Newsletter - 29 August 2024
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
A well-known TV advertisement stirs up our sense of belonging to our home country. It shows Australian children’s choirs in different locations all over the world singing ‘I Still Call Australia Home’. It reminds us that despite all the problems of our nation, no matter how far away we go, deep down we still have a sense of belonging to our own country.
All of us face problems in our families, in the church and in society. Wherever there are two or more people, there can be hurts and divisions. Yet it is also through people that we come to know God and to be fulfilled personally. St Paul tells us that love is one thing that cannot hurt our neighbour. Our closest neighbours are members of our families. No matter how far we ‘roam’, home is the place where our family lives.
Father’s Day is a good time to pause and appreciate a unique person that God has put into our lives - our father. It is easy to take fathers for granted. The natural hurts that arise in all families can cause us to forget the wealth of goodness and commitment that is also there.
Father’s Day gives us an opportunity to recall and affirm the particular gifts that fathers bring to families. This includes our personal fathers, grandfathers, single parent fathers, uncles and important father figures in our lives.
There is no ‘right’ way of showing appreciation of one’s father. The important thing is to do it. When expressing thanks to your dad it is a good idea to connect with something specific - a special quality or a specific incident in the past that typifies your father’s care and commitment. People can give presents, but the most important gift is the gift of appreciation. Every father knows that he is human and doesn’t always do things perfectly. He needs to hear from his children that he ‘must have done something right’ - maybe even magnificently!
Whether it is their sense of humour, ability to see the positive side of difficult situations, patience even when they are tired, or their wise words of encouragement and love, this Sunday we hope that all Emmanuel dads, grand-dads and uncles enjoy a wonderful day.
May our relationships with our fathers
Be marked by appreciation and love.
May the intimate love of Jesus for the Father
lead us to be a sign of his love of others.
May the blessing of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be upon you
and your family forever.
Amen.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
National Child Protection Week (1-7 September) is an annual event starting on the first Sunday of September each year.
In 2024, the National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Every conversation matters’.
Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well. Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.
National Child Protection Week is all about the ways that we can work together to build communities that support children and families. Children are safest when they are listened to, respected and believed.
For resources and to find out more about this year’s campaign visit www.napcan.org.au
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
CELEBRATING OUR DADS
This morning, our school community gathered in the Marist Centre to celebrate and thank God for the gift of fathers. Miss Rostirolla led our celebration, our students participated prayerfully, Miss McDonald sang beautifully and Mrs Whelan provided the wonderful music. A big THANK YOU to Mr David Coburn who shared a reflection on what it means for him to be a father. He described the most important part of his role and explained the joy of having a son to love, to guide and to cherish. The talents and efforts of everyone who organised, set up for and contributed to this time of prayer were very much appreciated.
Today we also hosted our annual Father’s Day Picnic and lots of dads and grandads joined the fun. A big THANK YOU to all who attended. We hope you had a lovely time with your children and grandchildren, and that Sunday is a day filled with love, laughter and happiness. Be sure to check out all the photos in next week’s newsletter.
GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!
After weeks of training and competition, the medal presentation ceremonies of The Emmanuel Games were held on Friday. Teams (classes) marched into the stadium (Marist Centre), displayed their event banners and celebrated their champions (medal winner) with a cheer/song which they had written especially for the Games. Students were applauded for their achievements and recognised with bouquets and medals. It was fantastic to see how all the students entered into the spirit of the Games and congratulated each other on their participation and success. Well done everyone!
A big THANK YOU to our AMAZING staff who coached and encouraged the students, selected winners and presented medals and bouquets. We really enjoyed their enthusiastic participation and hearing about their FABULOUS ‘sporting’ achievements. Did you know that we have champion shoppers, world record holding pancake flippers and Olympic speed readers amongst our staff?
Our annual Mission Fair will be held on Thursday 5 September. The staff has been busy organising stalls and we are all looking forward to another fabulous fair. There will be Lucky Dips, Trash and Treasure, Photo Booth, Ice-creams, Friendship Bracelets, Fairy Floss, Balloons, Badges Galore, Coinline, Lolly Stall, Home Baking, Arm Art, Painted Nails, Lucky Ducky and lots of games and activities at this year’s fair. The Student Council and our Mini Vinnies group will also be helping out and running stalls.
Please encourage your child to do some jobs at home to earn their spending money for this exciting event.
Parents are reminded to send coins and not just notes. It is also a good idea to send along a shopping bag to put all their goodies in.
A big THANK YOU to all families for supporting this important and exciting event. Let the FUN BEGIN!
TRASH AND TREASURE
The Year Six students will be running a Trash and Treasure stall at the Mission Fair and are looking for donations of pre-loved books, puzzles, toys, games, collectables and knickknacks to sell. They can be sent to school from tomorrow. The Year Six students will collect them from classrooms daily. Thank you for your support.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION
Pope Francis has designated 1 September as the annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. On this day our prayers should focus on the environment, our stewardship of the world’s resources, people and places affected by natural disaster and those who are devastated by famine and exploitation. We also offer praise and thanksgiving to God for all His gifts of life and the blessings bestowed upon us.
Pope Francis Asks Us to Pray for Creation on 1 September https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19v0A19DDXs
A Prayer for Our Earth (from Laudato Si: On Care of Our Common Home) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJz0ZuxxMI0
"Hope and Act with Creation" is this year’s theme.
In his message for the World Day of Prayer 2024, the Holy Father calls us, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, to seek to live "a life that becomes a song of love for God, for humanity, with and for creation, and that finds its fullness in holiness."
SEASON OF CREATION
‘We are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ!’
(Pope Francis)
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical season dedicated to prayer for the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. It begins on 1 September and concludes on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October.
Some food for thought:
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CHILD SAFETY LESSON (ABCSL)
Each year the Daniel Morcombe Foundation produce Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lessons. This year, the lessons are all about consent. They will revise how to recognise, react and report, and practice strategies to seek, give or deny consent affirmatively.
Both editions (Prep - Year 3 and Years 4-6) of ABCSL will be live streamed on Tuesday 3 September, during National Child Protection Week (1-7 September) and students in all year levels will be participating. This also coincides with the implementation of the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum at Emmanuel this term.
For more information about ABCSL and to view lessons from previous years go to:
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.
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 – INTEGRITY
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” (Dr Seuss)
Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right. It is being honest and sincere with others and yourself. You have integrity when your words and actions match. You fill your life and mind with love, kindness, reliability and service. Integrity is living by your highest values.
“The things you do when no one’s looking are the things that define you.” (Unknown)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
CELEBRATING BOOKWEEK
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
SCHOOL DISCO - TONIGHT THURSDAY 29
6:00PM-7:30PM
Parents / Guardians / Volunteers are reminded NOT to use the student toilets. There are two toilets designated for the use of all parents, toddlers and visitors. These are the disabled toilets which are located at the back of the library and beside F Block (Year 6 Classrooms and OSHC room) and at the end of R Block (Year 1 Classrooms). There is a yellow sign on the doors of these toilets advising parents that they are welcome to use this facility.
SING OUT PROGRAM
Next Monday – Wednesday, eight of our current Choir students will be participating in the
Kodaly Mackay and District Primary Schools SING OUT! program to be held at Fitzgerald State School. The program will be filled with workshops and team building activities. The 3-day non-residential choral camp will culminate in a Community Concert on Wednesday September 4 from 3:30-4:00pm. We look forward to hearing all about this wonderful choral experience when the girls return next week.
NO PLAY BEFORE 8:10AM - REMINDER
A reminder to all Parents there is NO supervision in the morning before 8:10am. All students who have arrived to school before that time are required to sit in the Year 2 undercroft area. There should be NO movement around the school grounds as this is a WPHS issue.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Princiapl Administration
Strategic Priorities 2024
From our Counsellor
Our kids are constantly supplied with information, social media, mainstream media, education, views from peers and family. Everyone has something to share.
This can lead to questions. One question I've heard a lot recently is, “why do we go to school?”
I'm sure if this question is reaching me, it's almost certainly being heard in car rides to school and around the dinner table, so, here are some of the most important reasons to go to school each day.
Early education is important for brain development. Children who attend high quality early education have better language and literacy skills, improved cognitive abilities, and better social-emotional development.
Educated people are more likely to have higher self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of purpose, which are all essential for a lifetime happiness.
Education supports the development of life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.
Resilience is built from a sense of belonging. Children who are connected in multiple environments: home, school, sporting grounds and with other family and friends; demonstrate more resilience than children who are isolated.
A higher level of education has a direct link to potential income. Yes, there are rich and famous YouTube stars, but they are the exception, not the rule.
Research indicates countries with an educated population have higher economic growth, better health and lower rates of violence.
Education is compulsory in Queensland from six years and six months until your child turns 16 or finishes year 10, whichever comes first. Legal consequences can occur when education is missed.
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
Emmanuel's participation in the MDSS Cricket Competition has seen our three teams experience some wins and some losses. All teams have participated enthusiastically and learnt so much from our wonderful coaches Mr Towner, Mr Gustavson and Mr Simonsen. The competition will continue for another 2 weeks until the end of term.
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
EMMANUEL SCHOOL HOCKEY
Congratulations to Cooper, Kayden, Bella, Mila, Pyper, Hudson, Hayley, Harrison, Sophie and Evelyn who were part of the Emmanuel U12 Hockey team who won the grand final on Saturday.
Mila was named as player of the match and Hayley was awarded the goal keeper of the year. Cooper and Kayden then backed up to play for HSC Navy who took out the U16 grand final.
Emmanuel also had three teams competing in the U7 competition and two teams competing in the U9 competition this season. A very successful season for Emmanuel in hockey this year. Congratulations to all our hockey stars.
CONGRATULATIONS LUKE
Congratulations to our star sprinter Luke who has been selected into the Capricornia Track and Field team to compete at the State Titles in Brisbane next term. Luke will compete in the 100m and 200m sprint. Well done Luke and good luck at States!
Around the School
OPTI-MINDS
On Sunday, two teams competed in the Regional Opti-MINDS Challenge. Both teams have worked really well over the last 7 weeks, preparing their performances to answer the questions. Opti Owls went up against a number of teams in Language and Literature and should be proud of their efforts. Optinauts received Honours in Social Sciences and were so pleased. Thank you to Mrs Harmer and Mrs Shepherd for helping to facilitate.
Well done to all: Xavier D, Evelyn K, Leela T, Siale H, Josie B, Lailah J, Tylah K, Amber H, Sophia P, Thor H.
Amy Jeffcoat
STEAM Teacher
School Choir
PLEASE NOTE: School Choir will be held on a WEDNESDAY until further notice.
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
NEEDED URGENTLY - MONDAY VOLUNTEERS
Please contact Ang in the Tuckshop or the office on 4994 8255 if you can assist
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.
Lost Property
There are a large number of school jumpers and items located in Lost Property.
Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of Term 3.
Notices
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.
CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.
SCHOOL APP
Community News
