Newsletter - 21 November 2024

From our Principal

Dear Parents,

Once a professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students, “How much do you think this glass weighs?” ‘1 pound!’ …..’2 pounds!’ …… ‘3 pounds!’ ….. the students answered.  “I really don’t know unless I weigh it,” said the professor, “but my question is : What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?”  “Nothing” the students said.

“OK what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?” the professor asked, “Your arm would begin to ache” said one of the students. “You’re right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?”  “Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis; have to go to hospital for sure” ventured another student.  All the students laughed.

“Very good, but during all this, did the weight of the glass change?” asked the professor.  “No,” replied the students.  “Then what caused the arm ache; the muscle stress?  Instead, what should I do?”  The students were puzzled.  “Put the glass down” said one of the students.  “Exactly!” said the professor.

“Life’s problems are something like this. Hold them for a few minutes in your head; they seem OK. Think of them for a long time; they begin to ache. Hold them even longer; they begin to paralyse you. You will not be able to do anything. It is important to think of the challenges in your life, but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to ‘put them down’ at the end of every day before you go to sleep. That way you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh and strong, you can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!  REMEMBER TO PUT THE GLASS DOWN.

At this time of the year when teachers are busy writing and finalising reports, there is a great deal of time spent reflecting upon each student’s learning and progress throughout the year. In the busyness of our lives it is important for all of us to stop and reflect.  Perhaps the following ‘learnings’ can help:

I’ve learned…….

• that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person
• that when you’re in love, it shows
• that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day
• that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world
• that being kind is more important than being right
• that you should never say no to a gift from a child
• that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him/her in some other way
• that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand
• that we should be glad that God doesn’t give us everything we ask for
• that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular
• that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved
• that the Lord didn’t do it all in one day.  What makes me think I can?
• that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you
• that love, not time, heals all wounds
• that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile
• that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them
• that when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere
• that I wish that I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away
• that one should keep their words soft and tender, because tomorrow they may have to eat them
• that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks
• that I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it
• that when your newly born grandchild holds your finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life
• that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but when all happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it
• that the less time that I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,

Geraldine Rostirolla

Principal

FAMILIES LEAVING

At this time of the year, plans are being made for 2025 and the key factor upon which planning is based is enrolment facts and figures. Whether it’s class composition, number of classes, number of staff members or budget planning, it is essential to be as accurate as possible in predicting the number of students at Emmanuel come January next year. Can I ask then that you keep us informed about potential moves between now and the beginning of the year? Thank you for helping us to be well-prepared for the year ahead.

RE Matters

WHO WOULD YOU INVITE? – A REFLECTION

A woman came out one day and saw three old men with long white beards sitting in front of her house. She did not recognize them, but she felt sorry for them and said "I don't think I know you, but you look hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
"Is the man of the house home?” they asked.

"No," she said. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in," they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened earlier in the day. He said, "Go out and tell them I am home and invite them in."

The woman went out and asked the men to come into the house.

"We rarely go into a house together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she wanted to know. 
One of the old men explained:  "His name is Wealth, he is Success and I am Love." Then he added, "Please go back inside and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home." 

The woman went in and told her husband what the old men had said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How wonderful" he exclaimed. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth... Let him come in and fill our home with treasure."

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter was listening from the other side of the room. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Wouldn’t it be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love."

"Our daughter is right,” said the husband to his wife, “a home can always do with more love.  Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked, "Love, would you please come in and be our guest?"

Love stood up and started walking toward the house. The other two also got up and followed him. 

Surprised, the lady questioned Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, why are you coming in too?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would have stayed outside, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him.”

Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!

(Unknown)

With the end of the school year almost upon us, we have much to celebrate - our students, our year together and Christmas. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and plan to join the fun.

CHILDREN’S MASS

A children’s Mass, led by Emmanuel students, will be held at 9:00am this Sunday 24 November at St Joseph’s Church. Our students will be participating in the ministries and joining the choir. Our school group will sit together near the piano. All welcome to join the celebration.

These Masses are always a wonderful celebration and a great opportunity to support and thank our parish. Hope to see you there.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Our annual Carols Evening will be held on Tuesday 26 November. All classes from Prep to Year Six will be involved. Following the student’s performances, there will be some community singing, where all present are invited to sing along. Please join us on the grassed area in front of the Drama Room for a 6:00pm start. All students are asked to meet their teachers by 5:45pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather at the end of the school year to share in the spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you there.

We will be collecting donations for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, so please bring along some coins to help others less fortunate this Christmas.

Please join us in praying for clear weather so we can enjoy our carols evening under the stars. We do have a Plan B ready just in case it is raining like it was last year. 

YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING

Our Year Six Prayer Celebration which will take place in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 27 November at 6:00pm.  Parents are asked to bring a plate of food for a light supper which will be shared on conclusion of our time of prayer and thanks.  A celebratory cake will also be cut by our School Captains. Please deliver your supper plates to the tuckshop prior to the commencement of our celebration.

All Year Six students are expected to attend this celebration.

Students are to wear blue day uniform.

A big THANK YOU to the Year Five parents who have volunteered to set up and prepare for the supper that will follow the Year Six Prayer Celebration. A few more helpers would be appreciated.

THANKSGIVING AND FAREWELL MASS

Our tradition of celebrating the end of the school year with a Thanksgiving Mass will continue this year.  Fr Andrew Hogan will join with staff and students to reflect on and give thanks for our year together. This Mass which will take place on Thursday 5 December at 9:00am in the Fr Bucas Centre at Holy Spirit College.  All welcome.

Students need to wear blue day uniform. Girls to wear dresses please.

A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 8:50am - 10:10am as ALL STAFF will be attending the Mass.

We are looking forward to celebrating the year we have shared.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Each year our school supports the Vinnies Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region. In our current climate, it is more important than ever that we recognise the needs of those families in our community who are under financial and emotional stress. Our support allows them a little relief during this joyous time of the year.

Each class will make up a hamper of non-perishable food items that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul Conference in the last week of school. Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

Suitable hamper items include:

Other items which you may like to add include:

• Everyday staples - cereal, tea, coffee, long life milk, dried pasta, pasta sauce
• Toiletries - soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Each year our parish runs a program to assist parents in preparing their child/ren for reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist (First Holy Communion). The next program will commence with Registration and a Parent Information Session at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 25 February 2025.

A letter detailing the parish program, registration requirements and important dates was sent home with all Year Three students last Thursday. If you have an older child wishing to receive the Sacraments as part of the 2025 Program, please collect a copy of this letter and information from the school office.

Students who have been Baptised will prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Penance in April and will be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in June.

Please Note: There is also a program for students who would like to be part of the Sacramental Program, but have not been Baptised. The parents of these students are invited to attend the same Parent Information session at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 25 February 2025. An alternate registration form will be available at this meeting.

Please contact Mrs Kliese if you would like further information about either program.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Our annual parish Christmas Raffle is back in 2024!  With $15 000 in Cash Prizes, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 20 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Tickets are available online, before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office

(Monday - Friday 9am to 12:00pm - phone 49574855).

CHRIST THE KING

This Sunday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  It is the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year.

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 – GENEROSITY

Generosity is one of the best ways to show love and friendship. You share freely, not with the idea of receiving something in return. Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need. When you are generous, you put others before yourself. When you're forgiving, kind and gentle to people, you show generosity of spirit.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” (St Francis of Assisi)

Noeleen Kliese

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Curriculum Corner

REPORT CARDS FOR SEMESTER 2

A reminder to parents to please check that you have downloaded the 'Parent Orbit App' or can sign in to Parent Lounge online prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.

Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 5:00pm on Thursday 5 December

Access Report Cards via Parent Orbit App:

1. Open Parent Orbit App

2. Select 'Student' on the lower menu bar of the app

3. Select 'Academic Reports'

Access Report Cards via Parent Lounge (internet browser):

1. Open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website:  ecps.qld.edu.au

2. Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links

3. Click on the Parent Lounge icon

4. Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

A Reporting Taskforce was formed by the Curriculum Team at Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton.  As a result of their consultation, some changes have been made to ensure consistency for the core features of reporting across the Diocese.  These changes came into effect for our Semester Two, 2023 Report Cards.    

• ​​Prep achievement wording revised

• Year 1 - 6 achievement uses an A - E scale

• EFFORT AND ATTITUDE now replaces the previously used term 'Application'. A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement. This scale applies to student diligence, behaviour and engagement.    
  

• SOCIAL AND PERSONAL LEARNING now replaces the previously used term 'Social Development and Work Habits'.  A three-point scale is now used, Commendable, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement.

OZCARE VISIT

Last Friday, the students of 4D had the privilege of visiting Ozcare Aged Care Facility to spread some Christmas cheer among the residents. The visit included morning tea and a fabulous game of Christmas Bingo. The students also performed Christmas carols and distributed gifts and Christmas cards, leaving both students and residents with beaming smiles.

Throughout the year, 4D has participated in the Intergenerational Learning Program, connecting with several residents via video calls every fortnight. Friday’s visit was a heartwarming conclusion to the service-learning experience. We extend our sincere gratitude to Marina at Ozcare for her support of Intergenerational Learning!

Brooke Tomkinson

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

APA News

CLASS PLACEMENT LETTERS

Class placement letters will be sent home via email on Monday 09 December 2024.

Please allow time to receive your class placement letter if you have multiple children here at school as they will be sent individually, over the course of the day, and this may take some time. 

Please note: we ask that you ensure your email details are up to date.

END OF YEAR GIFTS AND TREATS
With the end of year upon us, many students bring in cards, lollies and gifts for classmates and staff. Whilst it is a lovely gesture to bring in a card or gift, I ask that students refrain from bringing in candy canes or other lollies to share with their classmates. 

Amanda McDonald

Assistant Principal 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 tab via the link below or on our school website.

From our Counsellor

I recently spoke to our 2025 Prep parents and discussed a number of support services available in the Mackay Community.

I have included these below for reference:

• CatholicCare Mackay | CatholicCare
• External Psychologists Search Result - Mackay Community Directory
• Provider finder | NDIS
• Relationships Australia Mackay | Relationships Australia Queensland
• Act for Kids Mackay - Act for Kids
• Child and Youth Mental Health (07) 4968 3893
• The Early Childhood Early Intervention programme.

Early Childhood Approach | UnitingCare

Hayley Francis

School Counsellor

Sporting News

SPOTY AWARDS

Mackay District School Sports held their annual Sports Person of the Year awards last Monday night. This event is invitation only. Coaches for each of the MDSS teams were asked to select three outstanding nominees to celebrate and recognise. 

This year Emmanuel were represented by six outstanding sports people. Fraser was recognised for his achievements in Rugby Union. Miguel was recognised for his achievements in Touch Football. Luke was recognised for his achievements in Rugby League and Track and Field. Bella, Mila and Kayden were recognised for their achievements in Hockey. 

Congratulations to our sporting stars. The Emmanuel community are so proud of you!

CONGRATULATIONS PIA

Congratulations to Pia who has recevied a scholarship for Acrobatic and WAG gymnastics.

Well done Pia!

Awards

Congratulations to the students pictured below who received a Principal's Award in Week 7.

School Choir

Vacation Care

DECEMBER 2024

JANUARY 2025

Alex Martin

OSHC Co-Ordinator

Tuckshop News

Parent Orbit

We're excited to announce a new mobile app for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School, Parent Orbit, is now ready for you to download and use.

We will be decommissioning our current Emmanuel Catholic Primary School App on Friday 29 November 2024. We suggest you have the Parent Orbit app downloaded by Friday, 22 November 2024.

The Parent Orbit app, which is connected to Parent Lounge, will improve our communication with each other as it offers a quick and easy way to receive notifications, view academic reports, book Parent/Teacher interviews, add and acknowledge Student Absences, view and pay School Fees, accept or decline excursions via the Events and Payments tile, update student details, email class teachers and much more.

Notices

NON STATE SCHOOLS TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: 

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.

Community News