Term 4 Week 2 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Mrs Thurecht and I have returned from our two-day journey to Emerald for the CEDR NCCD Action Plan meetings and survey data review. This was a valuable opportunity to reflect on how Our Lady’s supports students with disabilities and to review our current NCCD cycle and inclusive education processes. From our discussions, we identified several key actions moving forward. These include providing our staff with more opportunities to work one-on-one with our Inclusive Curriculum Regional Coordinator, Michelle Brady, during her twice-a-term visits; increasing dedicated planning time for teachers with our School Curriculum Officer and Learning Support Teacher each term; and introducing a new section in our newsletter that shares learning support topics, professional development updates, and helpful information for families—particularly around understanding the NCCD, which differs from the NDIS. Inclusive education remains a cornerstone of who we are at Our Lady’s, and I’m proud of the tremendous growth we’ve seen in this area over the past four years.

This week, Mr KD and I will be visiting classrooms for uniform inspections. As we near the end of the school year, it’s natural to see a few standards slip, so this is just a gentle reminder to help students finish strong. We’ll be paying particular attention to haircuts (especially mullets on boys) and black school shoes. If your child has outgrown their shoes, please send in a short note explaining this. I want to take a moment to commend our families—our students always look smart and well presented at assemblies and events. I know firsthand that finding socks or shoes that have mysteriously disappeared overnight isn’t always easy… I face that same challenge some mornings with Imogen!

Last week we announced our Prep Transition Mornings for our 2026 Prep class. When our new Preps visit on Wednesday, 20th and 27th November, our current students will also transition to their new classrooms for 2026. This whole-school transition is part of our plan to ensure every child is “ready to learn” and comfortable in their new surroundings when the school year begins. If you believe your child would benefit from additional transition supports, please contact Mrs Belinda Thurecht, our Learning Support Teacher, who can discuss individualised options to reduce anxiety and help your child feel confident for the new year.

At tonight’s School Board Meeting, we will be reviewing our Awards Night structure. Discussion points include the potential addition of new categories such as Arts Awards and Academic Awards, as well as reviewing the current awards to ensure the evening reflects the breadth of achievement and effort across our community. This is part of our ongoing process of reflection and renewal as we look for ways to continue celebrating our students meaningfully.

Next week, Mr KD and I will again be in Emerald (Tuesday–Friday) for our 2026 Strategic Plan development with CEDR personnel. This is an exciting initiative where all CEDR schools will work with specialised staff to align our strategic direction with school-wide data and local needs. In our absence, Mrs Belinda Thurecht will be Acting Principal. Term 4 is always a busy time as we prepare for the upcoming school year.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Becoming a Saint

I expect nearly everyone reading this would have some idea of what being healthy physically means for them.  No, not the unrealistic ideas that are being presented to us from all sides but what would be a good ideal for your own self.  You take into account your age, medical history and what you really want to do with your body.  Doing a marathon is not something I want to do, but doing the Bluff Point Circuit again certainly is…and I have a fair idea of what I need to do to walk it again.

But what about your ideals for yourself as a person, a holy person, your best self before God, the people you love and the community you live in?  These are tougher ideas to sort out for we need to ask ourselves what type of person do I really, realistically, want to be.  I’ll never be the life of the party, but I will love to cook the goodies everyone enjoys and get my fulfillment that way.  I’ll never be the person leading a rally but I can be in the background giving support, probably practical support. That is how God has made me be. But we need ‘lives of the party’, we need to people who take the public stand.  We need all sorts and God has made all sorts.

This month the Church celebrates the lives of many saints, many different saints. If there is one place God shows the variety of creation it is the wildly different people we are.  And each and every one of us has a call to holiness, a call to grace, a call to be a saint.  If you don’t think that this applies to you, think, and more importantly imagine and think again.  What good aspect of your character would you like to be known for?  Then think and pray about it.  Ask God to show you the small actions, the small practices you could start today to come to your best self, the person you and God wants you to be.

Loving God, in the wonder of creation you have made me, a glorious mystery.  Give me your wise Spirit to show me how to grow into the wondrous loving person you desire me to be.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.   

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 4!

Sharing the Story of St Carlo Acutis – A New Feast Day in the Church

Last Sunday, the Church celebrated something very special. It was the first ever Feast Day of St Carlo Acutis, a teenager who is now recognised as a saint. Carlo was canonised just last month, and October 12 has now been set aside each year to honour his life and legacy.

Carlo was only fifteen when he passed away in 2006, but in that short time he made a big impact. He had a deep love for the Eucharist, attended daily Mass, and used his interest in computers to build a website that shared stories of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He is now known as the Patron Saint of the Internet, computer programmers, and young people. His life reminds us that faith and technology can work together to share hope and truth.

What His Life Can Teach Us:

Even though our school did not formally celebrate the feast day, Carlo’s story gives us a lot to think about. He lived his faith with joy, simplicity, and courage. That is something we can all try to do, especially in a school setting.

Here are a few ways we can follow his example:

• Use technology for good. Carlo showed that the internet can be a tool for sharing kindness and truth. We can encourage students to use it responsibly and creatively.
• Make Jesus the centre. Carlo called the Eucharist his highway to heaven. We can help students grow in reverence and understanding during prayer and liturgy.
• Be yourself. One of Carlo’s most famous quotes is, “We are all born originals, but many die as photocopies.” He challenges us to be authentic and brave in living out our values.
• Serve quietly. Carlo was known for helping those in need and standing up for others. We can encourage students to show kindness in small everyday ways.

As we begin to learn more about this new saint, may his life inspire us to grow in faith, use our gifts well, and walk with purpose.

St Carlo Acutis, pray for us

Socktober and Mission Month Update

It has been a great start to our school's Socktober and Mission Month. The energy and enthusiasm from students have been wonderful to see. Our Zooper Dooper sales have been a huge success, with many students showing their support for the fundraising efforts on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. These sales will continue for two more weeks, giving students more opportunities to contribute to this important cause.

Across the school, classes have been building their understanding of what this mission is all about. Through stories, discussions and activities, students are learning how their actions can make a difference for children in need around the world.

Starting Monday 27 October, we are asking students to bring in recycled materials to help construct their class soccer ball. Items we are looking for include old shirts, shorts, socks and clean plastic (non-food items). These materials will be used to wrap, tie and shape the soccer balls, just like children in developing communities often do.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more updates as Socktober and Mission Month continue.

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.

School TV

In this edition of SchoolTV - Sleep

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Sleep edition of SchoolTV: https://ollrok.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep

🌸 Grandparents Day Celebration 🌸

In Australia, Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sunday 26 October, recognising the incredible contribution grandparents make to our families, communities, and the wider world. 💕

To honour these special people in our lives, we invite all grandparents and families to join us for a Morning Prayer Gathering, followed by a morning tea and picnic on the grass.

Students will have the opportunity to share a book, create a small craft, or play a game with their grandparents and loved ones in a relaxed, joyful setting.

📍 Where: MPC and school grounds

🕓 Time: 8:40am – 9:40am

📅 Date: Monday 27 October

We look forward to celebrating the love, wisdom and warmth our grandparents bring to our lives every day.

Crazy Socks Day & Day For Daniel

Annual Awards Evening

Non State Schools - Transport Assistance Scheme

2025 Term 4 Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons – Commencing Tuesday 14th October until Tuesday 25th November (7 lessons)

Annual Swimming Carnival – Friday 28th November 

Swimming lessons will commence in Week 2 of Term 4 for all students. Lessons will be held for all year levels on Tuesday with the exception of years 5 & 6 who will have their lesson on Friday morning.

To assist with the tight timetable, Year 3 and 4 students are required to come to school with their sun safe swimmers under their sports uniform. All other classes will get dressed at school prior to their lesson. As Prep are the last swimming lesson for the day they will not get changed back into their uniform to go home in the afternoon. Years 5 & 6 are required to come to school on Friday with their sun safe swimmers under their sports uniform.

Our swimming instructor this year will be Mrs. Lisa Neuendorf and support staff. 

Things every student will need: (please ensure that all belongings are named)

•    Sun safe swimming togs
•    Towel
•    Swimming cap
•    Goggles
•    Slip on shoes

Tuckshop Menu

PLEASE NOTE: POPCORN IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEEK 6 - Tuckshop closed Friday 14th November

WEEK 8 - P&F Catering for the Swimming Carnival Friday 28th November

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

The Parent Pulse: Social Media & Our Children

A survey for parents of primary & secondary students

The Australian Government is delivering policies to delay children’s access to social media.

From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

Your voice matters. By completing this survey, you are helping Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) understand the real experiences, challenges, and hopes of families in our Catholic school communities. The insights gathered will directly shape our advocacy with Catholic Education authorities and Government, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of parents and carers are heard at the highest levels.

Your input will guide us in championing initiatives that strengthen learning, wellbeing, and partnership between home and school.

Click here to have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65CL58

Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) is hosting a free lunch time webinar with Karen Young for all Catholic school parents and carers in Queensland.

Discover powerful, practical strategies to help children and teens overcome anxiety, build courage, and thrive.

This is not just another anxiety talk — it’s a fresh, science-backed session that will transform the way you support young people.

Click the following link to register: REGISTER HERE

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'

Outback Futures

Mental Health Week

Central West Hospital & Health Services

RESQ - Driving Lessons

Longreach Sporting Opportunities

We’re thrilled to welcome you to a brand-new season of junior cricket! Whether your child is picking up a bat for the first time or returning to build on their skills, we’re looking forward to a fun, active, and rewarding season together.

📅 Season Dates The season will run from sign on, on Saturday, 11 October to Saturday, 28 March, with a break over the Christmas school holidays.

🏏 Program Options We’re offering three exciting stages of cricket development to suit all skill levels:

• Junior Blasters – Fun games, skills, and drills for our youngest beginners.
• Master Blasters – More advanced skills and modified cricket games.
• Hard Ball Cricket – For experienced players, featuring age-adjusted pitch distances and full-format matches in a team setting.

🎯 Hard Ball Round Robin Competition This season, we’re launching a 4-team round robin Hard Ball competition, with matches played across the Showgrounds and Our Lady’s pitches. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build match experience and team spirit in a supportive, local setting.

🌟 Special Events & Opportunities

• Intertown Matches
• Saturday, 1 November – Longreach
• Saturday, 29 November – Barcaldine
• Representative Cricket – Central West Intercity Carnivals Trials will be held on Saturday, 31 January for players interested in representing Central West Cricket. We aim to field teams in the U11, U12, and U14 age groups, depending on numbers and availability. The Intercity Carnival will take place on 21–22 February across multiple locations, with venues tailored to each age group.
• Specialist Coaching Clinic A specialist cricket coaching clinic will be offered in January in Barcaldine for interested players. Dates and further details will be shared soon.

📝 Registration Details We’ll be in touch with team announcements and more information shortly. In the meantime, you can register using the links below:

• Blast Cricket Registration

Game based drills and skills for children aged 4 – 10 years Junior Blasters (1 hour) Master Blasters (1.5 hours) (Junior Blasters and Master Blasters will receive a Woolworths Cricket Pack)

• Hard Ball Cricket Registration 
• 20/20 cricket with a hard ball for children wanting to experience real cricket match play in a team setting. 7:30am start until finish of game (estimated finish time 11am)

If you’re unsure which program is right for your child, feel free to reach out or attend our sign-on day—we’re here to help!

We welcome volunteers! If you're interested in supporting our program—whether through coaching, team management, or helping behind the scenes—please reach out.

Parents are encouraged to stay and actively engage with their children during sessions. If you need to leave at any point, kindly inform your child’s coach to ensure Duty of Care requirements are met.

🌞 Welcome to Term 4 – Let’s Make a Splash! 🌞

As summer sets in, Alpha Learn to Swim (ALTS) and the Longreach Stingrays are thrilled to bring you an action-packed Term 4 of swimming and fitness programs – plus our new addition, Water Polo!

💸 Don’t forget your vouchers!
The Queensland Government offers vouchers that can cover most (or all!) of your swimming fees this season:

• Swim Start Vouchers – $150 per child (for under 5’s)
  Apply here: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/swimstart
• Play On Vouchers – $200 per student (5 years and over)
  Apply here: https://www.qld.gov.au/playon

Simply forward your voucher to ALTS, and we’ll help you get registered!

🌊 Learn to Swim & Squad Programs

• Infant Swim (3–6 months) – FREE
• Baby Steps, Tiny Tots, Learn to Swim, Stroke Development & Squad programs for swimmers from 6 months through to competitive levels.
  Book here: https://portal.iclasspro.com/alphalearntoswim/booking

🌊 Water Polo – New in Term 4!

• Flipper Ball – children 7 years and over

💪 Adult Fitness (Longreach Aquatic Centre)

• Aqua Aerobics – Tuesday & Thursday 5:30pm
• Adult Fitness Squad – Tuesday 5:30pm & Friday 6:30am
• Water Polo (15 years and over) – Wednesday 6:00pm
  Book here: https://portal.iclasspro.com/alphalearntoswim/booking

🎟️ Passes
Season Pass holders receive 10% off all ALTS programs.
Buy a pass here: https://portal.iclasspro.com/alphalearntoswim/products/category/passes/subcategory/alpha

🏊 Longreach Stingrays Swim Club – Mondays 6:00pm

• Open to all – you don’t need to be in ALTS to join!
• Register here: https://swimcentral.swimming.org.au/
• Join in for fun, fitness, carnivals, or just relaxed club nights with friends.

For any questions about registering, vouchers, or programs, please contact us at info@alphalearntoswim.com or call 0407 333 728.