Newsletter - 08 June 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Catholic Schools are privileged places. They provide a unique and special place where children and their families are able to grow and flourish in a faith filled learning environment.
Improving the learning outcomes for all children at Emmanuel is our core business. The children are our first priority. We aim to develop each child according to their ability. We strive to develop the whole child, that is to develop each child spiritually, emotionally, physically and academically. For our school to do its job effectively, the ongoing interest and involvement of parents is vital. Teachers and parents working as partners means common goals can be established and developed more effectively and efficiently. It is important that the children see teachers and parents supporting each other. Working together assists the children’s development and learning in so many ways.
A happy, supportive and harmonious link between teachers and parents with realistic common goals creates a unified approach. When a child perceives a breakdown in communication of this vital link a child experiences conflict and may play one off against the other. We are very fortunate at Emmanuel to have supportive and caring parents, not only supportive in developing community spirit, but more importantly loyal and supportive in helping and assisting their children’s learning.
Sometimes with today’s busy and hectic lifestyles it is easy to leave school to the teachers but when we reflect on the points below it is well worth remembering that the link between teachers and parents is paramount in our children’s education.
- A child’s performance is strongly influenced by his or her parents’ attitude to the school.
- Achievement levels tend to rise when parents are seen to be interested and involved in their child’s schooling.
- Parental involvement can develop a real sense of community within a school.
- Parents have many ideas and skills that can be very useful to their school community.
At Emmanuel we have an outstanding reputation for providing a high standard of teaching and learning. This is due to our wonderful teachers, children and your support as parents. It is our community that makes the difference. Emmanuel has a great community spirit, a solid educational foundation and dedicated teachers.
This is a great catholic school that over the last 40 years has helped produce not just well educated young adults but compassionate people who because of their faith, confidently embrace a future with hope and joy. I hope that you are as proud to be a part of this community as I am.
My appreciation and thanks to you as parents, for your valuable role as the primary educators of your child and to the teachers, a dedicated team of professionals who give so generously of their self, skills and time.
Thank you for your continued support. It is in partnership that we can achieve great things for our children.
Last week our school community celebrated 40 years of Emmanuel Catholic School. From its humble beginnings in 1983 of just over 200 students, Emmanuel has flourished and now has a student population of 580 students. Our 40th Anniversary is an opportunity for us to take a pause in our journey – to look back on God’s faithfulness to us, and to reflect on how God’s provision has prevailed through every step of our journey. It is equally through the times of challenge and the times of provision that God reveals Himself and His love to us. May we continue to walk in the footsteps of our Founders by following Christ and living the Gospel as Mary did.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
ALL YOU WERE CREATED TO BE – A REFLECTION
A young parrot came home from school upset and confused. “What’s wrong?” his mother asked.
“My beak is what’s wrong!” Parrot shouted.
“What’s wrong with your beak? I think it’s beautiful,” his mother reassured him.
“All of the other birds have much cooler beaks - ibis, pelicans, kookaburras and budgerigars, all of them!”
“You should go and talk to Cockatoo, he’ll know what to do. He’s the wisest of all the birds in the bush,” said Parrot’s mother. So Parrot flew to the tallest tree in the bush and found Cockatoo.
“Excuse me Cockatoo, I have a problem,” said Parrot.
“What is it Parrot?” asked Cockatoo. “How can I help you?”
“I have a silly beak” stated Parrot. “Why can’t I have a cool beak like an ibis or a pelican, a kookaburra or a budgerigar?”
“You’re right,” agreed Cockatoo, “they do have cool beaks! Tell me Parrot, do you like eating worms and frogs?”
“Yuck! That would be disgusting!” replied Parrot.
“Well, that’s what the ibis’s beak is designed for,” said Cockatoo. “What about fish?”
“I couldn’t think of anything worse!” declared Parrot.
“So, a pelican’s beak wouldn’t suit you either,” reasoned Cockatoo. “What about snakes and mice?”
“No way!” cried Parrott.
“Okay, so maybe you shouldn’t aspire to have a kookaburra’s beak. Small seeds?”
“They’re not so bad, but almonds are my favourite!” exclaimed Parrot.
“That’s lucky, I think I have a few here. Would you like one?” asked Cockatoo.
Parrot’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please.”
“Tell me Parrot, if you had the beak of an ibis, pelican, kookaburra or budgerigar, do you think that you could eat that almond?”
“I guess not,” said Parrot with his mouth full.
“You see Parrot, you have been designed a certain way, with certain skills, attributes and tastes. Don’t waste your life comparing yourself and being envious of others. Make sure that you know who you are and strive to be the very best version of yourself.” Parrot nodded his head in understanding and happily flew home to tell his mother what Cockatoo had taught him.
We are all made in the likeness and image of God. May we be all that we were created to be.
(Author Unknown)
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Last week, Bishop Michael McCarthy Confirmed a large number of our students in special celebrations at St Joseph’s Church.
Confirmation, the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, completes Baptism. Through the Laying on of Hands, Renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Anointing with Chrism, candidates were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and called to become involved in the life and mission of the church.
It was wonderful to have Bishop Michael here to lead these celebrations.
A big THANK YOU to Fr Stephen, Fr Andrew, the parents and families of these students and the Sacramental Team for guiding and supporting them throughout their preparation.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students participating in the Sacramental Program will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time next month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.
EMMANUEL SAYS THANK YOU
We will be farewelling Fr Stephen at a special prayer celebration next Friday 16 June. It will take place in the Marist Centre at 10:00am. Please join us to thank Fr Stephen for the gift he has been to our school community and to wish him God’s blessings as he begins his next adventure. All welcome.
RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Last Monday a small group of students, Mrs Penola and Ms Ah Wang joined the Mackay Reconciliation Bridge Walk and on Wednesday the whole school participated in our annual Walk for Reconciliation. It was a great way to mark Reconciliation Week and to remind our students that reconciliation needs to be fostered every day; is about respectful relationships and everyone working together for a better future.
PEER SUPPORT
Last Friday our Peer Support groups met to investigate what ‘God With Us’ looks like, sounds like and feels like at Emmanuel. The students worked together to complete a Y chart and practised using kind words and saying thank you.
Tomorrow’s activities will focus on three of our Core Values – Respect, Dignity and Honesty.
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.
CATHOLIC MISSION
Yesterday, Mr Greg Clair from Catholic Mission visited Year 4M. During his visit he presented a certificate and congratulated the students on the effort made by Emmanuel CPS, during Soccertober 2022, to raise awareness and funds to support the work of Catholic Mission in Ethiopia.
He also announced this year’s project in Timor-Leste and the theme: Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move. Details of our participation will be shared later in the year.
For more information about the mission and life-giving work of Catholic Mission go to:
WATER BUCKET CHALLENGE
Did you know that more than 2.2 billion (1 in 3) people around the world, do not have water security – they don’t have access to clean drinking water, and/or they need to make long, sometimes treacherous, journeys every day to collect water.
At our Athletics Carnival next Wednesday, we will be having a Water Bucket Challenge. A small group of students and staff will walk laps of the oval carry buckets of water. We do this in solidarity with the large number of women and children who walk for water every day.
Feel free to add a donation (large or small) to one of the buckets as they go past. All monies raised will be forwarded to CARITAS to support their work in communities where water continues to be a life and death issue.
For more information visit:
Students who ‘Walked For Water’ at last year’s Athletics Carnival.
Meals are very important events. Not only do we physically need food and drink to keep ourselves alive, but we use meals to mark occasions and celebrate events: birthdays; weddings; dates; achievements; disappointments; reunions. There is a sacredness about gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal together. Stories are told; memories shared; the food is appreciated and more often than not there’s a drink to accompany the meal. Treating such occasions with gratitude – as blessed moments of grace – is living out the Eucharistic reality of welcoming Jesus into our lives and seeking to be more like him. (Greg Sunter)
Jesus had many meals with his disciples and friends, but only a few meals are written about in the Gospels. His Last Supper had a special significance. Not only was it his final meal, but it coincided with the great Jewish celebration of liberation called the Passover. During this meal Jesus gave the ritual bread and wine a new meaning, that of his own life. When he was no longer physically present with the disciples they were to continue to gather around a table, to share bread and wine, and by his words, ‘This is my body; this is my blood,’ he promised that in these gatherings he will be present. (Mary Coloe)
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.
FAREWELL FR STEPHEN
A Celebration Mass to farewell Fr Stephen will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church on Wednesday 28 June at 6:00pm. It is in the first week of the school holidays. It would be great to see lots of Emmanuel families there to give thanks for Fr Stephen and all he has brought to our parish and school community. He has often talked of his dream for a 100 strong children’s choir and this is our opportunity to help make it happen. All welcome!
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – CREATIVITY
“Creative people do not see things for what they are, they see them for what they can be.” (Unknown)
Creativity is the power of imagination. It is discovering your own special talents. Dare to see things in new ways and find different ways to solve problems. With your creativity, you can bring something new into the world. Creativity helps us to be all we are called to be.
“My dear young people, the Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.” (Pope Francis)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EMMANUEL
Our celebrations began with Mass at St Joseph’s Church. We gathered with Miss Leesa Jeffcoat (Director of Catholic Education), Mr Michael McCusker (AD Schools and former principal), Mr Lindsay Ferguson and Mr Vince McSherry (foundation and long-standing school leaders), Sr Noelene Simmons, Mr Derek Worden, Principals and Leadership Teams from local Catholic Schools and lots of past Emmanuel staff members, students and parents, to celebrate and give thanks for our school. Miss Rostirolla (foundation teacher, APRE and current principal) welcomed and invited all present to share in the story of Emmanuel. Our students listened and participated prayerfully and sang beautifully all the ministries at the mass were undertaken by Emmanuel students who are now on staff or long standing members of staff.
A big THANK YOU to Fr Stephen, Fr Andrew, Mrs Whelan, Miss McDonald, our amazing staff and all who contributed to this wonderful celebration. You are a gift to our school. Your support and encouragement is very much appreciated.
The 40th Anniversary Dinner was held at school on Wednesday evening. Like the Mass early in the day, it was a wonderful celebration – friends gathered, memories shared, stories told, and photos taken.
LOOK AT THEM NOW - Four foundation Year One students and four foundation staff members joined the fun. Can you name them?
Look at all of our fabulous staff members who were Emmanuel students.
Emmanuel students who joined the fun!
Some of the Emmanuel parents (now grandparents) who joined the fun!
FAMILY PICNIC AND ART EXHIBITION
On Friday lots of parents joined us for a family picnic at lunchtime. They enjoyed eating lunch and chatting with their children (and their children’s friends) before viewing the art on display in the Marist Centre. A big CONGRATULATIONS to our students and thank you to Mrs Baird and her team of helpers who set up the exhibition. Everyone loved it.
Curriculum Corner
SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS
A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign into Parent Lounge prior to reports being released in Week 10. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.
Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 4:00pm on Friday, 23 June.
- To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website: ecps.qld.edu.au
- Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
- Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
- Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used.
The goal of the reporting process is to support student learning progress by providing parents and carers with clear, individualised information about:
- the learning expectations for the student
- the student’s achievement against expected standards
- how well the student is engaging with expected learning
- progress that has been made since the last reporting period
- strengths that the student has demonstrated and areas of challenge that may require more attention
- ‘next steps’ that will help the student improve.
The semester report is one part of a feedback loop, along with regular and consistent written and verbal communication such as on-going feedback on tasks, parent-teacher interviews, and daily opportunities for parents to discuss questions and concerns with teachers. The report reflects an on-balance judgement about the quality of student learning, based on evidence collected during the reporting period.
We are delighted to inform you that Emmanuel Catholic Primary School will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. This year, students in years 5 and 6 have the opportunity, to participate in English (14 – 18 August) and Mathematics (28 August – 1 September).
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.
We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year. All students must be registered by Friday 28 July, 2023.
Learn more about ICAS here. (https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas)
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
- Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas)
- Read the terms and conditions here:(icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Parents-PPS-TsCs_final.pdf)
- Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: (shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)
- Enter our school’s access code – TFE076
- Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.
Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.
After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.
ICAS Results and Certificates
We will notify you of the date(s) that we run ICAS at the school and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Once we have received your child’s ICAS certificate, we will send it home with your child. The back of the certificate shows ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”, that you and your child need to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
JOHN PAAP RUGBY LEAGUE
Yesterday our John Paap Rugby League team played the final round of the competition, and ended the season on a high, with a 44-10 win against Bucasia. The boys have certainly come a long way since their first game, and it has been wonderful to watch the team develop over the past few weeks. Thanks to the parents for bringing the boys to the game each week, and special thanks to Paul Johnson, Luke Dodson, and Cameron & Brooke Tomkinson for their ongoing support of the team. Your commitment and assistance has been greatly appreciated.
Parents of team members please note, an important email was sent this morning, and a response is needed ASAP in regards to a match next week. Please respond by tomorrow morning advising your child’s availability so that a decision can be made.
GRANT ROVELLI - GALA DAY
On Friday 23 June Mackay District Sports offers students born in 2013 and 2014 (both boys & girls) the opportunity to attend an Interschool Rugby League Gala Day. All students who expressed interest have received a permission note. Unfortunately, if these notes with the $3.50 are not returned by tomorrow Friday (9 June) to Mrs. Tomkinson, students will not be able to attend this day. We are hoping to have a training session for these teams in Week 10. Dates and times for this will be advised. A reminder that parents need to provide transport and supervision for this event. We are so looking forward to participating in this Gala Day!
PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL RULES
At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class.
The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.
We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
COVID Update
Sporting News
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL - NEXT WEEK
Athletics events will be held over two days - half day field events on Tuesday 13 June and Full Day carnival Wednesday 14 June. Parents and friends are most welcome to attend the carnival, and we appreciate your support. Parents will have a designated area on the oval and at field events whereby they may view the day’s proceedings. We ask that all parents please observe our WPH&S requirements and refrain from calling children from their house area to cross the track to the parent area. Students have been instructed that they are to remain in their house areas when not competing. Also, for the smooth-running of the carnival, and safety of all, parents are asked to not walk across the running tracks or enter the roped-off field event areas. Thank you for your ongoing support.
All running events, ball games and some field events will be held at the full day carnival. Please click on the program below for approximate times of events.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE – WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE (ATHLETICS CARNIVAL)
The tuckshop will not be open on Wednesday 14 June. This year we will be having a Sausage Sizzle. Sausages will be $2 each. Parents are asked to please order the number of sausages required using the following process:
- Prep – Year 2: Students received a green order slip last week to place an order for the Athletics Day Sausage Sizzle. Order form needs to be returned to their classroom teacher along with $2.00 per sausage no later than FRIDAY 9 JUNE.
- Year 3 - Year 6: Students received an orange order slip last week to place an order for the Athletics Day Sausage Sizzle. Order form needs to be returned to their classroom teacher no later than FRIDAY 9 JUNE. $2.00 per sausage will need to be paid on the day when students collect their sausage.
Luke Dodson
HPE Teacher
From our Counsellor
EMPATHY
Empathy is defined simply as, “a sense of awareness of the emotions of others”. There is much debate over whether we are born with empathy, or if it is learned. Regardless, empathy can be taught. Teaching children to be more mindful of other’s feelings, and more in control of their own emotions is an essential life skill.
Tips for fostering empathy:
- Support children to develop strong self-regulation skills
- Seize every moment to model and induce sympathetic feelings for others
- Help kids discover what they have in common with other people
- Foster cognitive empathy through literature and role playing
- Help young children improve their face reading skills by asking them to ‘make a face’ while imagining how someone else feels.
- Develop a sense of morality in your child that doesn’t depend on rewards or punishment.
- Encourage emotional sharing and empathic concern for others.
(Gwen Dewar, 2009-2017, retrieved from parenting science)
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.
School Choir
Outside of School Hours Care
FRIDAY 23 JUNE - CLOSURE
Please be advised that our OSHC Service will not be operating on the last day of this term (Friday 23 June) due to the unavailability of staff to support the operation of the Service. Should you require care for your child/ren on this day, you may wish to contact any of the other services within our region – St Joseph’s OSHC - 0417 710 251 (07) 4957 3355 (School Office), St Brendan’s OSHC - 0447 819 235 (07) 4969 5022 (School Office), MacKillop OSHC - (07) 4955 3600 (School Office) or St Francis Xavier OSHC - 0407 173 822. Thank you for your understanding. Please note that Emmanuel Catholic Primary School Vacation Care (June/July holidays) will be operating as per normal.
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 7.
Tuckshop News
ATHLETICS DAY - BARBEQUE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
With our Athletics Carnival coming up next week we are in need of volunteers to assist with cooking the sausages on the barbeque. All volunteers will be able to watch their children compete in events.
Please contact Angie at the tuckshop if you are able to help.
Angela McGowan
Tuckshop Conveener
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
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.
