Term 2 Week 6 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Next week, our school will proudly participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW), a significant event that runs from 27 May to 3 June. This annual celebration invites all Australians to reflect on and contribute to the journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s a time for us to explore how we can each play a part in achieving justice and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme for NRW 2024, "Now More Than Ever," serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to advocate for the rights and recognition of Indigenous communities. Throughout the week, students will engage in various classroom activities designed to raise awareness and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. These activities aim to foster respect, knowledge, and a commitment to reconciliation within our school community.

This week, we conducted interviews for the Acting Assistant to the Principal: Religious Education (APRE) position, which will commence next term as Mrs. Angela Arthur takes leave. Our panel, consisting of Fr. Bang, Mrs. Kellie Jenkinson (AD: Mission), and myself, carefully evaluated all applicants. We are pleased with the high calibre of candidates and look forward to announcing the successful applicant in the coming weeks.

On Wednesday, many of our classes enthusiastically participated in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS), a vibrant and fun event designed to promote the value of reading and literacy. NSS uses an Australian children's book to explore age-appropriate themes and address key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. This year, the chosen story was "Bowerbird Blues," which features a beautiful bowerbird on a quest to find blue items. Our Preps particularly loved the story and engaged in some fantastic related activities, highlighting the joy and importance of reading.

This week, we sent home information regarding our upcoming Athletics Carnival. We kindly ask that families return the notes and food orders promptly to ensure smooth planning and preparation. We are confident that this year’s carnival, organized by the dedicated Mrs. Lisa Neuendorf, will be another fantastic event filled with excitement and school spirit.

Finally, the Longreach Show Holiday is this Friday, and our staff have been busily preparing displays for our float in the Show Parade. Information for families has been sent home for those planning to join us on the float. While you're at the Show, be sure to check out our student art entries in the pavilion. Our students have worked hard on their creations, and we are excited to showcase their talent to the community.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

Helping

A parishioner recently came to help out with our mowing.  He brought along his grandson, who asked how much they were to be paid.  He was told they would not – they were volunteering – a notion that hadn’t registered with the boy.  He loved his time here – working with this grandfather, riding the mower, enjoying the cake, to eat here and take away.  He has happily come back a couple of time.  I hope he has caught the bug of helping.  There is something integral to our nature to help…and to receive help.

This week we celebrate both Volunteers Week and the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, our country’s patron.  Mary, under that name, was chosen early in the life of the colony because they were so desperately in need of help.  If we need help, we also need to give help.  Volunteering has flourished in our country.  Indeed, it is integral to the quality of life that we enjoy.  Think of your local community.  In mine, the singing groups, art groups, surf lifesaving, junior sports, historical societies, fun runs, Sailability and so much more make this a place worth living in.  Then there are the groups that help those in need: Vinnies, Salvos and Lifeline.  I apologise to those many I have missed.  The backbone of all these groups are people working for no payment with simply the satisfaction of helping.

We all want this generosity to continue.  This is a good to week to think and pray on what we each do to build up our community.  We can pray to Our Lady, Help of Christians for the wisdom to discern the best way we can help while still caring for our families and ourselves.  We need to make good decisions to maintain our balance.  And, of course, we need to notice and to thank the many that do volunteer giving generously to make life better for others.

Loving Father, we pray with Mary, Help of Christians, for the wisdom to know how we should volunteer in our community and have the strength to carry this out.  We ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

This Sunday, Catholics recognise the Feast of the Holy Trinity.

The Sign of the Cross

On Trinity Sunday, Christians reflect on the mystery and unity of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This central doctrine of the Christian faith highlights the three distinct persons in one God, a unity that believers acknowledge with the Sign of the Cross.

Connection to Pentecost

Trinity Sunday follows the feast of Pentecost, a significant event in the Christian liturgical calendar. Pentecost commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. It marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide and support his followers.

Congratulations to Miss Godfrey and the Year 4 class for winning Mrs. Arthur's Pentecost Quiz! In celebration, they received a birthday cake, symbolising Pentecost's designation as the "birthday of the Church." This title reflects the moment when the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, began their mission to continue Jesus' work on Earth, thus initiating the Church's mission in the World.

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

Dear Parents and Carers

Please find attached Advice #2, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on funding for Catholic Schools. Advice #2 outlines State and Federal Government responsibility with Non-Government school funding and how parent community Capacity to Contribute (CTC) shapes School Fees. Advice #2 illustrates the relationship between the three funding sources in funding 100% of the School Resource Standard (SRS), and importantly explains how the total funding to Catholic Schools operates.

Athletics Carnival

The annual Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 14 June 2024 at the Longreach State High School Athletics Track. After a successful carnival last year and running Discus and High Jump events prior to the Carnival we will be continuing with this format for 2024.

These events will be run in grade groupings and the results will be compared with age groups to determine the placings in each event. Parents are very welcome to spectate these events.

Monday 10 June - Discus 

Tuesday 11 June – High Jump 

Thursday 13 June – 1500m 9-12 years only (students born in 2015 or earlier). Please arrive by 7:50am at LSHS Athletics oval – Please complete the Google Form that was emailed on 22/5/24 to nominate your student.

On our Athletics Carnival Day students who are 9 to 12 years old will compete in 800m, 200m, 100m, Shot Put, Long Jump, Relays and Ball Games.  

Students who are 7 to 8 years will compete in 80m, 100m, Shot Put, Long Jump, Relays and Ball Games.  

Students who are 5 to 6 years will compete in 60m, 80m, Shot Put, Long Jump, Relays and Ball Games.  

For students to compete in Discus and Shot Put a permission form is required, these were sent home on 22/5/2024. This permission form needs to be returned to School by Wednesday the 5^th of June 2024 or students will not be eligible to compete in these events.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lisa Neuendorf on lisa_neuendorf@rok.catholic.edu.au or contact the school office on 07 4994 8375.

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

In Queensland, the month of May is dedicated as 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.

The theme for 2024 is It’s in our control to end coercive control.

Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator for the Rockhampton Police District, Sergeant Hannah Buckenham, has suggested a positive way for our schools and colleges to support victims/ survivors of Domestic and Family Violence.

Across the Rockhampton and surrounding areas, Police frequently use DV safe phones and distribute them to victims/survivors. DV Safe Phones generously provide free smart phones to victims/survivors where their phone has been destroyed during an act of DV and they have no safe way to contact Police.

DV Safe Phones wipes and resets all phones received and applies a DV Safe application that allows the victims/survivor to safely use the phone.

During May, kindergartens, schools, colleges, and our Catholic Education Office are acting as collection points for old mobile phones and chargers. We invite students and families to bring in smart phones in working condition. These will then be passed on to QPS who will re-task them for use by victims/survivors of DFV.

Below are instructions on how you can prepare your phones for donation.

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!

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

May's P&F meeting will be held on Wednesday 22nd commencing at 5:30pm in C Block all are welcome to attend. A zoom link will be emailed next week.

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

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 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

Griffith University

Outback Futures

The new year is off to a racing start! We have successfully brought on board three parent peers - Laura Noble (Blackall), Sheree Banning (Winton) and Hannah Batt (Longreach), with a Barcy Parent Peer to be hopefully added into the mix soon! I've attached their get to know you cards in case you would like to circulate them around. Thank you again to each of your input into the training, the characteristics of our parent peers and the content of the training. We have received really positive feedback both from the community and our outback futures team so far! The ladies are attending all of the playgroups in their towns and have already connected with so many new mothers and families. 

The Mater Research (Kerri Gillespie and Grace Branjerdporn) are doing some research and evaluation on the development of the Parent peer program and they may be reaching out to you separately to ask if you want to provide your input on your involvement. The research will hopefully help Outback Futures continue to receive funding for our parent peers! This is completely voluntary - and will consist of a 30 min phone call. If you're up for it, feel free to participate and if not, that's fine too!

Click here for the Outback Futures Top Tips Card: 240408 F1D Top Tip cards (14.8 x 10.5 cm) (canva.com) 

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