Dear Our Lady of Lourdes Community,

As we reflect on the past few weeks, I want to take a moment to commend and celebrate the resilience, strength, and spirit of our school community. The recent flooding presented challenges, but together, we have navigated these obstacles with determination and faith. I am incredibly proud of how we have supported one another and continued to thrive as a school family.

The past fortnight has been filled with wonderful celebrations and milestones. Our Welcome Assembly was a heartwarming occasion, bringing together students, staff, and families in the spirit of unity, welcoming our newest members of our school community. The Induction Mass was a beautiful reminder of our shared faith and the leadership within our school. We also presented our very first Lighthouse Awards, recognising the outstanding efforts and achievements of our students. Congratulations to all our recipients!

This week, we embarked on our Lenten journey with meaningful events. Our Shrove Tuesday Breakfast Club was a fantastic way to gather in fellowship before the solemnity of Ash Wednesday. Our Ash Wednesday liturgy provided a reflective space for our community as we enter this sacred season of preparation and renewal.

Looking ahead, our Year 3 and 5 students will begin their NAPLAN testing next week. We wish them all the best and encourage them to do their very best while remembering that their abilities extend far beyond any test results.

In the coming weeks, we have several significant events to look forward to. Our first FACE and Board Meeting will provide an opportunity for collaboration and planning, ensuring our school continues to grow and flourish. We are also excited to host our first Family BBQ of the year, a wonderful occasion to strengthen our bonds as a school community.

Additionally, we have some exciting updates regarding our school grounds. Our demolition project is nearly complete, and restoration work has begun. We anticipate that new turf will be laid next week, bringing us one step closer to providing more play space for our students by the end of this term. This progress is a testament to our commitment to providing a vibrant and safe environment for our children.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and dedication to Our Lady of Lourdes. Together, we are building a strong, faith-filled community that overcomes challenges and celebrates each other’s successes.

Blessings,

Jo Desailly
Principal

Dear Families, 

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity at Our Lady of Lourdes, with students engaged in learning, events, and the daily rhythm of school life. As we settle into the term, this week marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation. It is a time to pause, refocus, and consider how we can grow in faith and kindness. May this Lenten journey be a meaningful one for our school community.  #LentBegins #FaithInAction

Shrove Tuesday

During Breakfast Club, our students enjoyed delicious pancakes as we marked Shrove Tuesday, the traditional feast day before the season of Lent begins. 

Shrove Tuesday is a time for preparation, reflection, and giving, reminding us of the importance of kindness, gratitude, and community. It was wonderful to see so many happy faces as we shared this special tradition together! Thank you to Mrs. Giliberto, our chaplain and breakfast coordinator, and her amazing helpers for the fantastic job they do each week!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special time when we prepare our hearts for Easter by becoming closer to God. This year is also a Year of Jubilee—a time to remember God’s love for everyone, apologise for our mistakes and start fresh. Ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross symbolise our belonging to God, expressing our remorse for past wrongs and our readiness to start anew with Jesus’ assistance. Thanks to Father John, the staff, and the students who participated in the liturgy. 

Project Compassion

Project Compassion inspires communities to come together to raise much-needed funds for the most vulnerable women, children and men in Australia and worldwide. Over the coming weeks, the school is raising money for Project Compassion. Each child from Prep to 6 should have brought a Project Compassion Box home.  Here are two ideas for children to raise funds for their box at home:

• Donating their frozen cup/tuckshop money 
• Donating money earned from chores around the house

First Week of Lent  (week beginning Monday 10th March)

This Lent, we’re invited to Unite Against Poverty with Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This year is especially significant as we celebrate the Jubilee Year - a time of renewal and solidarity.

Project Compassion 2025 shares three stories from around the world. We’ll meet Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a young student from Samoa who faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her school now has a 10,000 L water tank improving hygiene and allowing the teachers to prioritise education.

We’ll get to know Lam from Vietnam, born with short stature, Lam faced social exclusion and limited employment opportunities – through the I-SHINE program, Lam is now a freelance graphic designer.

In addition, we’ll meet Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who faced immense challenges after losing her father to war and raising her children in poverty. With support from Caritas Australia, Irene received vocational training in sewing and farming and can now support her whole family.

Watch our Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE - be inspired by 3 powerful stories of resilience and strength, and learn the impact that your support can have on vulnerable communities around the world.

                                                 Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Holy Spirit Catholic School’s Generous Book Donation

A heartfelt thank you to Holy Spirit Catholic School for their generous donation of $1,000 worth of reading books to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School to support families affected by the recent flooding. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in the lives of our students, bringing comfort and joy through the gift of reading. We are truly grateful for your support during this challenging time. #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #FaithInAction

Have a wonderful week!

A Lenten Prayer 

Faithful God, 

help us to listen to your Son Jesus

 as we journey through life. 

Help us to always seek your presence each day

 with sincere hearts.

  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen. 

God Bless

Moris

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Upcoming NAPLAN Testing

As we approach that time of the year again, I  would like to inform you about the upcoming NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing for our students. NAPLAN is an important tool used to assess students' literacy and numeracy skills in Australia, and we are committed to ensuring that our students are well-prepared and supported throughout this process.

What is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a series of assessments for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It evaluates students' abilities in:

• Writing 
• Reading
• Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) 
• Numeracy (mathematics)

The tests provide valuable insights into students' progress and help guide future learning and teaching strategies.

When is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN testing will take place in our classrooms from Wednesday, 12th March, to Tuesday, 18th March. Please ensure your child is prepared for the testing days by arriving on time. Breakfast will be provided on the days of testing from 8:00am-8:30 am.

How Can You Support Your Child?

While NAPLAN is an important assessment, it is also essential that students approach it with a calm mindset. Here are a few ways you can support your child during this time:

1. Encourage Relaxation: Help your child stay calm and positive. NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test but rather an opportunity to assess strengths and areas for growth.
   
   
2. Ensure Adequate Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the tests. A well-rested child is more focused and able to perform their best.
   
   
3. Healthy Breakfast: Our Chaplain, Mrs Kym Giliberto, has organised for our Year 3 and 5 students to have breakfast each day before testing begins.
   
   

What If My Child Is Unwell or Unable to Attend?

If your child is unwell on the day of testing, please notify the school as soon as possible. We will arrange a catch up test for your child.

Final Thoughts

We understand that NAPLAN can cause some anxiety for both students and parents, but it is important to remember that it is just one part of the learning journey. It helps us identify areas where students need additional support and provides valuable data to inform teaching practices.

We appreciate your continued support in helping your child to feel confident and ready for the tests. Together, we can ensure that they approach NAPLAN with a positive mindset and perform to the best of their abilities.

Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact myself at the school office.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child's education.

Sarah