Term 3 Week 8 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

This week we pause to celebrate all that is special about our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who play such important roles in our lives. Father’s Day always brings with it a mixture of emotions for me. It is a time of joy as I look forward to celebrating with my own children, but also a time of reflection as I think back to the many wonderful moments I shared with my dad when I was growing up in our Emu Street home. Our yard was the stage for countless footy games in the winter and cricket matches in the summer. Dad was always there, encouraging us to do our best, while at the same time reliving his own “glory days” by scoring five tries in the backyard or bowling us out for a duck. He was never much help when it came to homework, but what he lacked in that department he more than made up for by being fully present in those everyday, special moments that have stayed with me long after his passing.

Now, as a father myself, I realise just how much of a journey parenting is. You carry forward the best of what you learned from your own father, uncles and grandfathers, and you do your best to pass that along to your children. Sometimes it’s in the little things—chasing them through the sprinkler on a hot afternoon, running behind the bike as they learn to ride, or spending hours building a trampoline, knowing full well that you want to be the first one to jump on it too. It’s in those shared moments of fun, laughter and connection that the heart of fatherhood really shines through. Wherever you are celebrating this Father’s Day, I hope it is filled with joy, togetherness and the making of memories that will last a lifetime.

I also look forward to seeing many of you at our P&F Fun Afternoon this Thursday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This will be a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity for families to come together as a community. We’ll provide all the sports equipment—so you don’t need to dust off that old bat you’ve been keeping since your backyard cricket glory days. With a BBQ on offer and BYO drinks, it promises to be a wonderful afternoon of fun and connection.

How windy was the Longreach Fishing Competition on the weekend! It was great to see so many photos of our students out and about enjoying the festivities, rods in hand and smiles on faces. There were some impressive catches from our students—well done to Emily C and Tom S who both landed decent fish. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Mr Chapman, myself and our children, who lined the bank with rods that would not yield so much as a nibble. We’ve decided to blame Mrs Carter, who clearly caught all the fish at her place before the weekend even began!

Next week, Mr KD and I will be away attending the Student Protection Conference in Rockhampton. In my absence, Mrs Belinda Thurecht will be Acting Principal and will be supported by Mrs Lisa Neuendorf. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office and the team will ensure your message is passed on to Belinda and Lisa.

This week our teacher assistants continued their professional learning with Phillipa Johnson, our First Nations Education Coordinator from CEDR. Phillipa spoke about the importance of using respectful and inclusive language, reminding us that language is a powerful act of social justice. The words we choose can impact attitudes, understandings and relationships in profound ways. Building this awareness not only strengthens connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also deepens our collective understanding of the way culture shapes learning. It was a valuable session for our staff, reinforcing the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Our teachers have also been busy with the Monitoring Learning Growth (MLG) project, where they have been collaborating with colleagues from Barcaldine and Blackall. Each teacher selected three students and tracked their spelling progress through writing samples, then shared their instructional practices and data with peers. Supported by CEDR, this project provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to learn from one another while celebrating the fantastic growth and progress happening in their own classrooms.

Looking ahead, on Monday of Week 10 our assembly will feature a special showcase of the work classes have been preparing for the Winton Poetry Festival. Each year level will perform their group presentation at the 8:40am assembly. For parents who may not be able to make the trip to Winton, this is a great opportunity to see the creativity and effort the students have poured into their performances, while also giving the children valuable experience performing in front of a larger audience.

Finally, a reminder that this Friday, 5th September, is a pupil free day. While students enjoy a day off, staff will be engaged in professional development. Please make arrangements for your child’s care on that day.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Our desire for a Father

My Mum taught as a catechist in the State primary school of the small town in which we lived.  She loved the trusting looks she saw in the faces of the young children when she spoke of God as Father.  It spoke to something deep within them. But it didn’t necessarily come from their personal experience.  It was a small town and she knew some of these children came from troubled families. She understood the disconnect between their desire for a father and the reality of their lives.  She knew it herself as her mother left her father before she was born and she only met him when she was 21 years old.  It did not go well.  But Mum always hungered for what she had missed and it took her years to confidently approach God as Father.  That’s another story.

What she knew herself and sensed in these children is that we are made to be loved and formed by a father.  Most of us experience this in the fathers we have.  As children we can idolise our fathers.  As we grow older, we see their flaws, and as we age and discover our own flaws, we recognise that love is complex and people can love and fail at the same time…because we can do that too.    But we still have the hunger to be loved by the ‘perfect’ Father.

That is what God is to us.  This hunger is something we need to sit with, listen to and allow God to love us as we most deeply want and need to be loved.  It is a long process.  But we can enter into it at any moment.  We need to let go and rest in the love of God- our true Father.

Loving Father, let me accept all the love and care you desire for me.  Let me rest in your love.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son and our brother.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Celebrating Father’s Day – Honouring Love, Guidance and Faith

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and it’s a special time for us to pause and give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who shape our lives with love, strength, and wisdom. This week, Year 1 and Fr Rius led our Father’s Day Liturgy on Thursday morning, guiding our school community in a beautiful celebration of prayer and reflection.

Reflecting on the First Reading

The first reading focused on the importance of honouring those who guide and care for us. It reminded us that showing love and respect—especially in moments when patience and compassion are needed most—is deeply connected to our relationship with God. Caring for our fathers and elders is a grace-filled act that brings blessing to our lives and reflects the values we hold as a Catholic community.

The Heart of the Liturgy – The Gospel

At the heart of our liturgy was the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son. This powerful parable captures the essence of fatherhood: mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. The father doesn’t hesitate to welcome his son home, embracing him with joy and compassion. It’s a beautiful image of God’s love for each of us—a love that never gives up, no matter how far we wander. As we reflected on this Gospel, we were reminded that true fatherhood is about being present, being patient, and being a source of healing and hope. This kind of love builds trust, restores relationships, and strengthens the bonds within families.

A Personal Reflection

As I reflect on Father’s Day, I think of the strong father figures in my own life and the lessons they’ve taught me. My dad showed me that through forgiveness, relationships and connections can be restored—a truth that continues to shape how I live and love. My grandfather—Gramps—not only showed me what it means to be a father, but he was also the person who led me into my Catholic faith. His quiet strength and deep devotion continue to guide me. And my mum, who stepped into both roles with courage and grace, taught me that while anyone can take on a role, only a few have the strength to be both mother and father. Her example reminds me of the strength found in sacrificial love—a love that reflects Christ’s own.

I’ve learned so much from these incredible people, and I thank God for the way they’ve shaped my life and faith.

A Prayer for Fathers and Faithful Guidance

Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of fathers and all those who take on the role of fatherhood in our lives.
Bless them with wisdom to guide, strength to protect, and gentleness to love.
May they reflect your mercy and patience, especially in times of challenge.
We give thanks for grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and all who help shape our hearts and faith.
And we especially thank you for those who have led us closer to you through their example.
May we honour them with our love and gratitude, and may your grace be upon them always.
Amen.

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

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Father's Day

For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.

Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.

Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.

In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.

https://ollrok.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/celebrating-fathers-day

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.

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

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

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?

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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.

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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