Newsletter - 18 April 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Welcome back everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed the time spent with your family and found the faith experiences of the Easter celebrations to be a special time for you.  I also hope that you had the opportunity to reinforce the real meaning of Easter and eggs and the new life and hope they represent.  It was wonderful to see the safe return of our students filled with great stories of Easter holiday adventures.  I wish everyone in our school community a tremendous term ahead in which we can all live out our motto: “God With Us.”

In this week’s newsletter I would like to focus on a quote by Robert R Brown – ‘Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people.’

It is said that we make our judgement of others in the first eighteen seconds, which is difficult if we get off to a bad start.  As teachers, parents and students in this vibrant school community, we at least have the opportunity to work on either reversing or reinforcing this first impression – it is the hope for a better future that has enabled people to endure extreme hardship of ‘today’ in the hope of a better ‘tomorrow’.

This hope for the future is what drives a good teacher to spend the extra minute with a child, it’s what allows you as parents, to tip-toe into your child’s room when they’re asleep and look on in wonder at the potential of the young life before you; it’s the lightness of your hearts when you know that, although trying your best, you may not succeed, but are encouraged in the knowledge that you are hopefully judged by your best intentions, not the comparisons to others.

Schools, as with many other ‘institutions’, bring individuals from greatly diverse backgrounds together for common purpose and a system develops within each of these ‘institutions’ that reflects a sense of hope.  If I was to stop and ask you what brings you to Emmanuel, I would expect the word ‘hope’ to be used somewhere in the conversation.  It is my hope that our students become people who make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Easter message is one of hope; hope amidst cruel injustice.  It is this one, small word that will carry us through difficulties that accompany each person’s journey.  Our staff express their hope for our students in their own impressive work ethic and positive approach to their jobs.  I am encouraged by the people I work with and become changed by them.  My hope is that I am not changed to the detriment of offering hope to others and that I work hard to make a positive difference.

Jesus’ spirit is very much alive but it can only live on in people.  As we begin this term together, may we care for each other, enjoy the gathering times and continue to nurture our own spirit.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

RE Matters

STARS IN THE WINDOWS – A REFLECTION

During World War I, families with a son fighting in the war would place a star in the window.

One evening a man was out walking with his grandson.  The little boy, seeing the stars, asked “Why do all these homes have stars in the windows?” The grandfather explained to him what the star symbolised.

They walked along and every time they passed a home with a star in the window the boy would smile and clap his hands together.

Then the boy looked up into the sky and pointed to a star. “Look,” he said. “God must have given his son too!”

 Many gave their lives for their country, but God gave his son for the world.

(Unknown)

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day is Australia and New Zealand’s National Day of Remembrance for all servicemen and women who have fought and died in wars and conflicts around the world.  Every year on 25 April, people in both countries gather for services at dawn, as well as for parades and ceremonies throughout the day.

It is interesting, and perhaps poignant that we commemorate ANZAC Day during the season of Easter. Through the resurrection, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus, just as on ANZAC Day we remember the sacrifice of so many who went to war to defend the values of justice, peace and freedom.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

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.

A PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE

We will be remembering ANZAC Day and praying for peace at a special prayer celebration in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 24 April at 9:00am.  All welcome.

Lest We Forget

CELEBRATING EASTER - ALLELUIA HE IS RISEN

Although Easter Sunday is just one day, the Season of Easter extends over 50 days, beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing through the Ascension of the Lord until Pentecost Sunday.

As we know from the Gospels, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead.

Since Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, it is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar.  (https://www.catholic.org/lent/easter.php)

The sacred spaces in classrooms and around the school have had a change of colour to reflect the changing of the season.  A white cloth and candle have replaced the purple cloth and candle; the ‘LENT’ sign has been removed and an ‘Easter – He is Risen’ sign has been added.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Welcome to the family Adele, Olivia, Nate, Sophie, Isla and Sarah (mother of Alex and William) who were Baptised, Confirmed and received their First Holy Communion during the Easter celebrations at St Joseph’s Church.  A big THANK YOU to their parents, Fr Andrew and the Sacramental Team who have supported and guided them throughout their preparations.

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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 as they complete their preparation and receive the sacraments.

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 - JOYFULNESS

Joyfulness is an inner sense of peace and happiness that fills us with delight and hope. It allows us to enjoy simple pleasures and to appreciate the gifts that each day brings. Joy can carry us through the hard times, even when we are feeling very sad.  Joy gives us wings.

“Joy is the sound of love, the colour of gratitude and the song of hope.”  (Mary Davis)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum

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 at 8:00am.

Either drop your child off in the allocated drop-off area or walk your child to the ground-level car park.  Look for the Emmanuel flag and staff members (we will be situated in the carpark opposite the Australia Post Entrance to Canelands). The march will start at 8:35am and will proceed down Victoria and Wellington Streets.  Following the march, students can be collected in the usual place, opposite the “Loading Dock” of the MECC in Macalister Street.  For more information, please see the relevant maps that show assembly, the parade route and dispersal points.

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.

EMERGENCY MEDICATION:

If parents deem it necessary for students to carry emergency medication when attending the march, this must be communicated VIA EMAIL to enm@rok.catholic.edu.au by next TUESDAY 23/04/24. We will then make arrangements with you to ensure your child’s teacher or a member of Administration collect the labelled emergency medication from you when you arrive at the march.

Further important details regarding drop off and dispersal procedures are attached in the link's below:

STUDENT PROTECTION - SCHOOL CONTACTS

At Emmanuel any concerns or reasonable suspicions about a student’s safety and wellbeing or the behaviour of a staff member or volunteer which a student considers to be inappropriate, will continue to be managed in accordance with Rockhampton Catholic Education Student Protection Processes. The Student Protection Contacts at Emmanuel are:​

Geraldine Rostirolla (Principal)
Amanda McDonald (Deputy Principal)
Noeleen Kliese (APRE)
Hayley Francis (School Counsellor)

Further information about Rockhampton Catholic Education's commitment to Student Protection is available here:  website: https://www.rok.catholic.edu.au/our-schools/student-protection/

STUDENT PROTECTION – USE OF TOILETS

At Emmanuel, we are committed to the safety of all students in our care.  It is imperative that students understand the importance of using the toilet facilities at school in an appropriate manner.  Classroom teachers regularly remind students of these behaviour expectations, and use the poster (located in all school toilets) to ensure all students understand these important messages.  We ask that you discuss these expectations at home with your children, so that we are all doing our part to keep children safe at school.

DESIGNATED TOILETS FOR PARENTS

At Emmanuel we have lots of volunteers, parents and contractors visiting our school each week.  Therefore, it is important that we provide toilet facilities for their use.  From a student protection perspective, we ask that parents do not use the student toilets.  There are two toilets designated for the use of all parents, toddlers and visitors.  These are the disabled toilets which are located at the back of the Library and beside F Block (Year 6 Classrooms and OSHC room) and at the end of R Block (Year 1 Classrooms).  There is a yellow sign on the doors of these toilets advising parents that they are welcome to use this facility.  Hope this helps you to not be ‘caught short’!

STOP DROP GO ZONE

BUS ZONE – NO PARKING!

Please note – the area in front of the Emmanuel Bus Stop is a NO-PARKING ZONE – BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL.  Parents are asked NOT to park in this zone, as it is a safety issue when buses are double-parked due to cars impeding their entry into the Emmanuel bus shelter.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in keeping our Emmanuel community safe.

STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to the following students who have been elected by their peers as Student Representatives for Term Two:

6K: Channing Harlow and Gabrielle McLean

6T: Connor Genninges and Isla Harris

6D: Jensen Steen and Lily Hagan-Campaeo

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

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL - SAVE THE DATE

DISCUS PERMISSION - STUDENTS YEARS 3-6

Yesterday, information was emailed to Parents of students in Year 3 - Year 6 to allow permission for Discus during HPE lessons in preparation for the Athletics Carnival. The instructions attached to the email sent are to allow permission via Parent Lounge. Permission is due by Friday 26 April.

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:

1. Emmanuel receives an email from Mackay District School Sports notifying us of an upcoming trial.
2. 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. 
3. The Morning Bulletin is read out by the classroom teacher each day so students are aware of any upcoming meetings.
4. 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. 
5. At the meeting, names of interested students are recorded and students are asked to advise of their experience in the sport.
6. If attendance at the meeting is high, a date for a school trial is set.
7. 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.
8. The school trial is attended by a minimum of 3 Emmanuel staff.
9. 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.
10. 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

Congratulations to Issey who recently competed in the WIDA World Irish Dancing Championships in Liege Belgium. 

Issey placed FIRST and is now the under 8 World Champion.

School Choir

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.

Notices

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

Learn To Skate!

If you are interested in learning to skate come on down to the Mackay Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm and get your skate on. The first lesson is free and all abilities and ages are welcome. For further information contact Mackay Roller Sports Association at mrollerhockey@gmail.com or phone Lyle Denman on 0432170997.