Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had some time to spend with family over the winter break. It has been wonderful to see the children return to school and approach the start of the term with such a positive attitude. On the Pupil Free Day, our staff participated in professional development, focused on engaging all learners in our classrooms. I am continually inspired by the dedication and commitment from everyone in our school community, and the openness of our staff to continually learn, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all our students.

Staffing

We welcome the following staff to Lourdes this term:

• Mrs Teagan Harch – tuckshop convenor
• Mrs Jodie Simon- Year 1M (replacing Ms MacDonald for Term 3)
• Ms Katrina Dunne- Year 1T

Arriving to School Ready to Learn

At the welcome back assembly last week, I spoke to the students about being proud to be a part of the Lourdes community. One way this is demonstrated is through the correct wearing of the school uniform. I reminded the students to arrive at school, ready to learn, with their uniform presented well. Please ensure your children are wearing the correct uniform each day and that it is worn well (shirts tucked in, ties worn correctly, no makeup, no dangling earrings, correct hair ribbons, correct shoes).

Shaping our Future Survey

On Monday, all families would have received an email from Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director for Toowoomba Catholic Schools, with a link to a survey. We warmly invite all parents and carers to take part in the Shaping our future – Perception Survey. This short 5 to 10 minute survey is your chance to share your thoughts and help guide the future of our school and the 31 others in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools community.

Your voice matters – and we’d love to hear it! Check your email for the survey link and be sure to complete it by Wednesday, 6 August 2025.

The Lourdes Way – Student Behaviour and Engagement Guidelines

These guidelines have been added to the school internet page. I encourage you to familiarise yourself with this document, as we all work together as a community to support our students in their behaviour and engagement at school.

Grandparents Day

I look forward to seeing many parents and grandparents, at ‘Grandparents Day’ on Tuesday July 29. Thank you for making the time to be with us – the children will absolutely love having you all here.

Loving the Arts at Lourdes

Please mark your calendar to join us for Loving the Arts at Lourdes on September 12 from 5.30 pm. ALL students at our school will have art work displayed. It is a wonderful evening to come together, enjoy the creative talents of our students (guided by Mrs Simmons throughout the year) and celebrate the Arts.

Bridget

Ms Bridget Trenerry
Principal

Upcoming Events

Assistant Principal Review

Welcome back to Term 3! Firstly, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to my recent review either through the survey or by speaking with a panel member. Your thoughtful feedback—from staff, parents, and parish members—has been both affirming and deeply appreciated.

The review highlighted several strengths I’m proud of, and I’m equally thankful for the honest and constructive insights shared. It has been a privilege to serve this community over the past six years, and this review has provided valuable guidance as I continue to grow in my leadership. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Staff Professional Learning: Deepening Engagement for All Learners

To start the term, staff participated in professional learning aimed at deepening our understanding of how to engage all learners. The focus was on connecting Tier 1 instruction (the high-quality teaching all students receive) with effective differentiation practices to ensure inclusive and meaningful learning experiences.

Using the Maximising Learning Success pedagogical model from the new Toowoomba Catholic Schools Teaching and Learning Framework, staff explored strategies that support cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement.

Moving forward, these insights will inform planning and practice, helping ensure that every student at Lourdes experiences learning that is accessible, engaging, and empowering.

NAPLAN

Parents of Year 3 and 5 should have received their child’s NAPLAN report. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that provides an opportunity for educators and parents to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compares results with other students across Australia.  For help understanding the report, here is a video you may wish to view, and an article you may like to read. We are proud of the progress being achieved and the results that reflect the commitment of our staff and the effort of students dedicated to their learning.

Last chance to register for ICAS

How to participate in ICAS 

If your child is in Years 4- 6 and you wish for them to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects.

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm

You can do this in one of two ways:

1. Direct login link – faster!

Use this link to log directly into the shop and start registering:

https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/VRM716

2. Log in using the PPS code

Visit our shop and use our PPS code to log in:

Shop link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

PPS code: VRM716 

This year, students in Years 4- 6 can elect to sit the following assessments:

Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.

Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf).

Have a go using practice tests:

https://www.icasassessments.com/icas-preparation-tools/

Miranda

Miranda Murray
Assistant Principal

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope you all have had a restful winter break. It’s been a busy start to Term 3.  

We thank the Year 4’s for their thoughtful prayer for NAIDOC Week at the end of Term 2.  

First Reconciliation 

Last Sunday, the parish had the first preparation workshop for those children (Year 3–6) who are preparing for the Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation in the OLOL Church. The children received their booklets and completed some activities.  All those who haven’t sent in a copy of their Baptism Certificate and A5 photo to the parish – please do so as soon as possible.   

This workshop will be followed by the second parent/child information workshop on Sunday 10th August 2025 after Mass at 10:45 am in the OLOL Church. The third preparation workshop is on Sunday 24th August 2025 at 10:45 after Mass. A practise afternoon will be on Monday 8th  September at 3:30 in the OLOL church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Tuesday 9th September 2025 at 7:00pm. Any questions or queries please contact the OLOL Parish office. (07 4634 1453 Monday – Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm) or email  ourladyoflourdesparish@twb.catholic.org.au     

Pyjama Day 

 It’s 'Pyjama Day' tomorrow 24th July 2025 – Please join in the fun by wearing your Pyjamas and bringing a Gold coin to support the “Pyjama Angels Foundation.” This group provides volunteers who help children in care. Through a simple program known as the “Love of Learning Program”, volunteers called “Pyjama Angels” are matched with a child in care, they spend an hour per week focussing on learning-based activities, reading stories aloud, playing games, and helping with homework. During this time, they demonstrate that the child is loved and valued. We have our very own Pyjama Angel – Mrs Monte – we thank her for the time and commitment she shares with the child she sees. 

Catholic Education Week – Grandparents Day 

Week 3 is Catholic Education Week.  We will be celebrating with a special prayer assembly led by Year 2, for our OLOL Grandparents, starting at 9:30 am on Tuesday  29th July 2025. After our prayer, Grandparents will be invited to spend some time in their grandchildren’s classrooms followed by morning tea at 10:30 am – Please ask your children’s Grandparents to mark this day in their diaries and encourage them to come along to pray and see what is happening in our classrooms.  

Please fill in this simple form by this Friday 25th July 2025– so we can estimate the number of chairs we will need to put out and what our catering needs will be.  

https://forms.office.com/r/zNg5DpuzFL 

As parking is at a premium around our school – we ask all to be mindful of our neighbours' driveways 

Please send in 1 photo for the Grandparents Day powerpoint, no later than this afternoon – Wednesday 23rd July 2025.  Late photos run the risk of being missed. Email the photo to Mrs Moore at Janice.Moore@twb.catholic.edu.au  

If there are any Volunteers available to help with our morning tea, please contact Mrs Moore ASAP on Janice.Moore@twb.catholic.edu.au.  We will have two Morning tea Stations – the tuckshop and the hall. Please note there will be no assembly on Thursday 31st July 2025.  

Long Service Award Recipients 

Congratulations to our Long Service Award recipients – Our wonderful School Officers – Mrs Nicki Kemp – 25 Years and Mrs Madonna O'Connor - 20 Years for their committed service to Catholic Education.

Bishops Inservice Pupil Free Day 

Bishop’s In-service Pupil Free Day will be on Friday 1st August 2025.  Teachers will be attending an In-service at St Mary’s College. Students can enjoy a long weekend. 

OLOL Teacher & Staff Thank you Mass 

The OLOL Parish has invited all school staff and families to attend a special 'Teacher and Staff Thank you Mass' on Sunday 3rd August 2025 at 9:45am. Morning tea to follow.  Donations of a plate of food welcome. 

Father’s Day 

A reminder to take a photo of you and your Dad/Grandad/Poppy (N.B. one photo per family) and email it to Mrs Moore (Janice.Moore@twb.catholic.edu.au ) by Wednesday 27th August 2025 for our OLOL Fathers’ Day Mass PowerPoint on Thursday 4th September 2025.  

We will share a sausage sizzle with our Dads/ Grandads/Poppies– so if there are any willing sausage cookers available, please let Mrs Moore know – we will start cooking at 8:30 am.    

Crazy Sock Day 

Over the last two years, we have asked for New Sock donations for The Base Soup Kitchen here in Toowoomba. We thought we would do this again when we have our "Crazy Sock" coloured clothes day on Thursday 18th  September. We ask families to donate a new pair of socks with their gold coin – The gold coin going to Catholic Mission and Socks to The Base Soup Kitchen. The Base Soup Kitchen were very appreciative of our thoughtfulness over the last couple of years– a new pair of socks can provide a small amount of dignity to those who are suffering hard times.  Socks can be sent in at any time. Please support both these initiatives to encourage our students to be thoughtful Global Citizens for our local and global communities.   

Please note there are only assemblies in Weeks 2, 6, 7, and 10 this term.  

Dates for your Diary for Term 3   

• Thursday 24th July – Pyjama Day – Gold coin Donation for “The Pyjama Angels Foundation”   and 1B Assembly 2:15pm  
• Catholic Education Week – Week 3   
• Tuesday 29th July 9:30am - Grandparents Day /Catholic Education Week Assembly  – Led by Year 2 – followed by classroom visits and shared morning tea at 10:30am. Children will have their own packed morning tea.   
• Friday 1st August – Bishop’s In-service Pupil Free Day 
• Sunday 3rd August- Teacher Thank you Mass - 9:45am - OLOL Church   
• Friday  8th August – St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Feast Day Prayer 11:15am OLOL Church – Prep – 3 Classes  
• Sunday 10th August – 2nd Reconciliation Preparation Workshop 10:45am OLOL Church 
• Friday 15th August – Assumption of Mary Feast Day – 10 am  OLOL Church – 4-6 classes  
• Thursday 21st August – 5P Assembly 2:15pm 
• Sunday 24th  August – 3rd Reconciliation Preparation Workshop 10:45 am OLOL Church 
• Thursday 22nd August –Book Week Assembly– “Book an Adventure”  - 1T Assembly 2:15pm 
• Thursday 4th September– OLOL Fathers’ Day Mass and sausage sizzle – 10:00am - OLOL Hall   
• Friday 5th September - CTJ Pupil Free Day   
• Monday 8th September – Practice for the Sacrament of Reconciliation 3:30pm OLOL Church  
• Tuesday 9th September – Sacrament of First Reconciliation–7:00pm OLOL Church   
• Friday 12th September – “Loving the Arts at Lourdes”- 5:30pm - OLOL Hall 
• Wednesday 17th September – Celebrating the Early Years (Prep to Year 2)   
• Thursday 18th September – Crazy Sock Coloured Clothes Day – Gold coin donation for Catholic Missions and a new pair of socks for The Base Soup Kitchen. 
• Friday 19th September – End of Term 3 Assembly – 5S  – 12 noon   

Another fun filled term ahead!   

Have a great week!  Stay warm! 

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

(APMI)

Lunch Clubs at Lourdes

At Lourdes, lunchtime is more than just a break—it's a chance to engage, explore interests, build friendships, and have fun! This year, we have provided a range of lunchtime clubs that offer something for everyone. Here’s what’s on offer at first break from 10:45 am – 11:05 am:

• Garden Club (Tuesday & Wednesday): Get your hands dirty and help grow something amazing! Students learn about plants, sustainability, and teamwork while caring for our school garden.
• STEM Club (Monday Years 1-2 & Tuesday Years 3-6): Dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with exciting experiments and fun challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
• Art Club (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday): A colourful corner of expression! Students explore their imagination through drawing, painting, and creative projects.
• Drama Club (Monday Years 1-3 & Wednesday Years 4-6): Step into the spotlight! From improv games to mini performances, students build confidence and have a blast.
• Library Club (everyday): A quiet retreat for bookworms and thinkers—read, relax, and connect with stories that inspire.
• The Hub (everyday): A welcoming space to chill, chat, and play games with friends. Perfect for those who love connection and community.

These activities have been a huge hit with students and provide a wonderful way to enrich their school experience. Whether you're planting veggies or doing a puzzle with friends, there's always something to look forward to! If your child is keen to try something new, these lunchtime clubs are a brilliant way to explore passions, make friends, and spark creativity. Encourage them to jump in and give one a go!

Emily

Emily McKay
Engagement & Behaviour Coordinator

Dear Parents

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable break and are looking forward to a very busy Term 3.

Please find below various details and information regarding the Term 3 OLOL PE & Sport Program.

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

Regards

Richard

Upcoming Dates

Term 3

Term 4

Congratulations

Congratulations to all the students who were selected in the OLOL Athletics team to attend the Catholic Primary School Athletics Carnival. Unfortunately, due to wet weather, the carnival was cancelled however all students should be very proud of being selected to represent OLOL.

Well done to all students who participated in the Ball Games Carnival. There was plenty of excitement and cheering as all students showed there catching, passing, rolling, and running skills. A special congratulations to Goolagong House on winning the Ball Games Carnival.

OLOL Athletics Team – West Zone Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all students selected in the OLOL Athletics team to participate at the West Zone Athletics Trials. Selected students will receive all relevant information via Sentral in Week 2.

West Zone 1500m Trials – Wednesday 6 August (Week 4 Term 3)

West Zone Athletics Trials – Wednesday 13 August (Week 5 Term 3)

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.

Term 3 Swimming – P-6

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

• Mon 1 Sept – Thursday 4 Sept – Yr 3-6\
• Mon 8 Sept – Friday 12 Sept – P-2

Further details will be forwarded later in Term 3 with information sent to parents in Week 5.  Permission information will be collected via Sentral.

Inter School Sport Information

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

Approx times:

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

Sports/Requirements:

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

Venues:

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

Kearney Springs – Rugby League – (Richard Dugdale)

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

Catholic Schools Yr5/6 Touch Football/ Netball Gala Day

• Participants: OLOL Yr5/6 Students (students will be selected into teams)
• Date: Thursday 31 August
• Time: 8:30-2.30pm
• Venue: Kearney’s Spring/ Nell E Robinson Netball Courts
• Transport: Students will travel to and from the venue by bus.
• Uniform: Students will be provided with their relevant playing uniform. The remainder of their playing gear will be the OLOL Sports uniform including OLOL hat and suitable footwear.
• What to Bring: Morning tea, lunch, snacks, water bottle (Limited canteen items available)

Catholic Schools Yr4 Touch Football Gala Day

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

Representative Sport—Toowoomba & Darling Downs Teams

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

Richard Dugdale
PE Teacher

We are KIND!

This term at Lourdes we are focusing on KINDNESS. At our school, kindness is more than a value—it’s a daily practice that shapes how we learn, play, and grow together. Our latest library displays are bursting with heartwarming books that celebrate empathy, compassion, and the joy of caring for others. From picture books to chapter stories, each title invites students to explore how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our school community and their world.

Book Week

Book Week 2025 celebrates the theme "Book an Adventure!", inviting children to journey through magical worlds and boundless imagination found in stories. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Children’s Book Week, highlighting the joy and power of reading. The celebration also honours Australian authors and illustrators, showcasing their creativity and inspiring young readers to connect with homegrown literature.

Start planning your Book Week costume now! Whether you're crafting something from scratch or raiding the dress-up box, homemade costumes are always a hit. Cannot think of an adventure? Come dressed as your favourite Australian author and bring their stories to life!

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

Important Book Week Dates:

Thursday 28^th August                  Book an Adventure – Dress Up Day

                                                      Book Quiz – Year Level Groups

Overdue Books

There are still over 130 books that have not been returned since the school holidays. Please keep an eye out for emails home about overdue items and get them back to us so others can enjoy them. Renewals are available if students are still reading them, but once the book is overdue, we must sight the book to renew it.  If you are having trouble locating books, please email Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can check the shelves here at school.

Chess Lessons

Chess lessons are now FULL for Term 3! It was so wonderful to see lots of new faces mixed in with our regular Chess players on Tuesday morning. Please be aware that we do not offer Chess in Term 4 at Lourdes as Mr Lord shares his expertise with students at another school. If you have any questions about chess lessons please contact: 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

 Parent Borrowing

Parents are welcome to borrow up to 10 additional books from the library collection. We are open in the times above. 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. Please access extra Decodable Readers via DRA online (class teachers will have logon details) or Wheelers eBooks (student email and password to logon). Thank you for your understanding.  

Book Club

Issue 5 brochures will be coming home in school bags this week! Orders are due: July 30^th by 8pm. Once our order has been placed, we expect delivery within one week. Once orders arrive at school, we will deliver them to classroom teachers for distribution as soon as practical. Please email queries about Book Club to Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au

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

Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte

Welcome to Term 3 of Tuck shop at Lourdes.

We require 4 volunteers each week for the Tuckshop to run efficiently.

This is always a great way to get to know other members of the school community and to share in a fun-filled day. Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience.

We're using Signup (the leading online Signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming  Tuckshop Signups.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our Signup on Signup: https://signup.com/go/iOCsAzu

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on Signup.

Note: Signup does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

https://signup.com/go/iOCsAzu

We would love to see some new and old faces on the roster.

Thanks 

Teagan Harch