Teamwork was the key when St Paul’s Catholic College, Greystanes students joined forces with Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary, Greystanes students to research a true Australian mystery.
The investigative task was to examine the disappearance of 70-year-old, Paddy Moriarty, from the Northern Territory town of Larrimah. Paddy and his dog vanished mysteriously in December 2017, instigating an extensive police search.
St Paul’s Literacy Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator Frances Violi said students addressed a key question and gained knowledge through inquiry, allowing them to explore learning in a real-world context.
“This project provided students with opportunities to build confidence, work collaboratively with others, communicate effectively and use technology to consider a real problem,’’ Mrs Violi said.
“The learning intention opened possibilities to problem-solve creatively, plan and develop time management skills.”
Students were allocated four 50-minute lessons to complete the task.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary Year 5 teacher Rita Haddad said students considered audience and purpose when writing scripts, context and setting to reflect authenticity and were careful to justify predictions with aptly chosen references.
“Students were also expected to maintain engagement by collaborating on music, sound effects and cinematic techniques to provoke suspense and mood,’’ Mrs Haddad said.
“Year 8 and Year 5 students were highly engaged during the entire process, delving into the research, asking questions, hypothesizing and applying information.”
Both teachers agreed the project was a success for all the students because they found the task meaningful.
“The older students acted as mentors to their younger colleagues, strengthening leadership and interpersonal qualities and enhancing their own sense of satisfaction as learners,’’ Mrs Violi said.
“On the other hand, Year 5 students gained insights into secondary education, polished literacy skills and built confidence in communication.’’
As a result of this project, all the student groups were given a choice to either create an iMovie clip to demonstrate what they think happened to Paddy Moriarty on the day of his disappearance, or to appeal to the public to help find Paddy.
The completed iMovie clips will be showcased at school assemblies later in the year.
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31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
All Saints Day – Saturday, 1st November On Saturday, 1st November, we celebrate All Saints Day — a special feast that honours all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived lives of holiness and love. It reminds us that sainthood is not only for a few extraordinary people, but for all who strive to live faithfully in their everyday lives — the “saints next door” who bring God’s love to others through kindness, compassion, and service. As members of the Communion of Saints, we are united with all those who have gone before us in faith. We also look to Our Lady, the first and greatest of all saints, as our model of faith, peace, and discipleship. May her example inspire us to live with courage and grace as we continue to grow in holiness. “Let us remember: holiness is not a privilege for the few, but a call for everyone.” – Pope Francis
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From Facebook
World Teachers’ Day, Friday 31st October Today, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and acknowledge the work of the teachers at Our Lady Queen of Peace. Your dedication, commitment, and passion make a difference in the lives of every student you teach. Through your guidance, encouragement, and care, you not only help students learn but also inspire them to grow in character, faith, and confidence. For all the hours you spend planning, supporting, and nurturing, we thank you. May God continue to bless each of you in your vocation of teaching, and may you always feel the joy and reward that comes from shaping young minds and hearts. “Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai
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31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
All Saints Day – Saturday, 1st November On Saturday, 1st November, we celebrate All Saints Day — a special feast that honours all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived lives of holiness and love. It reminds us that sainthood is not only for a few extraordinary people, but for all who strive to live faithfully in their everyday lives — the “saints next door” who bring God’s love to others through kindness, compassion, and service. As members of the Communion of Saints, we are united with all those who have gone before us in faith. We also look to Our Lady, the first and greatest of all saints, as our model of faith, peace, and discipleship. May her example inspire us to live with courage and grace as we continue to grow in holiness. “Let us remember: holiness is not a privilege for the few, but a call for everyone.” – Pope Francis
31 Oct 2025
From Facebook
World Teachers’ Day, Friday 31st October Today, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and acknowledge the work of the teachers at Our Lady Queen of Peace. Your dedication, commitment, and passion make a difference in the lives of every student you teach. Through your guidance, encouragement, and care, you not only help students learn but also inspire them to grow in character, faith, and confidence. For all the hours you spend planning, supporting, and nurturing, we thank you. May God continue to bless each of you in your vocation of teaching, and may you always feel the joy and reward that comes from shaping young minds and hearts. “Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai
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Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary Greystanes, recently welcomed a visit from Dr Hugh McDermott, State Member for Prospect. The school was awarded a $60,000 Community Building Partnerships grant, and Dr McDermott presented the school with a ceremonial cheque. During his visit, Dr McDermott spent time with some of our students and, alongside Fr. Paul Roberts, OLQP Parish Priest, delivered an engaging talk about the three levels of government and his own personal connection to the Greystanes community. The grant will make a significant contribution toward the construction of a large shade structure over the school playground. The school looks forward to seeing the new shade structure fully installed upon returning from the October school holidays.
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From Facebook
🚀✨ October School Holiday Program – Sky Explorers! ✨🚀 👉 Register now: https://littleinventors.com.au Join us for a full day of fun and discovery as kids explore the world of aeronautics and aerospace through hands-on STEM activities. 🌤️ Highlights include: ✅ Building drones and airships ✅ Designing gliders ✅ Launching rockets (kids friendly and safe) ✅ Learning the science of aerodynamics and how the sky helps humankind every day 📍 OLQP Greystanes 🗓 9 Oct – Ages 5–7 🗓 10 Oct – Ages 8+ 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 🎟 Early Bird Discount – Use code FLSE for $20 off (expires 26 September) ✅ Creative Kids Vouchers accepted 📞 1300 453 304
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From Facebook
Our Year 3 students put their writing skills to the test this week! They wrote detailed procedures to explain how to make their very own teddy cars – then brought their instructions to life by building them. 📝➡️🛠️ Clear, step-by-step instructions were the key to success, and the results were wheelie impressive! 👏✨