2024 - Term 1, Week 6

As we dive into another exciting week, let's take a moment to celebrate the spirit of exploration and growth. At Emmaus we offer many new opportunities to learn, discover, grow and embrace the unfamiliar. Just like picking up a new instrument, taking on new responsibilities or making new friendships, this year invites us to expand our horizons and step out of our comfort zones.

Learning something new, whether it's mastering a new chord on the guitar or understanding a new concept in a mathematic topic, requires resilience, patience, and persistence. It's about embracing the challenges and staying committed to the task.

As families we can support our children in this adventure of learning and exploration. Let's encourage one another to embrace the unknown, to approach each experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Let's remind ourselves that it's okay to stumble along the way, as long as we pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. And most importantly, let’s remind ourselves to role-model these lifelong skills and dispositions to our children.

Let's cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, patience in the midst of uncertainty, and persistence in pursuit of our goals. Together, we can navigate through any obstacle and emerge stronger, wiser, and more enriched by the experiences we encounter along the way.

When children are experiencing difficulties with new skills, I remind them that when they were learning how to ride a bike, they most likely had a few accidents along the way. This is normal when learning new things. As a parent, it is tempting to either stick with the three-wheeler bike or keep the training wheels on the bike to ensure the child is safe. But imagine what your child is missing out on – to be independent, to ride to friends’ places, and to hurtle down the road with the wind in their hair, enjoying the exhilaration of the experience!

At times we, as adults, do things for the children because it is easier or faster. That is the case in the short term but long term it makes things harder. We need to give the children a chance to try, experience difficulty, fail, persist, and finally achieve. The elation when something is achieved after much difficulty is memorable and we need to let our children enjoy that feeling. We need to give them the opportunity to fail and deal with that failure as a learning experience rather than try to smooth out any bumps in the road that is their life journey. As Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult said:

“The point is to prepare the kid for the road, instead of preparing the road for the kid.”

Learning to solve problems, take risks and overcome frustration are crucial life skills, and if we don’t let our children encounter failure and disappointment, children do not acquire them.

The Resilience Project

This is one of the many reasons why we are launching the Resilience Project at Emmaus! As educators, we understand the importance of teaching more than just academic subjects. That's why we're committed to instilling essential life skills like responsibility, organisation, resilience, and persistence in our students.

Launching in Week 7, The Resilience Project is a program designed to cultivate resilience, gratitude, and mindfulness in our students. By providing practical strategies and engaging activities, it equips them with the tools to navigate life's challenges confidently.

Integrating The Resilience Project into our school's wellbeing framework aligns with our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where every child can thrive academically and emotionally.

We invite all parents to learn more about The Resilience Project in this newsletter. Together, let's build resilient futures for our children.

Farewell and Thank You, Joy Saba: A Tribute to Dedication

As we prepare to bid farewell to Joy Saba, our cherished Chaplain at Emmaus, we reflect on the profound impact she has had on our school community. Joy's unwavering commitment, dedication, and passion for supporting our children have left a lasting mark on all of us.

Throughout her time at Emmaus Catholic School, Joy's quiet yet profound contributions have touched countless lives. From her compassionate listening to her late-night pastoral care calls, she has exemplified what it means to truly care for others.

As we express our deepest gratitude for her many years of service, we also acknowledge that this is not the end but a new beginning for Joy. We wish her all the best as she embarks on new adventures, knowing that her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Thank you, Joy, for your tireless dedication and unwavering support. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you every happiness in the future.

We are thrilled to announce that Emily, a final year Social Work Student and current Co-educator, will be stepping up to take on some of Joy's case load, in addition to continuing with "What's the Buzz" and introducing a new program called "Cool, Calm, and Confident!" As many of you already know, “What’s the Buzz” explores a variety of social stories that aim to enhance students' social and emotional intelligence. "Cool, Calm, and Confident!" educates students on the difference between communication styles whilst building upon students’ confidence and self-image.

Emily's dedication and expertise are well-known and respected by our students, and we have every confidence that she will excel in her new role. In other staffing updates, Justine Raponi will be coordinating Foodbank and Mini Vinnies activities. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the front office for guidance. Congratulations, Emily, and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!

To further enrich our Well-being framework, we provide an array of lunchtime activities tailored to engage our students. These include gardening, dancing, exploring Indonesian culture, participating in the Lego club, as well as a weekly computer space. Additionally, we offer imaginative play stations designed specifically for our early years’ students. We recognize the importance of allowing children to explore diverse activities, as it fosters their sense of identity, helps them discover their preferences, and facilitates social interaction. Encouraging your child to explore these options can assist them in finding their place and connecting with others during playtime.

Harmony Day

Harmony Day is a day to celebrate Australian multiculturalism!

Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. This is a perfect fit with the Emmaus Way of being respectful.

To celebrate Harmony Day students are invited to wear something orange to school on Thursday 21st March (Week 8). They could wear an orange ribbon in their hair, an orange t-shirt, orange shoelaces etc.

Wishing you all a week filled with curiosity, growth, and endless possibilities!

Suzanne Budd

LENT – AND SEASON OF FASTING… 

Lent can be more than a time of fasting. 

It can also be a joyous season of feasting. 

Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. 

It is a season to:  

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ living in them. 

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life. 

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light. 

Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God. 

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify. 

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. 

Fast from anger; feast on patience. 

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. 

Fast from worry; feast on appreciation. 

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. 

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives. 

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer. 

Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance. 

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. 

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. 

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal hope through Jesus. 

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope. 

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm. 

Fast from suspicions; feast on truth. 

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence. 

Fast from thoughts of weakness; feast on promises that inspire. 

Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds. 

Fast from everything that separates us from the Lord; feast on everything that draws us to the Lord. 

(Fasting and Feasting By William Arthur Ward) 

May your Lenten season continue to be a time of growth and discovery- in your relationship with God and the person you were created to be. 

BREAD DAY- LIVING SIMPLY AND SUSTAINABLY 

Each year during Lent, the Emmaus community comes together for Bread Day. This year Bread Lunch Day will be held on Tuesday 19th March (Please note this is a change of day from the school calendar). This day is a special time to reflect on the many gifts with which God has blessed us and consider ways we can live more simply.  

Children will be asked to bring a gold coin for Caritas’ Project Compassion and will replace their normal lunch with a simple meal of a bread roll. We come together for a special prayer, before sharing our simple lunch. Everything we do has an impact on our earth and the environment and on our human brothers and sisters. So on this day classes will also consider how they can reduce their impact on the earth’s resources. We will also be asking for lots of parents support with organising the lunch. Please see the separate note will be posted on the Emmaus Facebook Page and Seesaw for more information. 

• Church foyer Parish Office during office hours
• Parish website: https://mhocsa.org.au
• Email: admin@mhocsa.org.au 

• A copy of the child’s Baptism Certificate
• Compulsory attendance at all sessions
• Compulsory attendance at Sunday Mass  

Children’s University is BACK for 2024!

As part of our Enrichment@Emmaus program, we are very excited to announce that we will be involved in ‘Children’s University Australia’ again this year. We will be offering this program to anyone interested in Years 4-6.

Children’s University Australia aims to provide high quality out of school hours activities, engaging the wider community as learning partners in this process. It fosters wellbeing by promoting 'free range learning', encouraging children to try out new activities, discover new passions, visit new places and above all, have fun! Participation is voluntary and it is intentionally something other than school. Activities take place outside the normal school day during lunch, after school, on weekends and during the holidays.

Participating students are issued with a ‘Passport to Learning’ which records their individual learning journey. After 30 hours of learning, the children are rewarded for their participation with certificates at a graduation ceremony to be held at the University of Adelaide. 

What’s new?

This year, CU have introduced an online form fill in for registration. This can be accessed by scanning the above QR code and you will be directed to the appropriate form for Emmaus.

If your child would be interested in joining please

• Fill in the online form and
• Forward your payment by either using QKR (https://qkr-store.qkrschool.com/store/#/home) or making payment in the front office. The annual fee is $38.50 (inc. GST) per child which includes a passport in the first year only. Please note that membership fees for school card holders are $16.50 (inc GST).

This year’s cut off for registration will be Thursday 28th of March. Unfortunately, no late registrations will be accepted so jump on and register. 

We are very excited to be involved in such a fantastic learning opportunity for our students and look forward to seeing where our students take their passion and learning.

For further information you can visit the Children’s University website:

https://cuaustralasia.com/get-involved-learners-and-families/

OR check out this video to see what it’s all about

Kristy McKay

Children’s University Coordinator

Do you want to play an active role in shaping the future of our school's out-of-school sports programs? The sports committee is seeking additional members!

As a member of the sports committee, you'll have the opportunity to meet monthly and contribute your ideas to enhance our soccer, basketball and netball programs. Plus, we're keen to explore the possibility of adding a cricket program at some stage in the future.

If you are willing to join the committee please contact Josh Niederer (jniederer@emmaus.catholic.edu.au). Together, let's make our out-of-school sports programs the best they can be!  

As we approach the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing period, we want to provide you with essential information to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both students and parents.

What is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, designed to evaluate their literacy and numeracy skills. The test provides valuable insights into a student's academic progress and helps identify areas that may require additional support.

Key Dates: Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March 2024.

Year 3
Writing - 40 min - Wednesday 13th of March (Paper format)
Reading - 45 min - Thursday 14th of March (Online)
Conventions of language - 45 min - Friday 15th of March (Online)
Numeracy - 45 min - Monday 18th of March (Online)

Year 5
Writing - 42 min - Wednesday 13th of March (Online)
Reading - 50 min - Thursday 14th of March (Online)
Conventions of language - 45 min - Friday 15th of March (Online)
Numeracy - 50 min - Monday 18th of March (Online)

How Can Families Prepare?

Maintain a Positive Attitude: Emphasise that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing but is an opportunity to showcase skills. Encourage a positive mindset to alleviate stress.

Regular Attendance: Ensure your child attends school regularly, especially during the testing period. Consistent attendance helps build routine and familiarity.

Adequate Rest and Nutrition: A well-rested and well-nourished student is better equipped to face challenges. Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats a balanced breakfast on test days.

Encourage Reading and Numeracy Practice: Regular reading and numeracy exercises at home can boost confidence and reinforce key skills. Make learning enjoyable through games and activities.

Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your child's teacher. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
 

How will Emmaus support your child?

We are committed to creating a supportive environment for our students during the NAPLAN testing period. Our teachers will be preparing students with relevant materials and strategies to help them feel confident and capable.

Should you have any specific concerns or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or Kate Thompson via the school office.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to ensure a positive and successful NAPLAN experience for every student.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority here at Emmaus. As such, we would like to remind all parents and guardians of the multiple avenues available to report student absences or late arrivals.

To report your child's absence or late arrival, please use one of the following methods:

Reply Text to 0417 038 063. Please note that direct messages to this number will not be received.

Phone (08) 83227211: Speak to our friendly staff or leave a message on our answering machine if calling before 8:30am.

Email: Send an email to absent@emmaus.catholic.edu.au or information@emmaus.catholic.edu.au.

We kindly ask that you contact the front office for any absenteeism notifications. Due to the morning activities in classrooms, it may not always be possible for teachers to relay messages to the office before 9 am.

For extended leave requests of 5 days or more, please complete the absenteeism form at the front office.

Late Arrivals and Early Departures:

If your child arrives late to school or needs to leave early, they must be signed in/out via the iPad at the front office by a parent or guardian.

It's important to note that if a student is late to class and the arrival hasn't been reported to the front office, they will be marked as absent, and a text will be sent to parents from 0417 038 063.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students.

The Kiss and Drop zone is the yellow marked area as you enter the carpark from Todd Street, that enables you to drop off and pick up your children safely and quickly.

The intention is that drivers do not wait in these zones and that you stay in the vehicle to ensure traffic is streamlined and traffic queues are minimized.

In reality, it only takes one or two inconsiderate drivers to overstay in the zone and the system breaks down, leading to frustration and delays.

Please familiarise yourself with our Kiss and Drop guidelines:

• Kiss and Drop zone is a NO PARKING zone. If your child is not ready and waiting for you, please continue to lap the carpark. Alternatively, park your vehicle in a carpark and wait. Please do not park in the kiss and drop zone to wait for your child as this builds up traffic on Todd Street where accidents have occurred. The aim of Kiss and Drop is for free flowing traffic.
• It is an expectation that drivers continue to the end of the kiss and drop zone, to allow room for others.
• For safety, it is recommended that students exit and enter the vehicle kerbside only. Children should have their schoolbags on their lap to ensure the driver does not need to exit the vehicle.
• Do not get out of your car.
• If you are required to get out of your vehicle to assist your child with their bag or seatbelt, please do not use Kiss and Drop. Park your vehicle so you can assist your child safely. 
• Staff will be on Kiss and Drop duty to assist with free flow of traffic and child safety from 8.30am - 8.45am and 3.05pm - 3.25pm. Please ensure your child is collected by 3.25pm.
• Please use the pedestrian crossing when walking between the carpark and the Kiss and drop area.
• Please ensure you remain under the speed limit of 10km/h at all times.

Staff have been advised to remind all families to use the crossing correctly. If you choose not to use the crossing, you will be redirected by staff on duty. Please do not take this personally; it is their job to keep everyone safe.

Please visit the link to the Emmaus Catholic School Uniform Policy - about-us/uniform

In line with our SunSmart policy, students are required to wear the Emmaus bucket hat during Terms 1, 3 and 4. 

Students without a hat will be required to play under the shelter only at recess and lunch times. 

Emmaus hats are available for purchase at Lowes, Colonnades. A small number of hats are available for sale in the Front Office for $21. Sizes small or medium.

2026 Cardijn Enrolment

Please be reminded that applications for enrolment into Cardijn Year 7 2026 close at the end of this term (Friday 12 April). If your child will be attending Cardijn, please submit an application now.

Applications are to be submitted online via the Cardijn website.  Click on the box “Apply Now” on the welcome page, or access the direct link below:

https://enrol.cardijn.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-form/start

A message from SAPOL: "Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. If they are approached, students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.
Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible. 
SAPOL advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station."

👕 20% off schoolwear at LOWES March 10 - 12 for Zero and Rewards cardholders. Shop online and in-store.

https://www.lowes.com.au/schools-online/emmaus-primary-school

Yellow Ladybugs Conference 2024 (vfairs.com)