Term 2 Week 5 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

Greetings from Rockhampton! I’ve been attending the Wellbeing Conference this week and have found it incredibly informative. A standout session was with Maurizio Vespa, an educational consultant who specialises in restorative practices. Maurizio spoke about the importance of restoring relationships without resorting to punitive approaches or assigning blame. He reminded us that consequences are not the same as punishment—a message that strongly aligns with our strategic focus on improving both staff and student wellbeing. If you’re interested, you can read one of the articles he shared with us here:
👉 Why Education Needs Restorative Practices

Back in Longreach, there’s a hive of activity as our staff and parent volunteers prepare for tomorrow’s Longreach Show. I’m looking forward to seeing our float come to life again this year, proudly themed around our 125th anniversary. Students will be decked out in red, white, and blue as they board the truck and represent our wonderful school in the grand parade. A massive thanks to Ged Matthews for lending us his truck for the event!

As part of our school improvement journey, families have received a link to the Tell Them From Me survey via email and text. Your input plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our school. Mr Komndi-Diggins and I have decided that if we reach 75 responses, we’ll host a sausage sizzle to celebrate! The survey closes in early June, so there’s still time to have your say.

Looking ahead, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Campdraft is just over a week away. Our amazing P&F team has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for this major fundraising event. If you can spare some time to help in the canteen or bar, please pop your name on the roster. Dust off the belt buckles and pull on the flanny—let’s make this year’s event one to remember!

Next week is also National Reconciliation Week. The 2025 theme is Bridging Now to Next—a powerful reminder of the continuous connection between our past, present, and future. Throughout the week, students will engage in activities across classrooms that honour the stories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations peoples.

It will be a big week for our staff as well. Ms Wall will be attending the Finance Conference in Rockhampton, and Mrs Thurecht will travel to Emerald for the NCCD and Autism Centre of Excellence seminar. Please note that the front office will be open from 8:15–8:35am and again from 2:30–3:15pm. Outside of those times, Mr Komndi-Diggins and I will be holding down the fort—phones, front desk and all!

To finish, don’t forget our Under 8s Day Extravaganza is coming up on Thursday morning. We’re expecting a fantastic turnout from local schools and kindergartens. This year’s theme is Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play and there are some truly exciting activities planned—including a very special appearance by a ‘mad scientist’ with some wild experiments to kick things off! Younger siblings and families are more than welcome to join us for the fun.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Tell Them From Me Surveys

As part of our ongoing school improvement cycle, we are inviting all families to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning parent survey. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our school and helping us provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

The last time we ran this survey in 2022, your insights directly influenced meaningful changes across our school. One significant outcome was the introduction of our instrumental music program, now offered to students in Years 4–6 through The Cathedral College Rockhampton.

We would greatly appreciate your participation again this year. As valued partners in our school community, your views will help guide our priorities for student learning, wellbeing, and family engagement.

The survey is:
 ✅ Anonymous
 ✅ Takes around 20 minutes to complete
 ✅ Available on both computers and mobile devices

To complete the survey, please visit: http://tellthemfromme.com/olcpsl85

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your feedback. Your voice matters and helps us grow stronger together as a school community.

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

Celebrating National Volunteers Week

On the day that you read this, you or your family have probably been on the receiving end of the work of a volunteer: the Meals on Wheels couple who took your parent a meal, the Lollipop Person at the school crossing, the older person who comes to the school to hear the children’s reading, the people who work at the community nursery preparing the plants you might buy.  With a few minutes thought, you can identify a myriad of people offering their services for free, or maybe just a little payment, to make our society a pleasant place to live.   

And think of yourself – most likely there is something that you volunteer to do: coach netball, sell raffle tickets, look in on an old neighbour.  Our nation has a very high rate of volunteering and this makes a significant difference in our way of life. 

And why do we do it?  Because it needs to be done, but also because giving selflessly is its own reward.  It makes us feel good.  We are made to give generously in love, just as we are made to receive generously as well.  We are made in the image and likeness of God – Father, Son and Spirit – who are giving fully of themselves to each other.  This is the ground of their being: a Love moving to give to the Beloved.  It is meant to be the ground of our being.  Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a society that so favours volunteering.

The best way we can celebrate National Volunteer Week is by acknowledging and celebrating our own experiences of volunteers.  This week recognise and thank those who are making a difference in your life.  And take the time to enjoy the good feeling you have when serving others.  In short, acknowledge the God in whose image you have been made and who is at work in our midst.

Loving God, give me the wisdom to know that when I am served and when I am serving, I am entering into your very life.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 5 of Term 2!

Love One Another – A Reflection on John 13:31–35

In this week’s Gospel, John 13:31–35, Jesus offers His disciples a powerful and lasting message: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” These words are spoken just before Jesus' passion and death, making them even more meaningful. Jesus is not just telling us to be kind—He is inviting us to love as He loves: selflessly, generously, and unconditionally. This love becomes the defining mark of His followers.

Jesus knew that the world would recognise His disciples not by what they said, but by how they loved. As Christians, this challenges us to go beyond words—to show love in our actions, our patience, our forgiveness, and our service to others. Whether it’s helping someone who’s feeling left out, sharing with those in need, or simply offering a smile or kind word, every small act of love reflects the heart of Jesus. When we love like this, we bring His presence into the world.

In our school community, this Gospel is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of a Catholic family. Each day we are given countless opportunities to show love to those around us—our friends, classmates, teachers, and families. As we continue to grow in faith, let’s keep encouraging our students to lead with kindness, to forgive freely, and to look for ways to be Jesus’ hands and heart in our world.

Reflection Question for Families:
What is one way we can show Jesus’ love to someone in our school, home, or neighbourhood this week?

Pope Leo XIV News: A Shepherd of Peace and Unity

This week, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, held his inaugural general audience in St. Peter’s Square, where around 40,000 people gathered to hear his message. In his address, he called for peace and compassion, particularly highlighting the importance of humanitarian aid for those suffering in conflict zones. He urged an end to violence and reminded the world of the need to protect the most vulnerable—especially children, the elderly, and the sick. His message of hope and healing was clear in his words: “Peace be with you.”

Pope Leo XIV also met privately with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss current global issues, including how technology—especially artificial intelligence—is shaping the lives of young people. He raised thoughtful concerns about how online platforms might affect real human connection and encouraged the world to use technology in a way that serves the common good, promotes empathy, and respects the dignity of all people.

In a lighter and more personal moment this week, Pope Leo XIV was honoured by his hometown baseball team, the Chicago White Sox, at a special game. This tribute recognised his lifelong support for the team and celebrated his deep roots in the city of Chicago.

Let us keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he continues to guide the Church with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to unity and peace.

Preparing Our Hearts for Pentecost

As we journey through the season of Easter, we now look ahead with hope and excitement to the great feast of Pentecost, which marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. This powerful moment, often referred to as the birthday of the Church, filled the disciples with courage and wisdom, empowering them to go out and share the Good News with all people. It was the beginning of a new chapter—a community of believers ready to live out Jesus’ mission in the world.

For us as a Catholic primary school, Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still at work in our lives today. The Spirit helps us make good choices, comfort others, stand up for what is right, and grow in faith. It calls each of us—students, staff, and families—to be people of peace, joy, love, and patience in both our words and actions. As we prepare for Pentecost, we are challenged to ask ourselves: How can I let the Holy Spirit guide me each day? How can I be a light to others in our school community?

In the coming week, let us open our hearts to the Spirit’s guidance and challenge ourselves to listen more, care more, and act with love—even when it’s hard. If any student would like to share their answer to the reflection question with Mr KD, they are very welcome to do so—and they might even receive a small reward for their thoughtful response! Let’s prepare to celebrate Pentecost by living as Spirit-filled people every day.

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.

Tuckshop Menu

The tuckshop will be closed on the following dates:

• 23rd May - Longreach Show Holiday
• 30th May - ASHOF Campdraft
• 13th June - Athletics Carnival

Under 8's Day

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Under 8s Day at Our Lady's Catholic Primary School Longreach. This is a special event designed to celebrate and engage young learners in fun and interactive activities, with this year's theme being 'Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play.' 

Event Details:

• Date: 29^th of May (Week 6)
• Time: 9:00 - 11:00am
• Location: School Oval 
• Target Group: Children under 8 years old

The day will feature a range of exciting activities aimed at fostering teamwork, creativity, and fun through science and play, culminating in a sausage sizzle and popper for all. Barcoo Coffee will also be available for any parents, friends, or teachers who would like to enjoy a coffee.

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

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School P&F

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

Qantas Founders Museum Carbon_Dating art exhibition

Outback Acrobatics and Cheerleading

Max Flaherty - Junior Development Tennis Coach

Longreach Stingrays

Central West Hospital & Health Services