Dear Parents & Carers

A warm welcome back to all families. Always a treat to see the kids begin a brand new year. Some a little hesitant but once day one was underway, all seemed to fall into place. A lot to do I think with the efforts of our wonderful staff in preparing for the start of a new school year. If there is anything more we can do to assist you with getting back into the school routine, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I extend a special Lourdes welcome to all the new families who have joined us and of course to our adorable Preppies who are discovering what full time schooling is all about. Our Lady of Lourdes is a great school and we are delighted that you have joined us and trust your time here will be an enjoyable one.

We also welcome Mrs. Amy Carwood (5C), Miss Jessica Tully (4T), Mr. Michael Cash (Learning Support), Mrs. Kara Wann (Phys Ed) and Mr. Brendan Hewitt (Grounds) who are new to our staff this year. Mrs. Laura Byrne has had a change and will be teaching Year 1B this year and Mrs. Megan Dolley will take over the STEM lessons throughout the year. In addition to continuing as our Art and LOTE (Italian) teacher on Mondays - Thursdays, Mrs. Loretta Simmons joins the Prep teaching team on Fridays in Prep W.

To all our class teachers, I would like to express my appreciation for the amount of time and effort they have spent over the recent holidays to ensure that their respective classrooms were organized and prepared for the term ahead. Such a great feeling to walk into welcoming & engaging classrooms. The work you have done to provide vibrant learning environments has not gone unnoticed.

Many thanks to all the parents as well. From my observations and discussions with the teachers, the children have arrived fully prepared with the correct book list items, uniforms, and a keen attitude to commence the school year. Well done, you have done a great job!

We all know that children receive the best education when parents and teachers work as a team. Parents’ enthusiasm, support, and involvement are integral to the success of our school as are the skills, dedication, and professionalism of teachers. Together, staff and parents can provide educational excellence for every student, so that they can achieve their personal best. Together, we can support one another to provide a friendly academic environment and, when appropriate, celebrate our achievements.

We hope that throughout the year, our school will be a place where staff, students, and families have opportunities to experience many enjoyable activities as we continue to uphold the wonderful reputation of the school. For this sentiment to continue throughout the year, it will require our collective wisdom, generosity, and willingness to do the best we can to be at the forefront of all our efforts.

May this new school year, see staff and parents in partnership in our collective role of ensuring we provide the best possible educational environment for all the students who attend this wonderful school community.

Great News!

Lourdes kids continue to excel. It was so good to hear the news about the number of ex-Lourdes students being elected to leadership positions across the various secondary colleges in Toowoomba. Not only do I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these students but also most proud of their ongoing efforts. It is also a wonderful reflection of traits, attitudes, and behaviors that were and continue to be supported here at Our Lady of Lourdes. Well done to the following students….

Be Prepared

As with the start of any new school year or term, it is vitally important for students and parents to be fully prepared. Getting off on the right foot is a pre-requisite for ongoing success. There are a few simple ways to ensure your kids and yourselves have a productive start. Having all booklist and uniform items is a must. Taking shortcuts in these areas only serves to build anxiety in children and can prove disruptive to classroom routines. This ensures all students have the correct items necessary to commence lessons. The school’s uniform code is very simple to follow. Avoid letting your children decide what is permitted.

Parents, you too need to be prepared for the year ahead. Being committed to what is going on in your child’s classroom and school not only helps with organisation of home life but also provides a good model to your kids that school and being organised, are important. I urge all families to take the time to read newsletters and regularly check the parent portal. Attend school functions, especially the upcoming information nights so you are in the know about classroom routines, expectations, and events.

Another essential element of being prepared is arriving at school on time. Not only does your child miss important information and instruction, but late comers also disrupt the routine and interrupt teaching. 

Communicate

Above all, open communication between yourselves and your child’s teacher is paramount for a successful and enjoyable year for all parties. Individual teachers will inform families of their preferred mode of communication and times they are available to meet with you. Please feel free to contact me at any time either by email, phone call, or face-to-face, but it is important that your first point of contact is your child’s teacher as they have first-hand knowledge of your child’s progress and daily happenings in the classroom and playground.

The teaching and support staff here at OLOL will do everything we can to help your child to do their best. Let us know if we can support you in any way. Remember, communication between home and school is vital for a happy and productive school year. Myself, Ms. Murray (Assist. Principal), and Mrs. Moore (Assist. Principal Religious Education) are also more than happy to meet and discuss matters at any stage.

How to keep in touch: -

1. Read the newsletter which is emailed to each family every fortnight. Please ensure the school has your current email address.
2. Download the Sentral for Parents App (Parent Portal)
3. Display and check the school calendar
4. Attend parent information nights & school functions.
5. Establish preferred means of communication with your child’s teacher.
6. Get involved in school life. Be part of the P&F Assoc., help in the classrooms, sports training, or carnivals.

Please keep in mind that like in any organization, problems arise from time to time.  A school community is a complex body involving the Parish, Catholic Schools Office, School Administration, teachers, ancillary staff, visiting specialists, parent groups, and students. As educators of children, we understand the concerns of parents and we ask that parents in return understand that the roles of the teacher continue to become more demanding and complex. The education of our students is a partnership.

When an issue arises, please contact the person concerned directly at the earliest opportunity and in the least formal way, i.e. a quick chat before or after school, courteous email, or phone call at a reasonable time of day.

Another important point is to keep an open mind about what you hear. We love and cherish our children, however, it is wise to remember that they can sometimes embellish and misinterpret things. Checking ‘stories’ with your child’s teacher in a courteous manner will resolve any such problems, as they are the ones that will know all the facts and can give a clear explanation of both sides of the story.

Before School Procedure

Until the building project has been completed, the best times for students to arrive at school are:

8:00am – 8:15am – P-3 students (due to the optional 2:40pm finish time)

8:00am – 8:25am – 4-6 students

Children arriving before 8:00 a.m. and who are not accompanied by an adult are to sit outside the student reception area until the teacher on duty arrives at 8:00 a.m. or enrol at the TCKC before-school care program which is operated out of the hall.

Supervision is provided 8:00am – 8:15am for our preppies in the Prep playground and main play fort area for students in Years 1-3.

Years 4 & 5 are supervised on the multipurpose court and oval area and Year 6 is in the hall from 8:00am – 8:25am.

After School Procedure

The only supervised areas after school are the stop, drop, and go zones. Students are to go straight to the pick-up zone after being dismissed from class. Alternatively, they are to wait at an arranged pick up location within the school grounds, preferably near their classroom. Children are not permitted to play on the play forts unless supervised by an adult. Ball games are not permitted on the grassed area at pick up time.

Be Safe

Please be ever vigilant of school children when driving and parking in the school precinct. Remember the police will be out in force regarding speed limits and safe driving practices in school zones. Slow right down around schools and be conscious and respectful of others when parking. All schools in town experience traffic and parking issues. Above all your patience during these busy times is vital for the safety of all. We certainly do not wish for a tragedy to occur for drivers to slow down and park in a safe place, even if it means a 2-minute walk.

Congestion will ease once the building project is completed and we can once again utilize Ascot St as a stop, drop, and go zone. In the meantime, we are down to only one drop off and pick up area in the Church carpark. Do not instruct your child to wait on the footpaths of Goodwood, Holberton or Ascot Streets to be picked up. This may save you time in the line-up but due to the amount of traffic and no supervision, it is an extremely dangerous practice. Any students waiting in these areas will be directed to the stop, drop and go zone or student reception.

For the short term, we have introduced an early finish time for those students in P-3 whose parents are able to make an early pick up time of 2:40 p.m. If you can, please make use of this pick up time as it goes a long way to reduce congestion at 3:00p.m.

For those picking up at 3:00pm, please avoid arriving early or right on 3:00 p.m. It takes a good five minutes for the kids to make their way around to the stop, drop and go zone. If cars are backed up behind you, the teacher on duty will direct you to go around the block. Where possible, delaying your pick-up time to between 3:15pm and 3:30pm really does help. 

Another way to speed up the pick-up zone is to display your child’s full name on your passenger’s side visor or windscreen. The greatly assists the teacher on duty to ensure you child is ready to go as soon as you pull up.

Change in Details

To assist the school in providing the safest possible environment for all children who attend, it is vital that we have up-to-date records. Consequently, if there has been any change to contact details, medical information, including health-related action plans, please inform us immediately of any necessary change of information.

Once again, welcome back. It is great to see all the smiling faces and to witness the children’s eagerness to settle into their new classes. Please take the time to read through the newsletter and upcoming dates; there is plenty happening this term. Each family should have received a school calendar. In the meantime, please take note of the upcoming events listed in this newsletter.

I certainly wish all our families will have a fabulous year and I look forward to catching up with you all in the near future.

Thanks for reading……

Chris

Mr. Chris Golightly
Principal

School Fees

School Fees for Term 1 2023 should be emailed to families by the end of week 4. Once they have been distributed, a notification will be sent out via the Parent Portal, SMS and the OLOL Facebook Memos Page. 

Whilst BPay is our preferred method of payment, fees can also be paid via Internet Banking or you can come into the office and pay with cash, eftpos or credit card.

If you have any questions in relation to payment of your school fees, please contact us on 4591 1200 or email accounts@ololtwb.catholic.edu.au

School Photos

School photos are scheduled to take place next week on Thursday 9th February and students are required to be in full summer uniform (details noted below).

Syd Owen from Owen Studios, will email families by the end of this week or over the weekend with details for ordering and payment. 

Students who have siblings here at the school will automatically have sibling photos taken and there is no need to specifically request this.

                   
New Administration/Reception Area

We are very excited (and feeling quite spoilt) to finally be in our new building. Access is via the school grounds which leads directly into Student Reception where you will find Carla, and Hazel will be based on Front Reception which will be fully accessible via Ascot Street once the building works are complete. We even have a lovely new first aid room too.

Please come and see our new home away from home, we are so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful space to work in, and would love for you to come and say Hi.

Happy New School Year to you all.

Hazel & Carla
The Administration Team

The school is buzzing with excitedness as we begin a new school year with tremendous teachers, colourful classrooms, and new spaces for staff and students. It really is great to be back. Welcome to all new families; it has been wonderful to meet all our new students. Learning the Lourdes Way and what it means to be a Lourdes Learner is quickly becoming a reality for many new members to our school community.

Consolidation & Mastery

Over the past few years, we have successfully engaged with various Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ Teaching & Learning Projects. Designed to assist schools with teaching and learning needs in response to student data, these projects included the Reading Improvement Strategy, the Lighthouse Numeracy Project, and the Writing Improvement Strategy. For 2023, we will consolidate and gain mastery over the knowledge and quality teaching practices gained from these projects.

Termed as a ‘fallow’ year by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, 2023 will be an opportunity to review and revaluate what has been making an impact on student learning and share with each other our experiences. For us at Lourdes, high impact teaching and learning across all learning areas is our focus including, consolidation and mastery of literacy and numeracy teaching and learning strategies.

Traits of a Learner

If you are new to the school, you may start to hear staff being a Lourdes Learner. Our school has an important motto to support teaching and learning: Lourdes Learners are CALLed to Think as both a Learner and a Global Citizen. A focus on Global Citizenship Education provides students ways to be resilient and respectful critical thinkers who grow as confident learners for life and live out our Catholic values of service to others.  

We aim to develop the traits of both a learner and a global citizen- learners who have the dispositions and competencies that help them navigate a complex, fast-changing ‘globalized’ world. Exploring themes such as identity and diversity, poverty and wealth, and sustainability and social justice, engages students in real-world issues through the curriculum. This enables teachers to equip learners with critical thinking skills and opportunities to develop and communicate their own points of view, whilst respecting the views of others that are different from their own.  

We endeavour to support learners in making and discussing reasoned judgments and to effectively deal with controversial issues they face through media and communication technology. Ultimately, we want active, informed global citizens who thrive in complex times, can apply thinking to new situations and are inspired to change the world.  

The traits of a learner and of a global citizen are exemplified with the acronym CALLed to Think. To be a Lourdes Learner, students need to Communicate, Act, Look, Listen and Think. The following table illustrates how staff can break this down for students.  

In the following newsletters, I will explain more about each of these traits.

Revised Australian Curriculum Version 9.0

Towards the end of last year, teachers began familiarising themselves with the new, revised curriculum. Teachers were given time to develop curriculums overviews for 2023 and find links between subject learning areas. These overviews will help teachers create engaging units that help students make connections as they learn and consolidate concepts and skills each day.

Teachers will be teaching and assessing student learning using the new curriculum this year. More details about what has changed in the new Australian curriculum can be found here.

Miranda

Miranda Murray
Assistant Principal

Welcome back to 2023. It’s been great to be greeted with the many smiling faces of the students of OLOL, hearing their holiday news and catching up with everyone as they begin their 2023 academic year.  It has also been wonderful to welcome our school community to our new Office Space, many of our community have commented on how our renovations have taken shape – it won’t be long until it is all completed. We thank everyone for their continued patience.

Our first Assembly is on Thursday 2^nd February at 2:00 pm led by 4L– all are welcome to join us. 

Our Beginning of School Mass will be on Friday 10th February at 10 am in the OLOL Hall.  We celebrate “Loving Life at Lourdes” as well as the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes appearing to St Bernadette. Our School is named after Our Lady Mary, the mother of Jesus, who appeared to St Bernadette at Lourdes in France, to remind us to pray the special prayer of the Rosary, which helps those who are sick and feeling the need for spiritual support. Many people go to Lourdes in France to receive special blessings from the spring that appeared on the place which Our Lady stood. This clear water has healing powers for those who believe. Please note there is no school assembly on Thursday afternoon in Week 3. 

In Week 4 we have our Year 6 Leadership Badge Presentation Assembly at 1:45 pm on Thursday 16^th February in our school hall. Our Year 6 students have been preparing since Prep to be our school leaders. They are super eager to share their leadership skills this year. 

In Week 5, it is Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. We do request donations of pancake mix, Maple Syrup, serviettes, and paper plates in readiness for our annual Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast at 7:30 am on Tuesday 21^st February. Donations can be brought to classrooms and will be sent down the day before. Pancakes can be purchased for 50c. The money raised will be donated to the Lenten Appeal for Caritas.  Our Year 6 leadership groups will be helping with the cooking and serving as part of their commitment to our school motto “Serviam” which means “To Serve”.

This is followed by our Ash Wednesday prayer on Wednesday 22^nd February. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent, which is a time of reflection to improve ourselves. Lent is the six weeks before Easter.

The preparation for the 2023 Confirmation and 1^st Eucharist Sacramental programme for children in Year 4 and up – begins soon.  The initial information form was emailed to families in Year 4 and up last week. Enrolments are due by Monday, 13^th February.  Please be aware that the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Sacramental Team is running the Sacramental program. If you didn’t receive an enrolment form, please contact the OLOL Parish Office on 46 341453 or email olol.parish@bigpond.com . The Parish office is open Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm. The first parent meeting for 2023 is at 10:30am on Sunday 26^th February in the OLOL Church.

God Bless and have a great week! 

Cheers

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE)

Prep

Welcome to Prep 2023 and what a great start we’ve had to the year!

Week 1 saw us getting to know each other and teaching the students our routines and expectations. Now in week 2 we are putting into practice what we have learned.

Our Prep information evening on Wednesday was a great way to understand exactly what goes on in your child’s day at school and how you can help along the way. Paperwork was sent home with your child if you were unable to attend the evening. If you would like a copy of our powerpoint please ask.

Prep is an exciting time for your child but it can also be a bit daunting for parents as well. Now is the time to start a good school routine - early to bed, healthy diet and exercise are all very important for a small child to develop well.

We look forward to the 2023 journey ahead - please don’t hesitate to ask if you are unsure of anything.

Take care,

Melita, Liz and Loretta

Year 1

Welcome to Year one for 2023. Last week, the children met their teachers and practiced routines for the year ahead. They remembered what Lourdes Learners look like, sound like and what it feels like to be a successful learner. The children coped well sitting in their new eating area and playing in the backyard play area. Year one children can also use the Hall to play in at morning tea and they can go to the library for lunchtime play.

The children have the following specialist classes:

Monday: Physical Education (sports uniform required), Library (1M)

Tuesday: Library (1B, 1T)

Wednesday: Music, Art and Drama

Friday: Sports uniform

We are looking forward to working with you and your child this year. Please see us if you are unsure about anything.

Laura, Dennielle and Jenny

Year 2

Welcome to 2023! With a new Year 2 teaching team and new friends who have joined us from other schools, the year is certainly starting off to be an exciting one. We give a special welcome to Isabella, Shiloh and Lexi (2B) and Halani (2G). All girls are settling in well and have been given a warm OLOL welcome by their new cohort of friends. We had a great start together last week and it’s been wonderful to see so many students already showing positive traits of a Lourdes Learner. With the holidays somewhat a distance memory, we have launched into our schoolwork and routines with great enthusiasm and our learning is well underway. Building upon our understanding of what makes a great Lourdes Learner is helping set the tone for a year of learning and growth.   

In Maths we are working on our addition strategies such as friendly numbers and are exploring numbers up to 200.  In English, we are focusing on using different types of nouns, gaining understanding about the difference between common nouns and proper nouns.  Daily Writes will continue to be an integral part of our routine, as we work towards improving our writing, setting goals based on self-evaluation and feedback from our peers and teachers. Improving editing skills will be a focus as we strive to bump up our writing, striving to be a Writer of the Week. Discussions in Health led us talking about our first names. Over dinner, maybe share why you chose your child’s name or what does their name mean?

We enjoyed the commencement of our specialist classes this week: Art, P.E, Music and Drama which will occur each week.  

Homework is underway and students know what is expected.  

Thanks to your wonderful support we have had a smooth start to the year.  

Sarah, Ange G and Ange B

Year 3

Welcome back – what a fantastic start we had together last week! It has been wonderful to see so many students ready to learn each day with a positive mindset. We give a special welcome to Amity, Charlotte B, Aria, Zarlia, Archer, Jack, Skyla, and Jackson who have joined us from other schools.

This week, we have continued to consolidate the Year 3 routine and learning/behavioural expectations. We explored the traits of a Lourdes Learner and strategies to get out of the Learning Pit. In English, we are exploring persuasive texts – what it means to persuade and the language we use to persuade. We have also been looking at sentence structure and using a variety of sentence types in our everyday writing. In Science, we are exploring the different types of rocks and how they are formed. In HASS, we are discovering some amazing geographical and man-made features of Australia. We will locate states, territories and capital cities of Australia. This week in Maths, we are exploring place value and odd and even numbers. In Health, we are learning about students’ identities and explore ways to positively respond to challenges and failures.

A reminder that the sports uniform is to be worn on Wednesdays and Fridays and library borrowing days are Wednesdays (3G, 3L and 3GB). Our specialist lessons (STEM, Drama, and Music) are on Monday mornings. Please ensure your children know which “pick up” time they are following and have your family name on your sun visor or dashboard when you arrive at “Stop Drop and Go” - it makes it so much easier for the teachers on duty to call for your child/children. 

Have a great week!

Demi, Toni and Garry

Year 4

The Year 4 students have come back to school with plenty of enthusiasm, and it has been lovely to see so many students eager to get into their work. 

Welcome to our new students and to our new teacher Miss Jessica Tully in 4T. This year we have  Mrs Lasserre Monday to Thursday and Mrs Leathart on Fridays in 4L.  Mrs Verdon is our 4V teacher.

This week we continue to establish behaviour and learning expectations for the year. We are revisiting how we can be successful Lourdes learners, reminding one another that we need to be challenged to achieve our learning goals. We know that mistakes are a part of learning.

Over the course of the term in Maths, we are focusing on becoming proficient with our number facts, starting with basic multiplication facts, and extending to those that are more difficult. While studying place value we will be learning how to read, write and partition numbers.

In Religion we are looking at Our Community and discovering how we can be Global Citizens; connecting our faith with our world view, and learning how as members of our school community, we can serve others. This year we will be attending Mass on Wednesdays at 10.00am.

In Science we are learning about materials and their properties. 

This term our specialist lessons, Music, Drama and S.T.E.M, will be held in the middle session on Mondays and P.E is every Wednesday. Students are welcome to wear their sports uniform Wednesdays and Fridays. 

In Year 4 students will be involved in rotations every Friday after lunch, where students will learn from three of the Year 4 teachers. Mrs Leathart will be teaching Tech Skills; Mrs Tully will be taking students for Sport and Mrs Verdon will teach Art. 

School photos will take place on Thursday the 9^th of February so please ensure students are in full school uniform on that day. An ICT contract was sent home last week which needs to be completed and returned.

Swimming trials are this Thursday. Don’t forget that 4L are presenting the Prayer Assembly this week and you are all welcome to attend.

Finally, just a reminder that homework has been sent home and students should know when it is due as well as their Library Day. More information will be presented at our Parent Information Night, which is on the 8^th of February from 5.30 in the hall. Any questions or queries throughout the year please do not hesitate to contact us.

Suzanne, Aleisha, Jessica and Danielle

Year 5

We have spent our first week establishing our Year 5 team expectations, because in Year 5 we are a team and will be engaging with students from across the cohort; working together towards success.  Over the course of the year, each teacher will get to know every child as Miss Packer teaches Religion, Mrs Mckay teaches HASS and Mrs Carwood teaches Science. During our cohort meetings we have spent lots of time discussing how we can be independent Lourdes Learners, working through the Learning Pit and how our learning will look, especially with flexible learning and reflective practises. If you have any queries, please come and see us.  

Important Dates Term 1

• 8^th Feb – Years 4-6 Parent Information Night 5.30pm (beginning in the hall and then 5P classroom)
• 10^th Feb – Emu Gully Leadership Preparation Day
• 10^th Feb – Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival (selected students)
• 14^th Feb – West Zone Swimming Carnival (selected students)
• 17^th Feb – Welcome Disco (5:30pm- 8:30pm)
• 21^st Feb – Shrove Tuesday (Pancake morning from 7.30am)
• 22^nd Feb – Ash Wednesday (Prayer Assembly @ 2pm)
• 17^th March – St Patricks Day (free dress & gold coin donation)
• 20^th – 24^th March – Swimming week (sport uniform worn all week)
• 27^th March – Cross Country Carnival
• 30^th – Last Day of Term 1

Emu Gully – Leadership Day

This year, as in previous years, our Year 5 cohort are partaking in the Emu Gully – The Challenge experience.   The Challenge is an exceptional leadership and team building program based on the character values of Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice and Perseverance. 

Information was sent out via Parent Portal earlier this week which contains what they need for the day. Permission must be given via the parent portal app.  

Some of these activities include water elements and students will become very dirty, so, it is highly recommended they wear old clothes.

Curriculum Outline – Term 1

English – Students have been revising their Sentence High 5, language features for narrative and persuasive text types, writing with a variety sentence types, and using a Grammar in Context table to help with planning, drafting and editing their work.

Maths – Short cycle learning will occur each term for students. Our first impact cycle this term focuses on the concepts of multiples, factors, rounding and estimation. This provides the perfect opportunity for students to start practising multiplication facts (timetables) learnt in Year 4. Practise makes PERMANENT!

Religion – Students have begun exploring the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Spirit. They have discovered that the Holy Spirit is an invisible influence gifted to us from God, that helps guide us to make positive choices. It was fabulous to see students making that connection of the Holy Spirit and its Fruits to being a Global Citizen.

Science – Students are exploring changes to the Earth’s surface, covering weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition. We have some fun experiments planned, to help consolidate the students’ understanding of how these changes can occur slowly or rapidly.

HASS – Summer provides the perfect opportunity to discuss some of the common natural disasters that occur in Australia. This term students will be examining the impact of natural disasters on people and the environment. They will need to evaluate resources, explain learnings, and propose responses to the disasters of bushfire and floods.

CANVAS:

In the upper years, students will use the Learning Management System called CANVAS, to access content for most curriculum areas. This allows students to access their learning at school and at home. If your child is unable to attend school, this is how they will access learning content. We are still in the beginning stages, so students are still becoming proficient in accessing and using this learning platform. Once they are more confident, I am sure they would love to give you a tour and show you what they are learning.

Homework:

Homework has started this week.  To ease students into the routine, students have been given one Reading Eggspress task, two Maths online tasks and one revision task on Maths Online. Next week, Spelling will be added into the homework expectations. Please encourage your child to do a little each night. On Tuesday afternoon we have gone through the expectations and logged into each website to ensure all students had access. Reading is also an expectation, we encourage students to be reading for 20mins, 5 times per week.  A little hint for the reading-writing connection – if you read quality, you will write quality. 

We understand that home lives are busy with numerous after school commitments. Homework is a school priority, and therefore the Year 5 classrooms are open each morning, from 8am for students to come in and complete tasks.

Thanks for reading

Jess, Emily and Amy

Year 6

Welcome to 2023 and Year Six. We are very happy to share this final year of primary school with all students and families. We look forward to sharing details of this year at our upcoming Parent Information evening on Wednesday 8^th February. Our Yr 6 meeting will be held in the Yr. 6M classroom following the Chris’ address in the Hall at 5.30pm.

Executive functioning skills help form habits for life and in Year Six we are encouraging the use of timetables, term planners and assessment planners to help plan, organise and manage time. These are important skills to manage daily life and to set up success for future schooling. All students have received a copy of these organisers and are encouraged to display them for easy reference in their study space at home.

Year Six Expectations. As a cohort the students devised and agreed upon the following to set up our success as Learners and Global Citizens in 2023. Above all, we are focusing on our theme to Be Kind.

Be kind!

Communicate respectfully. Ask questions. Be more than a student- be a learner!

Act for the common good-Serviam. Participate in YOUR learning. Support- don’t save your peers.

Look out for tips for success! (6B’s)

Listen to understand. Consider other viewpoints.

Think - Did I take the challenge?

Student voice: This week we ask Year Six about their learning so far. Students contributed that Yr 6 wasn’t proving to be as scary as they first thought, that they were enjoying their first week and looking forward to the learning challenges!!!!

Homework began last Friday January 27th.  It will be uploaded each Friday and is to be completed by 8am the following Friday.  Spelling words will be tested each Friday.  As a rule, homework will consist of:  Reading - 15-30 minutes nightly (students can record what they’re reading on their spelling sheet) and several online activities including – Reading Eggs and Maths Online.  All programs are familiar to students who have previously attended OLOL and passwords should be recorded on Students’ One Drive Accounts.

If your child has trouble with homework tasks, please email class teachers so that they may assist them with a better understanding.  Online homework should not take any longer than 20-30 minutes each night to complete, plus 15-30 minutes of reading.  As per our school homework policy, parents of students who fail to complete ALL homework tasks by the end of each week will receive a courtesy email outlining unfinished tasks.  Three weeks of inconsistent completion of homework tasks will result in an interview with class teacher, principal/deputy, parents and student. 

Year 6 Retreat: Our Year 6 students will walk to and from St Ursula's College on Monday 6th February to participate in a retreat facilitated by Mrs Moore. Students will focus on kindness and how they can be kind global citizens as the leaders of our great school during 2023. Morning Tea will be provided. Students will return to school by 1.00pm so will need to bring their own big lunch. Formal uniforms should be worn for this retreat opportunity.

Sports Uniform: During Semester One, sports uniforms should be worn each Tuesday and Friday. (Students may wear their sports uniform on the first day of Term 1. Leadership Shirts and badges will be presented to students at our leadership assembly on Thursday 16^th February at 1.45pm in the Hall.

Library borrowing and teacher librarian lessons  will be: Thursdays beginning in Week 2.  Students must have a waterproof library bag if they wish to borrow resources.  We ask that all students borrow at least one fiction and one non-fiction book each week.  Remember, kids who read, succeed!

Date claimers

Week 2:

Thursday 2 February: OLOL Swimming Trials

Friday 3 February: Excursion: Treetops Challenge. Arrival at school at 6:45am for prompt departure at 7:00am

Week 3:

Monday 6 February: Yr 6 Retreat

Wednesday 8^th February: Parent information evening

Week 4:

Thursday 16^th February:    Leadership Assembly. All welcome. Yr 6 parents and carers are invited to join us for afternoon tea at the conclusion of assembly

Friday 17^th February: Interschool sport begins

Kylie, Shauna and Tim

Visual Arts  

Welcome to Visual Arts for 2023. This week will be the first week of Visual Arts  lessons for Prep, Year 1,2,5,and 6. Years 3 and 4 will participate in Visual Arts in Semester 2. The new classroom is amazing, and I am confident that this new environment will inspire some great artwork.

Mrs Loretta Simmons

Italian

Welcome to Italian for 2023. Year 5 and 6 will participate in Italian classes this Semester, followed by year 3 and 4 in Semester 2. The classes will be held in the Visual Arts and STEM room. Students will revise introductions and greetings for the first couple of weeks.

Mrs Loretta Simmons

Upcoming Dates

• Please note the updated date for DD swimming. It was incorrectly recorded in the school calendar.

2022 Swimming Carnival Results        

Overall House - 1^st – Beetson - 552, 2^nd – Bradman – 375 - 3^rd Fraser - 352, 4^th – Goolagong – 241

Living Spirit Awards – Kaylee & Sophia (Beetson)

Individual Age Champions

9 Years Boys – Jake, Nate & Sam

9 Years Girls – Ashlee, Zoe & Millie

10 Years Boys –Thomas, Hugh & Conor

10 Years Girls – Asher, Mia & Mikayla

11 Years Boys – Bowie, Blake & Hayden

11 Years Girls – Skye, Olivia & Anna

12 Years Boys – Frank, Rocco & Riley

12 Years Girls – Bonnie, Emily & Chloe

Congratulations to Frank for breaking the 12 Boys 100m Butterfly. The new record is 1:57.85.

Thanks again to all who contributed, sponsors, staff, past students and recorders. It is greatly appreciated.

Cross Country Training

The Our Lady of Lourdes Cross Country Carnival will be held on Monday 27^th of March at Newtown Park.  In preparation for this event, we will be running a cross country training program, as below:

PLEASE NOTE – STUDENTS ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE PARK AT 7:30AM.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU WALK YOUR CHILDREN TO THE MEETING PLACE AND CHECK THEM IN WITH THE STAFF MEMBER PRESENT.

FOLLOWING TRAINING WE WILL WALK BACK TO SCHOOL AS A GROUP.

IMPORTANT: As part of the risk assessment process for Cross Country Running, all students that run the competitive track must be of sound fitness.  ALL STUDENTS wishing to run the competitive track must also have a SIGNED CONSENT form.  These will be sent home with interested students.

Representative Sport—Toowoomba & Darling Downs Teams

Throughout the course of the year Toowoomba Primary School Sport and Darling Downs School Sport offer trials to eligible students for a variety of team and individual sports.  To be eligible for selection, students need to be born in 2013, 2012 or 2011. Strict nomination requirements apply, and it is at the sole discretion of the school to decide whether to nominate individual students. 

In order to gain interest levels and an idea of previous experience, an electronic representative Sport Nomination Form has been sent out.  This form outlines all relevant information regarding the trials for the whole of 2023.  Please thoroughly read all information. If your child is of a high standard in their chosen sport/s and would like to be considered for nomination, please complete the nomination form.  No student will be nominated for a trial without a completed form.

Here is the LINK to nominate a student. Please submit a new response for each individual child.

Please see below for upcoming trial dates in Term 1, 2023. Please ensure that you confirm these details when the trial notice is released.

Rachel.Wigan@twb.catholic.edu.au

Welcome Back

Welcome back everyone - the books have missed you all so much. We are glad to see all the smiling, happy Lourdes children back at school and have been excited to meet all of the new children starting at Lourdes too. As we welcome everyone for what we are sure will be another fabulous year of Lourdes we ask you to ACT like a Lourdes Learner and CHOOSE KIND.

Borrowing Days 2023

Please check class newsletters and communication from your child/ren teachers for details about borrowing days in 2023.

Why is the Library a great place to be?

We have so much to offer! Did you realise that Libraries are one of only a few places where you can get something amazing for nothing! All we ask is that you bring back whatever you borrow. We do encourage every child to borrow, every week! Free choice reading for enjoyment is a KEY to learning SUCCESS!

Library Bags

Please ensure you are sending your child/ren with a library bag in each week for borrowing. This helps keep our books safe on their journey to and from school. Remember -- we are aiming for a book for every child, every week in 2023.

Yeti Water Bottles

At the end of 2022 two Yeti water bottles were left in the Library. Please contact the Library and tell us the colour of these water bottles to claim them.

Senior Fiction Permission for Year 5 and 6 borrowers

Senior Fiction Permission information will be sent home via the Parent Portal this week.  Please Email Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au if you have any issues with the Portal or if you do not receive the notice. Please specify if you give permission or do not give permission for your child in Year 5 or 6 to access materials from this collection. Responses are due by February 10^th.

Chess Lessons

Chess lessons happen each Tuesday morning from 7:45am – 8:30am in the Library with Mr Lord. Information about signing up was sent home via the Parent Portal last week. It is never too late to join in and learn about Chess or improve your skills. See Mrs Leathart or email: Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au with an Chess questions.

Book Club

Issue 1 Catalogues are available NOW. If you missed your copy check the bottom of a school bag or satchel or check it out here:

Scholastic Book Club News: Edition 1 2023 by Scholastic Australia - Issuu

Why not take advantage of the FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY on all LOOP orders in Issue 1 ONLY!!!

To order Book Club please download the LOOP App. Instructions below. We are unable to accept CASH orders for Book Club. All orders must be placed using the online LOOP Platform.

Thank-you for reading.

Enjoy your books – Mrs Monte and Mrs Leathart ?

Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte