Newsletter - 03 August 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Our society needs all sorts of people for it to function effectively. We all know that doctors, cleaners, farmers, plumbers, builders, teachers are just some of the occupations that are required to ensure we can all live effectively. Each one of these people has a job to do. It will always be important that these roles are fulfilled effectively.
Harmonious and compassionate societies need more than people fulfilling their job descriptions. They need people of compassion. Catholic Schools aspire to prepare our children for their future career. We also want to support families by providing and challenging children to be more than that. As a Catholic School it will always be our challenge to assist and support children to be better people. Our school supports, implements and encourages children to reflect the gospel values. But what does that really mean. Very simply we challenge children and the entire Emmanuel community to live lives as Jesus did.
We can only ever expect children to understand what it means to be “gospel people” if they are provided with guidance, role models and opportunity.
Each week we are faced with dilemmas in our lives. Some of these dilemmas are easily resolved, others are more complex and require some degree of sacrifice. It could be argued that perhaps our biggest dilemmas revolve on how we treat everyone in society. Ask yourself this week “How do I want to be remembered?” As you spend your time in our community this week, will you take a step forward and be compassionate by your own actions or take a step back and critique those who seek to make positive change?
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, they are a sign of strength.”
(Dalai Lama)
“A generous heart, kind speech and a live of service and compassion are the things that renew humanity.”
(Buddha)
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
GOD WITH US – A REFLECTION
The man whispered, "God, speak to me."
And a meadowlark sang, but the man did not hear.
So the man shouted, "GOD, SPEAK TO ME!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky, but the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And a star shone brightly, but the man did not notice.
And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!"
And a life was born, but the man did not realise.
So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know that you are here!"
Whereupon God reached down and touched the man, but the man brushed the butterfly away ……. and walked on.
(Author Unknown)
God is with us – We just need to open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to see, hear and love him in the people we meet, the life we lead and the world we share.
This is our recontextualised Mission Statement. This visual simplified child-friendly version is accessible and easy to understand by all members of our community. Teachers regularly unpack this statement and discuss what it looks like, sounds like and feels like at Emmanuel with their students.
OUR FEAST DAY
On the 6 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is the Fourth Luminous Mystery of The Rosary and tells the story of Jesus being transformed, and of God proclaiming from heaven that "This is my beloved Son." This feast celebrates the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor. (Mark 9:2-10, Matthew 17:1-9, Luke 9:28-36).
The Transfiguration is our school feast day and each year we gather to remember and celebrate that ‘God is with us.’
This year our celebrations will take place later in the month. More details in the coming weeks.
ST MARY OF THE CROSS
On 8 August each year, the Church celebrates the feast day of Australia’s first saint, Mary Mackillop.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
“We must teach more my example than by word.”
“Find happiness in making others happy.”
“Be a gift of love and compassion for one another.”
“So great is the strength we possess in our unity.”
Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842. She was the eldest child of Alexander and Flora MacKillop. Mary had three sisters and four brothers.
Mary was a teacher. She loved books and learning and wanted all children to go to school. In 1866 Mary set up her own school. It was called St Joseph’s School. Mary loved God and wanted to teach everyone about Him. Mary showed her love for God by helping others. Mary helped people who were poor, lonely, homeless, sick or old.
Mary became a nun. She promised to work hard for God. Mary started the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph. The sisters worked together to care for people in need. They opened schools and taught people about God. Mary MacKillop kept her promise to God. She travelled around Australia and shared her love of God with others.
Mary MacKillop died on 8 August 1909. People remembered all the work that Mary had done for God. They asked the Pope to make Mary a saint. Mary MacKillop was canonised on 17 October 2010. She is Australia’s first saint. Her feast day is 8 August.
(written by Mrs Kliese and 1K, October 2010)
Find out more about Mary Mackillop and the Sisters of St Joseph @ http://www.marymackillop.org.au/
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK (23-29 July)
Our annual Catholic Education Week morning of activities on Friday may have been disrupted by rain, but those who popped in for Coffee and a Chat, Assembly, Prayer, Open Classrooms and the Family Picnic enjoyed celebrating with their child/ren, students, staff and other members of the Emmanuel family. A big thank you to all who joined the fun. It was great to have you here to celebrate with us!
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK – AWARDS
At Assembly last Friday, ‘Catholic Education Week Awards’ were presented to students who have, throughout the year, made a special effort to contribute in word and action to our Community of Faith, Hope and Love. A big CONGRATULATIONS to these students and thank you to the staff who nominated them for awards.
FIRST COMMUNION
Last weekend some of our Emmanuel students, surrounded by family, friends and members of the parish, received the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time. Fr Raju and Deacon Peter blessed the communicants and encouraged them to invite Jesus into their hearts and lives. Certificates were presented at the conclusion of the Masses.
Congratulations to all students and families involved. A big THANK YOU to the priests and the Sacramental Team for guiding and supporting them throughout the program.
A reminder to all students that Mass is celebrated in the Emmanuel Chapel at 8:00am each Thursday morning. It is a great way to start your day. All welcome.
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 if they are safe or unsafe. Next week‘s lessons will include the naming of private body parts and body ownership. Our safety lessons will then be focusing on the second safety message: React.
It is important that these key safety messages 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.
Please Note: Weekend Mass times in the North Mackay and Farleigh Parishes have changed.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – SERVICE
“Do ordinary things with extraordinary 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.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
In the 1980’s ….
Curriculum Corner
SAVE THE DATE – PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR CLASSROOMS – THURSDAY 24 AUGUST
This year the theme of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week is “READ; GROW; INSPIRE”. We are looking forward to celebrating Book Week on Thursday 24 August with a “Dress as your favourite book character day”. On this day all parents are invited into classrooms at the beginning of the day to read or listen to a student read their favourite books. Each classroom will have a display linked to one of the CBCA Shortlisted Books for 2023 for you all to see when you visit your child/rens classroom.
NAPLAN RESULTS 2023
Individual student NAPLAN reports for Year 3 and 5 students will be sent home today. The reporting process and format has changed significantly in 2023, some of the key changes are outlined below.
From 2023, NAPLAN results are reported against four proficiency standards to help provide clear information on how students are performing against challenging but reasonable standards of literacy and numeracy at the time of testing. The four proficiency levels for each NAPLAN domain at each year level are as follows:
- Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
Accompanying your child's NAPLAN individual student report, you will find a parent information sheet. This document is a valuable resource containing important details about the new proficiency standards and how test results can help teachers and parents identify strengths and areas where your child may need further assistance.
For further information in understanding the Individual Student Report please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/AcYsiLtE7a8
Should you have any concerns regarding your child's results or wish to discuss them in detail, we encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher. They will be your primary point of contact and can provide valuable insights and support.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
EISTEDDFOD CHOIRS 2023
All singing choirs will perform at the Mackay Eisteddfod on Thursday 10 August. It would be great to have parents and friends of Emmanuel at the Entertainment Centre to support and cheer on our students. It is always a wonderful celebration.
PARKING REMINDER
Please be considerate of our neighbours. Thank you for your co-operation.
ASSEMBLY
Now that Peer Support is finished for the moment, Friday's Assembly will return to the usual time of 8:50am. All welcome!
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2023
SchoolTV
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
Congratulations to the students pictured below who competed in the Year 5-6 Maths Challenge held at St Joseph's School last Friday. They worked hard to solve some difficult problems and we are very proud of their efforts. Thank you to Mr Steel for preparing the students for this competition.
Finance
TERM 3 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 3 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Tuesday 18 July, with payment now overdue. 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
