APRE's Report
Dear Families,
A warm welcome back to the 2025 school year, and a special welcome to our Prep families and new families joining Our Lady of Lourdes. We hope you experience the warmth, welcome, and community spirit that our school is well known for. Despite the challenges we’ve faced with the recent flooding, our community has shown incredible resilience, and we are excited to embark on another year of learning together.
Although some of our plans were delayed, today we were finally able to officially welcome our new students and their families at our Welcome Assembly. It was wonderful to see so many family members and friends join us for this special occasion.
We are also looking forward to our first school Mass, which will take place on Friday, February 28, at 8:40 am. This will be an opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the induction of our school leaders. All families are warmly invited to attend.
Mass Days Term 1 Dates
Week 5: Wednesday, 28 February.................School Mass (Student Leader Induction)
Week 6: Wednesday, 01 March…………….. Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Week 8: Monday, 18 March ......................... School Mass (St Patrick’s Day)
Week 10: Friday, 04 April …………………… School Mass
Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
February 11th is a special day for our school as we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, a time to reflect on faith, devotion, and the Mercy Charism that shapes our community. Students have been learning about the significance of our school’s name and the inspiring story of Saint Bernadette, whose unwavering faith changed many lives. Lourdes remains a place where pilgrims find renewed faith and a call to serve others, reminding us of the profound impact of belief and compassion. As the introduction to The Song of Bernadette beautifully states: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.” To learn more about Bernadette’s story, visit http://www.loyolapress.com/saints-stories-for-kids.htm?cId=403415.
Sacramental Program - Reconciliation
Due to recent weather events, the dates for the Rite of Welcome, Reconciliation Preparation Lessons, and the Sacrament of First Reconciliation have been rescheduled. The Rite of Welcome will now take place next weekend (22/23 February) at all Masses in St Patrick’s Church, Ingham—Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 8:30 a.m., and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. First Reconciliation Sacramental Lessons will commence the week of 24 February, with sessions held on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in Mercy Hall, Abbott Street. The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 1st, at 7:00 p.m. in St Patrick’s Church.
As we embark on the term ahead, may our school community move forward with resilience, strength, and a renewed sense of unity.
We give you praise, O God,
for everything new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers.
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
Amen.
God Bless,
Moris Gori