family life and will make a difference in the lives of people we don’t even know.
The class that has bought the most tokens will lead the school in a special dance at Assembly tomorrow.
Look at all the chick, goat, pig, seeds and cow tokens on the wooden cross in the Year 4T classroom. What an AMAZING effort!
RAFFLE TO SUPPORT PROJECT COMPASSION
Our raffle has been a great success. A big thank you to the Emmanuel Staff for donating all the goodies for this multi-draw raffle. Students have been busy buying lots of tickets and lots of lucky winners took home prizes today.
DATE CLAIMER - ANZAC PRAYER CELEBRATION
We will be remembering ANZAC Day at a special Prayer Celebration in the Marist Centre on Friday 21 April at 9:30am.
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.
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 - LOVE
Love is at the centre of our being. It is the vital force that gives us energy and direction. It connects one heart with another. Love is cherishing others. Love thrives on acceptance and appreciation. It has the power to heal. You show love in a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful act or a hug. Love is contagious. Pass it on.
“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
ANZAC DAY MARCH
Once again, our school has been invited to participate in the Anzac Day march to be held on Tuesday 25 April.
Prep to Year Six students will be required to assemble in The Caneland Central drop-off area along Matsura Drive at 8:00am.
Please note this change of Venue
Emmanuel Year One to Year Six students are to wear their BLUE SCHOOL UNIFORM (school blue dress for girls) correct socks and clean shoes. Prep students wear their usual uniform. The school hat is essential. Students may wear medals of their parents, grandparents and other ancestors on their right breast.
Further important details regarding drop off and dispersal procedures are attached in the link's below:
SAVE THE DATE - SCHOOL PHOTOS 23 May 2023
School photography day is coming up soon on 23/05/2023. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below.
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: R78 KWL A81
Students are required to wear BLUE FORMAL UNIFORM. Girls expected to wear dresses. Prep students to wear usual Prep uniform.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
COVID Update
Sporting News
NORTHERN SUBURBS CROSS COUNTRY
Congratulations to the Students who competed in the Northern Suburbs Cross Country Trials recently. Some of the students who participated are pictured below:
SPORTS NOMINATION FORMS
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.
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
CONVERSATIONS
Talking with your children and encouraging their voice is important. If you’re travelling to visit family or friends this holiday break, then you may have a long drive ahead of you. Why not use this opportunity to talk to your ‘captive audience’. You could use the conversation starters below. Each person has a turn, including parents. Who knows what you might learn from each other.
- What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
- If you could give everybody in the world one piece of advice, what would you say?
- What is something you know how to do that you could teach others?
- Describe your perfect day.
- If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
- What are the 3 most important qualities in a friend?
- What is something you’ve always wanted to ask me?
Drive safely everyone and I’ll see you in Term 2
Kindly,
Sharon Martin BVA, GDLT, MEd
School Counsellor
Around the School
END OF TERM - DAY DISCO
DISCO
Our Term 2 school disco will be held on Friday 21 April from 6:00-7:30pm. The theme is RAINBOW colours and everyone is invited to dress up and join the fun. Admission is $2.00. The P&F will be cooking and selling sausages on bread. Please preorder for catering purposes via the TryBooking link below. CASH payment is to be made on the night.
EASTER FUN IN 4T
This week, 4T learnt how to make Marshmallow bunnies! Students were shown how to combine the ingredients and watched as the mixture whipped into fresh marshmallow. They then got to have a turn at filling a bunny mould and tasting the raw marshmallow. Students even got to decorate their own Marshmallow bunny and roll it in coconut to take home and show their families. It was such a fun afternoon! We thank Mrs Coburn and Mrs Hardwick for so generously donating their time to teach us how to make this traditional Easter recipe!
STEM
Greetings from the wonderful world of STEM,
This year has seen the commencement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a specialist subject at Emmanuel. We have been working hard discovering solutions for problems in the area of Science and have been learning how the world around us works. Many of the projects that the students tackle in STEM require materials for us to complete. A large focus of the subject also looks at recycling and reusing household items to improve our sustainability and minimise waste. Due to this focus, I would like to put out the call to families that if you have any of the following items around the house that you would normally dispose of, could they please be donated to the school for us to use as part of our lessons:
- shoe boxes
- large pieces of cardboard
- Empty 2L or 1.25L bottles
- Straws
- plastic or paper cups
- Paper or plastic plates
If you have any of these products that you would be willing to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. Items can be dropped off at the office.
Dylan Steel
STEM TEACHER
Vacation Care
Please see the Vacation Care Plan for the Easter Holidays in the link below:
School Choir
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 FEES - OVERDUE
Term 1 School Fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid their account. However, if you have not paid, 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 have not set up a direct debit authority with us and wish to do so, or if you are experiencing difficulties, please 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.
Lost Property
If your child/ren is missing any of the items pictured below, please have them check the Lost Property Box located in front of the Office by the end of Term 1.
Notices
Prep enrolment details for 2024 are NOW required from our existing families. If you have a child due to commence Prep next year - born between July 1 2018 and June 30 2019 – you are asked to complete an ONLINE enrolment form available from the school website – https://enrol.enmrok.catholic.edu.au/primary-school-enrolment/start by Monday 17 April. It is essential that we have our current families accounted for so as to determine how many positions may be offered to new families seeking enrolment. If you have any queries or concerns in regards to this process, we ask that you contact the office. ALL ENROLMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE. Once enrolment applications have been received and processed by our Administration staff, you will be notified of an interview time around Term 3.
FULL-TIME POSITION VACANT - SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR
We are wanting to fill a full-time position for a School Crossing Supervisor at Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
The position School Crossing Supervisor will be required to work five days per week in all weather conditions. The hours of work for School Crossing Supervisors are 1 hour and 30 minutes a day and usually comprise of 1 hour in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon, Commencement date (to be advised) with a Pay Rate of $30.34 per hour.
The successful applicants will be dependent on:
- The suitable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a GP of your choice according to the guidelines in the “Notes for Medical Practitioner” on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme – Health Assessment Form; (this is paid by the Department)
- A Positive Blue Card Notice (This is also paid by the Department and means you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position)
If you are interested in the position please collect an application form from the School administration or contact Karen Cantoni (Road Safety officer) on 49 518331.
The School Crossing Supervisors Application is to be returned to the School for the school Principal’s recommendation.
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