Newsletter - 08 February 2024
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Promoting independence in children….
“I’m thankful to all of those who said no to me. It’s because of them I did it myself.”
(Albert Einstein)
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
(Dennis Waitley)
One of the most important roles for parents and educators is to raise responsible, independent children -this can be tough because our natural instinct is to care for and nurture them. However, parents shouldn’t wait until children are ready to leave home before they give them responsibility. Training for independence needs to start from a young age and continue into the teenage years. Encouraging independence in children is not just good training for adulthood. It is one of the best ways to promote self-confidence. When we teach children to do jobs for themselves we demonstrate our faith in them and send a powerful message that they are capable. Our actions definitely speak louder than words.
SOME USEFUL IDEAS
- Encourage them to do routine household and family activities e.g., tidying bedrooms before school, clearing away dishes, preparing after-school snacks.
- Encourage them to take responsibility for their own homework tasks. Put young children in charge of their reading and get them to remind you that it is reading time.
- Children can do quite difficult tasks if we show them how. Break complex jobs, like making a bed, into simple tasks like arranging teddies and the pillow, progressing to smoothing out a doona and so on.
- When children can tell the time, teach them how to use an alarm clock so they can get themselves up and regulate their own morning routine.
- Be alert to children’s readiness and willingness to do for themselves then consider letting your child take over. Ask yourself: ‘Is my child capable of doing …….?’
- Encourage them to prepare their own breakfast and put their own lunch in their schoolbag.
- Show older children how to operate the washing machine and microwave. These are two essential time-savers for busy working parents.
- The most effective way to promote responsibility in children is to give them responsibility.
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.” (Ann Landers)
Today our school was fortunate to receive a visit from a number of important personnel from within our diocesan family. These included, Bishop Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton, Diocesan Director of Catholic Education - Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, Assistant Director Schools, Northern Region - Mr Michael McCusker, and Parish Priest of St Joseph’s - Fr Andrew Hogan. This was a great opportunity for our visitors to see first hand the wonderful achievements that occur within our school community and the hard work and dedication displayed by all. We are extremely grateful that Bishop Michael and Miss Jeffcoat were able to spend time with us and thank them for their ongoing support of all within our Diocese.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
SAUSAGE SIZZLE ORDERING LINK
The P&F will be cooking sausages on bread. Please pre-order your sausages for catering purposes by 12:00am Tuesday 13 February via the TryBooking link below.
RE Matters
THE BURNING HUT – A REFLECTION
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none was forthcoming. As time passed, he managed to build a small driftwood hut in which to store his few possessions and to protect him from the elements.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up into the sky. The worst had happened - everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a boat approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
The weary man asked his rescuers: "How did you know I was here?"
They replied: "We saw your smoke signal."
It is easy to get discouraged when things are not going our way, but we shouldn't lose heart. God is always with us, at work in our lives and loving us. Remember, the next time your little hut is burning to the ground -- it just may be the smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
(Author Unknown)
Thursday 8 February Sacramental Program - Parent Information Evening
Wednesday 14 February Ash Wednesday Prayer Celebration
Thursday 15 February Meet and Greet
Friday 16 February Bishop’s Inservice Day - This is a Pupil Free Day
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
A meeting for the parents of Year Four students wanting to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist will be held at St Joseph’s Church at 5:30pm TONIGHT, Thursday 8 February. A letter detailing the parish program and registration requirements was sent home last week.
Students who have been Baptised will prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Penance in March and will be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in June.
If you have an older child wishing to receive the Sacraments as part of the 2024 Program, please collect a copy of this letter from the school office.
Please Note: There is also a program for students who would like to be part of the Sacramental Program, but have not been Baptised. The parents of these students are invited to attend the same Parent Information session at St Joseph’s Church TONIGHT, Thursday 8 February. Please collect an alternate registration form from the school office.
Please contact Mrs Kliese if you would like further information about either of these programs.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Please join us on Wednesday 14 February for our Ash Wednesday Prayer Celebration. It will be held in the Marist Centre at 9:00am. Ashes will be distributed.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our forehead in the form of a cross. The ashes are made from the palm leaves left over from last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations. They have been dried out and burnt and mixed with some blessed oil. The practice of tracing a sign of the cross dates back to Old Testament times, when ashes were placed on people who consciously desired to turn away from their selfish ways and enter into a more life giving and wholesome relationship with God.
LENTEN CHALLEGE
In recent years, our Lenten Challenges have included ‘CHICKS FOR CAMBODIA’ and ‘FARMITAS’. In 2024, we have a NEW and EXCITING challenge which we will be launching next week. It will allow us to make a life-giving difference in the lives of people that we don’t even know.
CARITAS - PROJECT COMPASSION
‘For All Future Generations’ is the theme of Project Compassion 2024.
It reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.
This Lent all classrooms will have a Project Compassion collection box and poster. Students will learn about their brothers and sisters around the world who are less fortunate than themselves and be encouraged to offer their prayers and practical assistance.
Don’t be surprised if your child asks you for a job, so they can earn some money to put in the Project Compassion box in their classroom.
For more information, about the work of CARITAS and projects that the 2024 Project Compassion Appeal will support, check out the Caritas Australia website below:
40 ACTS IN 40 DAYS
“Aspire not to have more, but to be more." (St Oscar Romero)
This Lent I invite you to join me in undertaking a challenge to enrich your life and the lives of others.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.” (St Mary of the Cross Mackillop)
Each day of Lent do something to improve the day of someone else. It might be a smile, a welcome, a helping hand, a listening ear, a simple act of kindness, a prayer, your time.
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
I think it is a good idea to plan what you are going to do, but be assured that lots of opportunities to help others will arise during Lent. Be open, be spontaneous, be kind.
The second part of this challenge is to appreciate what you have and who you are. To be grateful is to thank God for his many gifts.
“What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” (Unknown)
BISHOP’S IN-SERVICE
Our annual Bishop’s Inservice Day will be held on Friday 16 February. This is a pupil free day and all staff will be attending.
The school office will be closed.
This year’s theme will focus on Social Justice and Action. The speakers will include Bishop Michael McCarthy and Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat. Staff will participate in a variety of workshops.
It is always a great day for personal faith development and all staff appreciate this opportunity to focus their attention and learn something new.
YEAR SIX LEADERSHIP INDUCTION PRAYER CELEBRATION
On Tuesday, we gathered in the Marist Centre to acknowledge, commission, congratulate and pray for our School Captains, House Captains, Student Council Representatives and Year Six students. Miss Rostirolla led our prayer celebration, Miguel shared the Acknowledgment of Country, Year 6K dramatised the Gospel, Leadership Commitments were made, and badges presented. A big thank you to Mrs Whelan, Miss McDonald, the Year Six Teachers, and all who contributed to the planning, organisation and setting up of this celebration. It was wonderful to have our students and so many members of our school community there to celebrate with us.
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.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND GOALS 2024
The Strategic Priorities and Goals outlined above will frame this year’s journey towards continued School Improvement. The School Priorities frame the Annual School Goals to ensure all members of the Emmanuel School Community are working towards school – wide improvement to maximise teaching and learning whilst enhancing the educational experience of all students.
Later in the year we look forward to working with an external team as we undergo our School Improvement Tool Audit. During this time observations and evidence will be measured against 9 inter-related domains. These are:
Domain 1 – Driving an explicit improvement agenda
Domain 2 – Analysing and discussing data
Domain 3 – Promoting a culture of learning
Domain 4 – Targeting school resources
Domain 5 – Building an expert teaching team
Domain 6 – Leading systematic curriculum implementation
Domain 7 – Differentiating teaching and learning
Domain 8 – Implementing effective pedagogical practices
Domain 9 – Building school-community partnerships
The ultimate goal of school improvement is to improve outcomes for students, including levels of achievement, engagement and wellbeing (School Improvement Tool, 2023). Over the coming weeks, I will unpack the 2024 School Goals and the initiatives taking place throughout the year to ensure we are working towards achieving each goal.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY FORM (ICT)
The information below pertains to the ICT Code of Practice forms for Students in Early Learning (Years P-2) and Students in Years 3-6. It is important to read through ICT attachments (in the link buttons below) and 'accept' via Parent Lounge (see 'how to' guide in the link button below) by tomorrow, Friday 09/02/24. Accepting the ICT Code of Practice will allow the use of ICT within school.
INTERVIEWS WITH TEACHERS
Parents are strongly encouraged to maintain close contact with their child’s teacher. It is most beneficial to all parties if this can occur. Teachers are available for informal chats before and after school, however, teachers all have playground duties before and after school along with staff meetings, year level meetings, various committee meetings and sports training responsibilities. Teachers often use time before school to prepare, hear reading or help with homework. Catching them on the hop is not ideal, and all teachers would prefer parents to write a note or email, to ask for some time, even if it is only a few minutes just to make sure they are available and to give the issue the appropriate amount of attention required.
CLASS CO-ORDINATORS ROLE
Each class is required to have a parent act as “Class Co-ordinator” for the Year. This position can be shared among several parents to support each other in the role. The role of the Class Co-ordinator is to:-
- Welcome new families to the Class by making contact with them within 1 week of arriving at Emmanuel. Contact details are provided by the School Administration.
- Organising and inviting parents of children in class to a social function once per term/semester.
- Co-ordinating support for families in need.
Please contact your child's classroom teacher if you wish to volunteer for this role.
SICKNESS / HEADLICE / SCHOOL SORES
Students who are ill are sent to the office by a teacher. We find that children who become ill at school find it quite distressing and don’t want to be here. We are not equipped to deal with sick children for any length of time. It is very important that a parent is always able to be contacted for decisions regarding sick children.
Children with contagious illnesses should not attend school and we are guided by Education Queensland guidelines. In cases of head lice or impetigo (school sores) parents are contacted and students isolated until taken home.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is sometimes essential to contact parents urgently for a variety of reasons, but particularly in case of illness or accident. It is distressing to staff and the student concerned when we are unable to access anyone. It is most important that the information we have on record as home and current work numbers is accurate. It is also very important to have a back-up emergency contact who knows where to find you or who can take some responsibility for the situation. If your work or home phone numbers change please let the office know immediately. It is also helpful to let your children know where you might be during the day, especially if they are sent off to school not feeling 100%.
VOLUNTEERS AT EMMANUEL
We love our volunteers at Emmanuel and cannot operate without you. We have a large number of parents/grandparents who assist in various ways around the school including reading in classrooms, assisting in the tuckshop and helping in the Library. As part of our WHS obligations, each volunteer is required to read a brief Volunteer's Induction at the beginning of each year and to sign and acknowledge that they agree to abide by these procedures. It is also very important that volunteers sign in and out of the school grounds at the office whenever they are assisting around the school. The Volunteer's Induction document is located at the front office. Should you wish to volunteer in any capacity you will be required to read and acknowledge these guidelines on your first visit to Emmanuel this year – please see the front office staff when you arrive. Thank you for your continued support and assistance. The students and staff truly do value and appreciate it.
Tuckshop Volunteers are asked to sign in at the office, and will complete a separate induction document in the Tuckshop when they arrive.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Playground Rules
PREP - YEAR 3 PLAYGROUND (pictured below)
NO PLAY BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL
A teacher MUST be present before students are allowed to play.
From our Counsellor
Please find below two resources for parents which may be useful information for families:
- The Department of Education has drawn our attention to their new website ‘Preventing child sexual abuse’ which is a resource for parents to raise awareness of sexual abuse, and prevention activities. The website links to the recently released national campaign One Talk at a Time, which was developed by the National Office for Child Safety, as well as a range of other resources.
- “e-kidna group” is a partnership that grew from the passion of three national child protection organisations – Act for Kids, Bravehearts and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation – collaborating in the fight against child sexual abuse. The e-kidna hub is a platform for change, a place to loudly advocate to governments and those that can ensure change for our kids. With our collective knowledge, e-kidna offers resources for parents, carers, and those with children in their lives to understand how all adults can play a part in helping to keep kids safe. https://e-kidna.com.au/ contains information which is pertinent to parents, in the fight against child sexual abuse.
Hayley Francis
School Counsellor
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 ‘ALL TOPICS’ tab via the link below or on our school website.
Regional Indigenous Education Liason Officer
Sporting News
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS
Mackay and District School Sport (MDSS) have made some significant changes to the nomination and selection process for school representative sport. In 2024, there will be fewer sub-district trials and more nominations straight to MDSS trials. At this stage Northern Suburbs will only be trialing for Athletics and Cross Country this year. By 2025 Sub-Districts will no longer be operational.
Please consider carefully before nominating your child for an MDSS trial. Students seeking nomination must be of a high standard e.g. previous representative experience at a school or club level. These trials will be highly competitive and your child will be competing against the best in Mackay for their chosen sport. The trials are generally for students aged 10 and over.
In 2024, any student interested in participating in a representative school sporting trial will be assessed and nominated by their school directly to MDSS. The school receives updates on when trials will occur. Parents will be notified of upcoming trials via the school app and newsletter. Parents can also follow news from MDSS via their Facebook page. Students interested in nominating for an MDSS trial will be notified via the morning bulletin when forms are available.
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS - FORMS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
The following Mackay District Sport forms are available for collection from Mrs Bottcher who will be in the Tuckshop area at Morning Tea. Nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.
* MDSS 10 - 12 yrs Boys and Girls BASKETBALL TRIALS (Due Friday 9 February)
* MDSS 10-19 yrs Boys and Girls SQUASH TRIALS (Due Monday 19 February)
* Cap 10-19 yrs Boys and Girls GOLF TRIALS (Due Monday 11 March)
Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport
PLEASE NOTE:
Any student interested in attending the MDSS trials for touch football 10-12yrs boys and girls, need to attend a meeting on Friday at Morning Tea in the 6K classroom.
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
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.
Finance
TERM 1 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 1 School Fee Statements were emailed out on Tuesday 6 February and are due on the 20 February. You can also view your statements by logging into your Parent Lounge account. If you have not received your account, please contact the Finance Office immediately.
CONCESSION CARD DISCOUNTS
Do you hold a current means tested Health Care Card? If so you may be eligible to receive a concession on your Tuition Levy. Please click on the link for the information sheet regarding Concession Card Discounts.
Notices
SCHOOL APP
Community News
