Newsletter - 11 May 2023

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

“God could not be everywhere at once, so he gave each child a mother.”
- Hasidic saying

Mother’s Day is upon us once again, a day to honour the most important person in our lives: the one who gave us birth, brought us through infancy, celebrated each milestone, answered our questions, put up with our misdeeds, and through it all gave us love. My mother did all this for me, and for this I thank her. But as wonderful as these things are, my mother gave me a more wonderful gift still.  She raised me to become the person God intended me to be, that I use my life to serve Jesus and my neighbour.

Mum was a great role model for her family.  Over the years she taught us countless lessons.  Mum was by no means perfect, but what mattered most to her was being a mother.  She focussed her whole life on her children and that reflected both a personal desire and her worldview. To her, children were paramount. They deserved happiness and safety and a future full of possibilities. She wanted all of this for her children.

Mum’s life was by no means an easy one. The hardworking, pioneering spirit of that generation required everybody in the household to contribute with much energy and time just to make a living. So, too, for our Mother. Raising four children, washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, keeping the children clothed, at times did not leave much energy or time for personal projects. Mum always did what had to be done.  Life, for her, had more in it than food, shelter and warmth. She lived out the Bible passage about being content with such things as you have. She taught her children the value of life and the real meaning of sacrificial love by demonstrating it with her daily life.

I cannot thank God enough for the love of my mother and for her deep relationship with my father.  Even though they could never be called a "perfect" couple, it was obvious to us children that our parents loved God, each other and each one of us.   Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my mother and thank God for the privilege of having shared my life with her.  Although her passing leaves a tremendous hole in our family; her life, suffering and death will challenge and inspire us all for the rest of our lives.  For those of you who are blessed enough to still have your mums, take this opportunity to tell those you love how much you appreciate having them in your lives, for you never know how long they will be with you.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all our mums, grandmothers and mother figures.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla    

Principal  

RE Matters

CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY

Our Mother’s Day picnic will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building tomorrow, 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.

Students will thank God and pray for their mums at Assembly tomorrow. Year 5S will lead this prayer.

MONTH OF MARY - PRAY THE ROSARY - PRAY FOR PEACE

On 13 May 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal. It was an apparition that was repeated on the 13th of every month, for six consecutive months. Our Lady told the children,

"Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war." 

Each Tuesday and Thursday this month, students and staff will gather in the chapel at lunchtime to meditate on the Mysteries of The Rosary.  We will pray for peace in our families, our school and our world.

To find out more about The Rosary and how to pray it, go to:

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/rosary.php

For more information about the apparitions go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeMq0SpGKrw

To hear the Our Lady of Fatima song go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d-vZj5Fecg

This May, all classes will be learning about Mary and praying various Marian prayers, including The Rosary. I encourage you to do the same.

“The Rosary has a peaceful effect on those who pray it, leading them to see the face of Christ in others, to recognise other’s grief and to yearn to make the world more beautiful, more just, more closely conformed to God’s plan.” (Pope John Paul II, 2002)

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.

EASTER LUCKY DIPS ON SALE NOW

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 be added to our FARMITAS total.

Lucky Dips will cost $2.00 each and will be on sale now. Please encourage your child/ren to do a job, so they can earn some money to buy an Easter Lucky Dip and make a difference in the lives of people they don’t even know.

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 – POSITIVITY

 “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible!".  (Audrey Hepburn)  

Positivity means thinking in an optimistic way, looking for solutions and expecting good results and success. It is a happy and worry-free state of mind, which looks at the bright side of life. A positive attitude is one of joy, love and inspiration. It is choosing constructive feelings and emotions and acting with purpose and determination. If you have a positive attitude you avoid negative and unhappy feelings and thoughts.

“Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible.”.  (Rodolfo Costa)  

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

ADDAM'S FAMILY PREVIEW SHOW

Thank you to those parents who have returned notes for students to attend the MMCP Preview Perfomance of the  Addam’s Family next Wednesday 17 May. We have an eager group of 20 students attending and a reminder that they are to meet Mrs McDonald, Mrs Simonsen and Miss Meg outside the MECC no later than 7pm.  A note with final details will be sent home with these students next week, but please be advised that the performance will not conclude until approximately 10pm.  Please contact Amanda McDonald if you require any further information.

PEER SUPPORT TRAINING DAY                                                  

Each year our Year Six students are responsible for leading the Peer Support program across the school. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to demonstrate leadership and act as positive role models to the younger students here at Emmanuel.  Peer Support Australia is a national non-profit organisation which have been working with schools across Australia for almost 50 years to support student wellbeing.  The Peer Support program empowers students with practical skills and strategies to positively navigate life and relationships. At Emmanuel, students from Prep – Year Five are placed in groups of approximately 10 students, and led by Year 6 students in activities and games to focus on the key message of taking responsibility for their own wellbeing and to assist them deal positively, proactively and resiliently with life experiences. This year‘s Peer Support program will run for six weeks, beginning next Friday 19 May.  This year’s focus will be on Emmanuel, our school our history our story, which ties in well with our 40^th year celebrations.

To prepare students for the program, next WEDNESDAY 17 MAY the Year Six students will participate in a training day which will help prepare them to lead the groups this year. Peer Support will begin across the school next FRIDAY 19 MAY. The groups will run from 8:40am – 9:10am, with students working in groups under the guidance of classroom teachers. Awards will be presented in Peer Support groups and recipients will be congratulated at a short Assembly after Peer Support has concluded. 

Please note: Assembly will be at 9:15am during the Peer Support Program. 

We look forward to our very capable Year 6 students demonstrating outstanding leadership during this time of Peer Support here at Emmanuel.

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.

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY - Friday 19 May

The annual Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is a day when all primary school children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school.  This event will be held throughout Australia next FRIDAY 19 MAY.

As in previous years, Emmanuel students, staff, parents and friends are invited to participate in WSTSD by assembling in Tolcher Street park from 7.45am on FRIDAY 19 MAY.  From this point, at about 8.00am, police will ensure the safe crossing of Tolcher Street and Arthur Street, walking to the intersection of Phillip Street and Bucasia Road, then along the walkway running parallel to Bucasia Road.  The group will cross Baxter Drive at the supervised crossing, arriving at school by the first bell at 8.25am.

One of the many aims of the Pedestrian Council of Australia is to promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age. Please note that NO CHILD will be able to leave the school grounds on Friday morning to join the walk – parents are asked to drop students at the Tolcher Street park to meet teachers on Friday morning.  An added bonus this year is a shared breakfast which will be held as we enter the schoolgrounds after our walk.  A big thankyou to Mackay Regional Council for sponsoring this initiative. For catering purposes, we ask that you register via the link below:

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing many members of our school community walking with us next Friday.

SCHOOL PHOTOS 23 and 24 May 2023

School Photographs will take place on TUESDAY 23 May and WEDNESDAY 24 May. Please note the following:

• As in previous years the payment method is ONLINE ONLY. 
• To order, contact http://www.advancedlife.com.au/

And enter online order code: R78 KWL A81

• Photos for Prep to Year 5 will be taken on Tuesday 23 May. Students in Year 6, School Captains and House Captains, and siblings will be photographed on Wednesday 24 May. 

Students from Years 1 to 6 are to wear their blue day uniform, with girls wearing their school dress.  Parents are asked to ensure that hair is neat and tidy, and hair longer than collar length is to be tied back.  If hair bands, ribbons or scrunchies are to be worn, they are to be gold or blue of the school colours.  No decorative hair accessories are to be worn.

Please contact the school office if you require any further information regarding school photos.

EVENTS & PAYMENTS - ONLINE PERMISSION FORMS (PARENT LOUNGE)

We are currently trialing our online Events & Payments system through Parent Lounge. 

Instead of completing permission forms by hand, parents are now able to login to Parent Lounge to accept/decline attendance for various events including excursions, camps and sporting activities. 

To find Events & Payments, simply log into your Parent Lounge via the App or Website and click on Events & Payments on the left side of the screen.  This will bring up a list of your events.  Follow the prompts to record permission/attendance, etc.

We are currently seeking permission for Shotput / Discus in preparation for the Athletics Carnival for students in Years 3 – 6.   If you haven’t already done so, please log-in and accept / decline permission ASAP, as these lessons begin next week, and your child will be unable to participate without consent.

If you are having any issues accessing Parent Lounge, please contact the school office

SPORTING STARS OF EMMANUEL

This year we have had many students represent Emmanuel at Northern District School Sports in a variety of sports, and last week on Assembly we congratulated all of these participants.  There have been some notable achievements, with the following students being selected for Mackay District teams and Capricornia sporting teams.  We congratulate the following students on this amazing sporting success:

ROUND 2 – JOHN PAAP RUGBY LEAGUE

Yesterday afternoon, our John Paap Rugby League team battled it out at Abbott Park in a hard-fought match against St Mary’s.  It was a great game of football, with our team fighting hard to stay in the game with only one sub on the sideline!  The boys put in a mighty effort, going down to St Mary’s 6-0. 

Thank you to the coaches and teachers who supported the team yesterday.  A reminder to parents that Round 3 will be held at Abbott Park next Wednesday at 4.50pm.  Please email Amanda McDonald if your child cannot play next week.

Amanda McDonald / Brooke Tomkinson – Team Managers

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

VISUALISATION

It is important to equip our children with tools to manage stress and worry. One such tool is visualisation, a technique that can help your child cope with difficult emotions and situations.

Visualisation involves creating a mental image of a peaceful or calming place, person or scenario, and imagining yourself in that situation. The aim of visualisation is to reduce stress and anxiety by creating a sense of calm and relaxation in the mind and body.

Visualisation can be used in different ways, including:

1. Guided imagery: This involves following a script that guides your child through a calming scene, such as a peaceful beach or a tranquil forest. You can find many guided imagery scripts online, or in apps such as ‘Calm’ or ‘Smiling Minds’
2. Self-generated imagery: This technique involves your child creating their own calming image, such as a happy memory or a favourite place. Encourage your child to use all their senses to create a vivid mental picture, including what they can see, hear, smell, and feel.
3. Progressive relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, while imagining a wave of relaxation washing over each area.

Visualisation is an effective technique that can be used by people of all ages and may help your child to regulate their emotions more effectively and feel more in control of their thoughts and feelings. Visualising Is powerful, but beware when google searching this topic, some content creators believe that visualising is all you need to do to become a millionaire! If only it was that easy…

Kindly,

Sharon Martin BVA, GDLT, MEd

School Counsellor

Around the School

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.

Awards

Congratulations to the student's below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 3.

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 - OVERDUE

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 Three.

SCHOOL APP

Community News

Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Please visit https://schooltransport.com.au/ to check if you are eligible.