Term 3 Week 3 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Thank you to all the families and parishioners who joined us for our Catholic Education Week Mass this morning. This year’s theme, Communities of Faith, Hope and Love, is truly at the heart of all we do at Our Lady’s. Although we may be small in number, our strong sense of community is what makes our school so special. As I shared during the Mass, it is humbling to walk through our classrooms and witness faith, hope and love lived out daily by our students and staff.

Our annual Book Fair kicks off next week with an exciting Under the Sea theme created by the wonderful Mrs Carter. Students will preview books and write wishlists during library time from Monday, with purchasing opportunities before and after school on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th August. Sales will continue into the following week beginning 11th August. We encourage all families to come and explore the display!

Next Thursday, we’re proud to support Jeans for Genes Day. Students are invited to wear jeans and bring a gold coin donation to support vital research into genetic conditions affecting children. Please ensure your child wears covered shoes and a sun-safe collared shirt with their jeans.

As part of Longreach Regional Council’s Senior Month, our school will be hosting a special morning for the seniors in our community. We invite all grandparents, aunties, uncles, and senior friends to join us from 8:40am in the MPC for a prayer celebration, morning tea, and classroom visits. We’d love to see as many of our extended school family attend as possible.

Thank you to all families who participated in our recent uniform survey. With 95.2% of respondents supporting the change to plain white socks for boys in both the formal and sport uniform, this change will be introduced from 2026. To assist with the transition, boys may begin wearing plain white socks (no logos) immediately, with full implementation expected by the start of 2026.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Celebrating Catholic Education Week

Communities of Faith Hope and Love

Even the best relationships can be difficult at times. We can be bogged in our differing points of view and our attitude to each other can narrow.  In those times, I have found that Faith, Hope and Love can guide me through the challenge.  How is this?

Faith.  God has a unique plan for each of us.  When I look at my life, I can see many twists and turns as God’s ways sort me out.  God has kept faith with me.  When I find others difficult or challenging, I chose to believe that God is working in their lives as much as in mine, God loves them as much as God loves me.  This gives me Hope.

Hope.  If God has worked so well with me, God is working well in the other’s life.  At this time, we just may be having challenges. This negative can be a positive if we hope that God can and will work through both of us. It will involve change is us both.  Hope for change grounds Love.

Love.  This love is not a warm fuzzy feeling.  It is a decision to be as a child of God, deeply loved and therefore capable of loving people with whom I disagree or have challenges.  This love is a verb – it transforms my actions. It leads me to do loving actions when some part of me wants to close off. It leads me to allow the divine to dance in my life.

Communities of Love.  These thoughts have focussed on our personal relationships.  How much more of a challenge is it to apply them to our school communities. What diversity! What differences! How many people! But it is possible.  With each of us bringing our faith, our hope and our love into the daily interactions we have at school, we can form a community that forms our children in faith, hope and love.

Loving Father, guide me in the ways of faith, hope and love so that my relationships will be a model for my child/ren to grow in life and happiness.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Theme: “Communities of Faith, Hope & Love”

This week, Our Lady’s proudly joined Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week 2025. This year holds special significance as the Diocese of Rockhampton had the honour of officially launching the week, bringing a renewed sense of unity and purpose to our celebrations. The theme for this fourth year, “Communities of Faith, Hope & Love,” has guided our reflections, activities, and outreach, reminding us of the foundational values that shape our Catholic identity. It’s been a week of joyful learning, spiritual growth, and heartfelt connection—both within our school and with the wider community.

In the Classroom

Across all year levels, students immersed themselves in thoughtfully crafted lessons that brought scripture to life in engaging and meaningful ways. These lessons encouraged students to explore how the messages of faith, hope, and love are not just ancient teachings, but living truths that speak to our world today. Through prayer, song, and discussion, students deepened their understanding of how these virtues can be lived out in their relationships, choices, and everyday actions. The classrooms were filled with a spirit of curiosity and reverence, as students made personal connections to the Gospel and reflected on how they can be beacons of light in their own communities.

Year 1’s Thoughtful Gesture

While our Year 1 students were disappointed that their planned visit to the Pioneers Home had to be cancelled due to illness, their response was a beautiful example of resilience and compassion. Instead of dwelling on what was missed, they turned their energy toward creating something special. Each child contributed to a vibrant piece of artwork and a heartfelt card, which will be delivered to the residents of the Pioneers Home. Their gesture reminds us that even when plans change, the spirit of giving and kindness can still shine through—and sometimes, a simple act of love can mean even more than a visit.

CEW Mass – Live from Rockhampton

On Wednesday, our senior students in Years 5 and 6 gathered to participate in the live-streamed Catholic Education Week Mass from St Joseph’s Cathedral in Rockhampton. This experience allowed them to join in prayer with students and educators from across the diocese, reinforcing the sense of being part of a larger faith family. The Mass was a moving celebration of our shared mission in Catholic education, and students were inspired by the messages of unity, service, and spiritual renewal. It was a powerful reminder that even across distances, we are connected by our faith and our commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds.

Sharing Faith, Hope & Love Locally

On Thursday, our entire school community took to the streets of Longreach with a mission: to share the spirit of Catholic Education Week beyond our gates. Students and staff visited local businesses, offering small gifts as tokens of appreciation and goodwill. These gifts, lovingly prepared by the students, carried messages of faith, hope, and love—symbols of the values we strive to live by each day. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and it was a joy to see our students engaging with others in such a meaningful way. This outreach reminded us that Catholic education is not confined to the classroom—it’s a way of life that reaches into every corner of our town.

Whole School Art Project – Jubilee Clam Shells

Throughout the week, each class has been contributing to a beautiful whole-school art project centred around the clam shell, a symbol rich in meaning during the Catholic Year of Jubilee. Traditionally associated with pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the clam shell represents our spiritual journey—a path of reflection, renewal, and closeness to God. It also connects to baptism, reminding us of our new life in Christ and the ongoing call to grow in faith. Students have been designing their own clam shells, each one unique, yet part of a larger tapestry that will be displayed as a symbol of our collective journey. This project has sparked deep conversations about pilgrimage, forgiveness, and the joy of walking with God.

Friday’s Celebration Mass

To conclude this special week, we will gather for a whole school Mass at St Brigid’s Church on Friday morning. This Mass will be a time of thanksgiving, celebration, and community. We will reflect on the theme of the week and the many ways we have embraced it through learning, service, and prayer. During the celebration, we will present the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards to the 125th Planning Committee, honouring their dedication and contribution to our school’s mission. We will also announce our Semester 2 Student Representative Council for Years 3–5, recognising the leadership and commitment of our students as they take on this important role.

A Final Reflection

At Our Lady’s, we believe that Catholic Education is a journey of the whole child—one that nurtures not only the mind, but also the heart and soul. It’s about forming young people who are thoughtful, compassionate, and grounded in values that will guide them throughout life. Catholic Education Week reminds us of the privilege and responsibility we have in shaping lives through faith, learning, and love. Thank you for walking this journey with us, and for being part of a community that truly lives out the message of faith, hope, and love.

God Bless,
Mr Komndi-Diggins
Acting Assistant Principal – Religious Education

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 Session by Berry Street

The Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) Strategic Plan details a commitment to implementing trauma-informed practices and trauma aware schools. In partnership with Berry Street please find below information detailing an opportunity for members of our parent community to participate in the following online professional learning. Please note that this event is free for participants as it is funded by CEDR.

To make the most of this fantastic opportunity and allow parents and carers to fully engage in the session, we are offering the opportunity to gather as a community and watch it in the MPC on the big screen together. Doors will open at 6:45pm, or feel free to watch in the privacy of your home via the zoom link below.

Please register your attendance by completing the Google Form: https://forms.gle/sfAyacn5BPHjRCip6

Bookfair 4th to 15th August

Winton Poetry Festival

This year, Prep to Year 6 will be performing at the Winton Poetry Festival in the group and individual competition. This competition takes place in Winton on Wednesday 17th September 2025. Teachers will coordinate group poems with their year level. Some practice may be required at home as part of homework (memorising the words etc). All other practice for group poems will occur at school.

Individual poems will be at the discretion of parents, parents need to let the school know if their child/ren are entering by Monday 11th August so
we can assist with preparation for the event. Students will be given time to practice at school however there is an expectation that they will prepare for the event at home as well. For Individual Performances, the students may perform ANY short Poem with Rhyme and Rhythm that has been written by an Australian about our Australian way of life, and suitable for public performance at the festival.

Our students will require the use of private transport to attend. The students will be departing from the pool car park at 7am sharp. We are unable to give a return time as this is not finalised until closer to the date. However, in previous years we have always returned before 3:05pm. Parents/caregivers are required to have their students at school in time for this departure in their full formal uniform. Please ensure that they are well presented with ironed uniforms and tidy hair.

Please complete the following link by Monday 11th August 2025, to indicate if your child would like to present an individual poem and if you can assist with transporting students to and from the Winton Poetry Festival. https://forms.gle/QN1ppBTm6wWNBDtN7

Students will need to bring packed lunches and snacks (no lollies, chips or soft drinks please) and a large bottle of iced water for the day. This can be a wonderful experience for children but one that needs encouragement and support from parents and friends.

Tuckshop Menu

Tuckshop will be closed on Friday 15th August.

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

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

Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) invite all
Catholic school parents and carers to a national
Karen Young live webinar on
Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety.

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. A recording of the webinar will be available for 3 days to registered participants only.

Click on the below link to register: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1F2ru7CCQy-Ey1hGpbn-vw#/registration

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

Longreach Regional Council

Bushkids

Longreach School of Dance

National Science Week

register at https://NationalScienceWeekLongreach.eventbrite.com.au

Qantas Founders Museum Carbon_Dating art exhibition

Longreach Sporting Opportunities

Raising Healthy Minds app

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.  

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.  

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.  

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.  

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind 🧠 😊  

Central West Hospital & Health Services