Newsletter - 08 August 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

In the course of a school day students may encounter a number of challenges socially, physically and emotionally, and sometimes even setbacks: not being included; name calling, funny looks… Whilst we don’t condone this behaviour and endeavour to guide students in good choices, children who can overcome these difficulties grow stronger.  Developing resilience is a strength we need for life and at school it can be as simple as having a prepared script in their head: “I don’t care”; “I’ll play with someone else”; “I’m OK thanks”…. Or walking away. However this does not always work and some students need more assistance in developing these skills and we acknowledge that the instigator of these behaviours also needs guidance as well.

A reminder that if your child comes home with a complaint about inappropriate behaviours (name calling, pushing, teasing, cold shoulder, non-inclusion…) can you ask:

1. Did you tell a teacher?
2. Is this/has this been followed up?
3. What was the outcome?

If the staff know of a situation of conflict they will spend time with the children to work through it: hearing everyone’s point of view, determining the facts and then helping students own their behaviours; applying consequences if needed or giving and receiving apologies and agreeing to certain interactive rules and expectations.

In our classes all teachers focus on resilience, team building, listening to our feelings. Through our Religious Education lessons, the respect of every individual is taught and modelled.  We also provide support through our school counsellor.  We have very professional teacher assistants working in all classes. This staffing formation and our whole curriculum are designed to allow all students to develop their potential.  Learning covers all areas of life and often the most challenging are those of social interactions.

On many occasions I have spoken to the students of the importance of seeking help from a staff member if they have been hurt (physically, psychologically or emotionally). Staff will then follow up with all involved. Learning to navigate the complex path of human interactions is a life journey and we at Emmanuel are here to guide the students along this path.

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

TWO HORSES – A REFLECTION

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse, but if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting - one of the horses is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing, but if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a metal bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.                                                          Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives……and at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way. (Author Unknown)

FEAST DAY - BEACH DAY - WALKATHON

Our annual beach day and walkathon will be held tomorrow, 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.

THE EMMANUEL GAMES ARE BACK!

While the eyes of the world are turning to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, we are hosting our 14th Emmanuel Games. Students in all year levels are currently ‘training’ in their class events. These are not the conventional sporting events of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but rather virtues, qualities and behaviours which are within the potential of every student and which enhance everyday relationships.

Competition will begin next week, and classes will be preparing banners and practising cheers ready for the medal presentations on Friday 23 August. Parents are welcome to join the fun.

Please Note: Teachers will not be advising parents if their children are receiving a medal. We all have to be patient, just like our students.

Be sure to check out the clip on our Emmanuel Facebook page that introduce the Games.

THE ASSUMPTION

On 15 August each year the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This feast reminds us that having completed her earthly life, Mary was ‘assumed,” body and soul, into heavenly glory. In this way, Mary was honoured as the mother of Jesus and of the Church.

On Thursday classes will add a Marian prayer (Hail Mary, The Angelus) to their daily devotions, the chapel will be open for classes to visit and at lunchtime for The Rosary. 

On Thursday 22 August we will celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Parish Masses for The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Emmanuel /HSC Chapel        Wednesday 15 August           8:00am

St Joseph’s Church                Wednesday 15 August           12:00pm

MICHAEL MANGAN WORKSHOPS AND CONCERTS

Australian composer, teacher, performer and liturgist, Michael Mangan, will be visiting our school to work with students in all year levels. Michael has recorded over 250 songs and published numerous music collections and plays, Scriptural dramas and meditations, which are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. We are all looking forward to his workshops next Wednesday.

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.

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.

Please note the change of Mass time at St Brigid’s Church, Farleigh.

Mass will be at 4:00pm each Saturday until the end of August.

VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – SERVICE

“Give your hands to serve and your heart to love.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)

Service is giving to others and wanting to make a difference in their lives. It is looking for ways to be helpful instead of waiting to be asked. The needs of others are as important to you as your own. When you work with the spirit of service, you give any job your best effort. You make a real contribution. People who want to be of service can change the world.

“For we are co-workers in God’s service.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

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.

Janine Refalo

Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE - FRIDAY 16 AUGUST

Next Friday, 16 August, is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Parents and schools form an important partnership in ensuring that children are kept safe and enjoy their time at school. The 'BULLYING NO WAY' website provides some interesting and informative advice to parents and teachers to help empower and educate them about this important topic:

Talking about bullying

Children and young people who know what bullying is, and know what to do about it if it happens, also know they are not alone in dealing with it. They know that parents and teachers will be willing to help if needed.

Don't wait for bullying to happen to talk about it.

Use opportunities in conversation

Parents can use the many opportunities that arise to talk with their child/ren about how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other. If your child tells you about things at school or you see things in public that involve conflict or bullying, and if it is appropriate, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.

Talk about what bullying is before it happens so children can recognise it and know what to do.

First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself by checking out the formal definition of bullying at understanding bullying. You can also find ways to describe bullying that are suitable for children of various ages.

Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens over and over and makes you feel like you can't stop it. If you want, you could use some of these questions:

• What do you think 'bullying' is?
• Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?
• Why do you think some people bully other kids?
• Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
• Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?
• Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?
• What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?
• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Tell children that bullying can happen to anyone but it is NEVER OKAY. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure children know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.

Most importantly, let children know how to get help if bullying happens.

Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens, and to keep on asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. Read more about what to say at responding to bullying.

Talk with students about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.

Parents and carers have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to argue or disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.

Words to avoid

Avoid describing a child as a 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in research and in the media, they are not very helpful for finding positive and lasting solutions.

Talk about bullying with the understanding that children and young people are growing and still learning how to be effective members of the community.

When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.

Children can change the way they behave with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.

The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.

Keep communication open

Children and young people will ask for advice and help with problems if they think parents and caregivers are interested in them and their concerns.

When parents and carers spend some time each day asking about what happened during the day, and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.

Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about, but don't jump in to solve their problems. Ask them what they think they can do about it.

Be alert too, that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.

Read more about what to say and do if your child tells you about bullying.

Students are invited to add something orange (t-shirt, socks, ribbons, shoelaces) to their uniform on Friday 16 August.

EISTEDDFOD - SCHOOL CHOIR

Today our Year 3 – 6 Eisteddfod Choir competed at the annual Mackay Eisteddfod. We are very proud of the students, competing in two sections today – they all sang beautifully!  A big thank you to Miss Meg, Mrs Whelan and Miss Nicole for all your efforts preparing our singers.  A full wrap-up will be published in next week’s newsletter.

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

MDSS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CRICKET COMPETITION

This year Emmanuel have nominated 3 teams in the MDSS Cricket competition which began yesterday afternoon. Emmanuel Electric, Emmanuel Eagles and Emmanuel Emus all played extremely well in their first game of the season. Many of the students who are playing for Emmanuel have never played cricket before so it was wonderful to see students learning, having fun and being part of a team. A huge shout out to Mr Towner, Mr Simonsen and Mr Gustavson who have stepped up to support our students in this competition. Without your help, we would simply be unable to enter teams so THANK YOU! With 5 weeks remaining in the competition, I am looking forward to a wonderful season of cricket! 

Lisa Bottcher

HPE Teacher

Around the School

YEAR 5 CAMP

Our recent camp to Kinchant Dam was a success! The Year Fives had an opportunity to dive into valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership. There was a range of activities that allowed students to feel challenged, communicate with each other and build their confidence. They participated in the Giant Swing, Climbing Wall, Team Challenges, Catapults and Archery. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and growth throughout this camp, and are so happy to hear the positive reviews and stories from the memories that were made.

A huge thank you goes out to the parent volunteers - Ty Butler, David Coburn, Tom Picot - for giving up their time to come along and help. Another thank you to our staff - Year 5 teachers, Mrs McDonald, Miss A and Miss Sharmaine - for supporting our students throughout the camp. Lastly, to Mrs Scott for coordinating the behind the scenes of the camp - this wouldn’t have been possible without your organisation and attention to detail.

Below are some Year 5 responses regarding their experience at camp this year:

Team Challenges - What did you like about this activity/ What was a challenge?

Reid B - “I liked that you could pick your teams and during the caterpillar crawl you had to speak to each other about if you go left or right to step forward. I also liked how they had scenarios for each challenge, like you have to cross the river to get supplies but there are piranhas. A challenge was when you had to work with people you didn’t know and work together to solve the challenges.”

Giant Swing - What did you like about this activity/ What was a challenge?

Osmond C - “I loved the G-Swing because it was really fun to swing so high and help everyone out. It was amazing and I liked that everyone had a great time. The main challenge for me was mainly getting pulled up because it felt a bit scary.”

Rock Climbing - What did you like about this activity/ What was a challenge?

Will P - “The thing that I enjoyed about the rock climbing wall was that I could climb most of it in less than a minute. There was a great view from the top. Also the fun part is when you get lifted down.”

MATHS COMPETITION

On Friday 2 August, ten eager Year 5 and 6 mathematicians participated in the 2024 Mackay Primary Maths Challenge at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. It was a fun day competing against 31 other teams from across the Mackay area. Unfortunately we didn’t take away the win but all of the students had a great time working together as a team to solve mathematical problems!

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 4.

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 now overdue.  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 immediately.

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