Newsletter - 26 May 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
“Are you perfect?”………………. “Do you ever make a mistake?”
As a member of the human race we all know that we all make mistakes from time to time. At Emmanuel Catholic Primary School we challenge our community to be better people by learning from our mistakes. Does that mean we will never make a mistake again? Of course not, some people may continue to make the same mistake over and over again. In fact there is research that suggests that some of Einstein’s greatest theories were not conceived until after thousands of attempts.
We are challenged by the words Jesus used when he spoke in the Gospel of Matthew of the importance of forgiveness. He reminds us that we need to forgive people not 7 times but 77 times 7. In other words it is up to all of us to continue to forgive people who make mistakes. We are reminded that all of us start each day afresh and should not continue to “hold a grudge” against another person because of some past misdemeanour.
As parents, we too need to continue to look for the good in all children. We must challenge ourselves to use the guiding words of the Gospel as our “words of wisdom” when faced with the child who comes home with a story that “he/she has been unkind to me again”. This can be hard and indeed challenging but in my experiences children are very ready to forgive and happy to start each day anew. The important role that we play is to model the behaviours for our children.
Children are constantly faced with a “tricky situation”, that is after all what living in a community is all about, good times and tough times. The real worth of a person can be judged on how they respond to the “tricky situation:. Do I look for the good in every human being?
Ask your child and yourself this week
- Do I treat all people the same?
- Am I as quick to forgive others, as I am to condemn?
- Do I start each day afresh with all members of the community?
- How do I model with my child the gospel values of the forgiver?
Tonight and tomorrow night a significant number of our students will have received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Joseph’s Church. Sacraments are “guide posts” that point us in the direction of Christ. Congratulations to all those boys and girls who celebrated this milestone in their sacramental journey.
“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” (Paul Boese)
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
REFLECTION
2021/2022 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Please continue to pray for the large number of Emmanuel students who will be Confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy at special celebrations this week.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love.
THE VISITATION - HAIL MARY
The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31 May) celebrates the visit of Mary, the Mother of God, with the child Jesus in her womb, to her cousin Elizabeth. The visit took place when Elizabeth was herself six months' pregnant with Saint John the Baptist.
The Hail Mary is the story of the Visitation. As the Month of Mary draws to a close, I encourage you to continue to pray this beautiful prayer for peace in your family and in the world.
CELEBRATING WITH BISHOP MICHAEL
This Sunday, 29 May, marks the 8th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our Bishop, Michael McCarthy.
We congratulate Bishop Michael and pray for him as he continues to lead and guide our diocese. We thank God for the gift of Bishop Michael and all he brings to his role as Bishop of Rockhampton.
RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Celebrated at the same time each year (27 May – 3 June), National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The theme of Reconciliation Week this year is “Be Brave. Make Change.”
Regional Indigenous Education Liaison Officer, Bianca Dorante, will host various cultural activities in the library on Monday. Students in all year levels will participate in our Walk for Reconciliation on Wednesday 1 June.
PEER SUPPORT
Peer Support is off to a great start! Groups met for the first time last Friday and everyone had fun meeting new friends, learning about kindness and making a ‘Kindness Chain.’ The chain from each group was joined together to make a very long Kindness Chain that stretched half way around the Marist Centre. It reminds us that from little things big things grow, that kind actions and words lead to more kindness, and that together we can build a Kingdom of Kindness.
Tomorrow’s activities will focus on what ‘Choosing Kind’ looks like, sounds like and feels like. Students will practise using kind words and actions.
Please support this valuable program by discussing the content of weekly activities with your children.
Peer Support groups will run 8:40am – 9:10am each Friday and will be followed by a short Assembly at 9:15am. Awards will be presented in Peer Support groups and recipients will be congratulated at Assembly.
SAVE THE DATE - EMMANUEL’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Emmanuel’s Biggest Morning Tea will be held on Friday 3 June. We will be having a picnic and all members of our school community are invited. 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 children.
It will be a free dress day and all students and parents are encouraged to wear pink (breast cancer), blue (prostate cancer), yellow (bone cancer) or black (melanoma/skin cancer) and to bring a gold coin donation.
Some merchandise will be on sale in the week leading up to the picnic. More details in next week’s newsletter.
HELP VINNIES TO HELP OTHERS
Each year Vinnies supports the MACKAY HOMELESS EXPO and this year they need our help. Unfortunately, their stock of non-perishable foods and blankets, that in the past they have distributed to people at the expo who are experiencing homelessness, are running very low. Donations can be dropped into the school office. They will be collected on Wednesday 1 June. Many thanks for your generosity and prayers.
The Expo offers families and individuals a range of services including support service information; haircuts and laundry facilities; doctors, dentists and immunisations; blankets, swags, clothing and toiletries.
A glimpse of the 2019 Expo and how it supported those in need:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STwJ0GnX78g
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
On the fortieth day after His resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, after blessing them and asking them to wait for the fulfilment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, He ascended into Heaven.
Acts 1:1-11
Jesus is taken up into heaven.
Ephesians 1:17-23
Christ will appear again to bring salvation.
Mark 16:15-20
Jesus commissions the eleven, ascends to heaven.
The Ascension - The Catechism of the Catholic Church
http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ascension.php
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 – KINDNESS
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” (Barbara De Angelis)
Kindness is showing you care, doing some good to make life better for others. It is being thoughtful about people’s needs. Kindness is showing love and compassion to someone who is sad or needs your help. Kindness is treating yourself and others gently. It is caring about the earth and all living things.
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” (Bob Kerrey)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
APA News
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Crazy Hair Theme
$2 Entry
Sausages in bread are available for $2. Please preorder for catering purposes only via clicking the TryBooking link below. CASH payment is to be made on the night.
HERO FOR HEARTKIDS AWARENESS DAY
On Friday, 17 June, students are invited to come to school dressed up as a superhero to help raise awareness for the real heroes, the children and families who are impacted by congenital or childhood acquired heart disease. HeartKids is a national not-for-profit organisation who supports and advocates for all people impacted by childhood heart disease.
Students are welcome to make a gold coin donation in their classroom on this day.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
The school Newsletter is a vital form of communication between school and families. A lot of time goes into its preparation. It is distributed to families on Thursdays VIA E-MAIL. Please ensure your email address is current so that you are kept up to date with events and school news. Paper copies are available from the office.
UNIFORM IN COLD WEATHER
With the cooler weather approaching us, a reminder that the Emmanuel School jumper is to be worn. The Uniform Shop has second hand jumpers for sale if you wish to purchase this item of clothing. Our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
Playground After School Rules
At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class.
The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.
We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
COVID Update
Principal's Awards
These students were presented with Principal’s Awards during Peer Support Groups last Friday.
Sports News
REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Isaac Scully (rugby union) and Paolo Lo Presti (football/soccer) who have progressed through Northern Suburbs and Mackay trials to be selected in Capricornia teams in their chosen sports. We look forward to hearing about what comes next in their representative adventures. All of Emmanuel will be cheering for you!
Term 2 School Fee Statements
Term Two school fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the finance office.
Lost Property
We have a large amount of lost property located in front of the office. Please have your child check the lost property box if you are missing any items before the end of Term 2.
Some items listed in photos below:
Tuckshop News
Our very busy Tuckshop is in need of more volunteers urgently due to work commitments and general sickness in the community. At this point we have no one on our emergency list to cover volunteers who become unavailable. Please phone the office if you can help.
We are also seeking help on the night of the school disco (3 June), to serve drinks & light snacks from the Tuckshop.
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required (Queensland Government mandate).
Angie & Carly
Tuckshop
Notices
COLLECTING STUDENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS
If your child has an appointment during the school day, please email their classroom teacher to inform them about the appointment and expected collection time.
When collecting your child, please allow enough time to sign them out and for them to arrive at the office. It is important to keep in mind that students are not always in their classroom and may take longer to make their way to the office if their teacher is unaware of the arrangements.
Whenever possible, ensure your child knows the time of their appointment. Phone calls to classrooms take the time of office staff and are disruptive to student learning and need to be kept to a minimum.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Community News
Mackay Show Association Sugarcane Schedule