Newsletter - 19 May 2022
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.
FAREWELL MR RAY
Earlier this week I was privileged to attend Raymond Bertoldi’s funeral in Brisbane. Ray was our former Groundsman who worked at Emmanuel from 2014 – 2019.
Mr Ray as the children liked to call him, was a very loyal and hard working friend who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our grounds and garden areas were well maintained and immaculately presented. He took great pride in his work and the children delighted in assisting him whenever possible. Ray would often be seen helping the younger students retrieve balls and items of clothing or items which had managed to somehow end up on the rooftops of classroom buildings.
Ray always gave 150 per cent effort to everything he undertook. He was a man of integrity whose kindness and honesty allowed him to live simply, love generously and care deeply whilst leaving the rest to God. Despite some significant health challenges, Ray firmly believed that his life was a gift which afforded him the opportunity to give back to others in order to become more. Ray leaves behind the legacy of a loving wife and four devoted daughters who can live with the assurance that he served the Lord faithfully and is now resting peacefully in the arms of his loving God.
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
OPENING AND BLESSING
On Friday, students, staff, parents and invited guests gathered for the Official Opening and Blessing of our school Redevelopment /Building Project. Fr Stephen Hanly lead our prayer and blessed the buildings. Our students participated prayerfully and sang beautifully. It was a wonderful celebration. A big thank you to all who attended and to all who contributed to the preparation and celebration of this ceremony.
These beautiful Marist Crosses were blessed by Fr Stephen and now hang in classrooms and buildings around the school. They remind us of the sisters who founded the school and our call to listen to and follow God as Mary did.
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”.
- Australia was the first nation to have Mary, Help of Christians as its patroness and to observe the feast on a national scale.
- In 1815, the feast (24 May) and special title (Our Lady Help of Christians) were introduced by Pope Pius VII in thanksgiving for being liberated from prison. It is also a special day of significance in Australia, because in 1844 the bishops nominated Mary as a special patron of our country under this title.
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
This May, all classes will be learning about Mary and praying various Marian prayers, including The Rosary. I encourage you to do the same.
2021/2022 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students participating in the parish Sacramental Program will be Confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy at the end of the month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.
ELECTION STATEMENT- AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE
As you are aware, the Federal Election will be held this Saturday. Please find below an election statement written by the Most Reverend Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The statement, ‘Towards a Better Politics’, encourages us to vote for a kind of politics that is ‘truly at the service of the common good’ for all Australians.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK AUSTRALIA (16-24 MAY)
Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Our Common Home, Laudato Si’, is an inspiration during moments of difficulty. It encourages us to reflect on the values we share and to create a more just and sustainable future.
The theme this year is “Listening and Journeying Together.”
During Laudato Si’ Week 2022, we are invited to come together as one people to prayerfully discern the lessons of this moment. While the world experiences a history-defining crisis, we reflect and prepare to build a better world. We celebrate the great progress the whole Church has made on its journey to ecological conversion and pray for the care of creation and the world’s most vulnerable.
To hear from Pope Francis, for a beautiful prayer and more details of Laudato Si’ Week
Why are the dates for the celebration of Laudato Si’ Week in Australia different from those on the international Laudato Si’ Week website?
Last May the Australian Bishops decided to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week 16 – 24 May during each year of their seven-year Laudato Si’ Action Plan journey. These dates allow both Laudato Si’ Week, and National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), to be celebrated appropriately by Australian Catholics. The dates were announced in the Social Justice Statement Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.
FREE RICE CHALLENGE
This online quiz challenge, that rewards correct answers with donated rice, is an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme. It is great to think that we can have fun, practise our skills, increase our knowledge and help to feed the hungry in our world at the same time. There are lots of different quiz categories. A great family activity.
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. Celebrated at the same time each year (27 May – 3 June), National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The theme of Reconciliation Week this year is “Be Brave. Make Change.”
It is a challenge to all Australians - individuals, families, communities, organisations and government - to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
We will be having our annual Walk for Reconciliation on Wednesday 1 June.
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.
Peer Support this year will focus on the ‘Choose Kind #loveothers’ campaign initiated by our Student Council last term. Students will participate in activities that promote respect, understanding, fairness and inclusion. They will be encouraged to make loving choices and to practise kindness and acceptance every day.
On Tuesday, 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 this Friday 20 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 ‘choosing kind’ and how they enjoyed working in their group. We look forward to another successful year of Peer Support here at Emmanuel.
SAVE THE DATE - EMMANUEL’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Emmanuel’s Biggest Morning Tea will be held on Friday 3 June. We will be having a picnic and all members of our school community are invited. It will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building at 10:30am. Please bring a chair or rug and morning tea to share with your children.
It will be a free dress day and all students and parents are encouraged to wear pink (breast cancer), blue (prostate cancer), yellow (bone cancer) or black (melanoma/skin cancer) and to bring a gold coin donation.
Some merchandise will be on sale in the week leading up to the picnic. More details in next week’s newsletter.
THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS
Acts 15:1-2. 22-29
The Apostles decide not to burden the Gentiles unnecessarily.
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
An angel shows John the new Jerusalem.
John 14:23-29
Jesus leaves peace as his farewell.
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 – KINDNESS
Kindness is showing you care, doing some good to make life better for others. It is being thoughtful about people’s needs. Kindness is showing love and compassion to someone who is sad or needs your help. Kindness is treating yourself and others gently. It is caring about the earth and all living things.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
(Mark Twain)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
APA News
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE TAKEN ON: Tuesday 24 May and Wednesday 25 May 2022
Please note the following :
- To ensure a smoothly run photo day, online orders for Sibling/Family photos will be cut off at 12:00am on the night before our photo day - Monday 24 May. To order go to http://www.advancedlife.com.au/. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at Emmanuel.
- 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.
DATE CLAIMER
We are having a School Disco on Friday 3 June - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Theme and further details will be included in next week's Newsletter.
WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY
Emmanuel students, staff, parents and friends will participate in the Walk Safely To School Day tomorrow by assembling in Tolcher St park from 7.45am. From this point, at 8.00am, our group will cross Tolcher St, walk along the pathway to the intersection of Phillip St and Bucasia Rd, then along the walkway running parallel to Bucasia Rd. The group will cross Baxter Drive at the supervised crossing, arriving at school by the first bell at 8.25am.
Please note that NO CHILD will be able to leave school grounds and join the walk on Friday morning after being dropped off to school.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing many members of our school community walking with us on Friday.
Please Note: Wet weather is forecast and we may need to cancel our Walk Safely to School Day tomorrow. Please follow our Facebook Page to keep updated.
FLU SEASON REMINDER
As you are aware every year Queensland experiences an influenza or flu season. As we enter this season it is timely to remind parents and caregivers not to be complacent about flu. Queensland Health advises that where possible, people need to be vaccinated for the flu every year.
Flu is a virus more serious than the common cold and can be spread through talking, coughing, and sneezing. Symptoms include sudden fever, dry cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose.
If your child has flu-like symptoms, the following is advised:
- Keep your child home from school.
- Ensure your child washes their hands regularly with soap and water or sanitiser gel.
- Encourage your children when coughing or sneezing, to cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately.
- Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.
- Consult your doctor if you are concerned about their symptoms.
Queensland Health Guidelines advise that individuals displaying flu like symptoms should stay at home until symptoms have passed.
Families should also reinforce the recommended protective actions listed above.
Increased awareness and ongoing attention to prevention and control measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, are steps that we can all promote to reduce the impact of influenza.
ASTHMA MEDICATION
Just a reminder if your child identifies as having Asthma, it is a Workplace Health & Safety requirement that a reliever medication is stored at the school office in case of an emergency.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
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.
COVID Update
The Arts
SCHOOL CHOIR
School Choir will NOT rehearse on Wednesday 25th May due to School Photos.
All members will meet at 8:30am under the tuckshop covered area for the School Choir photo to be taken.
Linda Miller
Music Teacher
Term 2 School Fee Statements
Term Two school fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the finance office.
Tuckshop News
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required (Queensland Government mandate).
Angie & Carly
Tuckshop
Notices
