Term 1 Week 8 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the conclusion of Leesa Jeffcoat's tenure as our Diocesan Director after 23 years of dedicated service. Leesa's unwavering support for our Western Catholic schools has been invaluable, and her leadership and passion for education will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leesa and wish her the very best in her future endeavours. We look forward to welcoming Leesa and Bishop Michael to our school at the beginning of Term 2, providing our community with the opportunity to formally express our appreciation for her years of service.

In other news, our students in Year 3 & 5 have commenced their NAPLAN testing this week. We wish them all the best as they undertake these assessments and extend our gratitude to their teachers for diligently preparing them. Results will be distributed later this year to families.

We are delighted to report the success of our Step into Prep program, which saw the visit of our local kindergartens to Our Lady's over the past week. Witnessing the joy on the faces of our young visitors as they explored our grounds and engaged in activities such as the 'Bear Hunt' and playtime at the Pirate Ship in our P-2 Playground was truly heartwarming. We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for our kindy students into prep and are grateful for the ongoing support of our school community in this endeavour.

We are pleased to announce that Parent-Teacher interviews will commence next week. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for parents to meet with their child's teacher to discuss their academic journey, prior to the distribution of Semester 1 reports at the end of Term 2. An email containing detailed instructions on how to book a timeslot for the interviews was sent home earlier this week. We kindly remind you that bookings will close this Sunday to allow our teachers sufficient time to prepare for the meetings. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the booking process or the interviews themselves, please do not hesitate to contact our school office at 07 49948375.

Last Sunday, we celebrated the welcoming ceremony of Mr. Komndi-Diggins and Miss Godfrey as they prepare for their reception into the Catholic Church. It was a beautiful and meaningful occasion, made even more special by the presence of Our Lady's families at the mass. We extend our blessings to Mr. Komndi-Diggins and Miss Godfrey as they continue their spiritual journey, guided by God's love and wisdom.

Finally, it is with sadness that we bid farewell to Mrs. Ashleigh Jones this Friday as she and her family prepare to relocate from the Longreach community. Ash has been a beloved and dedicated teacher assistant and friend during her time at Our Lady's, and she will be greatly missed. We thank Ash for her unwavering support and wish her and her family every happiness and success in their new chapter.

God Bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Principal’s Conference

Mr. Thurecht will be away from Monday, 18th March until Friday, 22nd March, attending the Principal's Conference in Rockhampton. During his absence, Mrs. Angela Arthur will serve as Acting Principal. Should you have any concerns or require assistance during this period, please do not hesitate to contact our office and speak with her.

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

God loved the world so much…and so should we.

I was  thinking about a tin of salmon. From the person catching the fish in Alaska to me putting it on the bench, how many different groups of people co-operated with each other for this to happen? The number would be well in the hundreds – from the fishing crew, the boat builders, the various service agents, the label designers, the manufacturers of the printing dyes – at that doesn’t even get the tin out of North America. Hundreds of different groups of people co-operating with each other makes a miracle of social harmony symbolised in that tin of fish!  And this social harmony happens every day with nearly everything we touch.

But you wouldn’t think so by following the media or listening to people.  We tend to narrow our vision and focus on when the social harmony breaks down.  In Lent, we are called to repent – to change our way of thinking.  Recognising the co-operation that is integral to our life together as human beings is one area where we could change our thinking.  The Son of God, was born, lived our life, died and rose again because God loved the world so much! God well knows the sin of human failure and dissension but continues to love the world, us, the seething mass of humanity, so much.  So let us be God-like and set our minds and hearts upon appreciating the good that is around us and between us.

Loving God, send us your Spirit that we may recognise and appreciate the many, many times we work together in harmony. May we recognise the Spirit of Jesus moving through humanity teaching us to love the world as you did.  We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.

APRE News

As we continue our Lenten Journey towards Easter, I came across the following reflection from Paul Skippen, a theologian working with the ‘Liturgy Ritual Prayer’ organisation. The reflection is in response to last Sunday’s Gospel Reading. I felt it connected with my life at the moment, I hope that you can also take something personal from it.

https://liturgyritualprayer.com/wednesdays-wisdom-fourth-lent-come-toward-the-light/

John 3: 19, 21

Jesus continued, “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness … Anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

Most of us have been there – that zombie state from working too many hours for too many days in a row. You say to yourself, “Just one more week, as soon as I finish this one project.” But then the next week comes and you’re not quite finished, and suddenly more days are swallowed up in the frenzy of industry.

If you’re lucky, some kind person – a friend, family member, a co-worker – will finally pull you aside and say, “This is going to stop, right? You must be aware of how unhealthy this has gotten. We’re worried about you.” And down deep you know that your life is out of whack, but you think, “It’s just this one project. As soon as it’s over things will be back to normal.” But for most of us, there is always one more project waiting after that.

Often, when someone shines the light of sanity on us, we choose to close our eyes. But slowly with God’s grace, we can work our way out of the darkness. Lent is a good time for those of us who get consumed by our work to commit ourselves to taking steps toward the truth of balanced living.

This Friday morning our Year 3 Class will lead us in a special prayer assembly honouring St Patrick as his feast day occurs this weekend.

“At an early age, he chose to work in the service of God and bring the message of God’s love to the people of Ireland.

Patrick’s deep faith and trust in God enabled him to serve them knowing that God was with him at every moment of the day and night strengthening him and protecting him.

He is remembered for his simple ways, his love and care for people, for his humble service of God, and for his fearless preaching of the gospel.

Patrick is specially honoured in Australia because of the many Irish people who settled here and brought their faith and love of God with them.”

Source: https://liturgyritualprayer.com/saint-patrick-primary-god-surrounds-and-protects-us/

Fr Kingsley will be joining us for assembly this Friday morning. He will also be offering the sacrament of Reconciliation for staff and students who are eligible at school in the Bush Chapel. Parents and parishioners are more than welcome to join us for this opportunity.

God bless and have a wonderful week,

Ange

Altar Servers

Fr Peter is looking for volunteers for Altar Serving - children aged 8 years and over. If you are interested, please come along to the Church at 3:30pm on Tuesdays 26^th of March for 30 minutes to learn what this role involves. Please RSVP to Angela Arthur – angela_arthur@rok.catholic.edu.au

Exciting News: Our New Website is Live!

We are thrilled to announce that our brand-new website has officially launched this week! While some elements are still undergoing updates, we couldn't wait to share our revamped online presence with you.

A huge shoutout goes to Anne Webber for her fantastic work in capturing the essence of our community through her stunning photography. We are immensely grateful for her talent and dedication. As we continue to fine-tune and enhance our website, be sure to keep an eye out for more photos being added from our photo shoot last year.

Explore our new digital home at ollrok.catholic.edu.au. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us as we strive to create an engaging and informative online platform for all our stakeholders.

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.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Please access Parent Lounge using your username and password. Once logged in you will have the opportunity to book a timeslot with your child's teacher. Bookings are open now and will close this Sunday 17^th March at 3pm. Please ensure to book your preferred time slot at your earliest convenience. This allows our staff ample time to prepare for the meetings.

Parent Lounge can be accessed from the homepage of our school website: https://ollrok.catholic.edu.au/
 
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's education. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on 07 49948375.

Down Syndrome Awareness Day - 21/3/24

Next Thursday, March 21st, marks Down Syndrome Awareness Day, a significant occasion to raise awareness and understanding.

At Our Lady's, we're honouring this day by wearing crazy socks and free dress (No gold coin required).

This year, our focus revolves around the theme #End the Stereotypes. This poignant theme reminds us that individuals with down syndrome and intellectual disabilities often face unfair treatment due to misconceptions. They're sometimes seen as childlike, underestimated, and sadly, even excluded or mistreated. It's imperative that we collectively work towards ending these harmful stereotypes, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Let's play our part in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Catholic School Parents Qld - P&F

P&F meeting for March to be held on Wednesday 20th starting at 5:30pm in C block. Zoom details will be emailed next week for those who cannot attend in person.

Cross Country Carnival - 27/3/24

Due to recent rain events the Motor Cross Track has been deemed unsafe for our Cross Country Carnival. Our Cross Country Carnival is now being held at the school on Wednesday 27th of March. As this is a very different track than the usual Motor Cross Track, we will record any records gained during this event separately to the Motor Cross Track Records to be transparent and fair to all runners past and present.

Students can wear SunSmart coloured house shirts (Blue for Thomson and Yellow for Kennedy) and are able to wear any appropriate running shoes. All students will require a water bottle and hat to participate in this event.

Approximate Race times are as follows.

Parents are invited to spectate or to participate in the fun run component of the morning. As this is the last day of school for Term 1 students can go home after the Cross Country if their parents collect them and sign them out at the school office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office and we will be happy to assist you.

We would love to have you join us for this fun annual event.

Mobile Phone & Wearable Technology Policy

Uniform Policy

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

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.

Responding Well to People with "Challenging Behaviour" and its Messages - Longreach

Longreach Regional Council

Making better places to walk in Longreach

Longreach Regional Council is working on a project called the Longreach Walking Network Plan.

We need to know your favourite places to walk to help Council with this project. We also need to know things that will make walking easier for you such as better paths, more footpaths and other things like lights and water bubblers.

Please help us by answering the questions in this survey. https://www.cprgroup.com.au/LongreachWNP

This survey will close on Sunday 14 April 2024.

Non State School Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS), funded by the State Government and administered by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), provides financial assistance to families transporting children to non-state schools in Queensland.

The Scheme’s Bus Fare Assistance Program (BFAP) provides a rebate above a threshold amount to eligible families whose student attends a non-state school outside the Brisbane City Council boundary. Setting a threshold is necessary to ensure the funding provided by the State Government is adequate to meet demand.

The weekly family threshold for Semester One 2024 was set by the Committee in August 2023 at $35 ($25 for a concession card holder). Applications for Semester One travel can be made in May at SchoolTransport.com.au.

The threshold is reviewed by the NSSTAS Reference Committee every semester and adjusted based on available cash reserves and anticipated demand. It is set before the start of the upcoming semester to ensure schools and families can appropriately plan their travel arrangements.
The Committee has reviewed the Scheme for Semester 2 2024. I am pleased to advise the weekly family threshold will reduce to $25 ($15 for a concession card holder). Increased funding to recognise enrolment growth and a high rate of indexation has resulted in an increase in the total grant funding received, enabling the reduction. We are pleased that this will help families with greater financial assistance in a period of increased cost of living. Applications can be made online on the website for Semester 2 travel in October and further information about the Scheme is available at SchoolTransport.com.au.

School zone safety – advice for motorists, parents and carers

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

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Longreach Playgroup

Australian Camps Association (ACA)