Term 4, Week 6 |
16 November, 2021 |
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
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We are Responsible
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What's On?
Whole School PrayerMonday 22nd November
2B leading Whole School Prayer will be shared via Facebook |
Forms to be completedCompass Portal
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upComing EventsTerm 4
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MrS Gratton's Reflection
student support coordinator
For it is in giving that we receive.
Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi
Welcome everyone to Week 6.
Now that we’ve passed mid-term, I envisage that the final weeks of 2021 will slip by at a great rate of knots, and before we know it, the Christmas tree will be up, and presents will be laid underneath.
Thinking ahead to that magical Christmas morning moment where the pitter-patter of little feet is broken by the ripping of wrapping paper and exclamations of ‘look what I got.’ We decided this week as a family to attempt to find a balance within the Christmas season. We decided to consciously emphasise the true spirit of the Christmas season, one of faith, family and gratitude, in an attempt to shift some of the focus away from what’s under the tree.
So, if you too, are looking to establish some meaningful family traditions that capture all of the Christmas magic without focusing on presents, the following are some of the suggestions that popped up during my research.
Focus on the ‘reason for the season’- Presents are just one part of the Christmas experience. Teaching our children ‘why’ we exchange presents/gifts. In the Christian tradition, the custom of giving and receiving presents is a reminder of the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh given to Jesus by the Wise Men. The custom of hanging stockings comes from the Story of St Nicholas.
Reverse Advent Calendar - This idea is simple. Each day during Advent, children donate one thing to a basket or hamper. On Christmas Eve this hamper could be donated to a local charity or given to someone you know who is in need during the Christmas season.
The hamper could include:
Now that we’ve passed mid-term, I envisage that the final weeks of 2021 will slip by at a great rate of knots, and before we know it, the Christmas tree will be up, and presents will be laid underneath.
Thinking ahead to that magical Christmas morning moment where the pitter-patter of little feet is broken by the ripping of wrapping paper and exclamations of ‘look what I got.’ We decided this week as a family to attempt to find a balance within the Christmas season. We decided to consciously emphasise the true spirit of the Christmas season, one of faith, family and gratitude, in an attempt to shift some of the focus away from what’s under the tree.
So, if you too, are looking to establish some meaningful family traditions that capture all of the Christmas magic without focusing on presents, the following are some of the suggestions that popped up during my research.
Focus on the ‘reason for the season’- Presents are just one part of the Christmas experience. Teaching our children ‘why’ we exchange presents/gifts. In the Christian tradition, the custom of giving and receiving presents is a reminder of the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh given to Jesus by the Wise Men. The custom of hanging stockings comes from the Story of St Nicholas.
Reverse Advent Calendar - This idea is simple. Each day during Advent, children donate one thing to a basket or hamper. On Christmas Eve this hamper could be donated to a local charity or given to someone you know who is in need during the Christmas season.
The hamper could include:
- Non-perishable food items
- Handmade Christmas cards and/or crafts
- A few toys/books that the children bought with their own money
- Christmas ornaments
- Toiletry packs
Donate to Charity - Donating to a local charity as a family can become a meaningful, yearly tradition for your family and help your kids giving back at Christmas.
Consider:
Volunteer in Your Local Community - Volunteering in your local community during the Christmas season, or even on Christmas day allows your children to make local connections that will last them for years to come. Try calling your local radio station to check for charity drives, or simply call your local council to ask where your children's help could be needed and appreciated!
Sponsor a Child - Why not sit down as a family and decide to sponsor a child this Christmas? Your children can input some of their pocket money each month and in turn, they'll receive the gift of knowing that they are assisting another child to live, learn and eat through their contributions. They'll also get the chance to build a life-long relationship and make great cross-cultural connections, giving them a better awareness of the world around them!
Some picture books I stumbled upon that encourage gratitude and open children’s eyes to the Christmas experience of others include the following:
Christmas Always Comes Jackie French
Pocket's Christmas Wish Ann Bonwill
A Simple Christmas on the Farm Phyllis Alsdurf
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree Gloria Houston
All the Colours of Christmas Mathew Paul Turner
Red and Lulu Matt Tavares
Silent Night Lara Hawthorne
Room for a Little One Martin Waddell
Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle Glenda Millard
All I Want for Christmas is Rain Cori Brooke
Thank you Santa Margaret Wild
Happiest of Christmas preparations to you all.
Kind regard,
Eve.
Consider:
- Operation Christmas Child: Work with your children to pack a shoebox full of goodies that will be received by a disadvantaged child on the other side of the world. Learn about the process here.
- Kmart Wishing Tree: The Kmart Wishing Tree has been a long tradition within the store, delivering gifts to children through the Salvation Army or Mission Australia. Pop into your local store, take a tag off the tree and choose an age and gender to receive your gift, chosen by your children.
- GIVIT - GIVIT offers you a specific service where you can search for your area and find out what type of items charities need. You can then either drop off, or arrange postage of your items. Jump online with your family and search for a need that you are all able to fill here.
Volunteer in Your Local Community - Volunteering in your local community during the Christmas season, or even on Christmas day allows your children to make local connections that will last them for years to come. Try calling your local radio station to check for charity drives, or simply call your local council to ask where your children's help could be needed and appreciated!
Sponsor a Child - Why not sit down as a family and decide to sponsor a child this Christmas? Your children can input some of their pocket money each month and in turn, they'll receive the gift of knowing that they are assisting another child to live, learn and eat through their contributions. They'll also get the chance to build a life-long relationship and make great cross-cultural connections, giving them a better awareness of the world around them!
Some picture books I stumbled upon that encourage gratitude and open children’s eyes to the Christmas experience of others include the following:
Christmas Always Comes Jackie French
Pocket's Christmas Wish Ann Bonwill
A Simple Christmas on the Farm Phyllis Alsdurf
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree Gloria Houston
All the Colours of Christmas Mathew Paul Turner
Red and Lulu Matt Tavares
Silent Night Lara Hawthorne
Room for a Little One Martin Waddell
Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle Glenda Millard
All I Want for Christmas is Rain Cori Brooke
Thank you Santa Margaret Wild
Happiest of Christmas preparations to you all.
Kind regard,
Eve.
RE NEWS
World Kindness Day (November 13)
Even though world kindness day has passed we are reminded to show kindness to all - not just for one day, but every day
I am sure, you can recall a moment in your life when someone has shown you kindness and these moments make us feel valued and special and demonstrates to us that someone cares.
Being kind is an act of love. As described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, 'love is kind'. When we are kind, we are also loving. In other words, we are recognising the dignity of the person or creation we are showing kindness to.
Mary MacKillop is an example of someone who showed kindness and saw the dignity of all people she encountered.
Even though world kindness day has passed we are reminded to show kindness to all - not just for one day, but every day
I am sure, you can recall a moment in your life when someone has shown you kindness and these moments make us feel valued and special and demonstrates to us that someone cares.
Being kind is an act of love. As described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, 'love is kind'. When we are kind, we are also loving. In other words, we are recognising the dignity of the person or creation we are showing kindness to.
Mary MacKillop is an example of someone who showed kindness and saw the dignity of all people she encountered.
Put kind constructions where you can, and where you cannot, be silent.
Mary MacKillop 15.11.1878
Be kind to the poor foreigners. Remember that I was a foreigner once, and as such was never laughed at nor unkindly criticized.
Mary MacKillop, written to Sr Josephine McMullen, 1875
Sourced https://www.sosj.org.au/make-kindness-a-part-of-your-everyday/
Mary MacKillop 15.11.1878
Be kind to the poor foreigners. Remember that I was a foreigner once, and as such was never laughed at nor unkindly criticized.
Mary MacKillop, written to Sr Josephine McMullen, 1875
Sourced https://www.sosj.org.au/make-kindness-a-part-of-your-everyday/
School news
COVID 19 Update
Please click the above image to view the updates to our 'Keep On Top Of COVID' information page.
Please click the above image to view the updates to our 'Keep On Top Of COVID' information page.
Class Finalisation for 2022
We are currently organising classes for 2022 and we are asking families who are not continuing their child's enrolment at OLOL, to contact the Office as soon as possible. The Terms and Conditions of Enrolment require 10 weeks notice.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
2021 Book Fair
The Library is once again holding its annual book fair from Wednesday 17th November - Thursday 18th November.
In response to COVID practices we will be adapting usual Book Fair traditions and replace it with Class by Class preview sessions (compulsory hand washing before and after sessions) and Online Book Fair purchases only.
Unfortunately this year parents will not be able to attend the Book Fair. The library does not have adequate viewing room to meet with current COVID social distancing requirements. We also do not have the staffing available to ensure social distancing and contact tracing.
Class by Class Sessions
SBSC Orientation Day
The following dates are for the SBSC orientation day and the 2 additional/extra transition days also offered:
Uniform Shop hours
*The uniform Shop will be open Orientation Day (Tuesday 30th November) 8:00am - 1:00pm.
Monday - Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday 8:00am - 10:00am & 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am
Kinder 2023
We are now taking enrolments for Kinder 2023. Please complete enrolment forms which can be found on our website or collected from our office.
We are currently organising classes for 2022 and we are asking families who are not continuing their child's enrolment at OLOL, to contact the Office as soon as possible. The Terms and Conditions of Enrolment require 10 weeks notice.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
2021 Book Fair
The Library is once again holding its annual book fair from Wednesday 17th November - Thursday 18th November.
In response to COVID practices we will be adapting usual Book Fair traditions and replace it with Class by Class preview sessions (compulsory hand washing before and after sessions) and Online Book Fair purchases only.
Unfortunately this year parents will not be able to attend the Book Fair. The library does not have adequate viewing room to meet with current COVID social distancing requirements. We also do not have the staffing available to ensure social distancing and contact tracing.
Class by Class Sessions
- Students will preview the fair one class at a time, Monday 15th & Tuesday 16th November.
- Students complete wish lists during their class preview time and take them home.
- Parents will decide if and what they would like to purchase, pay online and note the receipt number on the wish list.
- Your child takes this wish list payment record back to school to collect their book (or a reorder is placed if stock is sold).
SBSC Orientation Day
The following dates are for the SBSC orientation day and the 2 additional/extra transition days also offered:
- Extra Transition Day 1: Thursday November 11th, 10.00am - 12.30pm
- Orientation Day: Tuesday November 30th, 8.40am - 3.00pm
- Extra Transition Day 2: Friday December 3rd, 1.00pm - 2.45pm (to invited students who have been identified as needing an extra day from two previous visits).
Uniform Shop hours
*The uniform Shop will be open Orientation Day (Tuesday 30th November) 8:00am - 1:00pm.
Monday - Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday 8:00am - 10:00am & 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am
Kinder 2023
We are now taking enrolments for Kinder 2023. Please complete enrolment forms which can be found on our website or collected from our office.
MerseyLink - Bus Fare Increase
The Department of State Growth – Passenger Transport has advised that effective January 2022 the Student/Child cash fare will increase from $1.80 to $1.90. Students catching a dedicated school bus can purchase a sheet of 10 tickets for $15.20 which is a saving of 20 percent.
The Smartcard discounted fare will also increase from $1.44 to $1.52. Smartcards are only available to those students who travel on a public bus.
Some students are eligible for free travel using a Student Bus Pass. Students can check or renew their eligibility by visiting www.transport.tas.gov.au/student
Since 2017 the Tasmanian Government’s policy has been to increase the student fare by ten cents every second year, where an increase is supported by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
There has not been a student fare increase since 2019 because the fare increase scheduled for 2021 was deferred due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Merseylink, phone: 6427 7626.
Collection of Children
Can parents please make contact with the school if there are people, relatives or friends that are not permitted to collect children or if they come on site is a concern for families.
Medical Students
If your Child suffers from Asthma, the Office requires Asthma Medical Plans that are signed and provided by a Doctor for 2021. Please provide to the Office if required. All other Medical plans need to be for the current year. Could current medical plans be bought into the office as soon as possible please.
The Department of State Growth – Passenger Transport has advised that effective January 2022 the Student/Child cash fare will increase from $1.80 to $1.90. Students catching a dedicated school bus can purchase a sheet of 10 tickets for $15.20 which is a saving of 20 percent.
The Smartcard discounted fare will also increase from $1.44 to $1.52. Smartcards are only available to those students who travel on a public bus.
Some students are eligible for free travel using a Student Bus Pass. Students can check or renew their eligibility by visiting www.transport.tas.gov.au/student
Since 2017 the Tasmanian Government’s policy has been to increase the student fare by ten cents every second year, where an increase is supported by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
There has not been a student fare increase since 2019 because the fare increase scheduled for 2021 was deferred due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Merseylink, phone: 6427 7626.
Collection of Children
Can parents please make contact with the school if there are people, relatives or friends that are not permitted to collect children or if they come on site is a concern for families.
Medical Students
If your Child suffers from Asthma, the Office requires Asthma Medical Plans that are signed and provided by a Doctor for 2021. Please provide to the Office if required. All other Medical plans need to be for the current year. Could current medical plans be bought into the office as soon as possible please.
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Community News |
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Policy in Focus
This week in our Policy in Focus section of the Newsletter we have attached our Class Formation Policy. This policy outlines the expectations, procedures and processes that we undertake as we arrange classes for each year.
Our lady of lourdes class formation policy
OLOL School Calendar
2021 Term Dates
TERM 4
Monday 11 October - Thursday 16 December
2022 TERM DATES
TERM 1
Thursday 3 February - Thursday 14 April
TERM 2
Monday 2 May - Friday 8 July
TERM 3
Monday 25 July - Friday 30 September
TERM 4
Monday 17 October - Thursday 15 December
