Newsletter - 13 July 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to school and to the start of a new term. Isn’t it great to be back! The holidays have been enjoyed and appreciated by everyone and there are lots of refreshed teachers enthusiastically back at school. It was a pleasure to catch up with the students earlier in the week and hear just how many of them are pleased to be back at school.
A quick look at the Term 3 calendar would suggest that we will be busy once again and as usual there are numerous activities planned for what will be an exciting ten weeks ahead. We look forward to such highlights as Challenge Cup, Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival, NAIDOC Mass and celebrations, Catholic Education Week, Feast Day Celebrations, Dance Fever, Maths Olympiad, Father’s Day Liturgy, to name just a few.
This term we welcome two new Teachers to our Learning Support team. Marilyn Kidd and Jen Abercromby are looking forward to working with our students.
Joining us for the next ten weeks are several students from Central Queensland University who are completing their final Practicum and Internship before entering the workforce as registered teachers. We wish them all the very best in their chosen vocation and are sure that they will experience many enriching and wonderful moments over the coming weeks.
Last week the Mackay community celebrated NAIDOC Week. As a school community let us take the time to remember the history and culture of our beautiful country, Australia. NAIDOC Week does not mean that we only celebrate and recognize our past for one week in a year. This must be integrated and incorporated into all that we do as it does not stand in isolation. Through the sharing and passing down of stories, we gain an appreciation and knowledge, as we acknowledge and develop an understanding of the past.
I wish everyone in our school community a tremendous term ahead in which we can all live out our motto: “God With Us.”
SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON
From Meditations for Parents Who Do Too Much
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Rachel Carson
Parents who do too much may try to do more for their children than there are hours in the day. As a result, we end up depleted and frustrated and may feel as if we have failed. The day begins with lists and wishes. It ends with more lists and unfulfilled wishes.
Our children need us as more than just “doers.” If all we do is drive them to lessons, prepare them the healthiest snacks, buy them the latest toys, we are missing the point. What our children need from us is our companionship. If we forget this we will lose more than just hours in a day.
Lord, I will try to take time out today to rediscover what it is to be a child. If I restore my sense of wonder, I may replenish my spirit and give my child a great gift.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
THE CRACKED POT – A REFLECTION
A water bearer had two large pots which hung on the ends of a pole that he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. It meant that the bearer delivered only one and a half pots full of water to his house each day.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. It achieved what it was made to do. The cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologise to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load, as this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path. Every day as we walk back, you have watered them. For two years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace my home."
(Author Unknown)
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – EXCELLENCE
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” (Ralph Marston)
Excellence is doing your best. It is giving your very best to any task you do or any relationship you have. Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose. It is a desire for perfection. It is giving careful attention to every job, and to the people you care for.
“Excellence isn’t being the best; it’s doing your best.” (Unknown)
NAIDOC WEEK 2023
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
This year, NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 2 - 9 July and the theme is:
‘For Our Elders’.
At Emmanuel we will recognise NAIDOC Week next week with various activities. Our Year 3-6 indigenous students will participate in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass.
Be sure to check out the ‘Celebrating NAIDOC Week’ Special Report on SchoolTV
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students participating in the Sacramental Program will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time later this month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.
Catholic Schools NAIDOC Mass: Tuesday 18 July
Catholic Education Week: 23-29 July
CEW Assembly Prayer, Open Classrooms, Family Picnic and Disco: Friday 28 July (more details next week)
First Communion – St Joseph’s, St Brigid’s, St Brendan’s: 29/30 July
VINNIES WINTER APPEAL
It’s getting cold and Vinnies need help to support local individuals and families in need. It is a great opportunity for us to try on our winter clothes, clean out our cupboards and help others at the same time. All clean pre-loved clothing and blankets in good condition will be very much appreciated. Our Mini Vinnies students will collect donations from classrooms at the end of each week and we will present them to Vinnies at the end of the month. Many thanks in advance for your generosity and prayers.
A big THANK YOU to all families who contributed non-perishable pantry items to our appeal last term. Your donations were very welcome and much appreciated. You have helped Vinnies help others in the Mackay region.
DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM
Throughout this term, our school will be implementing the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum with students in all year levels. The curriculum is based on principles of best practice in child safety education and centres around three key messages: Recognise, React and Report. Through a series of lessons, students will learn how to recognise, react and report when they are unsafe or find themselves in situations that can have a significant detrimental effect on their physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing.
Recognise
The focus of lessons in all classrooms next week will be RECOGNISE - the first key safety message of the curriculum. Recognise is about being aware of your environment. Children, young people and adults can all learn to take notice of what is happening around them to help keep themselves safe. Everyone can use clues, such as the things we see, hear, smell or feel to help protect us from harm and keep ourselves safe. Clues can be simple things that warn us about a danger, like hearing a fire alarm or seeing smoke, that prompt us to react. We can also use clues to prepare for potentially unsafe situations.
When we recognise that there might be a safety problem, we can take steps to move away or reduce the risk or develop strategies that can help keep us safe.
It is important that the key safety messages of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum: Recognise, React and Report are reinforced, both at school and home. I encourage you, wherever possible, to talk with your child about safety to help them stay safe now and in the future.
Click on the tab below for information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum:
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.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Who do you know who was in Year Two or Year Three when our school opened in 1983?
Can you name their teachers?
Curriculum Corner
This year we will be celebrating NAIDOC Week on Monday 17 July from 11:00amam to 1pm. Celebrations will begin with the launch of our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan). During our 11:00am Assembly we will have performances by the 4MK Torres Strait Islander dancers, and an overview of key RAP actions will be shared by Samone Penola (Regional Indigenous Education Liaison Officer). Following Assembly students will participate in a variety of activities lead by our Year 5 and 6 Indigenous students and Deadly Choices representatives.
We look forward to sharing our RAP Launch with Indigenous elders and invite all of our parent community to join us for this Assembly at 11:00am.
NAIDOC Celebrations will continue Tuesday 18 July, when our Indigenous students (Year 3 – 6), student leaders and Leadership Team attend the Catholic Education Northern Region NAIDOC Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
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
STUDENT PROTECTION - SCHOOL CONTACTS
At Emmanuel any concerns or reasonable suspicions about a student’s safety and wellbeing or the behaviour of a staff member or volunteer which a student considers to be inappropriate, will continue to be managed in accordance with Rockhampton Catholic Education Student Protection Processes. The Student Protection
Contacts at Emmanuel are:
Geraldine Rostirolla (Principal)
Amanda McDonald (Deputy Principal)
Noeleen Kliese (APRE)
School Counsellor (TBA)
Jennifer Nicholas (OSHC Co-ordinator)
Further information about Rockhampton Catholic Education's commitment to Student Protection is available here: website: https://www.rok.
STUDENT PROTECTION – USE OF TOILETS
At Emmanuel, we are committed to the safety of all students in our care. It is imperative that students understand the importance of using the toilet facilities at school in an appropriate manner. Classroom teachers regularly remind students of these behaviour expectations, and use this poster (located in all school toilets) to ensure all students understand these important messages. We ask that you discuss these expectations at home with your child/ren, so that we are all doing our part to keep children safe at school.
DESIGNATED TOILETS FOR PARENTS
At Emmanuel we have lots of volunteers, parents and contractors visiting our school each week. Therefore, it is important that we provide toilet facilities for their use. From a student protection perspective, we ask that parents do not use the student toilets. There are two toilets designated for the use of all parents, toddlers and visitors. These are the disabled toilets which are located at the back of the Library and beside F Block (Year 6 Classrooms and OSHC room) and at the end of R Block (Year 1 Classrooms). There is a yellow sign on the doors of these toilets advising parents that they are welcome to use this facility. Hope this helps you to not be ‘caught short’!
DANCE FEVER – STARTING NEXT WEEK
The Dance Fever program will once again take place this term for all students from Prep to Year 6 as part of the school’s Arts / HPE curriculum. Dance Fever will be held each Monday from Weeks 2-9. Experienced dance teachers will conduct lessons with each year level.
The cost of the program is $37.00 per student and this has been included in the Term Three account.
We look forward to another fabulous year of Dance Fever here at Emmanuel.
EISTEDDFOD SCHEDULE
We have received information pertaining to the 2023 Eisteddfod schedule. Please see below early arrangements – a fully detailed letter seeking permission and finer details will be sent home with participating students next week.
Date: All sessions will be held on THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023
Session 1 (8.30am):
- Year 2 and under Choir (Parents to drop off at MECC by 8am / Bus will return students to school)
- Year 4 and Under Choir (Bus to MECC at 8.45am / Return to school via bus. Some students will remain at the MECC as they are required in the School Choir in Session 2)
Session 2 (10.30am): All students will travel to / from the MECC by Bus.
- Year 6 and Under Choir (SCHOOL CHOIR)
- Choral Singing for Primary Schools (SCHOOL CHOIR)
Notes will be distributed to students next Thursday with all information outlined in detail.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
COVID Update
Sporting News
NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS TEAM
Next Monday 17 July, Emmanuel students will be competing at the Northern Suburbs Athletics Competition to be held at the MARC. If your child was selected in this team, an email was sent on the holidays, and information was to be returned via email by TODAY. Students without paperwork filled in will not be able to compete in the competition. Mrs McDonald will be in the Emmanuel tent from 8am – 2.30pm on Monday. Please report to Mrs McDonald when you arrive. Parents, if you are taking your child early from the MARC, please ensure you sign out at the tent.
QUEENSLAND SCHOOL SPORT - RUGBY LEAGUE
A big CONGRATULATIONS TO Brodie and Miguel who played in the Capricornia Team at the Rugby League State Championships during the school holidays. Capricornia and Met East were joint winners of the Vic Jensen Cup. Well done Brodie and Miguel. We look forward to hearing about and celebrating your next adventures in rugby league.
Visual Arts
Many of the projects in Visual Arts require materials for us to complete. I would like to put out the call to families that if you have unwanted magazines you would be willing to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. Magazines can be dropped at the office.
Patrice Baird
Visual Arts Teacher
Tuckshop News
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.
Notices
SCHOOL APP
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.
Community News
