Newsletter - 07 September 2023
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Let the consequences do the teaching!
This is the title of an article that I have included in this week’s Newsletter by Michael Grose, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts. I hope you find it as thought provoking as I did.
Behavioural consequences are a parent’s best friends. When consistently applied, consequences will improve kids’ behaviour and increase personal responsibility.
Too often parents will over talk or repeat themselves to get cooperation from their kids. Too much talk and most modern kids tune out. Alternatively, parents who protect their kids from the consequences of poor or selfish behaviour aren’t doing them any favours as they so robbing them of terrific learning opportunities. I love the notion of behavioural consequences as they teach kids to take responsibility for their lives and to make smarter choices. Parents can use two types of consequences – logical and natural consequences. A logical consequence is used more frequently in family situations. They require adult intervention and are used when their behaviour disturbs other people. A child who makes a noise in the family room is asked to leave; children who refuse to clean their toys lose them for a period of time; and teenagers who come home late from a party lose the right to go out next time.
The 3 R’s of consequences
Consequences often involve the withdrawal of a privilege or a right. For example, a teenager who spends more time than agreed on Facebook, may lose access to technology for a day or two. Restitution, or making up to someone for unfair treatment or for loss of a possession is another form of consequence. A child who wilfully breaks his sister’s toy may make full or part payment for a replacement. In both these examples the consequences are related to children’s misdemeanours, and are reasonable and respectful of their dignity.
A natural consequence involves NO adult interference. For instance, a child who leaves an excursion note at home will miss the excursion; a child who spends all his pocket money on the first day will have nothing for the weekend and a child who oversleeps and misses the bus walks to school. In these examples, children learn from the direct consequences of their own decisions and thus they are not protected from negative outcomes from their parents.
“It’s your fault, mum!”
Some kids are experts at manipulating their parents to rescue them from experiencing the consequences of their poor choice. They’ll blame their parents for not getting them out of bed on time, or for not reminding them about their responsibilities. It’s best to stand back and let the consequences work their magic! Note you shouldn’t use natural consequences when safety is an issue. Act decisively to ensure your child is safe.
Here are four simple tips to help make sure your consequences are effective:
Tip 1: Set consequences like a neutral cop
Issue a consequence using sarcasm or anger and your kids will be angry at you. Issue it like a neutral cop free from emotion or without being heavy-handed and your kids are more likely to be mad at themselves.
Tip 2: When possible, negotiate consequences prior to engaging in new activities
If your young person is going out for the first time with friends at night, talk about their behaviour and home time. Also discuss the likely consequences if kids don’t stick to the agreement. As a rule, kids are more likely to abide by consequences when they’ve had a say in deciding them.
Tip 3: Avoid life sentences
Ban a child from a going out for a few days rather than leaving the duration open-ended. Set a time-frame for the consequences and remember the second of the 3R’s – reasonable – means that parents shouldn’t go overboard with consequences.
Tip 4: Don’t acquiesce to terrorism….or guilt
If your child issues a threat saying something like, “There’s no way you can make me come home at six o’clock,” don’t rise to the bait. Deflect it by saying, “We’ll talk about this tomorrow.” Don’t give into the threats of running away or non-cooperation. “I hope you don’t run away. It's great having you at home. I want what is best for you.” Avoid stating what you would love to say, which maybe something like, “Yeah, try running away. You wouldn’t last inside two days before you are back here begging for a good feed and comfortable bed!!”
Bite your tongue instead, and let the consequences do the teaching!
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
I WANTED TO CHANGE THE WORLD – A REFLECTION
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself. I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
(Author Unknown)
This story reminds me of the movie “Evan Almighty.” Newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter wanted to change the world. He prayed to God to give him the opportunity. God listened to and answered Evan’s prayer, but not in the way that Evan thought He would. After lots of twists and turns, the building of an ark and a very big flood, Evan realised that the best way to change the world was one Act of Random Kindness at a time.
“Never see a need without doing something about it” (St Mary of the Cross Mackillop)
MARY’S BIRTHDAY
On 8 September each year the Church celebrates Our Lady’s birthday. We do not usually celebrate the birthdays of the saints. Instead, we celebrate the day they died, because that is the day they were born to eternal life. But the birth of Mary is special. We celebrate her birthday because she came into this world full of grace and because she is the Mother of Jesus and our heavenly mother.
Why not celebrate Mary’s birthday by spending time as a family and offering a prayer for each other? There are lots of beautiful ‘Mary’ prayers to share, including the Hail Mary and The Rosary.
Follow the links to listen to some lovely ‘Mary’ songs:
Hail Mary – Gentle Woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERoQ1biLdE
Ave Maria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66zUY8UZn4M
The Chapel will be open at lunchtime for prayer and reflection and classes will be invited to visit during the day.
ANOINTING MASS
Yesterday 4M and 4S participated in the Anointing Mass at St Joseph’s Church. Here is what some of the students had to say about their experience.
The best thing about going to the Anointing Mass was seeing my grandma and helping support her through the sacrament. I got to put my hand on her shoulder and help her walk up to Father Raju.” (Ivy)
“I loved getting to sit with the elderly for the Mass. They are so nice and have interesting stories.” (Alexandra)
“I liked talking to Joseph at Mass. We talked about NRL Footy teams. His favourite team are the Broncos. Mine are the Cowboys. We had fun together!” (Liam)
“I enjoyed going up with my new friend to receive the sacrament and getting to know her. Her kids went to Emmanuel back in the day so we found a connection there.” (Amelia)
“I liked being able to have a conversation with the parishioners. I liked how my new friend Margaret shared her interests with me. Margaret is 92 years old and her favourite place to travel and explore is Tasmania.” (Emmy)
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
At this time of the year, we are usually giving out notes and advising families that the Sacramental Program is about to begin. This will not be the case this year. The parish program has been reviewed and restructured and will not begin until early in the 2024 school year. Candidates will prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Penance in Term One and be Confirmed and receive Eucharist for the first time in Term Two. Watch this space for more updates and details.
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CHILD SAFETY LESSON (ABCSL)
Each year the Daniel Morcombe Foundation produce Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson. This year, the lessons are all about consent. They will focus on the concepts of my body, my choice and asking permission, and provide strategies that children can use when they need to seek, give or deny consent.
Both editions (Prep - Year 2 and Years 3-6) of ABCSL were live streamed on Tuesday 5 September, during National Child Protection Week (3-9 September) and students in all year levels participated. This also coincided with the implementation of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum at Emmanuel this term.
For more information about ABCSL, to view the 2023 lessons and lessons from previous years go to: https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe/keeping-kids-safe/australias-biggest-child-safety-lesson/
DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM
Throughout this term, our school has been 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 centers 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:
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY
Last Thursday we hosted our annual Father’s Day picnic and lots of dads and grandads joined the fun. As promised, here are some photos of the day.
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 – INTEGRITY
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” (Dr Seuss)
Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right. It is being honest and sincere with others and yourself. You have integrity when your words and actions match. You fill your life and mind with love, kindness, reliability and service. Integrity is living by your highest values.
“The things you do when no one’s looking are the things that define you.” (Unknown)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
DANCE FEVER IS ALWAYS FUN!
Curriculum Corner
OPTI-MINDS SUCCESS
Congratulations to our Opti-MINDS team who put forward a polished performance on Sunday 27 August, at the Mackay Regional Final at Mackay West Primary School.
Several Primary teams competed in the event in four categories amidst great excitement and collaboration. Our team participated in the Science Engineering division, they are to be commended for their fantastic solutions, presentations and teamwork. Each team member invested their personal time during the first six weeks of the term to prepare themselves for this event. Well done to all team members below!
Of course, none of these initiatives happen without many other helpers. Thank you to all the parents who transported students to practice sessions over the last six weeks and helped with encouragement at home. Thank you also to the teachers who facilitated this group and had to apply the most difficult skill that a teacher is ever asked to do - resist solving any of the problems for them so they can grow as creative learners themselves!
Certificates will be presented at tomorrow’s assembly. Parents are most welcome to attend.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
BASKETBALL GALA DAY
Next week, we will have 7 teams participating in the Mackay Basketball Gala Days. Year 5 & 6 students will compete on Monday 11 September, with our Year 3 & 4 boys teams competing on Tuesday 12 September. Team information notes / draw for the days were sent home with students today. Please contact the school office if you did not receive this information.
A reminder that parents are required to transport students to / from the Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium. School staff will be in attendance at the stadium from 8:10am on Monday and 8.20am on Tuesday. Students will not be able to leave the stadium until they are signed out with the teacher-in-charge of their team. Students requiring personal medication (eg: asthma puffers) will be required to bring these with them on the day. We hope all participants have a great day representing Emmanuel at the Gala Days.
Please Note: If your child is in Emmanuel Gold team they will have an 8:30am start. Students will need to be at the Stadium by 8:10am.
PREP – YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS
Permission letters for Prep – Year 3 Swimming Lessons at Marlins Swim School were sent home earlier in the week. Permission forms are asked to be returned to the classroom teacher by next TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER. It is an expectation that ALL students in these year levels will participate in Swimming Lessons. If for any reason your child is unable to participate in lessons, a letter must be forwarded to the school office by next TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER, as Term Four billing is dependent on participant numbers. No refunds will be possible after this date.
SING OUT – MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA
Emmanuel had four eager singers who participated in the Sing Out Music Workshop and Concert earlier this week. We hope that Keira, Lila, Ivy and Isabella all enjoyed this wonderful experience.
DANCE FEVER SHOWCASE
- Showcase for Dance Fever will be held on MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER (WEEK 10) in the Marist Centre. ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to wear House Colours for the day. Parents are welcome to attend. Timetable is as follows:
- Year One (8.45 – 9.15am)
- Year Two (9.15 – 9.45am)
- Prep (9.45 – 10.15am)
- Years 3 – 6 Showcase (1.50 – 2.50pm).
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
IMMERSIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP
Last week, all students from Prep to Year 6 were treated to an Immersive Theatre workshop presented by Sarah Hope from Pebble Theatre in Brisbane. Sarah is a published playwright and accomplished film maker with over a decade’s experience working in Australia’s youth arts sector. The workshops were linked with what each grade is currently studying in Drama and it was fantastic to see the students immerse themselves in the creative arts; learning a variety of new dramatic skills and tools in a fun, imaginative and engaging way.
We thank Sarah from Pebble Theatre for sharing her vast knowledge and expertise with the students.
Amy Clark and Jacinta Schembri
Drama Teachers
PREP FATHER'S DAY - KEEPSAKE
A special thank you to Mr Hall and his team at Beaumont Tiles for their kind and generous donation. The Prep children had so much fun making their Dad’s a special “keep sake” for Father’s day.
Linda Grima
Prep Teacher
School Choir
Choir will resume next term on TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER. YEAR 3 STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND NEXT TERM AND ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO JOIN THE CHOIR. 8.10am in the Music Room!
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.
Lost Property
Please see below image of lost property items. Several of these items are not clearly name or un-named.
Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of Term 3.
Notices
NORTHERN BEACHES - BUS CHANGES
SCHOOL APP
Community News
