Newsletter - 30 May 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

We have probably all had the experience of tramping along through life, day after day, hoping that God will announce that He is with us all the way. While we are not exactly looking for bright lights or a thundering voice from heaven, we wouldn’t mind some sort of sign that He is there. The ever practical St Teresa of Avila assures us that He is, when she says, “The Lord walks among the pots and pans.”

Teresa’s statement is much the same as saying that we can have something in every pocket or pulse without being aware of it, but we make it our own in so far as we become aware of it. Likewise, God is present within us through Baptism; it is up to us to realise this presence.

In our society today there are many roads to success: money, glamour, power, prestige and so on. It takes some people longer than others to realise that these cannot satisfy us with the kind of satisfaction we truly want. Each of us is a unique being but we each need to feel the presence of love, care and forgiveness. This we can experience in the awareness that God cares about each of us in a manner tailored to our uniqueness, God loves us individually and God forgives us on a one to one basis. God is always present.

There was a time when each of us started the day either at home or at school with a prayer to put us into God’s presence in a deliberate manner. Maybe it was, “The Morning Offering” which might have gone something like,

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Divine Heart, for all the intentions blessed by the pope.”

However, our spiritual life over the years might have slipped into the storage files and its space taken by a variety of activities. Perhaps our spiritual life has been somewhat like driving in a car while listening to the radio. We have the radio tuned into a favourite radio station but some kilometres down the road, the station begins to fade and suddenly the signal goes altogether. We have driven out of range of the station’s signal. The signal is still there, we are just not picking it up. Spiritually, we have lost contact with God because we have lessened our prayer life till it is nil.

Cardinal Fulton Sheen once said, “Sometimes the only way that God can get into our hearts is to break them”. Perhaps we tend to use prayer as a last resort when it should be our first line of defence. We pray when there is nothing else we can do, whereas, we should pray before we do anything at all. Prayer can be so simple, as easy as opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God. There, in the stillness, we can petition or simply listen. Just to be there in His presence is prayer. If we are hungry enough, we will get something to eat; if we are “hungry enough” for God, we will find a way into His presence.

If we happen to be in the “car” that has lost touch with the “radio signal”, perhaps we could take advantage of an opportunity in the life of our children—maybe their Communion Day, School Mass, Easter etc, to redirect our “car” and come back into “signal range”.

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

LUNCH IN THE PARK – A REFLECTION

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with cupcakes, several cans of lemonade and started on his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an elderly woman.  She was sitting on a park bench watching the pigeons.  The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase.  He was about to take a drink of lemonade when he noticed the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a cupcake.  She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.  Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered her a drink of lemonade as well.  Once again she smiled at him.  The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling and never saying a word.

As it began to grow dark, the boy realised how tired he was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave, but before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a hug.  She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy arrived home his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.  She asked, “What has made you so happy today?”  He replied, “I had lunch with God!” Before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile in the whole world!”

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home.  Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, “Mother, what has made you so happy today?” She replied, “I ate cupcakes in the park with God.” And before her son could reply, she added, “You know he is much younger than I expected.”

(Author Unknown)

THE VISITATION – HAIL MARY

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31 May) celebrates the visit of Mary, the Mother of God, with the child Jesus in her womb, to her cousin Elizabeth. The visit took place when Elizabeth was six months' pregnant with Saint John the Baptist.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Lk. 1:39-42)

The Hail Mary is the story of the Visitation. As the Month of Mary draws to a close, I encourage you to continue to pray this beautiful prayer for peace in your family and in the world.

The Visitation is the second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and will be the focus of our prayer in the Chapel tomorrow. Some beautiful Mary hymns, like Michael Mangan’s ‘O Mary We Ask You’, will also be shared. Classes will include a ‘Mary’ prayer in their daily devotions.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

Confirmation, the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, completes Baptism. Through the Laying on of Hands, renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Anointing with Chrism, candidates are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and called to become involved in the life and mission of the Church.

Bishop Michael McCarthy and Archbishop Charles Balvo (Apostolic Nuncio to Australia) will be at St Joseph’s Church for Confirmation at 11:00am this Saturday 1 June. Students will then receive Communion for the first time at parish Masses this weekend. Please continue to keep these students and their families in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacraments.

TINNIES FOR VINNIES - FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Each year Vinnies supports individuals 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.

Unfortunately, due to the wet weather and grounds, we were unable to have our annual Walk for Reconciliation yesterday afternoon as planned.  We do however look forward to walking together for reconciliation and peace in the coming days.

Find out about National Reconciliation Week below:

Meals are very important events. Not only do we physically need food and drink to keep ourselves alive, but we use meals to mark occasions and celebrate events: birthdays; weddings; dates; achievements; disappointments; reunions. There is a sacredness about gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal together. Stories are told; memories shared; the food is appreciated and more often than not there’s a drink to accompany the meal. Treating such occasions with gratitude – as blessed moments of grace – is living out the Eucharistic reality of welcoming Jesus into our lives and seeking to be more like him.  (Greg Sunter)

Jesus had many meals with his disciples and friends, but only a few meals are written about in the Gospels. His Last Supper had a special significance. Not only was it his final meal, but it coincided with the great Jewish celebration of liberation called the Passover. During this meal Jesus gave the ritual bread and wine a new meaning, that of his own life. When he was no longer physically present with the disciples they were to continue to gather around a table, to share bread and wine, and by his words, ‘This is my body; this is my blood,’ he promised that in these gatherings he will be present.  (Mary Coloe)

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 – PURPOSEFULNESS

Being purposeful is having a clear focus, instead of being unsure of what you are doing or why you are doing it. You are acting purposefully when you have a goal you are working toward. You concentrate your mind and your efforts to achieve your goal. You have a positive attitude and don’t let obstacles stop you from doing what is important. Some people just let things happen. A purposeful person makes things happen.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” (Lewis B Carrol)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

APA News

SCHOOL PHOTOS - NEXT WEEK

* Photos for Prep - 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 - 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.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL SAUSAGE SIZZLE

SAUSAGE SIZZLE –TUESDAY 11  JUNE (ATHLETICS CARNIVAL)

The tuckshop will not be open on Tuesday 11 June. This year we will be having a Sausage Sizzle. Sausages will be $2 each.  Parents are asked to please order the number of sausages required using the following process:

• Prep – Year 2: Students received a green order slip earlier this week to place an order for the Athletics Day Sausage Sizzle. Order form needs to be returned to their classroom teacher along with $2.00 per sausage no later than THURSDAY 6 JUNE.
• Year 3 - Year 6: Students received an orange order slip earlier this week to place an order for the Athletics Day Sausage Sizzle. Order form needs to be returned to their classroom teacher no later than THURSDAY 6 JUNE. $2.00 per sausage will need to be paid on the day when students collect their sausage.

FAMILY PETS AT SCHOOL

A few staff and parents have brought to our attention their concerns about dogs and other family pets coming with families onto the school grounds. Bringing a family pet to school might seem like a good idea, however, it is important to understand and support the guidelines outlined below:

• Staff can request that dog owners remove their dog from the school grounds at any time. It is important for parents to be aware that children are the first priority in a school environment and that some children are unfamiliar and/or afraid of dogs and other animals.
  
• Any dog or other animal brought onto school grounds must be appropriately restrained at all times and handled by a person at least 18 years or older.
• If the pet is coming for “Show and Tell” purposes, this needs to be prearranged with the classroom teacher, as a risk assessment of the activity might need to be completed.
• Dog owners are required to assess the demeanour of their dog before entering the school grounds and are requested not to enter the school grounds if the demeanour of the dog is not suited to an environment where children are present.
• Dog owners must be familiar with their legal responsibilities and be aware that the school takes no responsibility for the behaviour or actions of their dogs.
  

Thanks for your understanding and support

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Princiapl Administration

Strategic Priorities 2024

From our Counsellor

RECONCILITATION WEEK - 27 May - 3 June 2024 "NOW MORE THAN EVER"

This week is Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation, according to the Oxford English Dictionary is the restoration of friendly relations.

We all want to have friendly relations.

I receive lots of referrals related to relationships and friendships, so we consider this important.

I also receive referrals for resilience building.

The lesser-known fact is resilience is about connection. Children and adults who are better connected to their family, peers and community are more resilient.

When we think of Reconciliation Week and what it means to us, imagine how hard it would be to overcome life's challenges without our people, the ones who show up when things seem bleak. 

When we become disconnected from our people, whoever they are, everything is harder.

I'd encourage you, this Reconciliation Week, to value your connections and to understand the impact on others who don't have them.

There is a new service in Mackay for 8-17 year olds called FACESS who are offering an Indigenous Resilience Advancement Program (IRAP). Further details are contained on the attached flyer. 

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 HPE 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 field events will take place on Friday 31 May and Friday 7 June at 11:50pm and will conclude at 3pm. Trials for 200m and 1500m could not take place last week and will be rescheduled for next week (Week 6 at a time TBA).

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 - 6. Those students turning 8 this year in Grade 3 are welcome 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.

GRANT ROVELLI / BRITTANY BREAYLEY GALA DAY - 21 JUNE 2024 (LAST DAY OF TERM 2)

The 10 years Grant Rovelli and Brittany Breayley Gala Day is open to all schools in the Mackay and Whitsunday Region. This carnival provides an opportunity for schools to participate in a one day gala carnival with the purpose of exposing younger students to the game of rugby league.

The Grant Rovelli Gala day is open to boys and girls (mixed) born 2014 and 2015 ie: students turning 9 or 10 in 2024. Teams in the Grant Rovelli competition will play at least 4 games across the day.

The Brittany Breayley Gala Day is open to girls only born 2014 and 2015 ie girls turning 9 or 10 in 2024. Girls participating in the Brittany Breayley Gala Day will be coached through a “Tackle Ready” program, skills and drills, and will finish with a series of games.

An Expression of Interest notice for both of these events was sent out to interested students yesterday.  Please note, if your child did not receive a note and is interested, they will need to see Mrs Tomkinson (6T) classroom ASAP.  Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from this Gala Day.  

Expression of Interest notes are due back by THURSDAY 6 JUNE.  No late Expression of Interest forms will be accepted.

EMMANUEL SPORT SELECTION PROCESS

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Around the School

We are having a disco on Friday 7 June 6:00-7:30pm. The theme is 'COME DRESSED IN YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR'. Everyone is invited to dress up and join the fun. Admission is $2.00. The P&F will be cooking and selling sausages on bread. Please preorder for catering purposes only via the TryBooking link below. CASH payment is to be made on the night.

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 6.

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

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

Vacation Care

Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the June / July School Holidays.

Notices

CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.

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