Term 2, No. 5

1 july 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 28th July (9:00am - 9:30)

Parents and carers are welcome!

upComing Events

Term 2​​​​
  • Premier's Reading Challenge (Kinder - Grade 6) - Monday 16 June - Sunday 24 August
  • Parent Teacher Conversations - Thursday 3 July
  • Fun Sock Day - Friday 4 July
  • Assembly (Grade 5) - Friday 4 July
  • Term 2 Ends - Friday 4 July
  • Student Free Day - Monday 21 July
  • Term 3 Begins - Tuesday 22 July
  • Book Week Character Dress Up Day - Wednesday 20 August

mr Mcculloch's Reflection

acting principal

Strengthening Our Partnership: Trust, Communication and Shared Purpose.
At Our Lady of Lourdes, we deeply value the partnership between home and school. When we work together, with trust and open communication at the heart of our relationships, our students thrive — not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. A strong, respectful connection between families and staff creates a learning environment where every child feels safe, supported and empowered.

We recognise that parenting and educating are shared responsibilities. That’s why we are committed to listening, engaging in honest dialogue and working collaboratively to support each child’s journey. Trust is built over time and we’re proud of the strong relationships we have with our families, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our students.

At times, questions or concerns may arise — and when they do, we encourage open and respectful communication. To support this, our Complaints Policy and Procedures outline clear pathways for raising and resolving concerns, ensuring that all voices can be heard in a constructive and appropriate manner. You can find this policy on our school website.

Likewise, our Adult Behaviour Policy sets expectations for how we engage with one another as adults in our community. These guidelines help us model the respectful and compassionate behaviours we wish to see in our children and to maintain a positive and supportive school culture.

We thank you for your continued support and the trust you place in us each day. Together, we can ensure Our Lady of Lourdes remains a place where every child and every family, feels a true sense of belonging.

Kind regards

Ben McCulloch
Acting Principal

School news

Picture
Premier's Reading Challenge (June 16 - August 24)
The Premier’s Reading Challenge is a personal challenge – not a competition. Students are encouraged to set a personal reading goal for the Challenge and see how they go!
It doesn’t matter what they read, as long as they are reading. Students are free to choose books they want to read for the Challenge. To help your child get started be sure to check out the books PRC have recommended in the Challenge Booklists.
Children can read books in a variety of formats including print, digital, audiobooks and graphic novels. For younger children, a book that is read to them counts toward their total.
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How children can choose the best book:
  • look for topics that they are interested in
  • look at the front cover and illustrations in the book
  • read the blurb and the first page
  • look for other books written by a favourite author
  • ask friends, family or teachers for recommendations

There is a random prize draw for children who have completed and returned their reading log to the library at the end of the challenge. All children who complete the challenge receive a PRC certificate.
Reading helps children to understand the world they live in. It sparks curiosity, nurtures imagination, and is fun to do. Reading is integral to developing vital literacy skills and fostering independence and self-assurance.
The Challenge is most successful when parents show interest and support their children. Help your child with their reading challenge and you will be making a positive difference to their future.
If you have any queries about the challenge don't hesitate to speak to Mrs Marshall in the library or visit The Premier's Reading Challenge website:
https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/events/premiers-reading-challenge/
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North West Netball Tournament
​On Friday, Our Lady of Lourdes proudly entered our first-ever team into the North West Netball Tournament.
Our team performed exceptionally well, placing 5th overall - a fantastic achievement for our debut appearance. We are incredibly proud of the effort, determination and sportsmanship displayed by our talented players. Well done team!
Autum Netball Roster
Winners of the Primary Autumn Roster
Division 2 - OLOL Vixens

​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.

​Kinder 2026 Enrolment Applications
Kindergarten Enrolment Applications for 2026 close on Friday 4th of July 2025.
Existing families with siblings born in 2021, please ensure that you have submitted an Enrolment Application to the office.

​Calling all parents and carers
Students at James Cook University are conducting a research project exploring parental burnout. The team are particularly interested in hearing from parents of neurodivergent children, but all parents and carers are invited to participate.  
Your input will add valuable knowledge to the field, supporting further research and understanding of parental stress and burnout. 
Thank you for helping us support families in our community!
To access the survey, click on the link below:
https://jcu.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eXxy7wbQgPo0KvI

RE news

Gospel Reading 
Matthew 16:13-19
You are Peter; and I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Family Connection 
In today's Gospel, Jesus refers to Peter as “Rock” and says that the Church will be built upon him. We refer to someone as a “rock” when they are very reliable. Talk as a family about who has been and is a rock in your extended family.

The Gospel reminds us that the Church is built on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. It is faith that makes Peter the Rock upon which the Church is built. The family, as the domestic church, has this same faith as its foundation.

Talk about people whose faith has helped you and talk about what you have learned from leaders in our Church today. Read together today's Gospel, Matthew 16:13-20. Talk about what you know about Peter and his importance to the early Christian community. Talk about what we can learn from Peter and his profession of faith about Jesus.
Loyola Press. (2025). Sunday Connection. Loyola Press. Retrieved from https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/

Student of the Week

Week 8
Week 9

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 2
Monday 28th April - Friday 4th July
TERM 3
Tuesday 22nd July - Friday 26th September
TERM 4
Tuesday 14th October - Thursday 18th December
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