Term 3 Week 4 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

It was heartening to have so many parents join us for the Berry Street Education Model Parent Zoom last night—whether gathered in our MPC or tuning in from the comfort of home. The session provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we, as adults, respond to our children’s behaviour.

One powerful takeaway was the concept of co-escalation vs co-regulation. I found myself reflecting on the times I’ve argued with Miss Five over shoes or breakfast—where our frustrations fuelled each other instead of calming the situation. In hindsight, those moments were more about unmet needs than misbehaviour. The practical language and strategies shared during the session closely mirror what we’re using in classrooms through our trauma-informed practice. As Brett Halter (CEDR) reminded us, consistency between home and school is key to supporting our kids.

Next week, our Year 6 students will begin their afternoon transitions to Longreach State High School. These sessions are a fantastic way for students to build familiarity with the environment, staff, and routines. Students will travel to LSHS after lunch and will need to be picked up or make their own way home at 3:00pm.

We’re also excited to celebrate National Science Week with a rotation of engaging activities next Friday from 11:30am–1:30pm. Students will work in mixed-age groups across four fun-filled sessions based on this year’s theme. Word has it Mr KD may even have something explosive planned (don’t worry—it’s safe!).

Parent–Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 9 (Prep–Year 5) and Week 10 (Year 6). Bookings open Monday of Week 7 and close Friday of Week 8 via the Parent Orbit App. If you need support accessing your account, please contact Ms Wall in the office before Week 7. These interviews are a great opportunity to reflect on Semester 1 and plan for a strong finish to the year.

Finally, best wishes to all students competing in the Western Tennis Challenge tomorrow at the Longreach Tennis Courts. It’s been a joy to watch their energy and effort in PE lessons—good luck, and enjoy the day!

God bless,

Peter Thurecht

Principal

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Glory to live by

Once I was talking with a mum who was taking her daughter to the State Swimming Trials in Brisbane and she spoke of how well she hoped her daughter would do – which really came down to doing a personal best.  But I’m sure the daughter’s hopes were for more, maybe even much more, perhaps even being noticed for Olympic training.  So, what if her hopes were too high, they sure got her out of bed long before dawn each day for training. 

Having hopes, even high hopes, is crucial for growth.  We aim for what we hope for.  This week the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration, the moment in Jesus’ life when his glory shone through him.  Up till now, the disciples had known Jesus as just an extraordinary human, now they saw the glory of God shining through him, even when he was talking about the shameful death he was to face.  This moment of Transfiguration was not just to show them who Jesus was but also to give those disciples a future glimpse of the glory that God desires for each of us.  St Peter, writing years later as an old man, was still fired by this moment of glory.  It had inspired him to see what life in God could mean – both at the end of life and also in living gracefully through all the trials of life. 

The glory that God desires for each of us is greater than Olympic glory…and far more lasting but we need to actually access it, especially in the difficult and even dull times of life.  We need to regularly imagine what our unique personality would be like at its ‘best self’ and then ask for God’s grace to live towards that life.  One thing of which we can be certain: God’s hopes for our glory are greater than what we have for ourselves. 

Loving God, your desires for me are even greater than I can have for myself.  Send me your Spirit to reveal to me, even in a small way, the glory you desire to give me through Jesus.  I ask this in his name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 4 of Term 3!

Pioneer Home Appreciation – Catholic Education Week

During Catholic Education Week, our Year 1 students were preparing to share joy and kindness with the residents of Pioneers Retirement Home. They lovingly created heartfelt cards and beautiful crafts to brighten the residents’ day and celebrate the spirit of Catholic education through service and compassion.

Unfortunately, due to widespread illness last week, the planned visit had to be cancelled to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. While we were disappointed not to be able to deliver these gifts in person, the students’ efforts and intentions remain a beautiful testament to the values we uphold at Our Lady’s.

We are looking to organise visits to Pioneers later this term, with our Prep and Year 2 students also joining in to share their warmth and creativity with the residents.

Gospel Reflection – Luke 12:13–21

Last Sunday’s Gospel tells the story of a rich man who had a great harvest and decided to store all his grain and goods so he could relax and enjoy life. But God calls him a fool, saying his life will end that very night, and all his wealth will mean nothing. Jesus reminds us that life is not about storing up treasures on earth but about being rich toward God.

This parable teaches us that true happiness does not come from having lots of things but from living a life of love, generosity, and faith. Jesus invites us to think about what really matters: our relationships with God and others, not just the things we own. It is a powerful reminder to focus on what lasts, such as kindness, compassion, and doing good.

At school, we can live out this message by sharing, helping others, and being thankful for what we have. Whether it is including someone in a game, donating to a charity, or simply saying kind words, we build a community that values people over possessions. When we choose kindness, fairness, and compassion, we are storing up treasures in heaven. Let us encourage our students to ask, “How can I be rich in kindness today?” Together, we can grow hearts full of love, treasures that truly matter.

Our Lady’s Ministering Mass 10/8:

This Sunday, 10 August at 9:00am, Our Lady’s will be ministering Mass at St Brigid’s Church. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together in faith and service, as students and staff take part in various ministries throughout the celebration.

Children’s Liturgy will also be offered during the Mass, providing a meaningful and age-appropriate way for our younger parishioners to engage with the Gospel message.

All members of the community are warmly invited to attend and share in this special celebration. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces there.

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.

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

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

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