Newsletter - 9 June 2022
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
RE Matters
THREE HAIRS – A REFLECTION
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a fabulous day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a ponytail." So she did and she had a great day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
(Unknown)
I read this story to a teenager I know and asked him what he thought it meant. This is what he said.
It is about being grateful, being happy with what you have and not wishing for more. You have to make the most of what you have, accept the things you cannot change and choose to be positive. It’s about life.
What does it say to you?
MJR – MAKING JESUS REAL AT HOME AND SCHOOL
MJR emphasises the spirituality of the everyday, so lots of the things we do each day and week are Making Jesus Real in the world today.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control what we think about it and how we respond to it! We can choose to be cooperative, considerate and kind or we can sulk, complain and blame others.
YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR ATTITUDE!
What will you do this week to Make Jesus Real in your home, workplace and community?
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – POSITIVITY
“Believe you can and you're halfway there.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
Positivity means thinking in an optimistic way, looking for solutions and expecting good results and success. It is a happy and worry-free state of mind, which looks at the bright side of life. A positive attitude is one of joy, love and inspiration. It is choosing constructive feelings and emotions and acting with purpose and determination. If you have a positive attitude you avoid negative and unhappy feelings and thoughts.
The most important thing you will ever wear is your attitude. (Jeff Moore)
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.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students participating in the Sacramental Program will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time next month. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their preparation and receive the sacrament.
Our BIGGEST MORNING TEA was a wonderful success. The sun was shining, a large number of our families joined the fun and the morning tea was delicious. A big thank you to all who bought badges, balloons and keyrings ($650) and made a gold coin donation ($640).
PEER SUPPORT
Last Friday our Peer Support activities focused on choices. Students worked together to identify kind and unkind choices and investigate how words and actions can affect others. They enjoyed playing the ‘KINDNESS is a CHOICE’ board game.
Tomorrow’s activities will encourage students to appreciate acts of kindness and to pass kindness on to others.
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS
A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign into Parent Lounge prior to reports being released next week. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.
Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 4:00pm on Thursday, 23 June.
- To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website: ecps.qld.edu.au
- Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
- Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
- Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used.
The goal of the reporting process is to support student learning progress by providing parents and carers with clear, individualised information about:
- the learning expectations for the student
- the student’s achievement against expected standards
- how well the student is engaging with expected learning
- progress that has been made since the last reporting period
- strengths that the student has demonstrated and areas of challenge that may require more attention
- ‘next steps’ that will help the student improve.
The semester report is one part of a feedback loop, along with regular and consistent written and verbal communication such as on-going feedback on tasks, parent-teacher interviews, and daily opportunities for parents to discuss questions and concerns with teachers. The report reflects an on-balance judgement about the quality of student learning, based on evidence collected during the reporting period.
ICAS ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENTS FOR YEAR 5 AND YEAR 6 STUDENTS
We are delighted to inform you that Emmanuel Catholic Primary School will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS AssessmentsTM this year.
ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised.
We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment, that has been running for 40 years. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.
ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to online assessments. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results.
Learn more about ICAS here: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas
Parent payment system
Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for Maths, Science and English for Year 5 and 6 students only. Through this system parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the following details to register your child no later than Friday 29 July.
Access details for parents
Your school access code is: | RKA839 |
Your parent page link is: |
These assessments will take place during the weeks of:
- ICAS English Monday 15 August to Friday 19 August (Term 3 Week 6)
- ICAS Science Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August (Term 3 Week 7)
- ICAS Maths Monday 29 August to Friday 2 September (Term 3 Week 8)
Specific dates and times will be confirmed after registration depending on number of students involved.
Please email Janine Refalo (janine_refalo@rok.catholic.edu.au) once you have registered and paid for your child’s participation, to confirm that I have received notification confirming your child’s registration.
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
HERO FOR HEARTKIDS AWARENESS DAY
On Friday, 17 June, students are invited to come to school dressed up as a superhero to help raise awareness for the real heroes, the children and families who are impacted by congenital or childhood acquired heart disease. HeartKids is a national not-for-profit organisation who supports and advocates for all people impacted by childhood heart disease.
It is important for students to be sun safe, so costumes need a sleeve and hats must be worn. Students must attend school in enclosed shoes.
Students are welcome to make a gold coin donation in their classroom on this day.
DISCO
Last Friday, 3 June saw Emmanuel celebrate our first disco for 2022. The number of school community in attendance was tremendous! We would like to thank everyone who attended, especially the P & F volunteers who helped keep our dancers fuelled with sausages and tuckshop treats. A disco is nothing without music, so a huge thank you is extended to the Holy Spirit College Digital DJs who provided us with well received tunes all night. The dance floor was a hive of activity. At the end of the night, we were immensely proud of our students who left the disco area so clean that no one would not know the event had even occurred. Well done students!
QUEENSLAND BALLET VISIT
On Tuesday, 7 June, the Queensland Ballet visited our Year Two students and completed two Moving to Learn, workshops. During the workshops, students were introduced to the many roles Queensland Ballet incorporate when putting together a stage performance. Students warmed up by being taught basic ballet moves. The highlight of the event for students was meeting the ballet dancer, Wendy, who is a programmable robot who performed a choregraphed dance. Tuesday’s workshop allowed students to explore the connection between how Wendy was coded and how dancers can choregraph their bodies to move. Students were challenged to form their own pathways, directions, and to form shapes with their bodies. We were so impressed with how engaged and well-behaved our students were on Tuesday. A huge thank you is extended to Queensland Ballet and Mackay Regional Council for this event opportunity.
COLLECTING STUDENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS
If your child has an appointment during the school day, please email their classroom teacher to inform them about the appointment and expected collection time.
When collecting your child, please allow enough time to sign them out and for them to arrive at the office. It is important to keep in mind that students are not always in their classroom and may take longer to make their way to the office if their teacher is unaware of the arrangements.
Whenever possible, ensure your child knows the time of their appointment. Phone calls to classrooms take the time of office staff and are disruptive to student learning and need to be kept to a minimum.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Playground After School Rules
At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class.
The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.
We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Strategic Priorities 2022
From our Counsellor
Simple ways to help lift your child’s self-esteem
One of the greatest gifts that you can give your child is a positive sense of self. Children with high self-esteem grow into happy and confident people. Building your child’s confidence is not a hard task, in fact, you will probably find you are already doing a great deal to help your child feel comfortable and happy within themselves.
1. Think positive
Most of how a child sees themselves is developed through how they feel others see them. Do you have a positive or negative image of your child? Do you appear to enjoy spending time with them and value their opinion? How you talk to your child and involve them in your life plays a large role in how they feel about themselves. If you are always too busy to spend time with them or only pointing out what they do wrong, they will not feel valued and be unable to identify in themselves when they do something right. Focusing more on what they are doing well will encourage them to try harder and increase their self-worth.
2. Spend time with them
By spending time with your children, you are letting them know they are valuable and worthy of your time. As a parent myself I understand that time is very limited. The time spent with your children does not necessarily have to be large amounts of time, but quality time. Letting the child choose the activity will increase their self-worth and improve their ability to make choices as they grow. Forgetting about all those grown-up things we need to do and focusing on our children can also be very relaxing.
3. Give your children responsibilities
Giving your children age-appropriate jobs around the house increases their feelings of competence and helps them feel valued within the family. Also, encourage your children do things for themselves. The more they are introduced to new challenges, the greater their ability to problem solve. You do not have to do everything for your child, even if it is quicker.
4. Be involved in their school life
By taking an interest in what happens at school during the day will help to show support and encourage good behaviour and effort throughout their schooling. Even the simple task of helping with homework shows your child that you care about their schooling, no matter how difficult a task this may be. Becoming involved in the school community by assisting in the classroom or volunteering whenever possible is a great way to create a good relationship between school and home. This relationship will help the child feel more confident in school.
If you would like to discuss this further or have any concerns regarding your child and their confidence, feel free to contact the school counsellor at the school, or through email on Kristy_Flor@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kristy Flor
School Counsellor
COVID Update
Sporting News
ATHLETICS CARNIVALS
Athletics events will be held over two days - half day field events on Tuesday 14 June and full day carnival Wednesday 15 June. Parents and Friends are welcome to join the fun on these days. Please find event information below.
All running events, ball games and some field events will be held at the full day carnival. Please click on the programme below for approximate times of events.
The tuckshop will be CLOSED on Athletics Day, Wednesday 15 June. There will be a Sausage Sizzle and parents are asked to use the link below to order sausages required per family.
Sausages are $2 each
PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge through TryBooking – cash payment is due on the day using small notes and gold coins. Orders can be placed from Today to Monday 13 June 8pm.
COFFEE VAN
J & J Wiredbird Coffee Van will be onsite for our Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 15 June. Parents are welcome to order coffee. Coffee van products are NOT to be purchased for or shared with the students. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Please note - Cash is preferred.
Click on the button below for menu and prices.
Principal's Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received Principal's Awards in Week 7.
Term 2 School Fee Statements
Term Two school fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the finance office.
Lost Property
We have a large amount of lost property located in front of the office. Please have your child check the lost property box if you are missing any items before the end of Term 2.
Some items listed in photos below:
Tuckshop News
Our very busy Tuckshop is in need of more volunteers urgently due to work commitments and general sickness in the community. At this point we have no one on our emergency list to cover volunteers who become unavailable. Please phone the office if you can help.
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required (Queensland Government mandate).
Angie & Carly
Tuckshop
Notices
SURVEY OF BICYCLE AND SCOOTER USE IN SCHOOLS
Dear Parents / Carers and staff,
In partnership with Arup and Zwart Transport Planning, the Department of Transport and Main Roads is gathering insights from parents/ carers and staff about bicycle and scooter parking at schools across Queensland. The Queensland Department of Education and Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton has granted permission for schools to be involved in the research.
If you would like to contribute your experiences and assist in improving bicycle/scooter parking at schools, we invite you to complete the following online survey by Friday, 24 June 2022.
Survey on bicycle parking in Queensland schools (for parents/carers and school staff) (office.com)
Community News
The Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) state-wide Youfor2032 Talent Identification program launched 12 April 2022.
The aim is to develop and nurture young Queensland talents who have the potential to win on the world stage, at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Youfor2032 has been designed to identify our next generation of elite athletes.
To be eligible for Youfor2032 you must be:
- 13 to 23-years-old (born between 1999 – 2009 inclusive) for Olympic Sports, or
- 13 to 30-years-old (born between 1992 – 2009 inclusive) for Paralympic Sports.
Queensland aspirants can self-register for the opportunity to be identified for one of 15 Olympic and 8 Paralympic sports prioritised by the QAS for 2032. It doesn’t matter whether you have experience in any of these sports – you may have hidden talents yet to be discovered. Athletic ability coupled with a great attitude to excel are the key ingredients needed for #Youfor2032.
Those successful in being selected for Youfor2032 will receive expert training, coaching and development support from State and National Sporting Organisations as well as the QAS.
Curious to hear more, you can find more information and register for Youfor2032 via the website https://youfor2032.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
Know someone who should sign up?
We are looking for as many talented aspirants to register in Youfor2032. If you’ve got a teammate, friend, sibling, cousin or neighbour who you think has what it takes, please encourage them to join you in registering.
Mackay Youfor2032 athlete testing is to be conducted 14-16 June 2022
Spread the message by sharing the QAS social media posts.
Mackay Show Association Sugarcane Schedule
