Newsletter - 22 May 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Did you ever stop to think about the fact that all material things are diminished by sharing. For example, the more people there are to share a loaf of bread the less there is for each person. On the other hand, knowledge is actually increased by sharing. Teachers and parents multiply knowledge when they share it with children. One piece of knowledge that the world could well do to share is knowledge about the Christian virtue of gentleness.
Han Suyin, the renowned Chinese writer, tells us that, “There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” This is because gentleness is true strength. It is treating other people with care, respect and consideration; it is being sensitive. The Book of Proverbs tells us, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life”. It promotes life in other people, because it does not hurt or pass judgement or put-down, but offers compassion and understanding.
A quick look around our society will reveal people publicly yabbering loudly on mobiles, an unhealthy level of abusive and foul language, increasing levels of domestic violence. The antidote for these behaviours is gentleness and humility. However, no-one is humble anymore; in fact, people are falsely told that to be humble means that they don’t have self-esteem. Absolute rubbish! Being humble means you don’t force your presence upon others but that you do respect the presence of others and act in a manner that is refined, kindly and expressive of good manners.
George Washington had a number of “self rules”, the first of which stated that, “Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those who are present’. The choice to treat ourselves and others with respect is in our hands and it is through our hands, our actions and the manner of our speaking, that we express the virtue of gentleness. St Paul in his letters to the people of Philipi encourages those people to, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.”
Margot Prior, Professor of Psychology at Melbourne University, has pointed out that when it comes to manners and respect for others, children can’t just be told: “Parents have to be like that themselves. Manners are learned by watching what the parent does. If the behaviour isn’t passed on through parent modelling, it becomes so much harder for the child as the child grows older. Children need boundaries and they sometimes need to be told what behaviour is okay.”
Once again it is St Paul in his letters to the Christian community in Philipi, who reminds us to, “Show a gentle attitude towards everyone”. If we are gentle, we reveal the strength of our character precisely in our ability to remain calm and unruffled in very trying situations. When others observe such self-control, they admire our character; they trust us, they confide in us and are open to our suggestions. Gentle people have great influence, precisely, because they are gentle—and kind and gracious.
While gentleness may not be in vogue, in today’s world it is certainly due for a return. Perhaps, whoever said, “Today I will walk on the gentle side of the street”, has put up a choice that is well worth considering.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
It’s National Volunteer Week and we would like to give a big SHOUT OUT to all of our VOLUNTEERS - from those who assist in classrooms to everyone who helps in the tuckshop, works as part of the P&F and who help when needed or when they can - YOU ARE AMAZING! We couldn’t do it without you! Your contribution to our community is highly valued and very much appreciated!
“Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.” (Sherry Anderson)
RE Matters
THREE HAIRS – A REFLECTION
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So, she did, and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So, she did, and she had a fabulous day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a ponytail." So, she did, and she had a great day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
(Unknown)
PATRONESS OF AUSTRALIA
The Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians is celebrated on 24 May each year. Here are some quick facts about Australia’s special relationship with Mary.
- It is recorded that when there were no priests in colonial Australia, Catholics prayed to Mary to nurture their faith.
- One of the first priests, Father Therry, dedicated the Australian Church to Mary under the title “Help of Christians” in 1844.
- Australia was the first nation to have Mary, Help of Christians as its patroness and to observe the feast on a national scale.
CELEBRATING WITH BISHOP MICHAEL
Thursday 29 May marks the 11th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our Bishop, Michael McCarthy.
We congratulate Bishop Michael and pray for him as he continues to lead and guide our diocese. We thank God for the gift of Bishop Michael and all he brings to his role as Bishop of Rockhampton.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (24 - 31 MAY)
Laudato Si’ Week is a celebration of Pope Francis’s encyclical and a call to ‘Care for our Common Home.’
‘Ten years ago, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’, setting out a bold vision for our common home. While we celebrate ten years of prayer and action together, we look ahead to an even brighter future. The next chapter of Laudato Si’ begins with us.’
During Laudato Si Week we are encouraged to focus our prayers on the environment, our stewardship of the world’s resources, people and places affected by natural disaster and those who are devastated by famine, water insecurity and exploitation. It would also be great to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for all His gifts of life and the blessings bestowed upon us.
We are also called to action. If we all do just one thing (big or small), we can make a difference, we can save our world and love those we share it with at the same time.
What will you do this week to care for our common home?
TINNIES FOR VINNIES - FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES
Each year Vinnies supports individuals and families in our community who are in need. Unfortunately, with an increasing number of people seeking assistance, their stock of tinned and non-perishable foods is running very low. They have asked for our help.
If you are able to assist Vinnies in their valuable work by contributing some of the needed food items, it would be very much appreciated. Donations can be dropped into the school office. They will be collected and distributed in the coming weeks. Many thanks in advance for your generosity and prayers.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Students enrolled in the parish Sacramental Program will be confirmed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and receive Eucharist for the first time in June. Please continue to pray for all of these students and their families.
YEAR FIVE MASS
Fr Andrew will be here next Thursday 29 May to celebrate Mass with our Year Five classes. It will take place in the Chapel at 9:00am. Parents and friends are welcome to join us for the celebration.
RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Celebrated at the same time each year (27 May – 3 June), National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
This year’s theme “Bridging Now to Next” reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
It calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
We will be having our annual Walk for Reconciliation on Monday 2 June.
Find out about National Reconciliation Week @ https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/about-nrw/
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 go to the Catholic Parish of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.
Please Note: Weekend Mass at St Brigid’s Farleigh returns to Saturdays at 6:00pm.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – POSITIVITY
Believe you can and you're halfway there. (Theodore Roosevelt)
Positivity is being happy and good-natured. It is having a confident and optimistic frame of mind. When we are positive, we enjoy the present moment and don’t worry about the future. We focus on doing and achieving and not on difficulties or failure. A positive attitude is one of joy, love and inspiration.
The most important thing you will ever wear is your attitude.” (Jeff Moore)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
APA News
WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY
A big thank you to all of our staff, students and parents who walked with us last Friday to participate in the Annual Walk Safely to School Day. Although the weather was dreary, the rain held off for the majority of the walk, allowing us to enjoy a brisk walk to school together. We sincerely thank Mackay Regional Council for providing us with some delicious snacks at the end of the journey, and also to Sgt Ross Dolan for ensuring we all made it to school safe and sound. Well done to all our walkers!
SCHOOL PHOTOS
* Photos for Prep - Year 3, School / House Captains will be taken on Tuesday 3 June. Students in Year 4-6 and School Choir will be photographed on Wednesday 4 June.
* Students from Years 1 - 6 are to wear their blue day uniform, with girls wearing their school dress. Parents are asked to ensure that hair is neat and tidy, and hair longer than collar length is to be tied back. If hair bands, ribbons or scrunchies are to be worn, they are to be gold or blue of the school colours. No decorative hair accessories are to be worn.
* Late Payments: Online orders will be open for 1 week after photo day. After this time a $15 processing fee will apply to all orders.
SIBLING PHOTOS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Queensland School Photography schedule sibling photos before school on both photo days. Parents are encouraged to accompany your children to the sibling photos in the Marist Centre from 7:45am onwards.
Details are below:
Students with a surname A-L are to present in the Marist Centre on Tuesday 3 June.
Students with a surname M-Z are to present in the Marist Centre on Wednesday 4 June.
PEER SUPPORT
Each year our Year Six students are responsible for leading the Peer Support program. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to demonstrate leadership and act as positive role models to the younger students in the school.
Peer Support this year will focus on RESILIENCE. Students will participate in activities that foster perseverance and a positive attitude.
On Monday, our Year Six students participated in a training day which prepared them to lead the groups this year. Activities focused on teamwork, communication and leadership. We congratulate our Year Six students for a wonderful day where they showed great enthusiasm and a “Can-Do” attitude.
Peer Support will begin tomorrow, FRIDAY 23 May. The groups will run from 8:45am – 9:15am. It is important that students arrive on time for school, so they don’t miss the start of Peer Support.
Please support this valuable program by discussing the content of weekly activities with your children. Be sure to ask them about how they can respond when things do not go their way and how they enjoyed working in their group. We look forward to another successful year of Peer Support here at Emmanuel.
Amanda McDonald
Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2025
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
Lisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
School Choir
Awards
Congratulations to the students pictured below who received an award in Week 4.
Finance
TERM 2 SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS - OVERDUE
Term 2 Parent Accounts were emailed to all families on 28 April. Payments are now overdue as of Monday 12 May.
If you are making fee payments by Internet Banking, please ensure you use the six-digit Parent Code that appears on the top right hand corner of your Statement as your reference. Please contact the Finance Office if you have not received your statement, or if you wish to discuss making payments via a regular Direct Debit Authority.
Do you hold a current ‘means tested’ Government Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card? Parents/Carers with an eligible means tested Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can receive a 40% discount on the All-inclusive Education fee of all eligible students from the family (after any family discount has been applied).
SCHOOL FEES EXPLAINED - FLYER
Please find attached a “School Fees Explained” flyer, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the Federal Government SRS Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. The flyer outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each School community, and School Fees.
Tuckshop News
URGENT - HELPERS NEEDED FRIDAY
The tuckshop is in desperate need of helpers on a Friday!
If we are unable to secure any more volunteers to assist on a Friday,
this service will NOT be available to families on this day.
If you can assist for even a few hours please contact the office on 4994 8255
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell or have anyone at home who is unwell.
SWAP IT!
Parent Orbit
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
CASH ONLY - Please remember to bring small change when purchasing from the Uniform Shop.
Community News
