Lourdes on the Lawn

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our much-loved community event, Lourdes on the Lawn. Events like these are a reflection of the strong, vibrant culture we enjoy at Lourdes, and we’re so grateful to our P&F members who continue to play a key role in bringing our community together.

Last Saturday was another fantastic success! A heartfelt thank you to Corrine Baker, Tas Haylock, and Kristy Wyrzykowski for the countless hours they dedicated to organising the event, along with the many volunteers who helped make it all happen.

We were blessed with beautiful weather, great music, and a wonderful sense of community spirit. Thank you all for making it such a memorable day!

Stop Drop & Go

Just a reminder that our school day ends at 3:00pm and children need at least five minutes to get to their pickup area. For those utilising our Stop Drop Go zones, it is most helpful if you delay your arrival until 3:05pm or later. Please do not arrive at the Stop, Drop & Go zone prior to 3:00pm. Arriving earlier only causes congestion and our neighbours do not take kindly to blocked streets. Cars will be asked to leave the zone if your child is not in the pickup area. Children will be supervised until 3:30pm so there is no need to arrive early. Thank you for your ongoing co-operation and patience.

2026 Classes

Teachers are currently working on the make-up of 2026 classes. Our Learning support teachers also provide necessary input. All class lists will then be cross checked by the leadership team prior to families being notified. Families will be informed of their class for 2026 during the last week of school when they receive their child’s report card. If you have any requests regarding your child’s class placement, please email a member of leadership or your child’s teacher. We cannot provide any guarantees, but all requests will be given due consideration. 

World Teachers' Day

This week, we celebrate World Teachers' Day, a special opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of our teachers here at Lourdes. Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment have a profound impact on the lives of our students every single day.

We deeply value the energy and care they invest in their roles. Teaching is a vocation that can be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding, yet it is also deeply fulfilling. Our teachers shape futures, nurture learners, and help develop global citizens who go on to make meaningful contributions to the world.

We continue to receive glowing comments from both current and former students and families, who consistently speak highly about Lourdes, especially our teachers. This is a powerful reflection of the lasting influence they have. To all our teachers: on behalf of the Our Lady of Lourdes School and Parish community, thank you. Your work matters, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

2026 Enrolments

We often say that our best promoters and marketers of our wonderful school are our parents.  The ongoing support, praise, and recommendations go a long way to sustain a healthy level of student enrolment. If you know of anyone who is thinking of enrolling their children here at Lourdes, please let them know to contact the school as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Ms Trenerry’s Return

At the end of this week, Bridget returns from her travels in Italy. Next week, she will be away from school again attending the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum. Ms Miranda Murray will continue to deputise in Bridget’s absence. We look forward to seeing Ms Trenerry back at school in Week 6. A very big thank you to Mrs Melita Hohn for ably stepping into the Acting Assistant Principal position for the past three weeks. Janice and I have certainly appreciated her support and no doubt it has been a rewarding opportunity for Melita. Melita will return to Prep H next week, where students will be thrilled to have her back, even though Mrs Wagner will certainly be missed.

Miranda

Ms Miranda Murray
Acting Principal

Upcoming Events

Lourdes on the Lawn

What a wonderful day Lourdes on the Lawn was on Saturday! The weather was perfect, complemented by a great atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and plenty of energy and fun. Thank you to our tireless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to organise the event, cook the BBQs, sell drinks, and lend a hand throughout the day. It was a lovely opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the Lourdes community.

Health & Wellbeing Week

Last week we also celebrated Health and Wellbeing Week. Students discussed protective behaviours and explored healthy habits to keep themselves safe and well. Many students enjoyed the apple slinkies, and congratulations to the teachers for their victory in the Staff vs Students netball game on Friday! In tough conditions, they managed to claim the win.

This week, the remaining classes will participate in Life Education lessons, which reinforce key concepts from the Health Curriculum. On Friday, we will also take part in a ‘Red Walk’, reinforcing the importance of never being alone and staying safe on the roads.

World Teachers' Day

Tomorrow, 30^th October, the Our Lady of Lourdes community will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. There are few professions that have as profound an impact on individuals and the wider community as teaching. With that privilege comes great responsibility. We are blessed at Our Lady of Lourdes to have such a dedicated and compassionate group of teachers who strive to make a positive difference in the lives of children. As teachers within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese, we value human dignity, unlimited potential, and fullness of life, and we aim to bring these values to life through education. We thank our wonderful teachers for the guidance, care, and education they provide to every child.

Every Day Counts

Although Term 4 is a short one, it’s packed with valuable learning, revision, and consolidation. Every day counts! Consistent attendance has a significant impact on student achievement, helping to strengthen relationships and build confidence. Teachers are currently revising key concepts and beginning assessment tasks, so it is important that students are at school each day with absences being kept to a minimum. Education is most effective when we all work together. With 5½ weeks to go, let’s finish strong!

Thank you

Finally, I would like to thank Ms Trenerry, Ms Murray, and Mrs Moore for the opportunity to work as Assistant Principal over the last three weeks. As with any new role, there have been many learning opportunities, and I have often had to draw on my Lourdes Learner traits and take a dive into the Learning Pit! We look forward to welcoming Ms Trenerry back after her trip to Italy and the Principal’s Forum in Week 5, and I will return to my wonderful Prep class. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Wagner for teaching Prep H during this time. The class was certainly in wonderful hands and we are sure we will see you again soon.

Melita

Melita Hohn
Acting Assistant Principal

Lourdes on the Lawn

Wow, what a wonderful community day we had on Saturday. We were incredibly blessed with a beautiful day – we thank all the people for their time and effort coordinating such a marvellous event for the families of our school.

World Teachers’ Day

We are celebrating World Teachers' Day on Thursday, 30th October – remember to wish your teacher a happy day!  We thank the P&F for supporting our Morning Tea for our staff.

Red Walk for Safety  

This Friday 31st October  we have our “Red Walk for Safety”. We have our Safety Talk Assembly led by 2G, followed by our Walk in Red around the block, then a super dooper when we get back to school.  Our walk is to remind us that we should always walk with adult or older friend to keep ourselves safe. The children will learn the important messages of Recognise, React and Report, Everyone has the right to feel safe and “from my head to my toes, I can say what goes”. Our gold coin donation will raise some money for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to help them continue their good work of keeping kids safe. 

The children need to bring a gold coin to donate, wear something sun-safe red, please make sure your child has a hat and a water bottle.   

The plan for the day is:            

8:45 – Safety Talk Assembly led by 2G -  Hall  

9:10 – Walk around the block   

10:15 – Morning tea at school  - a zooper dooper will be provided for all students – kindly supported by our P and F. 

Please note these times are approx. and we will be reliant on fine weather for this to occur. Current forecast is for a warm, fine day. Fingers crossed!. Please ensure your child has their water bottle and hat.

There is no assembly tomorrow due to our red walk for safety on Friday.  

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

November is the month of our St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal – we are collecting non-perishable groceries, toiletries, Christmas treats, and if you wish - gift cards for our community’s needy families at Christmas time. Please send your grocery items and gift card donations to your child’s classroom. Gift cards can come from grocery stores, toy stores, or pharmacies. The OLOL St Vincent De Paul Chapter does appreciate our school’s donations and support. Donations will be given to our local St Vincent De Paul Chapter after our End of Year Mass on December 5.  

Remembrance Day Prayer

Year 3 are preparing a Remembrance Day prayer on Tuesday 11^th November at a special 11:00am Assembly. Australians observe one minute's silence at 11:00am on 11^th of November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts. All are welcome to come and commemorate this special date with us. 

There is no Thursday Assembly this week.

Volunteer’s Morning Tea

We have our school volunteer's morning tea on Tuesday 18^th November at 9:30am in the staff room. Those who have helped during the school year are invited to attend. Our reading, fitness, excursion supervisors, BBQ cookers, P&F workers…. are all welcome. An invitation will be sent  – Please RSVP by Wednesday 12^th November by calling the school office on 07 45911200 or filling the RSVP form attached.

Volunteers Morning Tea - RSVP Form

Christmas Concert Costumes

Our annual Christmas Concerts are on Wednesday 3^rd December in the school hall.

Year 3- Year 6 – 11:30am

Prep – Year 2 – 2:00pm

Classes will wear T shirts  with school sports shorts, socks and joggers.

Please note your class t-shirt colour below.

Prep, Year 1, Year  2 – Coloured  T-shirts will be provided by Drama and Music team

3C – Green T-shirt

3F – White T-shirt

3L- Red T-shirt

4H – Christmas T-shirt

4L – Red T-shirt

4V – White T-shirt

5ME – Christmas Shirt – Reindeer ears (optional)

5P – Yellow T-shirt

5S – Blue T-shirt

6C – Yellow T-shirt

6M – Green T-shirt  

Dates for Term 4 Diary   

Please note there are Thursday assemblies in Week 5 (Prep H) , 7 (Prep C) and 8 (Year 6).  

Friday 31^st  October – Red Day for Safety Walk 

Tuesday 11^th November – Remembrance Day Prayer 11am   

Tuesday 18^th November – Volunteers Morning Tea 9:30am   

Wednesday 26^th November –Prep Orientation and Transition Morning 8:45am

Thursday 27^th November – 5/6 Awards and Final Assembly 12 noon

Tuesday 2^nd December – Year 6 Graduation 6:30pm

Wednesday 3^rd December Christmas Concert – 3- 6 11:30am / Prep-2 – 2pm

Friday 5^th December – End of Year Mass – 12 noon

Have a wonderful week.   

Cheers   

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Dear Parents and Students,

Please find below various details and information regarding the Term 4 OLOL PE & Sport Program.

Upcoming Dates

Term 4

Achievements

Congratulations to Millie Budden on her selection in the 2026 Darling Downs School Sport U13-14 Triathlon team to participate at the State Championship to be held in Hervey Bay next year.

Well done to the Teachers who defeated the Students in the recent annual Netball game. Further sporting activities between Students and Teachers will be held in Term 4 with the potential for Basketball, Touch Football, and Dodge Ball games.

2025 OLOL Yr3-6 Swimming Carnival

Please find below details regarding the upcoming 2025 OLOL Yr3-6 Swimming Carnival. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact me at any time.

Carnival Timetable

Please note: These times are approximate and may vary depending on the number of nominations in each event.

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.

Regards

Richard

Richard Dugdale
PE Teacher

(0409 069 437)

Reading for Relaxation and Health – Tips for Families

• Make reading a calm moment – Encourage reading before bed or during quiet times to help children unwind.
• Create a cozy reading space – A comfy chair, soft lighting, and a few favourite books can make reading feel special.
• Choose gentle, feel-good stories – Books with positive messages, humour, or nature themes can soothe and uplift.
• Use picture books and poetry – These can be calming and enjoyable, even for older children.
• Read outdoors – A shady spot in the garden or park can make reading feel peaceful and refreshing.
• Model relaxed reading – Let children see you reading for pleasure, not just for work or study.
• Avoid pressure – Let kids read at their own pace and choose books they enjoy.
• Try mindfulness-themed books – Stories that include breathing, gratitude, or kindness can support emotional wellbeing.
• Use audiobooks for downtime – Listening to stories can be a restful alternative to screen time.
• Celebrate reading as self-care – Remind children that reading is a way to relax, recharge, and feel good.

Online Safety

Helping children stay safe online is just as important as teaching them to stay safe in the real world. Primary school students are learning to navigate digital spaces, so it's vital they understand how to protect their personal information, interact respectfully, and recognise unsafe behaviour. For trusted advice and resources, visit the eSafety Commissioner website – [esafety.gov.au]. We have been looking at Online Safety in our library lessons this term.

Library Bag Reminder

Please ensure books make the journey to and from school in a library bag to avoid damage.

End of Year Library Dates Reminder

Friday November 14^th (Week 6) – last day for student borrowing.

Friday November 21^st (Week 7) - last day for student returns.

Wednesday November 26^th (Week 8) – all outstanding loans will be charged to school accounts.

Overdue notices will be sent via email, so please keep an eye on your junk folders. If you need additional time to locate books, please email Danielle.Leathaet@twb.catholic.edu.au so I can adjust records accordingly. If you think your child may have returned book/s please email so we can check the shelves here in the library, sometimes things don’t scan correctly.

Chess Lessons

Chess Lessons have now finished for the year.  If you have any questions about chess, 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. Parent loans are due back by November 21^st 2025.

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

Some Issue 7 orders have arrived. We are still waiting for further boxes to be delivered. We will deliver items as they arrive.  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!

Mrs Leathart, Mrs Monte and Mrs Kemp

A big thank you to Mrs Bec Denny for her generous contribution of succulent cuttings to put towards our plant stall at 'Lourdes on the Lawn' on Saturday. The kids really loved potting up the various colours and textures of these gorgeous little plants. 

Thank you to those of you who supported our stall as well, there are still plenty of plants available if your interested.

Happy gardening,

Jo

St Ursula's College Toowoomba

Enrolments Now Open for 2027!

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Apply today and start your journey with purpose: Enrol - St Ursula's College Toowoomba