TERM 1, NO. 4
25 MARCH 2026

Our Lady of Lourdes catholic school

​We are Respectful

Whole School
​Prayer

Monday 30th March (9:00 - 9:30)
(Grade 1) Palm Sunday
Parents and carers are welcome!
We are Responsible
We are Safe

upComing Events

Term 1​​​
  • Grade 4 Excursion to Tiagarra - Thursday 26th March
  • Assembly (Grade 5) - Friday 27th March
  • Touch of Purple Day - Wednesday 1st April
  • Easter Break - Friday 3rd April - Tuesday 7th April
  • Assembly (Grade 1) - Friday 10th April
  • Term 1 Ends - Thursday 16th April
  • Term 2 Begins - Monday 4th May
We’ve moved quickly from the start of the year into the steady rhythm of school life, and it’s been wonderful to see our students settling in so well. Each day I witness countless moments of learning, connection and joy across the school. These interactions between students, teachers and support staff fill me with confidence in the way our community is growing and thriving.

On just one walk around the school last week, I saw Preps exploring both inside and outside their learning spaces, Grade 3 students crafting sizzling start stories, Grade 1 and 2 students receiving targeted support in Maths with our Teacher Assistants, teachers collaborating on curriculum planning and other grades deeply engaged in silent reading. It’s all in a day’s work at a primary school and we are truly blessed with the facilities and staff that support our students and one another so well.

Last week was ‘Ride to School Day’ and I took full advantage of the chance to hop on my bike and ride with students during both break times. It was pure joy - mine and theirs. What a privilege to share those moments alongside our young people.

​Did you know that at Our Lady of Lourdes, students are welcome to bring their bikes or scooters to school each day and enjoy riding around our track during break times? Students need to bring (and wear) their own helmet for this. It’s a pretty special opportunity. 

On Monday we celebrated Harmony Day as the focus of our Whole School Prayer. With so many cultures and family backgrounds represented in our community, it is important that we continue to build understanding and appreciation for the traditions and stories that shape who we are.

Last week we also began our 2027 Kindergarten interviews, starting with our existing families. It has been a lovely opportunity to get to know families more deeply. Tonight, we look forward to welcoming families to our 2027 Kinder Information Evening - a chance for our future students to explore the school in a fun, treasure‑hunt style tour.

Recently, I’ve noticed a few things around the school, and while I always try to have ‘in the moment’ conversations with children or parents, I’ve included some reminders below regarding phones, personal items, coloured shoes and tying back shoulder‑length hair. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting these expectations.

As we are now into Week Eight, it is a timely reminder that Everyday Counts. Children thrive when they are present, engaged and connected at school. Regular attendance in primary school is one of the strongest predictors of both academic success and well-being. Please also be mindful of when you are planning your family holidays, that if these are planned during term time, this is considered unauthorised absences and are not recommended by the school.

Thank you to families for your ongoing commitment to your child’s attendance and to upholding our school expectations, including the consistent wearing of the school uniform. Your partnership and support play a vital role in maintaining high standards and fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride within our community.

As we continue our journey through Lent and move closer to Easter, may this time invite us into reflection, renewal and a deeper awareness of the hope at the heart of our Catholic faith.

I invite and encourage you to please complete the annual School Effectiveness Survey to provide us valuable feedback, of which details on how to complete were sent home with children on Monday (also see below).

Together in faith,

Emily Sass. 
School Effectiveness Survey
On Monday 23rd, letters (physical) were sent home inviting parents to take part in our School Effectiveness Surveys, conducted by Insight SRC on behalf of Our Lady of Lourdes and Catholic Education Tasmania.

These surveys provide important insight into the experiences of our school community - highlighting what is going well and identifying areas where we can continue to improve. The feedback helps guide school planning and supports programs that enhance student learning, wellbeing, and engagement.

Participation is voluntary, but we encourage all families to take part so the results reflect the views of our entire community.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school.

School news

This year, our Purple Day celebrating Lent will follow a 'Touch of Purple' theme. This decision comes in response to feedback about how full casual clothes or dress‑up days can affect students and the overall flow of learning.

Students are asked to continue wearing their school uniforms, adding just a touch of purple to show their support. This could include items such as:
  • Purple accessories
  • Socks
  • Scrunchies
  • Hats
  • Or any other subtle purple addition.

Thank you for helping us keep the day fun, inclusive and consistent for all students.

There will be a range of other exciting fundraising activities taking place throughout Holy Week (Week 9), including purple cupcake sales, purple frog in the ponds, purple nail painting and a 'Purple Stall' featuring all things purple. All proceeds will support the Caritas Project Compassion campaign. Days, times and reminders will be shared with classes and via Facebook, the afternoon prior to each event.
​Thank you in advance for your generous support.

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*

​Join Our Team

important reminders

Mobile Phones
​Students are not permitted to use mobile phones while on school grounds. Even if parents are present, we ask that students refrain from using their phones while waiting to enter classrooms.

If your child brings a phone to school and is dropped off, please remind them that phones must remain away before school begins.

After school, students at the bus pick‑up zone may ask a staff member for permission to briefly check their phone to communicate with a parent. Once this is done, the phone must be put away again.

A reminder that students under 16 years of age (all our primary school aged students) should not have social media accounts. This is now the law and the school and Catholic Education Tasmania supports this. If students are seen or reported to be using phones or social media at school or in school uniform this will be taken seriously. ​

Car Park 
Thank you for the considerate way you are using our car park and Kiss and Drop zones. A few reminders to help keep things running smoothly:
  • Please be mindful of others at all times.
  • If there is a line forming in the Kiss and Drop zone, we ask that you do a lap of the block and return.
  • Please avoid parking in front of the school bins, as staff need access at the end of the day.
  • If you notice members of the public using our car park, please let us know.

Personal items
We have noticed an increase in personal items such as dolls and jewellery being brought to school. These items can create inequities, cause issues in the playground and are often misplaced, taking up valuable staff time. We kindly ask that personal items are not brought to school unless approved by the Student Support team as part of an Individual Learning Plan.

Tying hair up
Students with hair below shoulder length are required to have it fully tied up. Half‑up/half‑down styles are not permitted. 

Coloured Shoes
Our uniform policy states that shoes should be mostly black. We understand that purchasing new shoes is not always immediately possible, but we ask that when buying the next pair, families choose mostly black footwear. If you require assistance, please reach out.

Breakfast Club 
Breakfast Club is available to all students each morning from 8:00am - 8:40am in the canteen area. Students are welcome to come and enjoy toast before school starts.

Nail Polish & Acrylic Nails
A reminder that nail polish and acrylic nails are not permitted at school. These should be removed before students return.

Student Bikes/Scooters
Students are welcome to bring bikes or scooters to school and enjoy riding on our track during break times. Please note:
  • Students must bring and wear their own helmet.
  • E‑bikes and e‑scooters are not permitted to be ridden on school grounds.

Morning Arrival Time
We know mornings can be busy. A gentle reminder that students should be in their classrooms by 8:55am so they can start the day calmly and on time.
​
Dates over Easter
The school will be closed from Friday 3 April for the Easter break. Students will return on Wednesday 8 April. We hope all families enjoy a safe and restful long weekend.

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

student of the week

Week 5
Week 6

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
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 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
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