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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10 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Young Archie, 2026 – Sharing Our Gifts Through Art 🎨 In our art lessons, students learn that creativity is a gift from God and that art can be a beautiful way to tell stories, express gratitude, and honour the people who shape our lives. We would love to invite our students to consider entering the 2026 Young Archie Competition, where children create a portrait of someone special to them. The Young Archie encourages students to look closely at others with care and respect — reflecting on relationships, love, and the people who help us grow. This aligns beautifully with our Catholic values of community, compassion, and seeing the dignity in every person. Who can enter? 👧🧒 Australian residents aged 5–18 years Artwork requirements: 🖼️ A 2D portrait 📄 Size A4 to A3 ✏️ On paper only; less than 1cm thickness (unframed and unmounted) 🗓️ Entries close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 2 March 2026. Finalists are selected from each age group. The 2025 winning artworks are showcased here, eleven year old Isobel's portrait of her great-grandmother, as well as six year old Logan's portrait of his dad. ✨ We encourage students to be brave, to trust their creativity, and to share their unique voice through art. With your support at home, this can be a meaningful and joyful experience for your child. 👉 For more information and submissions: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/art/prizes/young-archie/enter/
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Welcome back to all our families as we begin a new year of learning. We look forward to working together in partnership to support our students and create a positive, engaging, and successful 2026 for everyone in our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. We are excited for the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring.
Latest News More news
10 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Young Archie, 2026 – Sharing Our Gifts Through Art 🎨 In our art lessons, students learn that creativity is a gift from God and that art can be a beautiful way to tell stories, express gratitude, and honour the people who shape our lives. We would love to invite our students to consider entering the 2026 Young Archie Competition, where children create a portrait of someone special to them. The Young Archie encourages students to look closely at others with care and respect — reflecting on relationships, love, and the people who help us grow. This aligns beautifully with our Catholic values of community, compassion, and seeing the dignity in every person. Who can enter? 👧🧒 Australian residents aged 5–18 years Artwork requirements: 🖼️ A 2D portrait 📄 Size A4 to A3 ✏️ On paper only; less than 1cm thickness (unframed and unmounted) 🗓️ Entries close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 2 March 2026. Finalists are selected from each age group. The 2025 winning artworks are showcased here, eleven year old Isobel's portrait of her great-grandmother, as well as six year old Logan's portrait of his dad. ✨ We encourage students to be brave, to trust their creativity, and to share their unique voice through art. With your support at home, this can be a meaningful and joyful experience for your child. 👉 For more information and submissions: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/art/prizes/young-archie/enter/
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Welcome back to all our families as we begin a new year of learning. We look forward to working together in partnership to support our students and create a positive, engaging, and successful 2026 for everyone in our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. We are excited for the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring.
12 Jan 2026
Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know
The first day of Kindergarten! It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
15 Dec 2025
From Facebook
On Monday, we came together as a school community to celebrate our Thanksgiving Mass and give thanks for our time together in 2025. It was a truly joyous occasion as we gathered in gratitude for the year that was.
15 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last Monday, we came together as a school community to celebrate our Thanksgiving Mass and give thanks for our time together in 2025. It was a truly joyous occasion as we gathered in gratitude for the year that was.
10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
We are delighted to share with you the tremendous success of the 2025 Year 6 Christmas Market. With the incredible support of our OLQP community, we are thrilled to announce that an amazing $7,800 was raised. As a school, we are immensely proud of our year 6 students, who as a team, showed great maturity and enthusiasm to invoke the fruits of the Holy spirit and the OLQP school spirit. Heartfelt thanks goes to all parents for their generosity and support, enabling students to bring their ideas to life and ensuring the success of the event. Sincere appreciation is also extended to our dedicated staff, who guided students throughout the planning and preparation process. Their creativity, organisation and unwavering commitment ensured that every stall came together seamlessly on the day. Without the kindness and enthusiasm of our OLQP community, this success would not have been possible. With the funds raised, we were able to purchase gifts for the children’s hospital Westmead, bringing hope, joy and a little extra magic to young patients this Christmas.
09 Dec 2025
From Facebook
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
27 Nov 2025
From Facebook
We are delighted to share exciting news about DAVID (PG-13) – a breathtaking animated musical epic from Angel Studios, opening in cinemas across Australia on 18 December 2025 – perfect timing for the Christmas holidays. Special Preview Screenings are available from 13–17 December 2025. This vibrant film re-imagines the beloved biblical story through the bold, faithful eyes of young David – from shepherd boy in Bethlehem to the throne of Israel. Featuring groundbreaking animation, powerful original music, and an outstanding voice cast including Phil Wickham as David and Lauren Daigle as Rebecca, DAVID beautifully highlights themes of courage, humility, and complete trust in God. It’s an ideal family outing that inspires children and parents alike to reflect on the Christmas message and embrace Christ-like leadership in their own lives.
