Newsletter - 23 May 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

As a woman, mother-figure and Principal, I am fortunate to regularly receive one of the greatest gifts children bring us, that of joy.  Likewise, we adults can bring joy to children.  The children here at Emmanuel are beautiful human beings and they bring us, the staff, much joy.  It is a regular occurrence for me to receive compliments about the children in our school – how polite they are, how nicely dressed, how well behaved, how they sing so well, how they speak to adults without timidity, how reverent they are in Church.  The children in our school always appear so joy-filled.

Joy has been described as the highest expression of a soul filled with God’s love.  In 2008 when the Dalai Lama addressed the people of Australia, he had a common message: “If our mental outlook is weak, even the best facilities won’t bring us happiness in life.  If you remain a compassionate person, honest and truthful, you will have inner strength, happiness and contentment.”

From a Christian perspective, we would agree that when we practise virtues in our lives, we build enduring character traits, qualities of the human spirit, the presence of God amongst us.  Kindness, compassion, love, courage, friendship, peace, wisdom, dignity, patience, love – all lead us to inner joy.  It is an inner sense of peace and happiness.

Life is a gift; it is ours to enjoy.  However, we cannot control the outer circumstances of our lives – our health, livelihood, friends and family.  Life creates an obstacle course of some sort for everyone.  What we can do is learn to control our reactions to these events.  We can choose what to think and what to do about the events life deals us.  Some in society (through its advertising, television programs, celebrity etc) would have us believe that life has to be perfect before we can be happy.  As parents, our natural reaction is to endeavour to solve the problems confronting our child/ren.  But there is no such thing as a problem-free life.  If we wait for life to be problem-free, we’ll never get to be joyful!  Joyfulness is not the absence of problems – joyfulness is the attitude we carry regardless of our problems.

The wise author, Kahl Gibran tells us that “The deeper that sorrow comes in your life, the more joy you can contain.  Is not the cup that holds your wine, the very cup that burned in the potter’s oven?”  Mother Teresa once said, “We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in the heart that is in love with God”, as she ministered to the dying in the streets of Calcutta.  What then breeds joy?  How can we be joyful people and not people of anger and frustration?

Perhaps we can look “inside” for joy.  Enjoy what we are doing.  Appreciate the positives in our lives and the gifts within ourselves.  Have a good sense of humour.  Find creative, inexpensive ways to enjoy life.  Feel an inner sense of peace when things are tough.  And most of all, appreciate and love the joy which our children bring us on a daily basis.

“My heart is singing for joy this morning.  A miracle has happened!  The light of understanding has shown upon my pupil’s mind, and behold, all things are changed.”

(Anonymous -  A Teacher)

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

SCHOOL FEE ADVICE #2

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find attached Advice #2, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal 
Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on funding for Catholic Schools. Advice #2 
outlines State and Federal Government responsibility with Non-Government school funding and how 
parent community Capacity to Contribute (CTC) shapes School Fees. Advice #2 illustrates the 
relationship between the three funding sources in funding 100% of the School Resource Standard (SRS), 
and importantly explains how the total funding to Catholic Schools operates.

RE Matters

WHAT’S INSIDE – A REFLECTION

A man was exploring some caves by the sea. In one of the caves, he found a bag filled with hardened clay balls. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag with him when he left the cave.

As he strolled along the beach, he started throwing the clay balls one at a time into the sea. He thought little of what he was doing until he dropped one of the balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone.

Excitedly and hopefully the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls - each contained a similar treasure.

He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the clay balls. Then it struck him. He had thrown about fifty of these clay balls out into the waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown them away.

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. We may not look like much on the outside. Not everyone is beautiful or sparkling. We do not always take the time to find the treasure hidden inside by God.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know each other, and if we ask God to show us what He sees, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gems inside begin to shine through.

Loving God, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendour of creation and in the beauty of human life.  Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

PATRONESS OF AUSTRALIA

The Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians is celebrated on 24 May each year.  Here are some quick facts about Australia’s special relationship with Mary.

• It is recorded that when there were no priests in colonial Australia, Catholics prayed to Mary to nurture their faith.  
• One of the first priests, Father Therry, dedicated the Australian Church to Mary under the title “Help of Christians” in 1844.   
• Australia was the first nation to have Mary, Help of Christians as its patroness and to observe the feast on a national scale.  

CELEBRATING WITH BISHOP MICHAEL

Wednesday 29 May marks the 10th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our Bishop, Michael McCarthy. 

We congratulate Bishop Michael and pray for him as he continues to lead and guide our diocese.  We thank God for the gift of Bishop Michael and all he brings to his role as Bishop of Rockhampton.

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton on Wednesday 29 May at 5:30pm. See invitation below for more details. All welcome.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Students enrolled in the parish Sacramental Program will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and Archbishop Charles Balvo next Saturday 1 June.  They will receive Eucharist for the first time at parish Masses next weekend. Please continue to pray for all of these students and their families as they complete their preparation and receive the sacraments.

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Each year Vinnies supports individual and families in our community who are in need. Unfortunately, with an increasing number of people seeking assistance, their stock of tinned and non-perishable foods is running very low. They have asked for our help. If you are able to assist Vinnies in their valuable work by contributing some of the needed food items, it would be very much appreciated. Donations can be dropped into the school office. They will be collected and distributed in the coming weeks.  Many thanks in advance for your generosity and prayers.

RECONCILIATION WEEK

National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Celebrated at the same time each year (27 May – 3 June), National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. 

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.

This year’s theme “Now More Than Ever” is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will and must continue.

We will be having our annual Walk for Reconciliation on Wednesday 29 May.

Find out about National Reconciliation Week @ https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/about-nrw/

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 – CREATIVITY

“Creative people do not see things for what they are, they see them for what they can be.”   (Unknown)

Creativity is the power of imagination.  It is discovering your own special talents.  Dare to see things in new ways and find different ways to solve problems. With your creativity, you can bring something new into the world. Creativity helps us to be all we are called to be.

“My dear young people, the Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.” (Pope Francis)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

SCHOOL PHOTOS

* Photos for Prep to Year 3, School Choir, School / House Captains will be taken on Tuesday 4 June. Students in Year 4-6 will be photographed on Wednesday 5 June. 

* Students from Years 1 to 6 are to wear their blue day uniform, with girls wearing their school dress. Parents are asked to ensure that hair is neat and tidy, and hair longer than collar length is to be tied back. If hair bands, ribbons or scrunchies are to be worn, they are to be gold or blue of the school colours.  No decorative hair accessories are to be worn.

* Late Payments: Online orders will be open for 1 week after photo day. After this time a $15 processing fee will apply to all orders.

SIBLING PHOTOS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Parents who have ordered sibling photos are advised of a change in procedures to these photographs this year. Queensland School Photography have scheduled sibling photos before school on both photo days. Parents who have ordered sibling photos are encouraged to accompany their children to the Marist Centre between 7:45am - 8:30am on the following mornings:

Students with a surname A-L are to present in the Marist Centre on Tuesday 4 June.

Students with a surname M-Z are to present in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 5 June.

Please contact the school office if you require any further information regarding school photos.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Princiapl Administration

Strategic Priorities 2024

From our Counsellor

MAY IS DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

What domestic violence means to you will depend on your life experiences.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of domestic violence means you are likely to know someone who has or is experiencing domestic violence.

Domestic violence is often misunderstood as a physical act of assault perpetrated by one partner towards another. This is not the case. Domestic violence can also include coercive control, stalking and harassment, and other forms of abuse.

For more information, click on the link below:

The Domestic Violence Resource Service (DVRS) is Mackay’s specialist service in this area. The women who work there can provide support with safety planning and advice, security upgrades, counselling for women and children, and support to safely exit a domestic violence relationship.

Uniting Care (ph: 1300 096 203) provide a program, to help males using abuse to change their pattern of behaviour and become the partner/ father they want to be.

If you, or someone you know needs help because of Domestic Violence, you can call DV Connect on        1800 811 811 (24/7), 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24/7) or our local DVRS on 4953 1788           (8:30am- 4:30pm, weekdays).

If you’d like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the schools' details.

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.

Sporting News

ATHLETICS TRIALS

Students have been working hard in PE class to prepare for the upcoming Athletics Carnival. Once again, this year, we will be running pre-trials for certain Athletics events. The events pre-trialled will be 200m, 1500m, long jump, high jump, shot put and discus. Trials for 200m will take place TOMORROW at second break. Trials for field events will take place on Friday May 31st and Friday June 7th at 11:50pm and will conclude at 3pm. Expressions of interest will be sought for 1500m trials next week.

Please find below information regarding the trials:

What – Students will be able to nominate on the day for high jump, long jump, shot put, discus and 200m. All students who nominate will receive 2 points for their house. A reminder, only those who have parent permission will be allowed to partake in discus.

Why – To collate a final list of 15 students, for each event, to compete at the athletics carnival in week 9.

Who – All students in Years 3 to 6. Those students turning 8 this year in grade 3 are allowed to compete. However, these students will not be eligible to proceed to Northern Suburbs due to age restrictions.

When - 

Due to WHS regulations, students must wear appropriate enclosed shoes for all events. Students are welcome to bring alternative shoes for competition.

Any student who is absent for pre-trial dates and are interested in competing will need to see Mrs Bottcher. Arrangements can be made to have measurements recorded on an alternate day.

Please note that this is an internal school event for students only. We look forward to seeing parents and spectators at our Athletics Carnival on 10 and 11 June.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL - SAVE THE DATE

EMMANUEL SPORT SELECTION PROCESS

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Around the School

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 5.

Congratulations to our Book Fair competition winners pictured below.

School Choir

Finance

TERM 2 SCHOOL FEES - OVERDUE

Term 2 School Fee Statements were emailed out on Monday 22 April and fees are now OVERDUE. 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

URGENT HELP NEEDED - TOMORROW FRIDAY 24 MAY

Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.

Lost Property

Please see unamed items pictured below currently in our lost property box. All items that have not been collected by the end of Term Two will be donated.

Notices

SAFETY ISSUE – MACKAY BUCASIA ROAD

Parents who park in the parkland along Baxter Drive (ie: the grassed area opposite the Emmanuel Bus Stop) are asked to ensure they DO NOT enter or exit this area via Mackay Bucasia Road. We have been advised by Queensland Department of Transport that this is a significant safety issue and we ask that this practice does not continue. Mackay City Council have advised us that this area should not be utilised for parking in the morning or afternoon and that all vehicles need to park within the designated areas assigned for parking purposes outside Emmanuel Catholic Primary School and Holy Spirit College.

We appreciate and understand that there are considerable parking issues across both campuses, but would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that the preferred drop-off / pick-up site for Emmanuel students is the STOP, DROP, GO area, and parents are strongly encouraged to use this facility. Students are supervised until 3.30pm allowing for parents to delay pick-up of students so as to ensure a smooth flow of traffic within a timely manner. We thankyou for your assistance and cooperation in ensuring all members of our school community experience a safe and stress-free arrival to and departure from school.

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