The final few weeks of the school year are often considered a crazy time not only in schools but in all aspects of our lives. End of year camps, assessment & reporting, concerts, graduation, carnivals, staffing, budgets, and planning for the following year, plus preparing for the impending Christmas holidays and family get-togethers, tend to swamp us at a time when our energies may be low.

At the end of each term, especially Term 4, we are more likely to be sensitive because we are run down and in need of that well-earned break. Our resilience is low and we are emotionally drained. This appears to be the norm at this time every year. The important thing though is how we all—parents, staff, and students—respond to this challenge. Monitoring our thinking, attitude, talk, and behavior is particularly important at this time of year.

Last week the Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, Dr Pat Coughlan, spoke to all Principals of schools and Senior Leaders from the office about how important it is to turn toward each other, not turn on each other. A relevant and popular saying Dr Pat used was, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’ When we come together to support one another, talk positively about our shared prosperity and purpose, and remain curious and open to change in order to learn and grow, we remain strong allies for one another.  

Parent Partnership

To enhance student learning and wellbeing, Lourdes actively seeks ways to partner with parents and carers in their child's education. Our sense of community, evidenced by positive relationships between families, parish, and school, has always been a special characteristic of Lourdes. One important aspect we really need to partner in is the education of how to use devices and the safe use of the internet.

It may seem difficult to constantly keep an eye on your child’s screen, monitor the amount of access, or resist your child’s persistence to download and use popular apps that are for 13 years of age and over, or even know all your children’s passwords, however, if we don’t do these, it is hard to monitor and manage children’s internet use.

Even if you as a parent do have all measures in place, the amount of information (often disturbing content for adults only) that children have access to and then hear about in the playground is rapidly increasing. It is now more than ever we need to nurture moral principles and guide children to stand up for what they know is right and, if they are unsure, to check in with a trusted adult.

Using the THINK rule is helpful – Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? This is handy for children to think about before they share things that they watch or read online.

If you find you do need support in having difficult conversations, here is a resource that may help. The hard-to-have conversations | eSafety Commissioner

Volunteer Morning Tea

As a thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who contribute much of their time and support to our school, we invite all volunteers to a Morning Tea at 9:30am on Tuesday 14 November in the staff room. We hope you can join us.

Prep Orientation Morning

Our Prep 2024 Orientation morning will be on Wednesday, 15^th November from 9:00 am in our school hall. This is a tremendous opportunity for the students to meet their new teachers. It is also a wonderful way for parents to meet one another and meet the school’s Leadership Team as well as the executive members of our school’s Parents & Friends Association (P&F).

Whilst students are enjoying time getting to know the Prep teachers and their new friends in the classrooms, all 2024 Prep parents are to attend an information session with our Acting Principal, Miranda Murray, and the Executives of our P&F in the School Hall. This will also be a time to meet the new incoming Principal, Ms Bridget Rillie (Trenerry).

During this time, our P&F will also be operating the clothing pool where parents will have the chance to purchase items such as school hats, library satchels, school bags, second-hand uniforms, and house shirts. These purchases can be made with Cash or Eftpos. We look forward to welcoming our new Prep 2024 cohort.

Leadership Speeches

Our Year 5 students who are seeking election for school leadership positions in 2024 will deliver their speeches on Tuesday 21st November in the hall at 8:45 am. I certainly wish them all the best. The elected students will be announced at the end-of-year Mass on Friday 1^st December at 12:00 noon.

Tuckshop

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for their patience as we get the Tuckshop up and running again. Our new Tuckshop coordinator, Mrs Kerry Royal, and her merry parent helpers have been working hard to clean and prepare a tuckshop that has been under a cover of builders’ dust for the last two years! Flexischools is back up and running and ordering can now begin. Thank you Kerry, Hazel, and our volunteers for all the hard work, and thanks again for all our parents’ tenacity in holding out for the long-awaited return of the Tuckshop!

School Fees – URGENT

It is most important to ensure all outstanding school fees are paid by the end of the school term. This is an extremely busy time of year and chasing up overdue accounts draws precious time and effort away from other school initiatives and activities. The school too, has many financial commitments to fulfill by the end of the year and over the school holidays.

For 2024, so we can responsibly manage salary increases, as well as an increase in general operating costs, insurance increases, and upgrades of facilities and grounds, all families will notice an increase in school fees. Your support in paying your fees and levies will greatly assist the school in continuing to provide much needed resources and upgrades where necessary. Feel free to contact Hazel at Reception if you require further information. We appreciate your support and understanding.

Upcoming Events

I hope everyone enjoys reading the interesting articles in this week's newsletter. There are so many wonderful opportunities for our students at Lourdes thanks to the fabulous staff and parents who go above and beyond for our school.

Miranda

Ms Miranda Murray
Acting Principal

This semester, our report cards will look a little different in regard to the effort grades. Teachers have been collaborating on wording that helps them and our students reflect on effort and engagement in learning. Hopefully providing greater clarity for teachers, students, and parents, this five point scale details the levels of engagement in relation to being an effective Lourdes Learner. If you require any further clarification, please contact your Class Teacher or a member of the Leadership Team.

Thank you to all who walked with us on our Red Day for Daniel – our Red march was noticed by the community. We thank Detective Sergeant Denny for his leadership and talk.

The students tried to recreate the special words we need to remember of Recognise, React and Report. Words that remind us to keep safe.

The Year 3- 6 students celebrated All Saints Day with the OLOL Parish last Wednesday. The parishioners were impressed with our singing and prayerful respect during Mass. We thank all those who come along to pray with us.

Year 4 were supposed to have their Retreat at Newtown Park last Thursday but unfortunately, I had a little trip at Stop Drop and Go that morning and the retreat needed to be postponed. We will alert you of the alternative date very soon.

This Thursday our Year 3 students will lead a Remembrance Day Assembly Prayer at 2 pm. All are welcome to come and pray with us. We will also welcome Ms Bridget Trenerry (previously Rillie) – our 2024 OLOL Principal - to this assembly – Ms Trenerry is coming to say hello in preparation for the 2024 school year.

We are also calling for donations for our Mini Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal- we are asking for donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, Christmas treats and if you wish gift cards. Gift cards can be from grocery stores, toy stores, variety stores and pharmacies. We will present these hampers to our St Vincent De Paul Chapter, for distribution amongst the less fortunate in our parish community, at our End of Year Mass on Friday 1st December 2023 at 12 noon.   

We hope our volunteers enjoy their thank you morning tea next Tuesday morning (14th November) at 9:30am in the Staff room. We always value the help the volunteers give to us throughout the year. If you are a volunteer and you wish to attend, please alert Mrs Buckley in the office as we need RSVP numbers.

There will be many prayer celebrations and class activities marking the end of the year – please keep up to date with the newsletter and class news items.  

The Year 3-6 Christmas Concert is on Monday 20^th November starting at 11:30am in the Hall.

The Prep – 2 Christmas Concert is on Monday 27^th November at 2 pm.

Please see the Music /Drama notes in the newsletter for further information – especially regarding class-coloured T-shirts.

On Thursday 23^rd November, the Year 6 students will present their final assembly at 12 noon. Presentation of Year 5 and 6  Serviam, Academic, Diligence and Sporting awards will also be awarded at this assembly.

On Tuesday 28^th November, the Year 6 students will have their Graduation Mass at 6:30 pm. The Ceremony will be held in the OLOL Church. The children will be required to wear their formal school uniform for both these ceremonies. 

Prep will have their retreat on Thursday 30^th November.

Our End of Year Mass will be held in our OLOL Hall at 12 noon on Friday 1^st December.

We have a busy time for the next four weeks! 

Have a wonderful week!  

Cheers  

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE)

Prep

Our Fairy Tale unit was completed in style with the children doing an exceptional job by dressing as their favourite character and telling the audience about the story they were from. We enjoyed a delicious banquet together with a sausage, a popper and a cupcake AND a visit from a giant who worried us at first but reassured us that he just wanted to share his story with us. Even giants read !!

Our classrooms have now been transformed into Christmas Time with the very important message of the birth of Jesus.

This week sees us completing our assessments and next week we are off to Blue Care nursing home to bring some joy to the residents and we have a visit from Bunnings who will help us make a family surprise for Christmas.

Still lots of learning happening and it’s lovely to see the growth of each child.

Cheers

Melita, Liz and Loretta

Year 1

The children participated in a very inspirational day of Science on Monday. They followed the design process to create a new toy for the elves in Santa’s workshop. After designing their toy, they set about building it using a variety of materials. Next, they visited the Official Toy Testers who tested the effectiveness of their invention. Students were encouraged to make modifications and changes to improve their design.

This week, we finish our English unit about Grandpa and Thomas. Using ideas from the text, the children will write a procedure on their own on How to Decorate a Sandcastle.

With a ho, ho, ho....we will move into learning about the Symbols of Christmas, exploring why some Christmas traditions are so important.

Please remember to purchase a T-shirt for the Christmas Concert on Monday, 27^th November.

1B: white

1M: green

1T: red

Have a great week

Laura, Jenny and Dennielle  

      

Year 2

Welcome to Week 6! We are now on the home stretch to the end of 2023 and still so busy in our classrooms with our learning. While Maths assessment has commenced, we will continue practicing our problem-solving skills by using our fish strategy and making connections to our mathematical learning to help us work them out. In English, we will continue writing persuasive texts, in readiness for our assessment task.

All Library books are to be returned this week for end of year stocktaking. A class party will be granted to the class whose books are all returned first!!

The last day of School is Friday 1st December – students may depart after the end of year Mass which will take place in the hall at 12 noon.

We can’t wait for our excursion to The Strand Cinemas on Wednesday, 29 November 2023, to view a screening of ‘Trolls Band Together’. This excursion has been planned to celebrate the culmination of a wonderfully enjoyable year.

We are busy practicing our Christmas concert which will be held in the Hall on Monday 27^th November at 2pm. A simple costume is required. All students are to wear school sport shorts, sport socks and sport shoes with the following-coloured shirt:  

2B Blue coloured shirt

2D Green coloured shirt

2G White coloured shirt

Our Christmas Hampers are looking rather bare …. If you have not already, there is still time to send in a donation of non-perishable grocery and Christmas items to make up hampers for our local St Vincent De Paul Chapter eg. cans of vegetables, soup, spaghetti, pasta, rice, toiletries – toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, special Christmas treats – chips, nuts, toys... Remember to check use-by dates. If you wish to donate a gift card, that is also an option. This is a way for us to support those less fortunate than ourselves, to enjoy a special Christmas.  

To end the term right, remind your child to be organised with a water bottle, their own hat, and a smile every day.

Sarah, Ange B and Ange G      

Year 3

Welcome to Week 6! Year 3s have been working so hard on their persuasive texts, maths problems, spelling, and more! Please see below for information on upcoming events.

What’s on in Year 3…

• Remembrance Day Assembly: Year 3 are leading our Remembrance Day Assembly on the 9^th of November at 2pm in the Hall. All are welcome to attend.
• Christmas Concert: The Senior Christmas Concert (Years 3 – 5) is on the 20^th of November from 11:30am – 12:30pm in the OLOL Hall. All are welcome to our Christmas celebration! On the day, Year 3 students have been asked to please wear a yellow or gold T-shirt, school sport shorts/skorts, sport socks, and sport shoes.
• Library borrowing: All students loans are due back Friday November 10^th. There will be no more borrowing. Overdue letters will be sent home from next week, please keep an eye out for any OLOL library books at home. Mrs Leathart and Mrs Monte are on the lookout for the first class to get all their library books returned. This class will WIN a party!
• Secret Santa: Our Year 3 classrooms are beginning to look merry and festive with Christmas trees set up! We thank those who have already brought in their Secret Santa presents to place underneath our trees. Just a friendly reminder to please have presents in by the 17^th of November (Friday next week).
• Maths: In Maths, students are continuing to consolidate their understanding of money and stacked addition and subtraction algorithms. This week, our focus is on problem solving strategies such as underlining key information, draw a picture, write a number sentence, and more.
• English: We have come to the conclusion of our persuasive writing unit in English and are now moving along to exploring explanation texts. This will be an exciting mini unit where students can investigate and research ‘I wonder…’ questions. They will use this information to write a short explanation paragraph which they can share with their peers at our Friday cohort meeting.

Thanks for reading!

Sarah, Demi, Lisa, Megan, and Garry

Year 4

Welcome to Week 6!  All Year 4 classes are enjoying our learning and completing various assessments. It is so lovely to see the growth that has occurred throughout the year. It is great to see students continuing to try their hardest to be the best Lourdes Learners that they can be.  Students’ writing has shown a marked improvement from the year’s beginning, as has their reading and comprehension ability. We are incredibly proud of the Year 4 students!

Week 6 and 7

This week Secret Santa notes have been sent home. Please remind your child to keep it a secret and to bring gifts in by the end of week 8. The Christmas tree will be up by the beginning of next week so gifts can start coming in from Monday of Week 7. Don’t forget the Remembrance Day Liturgy at 2pm this Thursday which parents are welcome to attend.

Please return all library books by the end of this week. There will be no more borrowing. Perhaps families can borrow from the Toowoomba Library, so we keep reading for the rest of the term and continue during the holidays.

Week 8

Mon- Yr 3-6 Christmas Concert @ 11.30 (blue/purple shirt)

Wed- Year 4 Liturgy in the church@ 10.00am and morning tea with parents (bring a plate please)

Week 9

Wed-   Swimming Carnival at Glennie

Thurs- Shared Lunch and Secret Santa

Fri-      12pm Mass-students may leave after mass

Thank you for your contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas hampers. Donations can be brought in right up until the end of term. Any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Mayoral Medal

Every year, The Toowoomba Regional Council encourages each school to nominate a child for the Mayoral Medal.  This medal recognises students that have achieved their goals at school, despite circumstances or challenges that are occurring in their lives.  This year, Year 4 teachers, Mrs Lasserre and Mrs Leathart nominated one of their students for this prestigious award.  Archie Densley was this nomination and was selected as a worthy winner of one of these medals.  Archie has shown fabulous growth in his learning, specifically in Mathematics and his three years growth in reading.  Whilst these results are impressive alone, Archie has also had to cope with significant and stressful medical issues within his family over the last 12 months. Mrs Lasserre and Mrs Leathart were very proud when watching Archie receive his award at Toowoomba Anglican School on the 19^th October.  Well done, Archie - you truly are a Lourdes Learner!

Suzanne, Aleisha, Jessica and Danielle    

Year 5

It’s hard to believe that we only have a little over three weeks of school left.  

Dates to Remember:

• Thursday 9^th November, Remembrance Day Assembly, 2pm
• Tuesday 14^th November, Volunteers’ Morning Tea, 10am
• Thursday 16^th November, Assembly 2pm
• Monday 20^th November, Christmas Concert, 11.30am
• Tuesday 21^st November, Leadership Speeches 8.45am
• Thursday 23^rd November, Final Assembly, 12pm
• Wednesday 29^th November, OLOL Swimming Carnival
• Friday 1^st December, Last day of Term, End of Year Mass, 12pm

In the Classroom: We certainly cannot let our foot off the gas pedal yet, as we have plenty to keep us busy. Over the next two weeks we will be conducting our end of term assessments.  This will leave very little time for catch up.  The next two weeks will consist of:

Religion: In Religion, students finalise demonstrating their understanding of Eucharist, and begin exploring the significance of personal and communal prayer and worship of Psalms in the Catholic faith community. Students will learn about the main forms of Psalms and will begin exploring some to deepen their understanding of these forms of prayer.

English: In English, students are continuing to practise and reinforce their understanding and skill to write evaluative recommendations, using chapters from “Ground Zero” written by Alan Gratz. Students analyse the text by identifying language features and provide explanations of the impact that these elements have on the audience. This analysis is used to support their recommendation, which is presented in paragraph structure using our evaluative adjectives and text connectives to help make our writing cohesive and powerful.

Maths: In Maths, students have finalised their 12-and 24-hour time impact cycle and have moved on calculating unknown quantities in equivalent number sentences. During this impact cycle, students have to draw upon their prior knowledge of inverse operations to help them follow their steps to success to calculate the unknown value in their equivalent number sentences.

HASS: In Hass, students have been deepening their knowledge of democracy and decision making. We have been looking at how students are involved in decision making processes, and why the Australian government uses majority rule over consensus.

Science: In Science, students have continued to learn about light and have completed an experiment using mirrors to demonstrate how light can be reflected to other surfaces. The unit continues with students learning about the refraction of light. They are to experiment with the creation of rainbows to demonstrate how light is refracted in water, using a mirror and light from a torch, to create a colourful array on a background.

Leadership Speeches Tuesday 21st Novermber starting at 8:45am: Year 5 students applying for a school or house captain position will need to prepare a speech that goes for no more than 1.5 min in length. All students applying for a school captain position should have sent a letter to Ms Murray.  House captain speeches will be conducted after the school captain speeches in the following locations: Fraser – Church, Beetson – Hall, Goolagong – 6M, and Bradman – Year 5 Classroom. 2024 Leadership positions will be announced at the End of Year Mass on Friday 1st December 12:00 pm.  

Christmas Concert: A reminder that our Christmas Concert will take place in the Hall on Monday 20th November at 11.30am. Please remember that for our students to look great on stage, each class is to wear a different coloured (preferably plain) T-shirt along with school sport shorts, sport socks and sport shoes.  5C – Red, 5M – White and 5P - Green. We look forward to seeing our family members there, to see all the hard work we have been putting in. We’ve been having fun practicing in class; check out the moves from some of the kids in our photos!

Christmas Donations: Our baskets are looking a little bare. It would be greatly appreciated if you could add an extra item to ensure everyone in our community can enjoy Christmas. Any non-perishable items would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to those families who have already brought in donations.

Secret Santa: We are running a Secret Santa this year across the whole Year 5 cohort and gifts are due by Monday, Week 9. Please let your teacher know if you will have difficulty being involved in this. We ask that this be limited to a $10 gift.

Swimming Carnival: All students are encouraged to participate in our annual swimming carnival. It is expected that all children in Grades 3-6 nominate themselves for at least one event. Less confident swimmers can use a noodle or kickboard if necessary and nominate for the 25m Freestyle. It is all about getting points for your team and supporting everyone, showing sportsmanship and enjoying the day.  

Jess, Emily and Amy

Year 6

It seems a lifetime ago since our camp to Yeppoon. What a trip it was!? Lots of laughter and fun with a few fear tears in between. The students worked well together and displayed characteristics of persistence, patience, resilience, integrity and compassion towards each other. They had a blast and will cherish those memories for a lifetime. Thank you to all the teachers and Mr Franzmann for giving up their time to spend the week with the year 6 students.

No rest for the wicked though! We have three weeks of hard work left. Weeks 8 and 9 will be busy with graduation preparations and celebrations. Students should continue to consult their assessment calendars for dates of upcoming assessments. Please keep unnecessary absentees to a minimum.

Graduation Celebrations: Final Assembly, Pool and Pizza Day and Graduation Mass: 

Thursday 23rd NOVEMBER – final assembly, 12 noon, school hall – Year 6 lead this assembly. Formal summer uniform to be worn. A plain white shirt (no logos please) will be required for this assembly also. (Students will practise for their final Mass in the afternoon so are therefore asked to remain at school after the assembly.) End of Year awards – Serviam, Academic Excellence, Academic Diligence, Enhancement of Learning, Sports Awards, and Arts Awards are also presented at this assembly.

Students will celebrate the end of primary school with a morning at Milne Bay Pool and then pizza at Newtown Park on Monday 27th November – more info and permission email will be forwarded home this week.

Mass – Tuesday 28th November 6.30pm in the Church (Formal summer uniforms to be worn to both celebrations – no ballgowns or suits required!)

Christmas Concert: Our Yr. 6 students will participate in the Upper School Christmas Concert which will be held on Monday 20 November at 11.30am in the Hall. Students will need to wear a Christmas themed shirt. All are welcome to attend this concert.

Last Day of School: Friday 1st December – students may depart after the end of year Mass which will take place in the hall at 12 noon.

Secret Santa: Students will participate in Secret Santa as a fun and kind way to finish the year. We will draw student names in Week 8 and present exchange will occur on Thursday 30 November – Week 9. We ask for gifts to be up to $10.00.

Kylie, Shauna, and Steve

Visual Arts

The end of the year is coming to a rapid close with only a few Art classes to go. All students are working on a picture based on the Holy Family, once this is completed they will begin work on a festive picture. It has been a great pleasure to work with all your children this year, I am very proud, as I hope you are too of the wonderful pieces they have created.

The Catholic Education School’s Office has invited schools around the Diocese to send in pieces of art to be displayed in the Micah Centre. I have collected a few samples from each year level, these will be returned to the students next year.  I have let the students who have been selected know where their Artwork is going, and that many teachers and Principals will get to admire their hard work.

In preparation for the Christmas Concerts, a small band of volunteers are helping to paint some festive backdrops.  The students are joining me during their lunch break to help paint. I really appreciate their enthusiasm and help and can’t wait until you see it all up on the stage.

Mrs Simmons

Italian

In week 7 students in years 3 and 4 will be participating in an Italian food tasting experience. I will be providing small samples of traditional Italian food for them to sample. The students will have to rate the food with a star system and write, in Italian, if they like it or not. I have spoken to some Parents of students with allergies and have looked at the enrollment information. I am aware of a few students with nut allergies and have made accommodations for this, their sample plate will not contain any nut products. Invitations will be given to the students this Thursday, they are not required to bring anything, the tasting will occur in their regular Italian class.

Please contact me if you have a Child with allergies and would like to discuss the foods on offer.

loretta.simmons@twb.catholic.edu.au

Ph. 0408008287

Signora Simmons

Upcoming Dates

Friday Sport Jerseys

There are still a number of jerseys outstanding. With the exception of the Basketball Shirts and All Schools Touch Shirts, all other OLOL sports jerseys, shorts, socks, skirts, and shirts are now due back. Please return them to Mrs. Wigan’s Office. If this are not returned before the end of the school term they will be charged to your school fee account.

Grade 4 Gala Day – Netball

This event has been cancelled due to limited school nominations.

2023 OLOL Swimming Carnival

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SWIM?

The Carnival is for children in Grades 3-6 ONLY.

All students in grade 3 who are born in 2015 will be eligible to swim, however, as they are not of appropriate age, they will not be eligible for age championship points.  As with Cross Country and Track & Field, there will not be an age championship for these students, nor will records be kept.  They will simply be participating in this carnival to provide them with a valuable experience and to gain participation house points.

POINTS ALLOCATION & AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

25m Events

1 point will be awarded to respective houses for each 25m swim completed.  Results from 25m events will not contribute to Age Championship points. 

50m, 100m and Individual Medley Events

The following points will be awarded to respective houses and individual age championship tallies following all 50m, 100m and Individual Medley Events:

1^st Place – 10 Points (Blue Ribbon), 2^nd Place – 6 points (Red Ribbon), 3^rd Place – 4 Points (Green Ribbon), 4^th Place – 2 Points (Yellow Ribbon) and 5^th – 10^th Place – 2 Points

Where there is more than one heat, points and ribbons will be awarded to the fastest swimmers overall. Students who are hoping to be considered for their respective age championship should swim as many 50/100m events as possible.

HOW TO NOMINATE

An MS Nomination Form link has been emailed, as well as a Sentral App Permission request, to all families with students in Grades 3-6. You can also use this QR Code to nominate:

On the MS Nomination Form:

• Students can choose between the 25M OR 50M Event in each stroke.
• Students can choose to ADD 100m events, regardless of whether they have chosen the 25m or 50m event in each stroke.
• It is expected that all children in Grades 3-6 nominate themselves for at least one event.
• You will need to complete one form for each eligible child in Grade 3-6.
• If you have not received the email, please contact Carla in the front office to check/update your details.
• All nominations need to be in by Monday 20^th
• A nomination confirmation note will be sent home once all nominations are in. Please make sure you check your child’s nominations carefully; no changes will be made on the day.
• Please refer to the examples below:

Example 1:  Jane is 12 years old and is a strong swimmer who would like to contest the age championship. To achieve this, she needs to nominate for as many 50m and 100m events as possible. She is still working on her Butterfly and isn’t yet confident nominating for 50m. Jane has chosen the following events:

25m Butterfly; 50m backstroke; 50m breaststroke; 50m Freestyle; 100m backstroke; 100m breaststroke; 100m Freestyle; 100M Individual Medley.

Example 2:  Tim is 9 years old, and he has just started Stingrays. His swimming is improving rapidly, but he has only just started learning breaststroke and butterfly kick. Sam has chosen:

25m backstroke; 50m Freestyle.

Example 3: Steve is new to Our Lady of Lourdes and has not participated in swimming lessons before. He loves to swim but is not overly confident. Steve has chosen to nominate for:

25m freestyle with a floatation device.

CARNIVAL TIMELINE

Please note: These times are approximate and may vary depending on the number of nominations in each event.

LEGAL STROKE ACTIONS & DISQUALIFICATIONS

• In 50m and 100m events, except for the 8 years category, students will be judged and disqualified if their stroke does not meet the appropriate standard. As points gained from these events go towards age championship tallies, it is important that only legal stroke actions are awarded. 
• 8 years events and all 25m events will not be judged in this way.

For further information please refer to the following website:

https://www.swimming.org.au/Assets/Rules/Swimming-Australia-Swimming-Rules.aspx

SPECTATORS

Spectators are welcome to attend the carnival. We will also be looking for a few helpers to run the stopwatches.

DONATION OF AGE CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALLIONS

Thank you to the Twidale Family for their generous donation of the Track & Field and Swimming carnival medallions for 2023.  Please support our local family businesses.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

CATHOLIC CARNIVAL AND WEST ZONE CARNIVAL TEAM SELECTION

In Week 2 of Term 1, 2024 (TBC), we will conduct swimming trials at the Glennie Pool to select a team to represent the school at the Catholic Swimming Carnival and West Zone Swimming Carnival.

More information regarding the school swim team will be made available later.

Friday Night Basketball

For the past 6 weeks students from Grades 4-6 have been participating in Friday Night School Basketball at The Glennie Sports Centre.  The Competition serves as a platform for schools across the region to come together in friendly competition, fostering a sense of community and a love of sport. The competition has been running for many years. So many in fact, that I played when I was in Primary School!

The Our Lady of Lourdes team has a range of players, from beginners to rep representative players. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have had several wins, and a couple of losses, but the main triumph for the teams has been their display of teamwork, sportsmanship, determination and inclusion.

Thank you to Jami Pott and Alex Wigan for giving up their time to coach our school basketball teams. Without your support the players would not have experienced this opportunity.

Rachel Wigan

Rachel.Wigan@twb.catholic.edu.au

End of Year Reminders 

Yes, it’s that time already. Please return all student and family library loans by Friday 10th November to avoid charges being added to your school fees. As always there is a prize for the class with all of their loans back on time, so don’t delay and drop your loans to the library today!  Please be on the lookout for overdue letters in the coming days. Please email Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au if there are any issues. 

Christmas FUN from Week 7 

• Guess HOW MANY Competition – Simply pop over to the Library at any lunch break to cast your guess for this AMAZING competition. Winners will share their PRIZE with their classmates.  
• Get involved with our annual Christmas Colouring Competition to WIN yourself a Christmas Book Prize Pack. Entry forms available from the Library at break times or your class teacher. 
• How fun are emoji’s! Try our Christmas themed Emoji Challenge. Entry forms available from the Library at break times.  

Independent Readers 

Congratulations to these amazing Lourdes Learners for their achievements in reading this term. We are so very proud of you. 

Issue 8 Book Club brochures (available online here: Book Club | Scholastic Australia) were delivered to classes last Friday. All orders must be placed via LOOP no later than November 15th, 2023. Thank you for your ongoing support of Book Club in 2023. Every book purchased via Book Club or Book Fair helps us earn rewards that we reinvest into the latest books for your children. Your support is invaluable.  

Please note that orders are placed the day AFTER the due date and take about a week to arrive here at school, be sorted and then delivered to classes.  

Enjoy your books. 

Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte