Term 1 Week 6 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

It was truly heartening to see the incredible support from our community during the 125th Anniversary Celebrations over the weekend. From the beautiful Mass to the Memorabilia Morning and concluding with the spectacular Ball, the spirit of Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School was alive and thriving. A special highlight was listening to the Presentation Sisters share their cherished memories of our school and their admiration for our students, who did a wonderful job as tour guides and actors.

If anyone has any photos from the weekend, we would love to add them to our school’s history. Please feel free to send them through to oll@rok.catholic.edu.au.

On Tuesday, we welcomed our youngest learners for their first Kindy Transition Day. Our friends from C&K joined us for a fun-filled morning, where Mrs. Williams shared the delightful story The Runaway Pancake. The students then engaged in art and other activities related to the story. A big thank you to Miss Chris and her team for their continued support of our transition program in 2025. We hope everyone enjoyed their takeaway pancake!

Yesterday, we came together as a school community to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. It was wonderful to see our parishioners and families join us in prayer. During this Lenten season, I encourage our students to reflect not only on what they might give up but also on what they can do for others. I invite you to have a conversation with your child about their Lenten journey and how they might live out this season in a meaningful way.

Looking ahead, next Wednesday, The Cathedral College Rockhampton will be visiting as part of their annual Western Tour. Year 5 and 6 students will have the opportunity to learn more about what TCC has to offer for high school. Parents are warmly invited to attend this session.

Additionally, NAPLAN begins next Wednesday, 12th March, for our Year 3 and 5 students. Last week, students completed their online practice tests in preparation, and we wish them all the very best. A special thank you to Miss Bongioletti and Miss Kelleher for their dedication in preparing our students for these assessments.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

125 Year Anniversary Merchandise

Merchandise from the 125-year anniversary including tea towels, stubby coolers, packs of magnets and anniversary magazines are available for purchase from the front office.

Magazine $30

Tea Towel $15

Pack of 3 Magnets $10

Stubby Cooler $10

Classroom Teacher (Prep)

⭐ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖! ⭐

We are seeking applicants for the position of  𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 (𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩) to join Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Longreach.

👉𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1272

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

The wilderness can blossom

Junee Waites has a son who has severe autism.  After many years of love and therapy he is a member of the small town in which they now live.  Rearing him has not been easy; in fact, it has been incredibly hard, with many painful times.  Junee wrote their story in a book, Smiling at Shadows, in order to give hope to similar parents.  I wept while reading it.  At the book launch, I asked her if there was anything she would have changed about her son.  She paused, thought deeply and answered, “No, only the way people treated my son.” She, her husband, the friends that supported them, the boy himself and the man he has become, were a long time in the wilderness and they were sorely tested.  Yet having passed through that time, Junee would not take away her son’s autism because that was part of who he was and is.

Each and every one of us has aspects of our person that are weak, limited, or even prone to sin.  Living with those aspects is hard and we often wish God would take them away.  God rarely does for God wants to use those parts to reveal the greatness of his grace in our lives.  He wants us to come into our own through them.   During Lent, we remember how Jesus went out into the wilderness and experienced the temptation and fragility of being human.  He went there so that we would know he really is with us when we feel overwhelmed in our own wilderness.   Lent is an opportunity to face what we would reject about ourselves and find that it could lead us to our deepest self.

Loving Jesus, you know the weakness that I face, the parts of myself I would reject. Through prayer and discipline, let me discover what a gift they could be. I ask this in your name, confident that you will hear me.   

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 1 after a very busy Week 5!

Special Visitors:

On Friday of last week, Our Lady’s had the pleasure of having Bishop Michael McCarthy, Director Mr Michael McCusker, AD: Western Region Mr Tim Collins and AD: Mission Mrs Kellie Jenkinson, visit the school for the morning. It was amazing to see how the students of each of the grades interact with our special visitors. Each class had the opportunity to ask questions, show off their 125^th Anniversary class displays and share what they have been learning about this term. From conversations with our special guests, they expressed how welcoming and delightful each class had been and they look very much forward to their next visit!

Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Flip Off:

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic tradition. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and preparation for the 40 days leading up to Easter. The name "Shrove" comes from the old English word "shrive," meaning to confess one's sins and seek forgiveness. Traditionally, pancakes are eaten on this day as a way to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the fasting and abstinence of Lent begin. The Year 6 students battled it out during the Pancake Flip off and for the first time, we had a draw with both Kennedy and Thomson successfully creating 7 pancakes each in the allotted time. With the sales from the pancakes, Our Lady’s has already raised $188 for the Caritas Organisation! Amazing!

Ash Wednesday & Lent:

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred time in the Catholic Church when we prepare our hearts for Easter. On this day, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and a reminder to turn back to God. The ashes symbolise humility and the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to reflect on our choices and seek spiritual renewal. It is a time to grow in faith by embracing prayer, making thoughtful sacrifices, and striving to live as Jesus taught.

Lent is a 40-day journey inspired by Jesus’ time in the desert, where He fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). During this season, we are encouraged to practise self-discipline and show kindness, patience, and generosity in our daily lives. This might mean helping a friend, showing extra respect at home and school, or giving up something we enjoy as an offering to God. The Gospel also reminds us of God’s boundless mercy, as seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), reassuring us that forgiveness and renewal are always within reach.

On Wednesday morning, our Year 3 students led the entire school in a beautiful and reverent Ash Wednesday liturgy. Through heartfelt prayers, scripture readings, and reflections, they helped guide our school community into the season of Lent with a spirit of faith and renewal. Their leadership was truly inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of prayer, repentance, and kindness. We are so proud of their efforts and grateful for the way they encouraged us to prepare our hearts for the journey toward Easter.

Caritas:

During Lent, our school community is proud to support Caritas Australia and its annual Project Compassion appeal. Caritas works tirelessly to bring hope and aid to people living in poverty, both in Australia and around the world. Through Project Compassion, we are reminded of the importance of helping those in need, following Jesus’ call to love and serve others. By learning about the lives of people supported by Caritas, we can see how small acts of generosity can make a big difference.

To support this important cause, our school is taking part in fundraising efforts throughout Lent. The money raised from our Shrove Tuesday pancake sales will go directly towards Project Compassion, helping to provide essential resources like food, education, and healthcare to those in need. Additionally, all funds raised from Zooper Dooper sales on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons will also contribute to this vital appeal. Every donation, no matter how small, is an opportunity to show compassion in action and make a positive impact in the lives of others. In the coming weeks, each class will also explore the work of Caritas, building their awareness of the important role the organisation plays in supporting communities across the world.

As we continue through Lent, let us embrace this time of reflection, generosity, and growth in faith. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making a difference in our school and the wider community.

God Bless,

Mr Sahlie Komndi-Diggins

Winter Uniform Order Form

To assist with ordering winter uniforms, we kindly ask that you complete the order form sent home with your child on Friday. Alternatively, you can download the form below and return it to the school office.

To ensure timely delivery, please submit all forms to the office by Wednesday, 19th March. Thank you for your cooperation!

The Cathedral College, Rockhampton

The Cathedral College, Rockhampton will be visiting on Wednesday 12 March at 2.00pm.

We very much look forward to meeting with you to share information about the opportunities that are offered at our College and about the dynamic and vibrant Boarding community we have.

If you are interested in attending this session, please RSVP to our TCC Enrolments Officer, Mrs Meg Halberstater on 4999 1311 or enrolments@tccr.com.au.

Applications for Year 7 2026 close on Thursday 3 April 2025. To apply please visit www.tccr.com.au/enrolment

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.

Parent Orbit App

Some key features of the Parent Orbit App:

• Instant Notifications: Stay up to date with the latest announcements and important alerts on your smartphone (be sure to enable Notifications)
• Events and Payments: Easily approve excursion attendance or make fee payments
• Medical Details: Keep your student’s medical details up to date
• Attendance Tracking: Easily track attendance and notify the School of your student's absence
• Event Calendar: Stay informed about school events, meetings, and important dates
• Parent Teacher Interviews: Schedule parent-teacher interviews and receive reminders
• Academic Reports: View and download your student’s school reports
• School Fees: View your school fees and make a payment

Parent Actions for reporting Student Attendance

Parents may choose from a variety of communication methods to notify the school of absences (phone, letter, email, visit) however the Orbit App or Parent Lounge are the preferred modes. In the Orbit App, parents are presented with five options, these are listed below followed by explanation:

• Illness and medical appointments
• Appointment, event or services
• Holiday
• School avoidance or refusal
• Family Reasons
  
• Other explained reason (If Other is selected, a mandatory comment box appears for parents to explain the absence)

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

March Meeting

When: Wednesday 19th March

Time: 5:30pm

Where: Our Lady's Catholic Primary School C block

Uniform Policy

Homework Policy

Homework Policy Update for 2025

Another important agenda the School Board focused on in 2024 is our Homework Policy, which has come into effect at the beginning of 2025. After thoughtful consideration, some significant changes have been made to better align with the developmental needs of our students.

For students in Prep to Year 2, homework will still remain optional. At this early stage of learning, we recognise that students often require an adult to assist with homework tasks. Understanding the busy schedules of families, we know this won’t always be possible, and as such, we encourage, at the very least, regular reading at home. Reading together as a family fosters a love for learning and is an excellent way to build essential literacy skills.

For students in Years 3 to 6, homework will be compulsory. As children move into the middle and upper years of primary school, we aim to instil greater independence and a sense of responsibility in their learning. The rigor of homework at these levels is designed to support the development of key skills that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.

We are excited to see how these changes will positively impact both our students and their learning experiences moving forward!

Mobile Phone & Wearable Technology Policy

Isolated Children's Parents' Association Qld Longreach Branch

Family Support Program

Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA) is committed to advocating for equitable education access, opportunities and support for all rural and remote students. Motivated by this commitment the ICPA Longreach Branch is initiating a program that enables our Longreach and district families to access up to $500 in financial assistance toward educational, sporting or cultural/arts support or activities for your children.

•    Educational support for your child may include, but is not limited to, speech therapy, occupational therapy, paediatrician appointment, or literacy and numeracy support.
•    Sporting activities relate specifically to those students selected to represent our region at North West Sports or a specialised coaching clinic.
•    Cultural/Arts activities may include music or drama workshops such as SHEP.

Eligibility criteria include:

•    Membership of the ICPA Longreach Branch. ($50 p/a https://icpa.com.au/qld/membership)
•    The child receiving the support lives in the Longreach 4730 / Ilfracombe 4727 postcode area.
•    The child is aged up to 17 years of age.
•    If the child is of school age, the child must be attending a Longreach or Ilfracombe school.
•    No more than one application per child to be submitted per calendar year.
•    Evidence that your child received the support or participated in the activity.

The ICPA Longreach Branch Family Support Program financial assistance is on a reimbursement basis. Upon receipt of a paid invoice/receipt and proof that your child received the educational support and/or participated in the sporting/cultural activity, up to $500 will be paid via bank transfer to your nominated account. 
ICPA Longreach Branch has allocated a capped budget for this program, so once allocated funds have been spent, the program may be modified with the aim of providing assistance to the maximum number of families in our Branch. The ICPA Longreach Branch committee reserves the right to assess applications on a case by case basis. The Committee's decision is final in all application assessments. Your input and feedback on this Family Support Program is welcome as we aspire to provide a useful service to our Branch members. 
If you are seeking educational support for your child and you're not sure where to start looking, these are providers in our Longreach area:

•    Virtual or face-to-face speech therapy, https://popfamily.au/about/
•    Little Legs - Occupational Therapy based in Central West, https://www.littlelegsot.com.au/
•    Outback Futures - multiple services, https://outbackfutures.org.au/

Please email icpa.longreach@gmail.com for more information on this program, or to submit an application form. 

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

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Do you have kids at School and looking to earn some extra money?

Are you semi-retired looking for a little extra cash?

Over 18yrs of age and perhaps @ home studying online and can spare some time, whilst earning some pocket money.

Shifts vary between Approx 1 hour in the morning and ½ hour in afternoon

Would you like to earn money and Help our State School? 🙋

Transport and Main Roads is looking for casual school crossing supervisors at our Primary School to help get our kids safely to and from school!

✅ Generous casual pay-rate starting at $37 per hour

✅ Morning and afternoon shifts

✅ Long-service leave entitlements

✅ The Queensland Government superannuation scheme.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, Contact below

To be deemed suitable for the role, some criteria apply, which include requirements to:

👉 pass a basic health assessment

👉 hold a current blue card or Able to apply

Both requirements we pay for, plus paid training will be given.

For more information or to apply, 07 4983 8747 or 0438 838 740

Community Notices

Qantas Founders Museum to launch Carbon_Dating art exhibition - OPENING 9:30AM, Saturday 15 March 2025

Qantas Founders Museum proudly announces a prominent exhibition Carbon_Dating showcasing native grasses and our relationship to the environment.  The Carbon_Dating project is a series of networked, experimental artworks situated throughout Queensland, that seek to shift attitudes towards the diverse Australian native grasses that grow in those regions. In this time of environmental stress, the project calls upon adventurous humans and vivacious grasses to collaborate – to breathe life into radically new kinds of relationships with each other.

The exhibition will open on Saturday 15 March at 930am at Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach QLD.

By drawing upon Indigenous cultural and scientific understandings and knowledges of grass and grasslands, and by incorporating sculpture, site-specific growing, networked technologies and artist-led provocations, we will develop a series of connected creative experiments and grass plantings spread across rural, regional and urban (Australia) - that together form the work Carbon Dating.

Carbon_Dating began in 2022 as a series of artwork-based experiments, and a ‘campaign’, that aimed to shift our relationships with Poaceae – those flowering members of the vegetal wild known as grasses. By focusing upon an often-overlooked group of native plants, Carbon_Dating reminds us that restoring the health of our environment will require us to look beyond the 'charismatic species' that so often steal our attention. Drawing on Indigenous cultural, scientific and artistic understandings, the Carbon_Dating Project asks: how we might see grass and grasslands in a new, equitable and ecological way?

Exhibiting artist Keith Armstrong said: “Despite grasses being one of the most critical plants for the survival of life on earth, our understanding and appreciation of them (beyond their use as animal fodder or lawn-making) remains limited… By sponsoring the planting of small Indigenous grassland areas and gardens, we seek to foster living sites for our art experiments; as we build a campaign built on partnership, respect and care.”

Carbon_Dating presents and share knowledge and stories and incorporate a variety of contemporary art forms responding to Queensland Indigenous grasses. The artists present a broad range of mediums including sculpture, weaving, textiles, photography, new media, film and performance-related artworks.

Featuring Artists: Keith Armstrong, Liz Capelin, Daniele Constance, Hilary Coulter, donna davis, Merinda Davis, Mia Hacker, Andrea Higgins, Luke Lickford, Jason Murphy, Kilagi Nielsen, Sasha Parlett, Melissa Stannard, Delissa Walker and Pipier Weller.

OPENING EVENT AND ARTIST FORUM - SATURDAY 15 MARCH 930AM

• The official unveiling of Carbon_Dating will take place at the newly branded Longreach Museum of Art (LMOA), at the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach.
• An artist forum and floor talk will take place on Saturday 15 March from 930am featuring artists Keith Armstrong, Donna Davis, Koa artist and co-curator Jo-Anne Driessens, grazier and environmental advocate Jody Brown and the Lake Ayre Basin Rangers.

Entry is free, RSVP’s are essential info@qfom.com.au or call 07 4658 3737.

Max Flaherty - Junior Development Tennis Coach

Longreach Stingrays

Central West Hospital & Health Services

Come and have a look!

The Central West Renal Unit is almost ready to go, and CWHHS want you to have the chance to see it for yourself before it becomes fully operational.

There are three sessions to choose from on Friday 14 March, which will start with a short presentation and end with a tour of the three-chair nurse-assisted renal unit.

CWHHS will also be holding an official opening ceremony soon, so follow them on Facebook for information as it comes.