Term 1 Week 5 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Happy Birthday to our beautiful school! This week marked a significant milestone as we celebrated the 124th anniversary since the foundation of Our Lady's Catholic Primary School back in 1900. Fondly referred to as 'Foundation Day', this annual event holds a special place in our hearts and is a cherished tradition here at our school.

Fr. Kingsley and our Year 6 Leaders played pivotal roles in leading our celebratory liturgy, a touching moment where we collectively reflected on our school's rich history and shared values. The highlight of the ceremony was the official welcoming of our Preps into our school community, symbolising the continuation of our legacy for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents and friends who joined us for the morning, further enriching the sense of togetherness that defines our school spirit.

As I addressed the children during the liturgy, I couldn't help but reminisce about my own journey at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School. Being a part of a community so deeply rooted in heritage and tradition fills me with immense pride, and I am grateful for every moment spent here.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Arthur has graciously provided insights into the upcoming 125th-year celebrations slated for next year. I encourage you to read her column and consider contributing to the 125th-year celebration committee, as we aim to make it a truly memorable occasion for all.

A monumental thank you is also due to our local St. Vincent De Paul branch for their generous contribution towards covering the costs of students' textbooks and educational subscriptions. Their donation not only eases the financial burden on families but also underscores the spirit of community support that defines our ethos. Our students have been busy crafting thank-you messages to express our gratitude, a small token of appreciation for their significant assistance.

NAPLAN testing is scheduled from Wednesday, March 13th to Friday, March 15th, 2024. Parents of students in Years 3 and 5 received information sheets during the recent Information Evening, outlining the details of the testing and providing essential guidance. In preparation, students will engage in practice testing to familiarise themselves with the format and content. For students absent during the testing period, arrangements will be made for them to complete the assessments upon their return, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate within the testing window. Should you prefer your child not to partake in NAPLAN, please don't hesitate to contact our school office via phone or email.

In closing, the overwhelming support shown during the Disco and Information Night was truly heartwarming, reaffirming the strength of our school community. It was a pleasure connecting with families, exchanging stories, and sharing laughter, underscoring the significance of these gatherings in fostering bonds and relationships. Nights like these encapsulate the essence of what makes our school community truly special, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

God Bless

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

We Remember

St Peter, at the end of his life, wrote of an extraordinary experience he had decades earlier.  For a few moments on a mountain, he and James and John saw Jesus in his glory.  It was only a fleeting event but it fed his faith for years to come, especially in time to trial.  (We hear that story this coming Sunday.) Memory is important for us as Christians.  By remembering the good things of the past, we make them present again, and they feed us afresh. 

The moments when God is present to us, when we know the grace of God alive in us are not meant for that time only.  We are meant to mull over them, let them feed and guide us in our lives.  If you want to strengthen your faith, have a livelier sense of God’s presence, start by remembering the precious moments that have come your way.  Have you noticed how elderly couples delight in remembering their courtship? 

And it is not only with God that memory can be a game changer.  In all our relationships we have difficult, or dull, or trying times.  No matter how much we love our spouse, partner, parent, friend or child, they can grate.  Relationship is hard at times.  It is then that we need to remember the precious times with them, the good things they have done for us. Sometimes we do need that free and frank conversation, sometimes we do need to get angry but if we keep at the back of our mind, the good things this person has done, our words and actions will be tempered and we won’t find ourselves going too far.  It is far to easy to remember the negative and let it darken our lives.   It takes commitment to focus on the positive things that have happened and let them enlighten and transform us.

Loving God, let my memory of the good you have done to me guide me into wisdom.  Let the good I have received through others strengthen my love of them and deepen my sense of community.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

On Monday we celebrated the 124^th anniversary of the Foundation of our School. Thank you to Father Kingsley, Mr KD and our Year 6 class who lead us in Mass. What a wonderful way to commence our school week.

Preparations are in the very early stages for our 125^th Anniversary next year. Our school was the very first to be opened by the Presentation Sisters in Queensland and therefore this event is not only of great significance to our school community, but also to the Presentation Sisters themselves. In the year 2000, many sisters travelled across the globe to be a part of the centenary celebrations.  We are currently in the process of putting together a small working committee to begin preparations for next year’s event. If this is something you would like to be a part of, please let Peter or myself know.

As I read through the foundation history of our school, I think about the recent ridiculously hot weather we experienced and the Sundays we have had with no power. What an inconvenience! On the 19^th of February 1900, five Presentation Sisters arrived in Longreach in very similar conditions. Forty plus degree heat and a community that had been battling years of drought. These women had left their families and friends, to answer the call of the local Parish Priest to establish a Catholic School for the growing numbers of children in Western Queensland. Each year on the 19^th of February, we remember the sacrifices they made and the courage they showed in pioneering Catholic Education. Although our current staff are completely lay (non-clergy), we are committed to the continuation of the work these Sisters started 124 years ago. We are committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the children who enter our gates and ensuring they encounter His love.

If you would like to read the full story of our school’s foundation, please use the link below: 

Thank you to the Our Lady’s P&F Association for their generous donation of a gift to each of our Prep students for 2024. Thank you also to Mrs Di Carter who spent her school holidays sewing individual library bags for each Prep student. How lucky are we!

God bless,

Ange

Student Protection

Student Protection is taken very seriously within our school and Diocese. Each year all staff undertake mandatory student protection training at the beginning of the year. This year our School Student Protection Officers are Mr Peter Thurecht, Mrs Angela Arthur and Ms Sarah Wall. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of our officers.

NAPLAN Information for Parents & Carers

Catholic School Parents Queensland - P&F

On Wednesday, February 21st, we hosted our AGM and first general meeting for 2024. We thank everyone who attended and welcome back for another term the following executive and non-executive committee members.

Executive Positions

President: Bill Seeney
Vice-President: Sarah Wall
Secretary: Sarah Hoolihan
Treasurer: Georgia Seeney

Non-Executive Positions

Fundraising Co-Ordinator: Lisa Neuendorf
Board Rep: Ruth Tindall
Pastoral Care: Hannah Batt
Parental Engagement: Megan Sidebottom

We have another big year planned and look forward to working together with all families. Keep an eye on the school newsletter for upcoming events and information on how you can help out.

Mobile Phone & Wearable Technology Policy

Uniform Policy

Uniform Order Form

If you require winter uniforms or additional day uniforms, please complete the order form sent home with your child on Monday, 19th February, or download the below order form and return it to the school office by Monday, 4th March. Payment can be made by cash or eftpos and can be paid upon ordering or when uniforms are collected.

Tuckshop

Key Dates

St Brigid’s Parish News

Please follow us on Facebook for up to date information on what’s happening in the St Brigid’s Parish. https://m.facebook.com/people/Central-West-QLD-Catholic-Church/100080215845014/

Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton

The Cathedral College Rockhampton

Community Notices

Qantas Founders Museum to exhibit Internationally Acclaimed Artist Yayoi Kusama’s infinity art experience

Qantas Founders Museum proudly announces a prominent artwork by the globally celebrated artist Yayoi Kusama, to be unveiled from 16 March to 22 September 2024 on loan from the National Gallery of Australia.

Kusama’s infinity experience THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS will travel to Longreach in Western Queensland.

Renowned for her mesmerising installations, sculptures, and paintings characterized by recurring motifs such as dots, eyes, nets, and pumpkins, Kusama delves into the realms of repetition and sensory experiences. This immersive installation showcases Kusama’s signature style, inviting viewers into a mind-bending journey through vibrant colours, mirrors, and meticulously crafted pumpkin sculptures.

CEO of Qantas Founders Museum, Tony Cullen, expressed immense pride and privilege in collaborating with the National Gallery to grant such an iconic installation to regional Queensland. Mr Cullen highlighted the rare opportunity for the local community, schools, and visitors to engage with world-class contemporary art.

Senior Curator Sarah Johnson, Qantas Founders Museum, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of featuring Kusama’s artwork in Longreach, extending the National Gallery’s collection to remote communities of western Queensland. She continued, “Kusama’s art is beloved worldwide, and people of all ages are encouraged to participate in this unique artistic encounter in our community”.          

Dr. Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery, hailed Kusama as one of Japan's most influential contemporary artists, with the mesmerising nature of the installation and its unparalleled visual appeal. “I am thrilled that more people in regional Australia will be able to experience this remarkable artwork. The National Gallery’s Art Across Australia program will connect more people with extraordinary art from the national collection.”

The official unveiling of THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS from the National Gallery will take place on March 15, 2024, at the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach. Further details regarding public programs and announcements will be released soon.

This work of art is on loan from the National Gallery of Australia as part of Art Across Australia.

Share #ArtAcrossAustralia

Image caption: Yayoi Kusama, THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, 2017, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2018 with the assistance of Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett. © YAYOI KUSAMA.

Clean up Australia Day

School zone safety – advice for motorists, parents and carers

With school back for 2024, we need to keep safety top-of-mind when travelling through active school zones and around our school community.

School zone times have been standardised in Queensland to help motorists remember when to slow down. The standard operating times for most school zones in Queensland are 7–9am and 2–4pm, with some operating all day between 7am–4pm.

Speeding remains a significant concern, contributing to fatalities and injuries, and police will be on the lookout for speeding motorists. Keeping below the signed speed limit in school zones helps keep everyone safe. This simple adjustment may have minimal impact on travel time but has the potential to significantly contribute to saving lives.

Children's crossings are identified by children's crossing flags, displayed near crossings before and after school hours. 

When the crossing is supervised, you, as a motorist, must:

• Wait until all pedestrians, bicycle riders, or personal mobility device riders have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor has returned to the footpath.
• Abide by the direction given by the School Crossing Supervisor.

Please keep our children safe by staying alert, slowing down and obeying our school crossing supervisors who are there to help kids cross the road safely.  

You can also help children become more road safety aware by:

• Showing them how to look for vehicles coming in and out of driveways and discourage them from playing behind parked cars, or with toys or balls when walking to school. 
• Ensuring your child knows the safest route to and from school. This is usually the way with the least traffic and the fewest roads to cross and teach your child to always walk on footpaths. 
• Showing your child how to cross at traffic lights when the green 'walk' sign is showing at pedestrian crossings when vehicles have stopped and at supervised school crossings when the supervisor has signalled it is safe to do so. 
• Accompanying children when walking or riding to school until they are old enough to understand road safety (usually around 10 years or older). 
• Teaching your child if they catch the bus to never cross in front of or behind a bus; wait until the bus goes before crossing the road. 
• Making sure wheeled devices (bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades) used to travel to school are well maintained and that the appropriate protective and safety gear (for example, helmet, visible clothing, knee and elbow pads) are used. 

Visit the Street Smarts website for more information about what to do at pedestrian and children crossings.

Central West Hospital & Health Services

Longreach Playgroup

Australian Camps Association (ACA)