Term 2 Week 9 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Get ready for an exhilarating day of sportsmanship and school spirit as the Thomson Pelicans take on the Kennedy Kangaroos in the highly anticipated Athletics Carnival at LSHS tomorrow. Students should be dropped off at the High School by 8:30 am to ensure all events can start on time. The day’s activities will wrap up by 3:00 pm, and students will need to be picked up from LSHS. We warmly invite all parents and friends to join us for this exciting event. Please find the detailed timetable attached in the newsletter.

This term, our leadership team has been dedicated to enhancing students' reading skills by spending three days a week in classrooms, assisting during guided reading sessions. This initiative aims to boost our students' reading data, and we are thrilled to report significant growth in their learning following recent testing. Mrs. Arthur has been focusing on Prep - 2, Mrs. Thurecht on Year 3-4, and I have been supporting Year 5-6. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the students' learning journey firsthand, and we are excited to continue this program into term 3.

Last night’s Disney Disco was a spectacular success, with a wonderful turnout of families and friends. The event not only provided a night of fun and community bonding but also raised essential funds to support our Year 6 camp to Brisbane. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this fantastic cause!

We are pleased to announce that starting in term 3, Mrs. Lisa Neuendorf will be teaching Year 6 two days per week as Mr. Komndi-Diggins transitions to his APRE duties. Lisa has been a valued member of Our Lady's community for many years and is well-equipped to guide our Year 6 students through the rest of the year. We appreciate Lisa for stepping into this role and are confident in her ability to continue delivering excellent education. A detailed letter outlining these changes will be sent to Year 6 families next week.

God bless

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

Difference

In last Sunday’s Gospel, two sets of people are not happy with Jesus’ behaviour.  He had just begun his public ministry and the crowds were flocking to hear his preaching and have him heal their sick.  His family came shocked at this new behaviour on his part and wanted to take him home, thinking he was mad.  The religious authorities came shocked that he was preaching and healing without reference and deference to them and declared he was bad.  Neither group had spent time with Jesus, talking to him, asking him questions, being with the people he had helped.  They had made their decisions based on their own experience and judgment…and they were wrong.

I am slow to condemn either his family or the authorities because I know how easily I, and we, do the same.  When someone is different for whatever reason, we, too often, don’t take time to find out the reason, especially when they challenge the way we live or the values we embrace.   We need to take time, preferably with them, to discover why they act the way they do.  Then change can really take place – both in the person and in ourselves. 

Maybe someone is mad or bad…and needs help.  It is only after we have done our best to understand them that we will be able to give realistic help, or agree to disagree, or leave them to their beliefs and get on with our lives with quiet minds.  It is only our prejudices that we can truly change.  But with curious conversations and prayerful reflection, the Holy Spirit can lead us into true, loving ways of living with differences.

Loving God, send your wise Spirit to guide me when I have to live with people who are different.  Let the Spirit open my mind and heart to listen and to truly love them through and, sometimes in spite of, our differences. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father Bang and Father Kingsley for their unwavering support and dedication. Their commitment to our spiritual growth is evident as they offer the sacrament of reconciliation to our staff and students in the serene setting of our Bush Chapel once per term. This sacrament provides a valuable opportunity for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal, helping our students to grow in their faith.

First Reconciliation Preparation

We are pleased to announce that St Brigid's Catholic Parish is offering a preparation program for children aged 8 years and over (by the end of 2024) to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation. This important step in a child's spiritual journey allows them to experience God's grace and forgiveness in a profound way.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in this program, please reach out to Mrs. Arthur for more information and to register your interest. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young parishioners to deepen their understanding of the faith and to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church.

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, Mrs Belinda Thurecht and Ms Sarah Wall. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of our officers.

School Fees

Dear Parents and Carers

Please find attached Advice #3, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. Advice #3 outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each school and School Fees. It also provides the CEDR School Funding Guiding Principles that inform the development of the new CEDR Adapted Cluster School Fee model, that will commence from 2025.

Curriculum News - Learnership with James Anderson

Please stop telling your child they are smart

When you went to school learning was probably something you just did. But the science of learning has progressed. Today we understand that learning is a skill, and arguably it's the single most important skill we can develop. That's what Learnership is. The skill of learning. It's about getting better. Here's how to start talking to your child about learning as a skill. After all, they don't go to school just to learn. They go to school to learn how to learn well.

Lesson 3

I wish I hadn't said that

We love our children, and we want the best for them. But sometimes, unintentionally, we say things that can get in the way of them becoming effectibe learners. In this video I tell the story of how, in an effort to encorouge my daughter, I might have ben teaching her not to try too hard. I wish I hadn't said this...

Lesson 4

Ecumenism & Interfaith Presentation - July 2024

Interested in learning more about the Catholic Church’s position with regard to relations with other Christians and people of other faiths and want to know what is happening in Queensland in this area?

You are invited to a free presentation with Margaret Naylon from Brisbane Archdiocese on Saturday 13 July from 9:30am to 12 noon in the Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. This presentation will be live-streamed for people across Queensland who are unable to attend in person. For further information, please contact Margaret Naylon at naylonm@bne.catholic.net.au or 0408 123 364.

For registration: follow the link to the booking site or use the QR code:

https://app.tickets.org.au/eb/EcumenicalInterfaithPresentation

Athletics Carnival - Friday 14th June

Athletics Carnival Menu

MEAL DEALS

1. 3 Mini Pies & Poppa $5
2. Hamburger with salad & Poppa $8
3. Sausage on bread & Poppa $5

SNACKS

• Baked treats $2
• Chips $3
• Water $3
• Softdrink $3
• Fruit Salad Cups $3
• Chocolates $3

The canteen will only be open at lunch break times during the day, so that parents are able to watch their children compete.

There will be a limited number of extra meal deals available on the day for those who haven't pre-ordered.

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

The next P&F meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th June at 5:30pm in C block. Zoom details will be emailed next week for those who cannot attend in person.

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

🔹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 Playgroup

LSHS Year 6 Highschool Parent Information Evening & Transition Days

Mobile Phone & Wearable Technology Policy

Uniform Policy

Tuckshop

There will be no Tuckshop on Friday 19th July (Term 3 Week 2).

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

Longreach Regional Council

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

Register for the Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) Virtual Symposium and be part of the lively interactive discussion online, sharing experiences and key ideas for building successful consumer partnerships.

Program highlights:
Share the journey from consumer to community representative with a voice in the delivery of quality health care services.
Four experienced consumer representatives will discuss how they began, what they would do differently, and the important things they have learned along the way;

Success stories in the spotlight
We shine the spotlight on three different ways consumers and organisations work together, and hear from staff and consumers about their experiences and tips for success;

Do some Jargon Busting
Share your confusing healthcare terms online for the panel to unpick. Tell us what term you'd like busted.
This event is free and open to anyone, no matter where you live or work.

https://www.hcq.org.au/partneringbetter/