TERM 2, NO. 2
27 MAY 2026

Our Lady of Lourdes catholic school

​We are Respectful

Whole School
​Prayer

Monday 1st June
(9:00am - 9:30am)
Parents and carers are welcome!
We are Responsible
We are Safe

upComing Events

Term 2​​
  • OLOL Cross Country (Grade 3-6) - Thursday 28th May
  • Assembly (Grade 2) (2:00pm - 2:45pm) - Friday 29th May
  • NW Primary Cross Country (Stella Maris) - Friday 5th June
  • Public Holiday - Monday 8th June
  • Assembly (Grade 3) - Friday 12th June
  • All Schools Cross Country (Symmons Plains) - Tuesday 16th June
  • Harts NW Primary School Netball Tournament (Ulverstone Sports Centre) - Tuesday 23rd June
  • Assembly (Grade 6) - Friday 26th June
This week we begin Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to reflect on the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. The theme invites us to listen, learn and act with hope. Our students will explore this through class activities, our assembly on Friday and next Wednesday when we will add a splash of yellow for Wear It Yellow Day. 

As we enter this important week I have also been reflecting on my recent experience at the Josephite Colloquium in Hobart. The time away offered a chance to learn more deeply about the story of the Sisters of St Joseph, the influence of Fr Julian Tenison Woods and the courage of Saint Mary MacKillop. Their mission to educate children who were poor, isolated, or excluded was marked by challenge and sacrifice, yet they responded with humility, creativity and deep faith.

I was especially moved by the story of the Sisters who came to Tasmania in 1887, led by Sr Francis McCarthy. Their journey from Westbury to Forth, then Ulverstone and finally Devonport, laid the foundations of Catholic education that we continue today. Standing in these places reminded me how much of our identity at Our Lady of Lourdes is shaped by their courage and service.

​A highlight was spending time with Sr Carmel Jones, who served as Principal of OLOL and was the last Sister of St Joseph to lead our school. Listening to her speak about her ministry strengthened my own sense of connection to our Josephite story. Having been educated in two Josephite schools myself I feel a deep responsibility to carry forward the charism that has shaped so many lives. Although society has changed greatly I am sure the Sisters would be proud of the school and students they see today.

The Sisters lived simple, humble, and intentional lives. Their example invites us to slow down, notice the needs around us and act with kindness and purpose in our ever busy world. As we honour Reconciliation Week and Wear It Yellow Day may we continue to build a community where every child feels seen, valued and supported.

Together in faith,

Emily Sass.

School news

Wear it Yellow Day - Wednesday 3rd June
​As part of Reconciliation Week, our school will be taking part in Wear it Yellow Day to help raise funds and awareness for Children's Ground. On Wednesday 3rd of June, students are invited to wear a splash of yellow with their school uniform and bring along a gold coin donation.
Wear it Yellow Day is a fun way for our school community to come together while helping create brighter futures for First Nations children and families across Australia. We look forward to seeing plenty of yellow throughout the school and thank families for their support of this fundraiser.
Grade 3 & 4 Excursion - Children's Laureate Andy Griffiths
Grade 3 and 4 students recently enjoyed an exciting visit to the Devonport Library, where they had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Children’s Laureate and much-loved author Andy Griffiths. Best known for his hilarious and imaginative books, Andy captivated students with stories about his journey as a writer and the importance of developing a lifelong love of reading.
During the session, students learned valuable tips on how to become confident and creative writers. Andy encouraged everyone to use their imagination, take risks with their ideas, and most importantly, have fun with writing. His engaging presentation had students laughing, thinking creatively and feeling inspired to pick up a book or start writing their own stories.
The excursion was a fantastic experience for all students and a wonderful way to encourage literacy, creativity and a passion for reading.

​Brixhibition
Brixhibition is Tasmania's premier Lego exhibition event, with annual displays in Hobart, Launceston and Ulverstone. This year our school will participating, for more information see below:

​URSTRONG: Friendology 
How does URSTRONG work? URSTRONG is all about empowering kids with friendship skills! We’ve developed a proven, skills-based strategy that provides a host of kid-friendly concepts, skills and language to help them build and maintain healthy friendships.
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important reminders

Cross Country - Thursday 28 May
The Grade 3-6 School Cross Country Carnival will be held from the Don Rugby/Cricket Club. Students will be departing and returning to school at various times throughout the day based on their scheduled race time. Students must pack morning tea, lunch and plenty of water.
Families are welcome to attend to watch their child within the parent viewing area. Please be reminded that only filming or photographs of your own child/ren is permitted. Car parking may be accessed across the road at the Don Market Car Park, due to limited availability at the club rooms.  We thank you for your understanding.
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Program of Events for Cross Country Carnival 2026.
Grade 3 & 4 Course Length - 2kms (approx)
Grade 5 & 6 Course Length - 3kms (approx)
Those students interested in making the Northwest and All Schools Cross Country Teams that will be held in Burnie (Friday 5 June) and Symmons Plains (Tuesday 16 June)  will need to finish in the top 8 male or females in their respective year group.

2027 Kindergarten Enrolment Applications
Enrolments Applications for our 2027 Kinder intake close Friday 5 June (Week 5). If you know anyone planning to enrol their child in 2027, please encourage them to meet this deadline.​

Little Treasures
Friday 29th May - Arboretum, Eugenana (bring gumboots and a warm coat)
Friday 5th June - Performing Arts Space.
If we experience inclement weather on the day, updates will be communicated via Facebook and sessions will be held in the Performing Arts Space.

Our Lady of Lourdes School Library - Opening Hours
Did you know that our school library is open 5 days a week (Monday - Friday) before school and after school for students to borrow and return books? 
This allows students to visit the library outside of their regular timetabled class slot, providing an opportunity for extra reading and borrowing. 
Parents are also welcome to join their child before and after school to help choose and borrow books. Parents are also able to borrow on their child’s behalf on days their child cannot visit the library themselves.

Religious Education

2026 Sacramental Program
This term, our Sacramental candidates are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an important and meaningful step in their faith journey. Often referred to as Confession or Penance, Reconciliation encourages children to reflect on their actions, ask for forgiveness, and experience the peace and mercy of God.

As part of their preparation, students are learning about the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and making positive choices in their daily lives. With the guidance of Fr Sunil and Fr Ashan, they will come to understand that God’s love is always present and that reconciliation helps strengthen both their relationship with God and with others.

Our candidates will celebrate their First Reconciliation on Wednesday 10th June. We keep these students and their families in our prayers as they continue preparing for this special occasion.
If there are any additional children who would like to join this year’s Sacramental Program, please contact Miss Casey. We would be delighted to warmly welcome you and your family.

​For families whose children have not yet been baptised in the Catholic Church, Fr Sunil is also available to support and guide you through the process of preparing for Baptism, so that your child may participate in the Sacramental Program alongside their peers.

Sports Update & Information

For further information regarding sporting events please visit the Website under the heading
​OLOL Sport

student of the week

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
CET ATTENDANCE POLICY
Why Attendance Matters:
Learning builds day by day
Research consistently shows a strong link between attendance and achievement in reading and mathematics. Even a few missed days each term can add up and gaps in learning can be difficult to bridge.

Habits start early
Attendance patterns are established in primary school. Regular attendance now supports long-term engagement and success.

Belonging matters
Being at school helps children build friendships, develop confidence, strengthen communication skills and feel connected to their community. School is where children can flourish - academically, socially and emotionally.

We Understand Life Happens 
Children will sometimes need to stay home due to illness or unexpected circumstances. If your family is experiencing challenges affecting attendance, please reach out - early partnership makes a difference.

How Families Can Support
  • Maintain consistent bedtime and morning routines.
  • Avoid holidays during term time where possible.
  • Speak positively about school. Words matter, and nurture your child’s sense of belonging.
  • Let us know if your child is feeling anxious or unsettled - we are here to support.

OLOL School Calendar

Term Dates

2026

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
Tuesday 20th October - Thursday 17th December
(Student Free Day Monday 19th October)

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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