Term 1, No. 2

25 February 2026

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

​We are Respectful
We are Responsible
We are Safe
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School is located on the traditional lands of the Punnilerpanner people of the North Nation. We acknowledge and deeply respect the Palawa people, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, and all Elders past and present. We are committed to learning alongside our students and community in this place, and support the continued sharing of knowledge and culture.

Whole School
​Prayer

Monday 2nd March (9:00 - 9:30)
ECE (Year 2)
Parents and carers are welcome!

upComing Events

Term 1​
  • Grade 6 Camp - Wednesday 25th - Friday 27th February​
  • School Photos - Tuesday 3rd - Wednesday 4th March
  • OLOL Swimming Carnival (Grade 3-6) - Thursday 5th March
  • Public Holiday - Monday 9th March
  • NW Primary Swimming Carnival - Tuesday 10th March
  • Assembly (Prep) - Friday 13th March
  • Kinder 2027 Enrolment Information Evening - Wednesday 25th March (5:30pm - 6:30 pm)

Principal reflection - Mrs emily sass

                                    

Within just a few weeks of stepping into the role of Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes, I can already see that I am part of something truly special. There is a strong sense of belonging here, and it feels both a privilege and a joy to now call this community my own.

We were blessed to begin the school year with our Family Feast Day and Welcome BBQ on 11 February, celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Even with less-than-ideal weather, families turned out in great numbers - a true reflection of the commitment and spirit that define our school. Thank you. More recently, our Parent Teacher conversations provided another valuable opportunity to connect, to listen, and to continue building strong partnerships focused on each child’s growth.

As we enter the season of Lent, we can draw inspiration from Pope Leo XIV in his 2026 Lenten message. At its heart was this invitation:
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“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.”

He reminds us of the importance of listening, to God and to one another, and of entering into authentic relationships grounded in respect.

How relevant this feels in our busy world, where rapid technological advancement is shaping the way our children form relationships with friends, family and the wider community. Now more than ever, modelling respectful communication and positive behaviour matters.

I have appreciated the many conversations following my recent letter about respect and the shared responsibility we hold as adults in this community. The expectations we set apply equally to all of us - staff, students and families. A strong and healthy culture depends on adults working together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to our children.

We are seeing similar conversations unfold within sporting organisations and across broader society. As a parent myself, I know how easy it is for enthusiastic encouragement on the sidelines to become something more intense. I sometimes have to pause and remind myself that my child is there to learn and grow - regardless of the outcome. How we respond to disappointment or challenge can ultimately shape our children far more deeply than how we celebrate success.

​We will not get everything perfect. But I warmly welcome walking this journey together, with a shared commitment to raising resilient, respectful and compassionate young people.

You may also have seen recent media discussion, including messaging from Catholic Education Tasmania, around the importance of school attendance. Every school day truly matters. Each day is thoughtfully planned, with every lesson contributing to your child’s growth and learning. Thank you for your continued support in prioritising your child’s education and ensuring they are present and ready to engage.

Together in faith,
​
Emily Sass.

School news

NAPLAN
In the coming weeks, students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in NAPLAN (11th - 23rd of March). This forms part of our assessment schedule and provides valuable insight into student learning in literacy and numeracy.

NAPLAN offers meaningful information about how students are developing key skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. When considered alongside our broader assessment practices, it supports our commitment to evidence-informed teaching and continuous improvement. Catholic Education affirms the dignity of each learner and upholds high expectations for growth and NAPLAN contributes to our understanding of how we can continue to strengthen learning for every child.

At our school, we draw on a wide range of assessment information to guide teaching and respond to student needs. Classroom observations, formative assessment, student voice and ongoing learning tasks all provide a rich picture of progress. NAPLAN complements this evidence by offering additional data that helps us reflect on practice, celebrate strengths and identify opportunities for further growth at both an individual and whole-school level.

We support and encourage our students to approach the experience with confidence, to give their best effort, and to take pride in the progress they have made. Each learning opportunity contributes to their growth, strengthening their confidence, skills and resilience over time.

Your partnership remains central to student success. Catholic Education recognises parents and carers as the first educators of their children and your reassurance, encouragement and consistent routines help students feel supported and capable.

We remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environment where each child is known, valued and supported to flourish. NAPLAN is one of the many tools that assists us in this important work.

As always, our focus remains on growth, wellbeing and the ongoing development of every learner. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue to support our students to learn with confidence and purpose.
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If you have any questions regarding NAPLAN, we welcome you to reach out to your child’s teacher. 
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Swimming Carnival BBQ 
  • Sausages - $3.00
  • Juice/Water - $2.00
Cash Sales Only
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Kindergarten 2027
We are now accepting enrolments for Kinder 2027. Enrolment forms are available on our school website or can be collected from the office. Interviews for existing families will commence from March, 2026 with other interviews being held throughout Term 2. 
This year, to help streamline our tours we are offering a Kinder Enrolment Information Evening on Wednesday 25th March from 5:30pm - 6:30pm which will provide an opportunity to learn more about our Kindergarten program, meet some of our staff and take a tour of the school. 
If you require any assistance with the enrolment process, please contact the school office.

important reminders

School Photo Days
​Our school photo days will be held in Week 5 on Tuesday 3rd March and Wednesday 4th March. Details on how to order have been shared on compass.
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​Uniform Policy
Thank you to you all for making an effort with adhering to our uniform policy. The sea of maroon and blue is looking fabulous in the playground. We may reach out from time to time if we are noticing some uniform inconsistencies.
A reminder that shoes should be mostly black, and our official socks are the Midford navy blue sock with 2 stripes in light blue.
If any family is ever struggling with uniform costs, please reach out and we will see how we can help.
Canteen - New Menu
We will now have an 'Everyday Menu' with the addition of a 'Daily Special'.
The 'Everyday Menu' includes the usual favourites like chicken wedges, nuggets, salads, wraps, toasties, etc.
The 'Daily Special' includes Burgers, Rooster Boosters and more. You will need to select the 'Daily Special' tab on Qkr! to order. 
There will of course be the usual special days and weekly soup (in the colder months) available. 
Students can order lunch items from Tuesday to Friday via the Qkr app and they can purchase snacks over the counter at the canteen every day from Monday to Friday during the first lunch break from 11:00 to 11:30am. 
We are looking forward to another great year in the Canteen.

​St Brendan Shaw College NW Catholic Primary Schools Instrumental Music Program
Parents of Catholic primary school students in Grades 4 to 6 are invited to submit expressions of interest for the 2026 NW Catholic Primary Schools Instrumental Music Program.
This program offers music tuition and instrument hire for a variety of woodwind, brass and string instruments. There are also multiple performance opportunities throughout the year.
Research shows that playing music can make significant differences to children’s abilities related to learning, memory and social interactions.
​If your child is interested, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest so they can discover the joy of music and develop this lifelong skill.
For more information and to fill out the expression of interest form, visit: 
https://sbsc.me/CPSMP2026
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​Breakfast Club
Commenced 9th February located in the McCarthy Centre.
Time: 8:00am - 8:40am.

Little Treasures
Little Treasures commenced Friday 13th February 9:30am - 11:00 am in the Kinder Space.
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Our School Day at a Glance
We will continue to observe our start-of-day routines and make any adjustments needed to best support students and staff - any changes will be communicated.

Religious educATION

​Live Life to the Full
Parent Letters will be sent home later this week. These handouts are designed to help families reinforce the key messages being taught in the classroom, including the dignity of every person, recognising each child as uniquely made in God’s image, the importance of friendship and belonging, and age-appropriate understandings of body safety and consent (explored through the concept of permission).
The letters provide clear, simple language and gentle discussion prompts to encourage meaningful conversations at home. They are intended to support parents in their role as first educators and to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and family life.
Please keep an eye on your inbox this Friday.
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Picture
Lent
As we continue our Lenten journey, we remember that Lent is a special time to grow closer to God as we prepare for Easter. We follow the example of Jesus Christ through prayer, small sacrifices, and acts of kindness.
In our school community, Lent can be lived out in simple ways - helping a friend, forgiving others, sharing what we have, and taking time to pray. Even the smallest act of love can make a big difference.
May this season be a peaceful and grace-filled time for all our families.

Whole School Prayer
Grade 2 will be leading our community in prayer this coming Monday, 2nd March. Families are warmly invited to join us in the church as we gather together in faith.

Sports Update & Information

Swimming Carnival Program (Thursday 5th March)
For further information regarding sporting events please visit the Website under the heading
​OLOL Sport

Upcoming Sport Registrations
  • ​Devonport Basketball Winter Basketball Roster
  • Devonport Autumn Netball Roster

students of the week

​Week 3
Week 2

Mersey Leven Catholic parish

Weekend Masses
Saturday Vigil
  • 5:00pm St Mary's, Penguin
  • 5:00pm Our Lady of Lourdes Devonport
Sunday
  • 8:00am St Joseph, Port Sorell
  • 9:00am Sacred Heart, Ulverstone
  • 9:30am Our Lady of Lourdes, Devonport
  • 11:30am Holy Cross, Sheffield
  • 5:00pm St Patrick, Latrobe

POLICY IN FOCUS

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Mobile phones and wearable technologies policy

Rational​
​Mobile phones, devices and wearable technologies are part of the everyday life of children and young people, influencing how the learn, communicate, work and play. However, there is strong evidence that such devices also can have negative impacts on students, including impacts that affect learning outcomes, social and emotional development and health and safety of students as well as teachers, family members and others in the school community.

OLOL School Calendar

Term Dates

2026

TERM 1
Friday 6th February - Thursday  16th April
(Easter Friday 3rd April - Tuesday 7th April)
(Student Free Day Friday 17th April)
Term 2
Monday 4th May - Friday 10th July
(Student Free Day Monday 18th May)
Term 3
Tuesday 28th July - Friday 2nd October
(Student Free Day Monday 27th July)
Term 4
Monday 19th October - Thursday 17th December
(Student Free Day Friday 23rd October)

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