Newsletter - 20 July 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Next week celebrations will take place throughout Queensland to mark Catholic Education Week. The theme for Catholic Education Week this year is Communities of Faith, Hope and Love. This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. As a child I was fortunate to attend a Catholic school for both my Primary and Secondary years of schooling. Although my parents were not financially well off, it was important that their four children were educated in Catholic schools.
Most teachers in Catholic Schools in the 1960’s were Religious Orders of Sisters who came from overseas countries. As a child, my peers and I enjoyed the order and discipline of our primary school of that era, and felt that it gave us all a feeling of belonging and self-worth. We regarded our teachers not as friends, but as highly respected leaders and helpers, whom we were happy to obey, for we knew that they had our best interests at heart. I am forever grateful to these dedicated women who ensured that the values taught at home were lived out at school. These religious orders, supported by lay teachers, have made an enormous contribution to Australian learning and culture over the past 150 years.
Since the 1960’s government funding has been provided and Catholic schools today are staffed by lay teachers committed to the goals of Catholic education.
Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of individuals and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
Catholic Education
- Is a faith-based education which places the values of Jesus at its centre.
- Is a high quality, holistic education for 1 in 5 young Queenslanders, educating them to be well-informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community.
- Values diversity and treats each student with dignity enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all.
- Nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness.
- Prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources.
- Is an integral part of the local and universal Church.
- Occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.
During Catholic Education Week 2023, Catholic education communities across Queensland are invited to celebrate and share all that has occurred within their school communities since Catholic schools were established in Australia over the past 200 years.
We at Emmanuel would like to invite all families to join in our Catholic Education Week celebrations by attending a community Morning Tea this Friday 28 July commencing 10.30am on the grassed area outside the Library (Mary Moore Resource Centre). Mums, dads, grandparents and the wider ‘Emmanuel Family’ are encouraged to bring along a picnic morning tea which may be shared with your children during this time. We look forward to you joining us in this special celebration.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
FRECKLES - A REFLECTION
A woman and her young grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger stripes and leopard spots.
"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the grandson.
Embarrassed, the boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."
The boy looked up, "Really?"
"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."
The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face and softly whispered, "Wrinkles.”
(Unknown Author)
‘GRANDPARENTS ARE A TREASURE!’ (Pope Francis)
On 26 July each year we celebrate the feast of St Joachim and St Anne. They were the parents of our Blessed Mother, Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Their feast reminds us of the love, support and wisdom of our grandparents and that we should appreciate and give thanks for the blessing they are to each of us.
We give God thanks for the gift of grandparents and ask God to bless them.
CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS
This Sunday 23 July, the Church will celebrate the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Established by Pope Francis in January 2021, the observance is celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July, coinciding with the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents, Sts Joachim and Anne.
The theme this year is “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50).
Click on the tab below to read the Pope’s 2023 message.
Click on the tab below for prayers, resources and ideas on how to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK (23-29 July)
Catholic Education Week will be celebrated across Queensland next week. This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.
The theme this year is ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.’
Catholic Education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
The Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, with Bishop Michael presiding, will be live streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral Rockhampton on Thursday 27 July at 12 noon. To join the celebration, follow this link:
At Emmanuel we will be celebrating Catholic Education Week with a number of activities.
All students and staff are invited to get creative and participate in our first ‘Sacred Art Challenge’. Artwork will be acknowledged, displayed and applauded in the coming weeks.
At our 8:00am Chapel Mass on Thursday 27 July, we will join with Holy Spirit College and Fr Andrew to celebrate and give thanks for the contribution our AMAZING staff make to our school and college communities. All welcome!
Friday 28 July will be a busy and exciting day:
- Coffee and a Chat – Parents are invited to meet staff and other parents on the concrete area between the Year One and Year Five classrooms for a coffee treat (our shout) - (7:30am – 8:30am).
- Students will participate in Peer Support from 8:40am. Activities and games will focus on and celebrate 40 years of Emmanuel.
- Assembly will have a Catholic Education theme. Prayer will be led by Year 4T, and special awards will be presented. Please Note: Assembly will take place in the Marist Centre at 9:30am.
- Open Classrooms will follow Assembly. This will be an opportunity for parents to visit classrooms and for students to share their work and learning spaces.
- We will be hosting our annual Catholic Education Week Family Picnic. 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 child/ren. It is always a lovely way to end the week and we look forward to as many parents as possible joining in this celebration.
NAIDOC WEEK 2023
We have had a wonderful week celebrating our First Nations People. On Monday we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Mrs Samone Penola, Mrs Janine Refalo and other members of the committee who developed our RAP shared some of the key actions for reconciliation outlined in it. Highlights of the launch included the Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and the 4MK Torres Strait Dancers and Singers. A very big THANK YOU to Uncle George, Aunty Robyn, Aunty Antwinette and the RAP committee and all who contributed to this moving ceremony and cultural experience.
On Tuesday some of our indigenous students and staff, school captains, student leaders and Leadership Team participated in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph’s Church. Jada (6K) and Aunty Veronica (Jada’s grandmother and Yuwi Elder) shared a beautiful Welcome to County which included Yuwi language. Georgia read beautifully and Hunter represented Emmanuel in a special ritual.
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.
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.
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ (Matthew 25:35-36)
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.
DID YOU KNOW THAT…….?
- The number of older women experiencing homelessness across Australia has grown rapidly in recent years.
- Women over 55 (our mothers, grandmothers, friends and neighbours) account for almost double the growth rate for all people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
- Through specialist services, Vinnies assists older women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, to have access to the supports they need to rebuild their lives and be safe and well.
To find out more about Vinnies, their 2023 Winter Appeal or to make a monetary donation visit:
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.
Information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum can be found at:
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 – 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)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Who do you know who was in Year Four or Year Five when our school opened in 1983?
Can you name their teachers?
Curriculum Corner
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 COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Congratulations to the following students who have been elected by their peers as Student Representatives for Term Three:
6K: Ryker Dolfin and Eva Dolphin
6SG: Archie Marks and Peyton Symons
6T: Reyne Gibbons and Asha Worth
Term Three Student Council badges will be presented at Week 2 Assembly on Friday 21 July at 1:45pm.
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 after choir 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 after choir next week with all information outlined in detail.
MACKAY MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE 2023
This exciting challenge, which will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School tomorrow, aims to foster an interest in creative problem solving, stimulate an interest in Maths and provide a day of intellectual fun in a scholarly atmosphere. Our Year Five and Year Six students have been training hard and are ready to represent themselves and Emmanuel with pride. We wish them and all teams participating good luck and clear thinking for the challenge. A big thank you to Mr Steel for preparing and supporting our students participation
SING OUT!
Letters for SING OUT! have been distributed to students involved in School Choir. If your child wishes to participate please return the registration form along with $90 (cash) to the school office by Friday 28 July 2023.
TOYS AT SCHOOL
We are noticing that students are bringing toys and some sporting equipment to school. Please note, that these items are not to be brought to school unless being used for a Show and Tell session in the classroom. Toys at school for a classroom presentation, are to be handed in to the teacher and will remain in the classroom for the day, where they will then be sent home with students at the end of the school day. We ask parents to support the school in ensuring this practice is followed.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
Celebrating Sport and The Arts
CHALLENGE CUP
Last week, our Emmanuel students and parents travelled to Yeppoon to take part in the annual Challenge Cup Rugby League and Netball Carnival, hosted by St Brendan’s College. Two netball teams and our rugby league team made the trip south this year. After three days of tough competition, our teams’ combined efforts resulted in Emmanuel being awarded the OVERALL winners of the Challenge Cup. This is the first time in 17 years that Emmanuel has achieved this amazing result, and it was definitely a team effort by ALL players, parents and staff across both netball and rugby league teams. CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE! Details of our amazing achievements are as follows:
Our two netball teams had a fabulous carnival, displaying outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork, and making a lifetime of memories. 37 teams competed in the netball competition. The Emmanuel Gold Netball team played extremely well, remaining undefeated until the finals. The team finished in fourth position overall after some tough matches on the final day, and we are super-proud of their efforts. A big thankyou to Ms Tracey Bryon for helping manage the team.
The Emmanuel Blue team had a wonderful competition. Their comradery and teamwork was clearly evident, and their support of each other made us proud to be Emmanuel. A big thank you to Mrs Abbey Hammond for coaching the team and Mrs Renae Baretta for assisting. You all made the school proud!
A special thankyou also to Ava Symons and Molly Byron for their commitment to the umpiring of the netball matches over the three days. Your help was greatly appreciated by the teams!
Our Emmanuel Rugby League boys played some outstanding football and won four out of their five games against 32 teams in the draw. The final day of competition saw Emmanuel in the top four teams, and in the running to take out the ultimate prize – the Challenge Cup. After a thrilling semi-final win (16 -16 with Emmanuel scoring first), followed by a nail-biting 6 - 6 win in the final against St Anthony’s Rockhampton, (again, Emmanuel scoring first), the Emmanuel boys took out the competition and were crowned the 2023 Challenge Cup Rugby League Champions. Boys, your never-give-up-attitude was inspiring for all of us on the sidelines, and the teamwork, sportsmanship and determination displayed by you all made us super-proud to be Emmanuel supporters! Thank you to our super-coach, Mr Dodson, who did an amazing job steering the boys to victory, alongside Mr Paul Johnson assisting with the team. Thanks also to Mr Ben Marks and Mrs Teresa Crowe for their help over the three days.
A big thank you also to all the parents who helped make this carnival a fun experience for the students involved. Your dedication and support of the Emmanuel teams was very much appreciated.
Last but not least, a HUGE thankyou to Miss Larissa Kirwan for organising, coaching and co-ordinating both the Emmanuel Blue and Gold Netball teams. Larissa also spent many hours organising both the Rugby League and Netball students in the lead-up to the carnival, and we appreciate her hard-work and commitment to ensuring the Challenge Cup experience for ALL players and families was an enjoyable experience.
A reminder that we will be celebrating our success at tomorrow’s special Assembly at 1.45pm in the Marist Centre.
Amanda McDonald (Deputy Principal)
NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Congratulations to all the students who represented Emmanuel at the Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival at the MARC on Monday of this week. Our Emmanuel sporting stars once again did us proud, displaying exemplary behaviour and sportsmanship. Once again, we experienced amazing success, as after our full day of competition, we were awarded the trophy for the school with the most points (Combined HSC / Emmanuel team). Contributing to this result were four Athletic Superstars, with Age Champions being awarded to the following students:
Age Champions:
9 year old: Luke Phegan
10 year old: Xolani Chinula
11 year old: Joey White
12 year old: Elliana Ness
Well done to all of our competitors. Best of luck to those students who have been selected to represent Emmanuel at the Mackay District Athletics Carnival next Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July.
Amanda McDonald (Deputy Principal)
ROCK POP MIME
Congratulations to our team who won the Primary School section of the Lions ROCK POP MIME 2023 competition on Saturday night. Our Year 5 and Year 6 students did us proud with their performance of The Wizard of Oz. A big THANK YOU to Mrs Simonsen and the team of committed staff and parents who made this opportunity available to our students. You are AMAZING!!! To view their performance visit:
Finance
TERM 3 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 3 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Tuesday 18 July, with payment due by 1 August. 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 immediately.
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
2023 Non-Government Schools Census
Please find below information in relation to the Non-Government Schools Census:
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
