Newsletter - 09 November 2023

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Once a professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students, “How much do you think this glass weighs?” ‘1 pound!’ …..’2 pounds!’ …… ‘3 pounds!’ ….. the students answered. “I really don’t know unless I weigh it,” said the professor, “but my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?” “Nothing” the students said.

“OK what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?” the professor asked, “Your arm would begin to ache” said one of the students. “You’re right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?” “Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis; have to go to hospital for sure” ventured another student. All the students laughed.

“Very good, but during all this, did the weight of the glass change?” asked the professor. “No,” replied the students. “Then what caused the arm ache; the muscle stress? Instead, what should I do?” The students were puzzled. “Put the glass down” said one of the students. “Exactly!” said the professor.

“Life’s problems are something like this. Hold them for a few minutes in your head; they seem OK. Think of them for a long time; they begin to ache. Hold them even longer; they begin to paralyse you. You will not be able to do anything. It is important to think of the challenges in your life, but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to ‘put them down’ at the end of every day before you go to sleep. That way you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh and strong, you can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way! REMEMBER TO PUT THE GLASS DOWN.

At this time of the year when teachers are busy writing and finalising reports, there is a great deal of time spent reflecting upon each student’s learning and progress throughout the year. In the busyness of our lives it is important for all of us to stop and reflect. Perhaps the following ‘learnings’ can help:

I’ve learned…….

• that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person
• that when you’re in love, it shows
• that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day
• that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world
• that being kind is more important than being right
• that you should never say no to a gift from a child
• that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him/her in some other way
• that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand
• that we should be glad that God doesn’t give us everything we ask for
• that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular
• that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved
• that the Lord didn’t do it all in one day.  What makes me think I can?
• that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you
• that love, not time, heals all wounds
• that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile
• that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them
• that when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere
• that I wish that I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away
• that one should keep their words soft and tender, because tomorrow they may have to eat them
• that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks
• that I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it
• that when your newly born grandchild holds your finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life
• that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but when all happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it
• that the less time that I have to work with, the more things I get done

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal

RE Matters

MY MASTER – A REFLECTION

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You’re a religious man. You must know what comes next!”

From the other side of the door came the sound of scratching and whining. When the doctor opened the door, a dog sprang into the room with his tail wagging excitedly.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough for me.”

(Unknown)      

REMEMBRANCE DAY    

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month each year we pause to remember all those who have fought for their countries in war. On this day, known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, we honour those who have died with a minute’s silence and pray for peace in our world.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest We Forget.

As you pause to remember on Saturday, I encourage you to pray for all those who fight for freedom, live in conflict zones and make decisions that can bring peace to our world.

With the end of the school year almost upon us, we have much to celebrate - our students, our year together and Christmas. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and plan to join the fun.

Wednesday 22 November                  Year Six Prayer Celebration

Tuesday 28 November                       Carols Evening

Thursday 30 November                      Thanksgiving Mass

YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING

Our Year Six Prayer Celebration which will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 22 November at 6:00pm.  Parents are asked to bring a plate of food for a light supper which will be shared on conclusion of our time of prayer and thanks.  A celebratory cake will also be cut by our School Captains.  Please deliver your supper plates to the tuckshop prior to the commencement of our celebration.

All Year Six students are expected to attend this celebration.

Students are to wear blue day uniform.

YEAR FIVE PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

It is traditional for the parents of students in Year Five to set up and prepare for the supper that follows the Year Six Prayer Celebration. The Year Six parents supply the food. This year’s celebration will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 22 November at 6:00pm. If you are able to assist or would be willing to co-ordinate the supper, could you please contact Mrs Kliese or the school office. Thank you to Michelle and Tanya who have already offered to help.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Each year our school supports The St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region.  In our current climate, it is more important than ever that we recognise the needs of those families in our community who are under financial and emotional stress. Our support allows them a little relief during this joyous time of the year.

Each class will make up a hamper of non-perishable food items that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul Conference in the last week of school.  Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

SAFETY CIRCUS

On Monday 13 November our Year 2 classes will participate in the dynamic theatre production that is the ‘Safety Circus’. With its positive messages, of protective behaviours and bike safety, combined with song and movement, our students are sure to find it both engaging and informative.  Presented by Bachelor of Theatre students from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music and supported by Sergeant Nigel Dalton of Mackay Police, the ‘Safety Circus’ reflects the content of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum and current police Protective Behaviour policies and advice.

MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

There may not be NORFAIR this year, but our parish is selling tickets in an amazing raffle. With a First Prize of      $10 000, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 16 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Tickets are available online, before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office

(Monday - Friday 9am to 12:00pm - phone 49574855).

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

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.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

 (Mark Twain)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum 

APA News

PREP to YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS

Prep to Grade 3 Swim and Survive lessons have begun at Marlins Swim Centre. These lessons are designed to ensure our children possess the basic water skills to operate safely around the pool.  Please see the schedule below:

What to bring:

PLEASE BE SURE TO NAME ALL ITEMS CLEARLY

• Togs (one-piece for girls)
• Towel
• Thongs
• Shirt to wear over togs to/from the pool
• Sunshirt (optional)
• Swimming cap
• Goggles (these are highly recommended from the Marlins Swim staff due to the amount of time in the water)
• Packed lunch and water bottle
• Bag to hold everything

It would be beneficial to send a LARGE AMOUNT of morning tea (Tuckshop may be ordered at first break ONLY). There will be a lunch break at the pool, please provide a PACKED LUNCH and WATERBOTTLE.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2023

Around the School

YEAR SIX CAMP

Last week, the Year Six students, teachers, teacher assistants, together with our amazing parent helpers (Mr Dolphin, Mr Carless, Mr Galea) travelled to Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough for a fun-filled, activity-packed four days of leadership challenges and adventures. The students all had a fantastic time, it was excellent to see the students step outside their comfort zone and build new friendships through challenging experiences. The students participated in activities such as Low Ropes, Rock Wall Climbing, Iron Man Series, Pines Challenge, Gauntlet Run, Stadium Games, Orienteering around Seaforth, Lawn Bowls, Archery, Waterpark and an Indigenous Cultural Experience at Cape Hillsborough. The highlight for many was smashing the teachers with sponges at the Gauntlet Run and facing their fears on the abseiling wall.

We had the pleasure of exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures with Mrs Penola, Mrs Vann, and Uncle George. We thank them for their time and for allowing our students to be immersed in the First Nations Culture with a range of fantastic activities. Many thanks to our wonderful staff and parents who accompanied, supervised, and supported the students on their adventures. 

Highlights from the students:

Chelsea (6K): Having a go at Archery.

Prince (6K): I enjoyed being with my friends for activities and in the dorms. The food was AWESOME!

Archie (6SG): Abseiling with blue group.

Maya (6SG): I loved doing spiderman on the abseiling wall.

Bonnie (6SG): My favourite activity was the gauntlet run because we got to throw wet sponges at your friends and see them muddy.

Blake (6T): Stadium games

Paige (6T): I loved the beach games and we got to get wet

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From Our Counsellor

Thank you for welcoming me here at Emmanuel.

My name is Hayley Francis and I am the new school counsellor.

 I come from a child protection background and have a Psychology degree, which I obtained in Scotland, where I am from (read the rest with a Scottish accent).

 A school counsellor provides short term counselling for students to achieve academic success and social and emotional wellbeing, we aim to have students prepared and supported to participate to the best of their ability in each school day.

 I am working from Monday to Friday and you can refer your child to me by talking to me and/ or the class teacher, or, your child can seek my support, which I would then discuss with you.

 I will be part of the school community which supports your child(ren) to feel safe, connected and ready to learn at school.

 My framework is child and family focussed. Our little people need to be heard and have input into their lives and parenting can be the hardest job, it’s important that we recognise the difficulties and develop plans to overcome them together.

Hayley Francis

School Counsellor

SchoolTV

TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT GRIEF and LOSS

“Grief is like a fingerprint, it's unique to everyone, and so is the way you process it. However, the inability to accept loss, causes a great deal of psychological pain to many people.”   (Dr Michael Carr-Gregg)

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 ‘ALL TOPICS’ tab via the link below or on our school website.

School Choir

Tuckshop News

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Please ensure all Tuckshop orders are placed prior to cut off time - 8:40am.

There is an increase in orders that are being placed late and this is placing extra pressure on our very busy Tuckshop.

Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.

Finance

TERM 4 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Term 4 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Wednesday 11 October, 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.

2024 FAMILY DISCOUNT FORMS

The 2024 Family Discount/Confirmation of Enrolment form was sent home on Monday with the eldest student in each family.  (These forms are on Green paper).

This document is required in order for families to receive their Family Discount in 2024. Please ensure you complete the form based on students year level and school in 2024. The form needs to be returned to the classroom teacher by Friday 17 November. It is a requirement that even single student families complete and return the form. If you have any queries, or do not receive your form, please contact Therese or Robyn in the Finance Office.

Notices

Holts Road, Pioneer Street returns to two-way traffic

Two-way traffic will return to Pioneer Street from Sunday (November 12) as upgrade works continue at the intersection of Holts Road and Pioneer Street. The works are being undertaken to improve safety and traffic flow, and are expected to be completed in mid-December, weather permitting.In the second stage of works at the intersection, traffic will again flow in both directions, however traffic control will be in place at Holts Road and there will be a reduction to the speed limit.

Work will take place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may also be required. There will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot program.

Council apologises for any inconvenience. If you have any concerns, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622529)

For more information go to www.connectingmackay.com.au/pioneer-st-and-holts-rd-intersection

SCHOOL APP

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