Term 3 Week 1 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Welcome back to all our families as we kick off Term 3. It's amazing to think we're already halfway through the year. Time sure flies! This term promises to be just as busy and exciting as the last.

We wish our Year 5 & 6 students the best of luck as they head to Yeppoon for the Challenge Cup, competing in rugby league and netball. This annual carnival brings together primary schools from across our diocese for three days of friendly competition. Our Lady's joins forces with Barcaldine and Blackall to form the 'Western Wave' team. Mr. Komndi-Diggins, Miss Walker, and I will be coaching and managing our teams during the event.

This week, our school will engage in NAIDOC Week activities. The theme this year is "Keep the Fire Burning - Blak, Loud and Proud," celebrating the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures. Fire symbolizes the deep connection to Country, community, and the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On Friday, Year 4 will lead us in prayer as we come together to honour NAIDOC Week.

Our Lady's P&F will be managing the bar at the Ilfracombe Races this weekend. If you can spare some time to help with this important fundraising event, please reach out to Lisa Neuendorf. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Report cards for Term 2 were issued before the holidays and are available on Parent Lounge. If you experience any issues accessing Parent Lounge, please contact our school office on 0749948375 or via email oll@rok.catholic.edu.au.

God bless,

Mr. Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

I’ve read the work by Professors Kegan and Lahey, of Harvard University, who write on why we don’t change even when we say we want to. They recognise that most of us have a list of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ that we trot out when we feel our life should shape up a little more, which we ‘work’ on for a while but which fundamentally produce no change. Kegan and Lahey offer a series of exercises by which their readers uncover the hidden assumptions that undermine our desire to improve. If done, one can feel more than a little uncomfortable and embarrassed. It is not simply that we are not as good as we think we are but rather that we are very complex beings.

When Jesus sent out his disciples it was to preach ‘repentance’. This was not a call to be a miserable ascetic crying, ‘Woe is me…and everyone else for that matter.’ The repentance that Jesus is asking for is a change of mind, an ongoing transformation that helps one to see reality in a different way. What this looks like can be seen in the injunctions Jesus gives the disciples: do not rely on things, rather rely on the hospitality of God and people, accept what you are given graciously and don’t go looking for something better, don’t argue with people who reject you but don’t lie down and take abuse. Behind these injunctions is a certain way of living that is transformative. We are to trust God and accept the hospitality of people, don’t argue with abuse. Does that seem simple? Try it in this coming week and see what you learn about yourself.

Loving God, you call me to follow Jesus in such a way that my life preaches the transforming power of his love. Send me your Spirit, that I may trust in your love upholding me in all situations and that I may offer to all the welcome Jesus gives to me. I ask this in his name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris OSB

APRE News

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you and your families had a relaxing and revitalizing break and are ready for an eventful term. I am excited to announce a big change this term as I step into the role of Acting Assistant Principal: Religious Education while Ange Arthur begins her maternity leave. We wish Ange and her family the best and keep them in our prayers as they prepare for the arrival of the newest member of their family.

The first week of Term 3 focuses on NAIDOC Week, celebrated from July 7th to July 14th. The theme for 2024 is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud." This powerful theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and invites everyone to stand in solidarity to amplify voices that have been silenced for too long. The fire represents the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations for thousands of years. It symbolises the connection between the land, the people, and the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In Exodus 3:1-6, God appears to Moses as a blazing fire amid a bush. This symbolizes God’s miraculous energy, sacred light, and burning heart of love for all people. This can be connected to this year’s theme, highlighting that the fire of Indigenous peoples has always been present, just as God’s burning love will always be there.

“Blak, Loud, and Proud” captures the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering them to stand tall in their heritage and make their voices heard. It demands that all Australians listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and voices are valued and respected. This theme resonates with Christians and Catholics alike. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are challenged to stand up for our beliefs while also listening and engaging in effective dialogue to build a better understanding and appreciation of our own and others' beliefs.

NAIDOC Week is an important and special time not only for our school but for all of Australia. Each class will participate in learning and activities to better understand and appreciate the significance of NAIDOC Week and to strengthen the connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Additionally, Year 4 will lead the whole school in prayer on Friday morning (July 12th), focusing on the theme of NAIDOC Week.

Our Lady’s will also be ministering Mass this Sunday 14/7 at St Brigid’s at 9am. It would be great to see as many students and families as we can attend!

I hope you have a great start to Term 3!

God Bless,

Mr KD 

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, Mr Sahlie Komndi-Diggins, 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 Photo Day - Wednesday 7th August

To ensure photo day runs smoothly we ask that all students are at school by 8:35am.

Reading over the uniform policy before school photo day is crucial to ensure that hair and uniform requirements are met. This policy includes detailed guidelines on acceptable hairstyles, and the proper wearing of uniforms, including any restrictions on accessories. Adhering to these guidelines helps present a neat and cohesive appearance for the photographs, reflecting the school's standards and values. By following the uniform policy, students contribute to a polished and professional group image, making school photo day a success.

On photo day, every student will be photographed regardless of whether you are purchasing or not.

Personalised order envelope from the photographers will be sent home in the coming weeks.  Please take care to read and follow all the instructions carefully.  This will ensure your order is processed smoothly and efficiently and will help you to avoid any late fees. 

You will have the option to order online or with cash in your student’s envelope.  Please take care to follow the instructions carefully.

Sibling Order Envelopes will be sent home with the eldest child.  Please note: Sibling photos are only for siblings who all attend the school. Additional order envelopes for blended or separated families will be available from the school office. Be sure to write “Mum’s order” or “Dad’s order” on top of your envelope.

If your child has been photographed in a special group (ie sports team or leadership team), order envelopes will be available in the weeks following photo day.  Please watch this newsletter for information when they will be available.

As school staff are unable to help with photography enquiries or payments, please direct your questions and comments directly to MSP Photography by phoning 4921 3355.

Thank you for your co-operation and we look forward to a great photo day.

Keep smiling!!!

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

The next P&F meeting will be held on Wednesday 17th July 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!

Book Fair - 5th to 16th August

Book Week Parade - Friday 23rd August

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

Snowy and The Seven Cool Dudes

Snowy is becoming more beautiful every day and The Wicked Queen is not happy! She has decided to send Snowy away, to get rid of her, once and for all.

The Magic Mirror has warned The Queen this is a huge mistake – Snowy is beautiful on the inside and the outside- everyone loves her. The Queen isn’t listening and orders The Hunter from the Palace to take Snowy into the forest and leave her there… forever! Meanwhile, the Cool Dudes have decided it’s time they started making healthier food choices and doing some exercise. During this interactive production, kids will enjoy the opportunity of role-play as they are invited on stage to become a variety of characters- including The Cool Dudes- that love to rap!

Storyfest Out West - 4th to 6th September

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.

Catholic School Parents Queensland

The Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH). ACOSH is a not-for-profit advocacy organisation dedicated to creating a smoke-free and vape-free Australia.

ACOSH is conducting an online survey to find out what parents think about student vaping in high schools. We would like to hear the views of adults who have a child attending high school in Australia.

All results will be kept anonymous and no individuals or schools will be identified. ACOSH will use the survey results to advocate for improving vaping education and support for students.

Click on the link below to complete the 5-minute survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/acosh_parent_vaping_survey

League Stars Regional Program - Central West

League Stars Regional Program commencing next Friday afternoon 19^th & Monday afternoon 22^nd of July from 4pm – 5:30pm at Longreach Showgrounds. Whilst I understand kids who come into Longreach from other towns will not make the 4pm start I will look to extend the sessions for those if they do register. This program is for Boys & Girls prep – Yr. 6 and is aimed at introducing non club registered kids to rugby league but in saying that its open to all kids including club players.

Registration to the program is through playrugbyleague.com which can be found on the QR scan code on the flyer or by the link below.

https://profile.mysideline.com.au/register/entity?data=eyJlbnRpdHlJZCI6NTQ2NjE2OTQsImVudGl0eVR5cGUiOiJwcm9ncmFtIn0%3D&source=rugby-league

Central West Hospital & Health Services