Dear Families,

Over the past fortnight, we have had two significant community events at Lourdes.

Lourdes on the Lawn

Lourdes on the Lawn was a wonderful afternoon of music, food, slides and families coming together. The weather certainly created the perfect backdrop for the day. The day was organised for us all by a few parents. A special thank you to the organising committee and the parents and staff that manned the BBQ and bar. Thank you also to our returning students, for helping on the day. If you attended the day, you would have noticed that Kevin, our crossing supervisor, gave of his time to ensure the children could cross the road safely. Thank you, Kevin, we are grateful for your time.

Blessing and Opening of New Administration and General Learning Areas

On Tuesday, the school celebrated the Blessing and Opening of the new administration and general learning areas. The buildings were blessed by the most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell and officially opened by Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm. I was so incredibly proud of all the students for their participation in the Blessing Ceremony. Their singing was amazing, and their behaviour was noted by many of our guests as being outstanding. Following the official ceremony, we came together as a school to cut a special cake. This was enjoyed by the students on the lawn. Thank you to the parent volunteers who helped make this celebration a success.

Leadership Forum

Next week, I will be attending the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum. Mrs Janice Moore will deputise in my absence.

Kind regards,

Bridget

Ms Bridget Trenerry
Principal

Upcoming Events

How often do we do something once and expect to have it? For many of us, the answer is never. It takes multiple attempts, at different levels over time for us to become proficient and successful. Often with our students, we compare academics to an area of enjoyment outside of school such as soccer, dance, swimming or games. We ask the question of how did they get better in these areas. The most common response, ‘I train and I practice’. Hence, for our students at school, opportunities for practice overtime is vitally important. Please find below information on spacing and retrieval practice which can help improve students’ long-term retention of their learning.

Spacing is the practice of sequencing learning so that information is delivered across two or more lessons rather than just one. Retrieval practice is the strategy of getting students to actively recall their learning. When students are asked to bring information that they have previously learnt to the front of their mind to answer a question, rather than looking up the information in a textbook or having the teacher explain it again, it makes the information more retrievable or accessible in the future. Similarly, if a student cannot recall the information, it helps both teacher and student understand where there are learning gaps that can be addressed. Spaced retrieval is the active practice of recalling previous learning at a point in time after the initial lesson. Spaced retrieval practice uses the principles of cognitive science to help students consolidate their learning in long-term memory so they retain the information for longer and are better able to apply their learning in the future.

At Lourdes, our teachers aim to embed spacing and retrieval practices into sequences of learning. This may include practices such as activating prior knowledge by connecting each lesson with prior learning, using exit tickets to reflect on lessons, creating visuals and wall displays and integrating units of work to show how concepts link to each other across curriculum areas. Helping our students to retrieve what they have learnt in different ways is important for their long-term retention of their learning.

Emily

Emily McKay
Acting Assistant Principal

It is Week 4 already – Yesterday we shared a historical event in the story of Our Lady of Lourdes – The Blessing and Official opening of our newly built and refurbished buildings.

We thank Bishop Ken Howell for blessing our buildings and Senator Chisholm for representing the Federal Government. We had many special guests celebrate with us.

We thank all who helped in any way shape or form with set up. presentation and clean up - a true Lourdes team effort.

It was a day for us all to remember.

Please note there is no assembly tomorrow. 

This Friday (25th October) we have our “Red Day for Daniel”. We have our Safety Talk, followed by our Walk in Red around Newtown Park, then morning tea back at school. The children will learn 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 bring a gold coin to donate, wear something sun-safe red, make sure they have a hat and a water bottle.  

The plan for the day is:                

8:45 –Safety Talk with our Police family in the Hall 

9:00 – Walk the block to Newtown Park and back 

10:30 – Morning tea at school  - a super dooper will be provided for all students – kindly supported by our P and F.

Please note these times are approximate and we will be reliant on fine weather for this to occur.  Current forecast is for a warm, fine day. Fingers crossed!. Please ensure the children have their water bottle.

It is also World Teachers Day on Friday 25^th October – remember to wish your teacher a happy day! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful teaching and support staff at Our Lady Of Lourdes.

Next Friday (1st November) the Year 3- 5 children will celebrate “All Saints Day” with the Parish in the OLOL Church at 10 am. All Saints Day is a day when we remember the Holy Men and Women of the Church who have been shining examples of following in the footsteps of Jesus. All are welcome to come and pray with us. 

November is the month of our Mini Vinnie 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 6. 

Year 3 are preparing a Remembrance Day prayer on Monday 11^th November at  a special 11 am  Assembly. Australians observe one minute's silence at 11:00 am 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.

We have our school volunteer's morning tea on Tuesday 12^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 and F workers, tuckshop volunteers…. are all welcome. An invitation has been sent  – Please RSVP by Wednesday 6^th November by calling the school office on 07 45911200 or filling the RSVP form attached. https://forms.office.com/r/86AADsda9P

Dates for Term 4 Diary  

Please note there are Thursday assemblies in Week 6, 8 and 9. 

Friday 25^th October – Red Day for Daniel Walk  - World Teachers Day 

Friday 1^st November – All Saints Day 10 am OLOL Church 

Monday 11^th  November – Remembrance Day Prayer 11 am  

Tuesday 12^th November – Volunteers Morning Tea 9:30 am  

Wednesday 13^th November – Transition Morning 

Have a wonderful week.  

Cheers  

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

 (APMI)

One of my roles as the guidance counsellor is to encourage “help seeking”. During Mental Health Month, I would encourage all families to reflect on their attitudes towards “help seeking” and examine any barriers to seeking help.  

Just like we get dental check-ups, checking in with your GP, to talk about your mental health is equally important. It is also important to model to our children that its o.k. to talk about our mental health and seek specialist help if we need to.   

It is important to remember that most adults most of the time are in a positive state of mental health. But it is also normal for life’s ups and downs to take its toll and normal for our mental health to change.  

At school, we aim “to help” children to flourish. This represents the ideal functioning and is often described as relating well with others, feeling happy, thinking positively, learning with intention, feeling purposeful, curious and hopeful about the future. If children are happy, they are more likely to learn, achieve goals and want to attend school and be with their friends. However, it is also normal for children to have emotional ups and downs.  

It is also important to discuss with your family General Practitioner (GP) about your concerns as early as possible. GPs can discuss with you if there are any health concerns that might also be impacting on a child’s wellbeing or may also discuss whether it’s appropriate to seek more specialised support. If more specialised mental health support is required, they can discuss referral options with you. 

If a child’s mental health is having a severe impact on everyday activities it is even more important to address these concerns with your GP or contact the local Child and Youth Mental Health Team through the Toowoomba Base hospital.  

It is important to remember that mental health changes over the course of our lives and will change in response to different situations, stressors and experiences. Many factors contribute to where a student might be in terms of their current functioning or where they are sitting in terms of their mental health.  

Parents, family members and teachers are key people in student’s lives who can help students by noticing any unexpected changes in a child’s mental health and then to encourage “help seeking” behaviours. Encouraging students to seek help can make an enormous difference to their wellbeing and improve their educational outcomes and future career opportunities. 

Please remember that at school we don’t diagnose children. That’s what mental health professionals do and that is why at times we recommend that families seek external advice support and assistance.  

If this article has raised any concerns or questions, please feel contact me sarah.jackman@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Sarah Jackman
Guidance Counsellor

Prep

We are now in the full swing of Term 4!

English - The land of Fairy Tales is progressing well. All the detectives are learning to ask questions – specifically, who, what, when, where, why - and look for clues.  

Fairy Tale Banquet - All detectives have received an invitation to a Fairy Tale Banquet to celebrate the conclusion of our unit in week 7. The children may come to school dressed as their favourite Fairy Tale character and will present to their class an explanation of WHO they are, WHAT happens in their story, and WHY they like that Fairy Tale. Please ensure that students practise their presentation at home. At the banquet, the children will enjoy a sausage sizzle, a cupcake, and a popper. Please send along morning tea, and some extra lunch should you think your child will need extra food for lunch. 

Maths – In Mathematics, children have been learning about counting and ordering numbers beyond 20, equal sharing. Children continue to consolidate the Friends of 10 and have been exploring addition stories.   

Health and Wellbeing Weeks - Our Health and Wellbeing Weeks, during weeks 3 and 4, were very informative and involved a lot of stories and interesting conversations. Thank you to our special guests, Nurse Hope and Senior Constable Brock Chandler, for coming to speak to the us about health and body safety. The children have learnt a very important message – from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes, I say what goes!

Day for Daniel – This Friday is our Wear Red for Daniel day. We will further explore ways to keep ourselves safe. Children are asked to wear something that is sun safe red and bring a gold coin donation to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. We have a planned walk around Newtown Park and intend to leave the school at 9am.

Donations – Each classroom has a basket to fill over the term. We are collecting non-perishable grocery, toiletry, and Christmas items, to fill the baskets. The baskets will be given to our local St. Vinent de Paul for a family less fortunate to enjoy over the Christmas period. Please check the use by dates for all items brought in. We thank you for your support.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Melita, Amy and Becky

Year 1

In year 1, we have been very busy working in our literacy groups, learning how to write a procedure and using our knowledge of rainbow facts to bridge through 10.

As part of our Health and Wellbeing week safety talks, Sergent Todd came to visit us on Monday. She reminded us of the importance of listening to our body and speaking up to one of our safe adults if we are not feeling comfortable. Thank you for helping to keep us safe Sergent Todd! We will conclude the week by participating in the walk for Daniel on Friday.  Children are asked to wear something red and bring a gold coin donation for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Please ensure clothes are sunsafe and footwear is suitable for walking to Newtown Park.

The children have been enjoying MAP time with the Preps and have been setting a great example of what being a Lourdes Learner in Year 1 looks like.

We are all looking forward to our Science Day to be held on Tuesday 5^th November (Week 6). Please keep collecting any useful bits and pieces of recycling. The children are excited to invent, build and test their push-pull toys.

There are donation baskets in each classroom for the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal. If you wish to donate, please send in non-perishable items that will help to brighten someone’s Christmas.

Thank you for your support.

Laura, Jenny and Dennielle  

Year 2

Welcome to Week 4! While we continue to be ultra busy with our learning, we are having fun exploring sound in Science and using the Beebots and Scratch Junior to create algorithms in Technology. Our persuasive writing skills continue to develop as we learn to use strong, modal words to enhance our opinions. In Religion, we have been discussing the most effective ways to say sorry and forgive.

This Friday, we will participate in the ‘Walk for Daniel’. This walk symbolises the importance of always walking with a friend. Students are asked to wear sun-safe red clothing and bring a gold coin donation for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.  

Thanks to Mrs Moore, we have a basket in our classrooms waiting to be filled with donations of non-perishable groceries and Christmas items to make up hampers for our local St Vincent De Paul Chapter e.g. cans of vegetables, soup, spaghetti, pasta, rice, toiletries – toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, special Christmas treats – chips, nuts, toys... Remember to check use-by dates. If you wish to donate a gift card, that is also an option. This is a way for us to support those less fortunate than ourselves, to enjoy a special Christmas.  

If you haven’t already, please check the Parent Portal for any outstanding permission slips, especially for our upcoming excursion to the cinemas at the end of the term! 

Have a wonderful week! 

Ange, Ange and Sarah          

Year 3

It is hard to believe that we are already 4 weeks into the final term of Grade 3. We reflect on how far students have come this year and can’t wait to see what we will achieve over the next 6 weeks.

Discovery Hour - Discovery Hour has started with a bang!! Students have thoroughly enjoyed paper bridge building, creating marble mazes, and using Google Translate to translate an English storybook to Italian. We encourage parents and carers to check in with their children to ‘discover’ what they have been up to. The purpose of this time is for students to work collaboratively with a variety of students outside of their class to continue building communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. It was wonderful to see so many helping hands in all the groups. This week, we will start the 2^nd rotation of activities. See photos attached.

Health - Our Health lessons have started off positively, with all children engaging in the learning. There have been many positive conversations around safety and how we can recognise when we are safe/unsafe.

Day for Daniel – 25th October 2024 - Students wear their red sun safe clothes and bring a gold coin for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. We start with a talk in the hall at 8:45 am followed by a walk around the perimeter of Newtown Park. This walk is a symbol of the importance of always walking with a friend.

Food Hamper - Thank you to those who have already brought in their contribution/s to our Christmas hampers for our local St Vincent De Paul Chapter. Please remember to check in with your child about what item they have volunteered to contribute. These hampers will be donated on Friday 6^th December at our End of Year Mass. Please remember to check use-by dates.

Secret Santa - Just a friendly reminder that Year 3s are participating in Secret Santa for some Christmas fun. They have been sent home with a student’s name and some information about their favourite things. Gift purchases are to please remain between $5-$10. Please make sure your child’s gift is wrapped and labelled with their peer’s name and ensure they sign it from ‘Secret Santa’. Gifts need to be brought into school by Week 6. We will unwrap and exchange gifts in Week 10.

Mystery Book -Reminder for students to please bring in one of their favourite picture books wrapped in brown/wrapping paper with three clues about the book and one sentence about why they like this picture book written on the front. We require these books by Week 6 so we can start sharing them. Please ensure your child’s name is written on the inside of the book so that it is returned safely.

Other key dates. More information will be communicated to parents closer to the date.

• Remembrance Day - Monday 11 November @ 11am Led by Year 3 Cohort
• Step Up Morning - Wednesday 13 November
• Years 3 – 6 Christmas Concert - Wednesday 4 December @ 11:30am
• Swimming Carnival - Thursday 5 December
• End of Year Mass - Friday 6 December @ 12pm

Thanks for reading,

Mel, Demi, and Renee

Year 4

This week has seen the last of our classes complete their Bicycle Safety courses. Thanks to Mick Betros for sharing with us his amazing passion for keeping kids safe on the roads.  

Combined classes were also held this week, as part of our Personal Development and Safety. Students were encouraged to talk at home about the discussions and information spoken about at school. If you need any further clarification, please see your child’s class teacher.  

In all classes, children are engaged in learning about narrative texts. We are consolidating our understanding of sentence types especially complex and compound sentences. We are also learning to answer literal and inferential questions during shared reading. Our study in HASS focusses on rules and laws within our Local Government. Students will be using their creativity to design a new town, where they are required to think about the rules and laws that govern the town and how they will affect the people and environment.  

 A focus in Maths this term is balancing equations, multiplication and division algorithms, and exploring shape and probability.   

Every year our beautiful school likes to support the St Vincents De Paul Grocery Hampers, by contributing a basket full of groceries from each class.  We ask that all students provide at least one non-perishable grocery item for our classroom basket.  We are so blessed in our lives, and it is always nice to give back to our community. Each class has a basket waiting for our goodies.  

Don’t forget to wear red on Friday for our Day for Daniel event!  Students are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.  

Keep up the great work with homework, expecting the best of your child, as they prepare for  Year Five.  

Suzanne, Aleisha, Jessica and Danielle

Year 5

It’s hard to believe that we have just over 6 weeks left of the school year! We are all looking forward to camp in Week 6.

Important Dates

• Week 4 – Friday 25 October: Day for Daniel Red Walk. Students can wear red. Gold coin donation 
• Week 5 – Friday 1 November: All Saints Mass at 10am 
• Week 6 – Tuesday- Prescription Medication- To be handed in to the front office on Tuesday 5th November: Before school 7:50am – 8.20am or 3pm – 3.30pm
• Week 6- Wednesday-Friday: Year 5 Camp (Arrive to school at 6:30am)
• Week 7 – Monday 11 November: Remembrance Day Prayer @11am
• Week 7 – Wednesday 14 November: Step-Up Day 
• Week 7 – Friday 15 November: All library loans due back 
• Week 9 – Tuesday 26 November: Leadership Speeches 
• Week 9 – Friday 29 November: Year 5 Bowling Trip 
• Week 10 – Wednesday 4 December: Christmas Concert 
• Week 10 - Thursday 5 December Swimming Carnival   
• Week 10 - Friday 6 December Final School Assembly @12pm 

Updates from the classroom: 

Personal Development Lessons - This week, we conducted our personal development lessons. The students were very mature during our discussions and asked relevant questions. We have encouraged them to touch base with you on any other questions they may have. We have stressed that puberty is a normal part of growing up and that it is important to understand the changes our bodies go through.

English – Students continue to look at the point of view portrayed by authors and then writing summaries and recommendations about pages from a given book examined.

Maths – Students are currently comparing 12- and 24-hour time systems and solving practical problems involving the conversion between them.

Science -  This 'Chemical Sciences’ unit opens with students considering properties and how they are used to classify matter. They then consider the specific properties and behaviour of the states of matter - solids, liquids and gases. Plasma as a state of Matter is also considered. The scientific skills utilised in this unit include classifying, predicting, observing, inferring, planning, measuring and evaluating.

HASS – Democracy is our central focus this term, in particular how democracy impacts the lives of citizens and society. To support students understanding of the electoral process in Australia we held a mock elections. With the state elections currently in full swing you may want to talk to your child about the roles and responsibility of voters.

Religion - In Religion students are exploring Mary the mother of Jesus, and her role in our communities and the Catholic Church. Children have broken down and analysed Marian prayers, such as the Hail Mary and the Rosary.

Day for Daniel Red Walk

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 to Newtown Park.

Christmas Donations

Mrs Moore has handed out baskets in preparation for our Christmas appeal. While out shopping, it would be greatly appreciated if you could add an extra item to ensure everyone in our community can enjoy Christmas. Any non-perishable items would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading,

Jess, Garry, Lisa and Sandra

Year 6

Week 4 is upon us – how exciting. Only one week until camp. I hope the students are packed and ready for an exciting trip to Noosa North Shore. Parents, enjoy your freedom and be sure to take advantage of being one child (possibly 2) down. Don’t forget to arrive at school by 6:30am.

Back in the school world, the students have been enjoying learning about the Highwayman in English. An interesting period of time in England’s history where the vocabulary was far different from how we speak in 2024. The students have engaged with the text and asked many insightful questions about terminology and language features.

In Science, the students have gained an insight into the many adaptations that plants and animals have developed in order to survive in their specific environment. In the coming weeks, students will use this information to design their own biome and animal. They will utilise greenscreen technology to present their understanding.

The students continue to work hard in Mathematics, Religion and HaSS and as the term progresses, we will work through our assessment calendar. It is wonderful to see the effort that students are putting into their work, this will serve them well moving forward into high school.

Last week we were lucky enough to have a special visitor, Euan’s mother (Melissa) share her experience of working overseas in the Solomon Islands. This visit coincided with our HaSS unit, specifically – What is life like outside my home? Melissa made connections between Australia and countries in the Asia and Pacific regions in terms of aid, education, and cultural influences. She also explained the provision of Australian government or non-government aid to a country in the Asia and Pacific regions. The students asked many well thought out questions and engaged in the learning. Thank you Mrs McLean.

Finally, we congratulate our very own newsreader, Lilliana Schwerin. What a wonderful ambassador she is for the Our Lady of Lourdes community. Lilly presented the weather for Triple M last Wednesday; she spoke clearly and with great confidence. We look forward to listening to her in the future when she becomes a professional radio presenter.

Kylie, Shauna, and Steve

Visual Arts

I’m back from leave and super excited to be creating with your children again!

Prep: This term we will have two main focuses, fairytales and Christmas. As always, each week we will focus on using different techniques to create our artworks. We began the term with a picture of the three little pigs, using shapes, pastels and water colours. This week we will use collage to create a picture of the big bad wolf.

Year 1: Our first focus has been on using shape and lines to create 2D cat statues. The image is drawn in black in white with different patterns or designs on each cat. This week they will use a strong colour for the background to create emphasis.

Year 2: The year 2’s began the term focusing on hand drawing, using warm and cool colours to create emphasis. This week students will be inspired by the artwork of Pablo Picasso, to create a collage of a Witch.

Year 3: “Shaking Dog” is the title of our first artwork. After completing a guided drawing of a dog, students used watercolours to paint the dog. This week we will collage onto a background and have fun splattering blue paint to create water droplets.

Year 4:  The year 4’s began the term completing an art work inspired by the graffiti artist, Keith Haring. They drew cartoon figures colouring with complimentary colours to create emphasis. 

Mrs. Loretta Simmons

Italian

This term we will revise our Term 3 work and extend into learning the names of body parts. The students will create simple sentences to describe themselves and to describe others.

Eg. Ho gli occhi azzurri. Tu hai gli occhi verdi.  I have blue eyes. You have green eyes.

Signora Loretta Simmons

2024 OLOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SWIM?

The Carnival is for children in Grades 3-6 ONLY.

All students in Grade 3 who are born in 2016 will be eligible to swim, however, as they are not of appropriate age, they will not be eligible for age championship points.  As with Cross Country and Track & Field, 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.

POINTS ALLOCATION & AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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:

1^st Place – 10 Points (Blue Ribbon), 2^nd Place – 6 points (Red Ribbon), 3^rd Place – 4 Points (Green Ribbon), 4^th Place – 2 Points (Yellow Ribbon) and 5^th – 10^th Place – 2 Points

Where there is more than one heat, points and ribbons will be awarded to the fastest swimmers overall. Students who are hoping to be considered for their respective age championship should swim as many 50/100m events as possible.

PLEASE ONLY NOMINATE YOUR CHILD FOR EVENTS THAT THEY CAN COMPETENTLY AND CONFIDENTLY COMPETE IN.

HOW TO NOMINATE

You will receive a Sentral App Permission request. This request will require you to select which events your child would like to swim in.

Nomination Guidelines – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

• Students can choose between the 25M OR 50M Event in each stroke.
• Students can choose to ADD 100m events, regardless of whether they have chosen the 25m or 50m event in each stroke.
• It is expected that all children in Grades 3-6 nominate themselves for at least one event.
• If you have not received the request, please contact Carla in the front office to check/update your details.
• All nominations need to be in by Sunday 24^th November 2024.
• A nomination confirmation note will be sent home once all nominations are in. Please make sure you check your child’s nominations carefully; no changes will be made on the day.
• Please refer to the examples below:

Example 1:  Jane is 12 years old and is a strong swimmer who would like to contest the age championship. To achieve this, she needs to nominate for as many 50m and 100m events as possible. She is still working on her Butterfly and isn’t yet confident nominating for 50m. Jane has chosen the following events:

• 25m Butterfly; 50m backstroke; 50m breaststroke; 50m Freestyle; 100m backstroke; 100m breaststroke; 100m Freestyle; 100M Individual Medley.

Example 2:  Tim is 9 years old, and he has just started Stingrays. His swimming is improving rapidly, but he has only just started learning breaststroke and butterfly kick. Sam has chosen:

• 25m backstroke; 50m Freestyle.

Example 3: Steve is new to Our Lady of Lourdes and has not participated in swimming lessons before. He loves to swim but is not overly confident. Steve has chosen to nominate for:

• 25m freestyle with a floatation device.

CARNIVAL TIMELINE

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

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

Spectators are welcome to attend the carnival. We will also be looking for a few helpers to run the stopwatches.

DONATION OF AGE CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALLIONS

Thank you to the Twidale Family for their generous donation of the Track & Field and Swimming carnival medallions for 2024.  Please support our local family businesses.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

In Week 2 of Term 1, 2025 (Date 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 Wigan

Rachel.Wigan@twb.catholic.edu.au

Social Media and Tweens 

At Lourdes we have a fair number of students in Year 4 – 6 using social media programs, like Messenger Kids or chat rooms in games like Roblox. Navigating conversations about social media and gaming with tweens and children can be challenging but also very rewarding. It is also important to have these discussions before something goes wrong so that everyone is clear on the expectations. Here are five tips to help you have meaningful and productive discussions: 

1. Start with Curiosity: Approach the conversation with genuine curiosity about their online world. Ask questions like, “What do you like about social media?” This will help you to understand their perspective and shows that you are interested in their experience. Share how you use social media in your own life. 
2. Solutions: Instead of immediately offering solutions, share your concerns about social media use. For example, you might say “I’m worried about how social media might impact your sleep.” This opens the door for a discussion on how you could address this issue together. 
3. Set Boundaries Together: Involve your tween in setting boundaries for social media use. This could include agreeing on screen-free times, such as during meals or before bed. When our tweens are part of the discussion and decision-making process, they are more likely to adhere to the rules. Refer to the Before you Post: THINK poster to help respond to tricky conversations (inappropriate language or content. 
4. Educate About Digital Footprints: Explain the concept of a digital footprint and how their online actions can have long-term consequences. Discuss the importance of privacy settings and thinking before posting or sharing. Images must only be shared with the enthusiastic consent of all people in the image. If they are unsure, make yourself the safe space to ask.  
5. Model Healthy Behaviour: Be a role model for healthy social media use. Show them how you balance screen time with other activities and how you handle online interactions. Your online choices and behaviours set an example. Make time to put your devices away too, so that your tween can learn from you.  

Remember, the goal is to create an open and ongoing dialogue where your child/ren feels heard and supported. Health and Well Being Week is a great time to approach these conversations.  

Reminder: End of Year Procedures 

Outstanding Loans 

Final loans will happen in Week 6 and all loans will need to be returned by the end of Week 7. All loans still outstanding (overdue or otherwise) by the end of Week 8 will be charged, in full, to school accounts. Please ensure timely return of all resources to avoid charges and come to see us if you have any issues or think a loan has been returned (sometimes things get put in incorrect piles or helpful students put them away without us scanning them!). 

Stocktake 

In Week 8 – 10 we will be conducting our end of year Stocktake and continuing to repurpose our old readers into thematic boxes to enhance student knowledge in specific, curriculum driven, content areas.  

Scholastic Book Club 

Issue 7 Orders have been placed and we expect delivery later this week or early next week.  Thank you for your patience and supporting Book Club at Lourdes. Issue 8 Brochures will be out soon. This will be the last chance to order for 2024 and a great way to stock up for Christmas – we have the ‘Something to Read’ part of present shopping all covered! Be sure to choose GIFT at the checkout and we will contact you to organise a discrete collection.  

Enjoy your books!  

Mrs Leathart, Mrs Monte and Mrs Kemp 

Friendly reminder that choir is on every Monday at 1^st break (first half). 

Looking forward to seeing all members!

Mrs. Rosier - Choir conductor

Ebony.Rosier@twb.catholic.edu.au