Term 2, Week 11

4 July 2023

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 31 August
Whole School
Parents and carers are welcome!

upComing Events

Term 2
  • Term 2 Ends - Friday 7th July
  • Student Free Day - Monday 24th July
  • Term 3 Begins - Tuesday 25th July

MRs Seagar's Reflection

Principal 

'Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much'
Helen Keller
Welcome to Week 11

Our Lady of Lourdes Vision Statement: At OLOL we are moved by the life and love of Jesus Christ and the Sisters of St. Joseph to give of ourselves to ensure the flourishing of each member of our community.

As the Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School I share great pride in leading a school with the Leadership Team of Stu Farr and Eve Gratton as well as working alongside an incredible group of teachers, teacher assistants, admin staff and utility staff.  It was very easy to write the script recently for the recent promotional video about OLOL as we have so much to offer our students:
 
  • A living Charism of compassion, humility, simplicity, dignity, justice and Trust in God that permeates every decision and action taken at our school.
  • Incredibly strong and supportive partnerships with parents and carers based on mutual respect, cooperation, communication and involvement.
  • High levels of learning for all students embracing diversity and inclusiveness of where on the learning journey students are.
  • Highly dedicated and committed staff to the education of all students.
  • Many sporting options for weekend and after school hours sport.
  • Extensive pastoral support provided to all students, both in the classroom with teachers and teacher assistants, and within the greater school environment with counsellors 5 days a week, a School Chaplain, a Wellbeing Team and Student Support Team of 3 staff members. Our wingani, calming space, is a highly valued resource for many of our students as it is a space where they are supported to self-regulate.
  • Extensive and expansive playgrounds that facilitate rich and meaningful play where students play with their peers across grade levels without inhibition.
  • And a community that is a pleasure to be a part of!

I thank you all for contributing to the community that we are: inclusive, welcoming and supportive.  I wish you all a restful holiday break.

Carol

NAIDOC WEEK

The 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
 
Do you know what NAIDOC stands for? On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet, a group of over 1000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status’ and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. As one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, this day became known as the Day of Mourning. Since then, National NAIDOC Week has grown to become both a commemoration of the first Day of Mourning as well as a celebration of the history, culture and excellence of First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday
 
What is Cultural Appreciation? 
Cultural Appreciation means appreciating another culture in a respectful, sincere way that helps broaden perspectives and build cross-cultural connections. Respecting culture means that you don’t borrow what you don’t understand. It also means that you take your lead from the right people for the right reasons – not for personal gain, not for Instagram.
Sourced at 
https://www.naidoc.org.au/sites/default/files/files/Supporting%20NAIDOC%20Toolkit.pdf
​Prayer
God of all creation, as we journey together in this Great Southern Land, 
We pray for healing, forgiveness, and unity, 
Creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion. 
Jesus, through the power of your love, 
You have given us the courage, wisdom, and strength 
To share our gifts and talents in humility. 
In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other. 
Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving 
For the many blessings we have received. 
Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one. 
 
Sourced at: Aboriginal Elders and Reconciliation Church staff members (2014)

School news

Parent Teacher 
Reports/Parent Teacher Conferences
Reports will be available on the Compass parent portal on Tuesday 4th July from 3pm. Prep - Grade 6 Parent teacher conferences will be held on Thursday 6th July. Parent teacher meetings can be booked via the compass parent portal from 3pm on Tuesday 20th June.

​School Gates
​The school Steele Street gates will now be locked from 3:30 pm each day.
If requiring any assistance after this time, please come to the Stewart Street school entrance and knock for assistance.

Student Free Days 2023
Student Free Days for 2023 are:
Term 3: Monday 24 July
Term 4: Monday 16 October

Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Hours
Amended hours - commencing Monday 5th June - Wednesday 6th July
Open afternoons only.
Monday - Wednesday 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Change of Clothes
Due to the wet weather, there seems to be more students coming to the office needing uniform items due to falling over in the muddy/wet conditions. Can all students please pack a spare change of clothes. 
College Production: Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 August (Tickets on sale Thursday 1st June)
Rehearsals are well underway for the College production of Pippin. Students have been working hard on dancing and singing, and things look positive. We have some talented students in the lead roles and supporting players with great vocal talent. The choreography as well is led by some very well-tuned dance students. The sets are being created by a fantastic artistic team and constructed by Bevan Scramm and his crew.

Pippin tells the story of a young man, fresh from his studies at University, determined to live a fulfilling life and do the extraordinary. As he moves through his life, he realises that the promise of an exciting life isn't all it is cracked up to be. With some fabulous choreography and singing, Pippin will be a show you will never forget.
Tickets are on sale now through the Paranaple Arts Centre.
Adults - $30 
Concession - $22
Student - $20

Teach in 2024 with Catholic Education, Tasmania

Catholic Education Tasmania is excited to announce that we are currently seeking qualified teachers to join our educational community. If you possess a true passion for teaching and are committed to nurturing young minds, we would love to hear from you!

At Catholic Education Tasmania, we value teachers at all stages of their professional development. Whether you're new to teaching, an experienced educator seeking a change, someone returning to the classroom, or even looking to adjust your working hours, we have exciting opportunities tailored just for you.

We believe that every child deserves a quality education that fosters the holistic development of the whole child: intellectually, physically, morally, and spiritually. Our families value this too as we provide student focused, Christ centred learning for life for over 16,500 students across Tasmania.

As a teacher within Catholic Education Tasmania, you will have the opportunity to positively influence the lives of students in our school communities. Together, we can shape the future of education!
Applications can be downloaded from the Catholic Education Tasmania website (via the Button below) and close Friday 24 July 2023 at 5:00pm.

Teaching Schools Institute

Are you planning on studying for a career in education?  Imagine having the opportunity to work side-by-side with an experienced teacher while you study!

At the St Thomas Aquinas Teaching Schools Institute, we believe in shaping the future of Tasmania's teachers by providing dedicated training and support to students pursuing Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching degrees in Primary or Secondary education.  Through the Teaching Schools Institute, you can gain practical knowledge by working in the classroom from the beginning of your studies.  Intake for 2024 is now open!

Successful applicants receive:
  • An annual $2500 support payment.
  • One or two days paid classroom cadet placement.
  • The use of a MacBook to assist your studies.
  • The offer of ongoing employment as a teacher at the successful completion of the course.
  • Weekly Intensive Days to support your development.

Cadet Teacher Positions are limited, and entrance into the program is by competitive application.  Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to kickstart your teaching journey.  Click the button below to find out more and complete an expression of interest for 2024!

Student of the week

Sports News & Rosters

Click here to access 'Sports News, Registrations and Rosters​​
  • Devon Netball 
  • Soccer - Season Commences 1st April 2023 
  • Devonport Primary Basketball Roster​
  • Devonport Basketball Tournament - Rosters/Rules
  • OLOL Sports Policy

Mersey Leven Catholic parish

Weekend Masses
Saturday Vigil
  • 6:00pm St Mary's, Penguin
  • 6:00pm 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

Community News

Click here access 'Community news'​​​​
  • City of Devonport Brass Band
  • Tasmanian Tennis Academy
  • Mersey Rowing Club
  • Slip Stream Circus
  • Tennis
  • Hockey
  • Studio 81 Dance Company
  • NAB - AFL Auskick - skills development program
  • Girls Football (Soccer) Holiday Program

Policy in Focus

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Strategic Plan 2023 - 2025

As part of our ongoing school improvement process Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School develops a 3 year Strategic Plan.  This plan is aligned to both the Archbishop's Charter and the Strategic Plan of Catholic Education Tasmania.  Our goals have been developed through a process of discernment and consultation amongst staff and our school board as a representative of our parent and community and are reflective of the feedback provided through our Validation process in 2022.

Our Strategic Plan is attainable in that it has 3 accessible, broad goals which we as a community have discerned to be of most important to our school, yet it is aspirational and identifies how we as a school aim to support all members of our community to be the best version of themselves.  As you can see below our Strategic Plan has 3 goals, which are unpacked further to identify the strategies and structures that we will live out over the next 3 years.

Throughout the course of this Strategic Plan we will be gathering data through a variety of means to determine how successful we, as a school community, have been in achieving the goals identified and to provide future direction as we continually strive to make Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School the best it can be for all members of our community.

Tasmania Catholic Education Commission Outdoor Play and Learning Policy

OLOL School Calendar

2023 Term Dates

​
2023 TERM DATES
TERM 2
Wednesday 26 April - Friday 7 July
TERM 3
Tuesday 25 July - Friday 29 September
TERM 4
Tuesday 17 October - Thursday 14 December

2024 TERM DATES
TERM 1
Monday 5 February - Thursday 11 April
Easter Break
Friday 29 March - Wednesday 3 April
TERM 2
Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July 
TERM 3
Tuesday 23 July - Friday 27 September
TERM 4
Monday 14 October - Wednesday 18 December