Newsletter - 28 March 2024
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
In these final days of term we take time to reflect on the Lenten journey we have shared and give thanks for the many blessings that have graced our days in what has been a very busy and productive term.
During the past week our students have journeyed with their teachers through the events of Jesus’ last days. This journey has immersed the children in the solemn nature of these events as they learn of the importance of this week in revealing Jesus’ divine nature to us. Our celebration of the Easter story is central to our faith as Christians and one which we share with great passion during Holy Week.
For many, Easter is an ideal time to have a holiday with family and I trust you will have the opportunity to have some quality time with your loved ones over the course of the Easter holiday period. Easter is a great time of celebration where we experience the joy of the risen Lord upon us. In amongst all the chocolate and eggs it is important to reflect on the true meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is central to our Christian faith. It is the Easter story that is the pinnacle of our lives as Catholics and Christians and it is important that we take time through these three days of Easter to remember and celebrate in liturgy.
In sending your children to a Catholic School, I encourage you over the Easter weekend to take the opportunity and reflect on the true meaning of Easter through participation at Easter ceremonies in the parish across the weekend.
On behalf of the staff I take this opportunity to wish all of our families a very happy, joy filled and blessed Easter, as well as a safe and rest filled holiday. I know that many of our students are feeling very tired and in need of a break! I look forward to their return on Monday 15 April. Have a wonderful holiday break and may you be aware of God’s blessings in all that you do.
Wishing you a truly safe, holy and happy Easter Season,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
THE SON – A REFLECTION
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.”
The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home, he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later.
There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
"$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time…… Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son almost 2,000 years ago to die on a cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" ….. because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything!
(Author Unknown)
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week, which precedes the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, is the most important week of the church year. It starts on Palm Sunday, sometimes called Passion Sunday, and continues through Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The week that begins in celebration ends in despair. It is not until Easter Sunday that we rejoice in and recall Jesus’ resurrection.
Yesterday morning our Year Six students dramatised Jesus’ last supper, agony in the garden, betrayal, passion, death on the cross and resurrection. It was a reflective and prayerful celebration and a wonderful way to share in the events of the final day of Jesus’ life. A well-earned and sincere congratulations and thank you to the students, their teachers, Mrs Whelan who provided the music, Miss McDonald who led the singing, and all staff members who contributed to this memorable re-enactment. Happy Easter Everyone.
PARISH CELEBRATIONS
It would be wonderful if your family could experience the richness of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies in our parish churches this year. The ceremonies are as follows:
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Welcome to the family Adele, Olivia, Nate, Sophie and Isla who will be Baptised, Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion during the Easter celebrations. A big THANK YOU to their parents, Fr Andrew and the Sacramental Team who have supported and guided them throughout their preparations.
Other students enrolled in the parish Sacramental Program will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and receive Eucharist for the first time in June.
Please continue to pray for all of these students and their families.
LENTEN CHALLENGE
Our TAPITAS campaign has been lots of fun! Students in all classes have excitedly bought tokens and parents have happily reported that their children have been doing lots of jobs at home to earn the money to buy the waterdrops. In less than six weeks, students have bought 1982 waterdrops.
Year 5K bought the most tokens and led the school in a special dance at Assembly on Friday.
Halle was the lucky winner of the special TAPITAS themed YETI water bottle, which was engraved and very kindly donated by JAFFADILLS – Unique Laser Designs & Engraving. We thank them for their clever design and support of our TAPITAS Lenten Challenge.
RAFFLE TO SUPPORT PROJECT COMPASSION
Our raffle has been a great success. A big THANK YOU to the Emmanuel Staff for donating all the goodies for this multi-draw raffle. Students have been busy buying lots of tickets and lots of lucky winners took home prizes yesterday.
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.
DATE CLAIMER - ANZAC PRAYER CELEBRATION
We will be remembering ANZAC Day at a special Prayer Celebration in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 24 April at 9:00am.
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.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – LOVE
Love is at the centre of our being. It is the vital force that gives us energy and direction. It connects one heart with another. Love is cherishing others. Love thrives on acceptance and appreciation. It has the power to heal. You show love in a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful act or a hug. Love is contagious. Pass it on.
"I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
APA News
ANZAC DAY MARCH
Once again, our school has been invited to participate in the Anzac Day March to be held on Thursday 25 April.
Prep to Year Six students will be required to assemble in The Caneland Central drop-off area along Matsura Drive before the March.
Emmanuel Year One to Year Six students are to wear their BLUE SCHOOL UNIFORM (school blue dress for girls) correct socks and clean shoes. Prep students wear their usual Prep uniform. The school hat is essential. Students may wear medals of their parents, grandparents and other ancestors on their right breast.
Further important details regarding drop off and dispersal procedures are attached in the link's below:
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Princiapl 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
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS - FORMS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
For students who have been given Mackay District Sport forms please be aware that nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.
- MDSS 11-12yrs Boys and Girls RUGBY UNION (DUE Friday 19th April)
Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport. Due to MDSS restrictions, there will need to be a school trial for some sports. Please see Mrs Bottcher for more information.
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION
As outlined in previous emails, Mackay District School Sports is in a year of transition. This has implications for us as a school and we have had to change the way we select students who attend sports trials.
For some sports this year, MDSS requires students to be assessed and nominated at a school level straight to Mackay trials without a sub district trial beforehand.
For MDSS trials, students who attend must have experience in their chosen sport. Unfortunately, we are unable to send all interested students to trial due to restrictions set by MDSS. Some sports will require a school trial to select students if the interest in the sport is high.
Below outlines what happens at a school level before an MDSS and Northern Suburbs trial. We follow this process for all sports so that it is fair for all students:
- Emmanuel receives an email from Mackay District School Sports notifying us of an upcoming trial.
- A meeting is called for interested students. The meeting is advertised to parents via the Emmanuel app and school newsletter. The meeting is advertised to the students via the School communication document, the Morning Bulletin.
- The Morning Bulletin is read out by the classroom teacher each day so students are aware of any upcoming meetings.
- Once all Year 3 – 6 students have arrived in the eating area at Morning Tea, Mrs Bottcher blows a whistle to announce that the meeting is about to commence.
- At the meeting, names of interested students are recorded and students are asked to advise of their experience in the sport.
- If attendance at the meeting is high, a date for a school trial is set.
- The school trial is advertised to parents through the Emmanuel app and school newsletter. The school trial is advertised to students via the Morning Bulletin.
- The school trial is attended by a minimum of 3 Emmanuel staff.
- Successful students receive paperwork at the conclusion of the trial which is taken home to be filled out and then returned to school with levy payment by the due date.
- The paperwork is then signed by relevant school staff and returned to the student who then needs to take the paperwork to trial.
If you have a child who is a keen sportsperson and might be interested in participating in interschool sport or attending an MDSS trial this year please ensure you have downloaded the school app and have enabled notifications.
Please also ensure your child understands it is THEIR responsibility to listen to Bulletin / lunchtime messages and attend meetings / trials as directed. It is not up to school staff to provide multiple opportunities / chances for students to express their interest in a sport trial.
If your child is absent for a sports meeting you can register your child’s interest by contacting Mrs Bottcher (lisa_bottcher@rok.catholic.edu.au). If your child is absent from a school trial for genuine reasons, then you are required to submit an application for sports selection form which is attached to this newsletter and also available on parent lounge.
EMMANUEL SPORT SELECTION PROCESS
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
From our Counsellor
Emmanuel Catholic Primary School is running Seasons for Growth; a group wellbeing programme in Term 2 and is now accepting referrals for this programme.
Groups will be made up of up to 7 children, a further group may occur in Term 3 depending on demand.
If you would like your child to participate in this programme, please contact your class teacher or school counsellor, Hayley Francis; Hayley_Francis@rok.catholic.edu.au
Hayley Francis
School Counsellor
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 9.
School Choir
Vacation Care
Please see the Vacation Care Plan for the Easter Holidays in the image below:
Tuckshop News
TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS
FOOD SAFETY COURSE
Please complete the Food-Safety course emailed to all tuckshop volunteers on Tuesday 19 March. If you are unable to complete this request we are able to arrange help for you to complete the course on your rostered day at Emmanuel.
We sincerely thank you in advance for completeing this and the extra time and effort which this task entails.
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 28 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.
SCHOOL APP
Hi parents/guardians!
I am Chelsea Jansen, Instrumental Strings Tutor, teaching Violin and also teach the Cello. I would love for you to consider your child learning strings at Emmanuel with me and help us grow a string community at the school. I have 10 years teaching experience at local Catholic Education schools, conducting school string ensembles, am a performer with extensive performance experience and studying at the Conservatorium of Music. I provide my students with a tailored-approach learning experience and expose students to a wide variety of music with a passion for developing their music skills whether for specific goals or purely fun and enjoyment. I offer both private and group lesson options (groups only subject to availability). For enquiries and further information, please contact me on 040 223 1740 or email chelsea.jansen@outlook.com. As soon as an instrument is organised (I will help you with this), students can have an immediate start!
Community News
