Dear Families,

I hope that everyone has managed to stay warm during the cold weather we have experienced this past fortnight. Fortunately, though, the sun came out for our Grandparents Day. I would like to extend a thank you to the families that supported this day and most importantly, supported their grandchild/child. It is a very special moment, when children share the prayer assembly, their classroom and morning tea with their grandparent. To those who couldn’t attend, you were included in our prayers and thoughts.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Award Recipients

Congratulations to our amazing administration, finance and enrolments staff – Carla McCallum and Hazel Buckley- for receiving the Toowoomba Catholic Schools award for Excellence in education support – administration, finance and facilities support.

Congratulations also to Emily McKay for her nomination as a finalist in the category of Excellence in leadership- emerging leadership.

Our school community is grateful for the excellent contributions of these staff, and the positive impact they have in our Lourdes community.

The Acceptable use of TCS provided ICT systems, devices and resources policy

As a part of your Enrolment Agreement with our school, we agreed to notify you of any changes to policies that form part of this agreement. The Acceptable use of TCS provided ICT systems, devices and resources policy has recently been reviewed and is available on the  TCSO Directors are to share this policy with their Services and affirm the requirement for them to act in accordance with this policy.

The Acceptable use of TCS provided ICT systems, devices and resources policy has recently been reviewed and is available on the Toowoomba Catholic Schools website.

Policies, procedures and guidelines | Policies and publications | About us | Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools

Student Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

If your child brings a mobile phone or smart watch to school, it needs to be handed in to the office at the start of each day and collected before going home. They should not be left in school bags. This is in the interest of not only your child’s safety, but the safety of all our students at Lourdes. If you need to get a message to your child during the day regarding pick up etc., please contact the school office and it can be arranged for a message to reach your child.

Loving the Arts at Lourdes – 12th September 

Please mark this in your calendar- all students will have art work displayed on the night! 

Thank you for continuing to work with us.

Bridget

Ms Bridget Trenerry
Principal

Upcoming Events

Supporting Every Learner at Lourdes

At Our Lady of Lourdes, we are committed to nurturing confident, collaborative, resilient, and respectful students. Guided by our faith and our school values, we prioritise dignity, inclusivity, and positive relationships.

We are working towards fully embracing a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approach, which aims for every student to receive the right level of support at the right time:

• Tier 1: High-quality teaching with the whole school or class, using strategies that engage all students, including the explicit teaching of values, behaviour, and curriculum content.
• Tier 2: Targeted small group support for students needing extra help with learning or behaviour.
• Tier 3: Individualised support tailored to specific student needs.

At Lourdes, we nurture all students to become thoughtful learners and compassionate global citizens through our saying ‘Lourdes Learners are CALLed to Think.’  We encourage students to:

Communicate Effectively

Students learn to express their ideas clearly, ask questions, and reflect on their learning. They are taught to communicate in diverse formats—spoken, written, digital—and to consider how their words impact others.

Actively Participate

We encourage students to take ownership of their learning by setting goals, seeking feedback, and persisting through challenges. Teachers model this by embracing their own learning journeys.

Look for Learning

Students are guided to identify learning goals, seek resources, and support peers. They learn to recognise what success looks like and how to achieve it.

Listen with Purpose

Listening is a key skill for learning and connection. Students learn to listen to understand, follow instructions, and value others’ perspectives—building empathy and communication skills.

Think Critically and Creatively

We foster curiosity and problem-solving. Students reflect on their progress, explore new ideas, and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these values and learning habits. Here are a few ways you can help at home:

• Talk about learning: Ask your child what they’re learning and why it matters. Encourage them to explain their thinking and share their goals.
• Model positive communication: Show how to listen respectfully, ask thoughtful questions, and express ideas clearly.
• Celebrate effort and persistence: Praise your child for trying their best, especially when facing challenges.
• Encourage curiosity: Explore new ideas together - read, ask questions, and solve problems as a team.
• Promote empathy and respect: Discuss current events or everyday situations and encourage thoughtful, open, and respectful dialogue.
• Support routines: Help your child establish healthy habits for learning with structure and routines, including time for rest, reflection, and play, as well as practising and reinforcing learning with the homework provided by teachers.

Miranda

Miranda Murray
Assistant Principal

Catholic Education Week

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. The theme was “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love.” This year the Catholic Education Week Committee focused on “Hope”.  This ties in beautifully with 2025 Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope.

Long Service Awards 

We congratulated the Long Service recipients of our staff – Madonna O’Connor 20 Years, Nicole Kemp 25 years and Carol Dennis 35 Years. Madonna and Nicole are two of our committed School Officers and Carol is one of our wonderful supply teachers.  We thank them for their exceptional contribution to the Catholic Education of our students. 

Grandparents Day

Last Tuesday, Year 2 led a beautiful assembly celebrating our OLOL Grandparents. We were so impressed with the wonderful attendance of over 450 grandparents.  Our Grandparents thoroughly enjoyed the prayer, visiting classrooms and morning tea.  We thank all those who supported us to make this day special for our Grandparents.

Bishop's In-service

On Friday it was the Bishop’s In-service Day. Students had a holiday, while all OLOL staff gathered at St Mary’s College to celebrate Mass with 1100 of our Catholic Education colleagues. We listened to Bishop Ken Howell, Dr. Patrick Coughlan – Director of the Toowoomba Diocese, and Keynote speaker Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO. Bishop Ken reminded us that we are an important part of the Mission of the Church.

Dr Pat reaffirmed our commitment to bringing the story and teachings of Jesus to those in our community. We are cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. Dr Pat reminded us that we need to be people of courage, but we also need the support of those around us.

Fr Frank Brennan is a member of the Jesuit Order, a human rights lawyer and university academic whose life has led him all over the world helping and supporting those in marginal areas.  He spoke about the importance of building relationships of Faith, Hope and Love realistically in our school communities.

Fr Frank gave his opinion about the legacy of Pope Francis – a true leader of the importance of welcoming all. He also spoke about the hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue to lead us in the building of bridges and welcoming everyone. He explained that 2025 is a Jubilee Year – a time for reflection and discernment for us all. Fr Frank is certain that the conclave of Cardinals made a positive decision in their choice of Pope Leo XIV. He is a person of Hope, an advocate for the reforms of Pope Francis. Fr Frank reminded us that we as teachers also represent this future of Hope.

Michael Mangan Concerts

Today, our school welcomed Michael Mangan, a celebrated singer and songwriter of some of our favourite liturgical songs. We sing his songs at our prayer and mass celebrations. He really had the school bopping along to his music.

St Mary Mackillop Prayer

The Prep to Year 3 children will celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary Mackillop with a special prayer celebration on Friday, 8^th August at 11:15 am in the OLOL Church. All are welcome to join us.  

As part of the liturgical year in our Catholic tradition, we have different days where someone or something special is recognised on a Feast Day. 

August 8^th is the date we recognise St Mary the Cross Mackillop - our first Australian saint. St Mary Mackillop saw the need to provide an education for children of poor families in the 1870’s. She inspired some young women to follow her to teach these children – these women became the Sisters of St Joseph. Mary and her sisters travelled throughout the heat of the outback to some of Australia’s most remote communities. They were willing to do whatever it took to set up schools, so overlooked children could pursue an education, reach their potential, and flourish. Our own Toowoomba Diocese saw the benefit of Mary’s vision –the Sisters of St Joseph started schools in places like Quilpie, St George, Allora, Pittsworth, Chinchilla, Inglewood, Millmerran, Tara, and St Thomas More’s in Toowoomba. Mary Mackillop Catholic College is named after St Mary Mackillop. The Sisters of St Joseph, who follow in St Mary Mackillop’s legacy continue to provide educational opportunities here in Australia and neighbouring countries. 

Let us all continue to walk in the educational footsteps of St Mary Mackillop – by being grateful for the opportunity to learn, and remembering to help others. St Mary Mackillop was fierce in the face of adversity and acted when she saw injustice. So let us be fair and act when we see injustice, let us see a need and do something about it.  

Sacrament of Reconciliation 

The 2nd meeting for children and parents involved in the preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is on Sunday, 10th August, at 10:45 am in the OLOL Church.  Parents and their children will work on the second topic of their booklet in rotating groups.   

The 3^rd preparation meeting will be on Sunday 24th August at 10:45 am  

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is on Tuesday, 9th September at 7 pm. A short ceremony practice will be on Monday 8^th  September at 3:30 pm in the OLOL Church.  

 Any questions or queries please contact the OLOL Parish office. (07 4634 1453 Monday – Friday 9 am - 1 pm) or email  ourladyoflourdesparish@twb.catholic.org.au

Feast of the Assumption Mass

The Year 4-6 children will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady – Mary, the Mother of Jesus on Friday 15^th August with a Mass at 10 am in the OLOL Church. Again, all are welcome to join us.  

 The Assumption is another one of our special Catholic Feast Days. We recognise the importance of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We believe that God called Mary- body and soul to take a special place in Heaven. This day is a day to remember the importance of our own mothers in our lives. Mary cared for Jesus, she was the person who taught and guided Jesus to be the best person he could be. Just like our own mothers do now. 

Fathers Day 2025

We celebrate our annual Fathers’ Day Mass and Sausage Sizzle on Thursday 4^th September at 10 am in the OLOL school hall. All Dads, Granddads, Pas, Dars and Poppys are warmly invited to attend. Please email ONE photo of your Dad/Granddad/Poppy/ Pop/Dar/Pa with their children, for our Fathers’ Day powerpoint, to Mrs Moore (Janice.Moore@twb.catholic.edu.au ) Remember one photo or photo collage per family, by Wednesday 27 August. 

If anyone is willing to be part of the cooking and serving crew which starts cooking sausages at 8:30 am. We serve the sausages to our guests and our students after Mass for a sausage sizzle morning tea. A RSVP form for catering, chairs and volunteering has been included as follows:  https://forms.office.com/r/gF85UnF8Tc

Crazy Sock Day

Our Crazy Sock Day is on Thursday 18^th September – wear your craziest socks with your sun safe coloured clothes and bring in a gold coin donation for Catholic Mission – a group that helps communities all over Australia and poorer areas of our world. Catholic Mission aims to empower people to help in their communities by providing education and opportunities to improve living standards. 

We are also asking for a new pair of socks – any size, which we can donate to the Base Soup Kitchen- a way to help those who are struggling in our own local community. We are endeavouring to remind our students that service as a Global Citizen helps those locally as well as globally. 

We have a busy term ahead! 

Have a great week and stay warm!    

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

(APMI)

Dear Parents

I hope everyone had a great start to what is a very busy Term 3. Please find below various details and information regarding the Term 3 OLOL PE & Sport Program.

As always if you any concerns or questions, always feel free to contact me (0409 069 437) for further information or to discuss your concerns.

Regards

Richard

Upcoming Dates

Term 3

Term 4

Congratulations

Congratulations to all the students who participated at the Catholic Yr5/6 Touch Football/Netball Carnival. With 7 Touch and 5 Netball teams, it was a big day of action with all students demonstrating the OLOL spirit of team work and sportspersonship. Special congratulations to the Yr6 competitive Girls Netball team who placed equal 2^nd and the Yr5 Girls competitive Touch team who were undefeated and played in the Grand Final.

Best wishes to all students selected in the OLOL Athletics team to participate at the West Zone Athletics Trials.

-      West Zone 1500m Trials – Wednesday 6 August

-      West Zone Athletics Trials – Wednesday 13 August

Well done to the OLOL Girls Touch Football team that played their first game last Monday afternoon in the Swan Cup Primary School Competition. The girls came away with a 1-1 draw against a very strong Mater Dei team.

Good luck to the OLOL Girls Netball team that take on Glennie on Friday 15 August. The girls have been training hard with the St Ursula’s coaches and Mrs Coran, and the game will be a great experience.

Inter School Sport Information

Term 3 Inter School Sport will begin this Friday 8 August (Week 4) and conclude on Friday 29 August (Week 7). Draws will be advertised on either the Wednesday or Thursday of each relevant week.

Approx times:

• 12:00pm – Lunchtime
• 12:15pm – Bus departure
• 12:50 - 1.30pm – Round 1
• 1:35 - 2.15pm – Round
• 2:30pm Bus departure

Sports/Requirements:

• Rugby League - Mouthguard, OLOL sports uniform shorts, water bottle, broad brimmed OLOL hat (OLOL RL jersey provided)
• Football (Soccer) - OLOL sports uniform shorts, shin pads, water bottle, broad brimmed OLOL hat
• Netball - OLOL netball uniform provided, water bottle, OLOL hat, soft brimmed visor

Venues:

Nell E Robinson Courts – Netball – (Kylie McKenzie, Emily McKay & Shauna Coren)

Kearney Springs – Rugby League – (Richard Dugdale)

Captain Cook Ovals - Football – (Steve Shoebridge, Jasmine Fleming, Jess Packer)

Catholic Schools Yr4 Touch Football Gala Day

• Participants: OLOL Yr4 Students (students will be randomly selected into teams)
• Date: Tuesday 16 September
• Time: 8:30-1.00pm
• Venue: Kearney’s Spring
• Transport: Students will travel to and from the venue by bus.
• Uniform: OLOL Sports uniform including OLOL hat and suitable footwear.
• What to Bring: Morning tea, snacks, water bottle (No canteen available)
• Further details: To be communicated in Week 5

Term 3 Swimming – P-6

Term 3 P-6 swimming lessons will be held in Weeks 8 & 9 at Glennie. Dates are as follows:

• Mon 1 Sept – Thursday 4 September – Year 3-6
• Mon 8 Sept – Friday 12 September – P-2

Further details will be forwarded to parents in Week 5.  Permission information will be collected via Sentral.

Representative Sport—Toowoomba & Darling Downs Teams

Throughout the course of the year Toowoomba Primary School Sport and Darling Downs School Sport offer trials to eligible students for a variety of team and individual sports. Strict nomination requirements apply, and it is at the sole discretion of the school to decide whether to nominate individual students. OLOL will also host trials for sports which have multiple students seeking to nominate to attend the TPSS or DDSS trials. All trials will be advertised by email to parents, on assembly and in PE lessons, and posted on the Sports Board outside the Hall. The trials listed below are either yet to be advertised or have been advertised and the nomination window is still open.

Concerns and Questions

If you have any future questions or concerns, always feel free to contact me. I am very keen to ensure we maintain a high level of communication and give every possible opportunity for students to play, enjoy, and learn in a friendly, safe, positive, and inclusive environment. Please note that I do not work at OLOL on Mondays except for occasional Sporting School lessons, however I am still available to be contacted to ensure I can support and assist in any way possible.

Richard Dugdale
PE Teacher

Book Week

Don’t forget to keep thinking about your costumes… Whether you're crafting something from scratch or raiding the dress-up box, homemade costumes are always a hit. Cannot think of an adventure? Come dressed as your favourite Australian author and bring their stories to life!

More details about activities during Book Week will appear in the next addition of Library News.

Important Book Week Dates:

Thursday 28^th August  

- Book an Adventure – Dress Up Day
- Book Quiz – Year Level Groups

Keeping Books Safe

Over the course of the last few weeks, we have dealt with several cases of book damage, especially with our home readers. Please ensure that books are kept in library bags when they travel to and from school. There is very little we can do to repair with wet, mouldly books. Please be aware that it is our library policy to charge the borrower for damaged books.

Overdue Books

Thank you all for returning many overdue books to us.  If you are having trouble locating books, please email Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can check the shelves here at school.

Chess Lessons

Chess lessons are now FULL for Term 3! If you have any questions about chess lessons, please contact: Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au

Parent Borrowing

Parents are welcome to borrow up to 10 additional books from the library collection. We are open at the times below. Please be reminded that parents are unable to borrow from the home reading collection including all On My Own and Read with Me titles. These titles are in high demand for staff and students, and we do not have enough copies to loan to families from this collection.

Additional Decodable Readers

Please access extra Decodable Readers via DRA online (class teachers will have logon details) or Wheelers eBooks (student email and password to logon).

Book Club

Issue 5 orders have been placed and we expect delivery late this week or early next week. Once orders arrive at school, we will deliver them to classroom teachers for distribution as soon as practical. Please email queries about Book Club to Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au

Important Links:

• AccessIt https://au.accessit.online/ORL13 (email address and password needed to logon)
• Wheelers eBooks Wheelers eBooks (email address and password needed to logon)

Library Opening Times

Happy Reading!

We wish Mrs Monte all the best as she enjoys some travel while she is on Long Service Leave. We cannot wait to hear all about her adventures when she returns in Week 10.

Happy Reading! Mrs Leathart, Mrs Monte and Mrs Kemp.

Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte

Lourdes on the Lawn