From Our Principal
Dear Parents
Welcome back everyone to the final school term of 2020. To say this year was an extra-ordinary one is an understatement, but it looks like we’ll all make it, and I hope stronger and more resilient from the experience. With only 37 days till the end of the school year we certainly have a bit to do. Busyness at times has its good points, it does help us to keep focused on the job at hand and helps to reduce incidences of absentmindedness. Being busy can become addictive because it reassures people that they are someone who has a job to do and they are contributing to the success of their workplace or 5+voluntary organization. However, we do need to be careful of becoming too busy, like any addiction it does have its pitfalls.
Are we, at times, so busy living our busy time-starved lives, that we neglect ourselves and overlook the needs of others? Do we take the time to live through our senses as well as our minds? If we are feeling good and relaxed within ourselves, we will have time to notice other people, we won’t be “on edge” all the time, we won’t allow ourselves to be so busy and caught up within ourselves. We will have time to share with our children and our children will truly feel that they are loved and appreciated.
This term will be a special time for our Year 6 students. It will be a term of many “lasts” for their primary schooling. Amidst the excitement of these milestones and the trepidation of continuing their journey into secondary school, there of course will be a tinge of sadness and not only for the students. Their parents will naturally cast their minds back to their child’s first day of school and ponder where did those 7 years go. The teachers too will be proud of what they have achieved from those early days in Prep and as always, very sad to see them go. Not to mention their Principal who has witnessed their growth any many achievements throughout their days here at Lourdes.
Personally, this term began with mixed emotions. I once again had the unique opportunity to spend a week with our Year 6 students on their annual end of year camp. Sharing the many exciting activities and witnessing kids experience things for the first time, is a real privilege. Then, last Friday I farewelled my Mum at a beautiful memorial service. Moments like these always bring on endless memories of time together, especially during those formative years as a young child. Spending time recently sorting through a lifetime of photos allowed time to reflect on how precious time is and how important it is to make the most out of the time we have with our children.
My advice… cherish every single painting that comes home (even if you can’t work out what it is), take a thousand photos, read to your kids even when you are tired, go to as many school events as you possibly can, support your child’s teachers as they are the second most influential person in their lives, don’t go to bed angry after arguing about little things like homework, encourage them to take risks in their learning – they don’t have to be right all the time, support them to solve their own problems, tell them it’s cool to ask for help, learn from mistakes, it’s ok to be tough on them every now and then….they will better for it in the long run and teenagers are from another planet…sent here to push you to your limits. Just breathe, pray for the patience of a saint and know that they will eventually turn out fine and become human again…. just give them about five or six years!
Yes, it will be a busy term, but I do urge children, parents and teachers not to just cross events off in the calendar as they pass but to make the most of this time and take in the special moments which will occur over the next couple of months. Have a wonderful term everyone.
New Family
On behalf of the school community I extend a very warm welcome to the Wormald (Lucy Yr.2 and Rebecca Yr.4) family who have joined us for the first time this term. We certainly wish that you enjoy your time here at Lourdes.
P&F Meeting
The final meeting of the year for the Parents and Friends Assoc. will be held on Tuesday 20th October at 6:30 p.m. in the staffroom. All members of the school community are more than welcome.
School Fees
Term 4 school invoices will be electronically forwarded home by the end of the week. Please take the time to check your emails. With Term 4 being only 9 weeks it always proves to be an extremely busy term with many school events to organise along with end of year assessment and reporting to complete. As a result, it does not leave much time to chase up overdue fees. Could I ask all families to be mindful of this and to reconcile all fees and levies by the end of November. This also allows the school to confidently meet its financial commitments, purchase new resources and undertake classroom refurbishments over the Christmas holiday. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
Cross Country Carnival
From the information already forwarded home by Mrs. Salisbury, you will be aware that we will be conducting our annual cross country carnival (usually held in Term 1) on Friday 30th October at Newtown Park. Due to complexities brought on by COVID regulations, spectators will be limited to areas outside the course. No spectators are to be present on the oval where the students congregate for the start and finish of the race. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Camp
The Year 5 classes will be heading off to Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast for their 3-day camp from Monday 4th Nov – Wednesday 6th Nov. The cost of the camp has been included in this terms school fee invoice. Please ensure that this is paid in full prior to camp as we will need to pay the total cost for all Year 5 students by the end of November.
Bike Ed
The Year 4 students will be participating in a series of Bike Ed lessons once again this term. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to gain further understanding and confidence regarding proper road safety precautions when riding a bike. Please check class notes for the individual class dates and times. Many thanks to the Year 4 teachers for organising this activity for the students.
Staffing 2021
Planning for the 2021 school year has been underway for several months now. An initial budget will be prepared over the next couple of weeks which includes a predicted staffing level. I am hoping that this process will be concluded over the next 3- 4 weeks. Once all staffing levels have been confirmed, I will be able to notify you of the class structures for next year. Please note that overall staffing levels are funded on accurate enrolment figures. Accordingly, I urge any family who may be considering a relocation to another school or town, to inform the school as soon as possible. Any unknown change to enrolment figures at the beginning of the 2021 school year will have a significant effect on the school’s ability to provide optimum staffing levels to support the class structure and planned initiatives.
Uniforms
A reminder to ensure that all uniform items are clearly named, especially hats and jumpers/jackets. Named items that have been left around the school, are usually returned to the rightful owner by the end of the day. Sports uniforms are only to be worn every Friday and on their respective PE day. Can I also ask parents to ensure our uniform guidelines are followed. This includes no fluro or multi coloured joggers and for girls, all hair accessories need to be in the school colours, navy or sky blue. Jewellery is limited to stud or sleeper earrings and a watch. Necklaces are not recommended unless they are of a genuine religious significance. Your co-operation at home with uniforms, goes a long way to assist us in monitoring what students are wearing and supports our efforts in maintaining a high standard.
Volunteers Morning Tea
A cordial invitation is extended to all parents and grandparents who have volunteered their time this year to assist with various school activities to attend a special morning tea on Tuesday 10th November at 10:00am. This is a fully catered event and will be held in the hall. To assist with the catering, please RSVP to the office by the 4th Nov.
Thanks for reading……Chris