TERM 1, NO. 3
11 MARCH 2026

Our Lady of Lourdes catholic school

​We are Respectful

Whole School
​Prayer

Monday 16th March (9:00 - 9:30)
Harmony Day
Parents and carers are welcome!
We are Responsible
We are Safe

upComing Events

Term 1​​​
  • Assembly (Prep) - Friday 13th March
  • SBSC to Visit Grade 6 - Wednesday 18th March
  • Ride 2 School Day - Friday 20th March
  • Kinder 2027 Enrolment Information Evening - Wednesday 25th March (5:30pm - 6:30 pm)
  • Assembly (Grade 5) - Friday 27th March

​Last week, I had the privilege of attending my first Catholic College of Educational Leaders gathering - a termly meeting for all Catholic Education Tasmania Principals and key Tasmanian Catholic Education Office staff. It was a wonderful experience to be in the room with so many dedicated and experienced educators who share a deep commitment to our mission.

We began with Mass led by Archbishop Tony, where his homily reminded leaders in Catholic education that our work is not simply a profession but a mission of the Church. He acknowledged the many pressures schools face: staffing, wellbeing, expectations and the pace of the year, making it clear that he understands the real demands placed on school leaders and staff. Tony reflected that the Gospel reminds us that Catholic leadership begins with truly seeing people: the struggling student, the tired staff member or the family carrying unseen burdens. He encouraged leaders to stay rooted in prayer and stay attentive to the people in their communities.

Another highlight of the gathering was a session with Marty and Mitch from the Making Jesus Real (MJR) program - the same team who recently worked with our Grade 5 and 6 students. Their sessions were very well received, and it was affirming to see how the MJR approach continues to make the heart of Christianity tangible and accessible for both students and adults.

Back at school, it was wonderful to hear that our Swimming Carnival was a great success, along with the achievements of those who represented us at the NW event yesterday. I hope that next year my commitments won’t clash so I can be there to cheer everyone on in person - and perhaps a students versus Principal race!

A few members of our community have raised concerns about the car park and the kiss‑and‑drop zone during peak times. We will continue to monitor these busy periods closely to see whether any practical solutions can help improve flow and safety for everyone. Please always continue to be patient and generous to all our community when using these areas, even when we know stress can be high.

As we journey further into Lent, this season gently invites us to pause, refocus, and allow God to shape our hearts through prayer, sacrifice and acts of love. Sunday’s Gospel offered a timely reminder that Jesus calls us to trust Him deeply and to let go of whatever holds us back from following Him wholeheartedly. True life isn’t found in clinging to our own plans, but in walking with openness, courage and faith.

May we continue this Lenten path as a community with renewed purpose and hopeful hearts.

Together in faith,
​
Emily Sass.

School news

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.

​Canteen Special Day  (Wednesday 18th March)
  • Pasta Bolognese - $6.50
  • GF Pasta Bolognese - $7.50
Orders are now open on Qkr and will close Monday 16th March at 9.30am.
*There will be no other lunch orders available on this day*
​
Coming Up .........
Canteen Special Day - End of Term Sausage Sizzle (Wednesday 15th April)
  • Sausages - $3.00
  • GF Sausage - $3.50
  • Halal Beef Sausage - $3.00
Sauces supplied at no extra cost
Orders will open on Qkr on Monday 30th March and close on Monday 13th April at 9.30am. 
*There will be no other lunch orders on this day*
Easter Break
Good Friday 3rd April 2026, Easter Monday 6th April & Easter Tuesday 7th April.
Students return to school on Wednesday 8th April.
​

important reminders

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
​
​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.
​
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

First Term Visit with MJR (Making Jesus Real)
What an absolute delight it was to visit OLOL and having the chance to share and discuss the theme ‘Habits – Good & Bad’ with the Year 5 and 6’s. The students were very respectful and open to finding ways to improve themselves. The art of reflection was discussed and that it only takes one minute a day to look back and try and improve on mistakes but at the same time appreciate when we have done well.
​
We looked at ways to: 
  1. GTS – greet, treat and speak to others
  2. Be kind – not just at school, but also at home and at community events such as sports
  3. Listen more carefully and strive to follow instructions
  4. Have a more positive attitude
  5. Never give up – NGU
  6. See that ‘OK with a smile’ will help at home and school.

The atmosphere in the classrooms was super, with great questions and a willingness to enjoy the magic, the Youtube clips and the powerful message of striving to create new habits that follow the teachings of Jesus. The classes found time to thank the new principal on the great job she is doing, plus think about what they can do better at home. So much to be thankful for! It takes time to create good habits, so please ask your children about their visit with Marty.

What a beautiful caring school, with staff and students looking out for others – what a great habit.

Live Jesus in your Hearts and Actions Everyday.
​
Marty Ogle

Sports Update & Information

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

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

​Lent - A Journey of the Heart
Lent and Holy Week are the most significant periods of preparation and observance in the Christian calendar. For an explanation of Lent and the importance of Holy Week access the buttons below.

POLICY IN FOCUS

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Uniform policy

Rational​
Students attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School must wear the approved SmartPlay school uniform, unless exempt from doing so by the Principal on designated days or for exceptional reasons. Our school uniform promotes consistency, belonging and inclusiveness for all students and their families. Our Lady of Lourdes SmartPlay Uniform aims to provide functionality and alignment with current approaches to curriculum and learning. It represents our mission, our values, and our long-standing commitment as a place of learning and teaching in the Josephite traditions.

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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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