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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03 Sep 2025
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πβ¨ October School Holiday Program β Sky Explorers! β¨π π 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. π€οΈ Highlights include: β Launching a tethered weather balloon with aerial photography β Designing gliders, planes & rockets β Creating flying machines like motorised wings β Learning the science of aerodynamics and how the sky helps humankind every day π OLQP Greystanes π 9 Oct β Ages 5β7 π 10 Oct β Ages 8+ π Time: 9:00 AM β 3:00 PM π Early Bird Discount β Use code OC25 for $20 off (limited time!) β Creative Kids Vouchers accepted π 1300 453 304![868233255322817_1193220602824079-1]()
02 Sep 2025
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Year 1 had such a fun day learning about Procedures by Making Fairy Bread! We canβt wait to use this fun experience to help us become expert writers over the week
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03 Sep 2025
From Facebook
πβ¨ October School Holiday Program β Sky Explorers! β¨π π 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. π€οΈ Highlights include: β Launching a tethered weather balloon with aerial photography β Designing gliders, planes & rockets β Creating flying machines like motorised wings β Learning the science of aerodynamics and how the sky helps humankind every day π OLQP Greystanes π 9 Oct β Ages 5β7 π 10 Oct β Ages 8+ π Time: 9:00 AM β 3:00 PM π Early Bird Discount β Use code OC25 for $20 off (limited time!) β Creative Kids Vouchers accepted π 1300 453 304
02 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Year 1 had such a fun day learning about Procedures by Making Fairy Bread! We canβt wait to use this fun experience to help us become expert writers over the week
01 Sep 2025
From Facebook
A big congratulations to our School Captain, Aisling, and FIAT Leader, Katherine from Year Six, who proudly represented our school last week at the Voice of Youth Cluster Final. Both students made our school incredibly proud with their outstanding speeches. We are thrilled to share that Aisling was awarded First Place and will now move on to represent our school at the Eastern Region Semi Final. We wish her all the very best as she continues her journey. We are equally as thrilled to share that Katherine received the Social Justice Award β a wonderful recognition of her passion and advocacy for neurodiversity! Well done, Aisling and Katherine!
29 Aug 2025
From Facebook
On Monday night the Choir and Band united to hold a Creative Arts Concert for their family and friends in our new school hall. They showcased songs and displayed skills that they have developed throughout the year. Congratulations to all the performers in preparing and performing to such a large audience. It was a lovely evening celebrating our talented musical students.
26 Aug 2025
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More Photos for Book Week 2025 Book Week was a wonderful celebration of imagination, creativity and the adventures we find within the pages of a book. π
26 Aug 2025
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Book Week 2025 Book Week was a wonderful celebration of imagination, creativity and the adventures we find within the pages of a book. π
26 Aug 2025
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Book Week 2025 Book Week was a wonderful celebration of imagination, creativity and the adventures we find within the pages of a book. β¨π
15 Aug 2025
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ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Today we celebrate the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, βhaving completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly gloryβ. The Assumption signals the end of Maryβs earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Maryβs body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. Hail Mary Mother of God. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
08 Aug 2025
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08 Aug 2025
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Today we celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop St Mary MacKillop is Australiaβs first saint and a wonderful example of courage, kindness, and deep faith. She dedicated her life to educating children, especially those in rural and disadvantaged communities, and reminded us to βnever see a need without doing something about it.β On this special day, we remember her commitment to compassion, service, and perseverance, and we pray that we too may follow her example in caring for others and living with hope and generosity. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop β Pray for us.
06 Aug 2025
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06 Aug 2025
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Creativity is in full bloom! ππ¨ Our kindergarten students have had a blast painting their colourful clay pinch pots. Their smiles say it all! π