Newsletter - 27 April 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
A big “thank you” to all those families, students and staff members who came along to the ANZAC DAY march and paraded with our school on Tuesday. The number of children who took part in the march this year was outstanding and I could not help but feel a great sense of pride as the students proudly made their way along the city streets. It was wonderful to see so many of our younger students also join us in celebrating this historic day. Anzac Day is always an opportunity for our students to show their respect for those who gave their lives for us and similarly, it allows us as a school to clearly demonstrate our respect to the community.
In this age of instant information and electronic communication, we often get bombarded with all manner of messages and suggestions from a variety of sources. Many of the messages we get are ‘Life’ messages encouraging us to behave or think in a certain manner. It is not often that I actually stop and read any of these but the following caught my eye and I would like to share it with you.
Seven Cardinal Rules of Life
1) Make peace with your past so it won’t disturb your Present.
2) What other people think of you is none of your business.
3) Time HEALS almost everything. Give TIME
4) No One is In charge Of Your Happiness, Except You.
5) Don’t compare your Life To Others & Don’t Judge them.
You Have No Idea What their Journey is all about.
6) STOP Thinking too much, It’s all right not to know the answers.
They will come to you when least expected.
7) SMILE. You don’t own all the problems in the WORLD.
As we work daily with young hearts and minds, this set of rules helps us to lead our children to become confident, independent and resilient people and help them focus on what is really important in their life.
I don’t think this list is complete. I think we need to add one more rule to make sure we help young people become whole.
8) Pray. Make room for Jesus in your life.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
TRUE FRIEND – A REFLECTION
Horror gripped the heart of the young soldier as he saw his childhood friend fall in battle. Caught in a trench with gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his lieutenant if he could go out into the “no man’s land” between the trenches to recover his fallen mate.
“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead, and you may throw your life away.”
The lieutenant’s advice didn’t matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously he managed to reach his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder and bring him back to their company’s trench. As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, and then looked kindly at his friend.
“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” he said. “Your friend is dead and you are wounded.”
“It was worth it sir!” said the soldier.
“What do you mean? Worth it?” responded the Lieutenant. “Your friend is dead.”
“Yes, Sir” the private answered. “But it was worth it, because when I got to him, he was still alive. He looked me in the eyes and said his last words …. ‘I knew you’d come Tom.’ He died in my arms. I could not save him, but he saved me. He took the bullets for me as I returned to the trench. I am sitting here knowing that I did all that I could …. and so did my friend.”
ANZAC DAY – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
On Friday our school community gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day and to pray for peace. Toni McNeill and three students from Holy Spirit College, representing the Army, Navy and Air Cadets, formed the guard and Mr Dodson reflected on his service in the Royal Australian Navy. Firefighter and former student Tim Curtin and his son Owen, lay a memorial wreath and representatives from all classes placed poppies at the foot of the cross. It was a reflective and respectful celebration that included scripture and prayer, The Ode, The Last Post, One Minute’s Silence, Rouse and Australian National Anthem. It was a wonderful way to remember and honour those who served and gave their lives to defend the values of justice, peace and freedom.
On Tuesday a large group of students and teachers participated in the Mackay ANZAC Day Parade. Our School Captains placed a wreath at the service that followed the parade. Thank you to all who marched and to those who supported our participation.
Well done to Hudson and Matilda who represented our school at the Dawn Service at Hampden. Thanks Mum and Dad for making this possible.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)
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.
We Will Remember Them (My Grandfather’s Hat) by Andrew Chinn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPfaZCbwGYQ
Lee Kernaghan’s Spirit of the Anzacs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q20DUaIzYJg
We Will Remember Them - ANZAC Day Tribute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rOnpc4NZcQ
ALLELUIA HE IS RISEN
Although Easter Sunday is just one day, the Season of Easter extends over 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing through the Ascension of the Lord until Pentecost Sunday.
The sacred spaces in all classrooms have had a change of decor. The purple cloth and purple candle of Lent have been replaced with a white cloth and a white candle. Students have been hearing the Easter stories and learning about why and how the Church celebrates this season. They have been challenged to treat others with respect and kindness and to help make the world a more loving and compassionate place for all.
EASTER LUCKY DIPS COMING SOON
Our FARMITAS Lenten Challenge and raffle were great. We raised money for and awareness of those less fortunate than ourselves, and the life changing work of CARITAS. During the Easter season we will be selling ‘Easter Lucky Dips’. All monies raised will make a difference in the lives of people we don’t even know. Be sure to check out next week’s newsletter for more details about this exciting new initiative.
FEAST OF ST PETER CHANEL
St Peter Chanel is the Patron Saint of Oceania. He was a Marist priest and as such has a special significance for us here at Emmanuel. (The Society of Mary, Marist Fathers, is a religious order of priests, so called on account of the special devotion they profess toward the Blessed Virgin.) Peter Chanel was one of the first priests professed on 24 September 1836, along with Jean-Claude-Marie Colin and Marcellin Champagnat. His feast day is 28 April.
St. Peter Chanel, you left your homeland to proclaim Jesus, Saviour of the world, to the peoples of Oceania. Guided by the Spirit of God, who is the strength of the gentle, you bore witness to love, even laying down your life. Grant that like you we may live our daily life in peace, joy, and in love. May your prayer and example call forth from our midst many workers for the Gospel so that God’s kingdom may reach to the ends of the earth.
You will find a short video about St Peter Chanel @ http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=403
MONTH OF MARY - PRAY THE ROSARY THIS MAY
May has always been a special month in my life. During May we celebrate our mums and our heavenly mother, Mary. As a child it was a time for our family to gather with other families in the neighbourhood to pray The Rosary. As an adult and a mother myself, it is a time to appreciate my mum and give thanks for the gift of motherhood.
‘The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family.’ (Pope Francis)
This May all classes will be learning about Mary and praying various Marian prayers. I encourage you to do the same.
CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY
Our Mother’s Day picnic will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building on Friday 12 May at 10:30am. Please bring a chair or rug and morning tea to share with your child/ren. We look forward to welcoming as many mums as possible.
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.
Please Note:
The 2023/2024 Sacramental Program for students in Year Three and above will begin in Term Three.
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 - JOYFULNESS
Joyfulness is being filled with happiness. It is a peaceful sense of well-being. Joy is inside us all. It is looking forward to your day, knowing it will be good. Joy comes from when we are doing what we know is right and when we laugh and see the humour in things.
“There is no such thing as the pursuit of happiness, there is only the discovery of joy.” (Joyce Grenfell)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
1983 – Opening and Blessing, our Founders, the Sisters and Staff.
Do you recognise any of these faces?
Curriculum Corner
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
UNIFORM IN COLD WEATHER
With the cooler weather upon us, a reminder that the Emmanuel School jumper is to be worn. The Uniform Shop has second hand jumpers for sale if you wish to purchase this item of clothing. Our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm.
SAVE THE DATE - SCHOOL PHOTOS 23 - 24 May 2023
School photography day is coming up soon on 23/05/2023-24/05/2023. 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
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
HEALTHY EXERCISE
As the cooler weather arrives, and we go looking for our winter pyjamas, don’t forget to keep moving. I want to share some insights about a topic that is critical to your child's well-being: healthy exercise.
In today's digital age, children are exposed to screens and technology from a very young age. While these advancements are great, they also encourage a sedentary lifestyle, which has led to an increase in obesity rates and other health issues. That's why it's crucial to encourage healthy exercise habits.
Exercise is vital for a child's physical, mental, and emotional development. Moreover, regular exercise boosts mood, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps in enhancing cognitive abilities, such as focus and attention span.
So, how can you encourage your child to exercise in a healthy way? Here are some tips:
- Make it Fun: Encourage your child to participate in physical activities they enjoy. Make exercise a family activity by taking a walk, riding bikes, or playing games like hide-and-seek, tag, or hopscotch.
- Set a Routine: Schedule a specific time each day for your child to engage in physical activity. Make it a habit, and it will become a part of their daily routine.
- Limit Screen Time: Limit the time your child spends on screens, including TV, computers, tablets, and smartphones. Instead, encourage them to engage in physical activities or outdoor games.
- Lead by Example: Children often learn by example, so be sure to model healthy exercise habits. Take part in physical activities yourself and encourage your child to join you.
By making exercise a part of your routine, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of physical activity. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Kindly,
Sharon Martin BVA, GDLT, MEd
School Counsellor
Around the School
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
IRISH DANCING
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Isabella Cummins who has been dancing at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Ireland. She had an amazing competition, winning most of her events, and placing 3rd in the Under 8 Division. This is the first time Australia has had a podium finish. We are so proud of you Isabella. Keep enjoying your dancing!
FUTSAL
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Cru Dennis has been selected to represent Australia in the World Futsal Competition being held in Italy in the June/ July holidays. We wish Cru all the best for the competition and know that he will make himself, his family and all of us very proud. We look forward to hearing about his participation and performance and this exciting adventure.
WONDER - RECYCLING REWARDS
Help us collect bread bags so we can earn points to redeem on new RHSports equipment. Keep your empty bread bags and send them to school with your child/ren to place them in the Wonder's pink collection box located outside the Front Office, Prep area and Library.
Please ensure all crumbs have been removed from the packet prior to placing in the collection box.
School Choir
Tuckshop News
TUCKSHOP NEWS
Due to rising prices and an increase in transport/delivery costs, the price of some menu items will be increased in the coming weeks (particularly ice-cream range). We try very hard to keep our prices to a minimum for our students and families however in the current climate we can no longer absorb the increases.
Thank you for your understanding,
Angela McGowan & Carly Nicholas
Tuckshop Conveeners
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 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 2 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Monday 25 April, with payment due by 8 May. 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
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 . Existing family enrolments are to be completed by the 26 May 2023. ALL ENROLMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE. Once enrolment applications have been received and processed by our Administration staff, you will be notified to schedule an Interview early Term 3 2023.
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