Term 4, No. 3

18 november 2025

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.

What's On?

Whole School
​Prayer

Monday 24th November (9:00 - 9:30)
Primary (4B)
Parents and carers are welcome!

upComing Events

Term 4​​​
  • All Schools Triathlon - Friday 21st November
  • Assembly (Grade 1) - Friday 21st November
  • Grandparents Day (2:00pm - 3:00pm) - Wednesday 26th November
  • Devonport Show Day Holiday - Friday 28th November
  • SBSC Orientation Day (Grade 6) - Monday 1st December
  • OLOL Orientation Day - Wednesday 3rd December
  • 2026 Kinder Final Orientation Session - Friday 5th December
  • Assembly (Grade 4) - Friday 5th December

Mrs gratton's reflection

deputy principal                                     

Supporting Student Transitions
​As we move through Term 4, our attention turns to ensuring that every child experiences a calm and confident transition into their next stage of learning.

We recognise that transition is a significant milestone for all students, whether they’re moving up a grade, starting school for the first time, or preparing to leave Our Lady of Lourdes at the end of Year 6.

Our Student Support Team have been thoughtfully planning this process alongside our teachers since the beginning of the term. Handover meetings, learning plan reviews and additional transition supports are already underway to ensure that each child is known, academically, socially and emotionally, as they move to their new learning environment. Teachers are sharing information about students’ learning needs, friendships and wellbeing supports, while classroom visits and social stories help students prepare for what next year will look like.

​To support a smooth and well-planned transition, a range of activities are taking place throughout the term, including:
  • Class Creations Meetings between Grade teams and Leadership
  • Handover Meetings between Grade Teams
  • General/ Specific Social Stories
  • Student/Teacher Classroom Visits beginning in Week 3
  • Teacher/TA Observations once 2026 classes are finalised
  • Orientation Day Wednesday the 3rd of December

Importantly, transition like learning is differentiated. We recognise that students have different needs in this space too. While some children will benefit from all of these opportunities, not every transition option is required for every student. For some, the process may include additional visits to their 2026 classroom, specific supports or adjustments, or extra time building relationships with the staff they will be working alongside. These tailored opportunities ensure that each child’s transition reflects their individual needs, helping them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to engage positively in the year ahead.

You, as parents and carers, play an important role in supporting transition. Talking positively about change, maintaining familiar routines and acknowledging your child’s feelings can make all the difference. Encourage your child to reflect on their achievements this year and to look forward to the new opportunities that await them in 2026.

Our shared goal is for every student to begin the new school year feeling prepared, supported and excited for the learning ahead. We appreciate the continued partnership of our families as we work together to ensure a smooth and positive transition into 2026 for our students.

Kind regards,

Eve
Social Media Age Restrictions
From 10 December, Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. This is not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts.

Being logged into an account increases the exposure under-16s have to design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing. The delay is an opportunity for them to build their digital literacy skills and resilience.

Information and resources to support parents and carers, and young people to prepare for the change are available at eSafety's Social media age restrictions hub.

Here are three things you can do:
1. Read eSafety’s frequently asked questions for parents and carers to find out what’s changing
and why.
2. Register for an eSafety live webinar.
3. Use the eSafety Get ready guide for parents and carers and conversation starters to start
preparing for the change.

School news

Nativity Play - Sewing Volunteers Needed!
The Mersey Leven Parish and the Catholic Schools need help to make costumes for the up coming Nativity play on Christmas Eve at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The costumes will be for the children from Catholic Schools and the Parish who will be acting in the play. Costumes we have are beginning to wear out and there is not enough. We would greatly appreciate your help to sew simple gown like costumes.
If you are able to assist us please email Catherine Dunn [email protected] or phone 0400 766 311 or let the school office know.

​OLOL Orientation Day
Our Lady of Lourdes students will participate in our internal Orientation Day on Wednesday 3rd December.
This special day provides an opportunity for students to meet their 2026 teacher and classmates in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 
Students will spend time in their new classroom from 9:15am to 1:15pm, beginning to build relationships that will support a smooth and confident transition into the new school year.
Please note: This date does not coincide with St Brendan-Shaw College’s Orientation Day for students commencing Year 7 in 2026. 
Our Grade 6 students will be located in an alternate space and will act as helpers throughout the day, supporting younger students with adjustment and change as they settle into their new environment.
At the conclusion of the day, parents will be notified via Compass regarding their child’s class placement for 2026.
We look forward to partnering with you and your child to foster continued growth and learning throughout 2026 and beyond.

Christmas Dress-Up Day - Wednesday 10th December
Our SRC have invited students and staff to come dressed in their best Christmas attire - think sparkles, Santa hats, jingle bells, reindeer ears, elf outfits or anything that spreads a bit of Christmas cheer.
Whether you go full North Pole or keep it simple with a touch of tinsel, we can’t wait to see our school filled with colour, joy and plenty of festive fun.

​Families Leaving Our Lady of Lourdes 2026
Please inform the School Office if your family will be leaving OLOL at the end of this year or in 2026 (excluding 2025 Grade 6), as we currently have families on our waitlist.
Email: [email protected]
*Under the enrolment form, signed by parents - 10 weeks notice is required
Thank you all of our families for your ongoing support.
​
2026 Schedule of Fees

Religious educATION

Sports Update & Information

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

🏉 Devonport Touch Football – Grades 2–6 
Wednesdays  22nd Sept – 10th December
Open to all students in Grades 2 to 6
👉 Register online: https://touchfootball.com.au/
All Schools Athletics Championships
Charlotte Turley, Cooper Gould and Kailyn Jones (Grade 6), Alexis Turley and Georgia Hingston (Grade 4) recently attended the Tasmanian All Schools Athletics Championships. The five students represented the school with pride and achieved  personal bests in many of their events. Georgia, Cooper and Kailyn have been selected to represent Tasmania at the primary and secondary schools national championships in November and December. Between the five students they competed in 17 events, with Georgia receiving a medal in all 4 of her events (1500 meter, long jump, discuss and high jump).
Events: 
Charlotte: 800 m (personal best) and (under 14) 3 km race walk 
Cooper: High jump, 800 m and 1500 m 
Kailyn: 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m and (under 14) 3 km race walk 
Alexis: 200m, long jump, 800m (personal best) 
Georgia: 1500m, Long jump, discuss and high jump

Congratulation to all of you on your personal best achievements!

Jessica Jones

Student of the week

Week 4

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
Attendance Policy

RATIONAL
Attending every school day is essential to enable student to achieve the most from their education and to achieve quality outcomes in their lives.
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OLOL School Calendar

Term Dates

2025

TERM 4
Tuesday 14th October - Wednesday 17th December
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