Newsletter - 16 November 2023

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Where has the year gone to? Only a few weeks of the school term remaining! However, when you look into faces you can see from the lines of weariness that a year has gone by and it will be great to have a break from the usual daily routine. I suppose the quick passing of a year illustrates in some way how brief the measure of our own life really is; the author of Psalm 102 further illustrates that a couple of thousand years haven’t made much difference to the way in which people have their ups and downs:

“Good Lord where are you? If you really do exist, why don’t you come out of hiding and do something about this creature in distress. I am physically weary, I am mentally depressed, I am spiritually defeated. I can’t eat, can’t sleep. I feel like discarded refuse in the back alley; like yesterday’s rubbish shuffled around by the wind.”

If you’re feeling as bad as the psalmist seems to be, then thank heavens for holidays. They allow for a change in routine and if you’re lucky, a change in scenery.  Also, they allow some time for “peace and quiet”. In times of serenity when the hustle and bustle is far away, it is possible to answer the question “Good lord, where are you?” and maybe like the psalmist you can experience the answer.

Hopefully, the remaining weeks of the school year will be a time of enjoyment and cooperation so that the rewards of a year’s fine effort can be experienced by everyone to the very last day.

During these final weeks of school it is important that we all continue to support each other in a positive way that allows everyone to stay settled and calm. It is also essential that we continue to maintain the high standards that we have set for ourselves and the children. Thank you for your ongoing help and support with the children to ensure that we all continue to support and respect each other, follow school policies and keep our communication channels open.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla 

Principal

Thank you to the P & F for sponsoring this event

RE Matters

THANK YOU – A REFLECTION

A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint gave the soul a tour. They walked side by side into a large workroom filled with angels. St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions asked in prayer are received." The soul looked around and noticed that it was very busy. There were angels everywhere sorting petitions from all the people of the world.

They continued on until they reached the second section, and St. Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings that people ask for are packed and delivered to those who have asked for them.” The soul saw how busy it was here too. There were countless angels working to pack all the blessings before they were delivered to Earth.

Finally in the farthest corner of the workroom, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stood there, doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," said St. Peter.

"How is it that, there is no work here?" asked the soul.

"That's the sad thing," St. Peter answered. "After the people have received the blessings that they have asked for, very few send their acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" asked the soul.

"Simple," St. Peter answered. "Just say, ‘'Thank you, Lord'."

(Unknown)                    

“Dear God, I want to take a minute, not to ask for anything from you, but simply to say thank you, for all that I have.”

Why not listen or sing sing-a-long to one or both of these great songs:

Thankful (Children’s Thanksgiving Song)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTHDKxOL9cg

Thankful (2022 Gratitude Appreciation Kids Songs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeSdQmO51Ps

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 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.

A big THANK YOU to the Year Five parents who have volunteered to set up and prepare for the supper that will follow the Year Six Prayer Celebration

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Our annual Carols Evening will be held on Tuesday 28 November. All classes from Prep to Year Six will be involved. Following the student’s performances, there will be some community singing, where all present are invited to sing along. Please join us on the grassed area in front of the Music Room for a 6:00pm start. All students are asked to meet their teachers by 5:45pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the last week of school to share in the spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you there.

We will be collecting donations for the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal, so please bring along some coins to help others less fortunate this Christmas.

THANKSGIVING AND FAREWELL MASS

Our tradition of celebrating the end of the school year with a Thanksgiving Mass will continue this year. Although we will not be travelling to St Joseph’s Church for the Mass, Fr Andrew will join with staff and students to reflect on and give thanks for our year together.  This Mass will take place on Thursday 30 November at 9:00am in the Fr Bucas Centre at Holy Spirit College.  All welcome.

Students need to wear blue day uniform.  Girls to wear dresses please.

A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 8:50am - 10:10am as ALL STAFF will be attending the Mass.

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.

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 on Wednesday 29 November.  Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

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 – UNDERSTANDING

“I am the thankful for the gift of understanding. It enlightens my viewpoint.” (Unknown)

Understanding is sympathetic and sensitive. It is being aware of other people's needs and feelings.

“If we could look into each other’s hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care.”   (Marvin J Ashton)

When you understand you are tolerant, accepting and forgiving of yourself and others. Understanding gives us the power to care, to show compassion and to learn.

“People don’t always need advice.  Sometimes all they need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand them.  (Unknown)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Vinnies Christmas Appeal and the Seafarers Christmas Shoebox Appeal – Our community has a wonderful tradition of supporting others less fortunate at Christmas. Please continue to pray for those who need a hand up and those who provide it.

Curriculum Corner

REPORT CARDS FOR SEMESTER 2

A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign in to Parent Lounge prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.

Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 5:00pm on Thursday 30 November

1. To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website:  ecps.qld.edu.au
2. Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
3. Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
4. Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used.

CHANGES TO REPORT CARDS

A Reporting Taskforce was formed by the Curriculum Team at Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton.  As a result of their consultation, some changes have been made to ensure consistency for the core features of reporting across the Diocese.  These changes will be in effect for our Semester Two, 2023 Report Cards.    

The following informs you of changes made to this Semester's Report Cards:

• ​​Prep achievement wording revised

• Year 1 - 6 achievement uses an A - E scale

• EFFORT AND ATTITUDE now replaces the previously used term 'Application'.  A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement.  This scale applies to student diligence, behaviour and engagement.    
  

• SOCIAL AND PERSONAL LEARNING now replaces the previously used term 'Social Development and Work Habits'.  A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement.

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum 

APA News

CLASS PLACEMENT LETTERS - CHANGES MADE

Class placement letters will be sent home via email on Monday 04 December 2023. Please allow time to receive your class placement letter if you have multiple children here at school as they will be sent individually, over the course of the day, and this may take some time. 

Please note: we ask that you ensure your email details are up to date.

PREP to YEAR 3 SWIMMING LESSONS

Prep to Grade 3 Swim and Survive lessons are continuing 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

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.

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award and ICAS Certificate in Week 6.

School Choir

Tuckshop News

TUCKSHOP NEWS

With our school holidays fast approaching, we need to reduce our stock. Some menu items will become unavailable over the next two weeks. We will adjust the online menu as stock deplete's. 

Please have a second option noted on your child's order if an item becomes unavailable on the day.

Tuckshop will be CLOSED Thursday 30 November and Friday 01 December for the purpose of cleaning.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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

MACKAY TRANSIT COACHES REBRAND - KINETIC

Mackay Transit Coaches are now being progressively replaced with Kinetic branding. This will not impact current bus services and bus route numbers will be displayed in the vehicle windscreens. Please see below photos of new bus branding.

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

Community News