Newsletter - 27 July 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
‘To be Trusted is a greater compliment than being loved’
George Macdonald
Trust in individuals is vital in an era where trust is no longer a staple of common life. Through sport, politics and international relations, levels of trust have decreased and cynicism has often taken its place.
In Education this trend is no different. As a student my parents and the majority of parents had a complete, respectful and distant association with the school. The school was backed ahead of the child often at the expense of the child. Students were exceptionally resilient, often harshly done by and with the use of capital punishment; by today’s expectations, some would argue, physically assaulted. The curriculum was much narrower with things like social, emotional and mental wellbeing rarely, if at all, ever focused on. There were much more consistent (rightly or wrongly) parenting approaches and expectations on students, their sleep time, their chores and what good manners were!
During my time, 40 years in education, I have seen the pendulum swing significantly in the other direction. Schools and teachers are now in a culture of justification, accountability and documentation. There is often a belief now in the child ahead of the school. Schools provide and accommodate and differentiate more than any other time, we are much more positive in our focus than any other time in history, more broad in curriculum exposure whilst being criticised much more readily through the media than ever before. Parenting approaches vary much more broadly and expectations around sleep times, diet, pocket money, outside school commitments for students are also much more varied.
In terms of the pendulum swinging, somewhere in the middle of these two extremes would be ideal from my point of view. Neither extreme is close to what I would believe is an ideal climate or culture. I hope that we are still and will keep aspiring to get the ‘best of these worlds!’
What level of trust do we place in our child’s school?
What level of trust does the school deserve to receive?
What level of trust do parents deserve from the school?
What effort do we expect of ourselves and of others in making this happen?
If we all just tried 2% harder to live out the second quote above, I really believe this would transform any school community culture for the better!
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
TWO HORSES – A REFLECTION
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse, but if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting - one of the horses is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing, but if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a metal bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives……and at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.
(Author Unknown)
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK (23-29 July)
This week students in all classes have been praying for everyone associated with Catholic Education and reflecting on this year’s theme: ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.’
This morning staff, students and members of the Emmanuel family gathered with members of Holy Spirit community for Chapel Mass. It was a wonderful celebration. Some classes also tuned into the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass live streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral Rockhampton.
Tomorrow, Friday 28 July, will be a busy and exciting day:
7:30am – 8:30am: 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).
8:40am: Students will participate in Peer Support. Activities and games will focus on and celebrate 40 years of Emmanuel.
9:30am: Assembly will have a Catholic Education theme. Prayer will be led by Year 4T, and special awards will be presented.
10:00am: Open Classrooms - This will be an opportunity for parents to visit classrooms and for students to share their work and learning spaces.
10:30am: Our Family Picnic will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building. 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. Fingers crossed the weather will be kind to us and the sun will keep shining!
Lots of students and staff have been getting creative this week. Artwork submitted in our first ‘Sacred Art Challenge’ will be acknowledged, displayed and applauded in the coming weeks.
WET WEATHER - PLAN B
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students participating in the Sacramental Program will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time this weekend. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.
Please Note: Weekend Mass times in the North Mackay and Farleigh Parishes have changed. This will affect First Communion Masses.
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)
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.
The focus of lessons in all classrooms next week will be Recognise - the first key safety message of the curriculum.
It is important that the key safety messages of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum 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:
FR ANDREW VISITS YEAR FOUR
Yesterday, Fr Andrew Hogan, Parish Priest of the North Mackay and Farleigh Parishes, visited Emmanuel to work with our Year Four classes. The Year Four students are currently studying a short learning cycle on The Trinity. There was music, dancing and a slideshow, discussion, lots of questions and some ‘Ah ha’ moments. A big THANK YOU to Fr Andrew for sharing his time and knowledge with us.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023
The Countdown is on ……..
Fr Andrew and Miss Giarrusso, along with Bishop Michael and other delegates from the Rockhampton Diocese, will join young people from around the world for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal next week. It will be an exciting pilgrimage and we looking forward to hearing all about their adventure when they return.
Please keep them and all participants in your prayers as they travel, gather and celebrate together.
What is World Youth Day?
World Youth Day is an invitation for youth around the world to experience a pilgrimage, where like-minded young people can gather to meet the Pope and celebrate their faith. WYD celebrations show a vibrant side of the Church, igniting a flame within young people’s hearts, encouraging them to go and freely live the Gospel.
What happens at WYD?
The host city organises a series of expos, concerts, Catechesis talks, special large gatherings which involve the Pope. There are opportunities for Daily Mass, reconciliation and Adoration. WYD has a truly positive, vibrant and festive atmosphere.
To find out more about World Youth Day go to:
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.
Please Note: Weekend Mass times in the North Mackay and Farleigh Parishes have changed.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – SERVICE
“Give your hands to serve and your heart to love.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
Service is giving to others and wanting to make a difference in their lives. It is looking for ways to be helpful instead of waiting to be asked. The needs of others are as important to you as your own. When you work with the spirit of service, you give any job your best effort. You make a real contribution. People who want to be of service can change the world.
“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Who do you know who was in Year Six or Year Seven 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
SING OUT!
Letters for SING OUT! were distributed to students involved in School Choir last week. If your child wishes to participate please return the registration form along with $90 (cash) to the school office by tomorrow Friday 28 July 2023.
SPORTING SCHOOLS – BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES
We are very lucky to have Rob from Basketball Mackay providing activities for our students at lunchtime from Tuesday – Friday each week this term. This program is due to funding we received from the Sporting Schools organisation, and we are most appreciative of this initiative. Pictured below are our Year 3 and 4 boys who enjoy their Tuesday sessions!
WEAPONS IN SCHOOL
Parents are reminded that any weapon or instrument that could be used to cause harm is prohibited at any school/ college sanctioned activity. This includes knives of any description. Students breaching this requirement may face serious consequences including suspension and the termination of enrolment. The matter will also be reported to police.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
SchoolTV
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. However, research shows that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult.” (Dr Michael Carr-Gregg)
There are lots of amazing resources available on SCHOOLTV to support and empower parents to better deal with the challenges of raising happy, well and resilient young people.
For short video clips, articles and fact sheets, from leading specialists and key wellbeing organisations, check out the POSITIVE PARENTING tab via the link below or on our school website.
Around the School
YEAR 6 FIGURATIVE WRITING
The Year Six students have been exploring figurative writing. We have explored basic pieces of text and turned these into shiny, sharp & sensational pieces. Students enjoy exploring imagery through simile, metaphors & hooks.
Georgia– describing the first day of high school.
I feel my heartbeat – faster than a cheetah. I drag myself out of the car. Butterflies hit my gut harder than a herd of hippos. Everyone stares. My feet turn numb. I can’t bring myself to start walking. Suddenly my face is redder than a baboon’s butt. What do I do?
William – Adventures through a forest.
I peek through the thorny bushes; hours of bush walking have my body screaming for mercy. Blood rushes down my face like a river of never-ending force. I push my hand through the bush, but not without being pierced first. What I lay eyes on sends shivers down my spine. My weak legs tremble and I’m left in doubt.
Ryker – Adventures through a forest.
As I was walking through the overgrown cemented pathway, I was interrupted by the sight of a house that looked like it was sent from hell. As I creep past the rusty wire fence, I can feel the house edging me closer to go in.
Indy – The Darkness
Icy fingers grab my arm in the pitch-black night. I wake to whispers saying – RUN! I begin to sprint. Something hits me like a brick wall. Everything goes black.
Celebrating Sport and The Arts
A few photos of students who were congratulated at last week's special assembly.
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 2.
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
