Newsletter - 18 May 2023

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

At Emmanuel we are fortunate that the behaviour of the majority of students reflects the core values of our school. Day to day issues that we deal with in classrooms and the playground, are in general worked through and sorted out quickly. Navigating social relationships is a skill that needs to be learned and developed, the same as numeracy skills or sporting skills need to be learned and developed. All children are at different points along the continuum of learning, just as in any other learning area. Children do not always get things right the first time in Maths and the same goes for social-emotional learning. Therefore, it is important that children have clear expectations and boundaries.

Since the beginning of the year, all of our classes have had a focus on setting those expectations and boundaries, based on our school rules. Children respond well to structure and boundaries and it is our role as adults to provide these. Clear rules and expectations help children to feel safe and know what to expect. However, it is a normal part of childhood to push these boundaries. It is also normal for children to make wrong choices and even sometimes to get into trouble at school.  At Emmanuel, we treat these moments as learning opportunities.

When a friendship experiences a breakdown or if there is conflict, it is important for children to learn that this is normal and with the support of their teachers that they can be part of the process to sort things out and make them right. The school will always inform parents of incidents if it is deemed necessary or serious enough to warrant, however it is important for parents to understand that often we give children the opportunity to sort out situations with the teacher, without it needing to go to that next step of informing parents.

It is important that parents trust the school and their child to work through and resolve issues and even more importantly that they don’t try and solve their child’s problems for them. Children learn more when they are empowered to sort out their own problems, thereby developing resilience and problem solving skills that they can then use and rely on later in life. If all of their problems are solved for them by adults, then children will become teenagers and adults who, when faced with more challenging dilemmas, will not be able to make informed and appropriate decisions.

As parents, you need to listen to your children and let them share their problems, without trying to dig for information or trying to solve the problem for them. Be affirming and empathetic, encouraging them by asking how they might return to school the next day. It is also important to keep in mind that when a child comes home and reports about other children’s behaviour, what is reported is not always the full picture.

At Emmanuel, we take the time to understand these incidents and to work through each situation carefully, keeping the dignity of each child in mind without making judgements, so that the issue can be properly resolved. As a school, we have clear rules and consistent expectations. We follow through with appropriate consequences where necessary, with children more likely to learn and change their behaviour if they see this consistency both at school and supported at home.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla    

Principal  

RE Matters

LIFE IS A GIFT - REFLECTION

CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY – LET’S TRY AGAIN!

Our Mother’s Day Picnic will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building tomorrow, Friday 19 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 the prayer.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK

Laudato Si’ Week is a celebration of Pope Francis’s encyclical and a call to ‘Care for our Common Home.’

The theme this year is ‘Hope for the Earth. Hope for Humanity.’

Why are the dates for the celebration of Laudato Si’ Week in Australia different from the rest of the world?

The Australian Bishops have decided that we will celebrate Laudato Si’ Week earlier than the rest of the world each year. This is to allow Laudato Si’ Week (16 - 24 May), National Sorry Day (May 26) and National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June), to be fully acknowledged and appropriately celebrated by Australian Catholics.

A Prayer for the Earth – Laudato Si

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJz0ZuxxMI0&t=3s

Laudato Si' animation | CAFOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Lz7dmn1eM&t=110s

For some great resources, go to:

https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/.../laudato-si.../

PATRONESS OF AUSTRALIA

The Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians is celebrated on 24 May each year.  Here are some quick facts about Australia’s special relationship with Mary.

• It is recorded that when there were no priests in colonial Australia, Catholics prayed to Mary to nurture their faith.  
• One of the first priests, Father Therry, dedicated the Australian Church to Mary under the title “Help of Christians” in 1844.   
• Australia was the first nation to have Mary, Help of Christians as its patroness and to observe the feast on a national scale.  

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

PEER SUPPORT

Each year our Year Six students are responsible for leading the Peer Support program. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to demonstrate leadership and act as positive role models to the younger students in the school.

In our 40^th Anniversary Year, Peer Support will focus on our school – our story, our history, who we are and what is important to us. Students will participate in activities that promote our Core Values (Faith, Dignity, Respect, Love, Honesty, Justice) and discover that ‘God with Us’ is at the centre of all we are and do.

Yesterday, our Year Six students participated in a training day which prepared them to lead the groups this year. Activities focused on teamwork, communication and leadership.

Peer Support will begin next Friday 26 May. The groups will run from 8:40am – 9:10am and will be followed by a short Assembly at 9:15am. Awards will be presented in Peer Support groups and recipients will be congratulated at Assembly.

It is important that students arrive on time for school, so they don’t miss the start of Peer Support.

Please support this valuable program by discussing the content of weekly activities with your children. Be sure to ask them about what they learnt about our school and how they enjoyed working in their group. We look forward to another successful year of Peer Support here at Emmanuel.

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Each year Vinnies supports individual and families in our community who are in need. Unfortunately, with an increasing number of people seeking assistance, their stock of tinned and non-perishable foods is running very low. They have asked for our help. If you are able to assist Vinnies in their valuable work by contributing some of the needed food items, it would be very much appreciated. Donations can be dropped into the school office.  They will be collected and distributed in the coming weeks.  Many thanks for your generosity and prayers.

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.

DIOCESAN FESTIVAL – LAUNCH OF THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN

Hosted by Bishop Michael McCarthy and the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, this exciting gathering will give the faithful of the Diocese an opportunity to hear about the pastoral focus for our Diocese over the next five years. The Diocesan Pastoral Plan will encourage parishes and communities to clearly articulate and plan co-responsibility for the mission, bringing about the Kingdom of God right where we live and worship.  It will also be an opportunity to hear of and share the wonderful mission and ministry activities already happening around our Diocese, in a festive and supportive environment.

More details in the link button below:

The Ascension - The Catechism of the Catholic Church

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ascension.php

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

Curriculum Corner

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 23nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

It was finally time for the event of the year,
Spike couldn’t believe it—
THE GREAT RACE was here!
The other sloths said it couldn’t be done,
but Spike didn’t care, she was ready to run!

About the author
Rebecca Young is an award-winning author from Sydney. Her first book, Button Boy, illustrated by Sue deGennaro, was a Notable Book for the 2012 CBCA Awards and has been published internationally. In 2016, Teacup, illustrated by Matt Ottley, won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature in the NSW Premier’s Literacy Awards.

About the illustrator
Heath McKenzie is an award-winning children’s book illustrator who has written and illustrated countless books for children. Heath lives in Melbourne with his wife, two kids, dog, and a fish that he considers more of a lodger than a family member. 

Students will enjoy reading this book and completing activities during class time on Wednesday 24 May.

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY - FRIDAY 19 MAY

ADDAMS FAMILY PREVIEW SHOW

Thank you to the parents who brought their children along to the preview show of the Mackay Musical Comedy Players Production of The Addams Family last night. We had an eager group of 20 students who enjoyed the show, and we appreciate the invitation to attend from MCCP. 

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

SCHOOL PHOTOS 23 and 24 May 2023

School Photographs will take place next 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 student's 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.

ROUND 3 – JOHN PAAP RUGBY LEAGUE

Yesterday afternoon, our John Paap Rugby League team once again competed at Abbott Park against a well drilled Marian team. The boys played well with the final score being 16 - 0 to Marian.

Thank you to the coaches and teachers who supported the team yesterday.  A reminder to parents that Round 4 will be held at Abbott Park Field 1 next Wednesday at 4.50pm.  Please email Amanda McDonald if your child cannot play next week.

Amanda McDonald / Brooke Tomkinson – Team Managers

PRIME ENERGY DRINKS

Please refrain from sending these energy drinks to School. We strongly encourage WATER only to be consumed in drink bottles.

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

APPS FOR WELLBEING

While technology can sometimes be seen as a distraction or a cause for concern, there are numerous apps available today that can help enhance our children's emotional development and promote their mental wellbeing.

Calm Kids: This app is specifically designed to teach children mindfulness and meditation techniques. It offers a variety of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques tailored to suit different age groups. Calm Kids helps children develop self-awareness, manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation skills.

Smiling Mind: Smiling Mind is a popular mindfulness app for children and teenagers. It offers guided meditation programs designed to help children build resilience, improve their sleep, reduce anxiety, and manage stress. With age-specific programs, this app makes it easy for kids to learn mindfulness techniques in a fun and engaging way.

Super Better: SuperBetter is a gamified app that encourages children to adopt a positive mindset and build resilience. It helps them set goals, overcome challenges, and develop a sense of achievement. By transforming everyday activities into quests, SuperBetter motivates children to stay engaged and tackle difficulties with a growth-oriented approach.

Headspace for Kids: Headspace for Kids is a spin-off from the popular adult meditation app, Headspace. It offers a wide range of mindfulness exercises and techniques specifically tailored for children. With playful animations, guided meditations, and breathing exercises, this app helps kids improve focus, manage anxiety, and cultivate a sense of calm.

Before introducing any app, I recommend reviewing the app's content, reading user reviews, and considering your child's age and specific needs. Also ensure you maintain an open line of communication with your child about their experiences using these apps.

Kindly,

Sharon Martin

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.

P & F News

A big thank you to the P & F Association for kindly funding the new netball dresses for Challenge Cup and Gala Days.  Our netballers are very appreciative of the generous donation made by our P&F Association. 

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 Fees - OVERDUE

Term 2 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.

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.