Newsletter - 26 April 2024
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Plants grow best when we pay attention to them. That means watering, touching them, putting them in places where they will receive good light. Plants need people around them to notice if they are drooping at the edges or looking very happy and content in the sunlight. The more attention a plant receives, the better it will grow.
We each need to be noticed in the same way. If we notice a family member or friend is drooping, perhaps we can pay some special attention to them – a smile, a kind word of acknowledgement or a simple gesture. All of us need someone to care about how we are and truly listen to us.
Taking time to truly listen to someone is an art. It takes time for us to slow down from our busy schedules. It requires deliberate action on our part to seize the moment and simply be with that person or with ourselves. For many of us, our day to day lives seem to be so busy that we really struggle to find the opportunity to stop and think. Or we find ourselves thinking about many things at the one time so much so that we are not even able to enjoy the many special moments that are presented to us.
We can share and double someone’s happiness by noticing and talking about it. We help the people around us to grow by listening to their droopy edges as well as their bright days. We also grow ourselves when we make the time for each other and for ourselves. We each need this sort of attention as much as plants need light and water.
Congratulations and Thank You to all the children who marched with our school yesterday at the Mackay Anzac Day Parade. As I looked at the number of students from Prep to Year 6 who were present for the event, I could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for their loyalty and commitment to honouring the memory of those who did not return from battle. These young people’s contribution to the Anzac spirit was evident by their attendance at this community event and the respectful way in which they marched with their school community. Thank you also to the staff who supported our students in this community event.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
TRUE FRIEND – A REFLECTION
Horror gripped the heart of the young soldier as he saw his childhood friend fall in battle. Caught in a trench with gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his lieutenant if he could go out into the “no man’s land” between the trenches to recover his fallen mate.
“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead, and you may throw your life away.”
The lieutenant’s advice didn’t matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously he managed to reach his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder and bring him back to their company’s trench. As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, and then looked kindly at his friend.
“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” he said. “Your friend is dead and you are wounded.”
“It was worth it sir!” said the soldier.
“What do you mean? Worth it?” responded the Lieutenant. “Your friend is dead.”
“Yes, Sir” the private answered. “But it was worth it, because when I got to him, he was still alive. He looked me in the eyes and said his last words …. ‘I knew you’d come Tom.’ He died in my arms. I could not save him, but he saved me. He took the bullets for me as I returned to the trench. I am sitting here knowing that I did all that I could …. and so did my friend.”
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.
ANZAC DAY – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
On Wednesday our school community gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day and to pray for peace. Toni McNeill and three students from Holy Spirit College, representing the Army, Navy and Air Cadets, formed the guard and Mr Dodson reflected on his service in the Royal Australian Navy. Firefighter and former student Tim Curtin and his children Owen (2C) and Zoe (PS), lay a memorial wreath and representatives from all classes placed poppies at the foot of the cross. It was a reflective and respectful celebration. It was a wonderful way to remember and honour those who served and gave their lives to defend the values of justice, peace and freedom.
A big THANK YOU to Miss Rostirolla who lead our prayer, Miss McDonald and Miss McCusker who provided the music and all who participated in the ministries and assisted with the preparation and set up of our sacred space. It was lovely to have Fr Andrew and members of our Emmanuel Family join us for this time of remembrance.
Yesterday a large group of students and teachers participated in the Mackay ANZAC Day Parade. Our School Captains lay a wreath at the service that followed the parade. Thank you to all who marched and to those who supported our participation.
Well done to Hudson and Matilda who once again represented our school at the Dawn Service at Kuttabul. Thanks Mum and Dad for making this possible.
Some ANZAC Day music, prayers and information……
We Will Remember Them (My Grandfather’s Hat) by Andrew Chinn
Andrew Chinn's Morning Prayer Episode 13: ANZAC Day Prayer
Lee Kernaghan’s Spirit of the Anzacs
We Will Remember Them - ANZAC Day Tribute
FEAST OF ST PETER CHANEL
St Peter Chanel is the Patron Saint of Oceania. He was a Marist priest and as such has a special significance for us here at Emmanuel. (The Society of Mary, Marist Fathers, is a religious order of priests, so called on account of the special devotion they profess toward the Blessed Virgin.) Peter Chanel was one of the first priests professed on 24 September 1836, along with Jean-Claude-Marie Colin and Marcellin Champagnat. His feast day is 28 April.
St. Peter Chanel, you left your homeland to proclaim Jesus, Saviour of the world, to the peoples of Oceania. Guided by the Spirit of God, who is the strength of the gentle, you bore witness to love, even laying down your life. Grant that like you we may live our daily life in peace, joy, and in love. May your prayer and example call forth from our midst many workers for the Gospel so that God’s kingdom may reach to the ends of the earth.
You will find a short video about St Peter Chanel in the link below:
MONTH OF MARY - PRAY THE ROSARY THIS MAY
May has always been a special month in my life. During May we celebrate our mums and our heavenly mother, Mary. As a child it was a time for our family to gather with other families in the neighbourhood to pray The Rosary. As an adult and a mother myself, it is a time to appreciate my mum and give thanks for the gift of motherhood.
‘The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family.’ (Pope Francis)
This May all classes will be learning about Mary and praying various Marian prayers. I encourage you to do the same.
CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY
On Friday 10 May, we will gather to celebrate, pray for and thank God for our mothers at a special prayer celebration in the Marist Centre at 9:30am.
After our time of prayer, all mums are welcome to share a picnic morning tea with their children. This will take place in the playground between the library and Year Two/Prep building at 10:30am. Please bring a chair or rug and morning tea to share with your child/ren. We look forward to welcoming as many mums as possible.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
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
AEDC: AUSTRALIAN EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENSUS
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
JOHN COUTIS INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
On Wednesday our Year 3 – 6 students were lucky enough to be visited by Mr John Coutis, or “JC” as he is affectionately known.
John is a remarkable Australian who defied all odds after being born with a severe physical disability. Despite doctors’ bleak predictions, John’s courageous decision to have both legs amputated propelled him towards an extraordinary life of resilience and inspiration. On Wednesday, our students were enthralled and entertained by his humor, motivation, and incredible story-telling. Rolling around on his custom skateboard, he delivered a powerful presentation, addressing themes of mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, and resilience. His strong anti-bullying message came through loud and clear!
We feel truly blessed and privileged to have been able to hear the stories of such a remarkable man, who, in the space of two short hours, made a lasting impact on each and every person in the room. We sincerely thank Mr Chris Frier for making this presentation possible, and we look forward to JC returning to Emmanuel very soon, with more stories of his remarkable life.
UNIFORM IN COLD WEATHER
With the cooler weather upon us, a reminder that the Emmanuel School jumper is to be worn. The Uniform Shop has second hand jumpers for sale if you wish to purchase this item of clothing. Our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm.
SAVE THE DATE
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Tuesday 4 June and Wednesday 5 June
More information on how to order School Photos are to be advised
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Princiapl Administration
Strategic Priorities 2024
Strategic Planning and Improvement
Pastoral Support and Wellbeing is part of continual planning and reflection each day. However, to ensure targeted and purposeful improvement is achieved, it is important to identify an area of focus in this domain. Currently the Strategic Priority is “Students to be self-directed learners”. The annual goal that assists us to achieve our ongoing strategic priority is “To develop and refine whole school practices to support student engagement, wellbeing and learning.”
To ensure student outcomes improve because of this planned strategic focus the following student target has been developed “By the end of 2024, students will develop a collective understanding of “Ready to Learn” scales and plans”.
Strategies implemented in Semester 1 to work toward achieving our Pastoral Support and Wellbeing Strategic Priority; Goal and Target are:
- Trauma Informed Education professional development for teachers and teacher assistants
- Development of whole school expectations developed for Ready to Learn scales and plans
- Wellbeing Teaching and Learning focus group
- Ready to Learn Scales routines embedded in classrooms and explicit teaching to support new routine
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
Last week, 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 TODAY Friday 26 April.
Please note: Students will be unable to participate in HPE lessons involving 'high-risk activities' unless parental permission has been granted.
WHITSUNDAY SCHOOL FUTSAL TITLES
Emmanuel were represented by 6 teams at the recent Whitsunday School Futsal Titles. Congratulations to Emmanuel Blue who were crowned 9 Boys Champions, Emmanuel Yellow who were 9 Boys Runners Up and our 10 Boys team who made it to the semi-finals. Congratulations to our 12 Girls team who were runners up. Emmanuel were also represented by two teams in the 12 boys competition and played extremely well in a tough competition. A huge thank you to Mr Kennedy, Mrs Rodgers, Mr Bittler, Mrs Elliot, Mr Dolan, Mrs Carter and Mrs Bryan for managing and coaching Emmanuel teams. The students and staff of Emmanuel really appreciate your assistance and we could not have done it without you.
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
We love to hear about our Sporting and Cultural superstars, and encourage parents to email students’ success so that we can celebrate this with our school community.
This week, we congratulate the following students:
Congratulations to Fletcher (6K), Miguel (6D) and Xolani (6T) who have been selected into the Capricornia Rugby League team.
Congratulations to Kayden (6K), Cooper (6T), Mila (6D) and Bella (6D) who have been selected into the Capricornia Hockey Team.
Around the School
P & F News
Our P&F Association will be running a Mother’s Day Stall on Wednesday 8 May.
There will be a variety of gifts available, and they will range in price from $3 to $10 (one gift per child).
It should be lots of fun! The students always love shopping at the stall for their mums.
Why not give your child/ren a job so they can earn the money to buy a gift?
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 1.
Congratulations to our Term Two Year 6 Student Council Representatives who recevied their badge at Assembly in Week 1.
Absent: Grabielle (6K)
School Choir
Finance
TERM 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
Term 2 School Fee Statements were emailed out on Monday 22 April and are due on Tuesday 7 May. 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.
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.
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.