Term 3 Week 3 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

The theme for Catholic Education Week, "Communities of Faith, Hope, and Love," was beautifully reflected in every activity and interaction within our school. One of the highlights was our annual community walk, a cherished tradition since my arrival at Our Lady's. During this walk, our students had the joy of presenting mementos of Catholic Education Week to local businesses, reinforcing the strong bond we share with our community. As a small Catholic school, community lies at the heart of everything we do, and this simple yet meaningful act of kindness showcases our values perfectly.

At Our Lady's, our student protection contacts are Mr. Sahlie Komndi-Diggins, Ms Sarah Wall, Mrs. Belinda Thurecht, and myself. Each year, we participate in mandatory training to ensure we are well-prepared to address any concerns that may arise. Last week, we attended the Western Region Student Protection Gathering via Zoom. This informative session covered a variety of crucial topics, including Domestic and Family Violence presented by Hannah Buckenham (DFV QPS Coordinator), and regional support services with presentations by Catholic Care, CQID, and Child Protective Services. These conferences highlight the Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton's steadfast commitment to child safety and wellbeing within our schools.

We are excited to announce that our Year 3-6 classes will begin their Friday sport activities against Longreach State Primary School again this term. Students have chosen either basketball or soccer to participate in. This program was enjoyed by many students last term and offers our older students a valuable opportunity to form connections before they transition to high school. Our Lady's will travel to Longreach State School for the first round at 2pm this Friday. Parents are welcome to come and watch.

A reminder to Year 3 and 5 families that NAPLAN results were sent home last Thursday. If you have not yet received your child's results, please ask them to check their bag. If you have any trouble locating the report, feel free to contact our school office.

This Week, Miss April Roth, our Religious Education Consultant, has been collaborating with our staff to improve the delivery of the Religious Curriculum from Prep to Year 6. April has shared valuable strategies and insights to enhance our teaching methods. We are excited to welcome her back on the Pupil Free Day in September, when she will work with our staff on 'Assessment in the Classroom'.

Our School Board has been revising the current Homework Policy over the last few meetings. It is now ready to be shared with class teachers before being officially approved at our next meeting. After the Board meeting, we will share the updated policy with the school community and highlight any changes.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection – Sr Kym Harris OSB

Communities of Faith, Hope and Love

Sometimes I don’t want to go to Mass on Sunday: my faith feels thin.  But when I am there, I look at some of the people around me, especially those whose stories I know and I find that their faith inspires and encourages, me and leads me into prayer.

Sometimes I feel hopeless about myself: that my life feels paltry.  But then someone comes and asks of me something I doubt that I could do, but their trust in me leads me accomplish things I wouldn’t have hoped to do. Their hope leads me beyond myself.

Sometimes I feel that I am a cold person, lacking in warmth. But the people who look to me for love, feeling they can rely on my care for them show me that I have qualities for love that I sometimes I don’t recognise.

When we speak of faith, hope and love we usually speak of those qualities in relation to God, and that is right.  But often in our weakness, we can feel that God has let us down or that we have let God down and feel that we are lacking in those virtues.  But the issue is: we are looking in the wrong place for strength and confirmation.  Our God is a community, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we are made in the image and likeness of God.  We are made for community and it is in community that our faith, our hope and our love are strengthened.  God has sent and will send people who feed our faith, enlighten our hope and give us love.  We need to look out for them.

Then we need to do the same – offer faith to the faltering, encourage in hope those feeling useless and be kind and loving to those feeling vulnerable and weak.  We need to be the Community of God’s love in our world, through our faith, our hope and our love.  

Father, Son and Spirit feed my faith, encourage me in hope, warm me with your love through the people you send into my life. And then let me offer your life and love to those around me.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Hi, Welcome to Week 3!

We are celebrating Catholic Education Week with its theme of Communities of Faith, Hope, and Love. Throughout this week, we have been honouring the unique mission and ethos of Catholic schools. Our goal in Catholic education is to positively impact the lives of everyone in our school and the wider community. We aim to challenge young people to live out Jesus’ message and to be compassionate, contributing members of society.

Here are some events that have taken place and are happening this week:

Monday: We kicked off Catholic Education Week with a warm welcome to all. Students participated in a school-wide art project to highlight this year’s theme of Faith, Hope, and Love. Throughout the week, classes have been exploring what this theme means to them both personally and as a community.

Wednesday: It was heart warming to see each class interact with our local businesses, presenting them with gifts in celebration of Catholic Education Week. Students had the opportunity to spread the message of Catholic Education Week and represented our school with pride.

Friday: This Friday morning at 9 a.m., St. Brigid’s Church will host our Catholic Education Week Mass. The entire school will attend, and we extend an invitation to all parents and caregivers to join us. During the Mass, we will also announce our new Student Representative Council for grades 3-5.

Gospel Reflection: In this week’s Gospel reading, Mark 6:30-34, the apostles return to Jesus and report all they had done and taught. Recognizing their need for rest, Jesus invites them to retreat to a secluded place. However, a large crowd follows them. Moved by compassion for the people, who are like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus begins to teach them many things.

This reading is relevant to our school and wider communities. We all can get caught up in our work and efforts. From this, we understand that rest is necessary. Our students often feel this way too after completing their classwork. Jesus teaches us that while we may need rest, there will always be those who require our support and guidance. Even if it's not the most convenient time for us, we should strive to show compassion and help those in need.

Farewell Mass: This Saturday evening will be Fr. Kingsley's last time ministering Mass for our parish. We invite all community members to attend Mass this weekend and wish Fr. Kingsley well as he moves to Blackwater.

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.

School Fee Advice #4

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find attached Advice #4, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the school fee structure, from 2025 onwards. Previous Advice pieces outlined the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model), the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools, and the need to align with the Federal Government’s means-tested Capacity to Contribute assessment of the school community.

As outlined in Advice #4, CEDR School Fees will be presented as an “All-Inclusive Fee”, rather than the previous school fees model of Tuition Fees, plus several school-based levies and charges.

James Anderson - Lets talk about potential

Potential is one of those loaded terms that can send very fixed messages about your child's ability. The media is full of "reaching", "achieving" and using "100% of our potential". The truth is we have no potential locked inside us waiting to be discovered. What we have is the capacity to create that potential! We don't learn to discover our potential, we learn to create it. We are in charge of our own potential!

James Anderson - The Learning Zone - becoming a creature of discomfort

We all understand what a creature of comfort is. Author Adam Grant helps us understand why we need to help our children become creatures of discomfort. Creatures of discomfort love being in their learning zone. It's not the necessary evil to put up with, it's the feeling of stretch that we learn to love!

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 have been sent home this week.  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!!!

Accelerated Reader

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

The next P&F meeting will be held on Wednesday 21st August at 5:30pm in C block. Zoom details will be emailed next week for those who cannot attend in person.

Winton Poetry Festival - 11th September

Winton Poetry Festival 2024: Prep to Year 6 Performances

We are excited to announce that our students from Prep to Year 6 will be performing at the Winton Poetry Festival this year! This wonderful event will take place in Winton on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, and will feature both group and individual poetry competitions.

Group Performances

Each year level will perform a group poem, coordinated by their teachers. Most of the practice for these performances will happen at school, but students may need to do some memorisation at home as part of their homework. Teachers will provide the necessary materials and instructions for home practice to ensure that everyone is well-prepared and confident on the day.

Individual Performances

For those interested in the individual poetry competition, participation is at the discretion of parents. Students wishing to compete individually must perform a short poem with rhyme and rhythm, written by an Australian author and reflecting our Australian way of life. Poems should be suitable for public performance at the festival.

Parents and students need to inform the teachers of their intention to participate in the individual competition by Friday, 2nd August, so teachers can assist with preparation. While there will be some practice time allocated at school, it is expected that students will also practice at home to ensure they are ready for the event.

Information about the festival has been sent home with students this week. Please make sure to return the transport notes by Friday, 9th August.

Green & Gold Day - Friday 2nd August

Book Fair - 5th to 16th August

Book Week Parade - Friday 23rd August

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 School of Dance

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

Central West Hospital & Health Services