Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 2!

We have had a very positive start to the school term. Thank you for your preparation at home, to ensure all children are ready for school with the necessary items and correct school uniform. The Easter period for me was a time to spend with my family, while at the same time ensuring our school was prepared for the return of our students. I hope your Easter period also provided some time with your family.

ANZAC DAY

I was incredibly proud of our school community and their respectful and meaningful participation in the ANZAC Day Prayer Assembly last Thursday. The Year 5 cohort led the assembly with confidence, respect and pride. I would like to acknowledge the Year 5 staff, who prepared the students so well. Thank you also to Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Cameron, also a parent at our school, for speaking to our school at the assembly. We are grateful for your time.

I was also very proud of our school captains, Matthew and Millicent on their representation of Lourdes at the Wreath Laying Ceremony on ANZAC Day at Mother’s Memorial. Along with members of other schools and the broader community, they lay a wreath to honour all those who have fallen in war, or in active service.

New Seating

During the school holidays, new seating was added to the Years 3 and 4 eating areas. This allows all students to be off the cement during their eating time. Many students choose to sit on the grass area near the seating, however once the colder weather begins, I am sure all children will be grateful to be off the ground at break times. This seating is outside 6C and near the Goodwood Street entrance.

Communication

At the beginning of 2025, we changed our communication methods to ensure that families were receiving information related to the whole school as well as grade levels. The guidelines for this are:

Odd week of school term- families will receive a ‘cohort’ newsletter from the year level teachers.

Even week of school term- a school newsletter is sent, capturing whole school messaging and information.

Before School Procedures

Supervision at school begins at 8:00am. Any students arriving before then, are to come to the silver seats outside the school office and be seated. If you are dropping your child off before 8:00am, please remind them of this. Students should not be playing outside of classrooms, on the playground or sitting in different areas around the school. If you arrive with your child/ren prior to 8:00am, please ensure they are waiting with you and not playing around the school. The safety of all children is paramount. Thank you for working with us.

Uniform

Wearing of the winter uniform begins in Week 4 – Monday May 12. Please ensure your child is in their full correct winter uniform. A reminder that only black and white shoes are a part of our school uniform.

Mother’s Day

I look forward to seeing our Mothers and caregivers at the Mother’s Day Mass and Morning Tea, next Thursday.

Bridget

Ms Bridget Trenerry
Principal

Upcoming Events

Welcome to Term 2! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter break and that your children are feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead. It’s been lovely to see students returning to school with smiles on their faces, reconnecting with friends and settling quickly back into the routines of the school day.

As we begin Term 2, we are looking forward to another productive term filled with engaging learning experiences, fun events, and opportunities for growth. This term promises to be full of exciting activities, including Courage Day, Eisteddfod, Author Visits, Mothers’ Day stall and whole school Mass, Chess Tournament, Athletics and Ballgames Carnivals, not to mention our weekly Drama, Stem and Art lunch clubs and Choir each week. We’re eager to continue building on the great progress made in Term 1.

Take time to read

This week, I have had the pleasure of meeting with each class teacher to discuss the teaching and learning happening in their classrooms, with a special focus on literacy. It is wonderful to hear how many students have continued their reading over the holidays, a fact that has been evident to their teachers upon returning to school.

 Reading at home with your children is incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

• Language Development: Reading exposes children to new words and language patterns, which helps build their vocabulary and language skills. Discuss what the words mean when they encounter unfamiliar words, and talk about similar words (synonyms), and words that mean the opposite (antonyms). This helps build a deep and rich knowledge and understanding of words and language.
• Bonding Time: Reading together provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond. It creates a special time for connection and communication, which can strengthen your relationship. Reading can also be very calming, helping to reduce stress for both parents and children.
• Academic Success: Children who are read to regularly, are more likely to perform better in school. They develop better reading skills, comprehension, and a love for learning.
• Empathy & Emotional Regulation: Stories can transport children to different worlds and introduce them to diverse characters and situations. This helps them develop empathy and a better understanding of the world around them. Reading about characters who face challenges helps children manage their own feelings.
• Routine and Discipline: Establishing a regular reading routine can help children develop discipline and a sense of structure. It also sets a positive example for lifelong learning.
• Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills: Reading encourages children to think critically about the story, ask questions, and make predictions. This helps develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. It also stimulates imagination, encouraging students to develop their own ideas and stories.

Even five minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference. Enjoy your reading time!

Thanks for reading...

Miranda

Miranda Murray
Assistant Principal

Welcome back to Term 2. 

Holy Week 2025  

We ended our term with our Holy Week prayer. Each class prepared a part of the story beautifully. We thank Mrs Rosier, Mrs Garcha and the class teachers for their input and support in the preparation and performance of the prayer.

 Anzac Day

Last Thursday, we commemorated Anzac Day, remembering the Anzac legacy of mateship, ingenuity and persistence which has inspired our Australian Spirit for future generations. We thank the Year 5s, Miss Packer, Mrs McKay, Mrs Elmes and Mr Shoebridge for the preparation of their prayerful and thoughtful assembly. We were so lucky to have again as our Anzac Day guest speaker Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Cameron from the Oakey Air Base – father of Rose in Year 3C – his presence was deeply appreciated.  

Last Friday our school was represented by our school captains Millicent and Matthew at the 9 am Wreath Laying ANZAC ceremony at the Mothers Memorial. A special thank you goes to Mrs Jo Broderick making our beautiful floral wreaths for both occasions – using flowers and greenery from our school gardens.

Requiem Mass for Pope Francis

On Monday our school leaders, Ms Trenerry and Mrs Moore attended a special Requiem Mass for the Passing of Pope Francis. Bishop Ken spoke of meeting with Pope Francis when the Bishops of Australia met with Pope Francis in 2015. Bishop Ken said Pope Francis made a special point of meeting with each Bishop personally. It happened that the day Bishop Ken met with Pope Francis was the day of Bishop Ken’s anniversary of being ordained a priest. Bishop Ken mentioned this to Pope Francis.  Pope Francis asked, “How many years?” Bishop Ken replied – “37 Years” and Pope Francis replied, “I have 49 Years”. Bishop Ken also spoke of the humble way Pope Francis approached his life – reminding everyone to follow the Gospel of Jesus through the actions of helping others.

Confirmation and First Eucharist Preparation

This afternoon (30th April 2025), candidates for Confirmation and First Eucharist will meet in the church at 3:30pm, for their fourth preparation session.

Please take note of the practise dates and dates of the Celebrations in the Diary Dates below.

If you have any questions, or queries please direct them to the Parish Office – Office hours are:  9:00 am – 1:00pm weekdays  

email: ourladyoflourdesparish@twb.catholic.org.au     telephone contact: 46 34 1453

Courage Day Assembly 8:45am Thursday 1st May 2025

Year 3F will be presenting a Courage Day Assembly this Thursday at the special time of 8:45am in the school hall. It will be a short assembly to launch our value of “We are Courageous”. There will be no awards at this assembly.

 Mothers' Day Mass

Calling for photos of Mothers and their Children for our Mother’s Day Mass in week 3 on Thursday 8^th May at 10:00am – Send in One photo per family.  Email to Janice.Moore@twb.catholic.edu.au   - Please ensure photos are emailed to school no later than this Friday,  2nd May.

Please label Photo emails with “Mothers Day Photo 2025” so emails are not missed.

So, we can cater for our visitors – please fill in this simple form by Monday 5th May 2025.

https://forms.office.com/r/fKGevTT8DE

Children will have their own packed morning tea and Mothers are invited to share this time on the school oval with their children.

Please note that Mass followed by morning tea will conclude at approx.11:20am.

Helpers needed: Is there anyone willing to help set up and supervise the mothers morning tea area? Please let Mrs Moore know. Help will be needed to set up before Mass and clean up after the Mass on Thursday 8/5/2025

Assemblies

Please note we have assemblies at 2:15 pm on a Thursday in Week 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and at 12:00 noon on Friday of Week 10.

No Assembly in Week 7 due to Athletics Carnival commitments

Diary Dates    

Wednesday   30^th April –Confirmation/First Eucharist Preparation – 4th Workshop at 3:30pm in OLOL Church   

Thursday 1^st May – Courage Day – Assembly at 8:45am – Led by 3F

Thursday 8^th May – OLOL Mother’s Day Mass 10 am and Morning tea – Mother's Day Photos sent to Mrs Moore by 2nd May 2025.  So we can cater for our visitors – please fill in this simple form by Monday 5th May 2025. 

 https://forms.office.com/r/fKGevTT8DE

Monday 12^th May – Practise for Confirmation Sacrament 3:30 pm in OLOL Church  

Tuesday 13^th  May- Sacrament of Confirmation 7:00pm OLOL Church   

Thursday 15^th May – Practise for First Eucharist Sacrament 3:30pm in the OLOL Church  

Sunday 18^th May –Sacrament for First Eucharist – 11:30am OLOL Church  

Wednesday 28^th May – Favourite sports team Coloured Clothes Day – Gold Coin donation for St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

Friday 23^rd June – NAIDOC Assembly led by Year 4 - 12:00 noon  

It’s another busy term! 

Have a blessed week!   

Janice

Janice Moore
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

(APMI)

On Thursday 1^st May, we are holding our very first Courage Day. This day will support a term focus on being courageous, one of our core values. On this day, we are having a short morning assembly at 8:45 am, with Year 3F introducing Courage Day and our school value ‘We are Courageous’. There will be no awards at this assembly.

Being courageous highlights the importance of bravery
in all aspects of life—whether that’s standing up for what’s right,
facing challenges head-on, or simply stepping out of one’s comfort zone. St Bernadette is quoted saying that ‘If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces … never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.’ Everyone needs to be courageous at some point in their lives. Courage is a critical trait for personal growth, and encouraging students to embrace it helps build resilience, confidence and a willingness to take risks in the pursuit of their goals, in and outside the classroom.  

On this day, we will also launch Be Safe – Follow the Five. We want our students to know what unsafe behaviours are, know strategies to follow if it happens, and that they are not alone in dealing with it, there will always be school staff and their parents to help them. Through Courage Day, teachers will talk through, and teach, about the impacts of unsafe behaviours. They will use everyday scenarios to discuss how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other. Teachers will reinforce that unsafe behaviours are never okay, but if they find themselves in this situation, they can follow the five to respond to these unsafe behaviours.

Courage Day is sure to be a wonderful day within our school community.

Upcoming Dates

Congratulations & Best Wishes

Best wishes to the following students who will be attending DDSS trials as members of West Zone teams:

• Saxon Barlett – DDSS Basketball Trials
• Matthew Denny – DDSS Hockey Trials

Good luck to the 16 students who will represent OLOL at the West Zone Cross Country trials in Wk2 along with Bethany Connelly and Sarah Byrnes who will be attending the TSS Girls Football Trials.

OLOL P-6 Cross Country (rescheduled)

Date:     Wednesday 14 May

Venue: Newtown Park

Travel: Students will walk to and from Newtown Park in class groups.

Event Timetable & Formats

9:00am Prep - Grade 2 Fun Run

10:00am Grade 3-6 Competitive Cross-Country Event

OLOL Netball

Netball training with St Ursula's College will recommence in Wk2 (Mon 28 April) at the Salo Centre from 3:30-4:30pm.

Further dates include:

Wk3: No training due to Labor Day

Wk4: Training - Monday 12 May 3:30-4:30

Wk5: Queensland Cup Primary Schools Carnival (Mon 19 May) Venue: Downey Park Netball Courts, Windsor.

Training will continue every Monday after this Carnival (starting 26 May) as the team works towards the Catholic Education Carnival on Thursday 31 July.

Athletics Preparation Sessions

To assist with the Athletics Carnival preparation and improve student’s athletic skills, we will be hosting preparation sessions for Yr3-6 classes in Week’s 2-5 at Newtown Oval and on the OLOL Oval. Dates are as follows:

Weeks 2 & 4 – Year 5-6                   

Weeks 3 & 5 – Year 3-4

Students will be required to wear their school sport uniform and bring a hat and water bottle. Please note these sessions are 2hrs in duration including the teacher supervised walk to and from Newtown Park.

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, 2014 or 2015. Strict nomination requirements apply, and it is at the sole discretion of the school to decide whether to nominate individual students. OLOL will also host trials for sports which have multiple students seeking to nominate to attend the TPSS or DDSS trials. All trials will be advertised by email to parents, on assembly and in PE lessons, and posted on the Sports Board outside the Hall. The trials listed below are either yet to be advertised or have been advertised and the nomination window is still open.

     *Please note that the dates below are subject to change.

Concerns and Questions

If you have any future questions or concerns, always feel free to contact me. I am very keen to ensure we maintain a high level of communication and give every possible opportunity for students to play, enjoy, and learn in a friendly, safe, positive, and inclusive environment. Please note that I do not work at OLOL on Mondays except for occasional Sporting School lessons, however I am still available to be contacted to ensure I can support and assist in any way possible.

Richard Duggdale
PE Teacher

Read More in May!

We have many events and activities happening in May during National Family Reading Month. NATIONAL FAMILY READING MONTH is an initiative that represents literacy being the key to learning and achievement. We believe that all children, with the help of their families and reading role models, can benefit from a lifelong love of reading. During May we encourage families to read together on a regular basis to create strong reading habits.

That is why we’re asking you to take the 31 Day Challenge —to inspire you to make reading together for at least 10 minutes every day a focus, to create positive, long lasting reading habits and lifelong readers!

What do you need to do?

1. Get an entry form – from school or print your own below
2. Read each day in May and colour in a picture for each day you read
3. Write the title, author and page numbers of each of the books you read
4. Parents, please sign the form when it is time to return it – forms are due by June 3rd
5. Return your form to your class teacher or to Mrs Leathart in the Library

All students who return their form will be entered in the DRAW to win a $25 Book Voucher!

All students who return their filled in form will receive a participation certificate. Parents, if your child needs more to read, please drop by and loan an additional 10 items for your family. Opening times are outlined below.

National Simultaneous Storytime - May 21^st

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual event organized by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Each year, a picture book by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, and homes across the country to promote the value of reading and literacy. The event aims to engage children and communities in a fun and educational shared reading experience. This year we will be sharing ‘The Truck Cat’ by Deborah Frenkel.

Book Fair

Each year in May we hold a Scholastic Book Fair right here in the library to promote reading and literacy among our students. The fair offers a wide selection of books across various genres, allowing students to explore and purchase books they are interested in. We earn points for every purchase made and we invest these “book dollars” back into the library. We appreciate your support and cannot wait to see you at Book Fair.  

Step into Soties May Author Visits

Cristy Burne May 15^th - Year 5&6

Cristy Burne is an award-winning Australian author, STEM journalist, and speaker known for her dynamic blend of science, storytelling, and creativity. With a background in biotechnology and science communication, Cristy has authored 15 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels. Cristy is passionate about inspiring curiosity and innovation, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for readers of all ages 

Kylie Howarth May 15^{th -} Year 4

Kylie Howarth is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator from Perth, Australia. Known for her vibrant and engaging picture books, Kylie draws inspiration from her adventurous experiences with wildlife and her creative art sessions with her two young children. Her works, such as "Fish Jam" and "Koala’s stole my Undies," are celebrated for their lively illustrations and playful storytelling. 

Gabriel Evans May 13^{th -} Year 3

Gabriel Evans is a talented Australian children's book author and illustrator from Western Australia. Known for his charming and whimsical illustrations, Gabriel has created numerous picture books that have been shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia's Picture Book of the Year award. His works, such as "Norton and the Bear" and "Ollie and Augustus," are celebrated for their engaging storytelling and delightful artwork. Gabriel's creative process often involves working with watercolour and pencil, bringing a unique and captivating style to his books.

AccessIt

Did you know you can access our Library Catalogue any place, anytime! Scan the QR Code below or go to https://au.accessit.online/ORL13. Check out the link to Wheelers eBooks for great new titles and decodable readers, delivered straight to your device. Students will need their school email address and password to access titles.

Library Opening Times

Chess

Chess Lessons began on Tuesday. Lessons run each Tuesday morning in the Library from 7:45am until 8:30am. Mr Les Lord teaches our students Chess rules and lots of handy hints and tips. This is a paid extracurricular activity. If your child is interested but you missed the cut off via Sentral please contact: Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au

Book Club

Issue 2 Orders have been delivered. Due to Book Fair, we will not be running Issue 3.  Please email queries about Book Club to Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au

Happy Reading! Mrs Leathart, Mrs Monte and Mrs Kemp.

Mrs Leathart & Mrs Monte