Term 3, No. 4

9 september 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 15th September (9:00 - 9:30)
ECE (2M)
Parents and carers are welcome!

upComing Events

Term 3​
  • Assembly (Grade 3) - Friday 12 September
  • Kinder Information Evening - Wednesday 17 September (5:30pm - 6:30pm) 
  • Rum'un Visit - Thursday 18th September
  • Assembly (Grade 6) - Friday 26th September
  • Footy Colours Day - Friday 26th September
  • Term 3 Ends - Friday 26 September 

mr mcculloch's reflection                  

acting principal                                       

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope all fathers and significant others enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day over the weekend. On Monday, we welcomed fathers, grandfathers and caregivers into our gym for a special breakfast and games. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event such a smooth and enjoyable occasion.

Late last week you will have received the announcement regarding the Principalship of Our Lady of Lourdes. We are truly blessed to welcome Mrs Emily Sass as Principal in 2026. Emily brings a diverse professional background across industries prior to moving into education, along with valuable leadership experience from her time at Marist Regional College. She is a strong communicator and an outstanding leader who will complement our wonderful leadership team. With sustained structures and systems embedded by successive principals, the school is in a very strong position moving forward.

As we entered the recruitment process, I made the decision that this was not the right time for me to pursue the substantive position. I am deeply appreciative of the learning and growth this opportunity has provided and I remain grateful for the warmth, welcome and support shown to me by students, staff and families throughout my time in the role. 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Miss Meg Wootton, our Early Years Leader, who will commence maternity leave at the end of this term. This has been a new role within the school and Meg has played an instrumental part in shaping it. Her energy and commitment to supporting learning and wellbeing across the Early Years, as well as her significant contribution to operational leadership, have been invaluable. We wish Meg and her partner, Matt, every blessing as they prepare to welcome their first child.

We are also pleased to announce that Ms. Kareena Wyllie-Charlesworth has been appointed as Acting Early Years Leader. Kareena will begin transitioning into this role on a part-time basis in preparation for 2026.

Further staffing updates will be shared in Week 5 of Term 4.


Kind regards,

Ben

School news


​Rainbows Program

​Medication at School

Road Safety Reminder - Drop off/pick up Zone
We ask for your continued support in keeping our school community safe during drop-off and pick-up times.
Please be reminded that blocking Steele street is against road rules and creates unsafe conditions for our students, staff and wider community. Traffic must flow freely at all times to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of all road users.
To support a safe and respectful environment:
  • Always follow road safety rules and signage
  • Show courtesy to other drivers, pedestrians and school staff
  • If the entry to the pick-up zone is not clear, please drive around the block rather than stopping in the street
  • Students waiting in the designated pick-up zone are supervised by staff, so there is no need to rush or block traffic
*Tasmania Police will be conducting road traffic checks in the area, and infringements may apply to those not following the road rules.
Let's work together to model respectful road safety and keep our community safe.  
Thank you for your cooperation & care.

​Vinnies School Essentials Program
Vinnies School Essentials Program runs for the whole school year and is available to anyone that is finding things tough.
We can help with Uniform, Sports shoes, bag, lunch boxes, drink bottles, sports rego, camps and other things that benefit a child's education.
  • Kinder to grade 6 up to $150.
  • Grade 7 to 12 up to $250.
​

Religious educATION

Celebrating Fathers
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Monday for our Father's Day Breakfast!

It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the gift of fatherhood and the incredible impact that fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles and other significant men have on the lives of children. The morning was filled with warmth, laughter and connection - a true reflection of the values we cherish at Our Lady of Lourdes. 

We also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Devonport, as well as staff members who gave up their Monday morning to come to school bright and early to cook and prepare our special meal.

Fathers play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people. Through their guidance, support, and everyday presence, they help build confidence, character and resilience. Whether it's offering a listening ear, showing up for important moments, or simply being a steady source of encouragement, their influence is lasting and profound.

As a Catholic School in the Josephite Tradition, we take inspiration from St. Joseph, whose quiet strength and protective love of Jesus, remind us that fatherhood is not just a role - it’s a lifelong commitment to care, nurture and lead by example.

As we reflect on the joy of our Father's Day Breakfast, let us continue to honour all those who take on the role of father - biological, adoptive, step, and chosen. Let us also extend kindness and support to those who may be facing challenges, reminding them that they are valued and never alone.
​
As Pope Francis reminds us:
“Fathers are not born but made. A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child.”

May we continue to build a community where every father feels empowered, appreciated, and supported - and where their presence is celebrated not just on special occasions, but every day.

Eloise Mackie
​

Student of the Week

Week 5
Week 6

Sports Update & Information

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

​Devonport Junior Soccer 
Can all washed soccer tops be returned to school ASAP

2025 All Schools Triathlon - Entries close Soon
🏃‍♂️🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Open to students in Grades 3–6 only
📍 Entry forms are available from the school library
🗓️ All forms must be returned by 12th September
👥 Teams of 2 or 3 people
✍️ All forms must be signed by a parent or guardian
For further information and registration details visit OLOL Website under OLOL Sport.

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.
​

OLOL School Calendar

Term Dates

2025
TERM 3
Tuesday 22nd July - Friday 26th September
TERM 4
Tuesday 14th October - Thursday 18th December
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