Newsletter - 25 July 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

This week celebrations have occurred throughout Queensland to mark Catholic Education Week. This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. As a child I was fortunate to attend a Catholic school for both my Primary and Secondary years of schooling. Although my parents were not financially well off, it was important that their four children were educated in Catholic schools. 

Most teachers in Catholic Schools in the 1960’s were Religious Orders of Sisters who came from overseas countries. As a child, my peers and I enjoyed the order and discipline of our primary school of that era, and felt that it gave us all a feeling of belonging and self-worth.  We regarded our teachers not as friends, but as highly respected leaders and helpers, whom we were happy to obey, for we knew that they had our best interests at heart. I am forever grateful to these dedicated women who ensured that the values taught at home were lived out at school. These religious orders, supported by lay teachers, have made an enormous contribution to Australian learning and culture over the past 150 years. 

Since the 1960’s government funding has been provided and Catholic schools today are staffed by lay teachers committed to the goals of Catholic education.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of individuals and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

Catholic Education

• Is a faith-based education which places the values of Jesus at its centre.
• Is a high quality, holistic education for 1 in 5 young Queenslanders, educating them to be well- informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community.
• Values diversity and treats each student with dignity enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all.
• Nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness.
• Prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources.
• Is an integral part of the local and universal Church.
• Occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities.

During Catholic Education Week 2024, Catholic education communities across Queensland are invited to celebrate and share all that has occurred within their school communities since Catholic schools were established in Australia over the past 200 years.

Yesterday our school community gathered to acknowledge and celebrate Catholic Education Week with a Prayer Celebration that celebrated the contribution of Emmanuel grandparents over the past 41 years. This morning the school communities of Holy Spirit College and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School prayed together at our weekly Chapel Mass. During this Mass the recipients of the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards for both schools were acknowledged for their contribution to Catholic Education. We congratulate Mrs Jan Whelan and Mrs Therese Mattes on this special occasion.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal  

SCHOOL FEE ADVICE #4

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find attached Advice #4, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the school fee structure, from 2025 onwards. Previous Advice pieces outlined the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model), the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools, and the need to align with the Federal Government’s means-tested Capacity to Contribute assessment of the school community. 
As outlined in Advice #4, CEDR School Fees will be presented as an “All-Inclusive Fee”, rather than the 
previous school fees model of Tuition Fees, plus several school-based levies and charges.

RE Matters

GOD’S WIFE - A REFLECTION

It was a cold day in December. A small boy was standing outside a shoe shop on Broadway.  He was barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly into that window?"

"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," the boy replied.

The lady took him by the hand and went into the store. She asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the boy to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel.

By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, the lady then purchased a pair of shoes for him. She gave the remaining pairs of socks to the boy and said, "No doubt, you feel more comfortable now?"

As she turned to go, the astonished child caught her by the hand, and looking up at her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's wife?"

(Unknown Author)

‘COMMUNITIES OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE’

This week our school community has been celebrating Catholic Education Week with a number of activities.

Our Coffee and a Chat and Family Picnic were wonderful occasions enjoyed by all who attended. It was great to see so many families joining the fun.

Yesterday we gathered in the Marist Centre to pray for and thank God for the gift of grandparents. Miss Rostirolla led our celebration, our students participated prayerfully, and Miss McDonald sang beautifully. Mrs Alexander, grandmother of Max, shared a heart warming reflection on the joys and blessings that being a grandparent has brought into her life. Some of our younger students told us what they love about their grandparents and the names they have for them. We thank the large number of grandparents who joined us to celebrate. You are valued members of our Emmanuel family.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who organised, set up for and contributed to this time of prayer.

This morning staff, students and member of the Emmanuel family gathered with members of the Holy Spirit College community for Chapel Mass. Certificates were presented to those nominated for Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Congratulations to Mrs Therese Mattes who was nominated and to Mrs Jan Whelan who won the Diocesan Award. We celebrate who they are and appreciate the contribution that each has made to our school community.

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FEAST DAY

On the 6 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is the Fourth Luminous Mystery of The Rosary and tells the story of Jesus being transformed, and of God proclaiming from heaven that "This is my beloved Son." This feast celebrates the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor (Mark 9:2-10, Matthew 17:1-9, Luke 9:28-36). The Transfiguration is our school feast day and each year we gather to remember and celebrate that ‘God is with us.’

Please join us in the Marist Centre on Friday 2 August to celebrate. Our Prayer Celebration will begin at 9:00am.  All welcome.

A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 9.00am - 9.30am as ALL STAFF will be attending our prayer celebration.

BEACH DAY – WALKATHON

Our annual beach day and walkathon will be held on Friday 9 August at Bucasia Beach. Each year this walkathon is held in conjunction with our Feast Day Celebrations and raises awareness of and money to support a justice initiative. All students are asked to bring a gold coin donation. All monies raised will be added to the funds raised through our ‘TAPITAS' and ‘Walk for Water’ challenges to support those who do not have water security.

Students will travel to and from Bucasia Beach Park by bus. They will participate in the walkathon and beach activities before enjoying a sausage-sizzle lunch, kindly donated and cooked by the Emmanuel P&F Association.

Students are to wear their SPORTS UNIFORM and bring their morning tea and a bottle of water. Every child must wear their SCHOOL HAT and is encouraged to apply SUNSCREEN.

If your child carries medication (such as an asthma puffer) this must accompany them to the beach.

‘GRANDPARENTS ARE A TREASURE!’ (Pope Francis)

On 26 July each year we celebrate the feast of St Joachim and St Anne. They were the parents of our Blessed Mother, Mary and the grandparents of Jesus.  Their feast reminds us of the love, support and wisdom of our grandparents and that we should appreciate and give thanks for the blessing they are to each of us.

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS

This Sunday 28 July, the Church will celebrate the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Established by Pope Francis in January 2021, the observance is celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July, coinciding with the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents, Sts Joachim and Anne.

The theme this year is “Do not cast me off in my old age.” (cf. Psalm 71:9).

Click on the tab below to read the Pope’s 2024 message.

Click on the tab below for prayers, resources and ideas on how to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM

Throughout this term, our school will be implementing the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum with students in all year levels. The curriculum is based on principles of best practice in child safety education and centres around three key messages: Recognise, React and Report. Through a series of lessons, students will learn how to recognise, react and report when they are unsafe or find themselves in situations that can have a significant detrimental effect on their physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing.

The focus of lessons in all classrooms next week will be Recognise - the first key safety message of the curriculum.

It is important that the key safety messages of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum are reinforced, both at school and home. I encourage you, wherever possible, to talk with your child about safety to help them stay safe now and in the future.

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 – KINDNESS

Kindness is showing you care, doing some good to make life better for others. It is being thoughtful about people’s needs. Kindness is showing love and compassion to someone who is sad or needs your help.  Kindness is treating yourself and others gently.  It is caring about the earth and all living things.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

 (Mark Twain)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

SAVE THE DATE – PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR CLASSROOMS – THURSDAY 22 AUGUST

This year the theme of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week is “Reading is Magic”. We are looking forward to celebrating Book Week on Thursday 22 August with a “Dress as your favourite book character day”. On this day all parents are invited into classrooms at the beginning of the day to read or listen to a student read their favourite books.  Each classroom will have a display linked to one of the 2024 CBCA Shortlisted Books for you all to see when you visit your child/ren's classroom.

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:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas) 
2. Read the terms and conditions here:(icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Parents-PPS-TsCs_final.pdf) 
3. Go to  Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
4. Enter our school’s access code – YKT454
5. 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

PLAYGROUND AREAS - AFTER SCHOOL 

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.

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Princiapl Administration

Strategic Priorities 2024

From our Counsellor

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 POSITIVE PARENTING tab via the link below or on our school website.

Sporting News

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CRICKET COMPETITION

Notes were handed out during the week to students who expressed interest in the upcoming Wednesday afternoon cricket competition which was advertised in last week's newsletter and on the school app.

Permission slips and payment were due back to school TODAY. Mrs Bottcher will be looking at numbers and making decisions on Emmanuel's entry into the competition by the end of this week. Please ensure all permissions slips and payments are returned to school no later than tomorrow. It will not be possible to accept late entries next week as teams will already be finalised. Please email Mrs Bottcher with any questions. If there are any parents who have knowledge and experience in the area of cricket and would like to assist teachers with coaching please email lisa_bottcher@rok.catholic.edu.au.

MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS TRIALS

Students who have been given Mackay District School Sports nomination forms are reminded that they need to be completed and placed in the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with levy payment.

• MDSS 10-12yrs Boys CRICKET (DUE Friday 26 July)

Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport. Due to MDSS restrictions, there will need to be a school trial for some sports. Please see Mrs Bottcher for more information.

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Congratulations to Leo (5G) who recently attended the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)  States Competition at the Gold Coast last weekend. He competed in the Boys Under 11s Grey Belt 2-stripe Division and placed third overall. Well done Leo!

Awards

Congratulations to the Term 3 Student Council Representatives pictured below.

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Virtue Voucher in Week 2.

School Choir

PLEASE NOTE: School Choir will be held on a WEDNESDAY until further notice.

Finance

TERM 3 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Term 3 School Fee Statements were emailed to all families on Monday 15 July, with payment due by 29 July. Statements can also be viewed via parent lounge using the ‘make a payment’ tab from the menu bar and clicking on the paperclip. If you did not receive your statement, please advise the finance office

SWAP IT

We are now a SWAP IT school! Look out for weekly SWAP IT messages to help you 'swap' for healthier lunchboxes! Find tips on the SWAP IT website:

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

2024 Non-Government Schools Census

Please find below information in relation to the Non-Government Schools Census:

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

SCHOOL APP

Community News