Term 2 Week 10 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Last week’s Athletics Carnival at the high school was a contest to remember! Participation was exceptionally high, with students beaming with smiles as they took part in various events. It was truly heart warming to witness the pride on our parents’ faces as they watched their children compete.

The day was filled with numerous memorable moments, but the highlight for many was undoubtedly the Prep/Year 1 relay. This race was the closest of the day, with the cheering from the crowd reaching a deafening level. The energy and excitement were palpable, making it a thrilling experience for everyone involved.

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Neuendorf for her impeccable organisation, ensuring the day ran smoothly. We also extend our gratitude to Little Athletics, particularly Mel Palmer, Bron Holland, and Haylee Flanagan, for their invaluable assistance in the timing hut and for the use of the oval. Additionally, a massive thanks to our P&F for keeping everyone well-fed throughout the day.

It is with a touch of sadness that we bid farewell to Mrs. Angela Arthur for the next 18 months. Ange has been an incredible source of wisdom, friend, and a leader of faith in our school since her return last year. We wish Ange and Lachlan all the best as they welcome the newest addition to their family later this year, and we are confident that Tommy, Charlie, and Jack will be fantastic big brothers. Enjoy your family time, Mrs. Arthur, and we look forward to seeing you back in 2026!

Finally, report cards will be issued today at 12 PM via Parent Lounge. If you encounter any issues logging in, please contact our school office for assistance. As a reminder, school will conclude this Friday, June 21st, and classes will resume on Monday, July 8th. We wish all our families a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

God bless

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

Seeds of God’s Love

Last Sunday’s Gospel had two of my favourite parables – the Patient Farmer and the Mustard Seed.  In both of these Jesus takes ordinary things as signs of the presence of God bringing growth and life.  In both, it is the quiet growth of seeds, producing a harvest for the farmer in one, and a tree where birds can nest in the other.  For Jesus, God’s presence wasn’t something remote from ordinary life.  It can be radiant in nearly everything we do.  Here are some of the simple things that speak to me of God’s love.

Floating inn water.  Our local ‘lagoon’ has a 2.4m depth and when I swim there, I often just hang in the water looking out to sea, and let myself hang in the presence of God.  The close comfort of the water is a sign of how God upholds me.

Lying in a warm bed, especially on these cold nights.  Wrapped in the blankets, I let myself be snug in God’s love.  

Sunlight through the window.  It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, the sun shines for you and me.  We do nothing to deserve it but we are all given it just as we are given God’s love without deserving it.

Grandparents’ love.  I knew three of my grandparents into adulthood. In the past weeks, my neighbours have become grandparents and watching them hover in total delight over the little baby reminds me that I have been loved like that, by my own grandparents and by God.

What are some of the ordinary things that reveal God’s love to you?  As you name them, think of how you could share your experience with your children.  You could be sowing seeds that will flourish into their own experience of God.

Loving God, the signs of your presence are all around me.  Send me your wise Spirit that I may recognise and name where I can experience you holding me in love… and let me share this with my children.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Celebrating the End of Term at Our Lady's

This morning, our school community gathered with members of our Parish at St Brigid's Church to celebrate Mass, marking the end of another term of learning together. This cherished tradition at Our Lady's allows us to come together in faith, reflecting on our experiences and giving thanks for the blessings we have received.

Why is Mass Part of Our Tradition? Attending Mass is an integral part of our school life at Our Lady's. It offers us a unique opportunity to bring our whole selves before God, acknowledging both our strengths and our struggles. It is a time to express gratitude for the gifts and support we have received throughout the term, and to seek guidance and strength for the future.

Special Thanks A heartfelt thank you goes to Father Bang and our Year 6 leaders who led our celebration this morning. Their leadership and dedication added a special touch to our Mass, making it a memorable and uplifting experience for all.

A New Chapter As we close another successful term at Our Lady's, it is also a time for personal transitions. I will be taking maternity leave and wish to extend my congratulations to Mr. Sahlie Komndi-Diggins, who will step into the role of Assistant Principal – Religious Education (APRE) during my absence. I have no doubt that Sahlie will do an extraordinary job in supporting Peter and guiding the religious education and faith development of our school community. 

Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating break, and looking forward to the new term with renewed energy and spirit.

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.

Changes to Arts and P.E for Term 3 and 4

Due to Mrs. Neuendorf teaching Year 6 on Mondays and Tuesdays next term, Arts and P.E. classes will now be scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. The Term 3 timetable is as follows:

Wednesday – P.E for Prep, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5/6;

Thursday – Arts for Prep, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5/6;

Friday morning - P.E. and Arts for Year 1.

Please ensure your child wears their P.E Uniform on Wednesday and Friday next semester.

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.

Accelerated Reader

Congratulations to all the students who reached their reading goals this term! Here are the details of the competition results. The pizza party will occur Thursday at first break for these students:

Year 3

Mac J

Blake H

Year 4

Sam B

Clayton H

Year 5 (Class Winners)

Atticus H

Brackston C

Year 6

Lachlan H

Alexie H

Year 5 is the winning class with a combined score of 460 points.

Great job to everyone who participated! Keep up the excellent reading and comprehension skills!

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

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!

NAIDOC Celebrations 2024

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 - Bouncing forward in tough times

The Outback Futures team values the connection we have with you and your community, and we'd like to share a special free email series with you.

Our 9 week Resilient Kids and Youth series shares practical tips and tools to help kids and teens grow their resilience.

We know resilience is one of those words that has been used so much, its value and meaning is often diluted.
But before you dismiss this, let's take a quick look at why building resilience is so important for our children.

Bouncing forward - It can be helpful to think of resilience as bouncing forward in tough times.
This means having a good set of support, skills, and tools that help us - no matter what age we are - tackle life’s challenges and move forward through tough times rather than get stuck or even move backwards.

Key signposts - So, what does resilience look like in our kids and teens?
The Outback Futures team has developed three key signposts, based on the latest research, which can help our children navigate their way through life: 

1. I HAVE people who love me and help me 
2. I AM a person who knows myself well and is considerate of others
3. I CAN solve problems and proactively navigate my emotions

9 weekly emails - Sign up and each week you'll receive an email with:

• A 4-5 minute video, presented by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia's most trusted parenting experts. He shares easy to understand and relatable ideas you and your family can put into action straight away.
• A 4 page workbook of ideas and activities you can work through with your kids and teens at your own pace.
• Some extra resources from the Outback Futures team and our friends at Parent TV. 

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