Term 2 Week 4 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

This morning, our MPC was filled with warmth, love, and the delicious aroma of breakfast as we gathered to celebrate Mother's Day. It was truly a special occasion, with mums, grandmas, and aunties from our school community coming together to share in the joy of this day. I want to extend my thanks to our dedicated P&F and staff members who volunteered to prepare and serve the scrumptious breakfast. Their efforts ensured that every guest felt welcomed and appreciated.

After breakfast, our Preps led us in a touching liturgy. These young students captivated us with their innocence and sincerity as they shared why their mums are so special to them.  It seems we have a multitude of great cooks among our Prep families, as many of them expressed their love for their mums by highlighting their amazing culinary skills. "I love my mum because she is a great cook," echoed through the MPC, reminding us of the simple yet profound ways in which mothers nurture and care for their children. To all the mums, grandmas, and aunties in our school community, I wish you a truly special Mother's Day filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Next week I will be attending the Leading with Integrity for Excellence program in Rockhampton. This program is designed to equip leaders with essential skills and insights in governance, ethics, strategic thinking, responsible stewardship, promoting a culture of safety and well-being, and fostering a culture of performance. These pillars are not just principles to uphold but are integral to the very fabric of our work within Catholic education. Mrs Angela Arthur will be Acting Principal in my absence.

We extend our best wishes to our Year 5 students as they embark on an exciting adventure at Camp Fairbairn in Emerald next Tuesday. Under the guidance of Mr. Kopacz, Miss Kelleher, and Miss Zischke, our students are sure to have a memorable and enriching experience. We are immensely grateful to these dedicated staff members for generously giving their time to make this opportunity possible for our students. Have a fantastic time at camp, Year 5s.

Our Friday Sport fixtures against Longreach State School are set to continue this week, featuring exciting matchups in both netball and touch football. Last week, I had the privilege of refereeing touch football and was thoroughly impressed by the sportsmanship and skill displayed by all students. Despite facing various challenges, our teams showcased resilience and determination, securing a win, a loss, and a draw throughout the afternoon. Miss Walker reported that our netballers faced a tough game but demonstrated unwavering effort and commitment. As we anticipate another round of thrilling games, I eagerly await hearing more sports reports and celebrating the achievements of our students. Parents and friends are welcome to attend these games each Friday from 2pm.

God Bless

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

The Power of Hope

I have a great-niece who is an excellent swimmer.  Her hope is to swim at the Olympics and given the way she has shaped her daily life, she has a real chance.  You can imagine the discipline and choices she and her parents have made and, so far, they are paying off.  Even if she doesn’t make it, there are many life skills she is learning along the way. The hope of getting to that standard carries her through the hours of training and many self-denials.  Hope helps her face the early mornings, the holidays at meets, the healthy diet and so much more.

What are our hopes?  If we have none, no real goal, we shall drift and waste our life and energy filling in time with activities (or in-activities) that actually make us feel useless or bad.  If we have clear goals, we do things to shape our life to fulfill those goals.  ‘Be a good parent’ – we then take time with our child/ren, enjoying them.  ‘Be a good neighbour’ – we notice and help the people around us.  ‘Be healthy’ – we eat well and exercise.   It is worth taking time to consider and name our short- and long-term goals and ask ourselves what are we actually doing to fulfill them.

Our longest-term goal it to come to the happiness of heaven. This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension – that moment when Jesus left this earth and returned to the Father – yet promises to be with us always.  This is a mystery hard for us to understand, except that it gives us a hope that can define and refine our lives.  Where he has gone, we hope to be.  Imagine what you would be like as your best and most loving self, the person you would be in heaven – full of life.  You can shape your life now according to that goal, and Jesus has promised to be with you, giving you the strength and wisdom to fulfill it.

Loving God, you know the dreams and goals I have in my life, especially towards my child/ren.  Send me your wise and loving Spirit so that I can discern the best ways to put these into practice and have the courage and strength to fulfill them.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear them.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

As we approach Mother's Day, it's a time not only to honor the maternal figures in our lives but also to reflect on the profound role they play in shaping who we are. From the nurturing embrace of Mother Mary to the unconditional love of our own mothers, this day serves as a reminder of the immeasurable impact mothers have on our lives.

In the Christian tradition, Mother Mary holds a special place as the mother of Jesus Christ. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering faith serve as an inspiration to mothers everywhere. Her love transcends time and continues to resonate with believers around the world, reminding us of the sacred bond between mother and child.

Yet, Mother's Day is not just about celebrating one mother figure. It's about recognizing and appreciating the countless mothers who have made sacrifices, offered guidance, and showered us with love throughout our lives. Whether it's a biological mother, a stepmother, an adoptive mother, or a mother figure, each one leaves an indelible mark on our hearts.

This Friday, we kick off our Mother's Day celebrations with a special breakfast at 7:30 am. It's a time for families to come together and show their appreciation for the mothers in their lives. Following this, our Prep Class will lead a touching liturgy in the Multi-Purpose Centre at 9 am, acknowledging the importance of mothers in our community.

On Sunday morning at 9 am, we invite you to join us at St. Brigid's Catholic Church for a special Mother's Day service. It's an opportunity to come together in prayer and gratitude, giving thanks for the love and guidance we have received from our mothers. We will be offering children’s liturgy as part of the service and morning tea to follow. I’m looking for children to assist with ministries, please let me know if this is something you may be interested in (reading, offertory etc).

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us not forget to express our love and appreciation for the mothers who have shaped us into the people we are today. Whether through a simple gesture, a heartfelt word, or a warm embrace, let us show our gratitude for the extraordinary women who have given us the greatest gift of all—the gift of love.

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.

School Fees

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

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