Term 3 Week 7 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents & friends,

This week I was fortunate enough to join our Prep – Year 3 students at the Longreach Skate Park for the skateboard workshop. I must admit, there were some nervous moments watching our youngest students zipping around before the team from Ziggy Skateboarding officially kicked off the session. Once underway, the students went from strength to strength, developing their skills in leaps and bounds. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow—from initially not wanting to try, to bravely placing one foot on the board, and eventually hopping along with pride.

Our Year 4–6 students also had a fantastic time in the afternoon, with their workshop building on the morning’s activities and providing plenty of challenges and fun. A big thank you goes to our parent community for supporting this wonderful initiative made possible through the Longreach Regional Council.

Next week brings a number of important events and reminders for our community. On Friday 5th September there will be a Pupil Free Day. School will be closed to all students as staff engage in professional development focusing on wellbeing, spelling, and mathematics. These days are set aside at the beginning of the year by our Diocese to strengthen teaching and learning.

Parent-Teacher meetings also opened for bookings this week and I strongly encourage all families to take this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and set clear goals for the semester. Bookings can be made via the Parent Orbit app and if you need assistance, please contact Ms Wall in our office on 07 4994 8375.

On Thursday 4th September, we will celebrate Father’s Day with a Fun Afternoon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The cricket pitch will be in full swing and the MPC will be open for basketball, handball, and other games. The P&F will be running a BBQ and families are welcome to BYO drinks. If dad is away, don’t worry—all father figures are welcome, whether it be mum, grandad, grandma, or another trusted adult. A special Father’s Day Assembly will also be held that morning at 8:40am.

Next week also marks National Child Protection Week in Australia. The 2025 theme is “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action.” This theme reminds us that while open discussions are important, words alone are not enough—we must take action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Classes will take time during the week to explore and discuss this theme.

God bless

Mr Peter Thurecht

Principal

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

In praise of whistling

‘You can’t think bad thoughts while you whistle,’ said the Gippsland dairy farmer and his daughter, recalling this later, added, ‘Dad always went around the farm whistling.’  We had been talking about prayer at the time and she realised that in a real way, whistling was her father’s way of praying through his day.  He chose to do something that made him happy, whatever the challenges that his work day would bring.

I recalled this the other listening to a boy whistling as he cycled past.  It was so cheerful.  I also remembered it last Sunday when I lay soaking up the winter sun, reading and relaxing..  I see it on the morning I walk along the beach at Yeppoon.  All these people enjoying the beauty.  We can choose to do things that make us happy.  Often, they are such small things, like whistling or enjoying the sun, that we can fail to appreciate what a big difference they can make. They make us happy within ourselves, they make us feel better towards other people (and stop the flow of bad thoughts) and they make us more open to God. 

When we are in trouble, we turn to God out of our pain and need. In a real sense then, we come as beggars before him.  But when we ‘pray’ in those happy moments, (and the prayer can be little more than the quickest ‘thank you’ while we enjoy our happiness) we are being friends with God.  We are taking pleasure in a loving gift from a friend…and that is what God, our truest friend enjoys in us.

Loving God, let me recognise the little things in life that give me joy and happiness. Let me make time for them in my day, and as I do, may I give thanks to you.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 7 of Term 3!

Gospel Summary – Luke 13:22–30

In last Sunday’s Gospel passage, Jesus is journeying toward Jerusalem when someone asks Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Jesus responds by encouraging everyone to “strive to enter through the narrow door,” explaining that many will try but not succeed. He warns that simply knowing about Him is not enough—we must live according to His teachings. Jesus also reminds us that people from all nations will be welcomed into God’s kingdom, and that “some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

Reflection for Our School Community

This Gospel reminds us that being part of a community—whether a family, a school, or a parish—means more than just showing up. It’s about how we treat one another, how we live out our values, and how we respond to Jesus’ call to love, serve, and grow. In our school, we strive to walk through the “narrow door” by making good choices, showing kindness, and helping others, even when it’s hard.

Just like in the Gospel, where people from all places are welcomed into God’s kingdom, our school celebrates the diversity and gifts of every student and staff member. Whether you're in Prep or Year 6, every act of love and learning brings us closer to God. Let’s keep encouraging one another to be thoughtful, respectful, and faithful—because in our everyday actions, we are building the kind of community Jesus invites us to be part of.

NET Team – Celebrating mass with the parish community

Last weekend, the NET (National Evangelisation Team) shared their energy and faith with the Central West community, spending time with young people and families across the region. A special highlight was celebrating Sunday Mass with the Longreach parish at St Brigid’s Church. Their presence brought joy, inspiration, and a renewed sense of connection to the wider Church.

Moments like these remind us that faith is alive and active in every corner of our country. Whether in a small outback town or a busy school, the message of Jesus continues to be shared through community, prayer, and service. We thank the NET Team for their dedication and pray for their ongoing mission.

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.

2026 Schedule of Fees

Thank you for your continued support of Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School and for engaging with our school in
understanding the changes to Non-Government school funding and the impact on School fees, as we transition to
full implementation in 2029.

Below are the 2026 Schedule of Fees, along with the “School Fees Explained” and “School Fee Accounts” flyers. As in 2025, fees are presented as a single All-Inclusive Education Fee covering curriculum offerings, plus a Building Levy to support modern learning spaces.

The schedule outlines annual, term, and weekly payment options, with discounts available for eligible families and support for those experiencing financial hardship.

The “School Fees Explained” flyer, provides context on changes to Government funding and the Federal Government’s affordability assessment.

The “School Fee Accounts” flyer serves as a reminder of each family’s commitment to fee payment as a condition of enrolment. For any concerns or questions, please contact the school finance office.

Once again, thank you sincerely for your support of Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School. Please do not hesitate to
contact me with any queries that you may have.

School TV

Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying. 

Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour. 

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.

https://ollrok.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying

2026 Uniform Orders

We are now taking uniform orders for the 2026 school year. To ensure your child/ren have the correct uniforms ready, please complete the following form:

👉 Uniform Order Form

Important Information:

• Deadline: Please submit your response by 3:00pm on Wednesday 10th September (Week 9).
• How to record sizes: Use the format Size x Quantity (e.g. Size 6 x 3).

The school office is open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM if you'd like to come in and try on sizes.

Father's Day Celebrations

Tuckshop Menu

No tuckshop Friday 5th September - Pupil Free Day

PLEASE NOTE: POPCORN IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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

CSPQ - Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

How are Australian parents doing right now?

It’s time to find out. The Parenting Today survey is a national survey that will bring together the voices of 10,000 parents – and you can add your voice to the mix. This is your chance to make sure families just like yours are represented. The survey will capture the experiences, strengths, and support needs of parents and carers across Australia.

If you are a parent or carer to a child aged 0-18, you are invited to participate and share your experience of what it is like to be a parent in 2025.

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW parentingtoday.net.au

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/

Community Notices

The Smith Family - Strong Communities'

Bushkids

Royal Theatre Winton

Desert Channels Queensland

Queensland Government - Women's Health & Equality

Central West Hospital & Health Services

RESQ - Driving Lessons

Longreach Sporting Opportunities