Newsletter - 29 February 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

As parents we are always searching for ways to assist our children to continue to make improvements at school. Parents are a vital factor in children’s educational progress. Here are a few ideas to support your child along the way.

1. Let your child see you making mistakes.

Parents are their child’s first teacher and their lifetime teacher. Part of being a teacher is teaching your child how to deal with making mistakes. Let them see that you can make mistakes and deal with it so they will understand it’s not a big deal and they can cope when they trip up.

2. Keep in touch.

E-mail is a great way to reach your child’s teacher without having to play phone tag. Teachers then have a record of a conversation or can print information out to put in a student’s file as a reminder. If you hear what your children are struggling in, please feel comfortable talking to the teacher about it. We want to know that they need help. Communication needn’t be limited to when there’s a problem.

3. Don’t tell your child that you weren’t good at maths.

Some parents might feel intimidated by the thought of helping children with their maths homework, especially in the upper classes but maths is here to serve you, not to trip you up. Maths should make life easier, and mastery can start at home with parents showing that they’re not frightened by numbers.

One way to make math more accessible is to relate it to daily activities. Capitalise on examples where maths is useful, especially the kinds of calculations adults do daily like measuring ingredients, managing sums of money, working out distances. This way, children see how what they’re learning matters in life.

4. Check their homework, and then have them explain it to you.

It’s not enough to just get the answers right. To make sure your children aren’t guessing, sometimes ask them to explain what they did and why. This lets you know that the child has completed the task and for the child to actually explain their work helps their learning.

5. Don’t compare your child with others.

Don’t put pressure on children to be just like others. There’s no such thing as the child that’s like every other child. They are all different. They all have strengths and weaknesses, they all have “talents and challenges.”

6. Help your child make connections to literature.

To help your child get the most out of books, focus on problem-solving, social skills and life experience. Teach them to ask an adult for help if they lose something (problem-solving) or to hold the door for others (social skills). With skills like these, children will be able to relate their own life experiences to those of book characters, improving their comprehension. If they don’t have these life experiences, when they are asked to make deeper connections to reading material, it’s hard for them.

7. Don’t do everything for your child.

Sometimes it’s faster to do things yourself than wait for your children to complete a task. But having everything done for them means they don’t learn take care of themselves. Empower your children to think for themselves and be more responsible for themselves.

8. Ask about your child’s day.

Stay involved in your child’s education, beyond helping with homework. Even small things, like asking a child what happened at school, can be the difference between a child who unplugs at the end of the day and one who continues thinking about what they learned. Give them the kind of feedback that acknowledges and respects their feelings so they know you are really hearing them.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

THE ALPHABET PRAYER – A REFLECTION

A shepherd boy was watching his sheep one Sunday morning when he heard the bells of a nearby church ringing.  As he watched the people making their way to Mass, he thought to himself, "I would like to talk to God too, but, what do I say?"

He had never learned to pray and did not know a single prayer. So, on bended knee, he began to recite the alphabet. He repeated this ‘prayer’ several times. A man passing by heard the boy's voice and saw him kneeling with his hands joined and his eyes closed.

He interrupted the boy. "What are you doing, young man?" he asked.

The boy replied, "I am praying sir."

The man seemed surprised and said, "But why are you saying the alphabet?"

The boy explained, "I don't know any prayers, sir, but I want God to take care of me, and to help me care for my sheep……and so I thought, if I said the alphabet, He could put the letters together into words, and He would know all that I need, want and should say!"

The man smiled and said, "Yes! You are right! God certainly will!" and he went on to church knowing full well that he had heard the finest homily he could possibly hear that day.

(Author Unknown)   

PRAYING THIS LENT

Prayer is one of the Pillars of Lent. Prayer is a dialogue. It can be talking to God, listening to God, praising God, or thanking God.  It can be silent, spoken, sung, confessed, or written. Prayer is being with God, being aware of God, sitting in the presence of God. It develops our relationship with the God who calls us to relationship. Prayer is a gift from God.

Pope Francis tells us that praying does not have to be difficult, that you can pray anytime, anywhere and everywhere. Why not try his Five Finger Prayer? It is a simple and thoughtful way to pray each day. Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray these intentions:

1. Thumb is the closest to you, so pray for those who are closest to you. They are the people you know the best and are easiest to remember.
2. Pointer (index) finger is next. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others.
3. Tallest finger follows. It reminds us to pray for our leaders, those in government and those who have authority. They need God's guidance. 
4. Ring finger is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the poor, the hungry, the sick and suffering. They need your prayers. 
5. Little finger, the smallest of all reminds you to pray for yourself.

Check out the fabulous free app Laudate.  It is an amazing Catholic prayer resource, with Daily Readings and Saints of the Day, Order of the Mass, Traditional Prayers, Meditation, Catechism, Psalms, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Vatican Documents and much more.

Friday 15 March        School Mass (St Joseph’s Church – 9:15am)

Thursday 21 March   Harmony Day – Wear Orange

Sunday 24 March      Palm Sunday – Childrens Mass (St Joseph’s Church – 9:00am)

LENTEN CHALLENGE – DO A JOB, BUY A WATERDROP, BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE

Our ‘TAPITAS’ campaign is off to a great start.  Lots of students have already bought WATERDROP tokens and they have been added to the sacred space in their classrooms.  Buying these tokens will allow us to support a school in Samoa where the collection and storage of clean drinking water is an ongoing issue.

Students who buy waterdrops will receive a ticket, for each dollar spent, in a special TAPITAS themed YETI water bottle raffle. The prize will be drawn at the end of this Lenten Challenge.

The class that buys the most waterdrops and the class that raises the most money will lead us in a special dance at Assembly later in the term.

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.

For more information, about the work of CARITAS and projects that the 2024 Project Compassion Appeal will support, check out the Caritas Australia website:

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Please pray for our students who are enrolled in the parish Sacramental Program. They will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and receive Eucharist for the first time in June.

Please also include in your prayers the students who are preparing to be Baptised at Easter.  These students, who have been participating in workshops (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) with Fr Andrew and their parents, will be named and receive a special blessing during a celebration at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 12 March.

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 - COMPASSION

Compassion is noticing when someone is hurt or in need of a friend. It is feeling empathy for the pain of others. When you reach out to those in need or refrain from judging, you practise compassion. Our compassionate presence helps others to know that they are not alone, that they are valued and understood.

“Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the lives of others.”

(St Teresa of Calcutta)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

NAPLAN ONLINE DATES

Please see below the dates and times during which Year 3 and Year 5 students will be participating in NAPLAN Online:

Please Note: Year 3 WRITING remains a paper based test.

NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is important to remember that NAPLAN tests are not pass/fail tests. At the classroom level, it is one of a number of important tools used by teachers to measure student progress.

In preparation for NAPLAN Online, students across all year levels are engaged in technology lessons and are exposed to the knowledge and skills required for successful participation in each of the components of NAPLAN, Writing; Numeracy; Reading and Grammar.

This year a Public Demonstration Site is available and will continue to be updated so as parents can assist their children to prepare for NAPLAN Online at home.  The site includes FAQ’s; Parent Information and Practice Tests.  If you are interested in looking at this site please follow the link provided.

The NAPLAN Online Practice Test will be conducted at Emmanuel on Wednesday 6 March (Week 7).  This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical issues, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process prior to the official NAPLAN Testing Window.  The practice test is not an assessment of student knowledge and there will be no reporting of student results. Year 3 and Year 5 students are not being tested at this time, they are operating our technology devices to ensure the school’s technical capabilities and the NAPLAN Online Platform are ready in preparation for NAPLAN Online later in the Term.

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

BULLYING BOX

The Bullying Box (pictured right) is located on the bench in the library and is available for students to report bullying issues if they are not comfortable speaking with their teacher.

Listed below is information about what bullying is and isn’t.

An episode of bullying has identifying characteristics:

1. An imbalance of power, an intent to hurt, embarrass, or humiliate,
2. Repeated behaviour.

Bullying behaviour has many forms.

Physical Bullying may include hitting, poking, tripping, pushing or damaging someone’s belongings.

Verbal Bullying may include name calling, insults, putting someone down and threatening to harm.

Social Bullying may include lying, spreading rumours, playing a nasty joke, embarrassing someone in public and deliberately excluding someone.

Cyber Bullying may include using technology (such as email, mobile phones, chat rooms, social networking sites, etc.) to send hurtful messages, pictures and comments.

It is also important to define what is NOT considered bullying behaviour. Bullying behaviour is not:

• Arguments and disagreements
• Disliking someone
• Single-episode acts of nastiness or spite

In such circumstances, the behaviour will be addressed within the School’s Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures.

Preventing bullying involves everyone talking together openly and respectfully.

Bullying can have a lasting impact on everyone involved, including those who witness it, so it is important to work together to create safe school communities for everyone.

Download the https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/resources/fact-sheets/fact-sheets-for-families if you wish to read more about this important issue.

CLASS CO-ORDINATORS ROLE – important information

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to act as “Class Co-ordinator” for the 2024 school year.  We really appreciate those who have taken on this extra position. The role of the Class Co-ordinator is to:-

• Welcome new families to the Class by making contact with them within one week of arriving at Emmanuel.  Contact details are provided by the School Administration.
• Organising and inviting parents to a social function once per term/semester.  It would be most beneficial and appreciated if this event was a WHOLE COHORT, rather than individual classes.  (eg:  Play in the park;  fish and chips at the Harbour). 
• Co-ordinating support for families in need. The school has a casserole club, which is utilised in times of hardship.  A member of the School Administration team will be in contact with class co-ordinators if this service is necessary.

Please note, Class Facebook / Messenger Groups are not the preferred communication method for distributing messages to the parent body. We would prefer notices be firstly emailed to the classroom teacher (or given in person), who will then distribute messages to parents in the cohort via school email or paper flyer. This ensures communication reaches all parents, and privacy requirements are met.

We thank you for your support of the school, and very much appreciate the time taken to organise and support our classes this year.

PREP - VISION SCREENING

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will be screening (student's with consent) on Wednesday 17 April 2024. It is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. Vision screening checks for common eye conditions which may affect your child's ability to see, learn and develop.

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened- “What is Prep Vision Screening?” 

For further information contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program on 1800 687 372.

Online consent will close Friday 8 March 2024

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal Administration

Strategic Priorities 2024

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.

Sporting News

EMMANUEL SPORT SELECTION PROCESS

As outlined in previous newsletters, 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 (Emmanuel is part of the Northern Suburbs (NS) Sub-district) and more nominations straight to MDSS trials. Please see below the process used at Emmanuel to select students to trial for MDSS / NS trials, and other sporting competitions. As explained in this process, any student who is unable to make an Emmanuel School Trial for genuine reasons, and who are clearly competent and very experienced in the sport,  are required to submit an Application for Sport Selection form. This is attached to this newsletter, and also available on Parent Lounge, for future reference.

UPCOMING TRIALS

MDSS and NS  RUGBY LEAGUE / TOUCH FOOTBALL TRIALS:

MDSS Touch Football - 29 February (Pioneer State High School)

MDSS Rugby League Trials - 8 March 

NS Rugby League Trials - 1 March 

Football (soccer trials for students born 2012 and 2013 who were interested in trialling for Mackay District): 

We were unable to hold Soccer Trials today due to the state of the wet fields.  Students are asked to meet Mrs Bottcher, Mr Dodson and Mrs Tomkinson on the oval at morning tea tomorrow – Friday 1 March.

Challenge Cup Football Rugby League and John Papp Football (Wednesday afternoon comp) Year 5 and 6 students:

Any student interested in playing in Challenge Cup Rugby League or John Papp (Weds afternoon) to meet Mr Dodson and Mrs Tomkinson in Mr Dodson’s room Monday 4 March at second lunch (first bell). This meeting will give you information and register your interest.

NORTHERN SUBURBS / MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS - FORMS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION

The following Mackay District Sport forms are available for collection from Mrs Bottcher. Nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.

• Northern Suburbs 10-12 years Boys FOOTBALL TRIALS (soccer) (Due Wednesday 6 March)
• Northern Suburbs Cross Country for students born 2014, 2013, 2012 (Due Thursday 7 March)
• Cap 10-19 yrs Boys and Girls GOLF TRIALS (Due Monday 11 March)
• MDSS 10-12yrs Boys and Girls HOCKEY TRIALS (Due Monday 11 March)
• MDSS 10-12 yrs Boys and Girls TENNIS TRIALS (Due Monday 11 March) 

Students seeking nomination must be of a high standard and have played a reasonable amount of the sport. These trials will be highly competitive.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who recevied a Principal's Award in Week 5.

School Choir

CHOIR IS BACK!

Last Tuesday saw the very first Choir Rehearsal for the 2024 school year.  We had 19 eager singers joining in with Mrs Whelan and our new conductor, Miss Nicole.  It was a great to see (and hear!) our Year 3 – 6 students joining together and making beautiful music.  We are very keen to add more voices to the Emmanuel school choir and it is not too late to join – the more the merrier! Please see details in the notice above.

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 FEES - OVERDUE

Term 1 School Fees are now overdue.  We would like to thank those families who have paid their account.  However, if you have not paid, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately.  (This does not apply to those families who have a Direct Debit authority/payment plan in place).   If you have not set up a direct debit authority with us and wish to do so, or if you are experiencing difficulties, 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

Prep enrolment details for 2025 are NOW required from our existing families. If you have a child due to commence Prep next year - born between July 1 2019 and June 30 2020 – you are asked to complete an ONLINE enrolment form available from the school website (link in button below) by Thursday 29 March. It is essential that we have our current families accounted for so as to determine how many positions may be offered to new families seeking enrolment.  If you have any queries or concerns in regards to this process, we ask that you contact the office. ALL ENROLMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE. Once enrolment applications have been received and processed by our Administration staff, you will be notified of an interview time around Term 3.

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