Term 2 Week 3 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

We are excited to share with you the latest update on our Accelerated Reader program, which has been growing in Years 3-6 this term. This term, we've witnessed a remarkable surge in participation and engagement with the Accelerated Reader program. Students have been actively reading books from various sources: our library collection, classroom guided readers, and selections from their own home libraries. It's been heartwarming to see them immerse themselves in the world of literature, exploring diverse genres and expanding their horizons with every page turned.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Accelerated Reader program is the opportunity for students to earn points by taking online quizzes after completing their chosen books. These quizzes not only assess their comprehension but also serve as a motivating factor, encouraging them to delve deeper into the text and engage critically with the material. To celebrate the remarkable achievements of our avid readers, we are thrilled to announce a special incentive: any student who earns more than 30 points for their reading efforts will receive an exclusive invitation to a Pizza Party in Week 10. This celebration is a small token of appreciation for their hard work. At the end of the year, we will utilise the data to recognise and celebrate a Year 3-6 Reader of the Year. Let’s keep those pages turning!!!

Friday Sport will kick off this week! Starting this Friday, our teams will compete against Longreach State School in thrilling matches that promise to be full of energy and excitement. Whether they're dodging opponents on the touch football field or strategising their next move on the netball court, our students are ready to give it their all and represent Our Lady's with pride. We extend a warm invitation to all parents to come and support our students from 2pm on Friday afternoons. Please note that this week's games will be held here at Our Lady's.

Good luck to our students who are competing in the Central West Cross Country Trials in Aramac this Friday. As you step onto the starting line, remember to run with heart, run with determination, and, most importantly, run with joy. Embrace the exhilaration of the race and revel in the experience of pushing your limits and surpassing expectations. Thank you to Mrs Neuendorf and Miss Wall who will be there to support the students on the day.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

St Joseph the Worker  - Feast Day 1^st of May

Work gets a bad press.  All around us people make out as though working is a bad thing.  If only they could win the lottery, they could get away from it all. If only they could retire early...... but would they be happy? 

Jesus began his ministry at about 30 years of age.  What was he doing before that? Working with his foster-father St Joseph in the family carpentry business.  Most likely he started helping out as a little nipper, so before he began his preaching, he had probably worked for about 25 years.   25 years as a tradie, 3 years preaching. There is an important message here.  In the creation stories, we are told how God delighted in making the heavens and the earth and found it all ‘very good.’

There is something inherently good about work.  Not drudgery that demeans us.  But good, even hard work that we can stand back from and say “It is good.”  When we have completed something – be it a shift at the mines, the making of a meal, the teaching of a class, the washing of a dirty child, we need to stop for a moment and admire our work.  With God, we should say ‘it is good.”  Work should not be valued just by the wage it brings in but, more importantly, by the dignity it gives to us.  As we work, we share in God’s creative power. 

Creative God, you have called us to share in your work of creation.  Send us your Sprit that we may work like Jesus, delighting in the work of our hands and minds.  We ask this in his name, confident that you may hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb.

APRE News

Exploring Catholic Identity

This week, Mr KD and myself have joined educators from across our diocese gathered in Rockhampton for a transformative training experience. Our focus? Exploring and enriching the Catholic identity of our schools.

Under the guidance of Australian Catholic University, we delved into data collected from various Queensland dioceses. This invaluable information served as our compass as we navigated through discussions tailored to our unique contexts.

Our mission is clear: to ensure that the Catholic identity of our schools not only pays homage to our rich heritage but also resonates deeply with our students and their families in today's world. By embracing modernity while remaining rooted in tradition, we strive to make our faith a vibrant and meaningful aspect of everyday life within our educational community.

This journey is not just about introspection; it's about transformation. Through shared insights, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to continuous growth, we are paving the way for a future where our Catholic identity shines brightly, guiding and inspiring all who walk through our doors.

We are looking forward to coming home and sharing what we have learned with staff next week.

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.

Accelerated Reader

Students in Year 3 - 6 are using Accelerated Reader. Accelerated Reader is a reading program that helps teachers support and monitor children’s reading practice and progress.

Your child picks a book at their own level and reads it at their own pace. When finished, your child takes a short online quiz to measure how much of the book they understood. Books are assigned Points based on their word count. Points are earned by passing quizzes. The more correct questions answered, the more points children will earn. Children who earn 30 points this term will be invited to a pizza party! Get reading students.

125 Year Celebration - Paver Fundraiser

As we commemorate our 125^th anniversary at Our Lady's next year, we invite you, our cherished families and friends, to contribute to our enduring Alumni Pavers Project. Located at Parents' Place, these pavers serve as timeless tributes to your connection with Our Lady's.

🔹 Cost: $40 per paver

🔹 Deadline: Please complete and return the accompanying form to the school by Friday, Week 5, Term 2, 2024 (May 17th).

🔹 Contact: For additional order forms or further inquiries, kindly reach out to our school office at 0749948375.

Your participation not only commemorates your history with Our Lady's but also supports vital projects organized by our Parents & Friends association.

Let's make our 125^th anniversary truly unforgettable, one paver at a time!

Just 1 Thing

As we begin Term 2 our fundraising efforts increase, we invite you to take every opportunity to help your child soar higher at Our Lady’s. 

Being involved in the school community helps your child feel connected and increases their willingness to learn. They get such a kick out of seeing mum / dad / grandparents and other special people at school. 

How do we achieve this??? By helping with Just 1 thing! Find out more and let us know how you can assist through the link below.

https://forms.gle/ekidPu8D3di2YXEm8

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame Campdraft

Our Lady's P&F have been invited to cater at the 2024 Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame Camp Draft, which is held on Friday 31st of May, Saturday 1st of June and Sunday 2nd of June. This is a great opportunity for the P&F to raise funds for projects within our school which will benefit our students.

Our Lady’s P&F have committed to the following during the Camp Draft:

• Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner across the weekend. We are the sole caterers for the event.
• The operation of the bar across the weekend.

To make sure everything runs smoothly, we're counting on the support of many parents and friends to assist with tasks ranging from cooking dishes, serving meals and pouring drinks at the bar.

Click this link to assist with catering: https://signup.zone/LMwX8isYZCsLttbLT

For questions and further information about catering, please contact Lisa Neuendorf on 0447636787 or email lisa_neuendorf@rok.actholic.edu.au.

Click this link to assist with the bar: https://signup.zone/W4FDrMXcdhrH7qPs6

For questions and further information about the bar, please contact Bill Seeney on 0427580301 or James Batt on 0428173423

Mother's Day Celebrations

Under 8's Day

On Friday, May 17th, students from Prep to Year 2 have been invited to participate in Under 8's Day at Longreach State School. Students will be walking to the state school accompanied by their teachers and support staff for the event. We kindly request that you ensure your child is at school no later than 8:40 am, so we can depart promptly for the festivities.

Our Lady's Playgroup

LSHS Year 6 Highschool Parent Information Evening & Transition Days

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

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month  - It's in our control to end coercive control

Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, highlight the support services available, and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.

Below are some valuable resources regarding family and domestic violence:

Love not Control 2024 (cloud.microsoft)

https://domesticviolence.com.au/

https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/domestic-family-violence/my-situation-is/how-do-i-help-my-community-understand-domestic-violence/domestic-and-family-violence-prevention-month

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.

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