Newsletter - 10 August 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Popular ideas of what a good leader should be are often inaccurate. We expect perfection; a leader is strong, fearless and flawless. If we believe that myth, they should be superheroes, royalty and saviours all rolled into one. So we become disappointed when leaders reveal themselves as only human.
The best leaders are very human. They don’t see themselves in some grandiose, bigger-than-life way. They know that it’s the little things that will make a difference in their leadership, and they work on getting better at them every day. The little things might, at first glance, seem simple, but they aren’t easy. A few that come to mind:
Putting others first
- Serving others — isn’t a new idea, but it is something the best leaders strive for.
- When tough decisions need to be made, the best leaders always consider the impact on others before thinking of themselves.
Saying “thank you”
- “Thank you” is a small phrase but can mean a lot when said with sincerity.
- It’s a big motivator for people, too, as it acknowledges a job well done.
- There can never be enough heartfelt thank you’s in our organisations, and the best leaders know that, striving to make sure it’s part of their everyday conversations.
Appreciating people
- It’s all too easy to get caught up in what someone is doing wrong, or what they could do more of. The best leaders are always aware of what people do well, are present to what they are capable of, and see the potential to do more in the future.
Taking the high road
- When silly disagreements arise or when gossip abounds, the best leaders take the high road.
- Although they may be displeased with a particular stance their organisation is taking on something, they don’t complain or broadcast their displeasure. Instead, they quietly find a way to deal with it.
Being kind
- People have all kinds of things going on in their lives. They have bad things happen, and there is emotional pain that can play itself out in ways that aren’t pretty.
- Truly strong leaders find a way to be kind even when others aren’t. They don’t fall into the trap of treating others poorly because they are experiencing poor treatment; they know a kind word is their best defense.
Staying calm
- Our organisations are pressure cookers of stress. The best leaders stay calm despite what’s going on around them.
- When it becomes easy to yell, scream or demand, they can put the stressful situation into perspective. They know they are models of behaviour they want to see.
Listening
- Listening is a small thing with big impact. When leaders listen and hear without distraction, they’ve created a powerful connection that’s all too rare in our fast-paced world. These powerful connections are what make leadership possible.
Brave, courageous, bigger-than-life leaders are fascinating. But it’s the small, everyday acts that make a leader great. Based on these definitions we have many student, teacher and parent leaders in our school, for which we are blessed! Based on this definition more of us are leaders than we realise!!!!
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
LUNCH IN THE PARK – A REFLECTION
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his bag with cupcakes and several cans of lemonade and started on his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an elderly woman. She was sitting on a park bench watching the pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his bag. He was about to have a drink of lemonade when he noticed the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a cupcake. She gratefully accepted and smiled at him. Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered her a drink of lemonade as well. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling and never saying a word.
As it began to grow dark, the boy realised how tired he was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave, but before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy arrived home his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked, “What has made you so happy today?” He replied, “I had lunch with God!” Before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile in the whole world!”
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, “Mother, what has made you so happy today?” She replied, “I ate cupcakes in the park with God.” And before her son could reply, she added, “You know he is much younger than I expected.”
(Author Unknown)
Loving God, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendour of creation and in the beauty of human life. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
THE ASSUMPTION
On 15 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast reminds us that having completed her earthly life, Mary was ‘assumed,” body and soul, into heavenly glory. In this way, Mary was honoured as the mother of Jesus and of the Church.
Next week all classes will add a Marian prayer (Hail Mary, The Angelus) to their daily devotions and on Tuesday the chapel will be open for classes to visit and at lunchtime for The Rosary.
Parish Masses for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St Brigid’s Church Monday 14 August 5:30pm
St Joseph’s Church Tuesday 15 August 9:30am
St Brendan’s Church Tuesday 15 August 9:30am
OUR FEAST DAY
On 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. On Friday 25 August we will have a prayer celebration in the Marist Centre and travel to Bucasia Beach for our annual beach day and walkathon.
BEACH DAY – WALKATHON
Our annual beach day and walkathon will be held on Friday 25 August at Bucasia Beach. Each year this walkathon is held in conjunction with our Feast Day Celebrations and raises awareness of and money to support a justice initiative. All students are asked to bring a gold coin donation, which will be added to our ‘Walk for Water Challenge’ total collected at the Athletics Carnival.
Students will travel to and from Bucasia Beach Park by bus. They will participate in the walkathon and beach activities before enjoying a sausage-sizzle lunch, kindly donated and cooked by the Emmanuel P&F Association.
Students are to wear their SPORTS UNIFORM and bring their morning tea and a bottle of water. Every child must wear their SCHOOL HAT and is encouraged to apply SUNSCREEN.
If your child carries medication (such as an asthma puffer) this must accompany them to the beach.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE HELPERS NEEDED – If you are able to assist with the sausage sizzle on Beach Day, could you please contact the school office or Angie in the tuckshop. Thank you in advance for your support.
CELEBRATING WITH OUR PARISH
A children’s Mass, led by Emmanuel students, will be held at 9:00am on Sunday 27 August at St Joseph’s Church. Students wishing to participate should contact Mrs Kliese in the office. All welcome!
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.
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 – PURPOSEFULNESS
Being purposeful is having a clear focus, instead of being unsure of what you are doing or why you are doing it. You are acting purposefully when you have a goal you are working toward. You concentrate your mind and your efforts to achieve your goal. You have a positive attitude and don’t let obstacles stop you from doing what is important. Some people just let things happen. A purposeful person makes things happen.
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” (Lewis B Carrol)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Some of what was happening at Emmanuel in 1990’s ….
More photos of the 1990’s next week.
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.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE - FRIDAY 18 AUGUST
Next Friday, 18 August, is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Parents and schools form an important partnership in ensuring that children are kept safe and enjoy their time at school. The 'BULLYING NO WAY' website provides some interesting and informative advice to parents and teachers to help empower and educate them about this important topic:
Talking about bullying
Children and young people who know what bullying is, and know what to do about it if it happens, also know they are not alone in dealing with it. They know that parents and teachers will be willing to help if needed.
Don't wait for bullying to happen to talk about it.
Use opportunities in conversation
Parents can use the many opportunities that arise to talk with their child/ren about how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other. If your child tells you about things at school or you see things in public that involve conflict or bullying, and if it is appropriate, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.
Talk about what bullying is before it happens so children can recognise it and know what to do.
First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself by checking out the formal definition of bullying at understanding bullying. You can also find ways to describe bullying that are suitable for children of various ages.
Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens over and over and makes you feel like you can't stop it. If you want, you could use some of these questions:
- What do you think 'bullying' is?
- Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?
- Why do you think some people bully other kids?
- Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
- Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?
- Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?
- What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?
- Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?
Tell children that bullying can happen to anyone but it is NEVER OKAY. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure children know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.
Most importantly, let children know how to get help if bullying happens.
Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens, and to keep on asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. Read more about what to say at responding to bullying.
Talk with students about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.
Parents and carers have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to argue or disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.
Words to avoid
Avoid describing a child as a 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in research and in the media, they are not very helpful for finding positive and lasting solutions.
Talk about bullying with the understanding that children and young people are growing and still learning how to be effective members of the community.
When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.
Children can change the way they behave with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.
The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.
Keep communication open
Children and young people will ask for advice and help with problems if they think parents and caregivers are interested in them and their concerns.
When parents and carers spend some time each day asking about what happened during the day, and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.
Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about, but don't jump in to solve their problems. Ask them what they think they can do about it.
Be alert too, that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.
Read more about what to say and do if your child tells you about bullying.
ALL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO
WEAR ORANGE
FRIDAY 18 AUGUST
AS AN AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STAMPING OUT BULLYING
MOBILE PHONE REMINDER
As per the school guidelines ALL students who bring a mobile phone to school are to have written permission (email to the classroom teacher is sufficient) and hand the phone each morning to their classroom teacher. Children are not to access their phones on school premises unless directly supervised by a teacher. This includes at the Bus Stop and STOP DROP GO areas.
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.
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who recevied an award in Week 4.
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
SCHOOL APP
Community News
