Newsletter - 14 September 2023

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

How can we be present to each other today?

We all need to be reminded regularly that we matter to others and we need to remind others that they are important to us. Gestures such as a loving hug from a parent or perhaps a smile from a friend or even a stranger, gives us a special warm feeling. Such gestures remind us that we are special to others. Being ‘present’ to others when they are talking to us, sharing some news or just saying hello is another powerful way that we demonstrate to others that we care about them.

With the pace of life today it is very easy to forget both. We have even gone so far as a society to use terms such as ‘multi tasking’ to give ourselves permission to not be fully ‘present’ to others both in the context of family and work. Everyone needs to be valued, to be noticed and to be loved. How can we be ‘present’ to our families, friends and colleagues today?

Being present to others may not look the same for everyone. It may be stopping when we say hello and having a brief chat, or asking about a friends family or new job or it could be a heartfelt hug, doing a favour for someone, helping around the house or yard, giving an unexpected gift to a friend, being a good listener, or reaching out to those who will never personally know us but who are in need.

In his gospel, John challenges us “Let us love, not in word or speech but in truth and action”.

As we come to the end of another term. I look back at the many memorable occasions that were shared with our school community.  Great things don’t just happen on their own. They are the result of a positive attitude, hard work, planning, enthusiasm and especially team work!  Thank you parents and family members for your support of our work with your children. A huge ‘THANK YOU’ to our P&F team and helpers whose enthusiasm and tireless efforts for the school are very much appreciated and valued.

To the staff of Emmanuel who go ‘above and beyond’ in their sacred work, my deepest gratitude for all you do to bring our students to a deeper and more loving relationship with our God and your dedication to instilling a love of learning in their hearts and minds. God’s blessings upon each and every one of you!

With the holidays once more upon us, I wish you all a restful few weeks, enjoy your time together as a family and take the opportunities to spend quality time in each other’s company. It has been a very busy term and students and staff alike deserve a break to recharge their energies and return full of vitality for the final term of the year.  Whatever your plans …….. stay safe, enjoy the break and return to the last term refreshed and renewed!

I hope you all have a wonderful two weeks with your children and may God continue to bless you and keep you safe.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal                          

RE Matters

WHAT’S IMPORTANT? – A REFLECTION

A fisherman was sitting on a beach under a palm tree. He was relaxing and looking out to sea. A tourist walking on the beach stopped to talk to him. He asked the fisherman why he was not working. The fisherman replied that he had caught enough fish for the day to meet his needs and those of his family. Hearing this, the tourist asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The fisherman answered, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and take a siesta. In the evenings, I go into the village with my wife.  We spend time with our friends, have a few drinks and sing a few songs. I have a full life."

The tourist interrupted, "I am a business man and I can help you! You should start by fishing for longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch and with the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."

“What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.

"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy more boats and employ more people. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city. From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the business man.

“What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.

"Well my friend,” answered the business man, “that's when it gets really interesting. When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"

"Really? “What would I do then?” asked the fisherman.

"After that you'll be able to retire, live by the beach, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying time with your family and friends." 

“You don’t need to wait for tomorrow to be happy and enjoy your life. Today is a gift - that’s why it is called the present.” (Unknown)

Enjoy every minute!

FEAST DAY

Celebrated on 12 September each year, the Feast of The Most Holy Name of Mary commemorates all the privileges given to Mary by God and all the graces we have received through her intercession and mediation. It is a day of special significance for all Marists, who look to Mary as their model.  

FROM MARY we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things.

FROM MARY we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.

FROM MARY we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!

(Pope Saint John Paul II)

All classes included a ‘Mary’ prayer in their class prayers on Tuesday, and offered a special prayer for the Marist Sisters who founded and staffed our school, and continue to ‘live the Gospels as Mary did’ in our world today. 

Look at these fabulous pictures/paintings our Preps did with lead pencil and water colours earlier in the year. Their art is mounted on a background that features some of the names given to Mary. Well done everyone!

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WORLD REFUGEES & MIGRATION SUNDAY

Migration today is not a phenomenon limited to some areas of the planet. It affects all continents and is growing into a tragic situation of global proportions. Not only does this concern those looking for dignified work or better living conditions, but also men and women, the elderly and children, who are forced to leave their homes in the hope of finding safety, peace and security. (Pope Francis)

The Holy See has set aside Sunday 24 September, as a special day to remember and pray for Refugees and Migrants. This year’s theme is ‘Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay’.

To read the Pope Francis’s message click on the tab below:

To view the 2023 resources click on the tab below:

‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ (Mark 9:37)

Remember, the Holy Family were refugees. They fled from Herod into Egypt and stayed there until it was safe to return home (Matthew 2:13–23). They knew danger, fear and alienation, and they knew what it was to be safely home.

Please join with Catholics around the world on Sunday 24 September to pray for those who must flee their homes in the quest for freedom, safety and a better life.

Our annual Mission Fair will be held on Friday 13 October.  Please encourage your child/ren to do some jobs at home over the holidays to earn their spending money for this exciting event. 

The staff has been busy planning and organising stalls for this year’s fair.  A list of stalls and activities will be included in our next newsletter.

TRASH AND TREASURE

The Year Six students will be running a Trash and Treasure stall at the Mission Fair and are looking for donations of pre-loved books, puzzles, toys, games, collectables and knickknacks to sell. Why not look through your cupboards in the holidays and send some treasures into school for this stall? Items can be sent to school from the beginning of Term Four. The Year Six students will collect them from classrooms daily. Thank you for your support.

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

“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat other people ultimately tells all.  Integrity is everything!”  (Unknown)

Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right. It is being honest and sincere with yourself and others.  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. It gives you self-respect, honour and a peaceful heart.

“Wisdom is knowing the right path to take…. Integrity is taking it.”   (Unknown) 

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

CELEBRATING WITH THE MARIST SISTERS

The Marist Sisters celebrated the 200^th Anniversary of their congregation on 8 September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was on that day in 1823 that Jeanne Marie Chavoin and Marie Jotillon, with the permission of the Bishop of Belley, came to live together in the parish of Cerdon, France, as a religious order. Since then, the Sisters have shared their love of God by living the Gospels as Mary did. They have served in many countries and communities in many different ways.

In 1983, at the invitation of Bishop Bernard Wallace, the Marist Sisters established Emmanuel Catholic School and Sister Joan Carmel McBride was our founding principal.  We thank the Sisters and continue to pray for those who established and staffed our school and continue to share God’s love in the world today.  Please include the Sisters who have worked in our school, and are listed below, in your prayers and give thanks for the gift they have been to our community.

Marist Sisters who ministered to Emmanuel Catholic School/College (1983-1992):

Sr Joan McBride, Sr Joan Sheppard, Sr Laurentia, Sr Austin, Sr Julia, Sr Bartholomew, Sr Maureen, Sr Clare, Sr Carmel, Sr Bernadette, Sr Marie Patricia, Sr Noelene, Sr Marie, Sr Judith

To find out more about the Marist Sisters and how they celebrated their 200th Anniversary, click on the tab below.  There are also articles on Sister Joan, Sister Noelene’s visit and our 40th Anniversary celebrations.

APA News

Congratulations to our Year 3 – 6 students who competed in the recent Mackay Basketball Gala Days. Emmanuel entered seven teams in the competition, and all students who participated enjoyed the experience. Thanks to the parents who transported students to the event, and the staff and parents who helped supervise on the day. 

PREP – YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS

Permission letters for Prep – Year 3 Swimming Lessons at Marlins Swim School were sent home last week. Thank you to all parents who have returned these forms to classroom teachers.

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 FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, as Term Four billing is dependent on participant numbers. No refunds will be possible after this date. 

DANCE FEVER ON SHOW

The Dance Fever Showcases and Interhouse Challenge held on Monday gave our students an opportnity to share what they have learnt during Dance Fever lessons this term. Lots of parents attended the Prep-Year 2 showcases and joined in the dancing at the end of the sessions. The Years 3-6 Interhouse Challenge was also well attended by parents and friends. The students danced beautifully and were excited to gain house points for their efforts.

The 2023 Dance Fever Champion House Trophy was won by Carroll House. 

A big thank you to Drey from Dance Fever for his engaging lessons and enthusiasm again this year.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2023

R U OK?

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day and every day is the day to ask, 'Are you OK?'

It inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. 

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

Be sure to check out School TVs Special Report: R U OK? Day via our school website or the tab below.

Around the School

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

This term our Year Six classes have been learning about the injustices of the 21^st Century. We have explored how over time the rights of women, children, migrants, people with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have developed and encouraged awareness for equitable rights for all. 

On Friday, as a culminating activity for this unit, our students had the privilege of a wheelchair basketball demonstration and experience.  Peter Sumpter from Disabled Sport and Recreation Mackay and Zac Uhr, an Under 23’s Australian athlete, volunteered their time to speak with the students about discrimination of people with a disability and ways that people with a disability can be included and supported within society. They also provided the students with the opportunity to experience what it is like to use a wheelchair while playing sport. 

The students enjoyed the experience greatly.  Here are what a few students had to say:

Wheelchair basketball was a great opportunity for Year Six as we learnt all about different types of disabilities and how to prevent them in the future. Wheelchair basketball required a lot of communication and was great for Year Six to use their leadership skills. Pete taught us how to play and some important information about this interesting sport. Pete even brought in Zac, a professional at wheelchair basketball. We are so lucky and grateful for this opportunity and had a lot of fun playing and learning about this sport.

- Zara.K

On Friday we did wheelchair basketball at the HSC PEC. It was so much fun. Ms Genninges’ coach spoke to us about how if you have a disability then you are different, but everyone should treat people the same. When we hopped into the wheelchairs it was hard to control at first but then we got used to it. When we knew what we were doing that made it a lot easier. We did some drills with the balls in the wheelchairs. I found it a bit hard to dribble the basketball while moving. The wheelchair basketball experience was awesome!

- Taylor.B

Our experience of wheelchair basketball was enjoyable, but it was also a bit tricky. When we first got in the chairs it was a bit awkward and hard to control. That all changed when we had a few minutes to adjust to the chairs and to understand how the chairs work. After we got an idea of how the wheelchair works, we started to move out of the basics and start doing more technical drills. This didn’t stop us from having an amazing experience. We would like to give a big thanks to Ms Genninges, Pete and Zac for making this great experience possible.

- Griffin.S and George.C

If anyone would like further information about the services Disabled Sport and Recreation and Mackay provides, please contact Peter Sumpter on 0405 060 541.

Awards

Congratulations to the students below who recevied Principal's Awards, Opti-Minds certificates and/or ROCK POP MIME certificates at Assembly in Week 9.

Vacation Care

Please see attached Vacation Care Plan for the September school holidays:

School Choir

Choir will resume next term on TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER.

YEAR 3 STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE AND ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO JOIN THE CHOIR.

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

A piece of jewellery found in the Marist Centre has been handed into the office. If you are missing a special piece of jewellery please contact the office to describe and claim it.

We have a large number of jumpers in the lost property box. If your child is missing a jumper or any other item please check the box located out the front of the office before the end of Term 3 as these items will then be donated.

Notices

NORTHERN BEACHES - BUS CHANGES 

SCHOOL APP

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