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Ms Angela Gilbert / Mrs Sarah Jackman
Mr Garry Birch / Mr Chris Golightly
Dear Parents
Thank you to those parents who attended last week’s parent information night regarding the building project. My presentation covered the purpose of the project, total cost and how it is being funded, timeline of construction, school community concerns and digital images of what it will look like. For those who were unable to attend and would like further information about the project, I will email the PowerPoint presentation that I used on the night to all families. As always, please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any further queries.
As mentioned over the last few newsletters, I hope to address concerns raised from last term’s school improvement survey. In my last message to you, I provided information to parents about the school’s behavioural management/ student behaviour support plan and procedures. Overall, the majority of parents, staff, and other members of the community either strongly agree or agree, that the standard of behaviour and strategies supporting their wellbeing are most impressive. We do however, continue to strive to improve and respond accordingly to any areas that need specific attention.
From your responses, the other main areas parents sought further information were:
- Lack of space, upgrade of buildings and concern over increasing enrolment
- Vagueness of report cards & further clarity around A-E reporting [5% of respondents]
My intention behind last week’s parent information night was to address the first point. Hopefully, the information in the PowerPoint presentation will allay any concern parents may have over the building project. In short, the increasing demand on enrolment over the past 5-6 years has meant we have run out of classroom space, hence the need for the demountable buildings. The new building will provide additional, contemporary learning and administration areas. The additional classroom spaces will provide learning areas for 20 classes (currently 19), a room for learning support and two multi-purpose rooms which could be used for Visual Arts, Music/ Drama, or ICT, etc. Following the completion of the project our plan is to offer a three-stream structure from Year 1-6 which means an increase of only one class more than we have now but with an increase in learning spaces. Furthermore, upon completion of the new buildings, the demountables will go, allowing for the return of much needed play space. The project also involves extensive landscaping which will provide improved play spaces, including the very popular handball courts.
Homework and report cards continue to be popular topics of conversations with parents and teachers. Both are part and parcel of school life and the other thing they have in common is that there is no such thing as a perfect homework policy or student report card. Leaving the topic of homework for another day, I will attempt to provide some insight behind the complexities of school reporting.
One thing I can say without hesitation is that teaching, learning, and assessment are far more extensive, inclusive, and structured than say when I first started teaching…. yes, a long time ago! I clearly remember the day the school received a photocopier. The celebrations went on for days! I also remember that every single school had its own expectations and format for report cards. Some were good, some not so good. In other words, whilst there were less subjects to assess and no Federal government assessment and reporting requirements, significant inconsistencies in assessment and reporting existed across all schools.
As a result, school systems over the past 15 or so years have attempted to address assessment and reporting inconsistencies by developing common assessment and reporting guidelines, expectations and report card design for all schools within a particular system i.e., State, Catholic or Independent.
One thing that parents need to understand is that the end of semester report cards are only one part of the reporting process. They are often referred to as the formal part of reporting. The only way to make meaning of what has been assessed, seeing evidence of growth, and gaining clarity over A-E definitions, is for parents to be part of the reporting process through regular meetings, parent/ teacher interviews and communication with the teacher. By being an active participant in this part of the process, you as parents will see first-hand the progress made and be able to discuss ways your child can improve – ultimately gaining a good understanding of how your child is progressing at that stage of their learning journey.
For additional information about A-E reporting, please refer to Ms. Murray’s (A.P.) section in the newsletter. This will hopefully provide you with an understanding of the distinction between the grading levels. Whilst, this information is valuable, I know that not all parents read the newsletter and unfortunately miss this important information. Planning is in place to conduct a parent information session early next year on assessment and reporting. Being such a complex area, it is difficult to cover all queries or concerns in the newsletter. The information session will provide a great opportunity for parents to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the assessment and reporting process.
Semester Two Report Cards
Due to the new Toowoomba Catholic Schools new administration and financial operating software, Semester Two report cards will be forwarded home electronically to the email address we have on file on the second last day of Term, Thursday 2nd December. Whilst this is a paper saving capability, it also means an end of an era for me in being able to write a comment on each student’s report card, not to mention the stickers! Though I am sure I will come up with alternative ways to provide comment and give due recognition on their progress during the school year.
World Teachers Day
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our teaching staff a very happy World Teachers’ Day for this Friday. I believe it is the most important profession and without great teachers we would not have great leaders, nurses, tradespeople, doctors, scientists etc, and not to mention future great teachers! Teaching is a vocation with immense responsibility but one that is tremendously fulfilling. Congratulations to all our OLOL teachers on the magnificent work they do each and every day.
Volunteers Morning Tea
The same can be said for all those who volunteer their time and expertise in various ways around the school. Whether you have helped with classroom learning activities, tuckshop, fundraising, sporting events, I cordially invite all volunteers to a special morning tea on Tuesday 16th November at 10:00 a.m. The morning tea will be held on the lawn outside the entrance to the Church.
Leadership Speeches
Students from our Year 5 cohort who are considering a role as School or Sports Captain in 2022 will deliver their leadership speeches on Wednesday 17th November at 9:00 am in the Church. Each year I have been most impressed by the standard of delivery and the level of confidence of Year 5 students and I’m sure this high standard will be once again on show. In the lead up to their speeches, all hopeful candidates have had to write me a letter outlining the reason behind why they wish to seek election as a school captain. Following the speeches, all students from Years 3-6 will vote. I thank them all for their letters and certainly wish all candidates the best of luck. The announcement of next year’s School and Sports Captains will be made at the end of year assembly on Tuesday 30th November 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Concerts
Due to the temporary relocation of classes and the hall being unavailable, our annual Christmas concerts will unfortunately not be able to be held. Individual year levels will organise end of year events for the students at various times towards the end of term. Parents of course will be most welcome to attend. The teachers will be in touch with dates and times.
Final Assembly
Due to the abovementioned reasons, we will be combining our traditional farewell assembly for our fabulous Year 6 students with the end of term Thanksgiving Celebration. This event will be held on Tuesday 30th November at 11:00 a.m. To ensure we have plenty of space for all the students and parents wishing to attend, we will be holding this end of year celebration at St. Ursula’s College’s Salo Centre in Rome St. I would like to sincerely thank St. Ursula’s for the use of this amazing facility. On the day, the students will have an early morning tea and walk down in their year level groups to the Salo Centre.
As a result, there will be no Mass on the last day of school. Parents, however, are still most welcome to pick up their children from school at lunchtime on the last day.
2022 Classes
Over the next few weeks, we will be going through the process of creating class lists for the 2022 school year. The first stage is that the teachers of the current year level come together to commence a draft list. Consideration is given to a balance of girls and boys, a balance of learning styles, matching learning styles and requirements to teacher strengths and friendship groups. These draft lists are then provided to our learning support teacher to ensure a balance of learning styles and needs has been achieved. Ms. Murray and I then complete a final check before families are notified. It is very much a collaborative team approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for every student. If you have any queries regarding this process, please feel free to email me prior to Monday 8th November. Classes will be finalised after this date and families informed via email during the last week of term.
2022 Enrolments
A final request for any family who intends on not returning in 2022 to contact the school. As our staffing levels and budgeting considerations depend solely on the overall enrolment level, it is so important that we have an accurate figure. Alternatively, if you know of anyone who is considering enrolling their child at OLOL, could you please ask them also to contact the school prior to the end of the term. I thank you for your co-operation and support in providing the best possible staffing and resources levels for the students.
School Fees
Term 4’s school fee invoices were emailed home last week. Please ensure that you are fully up to date with the payment of this year’s school fees by the end of the term. Chasing outstanding fees owed at the end of the year is a very time consuming exercise and places the school at a financial disadvantage when attempting to carry our building and ground maintenance as well as affecting our ability to purchase much needed resources for 2022. Your co-operation and support in the timely payment of fees and levies is always greatly appreciated.
Car Parking
Please avoid parking left of the disabled parks by the entrance of the Church. Please also be mindful of the signage and gardens.
Thanks for reading…….Chris
ICAS
Last term, students in Years 4-6 were given the option to participate in the Spelling, Digital Technologies, English, Maths, Science and Writing ICAS assessments. Congratulations to all those who participated in these higher-order thinking and problem solving assessments.
Report Cards
Report cards for Semester Two each year are based on learning that has occurred in Term Three and Term Four and report on student achievement against the Australian Curriculum year level achievement standards.
The learning areas that are assessed this semester are Religion, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Digital and/ or Design Technology and any number of our specialist learning areas including Visual Art, Music and/ or Drama. All report cards will include an English, Mathematics and a General Comment.
Schools are mandated to report on student progress using a 5-point A-E scale.
What does it mean if my child receives a C?
A student who receives a C has typically demonstrated their year level achievement and the teacher has sufficient evidence of learning to assign the overall grade for that learning area. This means they are achieving at the expected standard for their year level and are applying knowledge and skills to familiar situations. If your child receives a C, they have achieved success for that year level subject.
What does it mean if my child receives a B or A?
A student who receives a B or A has typically provided enough evidence of learning for the student to demonstrate they have targeted knowledge, can easily apply skills, and are able to connect conceptual ideas. They demonstrate higher order thinking skills to solve problems. ‘B’ students are developing the sophistication in understanding and are beginning to transfer their understanding to unfamiliar situations, whereas ‘A’ students are consistently showing they have the sophistication of understanding, excellent application of skills and are able to transfer knowledge, understanding and skills to new and unfamiliar situations.
What does it mean if my child receives a D?
A student who receives a D for a particular learning area has demonstrated they are still developing the targeted knowledge and conceptual understandings of that year level and are beginning to apply skills and transfer knowledge to familiar situations.
The table below provides the A-E definitions for all schools in the Toowoomba diocese. More information will be provided next week to explain some of the terminology used within the grade level definitions.
Faith & Religious Education News
Tomorrow 28th October, is a Year 4-6 Assembly at 2.00pm in the OLOL Church.
This Friday 29th October we have our “Day for Daniel”. We have our Walk in Red to Newtown Park for morning tea together. The children will learn some very important messages about ways to keep themselves safe and we will raise some money to donate to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to help them continue their good work.
The children need to wear something sun safe red, with a hat, bring a gold coin and their morning tea with a water bottle to take to Newtown Park.
The plan for the day is:
8:30 – Year 4-6 Safety Talk in the Church
9 :00 – Gather on school oval to take a Whole school photo
9:50 – Walk to Newtown Park
10:15 – Morning tea together at Newtown Park
10:45 – Return to school
11:30 – Year 2-3 Safety Talk in the Church
Please note these times are approximate and we will be reliant on fine weather for this to occur.
The Prep and Year 1 children have already had their Safety talks last week.
Next Monday 1st November, the Year 3- 6 children will celebrate “All Saints” with the Parish at 10.00am.
Thursday 4th November is a Prep-3 Assembly at 2.00pm in the OLOL Church.
November is the month of our Mini Vinnie Christmas Appeal – we will be collecting gift cards for our needy families at Christmas time. Gift Cards have been requested as an alternative to hampers - to make it safer for our St Vincent De Paul volunteers who sort and deliver to those in need. Please send your gift card donations to your child’s classroom. Gift cards can come from grocery stores, toy stores or pharmacies.
Unfortunately, due to the building program it is difficult to hold our annual Year 2 - 4, Christmas Concert. Grades will be holding a prayer ceremony at individual times – please keep an eye out for dates, times and venues for your child’s grade.
Due to venue restrictions - we have also decided to combine the Final Assembly with our End of Year Celebration on Tuesday 30th November at the Salo Centre, St Ursula’s College at 11.00am. Children will walk to and from the Salo Centre for the final assembly.
The Year 6 Graduation will then be in the OLOL Church at 6:30pm on Tuesday 30th November.
There will be no End of Year Mass on Friday 3rd December.
Dates for Term 4 Diary
Tuesday 16th November – Volunteers Morning Tea
Tuesday 30th November – Final Assembly combining the Farewell to Year 6 with the End of Year Celebration, 11.00am Salo Centre. Year 6 Graduation 6:30pm – OLOL Church
Have a great week.
Cheers
Janice
Welcome to Week 4 from The Hive. Last week’s topic was helping children to identify and manage their emotions. Did you know that anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health concerns in Australian children? (https://parentline.com.au/issues/anxiety-kids)
Anxiety in Children
If a child has persistent feelings of worry and fear, it could be anxiety. So what is anxiety and how can parents support their child to overcome it.
When anxiety becomes a problem for your child
Some level of anxiety is a normal part of life and growing up. But if your child is anxious for long periods of time then it could be a problem.
It’s natural for children to experience anxiety when faced with new or stressful situations and it doesn’t mean that they will develop an anxiety disorder.
With some reassurance and support, these worries don’t last long and children will learn the skills they need to cope. However, if these worries don’t lessen over time or get worse, it could be a sign of a developing anxiety disorder.
Your child may need some extra support with their anxiety if:
- They seem to be more anxious than other children their age
- They feel anxious often and the anxiety is intense
- Their fears and worries seem out of proportion to what they’re facing
- It stops them from participating in activities or day-to-day tasks
- They have feelings of panic and/or panic attacks
- They avoid anything that might trigger their anxiety
- The anxiety stops them from doing things other children their age do
Signs your child might be experiencing anxiety
As a parent, it's important to be aware of some of the signs of anxiety and how they might appear in your child so you know when to intervene.
Here are some signs that your child might have anxiety:
- Worries most days and for long periods of time
- Complains of stomach pains or headaches when they feel uneasy about something
- Clings to you and seeks reassurance often
- Tries to avoid situations that they feel worried or scared about
- Has lots of fears, dislikes taking risks or trying new things
- Worries about making mistakes and doing things the wrong way
- Thinking about the situation makes them more worried and tense
- Inability to control fear or worry, asks lots of “what if?” questions
- Irritable, tired and has difficulty concentrating
- Asks for help with things they can do for themselves - “will you do it for me?”
- Gets upset easily, especially over small things
- Trouble sleeping at night - won’t go to sleep alone or experiences nightmares
- Their worries and fears are out of proportion to the situation
- Tries to get others to do the things they’re worried about - “will you tell them for me?”
- Always sees the dangerous or negative side of things
- Physical symptoms like muscle tension, sweating and diarrhoea
How to support your child through anxiety
There are many things you can do as a parent to support your child with anxiety. Here are some strategies to try:
- Find out more about anxiety – read books and talk to experts
- Avoid telling them to ‘stop worrying’ – often they can’t control it
- Teach them about anxiety – its role is to protect us from threats
- Talk about their anxiety – sketch where on their body they feel it
- Reassure them that shaking, sweating and a racing heart can be part of anxiety
- Slow things down – encourage your child to take some slow, deep breaths
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle – eat well, exercise, sleep
- Be patient and positive as your child practices new ways to cope
- Seek professional support for you and your child when needed
- Let them know you can work together to overcome anxiety
- Acknowledge fears and help them to see that things might not be as bad as they think
- Help them manage their anxiety – set daily goals and develop coping skills
The information above is from the parentline.com.au website. If you would like more information, try the following links;
Managing your child’s anxiety.
https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/managing-your-childs-anxiety/
Reducing separation anxiety
https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/reducing-separation-anxiety-in-young-children/
Have a fantastic week,
Allyson & Maria
Allyson Jessen & Maria Kehoe
Learning Support Teachers
Prep
Welcome to Week 4. We hope you enjoy looking at our photos from Health and Wellbeing week.
On Wednesday we had a visit from Garden City Dental Practice. We learnt how important it was to brush our teeth, morning and night and to also use the motions of circles, scrubs and flick. We also had a visit from Mrs Thurn and Mrs Toohey. They discussed the warning signs for when we feel unsafe. Some of these warning signs are goosebumps, butterflies in the tummy, sweaty palms, wobbling knees and tears. Acting Sergeant Thurn also gave us a great idea to have a plan if we get lost at the shops. She reminded everyone to talk to their parents about what to do. If you have a plan it makes it easier to be found. A plan she suggested includes: Stay where you are. Look for people that can help such as police or a security guard and if this doesn’t work go to the nearest shop and get the person that works there.
Nurses Peter and Lauren Vanderplassche also visited us and taught us the important of healthy food and keeping our bodies healthy by washing our hands thoroughly.
We also had a visit from Saxon’s mum, who showed us an ambulance. It was very exciting.
Both classes visited Healthy Harold in the Life Education Van. It was great to hear that Healthy Harold agrees with keeping our bodies healthy and safe. He taught us about healthy food and our bodies.
Lots of things to remember but all very important.
This Friday we head down to Newtown Park for ‘Day to Daniel’. Students are asked to wear a red shirt.
The Preps have settled well back into class routines. We have five weeks to go – lots of work to do so our routines and class behaviours are very important. We have begun our standardised testing. Lots of rest, routines and good food is required.
In maths we are continuing number recognition to 20. This week we explore the concept of addition stories.
We continue to learn about Fairy Tales. We have become great at asking the questions, who, what, when, where and why. Keep your eyes out for the Fairy Tale Banquet invitations. This is to be held on Friday of Week 5, 5th November.
Please remember to keep checking satchels for notes and information being forwarded home.
Remember…. PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE. Read nightly for enjoyment as well as home readers. Keep up the great revision at home.
Liz and Melita
Year 1
Welcome to week four. The children have enjoyed learning about and writing procedures. Last week they wrote a procedure on how to decorate a sandcastle. The children then followed their procedure and decorated sandcastles. They look amazing and are hanging in both classrooms.
Next, the children worked in pairs to write their own procedure on how to make fairy bread. Last Friday the children followed their procedure to make fairy bread. They enjoyed eating it.
This week we will read the text Potato People by Pamela Allen. The children will write a procedure on how to make potato people.
Thank you to those people who have brought in photos showing significant events in your child's life. Please continue to send them in.
A reminder that this Friday is the Day for Daniel. Children are asked to wear red and bring a gold coin donation for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
Jen and Ange
Year 2
Welcome to Week 4! This term is flying so it’s all systems go in Year 2!
In Maths we are working hard on problem solving. We have found some super strategies to help us such as drawing a picture and using the fish strategy. Sometimes we need to read carefully what we are being asked to find and eliminate irrelevant information.
We are also creating fact families, exploring the connection between addition and subtraction.
Our mealworms are changing into pupae, and we are busy recording our observations. Fingers crossed the silkworm eggs will hatch before the holidays.
Teachers are currently testing reading and we have been impressed with the improvement so far, especially with reading fluency.
As we move towards the end of the year students can often become tired and this sometimes impacts upon our friendships. Student are receiving regular reminders to keep living the Lourdes way by treating others with respect and kindness. In religion we are focusing on forgiveness and remembering to admit when we have made a poor choice. Please reinforce this at home and let us know if there are any concerns.
Please remember to send in a shoebox (named) and if you have any spares, send those too!
This Friday, 29 October is DAY FOR DANIEL – please wear red and bring a gold coin donation! We will be visiting Newtown Park and having a special visit from police officers to remind us how to be safe. Parents are invited to join us at Newtown Park around 10:00am for morning tea.
Thanks for your amazing support!
Dennielle, Allyson, Sarah, Aleisha and Megan
Year 3
We enjoyed our visit to Healthy Harold last week and learnt a lot about keeping ourselves healthy. We also looked at our Personal Development lesson and, this week, we have been working through some of the lessons from the Daniel Morcombe curriculum. This Friday, we will be participating in the ‘Day for Daniel’ - students are asked to wear red (sun-safe) clothes, as we will be walking to Newtown Park as a school for morning tea. Please also bring in a gold coin for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
We are continuing to look at procedure texts and had a great time following a procedure to make playdough last Friday. In Maths, we are investigating measurement (mass, length and volume) and are starting to look at Country and Place in HASS. Our Carnival floats are coming along beautifully and we are continuing to explore heat energy and how heat can change various foods in Science. Next Monday, we will attend Mass at 10.00am for All Saints Day. The next assembly for Prep-Year 3 will be held in the Church next Thursday (4th November) at 2.00pm - all are welcome!
Have a great week ?
Angela, Sarah, Michelle and Janice
Year 4
This week is another busy one on the calendar, with all classes participating in Bicycle Safety at Groom Park. This is a wonderful experience for all students, equipping them with many necessary skills to ride safely on the road. Please ensure your child has a full water bottle, plenty to eat, brings a hat and wears their sports uniform. Helmets can be brought from home to wear on the day.
Last week students watched a video and discussed issues around Personal Development. Their maturity and level of questioning was commendable. We hope this was also a great opportunity for you to raise and discuss this topic. A visit to the Life Education van enabled further discussion in classrooms on healthy food choices and correct use of medication.
Children are invited to wear red on Friday 29th, to raise awareness for Child Safety. As a school we will be walking to Newtown Park for morning tea. Please also bring in a gold coin for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Assembly for Year 4 to 6 will be held this Thursday. You are most welcome to attend. Next Monday a Mass will be held for All Saints Day, at 10.00am in the church.
Suzanne, Toni and Garry
Year 5
What a crazy couple of weeks! Last week we had our Year 5 camp, and it was a fantastic experience. I’m sure there were some very tired students and there were definitely 3 very tired teachers as well. The students had a wonderful time participating in a variety of challenging activities including canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes, evasion games, beach games and pool orienteering. It is times like this when students achieve a milestone that makes teaching a rewarding profession. The behaviour and maturity shown at the camp was exceptional and is a great indication of the type of leaders these students will be next year. Thank you to Miss Hudson for attending the camp with us and assisting the teachers and students.
This week we transfer back into a normal routine. Students in English are looking at the points of view portrayed by authors and then writing summary’s and recommendations about a book or video clip. Our summarising skills are being put to the test with a 25 word limit to share the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. They are improving every day. In Math we are focusing on patterns with fractions, decimals, and whole number with regular revision of multiplication and division facts, as well as problem solving skills.
A reminder that this Friday we are commemorating Day for Daniel. Students are invited to wear red and bring along a gold coin donation. Weather permitting we will be walking down the Newtown Park for a whole school morning tea. Students in year 5 must bring their sports uniform and sports gear to change into for interschool sport.
Leadership shirt forms were emailed out at the end of last week. We currently have a selection of shirts to try on. These need to be sent back early next week. We are aiming to finalise leadership shirts by Friday 5th November. Note: These shirts are worn instead of the standard OLOL sports shirts.
Leadership Speeches will be taking place on Wednesday 17th November at 8.45am in the Church. Students have been asked in class what they are planning on running for, school or house captains.
Have a wonderful week!
Tim, Jess and Emily
Year 6
A reminder that this Friday 29th October is our annual “Wear Red for Daniel Day” where students are asked to wear something red and participate in the school’s Walk for Daniel. Please remember a gold coin donation for this privilege please. We will participate in three additional child safety lessons this week also to reinforce the recognise, react, and report message.
Graduation Assembly and Mass:
Both the graduation assembly and Mass will be held on Tuesday 30th November. Assembly location will be the Salo Centre at St Ursula’s – time – 11am – this will also be our whole school end of year celebration. (No end of year Mass this year due to school renovations and lack of space). Graduation Mass – 6.30pm in the Church (Formal summer uniforms to be worn to both celebrations – no ballgowns or suits required)
Swimming Carnival:
Wednesday 1st December – all students are required to attend this event.
Assessment Planners:
All students have received a copy of upcoming assessment to complete Year Six! Assessment dates are up to and including Week 7 of this term. Counting down!
Teaching and Learning News
Maths: On Friday mornings, the three Year Six flexible Maths Groups come together to make small collaborative groups to build understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning with fractions, percentages, and decimals- an important concept thread for Year Six.
English: We have examined songs of social comment including Where is the Love? (Black Eyed Peas) Dead Heart (Midnight Oil) and Do They Know it’s Christmas? (Band Aid). Our success criteria include the ability to explain literal and implied meaning and of course to dance like Peter Garret!
HaSS: Global Connections and Citizenship. Did you know that if you keep your food in a refrigerator, clothes in a closet, a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of the total world population? (Source: World Vison-Get Connected). Students will complete a comparison of one of their living conditions compared to someone from another part of the world. This assessment follows the exploration of Dollar Street – an interactive website that shows how people really live across the globe. Photos are used as data so students can see what life looks like on different income levels. Dollar Street allows us to visit many homes all over the world – without travelling.
Sports News:
Well done to the Year Six girls and boys who represented Our Lady of Lourdes last Sunday at the All-Schools touch carnival in Toowoomba. Thank you, Mr Lobwein, for coaching the Year 5 and 6 boys touch team. Great skill, sportsmanship, encouragement, and fun for everyone!
Larry, Kylie and Shauna
German
Next week we will be doing our final test for the year. Then in week six we will be discussing opposites.
Christine Fisher
2021 OLOL Swimming Carnival
Who: |
Grades 3 – 6 ONLY |
When: |
Wednesday 1st December 2021 |
Time: |
8:30 – 3:00pm |
Where: |
The Glennie Aquatic Centre |
Cost: |
$4.00 – To be charged to your next fee statement |
What to Take: |
Morning Tea, lunch, water bottle, togs, towel, bathing cap & underwear. |
What to Wear: |
Children can wear their house colours on the day. House swimming caps will be provided for the children to wear during their races. These caps can be worn over the top of the child’s own cap. |
Transport: |
There will NOT be any bus travel provided. Students will need to be dropped directly to the Glennie Aquatic Centre between 8:00-8:30am. Please do not drop your child/ren before this time. Likewise, children will need to be picked up from Glennie at approximately 2:45-3:00pm. After-School Care Students will be walked back to OLOL. Please utilise the drop off/ pick up zone in Vacy Street. |
Nominating & Eligible Swimmers
Eligible Swimmers
The Carnival is for children in Grades 3-6 ONLY.
All students in grade 3 who are born in 2013, depending on numbers, will participate in the 2012 (9 year’s) category. However, as they are not of appropriate age, they will not be eligible for age championship points. As with Cross Country and Athletics, there will not be an age championship for these students, nor will records be kept. They will simply be participating in this carnival to provide them with a valuable experience and to gain participation house points.
Please refer to the table below for information relating to the correct age group your child belongs to.
Age-Group |
Born Between |
|
8 Years (Grade 3 students ONLY) |
01/01/2013 |
31/12/2013 |
9 years |
01/01/2012 |
31/01/2012 |
10 years |
01/01/2011 |
31/12/2011 |
11 years |
01/01/2010 |
31/12/2010 |
12 years |
01/01/2009 |
31/12/2009 |
Event Nomination
A Microsoft Form will be emailed to you to collect nominations. You will need to complete one form for each child in Grade 3-6. It is expected that all children in Grades 3-6 nominate themselves for at least one event. Less confident swimmers will be able to use a noodle or kickboard if necessary. In this case it would be best for them to nominate for the 25m Freestyle.
A nomination confirmation note will be sent home in week 7. This will also include a consent form. Please make sure you check your child’s nominations carefully; no changes will be made on the day.
On the Day
Getting To & From the Pool
There will NOT be any bus travel provided. Students will need to be dropped directly to the Glennie Aquatic Centre between 8:00-8:30am. Please do not drop your child/ren before this time.
Likewise, children will need to be picked up from the Glennie Aquatic Centre at approximately 2:45-3:00pm. All after school care students will be walked back to school. If you are unable to collect your child from the pool, please notify your child’s class teacher.
Please utilise the drop off zone in Vacy Street.
Morning Tea & Lunch
Students will be required to bring their own morning tea and lunch. At this stage there may be a canteen, but keep your eyes out in future newsletters for an update on this. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle also.
Carnival Timeline
8:00-8:30 |
Students to arrive at the pool no later than 8:30am |
8:45 |
Butterfly – 100m, 25m, 50m |
9:45 |
Backstroke – 100m, 25m, 50m |
10:45 |
100m Individual Medley |
11:15 |
Breaststroke – 100m, 25m, 50m |
12:15 |
Freestyle – 100m, 25m, 50m |
1:45 |
Relays |
2:30 |
Presentation – if time allows |
2:45 |
Children to be collected by 2:45 from Vacy Street |
Please note: These times are approximate and may vary depending on the number of nominations in each event.
Points Allocation
25m Events
1 point will be awarded to respective houses for each 25m swim completed. Results from 25m events will not contribute to Age Championship points.
50m, 100m and Individual Medley Events
The following points will be awarded to respective houses and individual age championship tallies following all 50m, 100m and Individual Medley Events:
1st Place – 10 Points (Blue Ribbon), 2nd Place – 6 points (Red Ribbon), 3rd Place – 4 Points (Green Ribbon), 4th Place – 2 Points (Yellow Ribbon) and 5th – 10th Place – 2 Points
Where there is more than one heat, points and ribbons will be awarded to the fastest swimmers overall.
- These points have been changed for 2021.
Legal Stroke Actions & Disqualifications
- In 50m and 100m events, except for the 8 years category, students will be judged and disqualified if their stroke does not meet the appropriate standard. As points gained from these events go towards age championship tallies, it is important that only legal stroke actions are awarded.
- 8 years events and all 25m events will not be judged in this way.
For further information please refer to the following website:
https://www.swimming.org.au/Assets/Rules/Swimming-Australia-Swimming-Rules.aspx
Spectators
Due to the swimming centre's COVID policy of 1 person per 2 square metres, we unfortunately can not have any spectators at this year's carnival.
Donation of Age Championship Medallions
Thank you to the Kisiel, Stibbard, Kennedy and Bishop Families for their generous donations of the swimming carnival medallions. Please support their local business.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Catholic Carnival and West Zone Carnival Team Selection
In Week 2 of Term 1, 2022 (TBC), we will conduct swimming trials at the Glennie Pool to select a team to represent the school at the Catholic swimming Carnival and West Zone Swimming Carnival.
More information regarding the school swim team will be made available later.
Rachel Salisbury
Thank you to those families who have followed up on outstanding loans, it is much appreciated. If you child/ren have books that are unable to be located please let us know so we can search for them here at school. You would be surprised how many times things have just turned up!
Parent Borrowing
Please don’t forget that parents are welcome to borrow up to 10 items at a time. Parents are also welcome to borrow each holiday break including the Christmas break. Christmas Break holiday borrowing will be available in Week 8 and 9. In 2021 we have decided that parents who borrow for holidays will be allowed to borrow 10 items per adult borrower and 6 per student borrower. Merry Christmas!
Independent Reading
Struggling to get your child to read independently? Here are some suggestions that might help...
- Experiment – you cannot hate a book until you’ve tried it!
- Expose – read the blurb together and chat about thoughts and expectations for the text.
- Abandon – it is OK to stop reading a text if you are not enjoying it.
- Time – encourage your reader to take the time to browse.
- Remember - all independent reading is a good thing! Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace. Try to not get too hung up on the ‘what’ initially. Reading is a little like fishing. We need the right BAIT to hook readers in.
Stocktake
Term 4 means Stocktake time in the Library. All loans for students are due back at the end of Week 6. Letters for overdue items will be forwarded home next week. Please act on these letters as a matter or urgency. So far this year over $700 worth of items have been charged to school accounts.
Library Catalogue
Please take a moment to bookmark out Library page: https://au.accessit.online/ORL/ You can look at the NEW ARRIVALS, find links to our school subscription sites and learning tools PLUS access Click View videos and read articles or research via encyclopedia Britannica. Don’t forget to Sign In (click on where it says GUEST and then click on the blue SSO button). There is plenty of reading material availble online for the upcoming holiday break also.
Book Club
Issue 7 orders have been placed and will be handed out as soon as they arrive here at school. For issues or questions with Book Club please contact: Danielle>leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au
Happy Reading,
Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte
We are having a Pizza day on Friday the 5th November
Deal is $5.50 for a mini pizza and a soft drink.
Orders will be placed through Flexi schools as per the tuckshop process. The option to order will be available late this week. Cut off is 3.00pm Wednesday 3rd.
We will not be able to take late orders, thanks for your understanding.
Any special orders needed- Gluten Free, Lactose etc will need to be sent into the school office for collection.
Teagan
Our garden crew have been working hard to get things ready for the last plant stall of the year. This will be held on Tuesday the 16th of November. In the meantime, don't forget that bunches of dried or fresh flowers can be purchased from the boys at any time. Many thanks in advance.
The Garden Crew....
Jo
TCKC - Outside School Hours Care
Christmas school holidays
We are very eagerly planning our Christmas vacation care and it looks incredible! We can’t wait to see you all over the holidays to join us in the fun, laughter and adventures to be had with our wonderful Outside School Hours Care family. If you are interested in joining our fun I have put below when we will be open so you can begin planning your Christmas/New Year adventures. There will be a program released to families in the coming weeks so you can have a look over the activities that will be run.
6th Dec – 10th Dec |
Open all week |
13th – 17th December |
Open all week |
20th – 24th December |
Open Mon – Thurs (closed Christmas eve) Please note we are operating from St Thomas Mores during this week |
27th – 31st December |
CLOSED |
3rd – 7th January |
CLOSED (If you require this week please get in touch) |
10th – 14th January |
Open all week |
17th – 21st January |
Open all week |
24th – 28th January |
School is back! |
2022 enrolments
We are excited to be receiving enrolments for 2022 to join the OSHC family. If you wanting to enrol for 2022 or our school holidays please visit our website www.tckc.qld.edu.au to enrol. If you are wanting any further information, have any questions or want to come have a look at our wonderful service please get in touch with our OSHC team.
Alannah
Alannah O'Neil
Coordinator
Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Kindergartens and Care