Term 1, Week 9 |
29 March, 2022 |
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
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We are Respectful
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We are Responsible
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We are Safe
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What's On?
Whole School Prayer Whole School Prayer will be in classes. Once we return to the church it will be shared via Facebook |
Forms to be completedSeesaw Portal
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upComing EventsTerm 1
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Mr Farr's Reflection
Deputy Principal
Some days you eat salads and go to the gym, some days you eat cake and refuse to put on pants. It's all about balance!
Welcome to Week 9!
I had a good conversation with a colleague recently regarding many things education - schools, teaching, leadership and the various needs and roles of those involved in Catholic Education, Tasmania.
One of the positive things about our conversation was there was no motivation from either of us except to engage in conversation about something that we are passionate about and invested in. It was simply two people asking curious questions and posing curious ideas of one another because we were genuinely interested.
One question that we explored was the idea of being system focused or school focused. In other words, do we think broadly about how we can contribute to a stronger system to support all our schools, or do we focus on only our school. I tend to fall into the earlier category of being systems focused, thinking that if we have a strong system (high quality leadership, teaching and supports in place) then all our schools, OLOL included, will be able to provide even greater support to their students in the quest to provide high levels of learning for all.
My colleague then asked me the question “Is greater influence across the system something that you desire?” This was a great question and, to be honest, not one that I’ve pondered for a while. Now greater influence across our system could mean several things, for example a role within Catholic Education as an Education Officer or perhaps a Principal position, perhaps it’s continuing in my current role but facilitating meetings of DPs across our region etc. The actuality of what this could look like are varied, but it did get me thinking. The answer is yes. Of course I would like greater influence across our system. It is ‘normal’ I suppose, to desire ‘more’, or the next challenge / step forward in one’s career.
Over the weekend club basketball started up. This means every Sunday we hang out in basketball stadiums watching our kids play and volunteering for different roles on game day. This is great fun, our kids love it and it truly is wonderful to be able to be part of or even be able to support / cheer for our kids and their teams. Although our weekend became somewhat busy again, we also found that our kids spent huge amounts of time enjoying hanging at home and playing - this meant Lego, shooting hoops in the backyard, trampolining, some dolls had a family outing and photo, and reading books. It wasn’t until we stopped after basketball on Sunday, which for me was around four thirty, and realised how much we’d enjoyed our weekend. It wasn’t because we necessarily been and done things, it was more that we had enjoyed simply being at home as a family and taking things slow.
If we circle back to that original question that I flagged earlier - “Is greater influence across the system something that you desire?” - the answer for me is very clear. My desire, my strongest want, is to be able to spend time with my family, be with me kids and wife, engaging in the simple things that make us happy. If that means staying at home and taking it easy, perfect. If that means travelling across the north west region for basketball games, no worries. If it means mowing lawns and weeding the garden together, brilliant. But that is my priority. Of course I do think we need a balance of goals, personal and professional, I feel I’ve developed great clarity around which of these goals are my priority, or my strongest desire.
In saying that I don’t think it means we can’t have both, but for me, I won’t have one at the expense of the other. There has to be balance. And this, this balance is the most challenging think to find. Even in saying there has to be balance, I’m happy for my family life to outweigh professional, but not the other way around!
Maybe this is obvious for many of you, maybe not. But perhaps it’s worth pondering.
I wonder what your priorities are? What will you compromise on to achieve them? Have you created ‘balance’?
I had a good conversation with a colleague recently regarding many things education - schools, teaching, leadership and the various needs and roles of those involved in Catholic Education, Tasmania.
One of the positive things about our conversation was there was no motivation from either of us except to engage in conversation about something that we are passionate about and invested in. It was simply two people asking curious questions and posing curious ideas of one another because we were genuinely interested.
One question that we explored was the idea of being system focused or school focused. In other words, do we think broadly about how we can contribute to a stronger system to support all our schools, or do we focus on only our school. I tend to fall into the earlier category of being systems focused, thinking that if we have a strong system (high quality leadership, teaching and supports in place) then all our schools, OLOL included, will be able to provide even greater support to their students in the quest to provide high levels of learning for all.
My colleague then asked me the question “Is greater influence across the system something that you desire?” This was a great question and, to be honest, not one that I’ve pondered for a while. Now greater influence across our system could mean several things, for example a role within Catholic Education as an Education Officer or perhaps a Principal position, perhaps it’s continuing in my current role but facilitating meetings of DPs across our region etc. The actuality of what this could look like are varied, but it did get me thinking. The answer is yes. Of course I would like greater influence across our system. It is ‘normal’ I suppose, to desire ‘more’, or the next challenge / step forward in one’s career.
Over the weekend club basketball started up. This means every Sunday we hang out in basketball stadiums watching our kids play and volunteering for different roles on game day. This is great fun, our kids love it and it truly is wonderful to be able to be part of or even be able to support / cheer for our kids and their teams. Although our weekend became somewhat busy again, we also found that our kids spent huge amounts of time enjoying hanging at home and playing - this meant Lego, shooting hoops in the backyard, trampolining, some dolls had a family outing and photo, and reading books. It wasn’t until we stopped after basketball on Sunday, which for me was around four thirty, and realised how much we’d enjoyed our weekend. It wasn’t because we necessarily been and done things, it was more that we had enjoyed simply being at home as a family and taking things slow.
If we circle back to that original question that I flagged earlier - “Is greater influence across the system something that you desire?” - the answer for me is very clear. My desire, my strongest want, is to be able to spend time with my family, be with me kids and wife, engaging in the simple things that make us happy. If that means staying at home and taking it easy, perfect. If that means travelling across the north west region for basketball games, no worries. If it means mowing lawns and weeding the garden together, brilliant. But that is my priority. Of course I do think we need a balance of goals, personal and professional, I feel I’ve developed great clarity around which of these goals are my priority, or my strongest desire.
In saying that I don’t think it means we can’t have both, but for me, I won’t have one at the expense of the other. There has to be balance. And this, this balance is the most challenging think to find. Even in saying there has to be balance, I’m happy for my family life to outweigh professional, but not the other way around!
Maybe this is obvious for many of you, maybe not. But perhaps it’s worth pondering.
I wonder what your priorities are? What will you compromise on to achieve them? Have you created ‘balance’?
COVID-19 Update
This week we have had 18 positive COVID-19 test results in the school.
Please notify the School Office ASAP if your child tests positive to COVID-19. The School Office is the first point of contact for student attendance/absence and the answering machine is always on.
Early notification allows us to manage COVID-19 cases in a timely manner by;
OLOL is following all the requirements for managing these cases as advised by the Department of Health and Catholic Education Tasmania.
WSH – Covid Changes
Thank you for your support and co-operation.
Please notify the School Office ASAP if your child tests positive to COVID-19. The School Office is the first point of contact for student attendance/absence and the answering machine is always on.
Early notification allows us to manage COVID-19 cases in a timely manner by;
- Ensuring that classes receive the necessary cleaning
- Notifying families of cases in their child/children's classes
- Being able to accurately track and monitor cases within the school community.
- Plan, prepare & manage class and school outbreaks.
OLOL is following all the requirements for managing these cases as advised by the Department of Health and Catholic Education Tasmania.
WSH – Covid Changes
- If, within eight weeks following release from isolation, the person comes into contact with someone with COVID-19 and they are not immunocompromised or symptomatic, they will not need to isolate. This means that there is now an 8 week immunity for isolation and quarantine.
- Public Health expects staff and students to undertake rapid antigen testing as per Public Health’s outbreak management guidelines, however Public Health has advised this is not a prerequisite to be able to attend school.
Thank you for your support and co-operation.
RE NEWs
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The Prodigal Son
The Gospel Story on Sunday was the parable Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. The story introduces us to three characters: the younger son, elder son, and their father, who weave a beautiful story of sin, envy and mercy. The parable is a timeless story about relationships within a family. It unfolds with the younger son asking his father for his share of the inheritance. The father grants the request of the son which the son immediately converted into cash and goes on to squander the money. Later, he experiences poverty and realizes how the servants in his father’s home were being treated much better. Humbled, he decides to go back home and ask forgiveness from his father who welcomes him home lovingly. The father in this parable is fascinating. He appears to be a non-judgmental man forgiving his son and welcoming him home. What led him to just give his younger son his inheritance and let him go? What was his life like in raising his sons? Although he appears to be very forgiving, he did not invite his older son immediately to the feast he was preparing. His son found out from servants. Have there been times in your life where you have excluded or unintentionally forgotten others or taken people for granted? Do you have a prodigal son in your life? Are you able to forgive just as the father has? The main message of the story is mercy and forgiveness. God does not discriminate between us based on deeds. We truly are all loved unconditionally. It is not easy being a parent/carer of children, our children are very blessed to have parents/carers who selflessly care for and nurture them and invest in their lives. If you get a chance read the parable of the Prodigal Son and see how Jesus teaching relates to your life and to your family. Click on this link to go to the story of The Prodigal Son. The Celebration of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on the 6th April at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 7.00 p.m. Please keep the children in your prayers as they prepare. Sacramental Program Family Mass As part of our Sacramental Program this year, we are having a special Family Mass for all Sacramental Candidates on Sunday 3rd April at 4pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, followed by a sausage sizzle in the Parish Hall (beside Church). This is a great opportunity to get to know each other as we journey together through the sacraments. We will be asking for volunteers to read in Mass, if you or your child are interested please let Fr Steven know. We are looking forward to gathering together for Fun, Family, Friendship, Food and Faith! Lent Don't forget we are still in the middle of the Church season of Lent. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We will be raising money for Project compassion in the coming weeks, stay tuned for more details. |
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Fourth Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 28th March) This week through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community. With your generous support and through Caritas Australia's partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society. She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies. “I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” - Rosalie Watch a short film about Rosalie’s story here. Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au Dates to Remember Reconciliation Faith Sharing Sessions: Next week Monday, 4th or Tuesday 5th March 3.00 - 7.00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church |
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HIGH LEVELS OF LEARNING FOR ALL
ENABLING, ENGAGING & ENRICHING LEARNING
At Our Lady of Lourdes we have multiple layers the learning - in all contexts and areas - of our students is our priority. This learning might be social, behavioural, academic, emotional etc, but we strive to meet the needs of our students by supporting their growth from whatever point they are at.
As many of you would be aware, this year we have moved away from our Grade Teacher Model and have developed a multi-faceted model of support and intervention. Over the coming weeks we will take a more in depth look into each of the roles, and humans that fill them, within our new model.
As many of you would be aware, this year we have moved away from our Grade Teacher Model and have developed a multi-faceted model of support and intervention. Over the coming weeks we will take a more in depth look into each of the roles, and humans that fill them, within our new model.
Numeracy Key Teacher
As identified in previous newsletters, Catholic Education Tasmania has a key focus on Literacy this year, as it is the beginning of the 5 year strategic plan. At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School we support this initiative, however we have also identified an opportunity to improve our teaching and learning practices in Numeracy.
Mrs Alison Broomhall is our Numeracy Key Teacher. Mrs Broomhall has strong passion and a high level of skill and understanding in the field of Numeracy, particularly in regards to teaching and learning with the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. Mrs Broomhall works with teachers to enrich and further develop their pedagogy to ensure they have the most effective impact on student learning as possible. This work is undertaken through, but not limited to:
Mrs Broomhall has already worked with a number of classes to model lessons involving open ended, complex tasks that cater for the diversity of all learners. A distinct trademark of Mrs Broomhall's maths lessons is the 'struggle' that all children experience as they attempt to solve problems using a range of strategies. It is through this 'struggle' or challenge that our students find new strategies and solutions to the problems they are set and hence, develop as mathematicians.
Mrs Broomhall's passionate and focused leadership is essential to our school achieving high levels of learning for all, particularly in regards to the area of Numeracy.
Mrs Alison Broomhall is our Numeracy Key Teacher. Mrs Broomhall has strong passion and a high level of skill and understanding in the field of Numeracy, particularly in regards to teaching and learning with the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. Mrs Broomhall works with teachers to enrich and further develop their pedagogy to ensure they have the most effective impact on student learning as possible. This work is undertaken through, but not limited to:
- Modelling
- Mentoring
- Observing & Providing Feedback
- Curating resources and synthesising research
Mrs Broomhall has already worked with a number of classes to model lessons involving open ended, complex tasks that cater for the diversity of all learners. A distinct trademark of Mrs Broomhall's maths lessons is the 'struggle' that all children experience as they attempt to solve problems using a range of strategies. It is through this 'struggle' or challenge that our students find new strategies and solutions to the problems they are set and hence, develop as mathematicians.
Mrs Broomhall's passionate and focused leadership is essential to our school achieving high levels of learning for all, particularly in regards to the area of Numeracy.
Compass Parent Guide
Compass have updated the parent experience via the Compass App, enhancing the usability and overall user experience of Compass.
School news
Accounts
We are sorry for the delay in issuing invoices for 2022 School Fees. We are currently waiting on our invoice template to be updated with BPAY details and will have them out asap.
In the interim, if you wish to commence payments, please use the following bank details below.
These payments will then appear as a credit on your invoice.
Name: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
BSB: 067000
Account Number: 10273464
Ref: YOUR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
We are sorry for the delay in issuing invoices for 2022 School Fees. We are currently waiting on our invoice template to be updated with BPAY details and will have them out asap.
In the interim, if you wish to commence payments, please use the following bank details below.
These payments will then appear as a credit on your invoice.
Name: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
BSB: 067000
Account Number: 10273464
Ref: YOUR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
Emergency Practice
In the coming weeks there will be a fire drill practice for staff and students. This is an unannounced drill to test our response to a potential emergency situation. The school will be locked for the duration of the fire drill. The practice will be as least disruptive to student learning as possible.
Breakfast Club
There will be NO Breakfast Club for Term 1.
Canteen
There will be NO over the counter sales for term 1. Snacks can be ordered online (no ice creams).
Before placing your first order, please update your child/children's class.
Kinder Enrolments
A reminder to families, new and existing, to fill out Kinder enrolments for next year (2023).
Uniform Shop
Soccer socks now available $9.00 a pair.
Excess stock to clear 3pk White Socks $8.00.
*Wanted for resale soccer/footy boots.
Hours
Monday - Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday 8:00am - 10:00am & 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am
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.
Student Medical Plans for 2022
Could parents of students who are on Medical Plans in 2022, please have current plans signed by a doctor - ready to hand into school on their child's return.
In the coming weeks there will be a fire drill practice for staff and students. This is an unannounced drill to test our response to a potential emergency situation. The school will be locked for the duration of the fire drill. The practice will be as least disruptive to student learning as possible.
Breakfast Club
There will be NO Breakfast Club for Term 1.
Canteen
There will be NO over the counter sales for term 1. Snacks can be ordered online (no ice creams).
Before placing your first order, please update your child/children's class.
Kinder Enrolments
A reminder to families, new and existing, to fill out Kinder enrolments for next year (2023).
Uniform Shop
Soccer socks now available $9.00 a pair.
Excess stock to clear 3pk White Socks $8.00.
*Wanted for resale soccer/footy boots.
Hours
Monday - Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday 8:00am - 10:00am & 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am
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.
Student Medical Plans for 2022
Could parents of students who are on Medical Plans in 2022, please have current plans signed by a doctor - ready to hand into school on their child's return.
Move Well Eat Well
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Student of the week
Policy in Focus
This week in our Policy in Focus section of the Newsletter we have attached our Child Safety Policy. This policy outlines the expectations, procedures and processes that we undertake to meet the CET child safety legislative obligations.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION COMMISSION TASMANIA CHILD SAFETY POLICY
OLOL School Calendar
2022 Term Dates
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
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
