Term 2 Week 2 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parent and friends,

What a busy and exciting start to Term 2 we've had here at Our Lady’s!

In just six days, our students have already shone on the sporting field, with several being selected for the Central West teams in both Cross Country and Soccer. Congratulations to those students on this wonderful achievement, and thank you to the parents and staff who supported them at these trials. We also proudly opened our facilities over the weekend to the Central West High School Netball team, allowing them to train without the unwanted company of sandflies!

Last Friday, it was incredibly heartening to see so many of our students, staff, and families participating in the ANZAC Day March and Service at Edkins Park. Events like these help keep alive the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. A message that struck me during the service was the reminder that “no matter how bad I feel my life is going, there is usually someone worse off.” The ANZAC spirit continues to call us to serve others, show compassion, and lift up those in need.

A sincere thank you to Miss Kelleher and our Year 5 class for leading our beautiful ANZAC Day Prayer Celebration at school. Your reverence and leadership were greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to our Prep families who achieved the highest participation in the ECSI survey last term! As a reward, they'll enjoy a well-deserved pizza party next Thursday at first break. Families who completed the survey will also receive a Zooper Dooper for their child at Friday’s tuckshop. Thank you to everyone who contributed—we had a strong response rate which ensures valuable feedback moving forward.

Parent-teacher meetings for Years 1–6 will take place in Week 4, with bookings to be made through our new Parent Orbit app. If you haven’t yet downloaded the app or need assistance accessing it, please contact Ms Wall in the office who will be happy to help. Our Prep interviews have been held this week and provided a lovely opportunity for families to meet Miss Georgina Paschke, who is already becoming a valued member of our school community.

And finally, next week our Year 5 students head off to camp at Fairbairn Dam. We wish them a safe, fun-filled adventure as they enjoy three days of learning, teamwork, and memories. They’ll be supported by Miss Kelleher and Mr Komndi-Diggins.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Tell Them From Me Surveys

In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School.

The survey link will be supplied to all families when it opens.

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Leadership

Leadership is very much in the news.  The world has been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis and many are pondering what type of leader the next Pope could be.  We are also choosing leadership for our country.

So, this is a good time to ask not only what type of leader we each want but also, how are we to act as leaders.  As parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, we lead – whether we feel up to it or not.  There are so many different aspects to leadership of our child/ren: giving direction, offering comfort, correcting, affirming, challenging – all the while providing for the needs of daily life, while looking after the whole family (or class) and our own selves.  Feeling swamped?

This is a good space to ponder what type of leadership do we want from God, and how we could reflect that love to the needs of our family.  Take some time each day, perhaps a minute or two, to rest in God’s love before the day begins and ask for direction for the tasks you are facing that day.  Ask for the wisdom and grace that will give you the perspective to lead in love. Then trust that loving guidance will follow you through the day.

Loving God, you know how I can feel overwhelmed with the demands that are made on me in loving my child/ren. Give me the time and space to draw my strength and wisdom from you.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 2!

Gospel Reflection – John 20:19–31

In this week's Gospel, John 20:19–31, we encounter the Risen Jesus appearing to His disciples, who were gathered in fear behind locked doors. Jesus greets them with words of peace and shows them His hands and side, offering them the gift of the Holy Spirit. One disciple, Thomas, was not present and doubted the others' account of the resurrection. He declared that he would not believe until he saw and touched Jesus for himself. A week later, Jesus again appeared, this time inviting Thomas to see and touch His wounds. In response, Thomas makes a powerful declaration of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus affirms the blessing of those who believe without seeing. This passage reminds us of the challenges of faith and the grace Jesus offers us, even in moments of doubt. It is a powerful message of mercy, reassurance, and the peace that comes from encountering the Risen Lord.

This Gospel invites us to reflect on how we respond to doubt, uncertainty, and fear in our own lives. Like Thomas, we may sometimes struggle to believe or need reassurance in our faith journey. Jesus does not criticise Thomas for his doubt but instead meets him with compassion and understanding—just as He meets us in our moments of questioning. This story reminds us that faith is not about having all the answers but about being open to encountering Jesus and allowing His peace to enter our hearts. When we live in the light of the resurrection, we are called to be people of hope, trust, and courage.

As a school community, this passage encourages us to be patient with ourselves and one another as we grow in faith. In our classrooms and shared spaces, we can foster a culture where questions are welcomed and exploration is encouraged. Just as Jesus met Thomas where he was, we strive to meet each student where they are in their learning and faith journey. By creating an environment of trust, understanding, and openness, we help students build the confidence to ask, learn, and ultimately proclaim, like Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” Let us continue to support one another in seeking truth and sharing the peace of Christ with all we encounter.

APRE Catholic Identity Gathering:

​This week, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to Rockhampton to take part in the Catholic Identity Gathering as part of my APRE role. The gathering has been led by Brother Damien Price, and it has been an incredibly meaningful and reflective experience. Br Damien’s message about the power of presence and authentic encounter has offered rich insight into how we, as a Catholic school community, can grow in faith by nurturing deeper, more compassionate relationships with one another and with God. I look forward to bringing these reflections back into our school life in the weeks ahead.

Brother Damien Price is a Christian Brother, educator, and author who has dedicated over 40 years to working with young people across Queensland. He has taught in several Brisbane Catholic schools, including St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace; St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe; and St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane. With a PhD in education, Br Damien has a deep passion for helping young people grow in faith, compassion, and understanding. He has also played a key role in founding service initiatives such as Edmund Rice Camps and Eddie’s Van—programs that connect young people with those in need and encourage a life of service and reflection.

Br Damien often speaks about the importance of authentic encounters—those moments when we genuinely connect with others in love, kindness, and understanding. He teaches that these encounters are sacred because they reveal God's presence in our everyday lives. Whether it's a quiet chat between friends, a caring gesture on the playground, or a listening ear in a time of need, these moments allow us to see each other through God's eyes. In a world that can be busy and rushed, Br Damien encourages us to slow down and make time for real connection.

Reflection Question for Families:
How can we create more moments of authentic connection with the people around us this week—at home, at school, or in our community?

God Bless,

Mr Komndi-Diggins

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.

Tuckshop Menu

Mother's Day Celebrations

Under 8's Day

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Under 8s Day at Our Lady's Catholic Primary School Longreach. This is a special event designed to celebrate and engage young learners in fun and interactive activities, with this year's theme being 'Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play.' 

Event Details:

• Date: 29^th of May (Week 6)
• Time: 9:00 - 11:00am
• Location: School Oval 
• Target Group: Children under 8 years old

The day will feature a range of exciting activities aimed at fostering teamwork, creativity, and fun through science and play, culminating in a sausage sizzle and popper for all. Barcoo Coffee will also be available for any parents, friends, or teachers who would like to enjoy a coffee.

Revised School Policies

Stay up to date with revised school policies by visiting our school website. https://ollrok.catholic.edu.au/forms-policies

Homework Policy

Uniform Policy

Mobile Phone and Wearable Tech Statement

Key Dates

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

Catholic School Parents Queensland

Election 2025: Greens leave Catholic schools isolated and excluded from their policy commitments

The National Catholic Education Commission and Catholic School Parents Australia has asked the major parties for responses on a series of questions about Catholic Education priorities.

You can find their responses here https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/federal-election-scorecard/

The scorecard has been developed for families and staff to easily identify the education policies and commitments of the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal National Coalition, the Australian Greens, and key independent candidates on five key areas: funding certainty, support for faith-based schools, sector-neutrality, addressing disadvantage, and early childhood education.

While the major parties largely support our priorities, the Greens received a clear ❌ from us because they leave Catholic schools isolated and excluded from their policy commitments.

Their focus is on public schools alone, and their proposed policies to further top-up public school funding will adversely affect Catholic schools in real terms.

The Greens’ announcement of free lunches for public school kids costing $11.6 billion over the next three years, is the latest example of their ongoing failure to recognise the character of the Australian school education system. 

They’ve failed to acknowledge Catholic school families in their cost-of-living proposals — assuming only public school families are doing it tough, which is untrue and unfair.

The Greens have also consistently advocated and voted against Catholic schools having the ability to preference and employ staff who support the Catholic ethos, despite strong and growing public support for faith-based schools.

All Catholic School Parents, Carers, Principals & School Staff
in the Diocese of Rockhampton are welcome to attend
our Parent Engagement Mini Conference.

This is a free event to support our children’s learning and wellbeing.

When: Saturday 24 May | 9.00am - 3.00pm
Venue: Kevin Castles Conference Centre Rockhampton
152 West St, Allenstown

KEY SPEAKERS

Mr Michael McCusker
Diocesan Director Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton

Dr Kaylene Henderson
Session 1: 'Tackling Anxiety and Building Resilience in Children,
and among our Broader Community'
Session 2: 1 hour Q&A

Jacqueline King
Counselling Services Coordinator
Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton

Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided.

Join us for the whole day or come along to as many sessions as you can.
Information for parents/carers of all ages - Prep to Yr 12

Click on the link for more details and to register:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/cspq-miniconf2025-rok

*Parents from outside Rockhampton can apply to have travel costs reimbursed.

**A short CSPQ-Diocese of Rockhampton Parent Body AGM will also be held on this day,
as well as nominations called for the CSPQ Board delegate.

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/

Community Notices

Qantas Founders Museum Carbon_Dating art exhibition

Royal Theatre Winton

Outback Acrobatics and Cheerleading

Max Flaherty - Junior Development Tennis Coach

Longreach Stingrays

Central West Hospital & Health Services