Term 3 Week 9 2025

A Message from the Principal

Dear parents and friends,

This week I travelled to Rockhampton for the Student Protection Conference as part of our Diocesan approach to National Child Protection Week. One of the keynote speakers was Anne Hollonds, the National Children’s Rights Commissioner, who spoke passionately about Australia’s approach to youth crime. She highlighted how punitive systems often fail our young people, especially when their basic needs—such as a caring family, access to food and clothing, and the opportunity to attend school—are not being met. Anne’s message was clear: when we address these unmet needs, we stand a better chance of changing lives for the better. She shared a confronting comment from a youth in a correctional centre who said, “By sending us to these places, we learn to do the crime better next time.” It was a stark reminder of the flaws in our current justice system. Students from TCC and Emmaus then had the chance to ask her questions about issues they face, including the new laws restricting social media use for under 16s. One of our past students, Heidi Karger, represented us superbly on the panel, asking a challenging question about youth crime and the lack of supports for children in difficult circumstances. It was a proud moment, and I know John and Deb would have been impressed.

Back at school, we enjoyed a fantastic Father’s Day Fun Afternoon last Thursday. It was heartwarming to see so many families gathered together—whether playing cricket, tennis in the MPC, enjoying the playground, or joining in the other games on offer. A huge thank you goes to our P&F team for organising the event and serving up delicious steak burgers and sausages to keep everyone fuelled throughout the afternoon.

Next week brings the excitement of the Winton Poetry Festival. Ms Wall has coordinated all transport arrangements, and on Monday morning at 8:40am our classes will perform their group poems at assembly. This gives families who cannot attend the festival a chance to see the children perform live. On Wednesday, all Prep to Year 2 students will need to leave by 7am to be ready for their 9am performances. The day will begin with Prep to Year 2 group poems followed by their individual items, then Year 3 and 4 will take the stage with group and individual performances, and finally our Year 5 and 6 students will close the day. Exact times will vary depending on the number of individual poems, but the festival usually wraps up around 3pm. Prep students are to wear their sports uniform and years 1 to 6 their formal uniform, all students will need to bring a packed lunch, water bottle and a hat.

We also have StoryFest on Friday, with every year level attending a workshop with an author. Students will travel by bus to LSODE, leaving at 9am for a 9:30am session before returning to school by 10:15am in time for first break. 

To close, the Catholic Church has marked an extraordinary milestone with the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, known as the “Millennial Saint.” Carlo has been recognised following two miracles attributed to him since his passing, making him the first saint canonised in recent times. His story is an inspiring reminder to our young people of the power of faith and service in everyday life.

God bless,

Mr Peter Thurecht

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris OSB

The Paradox of the Cross

If you have anything to do with Catholics, you see crosses everywhere.  It wasn’t always like that.  For the first few centuries, Christians didn’t use the image of the cross at all.  In fact, in the first depiction of the Crucifixion, the cross isn’t there at all.  Jesus and the two thieves are just hanging mid-air (see https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crucifixion-Christ-Church-Santa-Sabina-Rome-716123.jpg ).  Such was the horror of this instrument of torture that the artist couldn’t bring himself to depict it, even though it had ceased to be a way of killing people.  Eventually when the cross was depicted in art, it was often loaded with rich and sumptuous symbolism of the glorious life that came through this terrible death.  The mosaic from San Clemente in Rome is a prime example (see https://www.christianiconography.info/sanClemente/apse.html . The explanation here is well worth the read.) 

I can understand the aversion of those early Christians to displaying the cross.  The places where we meet the cross in our own lives are usually places of failure, shame and pain.  Too often, we don’t want to go there….and with good reason.  We are overwhelmed.  Yet when Jesus became human, suffering his terrible Death, he was one with us in the dark and difficult places of our lives…one with us, so he could share with us the grace to turn those situations into places of grace and life.   For us to realise this we need to invite him to be with us in our pain and suffering so we can experience his transforming grace.  This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross.  This is a good time to ponder on those dark places in our lives and be open to the transformation Jesus could bring. 

Loving Father, Jesus experienced our life and suffered our death, that he might offer us the fullness of love.  Give me the courage to face the difficult places of my life that I might be a channel of your life in them.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

APRE News

Welcome to Week 9 of Term 3!

Celebrating the Canonization of St Carlo Acutis

On Sunday, 7 September 2025, the Catholic Church joyfully welcomed St Carlo Acutis as its first millennial saint, canonized alongside St Pier Giorgio Frassati by Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square. This historic moment was witnessed by over 70,000 pilgrims, including many young people whose lives have been touched by Carlo’s example of faith lived in the digital age.

Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Carlo was a teenager who loved video games, soccer, and coding—but most of all, he loved Jesus in the Eucharist. He called the Eucharist “my highway to heaven” and created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His devotion inspired his family to return to the Church and even led his Hindu nanny to convert to Catholicism.

Carlo died of leukemia at just 15 years old, offering his suffering “for the Pope and for the Church.” His life reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the old or the ordained—it is a call for all, especially the young. His canonization was made possible after the Vatican confirmed two miracles attributed to his intercession, including the healing of a Costa Rican student with severe brain trauma.

As a school community, we give thanks for the witness of St Carlo Acutis. May his life inspire our students to use their gifts—especially in technology and creativity—for the glory of God. Let us echo his words: “To always be united with Jesus, this is my life plan.”

St Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

Strengthening Our Commitment to Student Protection

This week, I joined Mr Thurecht and many colleagues from across our Diocese—kindergartens, OSHC, primary and secondary schools—for the CEDR Student Protection Inservice. It’s been a full week of learning, reflection and important conversations, and it’s no coincidence that it’s taken place during National Child Protection Week. The theme this year, “Shifting conversation to action,” really resonated with me throughout the sessions.

We heard from Commissioner Anne Hollonds, the National Children’s Commissioner, who spoke about her Help Way Earlier report. Her message was clear: we need to act early and with purpose when it comes to supporting children. It reminded me that the work we do in schools is not just about education—it’s about being present, being responsive, and being part of the solution.

Anne Edwards and Rebecca Christopherson from the Queensland Family and Child Commission unpacked the Child Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and current legislation. Their session helped clarify our responsibilities and reinforced the importance of consistency and transparency in creating safe environments for children.

Professor Daryl Higgins from ACU shared research and data that gave us a broader understanding of the challenges facing children and families in Australia. His insights helped us see the bigger picture and the role we play in it.

One of the biggest takeaways for me personally was the reminder that each person is made in the image of God. That belief quietly underpins everything we do. If we truly hold that in our hearts, then caring for and protecting each other—especially our students—becomes not just a duty, but a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.

This week has reminded me that conversations are important, but action is essential. And as a Catholic school community, we’re committed to both.

Our Lady’s Ministering Mass

Our Lady’s will be ministering at Mass this Sunday, 14 September at 9:00am at St Brigid’s Church. All are warmly invited and welcome to join us.

This Sunday also marks the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross—a day that reminds us of the power of the Cross not as a symbol of suffering alone, but of hope, love, and redemption. It’s a chance to reflect on how we carry our own crosses and how, through faith, we find strength and purpose in them.

We hope to see many of you there as we come together in prayer and community.

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: R U OK?Day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://ollrok.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-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.

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

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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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