Newsletter - 03 April 2025
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
In these final days of term we take time to reflect on the Lenten journey we have shared and give thanks for the many blessings that have graced our days in what has been a very busy and productive term.
During the past week our students have journeyed with their teachers through the events of Jesus’ last days. This journey has immersed the children in the solemn nature of these events as they learn of the importance of this week in revealing Jesus’ divine nature to us. Our celebration of the Easter story is central to our faith as Christians and one which we share with great passion during Holy Week.
For many, Easter is an ideal time to have a holiday with family and I trust you will have the opportunity to have some quality time with your loved ones over the course of the Easter holiday period. Easter is a great time of celebration where we experience the joy of the risen Lord upon us. In amongst all the chocolate and eggs it is important to reflect on the true meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is central to our Christian faith. It is the Easter story that is the pinnacle of our lives as Catholics and Christians and it is important that we take time through these three days of Easter to remember and celebrate in liturgy.
I encourage you over the Easter weekend to take the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Easter through participation at Easter ceremonies in the parish.
On behalf of the staff I take this opportunity to wish all of our families a very happy and blessed Easter, as well as a safe and rest filled holiday. I know that many of our students are feeling very tired and in need of a break! I look forward to their return on Tuesday, 22 April. Have a wonderful holiday break and may you be aware of God’s blessings in all that you do.
Wishing you a truly safe, holy and happy Easter Season,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
HOW MUCH? – A REFLECTION
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week, which precedes the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, is the most important week of the church year. It starts on Palm Sunday, sometimes called Passion Sunday, and continues through Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. During Holy Week we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, last supper, agony in the garden, betrayal, passion and death on the cross. We remember that Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb. The week that begins in celebration ends in despair. It is not until Easter Sunday that we rejoice in and recall Jesus’ resurrection.
Yesterday morning our Year Six students dramatised Jesus’ last supper, agony in the garden, betrayal, passion, death on the cross and resurrection. It was a reflective and prayerful celebration and a wonderful way to share in the events of the final day of Jesus’ life. A well-earned and sincere CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU to the students, their teachers, Mrs Whelan who provided the music, Mrs Dale who sang beautifully, and all staff who contributed to this memorable re-enactment. Happy Easter Everyone.
PARISH CELEBRATIONS
It would be wonderful if your family could experience the richness of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies in our parish churches this year. The ceremonies are as follows:
The Second Rite of Reconciliation will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church on Monday 14 April at 5.30pm. This time of prayer will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and conclude with Benediction.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Welcome to the family Osmond, Declan, Amaya, Isla and Harley who will be Baptised, Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion during the Easter celebrations. A big THANK YOU to their parents, Fr Andrew and the Sacramental Team who have supported and guided them throughout their preparations.
Other 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.
DATE CLAIMER - ANZAC PRAYER CELEBRATION
We will be remembering ANZAC Day at a special Prayer Celebration in the Marist Centre on Thursday 24 April at 9:00am.
All Welcome.
WESTERN FLOOD APPEAL
Bishop Michael invites us to support communities in Western Queensland affected by recent flooding. Your monetary contribution and prayerful support would be very much appreciated. Click on the link below to see Bishop Michael's letter.
LENTEN CHALLENGE
Our 2025 Lenten Challenge ‘THE BIG WALK’ has been lots of fun and an AMAZING success! In just three weeks, students have bought 852 footprint tokens.
Year 3T bought the most tokens (344) and will lead the school in a special dance at Assembly tomorrow.
The lucky winner of the special ‘THE BIG WALK’ themed YETI water bottle will also be announced at Assembly tomorrow.
Look at all THE BIG WALK tokens bought by 3T and displayed in their classroom this Lent. The footprints continue to remind the students of those who walk for water every day, the difference their contributions will make and how lucky they are. This class was excited to find that they had raised enough money to provide a toilet for a family in Samoa. A big CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to 3T and their teacher Miss Thom on a fantastic effort.
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.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – COMPASSION
Jesus taught us to practise compassion and to forgive ….
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
We are called to do the same….
‘As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12-14)
Compassion is noticing when someone is hurt or in need of a friend. It is feeling empathy for the pain of others. When you reach out to those in need or refrain from judging, you practise compassion. Our compassionate presence helps others to know that they are not alone, that they are valued and understood. Without compassion the world is a hard and lonely place. Compassion helps us to be understanding of others and ourselves.
“Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the lives of others.” (St Teresa of Calcutta)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
Brooke Tomkinson
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum
APA News
ANZAC DAY MARCH
Once again, our school has been invited to participate in the ANZAC Day March to be held on Friday 25 April.
Prep to Year Six students will be required to assemble in The Caneland Central drop-off area along Matsura Drive before the March at 8:00am.
Either drop your child off in the allocated drop-off area or walk your child to the ground-level car park. Look for the Emmanuel banner and staff members (we will be situated in the carpark opposite the Australia Post Entrance to Canelands). The march will start at 8:30am and move onto Victoria Street and march along Wellington, Gordon, Macalister and Alfred Streets. Following the march, students can be collected as per dispersal map below, on the Mackay Central State School Grounds.
Emmanuel Year One to Year Six students are to wear their BLUE SCHOOL UNIFORM (school blue dress for girls) correct socks and clean shoes. Prep students wear their usual Prep uniform. The school hat is essential. Students may wear medals of their parents, grandparents and other ancestors on their right breast.
EMERGENCY MEDICATION:
If parents deem it necessary for students to carry emergency medication when attending the march, this must be communicated VIA EMAIL to enm@rok.catholic.edu.au by TUESDAY 22/04/25. We will then make arrangements with you to ensure your child’s teacher or a member of Administration collect the labelled emergency medication from you when you arrive at the march.
Further important details regarding drop off and dispersal procedures are attached in the link's below:
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.
Around the School
PREP BUDDIES
Our Year Six students have been busy this week working with and helping their buddies to create some AMAZING Holy Week Wreaths.
PREP EASTER FUN
On Monday, lots of parents joined our Preps for some exciting Easter craft activities. A big thank you for your support and participation.
SURPRISE VISITOR
Look who was caught on camera in the Prep classrooms.
Sporting News
ATHLETICS
The Athletics Carnival will be upon us before we know it! It will be held on Tuesday 10 June and Wednesday 11 June. The Year 3 - 6 classes have started their Athletics unit in HPE to prepare for this event. We will be continuing these lessons for most of next term. Education Queensland has deemed Discus as a high risk activity and therefore, students must have parental permission to participate in lessons and competition involving Discus throwing. CARA recommendations are followed very strictly at Emmanuel to ensure that all students participate in this activity safely. Please accept the permission form on Parent Orbit / Parent Lounge by the end of this term so that your child can participate fully in our Athletics unit.
CHALLENGE CUP AND NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Parents who have children that may be competing in both Challenge Cup and Athletics please be aware that the Northern Suburbs Athletics Carnival is currently scheduled for the 15 July which is the day before Challenge Cup. Students may compete in both so please take this into consideration when planning your travels to Yeppoon.
MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORTS - FORMS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
The following Mackay District Sport forms are available for collection from Mrs Bottcher. Nominations are due back to the SPORTS BOX in the LIBRARY by the due date with the levy payment.
- MDSS 10 - 12 yrs Boys and Girls SOFTBALL Trials (Due Friday 4 April)
- MDSS 11 - 12 yrs Boys and Girls RUGBY UNION Trials (Due Thursday 24 April)
- Capricornia 10 - 19 yrs Boys and Girls GOLF Trials (Due Monday 28 April)
Students who wish to nominate should be clearly competent and have played a reasonable amount of the sport.
NORTHERN SUBURBS CROSS COUNTRY
The Northern Suburbs Cross Country trials have been postponed until 23 April. This will be the first Wednesday back in Term 2. Students need to assemble at Fitzgerald State School at 8:00am. Please park in off street parking or Norris Rd Touch Footy Fields carpark. Please don’t park in the Fitzgerald State School car park as this will be completely full and congested. Students will need to meet Emmanuel staff in the middle of the oval at the tents. Parents may want to bring a chair to sit on. The event should conclude at 10:15am. Parents are responsible for transporting students to and from the event. Please see Emmanuel School staff to sign your child in and out of the event. Mrs Bottcher will be taking all necessary paperwork with her. Try to get some training in over the holidays! Good luck to all of our runners!
MDSS TOUCH GALA DAY
Unfortunately, the MDSS Touch Gala Day that was due to occur today was cancelled due to the intermittent weather and the conditions of the fields. At this stage, MDSS are unsure as to whether the day will be rescheduled for later in the year. For this reason, we have provided a refund of $7 to all students who had paid for the event. The students were given this refund this afternoon and told to put it in their bag and take it straight home.
BASKETBALL GALA DAY
Emmanuel entered three teams into the Mackay Basketball Gala Day which was held on Monday. It was wonderful to see our talented and experienced basketballers in action. It was equally as wonderful to see some students trying out this sport for the first time. A big thank you to Mrs Harmer and Mrs Wilson who accompanied our teams. Also, thank you to the parents who rearranged their days to come and show their support. A great time was had by all!
RUGBY LEAGE - CHALLENGE CUP PLAYERS NEEDED
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are calling for any students in Year 5 who would like to join their Challenge Cup Rugby League team. If interested, please contact Lisa Evans: Lisa_evans@rok.catholic.edu.auLisa Bottcher
HPE Teacher
School Choir
Vacation Care
Please see the Vacation Care Plan for the April School Holidays below:
Finance
Term One accounts were emailed to all families on 4 February. Payments are now overdue.
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). Please see information in the link below:
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.
SWAP IT!
WOW your kids with colour! View more recipe ideas here: www.swapit.net.au/recipes
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
Community News
UNIFORM SOLUTIONS - Easter Store Closure
Uniform Solutions will be closed from the 18 April 2025 - 28 April 2025.
Help shape active transport in the Mackay region for the next 10 years
Mackay Regional Council invites you to share your thoughts on active transport in the Mackay region
Take the 10-minute Mackay Active Transport and Micromobility Plan survey to help council gain valuable input about how best to improve walking and riding infrastructure across the region.Community feedback will help shape the future of our pathways, cycleways, road crossings and connections to key destinations. Whether you walk, ride a bike or ride a scooter, or are simply interested in safer and more accessible transport options, council would like to hear from you. Active transport includes walking, riding and rolling on any device that requires human power for movement. Micromobility devices are lightweight, electric powered transport services, such as e-scooters and mobility scooters.Take the survey now, visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/active-transportSurvey closes on Sunday, April 27 at 11.59pm.