Newsletter - 21 June 2024
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
One of the privileges I have as the principal of Emmanuel is to meet with new families who would like their child to attend our school. During our discussions the conversation of parenting generally come up at some stage. It is always reassuring for them and myself to think that there is no such thing as the ‘Perfect Parent’! Thank heavens for that! The reason is that being a parent is one of humankind’s most difficult tasks. Of course, there are many pleasures and rewards but parenting can be demanding, challenging, exhausting – and there’s no time off.
What makes it challenging and demanding is that every day parents act as a model for their children. Every day they are watching and learning from them; they learn from their actions and conversations, they absorb their attitudes and copy their expressions. They are doing this mostly without parents being aware that it is taking place.
The family is the first school for children and parents are powerful models. What parents say and do, is recorded by their children and possibly used as evidence against them, if they are seen to be inconsistent in their expectations of them, yet fail to have an equal expectation of themselves as parents. Because parents are the main caregivers, they provide the major influence on their children’s lives. Parents constantly demand respect from their children but it is not something that they should take for granted. Like most things of real value, respect has to be earned. The best way for anyone to earn respect is to give respect.
Children want to see parents express real feelings in a healthy way, they want to see them being able to handle anger in an appropriate way; they like to see parents making healthy choices about their lifestyle; they like to her them speaking positively about other people. They like to witness positive reinforcements as to how they would like their life to be.
It is not easy to be a model for another human being but it is a big part of every parent’s role. There is a saying that, “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”. Hopefully that will be the explanation for our wrinkles as our turn of role model gives way to our children making their own grown-up choices and, perhaps, taking upon themselves the mantle of role model.
God, our Father,
You have gifted us with parenthood.
Strengthen us when we have feelings of inadequacy
and are fearful of our own failings.
Give us courage when we underestimate our own capabilities.
Encourage us to open our hearts fully to the working of
Your Spirit in our lives.
Amen.
As this is the last Newsletter for the term, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. May the next two weeks be a time for relaxation and renewal, a time to spend with family, a time away from the routine of ‘school life’ and a time to enjoy the important part each of us plays in God’s greater story.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
SCHOOL FEE ADVICE #3
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please find attached Advice #3, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. Advice #3 outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each school and School Fees. It also provides the CEDR School Funding Guiding Principles that inform the development of the new CEDR Adapted Cluster School Fee model, that will commence from 2025.
RE Matters
HOLIDAY TIME – A REFLECTION
Vacation means ‘time away’. It is time for rest, renewal, a break from responsibility and a time to settle back and realign your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centre of gravity.
Enjoy the time with your family.
REPORTING ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
With report cards being available this afternoon, it is timely to remind everyone about Religious Education and what it looks like in our school. Like all Catholic schools in the Rockhampton Diocese, Religious Education at Emmanuel includes the teaching, learning and assessment of the RE Curriculum and the Religious Life of the School.
Our RE Curriculum is organised into four strands – Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church and Christian Life. It is taught and assessed like all other subjects. Ratings and comments on report cards will reflect what the student knows, understands and can do. Don’t be surprised to see comments about Scripture, the relationship between God and the Jewish people, life in First Century Palestine, the mission and ministry of Jesus, the Spirit of God and the prayer life of believers on Semester One report cards.
Remember we are not assessing or reporting on student’s faith or belief in God.
The Religious Life of the School includes our Catholic identity and culture, how we pray, worship and celebrate and the ways in which we promote and support social justice and action. Our Feast Day Mass and Beach Day, Mission Fair, Lenten Challenges, Soccertober and Stations of the Cross in Holy Week are just some of the highlights.
Catholic Schools NAIDOC Mass: Tuesday 16 July
Catholic Education Week: 21-27 July
Feast Day Mass and Beach Day: Friday 9 August
NAIDOC WEEK 2024
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
This year, NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 7 - 14 July and the theme is: 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud'.
At Emmanuel we will recognise NAIDOC Week in the second week of Term Three with various activities. Our Year 3-6 indigenous students will participate in the Mackay Catholic School’s NAIDOC Mass.
TINNIES FOR VINNIES - FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES
A big THANK YOU to all families who contributed non-perishable pantry items to our recent Tinnies for Vinnies appeal. Your donations were very welcome and much appreciated. You have helped Vinnies help others in the Mackay region.
Thank you also to those who contributed warm clothing. They were very gratefully received and will allow Vinnies to provide emergency relief for those who are cold.
It’s getting cold and Vinnies need help to support local individuals and families in need. The Winter Appeal provides us with a great opportunity to see if our winter clothes still fit, clean out our cupboards and help others at the same time. All clean pre-loved clothing and blankets in good condition will be very much appreciated. Drop them into Vinnies over the holidays or to school when we get back. Many thanks for your ongoing support and prayers.
REFUGEE WEEK
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our ‘ANYTHING BUT A BACKPACK DAY’ on Wednesday. It was really exciting to see how creative our students were in selecting alternatives to their usual school backpack. We had crab pots, tool boxes, eskies, make-up cases, cardboard boxes, cat bags, milk crates, toy trucks, guitar cases, shopping bags, gift bags, bin liners, buckets and so many more fabulous substitutes for backpacks. We even had a pram, a set of plastic drawers and a laundry hamper or two.
Thank you to all who contributed a gold coin. Your contributions have been added to our Vinnies donations.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE HARVEST MASS
This is a special outdoor Mass where we pray for a safe sugarcane harvest season in our fields and mills. The priest blesses the machinery brought down by farmers. It's a great Mass for families. Bring a plate and stay after Mass for a shared afternoon tea.
For more information please phone Laurence on 0427638673
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.
Please Note: Mass at St Brigid’s Farleigh will be at 4:00pm on Saturdays until Fr Raju returns.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – EXCELLENCE
Excellence is doing your best. It is giving your very best to any task you do or any relationship you have. Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose. It is a desire for perfection. It is giving careful attention to every job, and to the people you care for.
EXCELLENCE isn’t being THE best; it is doing YOUR best! (Unknown)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be available through Parent Lounge from 4:00pm this afternoon, Friday, 21 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.
We are delighted to inform you that Emmanuel Catholic Primary School will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. This year, students in years 5 and 6 have the opportunity, to participate in English (12-16 August) and Mathematics (26 - 30 August).
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.
We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year. All students must be registered by Friday 15 July, 2024.
Learn more about ICAS here. (https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas)
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
- Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas)
- Read the terms and conditions here:(icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Parents-PPS-TsCs_final.pdf)
- Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
- Enter our school’s access code – YKT454
- Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.
Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.
After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.
ICAS Results and Certificates
We will notify you of the date(s) that we run ICAS at the school and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Once we have received your child’s ICAS certificate, we will send it home with your child. The back of the certificate shows ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”, that you and your child need to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
The School Office will reopen Monday 8 July 2024
STATE OF ORIGIN – WEAR YOUR TEAM COLOURS
It is State of Origin time again and we are having a dress up day to celebrate. Students are invited to come dressed in their ‘team’ colours on Wednesday 17 July (the day of the third game). All footy codes welcome - soccer, AFL, rugby league or rugby union. No donation required for participation. Just dress up and join the fun!
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
NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Following our recent Athletics carnival, 56 talented Emmanuel athletes have been invited to compete at the Northern Suburbs Trials. This carnival is for students who are 10, 11 and 12 years old and experienced success at our school carnival. The Northern Suburbs Trials will be held over two days on 8-9 July, which is the first and second day back in Term Three. The only event occurring on Monday 8 July is the 1500m race, which will take place at 3:45pm at Mackay North State High School. All other events will take place on Tuesday 9 July at the ARC from 8:15am. Please arrive on time for your event.
Reminders:
- Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting students to and from the trial. Carpooling can be arranged between families if necessary.
- Parents are welcome to stay and watch but this is not necessary as Emmanuel staff will be present all day.
- Competitors are to wear school sports uniform with suitable enclosed shoes for competition.
- Competitors must have hats, water bottles, sunscreen and lunch.
- Canteen is available.
- Any student competing in discus must return the Queensland Representative School Sport permission form to Mrs Bottcher before competing on Tuesday.
CHALLENGE CUP
The Challenge Cup is on again and our netball and rugby league teams will be travelling to Yeppoon in Week One of next term for the competition. Catholic primary schools from around the diocese will be participating. We wish all teams the best for a fabulous celebration of sport and friendship. Play hard, do your best, encourage and support each other, make new friends and have fun. A big THANK YOU to the staff and parents who will accompany and coach our teams and to the organisers of this wonderful competition.
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
CAPRICORNIA STATE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP
Well done to Kayden (6K), Cooper (6T), Bella (6D) and Mila (6D) who played for Capricornia at the recent Hockey State Championships. Bella and Mila were part of the undefeated U12 Girls team who won the grand final. Congratulations!
Around the School
TEDDYBEAR SLEEPOVER
Have you ever wondered what happens at school when you go home?
On Tuesday night the Prep student’s teddy bears had a sleep over in their classrooms. The students said good night and tucked their fluffy friends in before going home. The next morning everyone was so excited to see them, BUT the teddy bears were not where the Preps had left them. They were all around the classrooms! It looks like they had a fabulous time getting up to mischief, reading books and playing with all the blocks and toys when we thought they were asleep. The Preps were all happy to take them home on Wednesday.
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 9.
Vacation Care
Please see below Vacation Care Plan for the June / July School Holidays.
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
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.
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