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It is with deep sorrow and reverence that we join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. His life was a radiant example of compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. As the first pope from the Americas and a tireless advocate for the poor, the marginalised, and the environment, Pope Francis inspired a renewed vision of a Church that walks with all people in love and mercy.
At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, we have often looked to Pope Francis as a model of servant leadership and a voice for peace and justice in our world. Whether through his gentle outreach to children, his call to care for our common home, or his courage in bridging divisions within the Church, he reminded us that faith is not only believed but lived — through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and hope.
In our classrooms and prayer services over the past two weeks, we take time to reflect on Pope Francis’ legacy, offering prayers of gratitude for his life and for the eternal rest of his soul. We invite you to join us at home by sharing your favorite words or moments from his papacy with your children, and by praying together as a family for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this time of transition for our Church.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Many Blessings,
Jo Desailly
Dear Families
Welcome to Term 2!
We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and refreshing break over the Easter holidays. It’s wonderful to see our students return with such enthusiasm and energy, ready to take on the opportunities and learning ahead.
This term is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting one, with many special events, liturgies, and learning experiences planned across all year levels. From ANZAC Day commemorations to our Sacramental Program and sporting events, there are plenty of ways for students and families to stay engaged and connected.
We look forward to another term of growth, learning, and community at Lourdes. Thank you for your continued support.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis was a true inspiration to people around the world and a living example of Jesus’ message of love, compassion, and humility. Through his words and actions, he reminded us to care for the poor, protect creation, and welcome others with kindness. His deep faith and gentle leadership touched the hearts of many, and his legacy will continue to guide us in living out the Gospel each day. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
ANZAC DAY
On Monday, our school gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day. Thank you to Fr Jomi, the staff and the Year 6 children for leading the liturgy.
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to our school community for their commitment and participation in this year's ANZAC Day ceremonies. The commemoration of ANZAC Day is a significant event in our nation's history, and it is heartening to see so many of our staff, students and their families taking part in the day's ceremonies.
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day
for the peace and security we enjoy,
which was won for us through the courage and devotion
of those who gave their lives in time of war.
We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain,
but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come.
That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve
may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life
for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
School Masses - Term 2
Next term, our school masses will be on the following dates:
- Week 3 - 9th May - 8:45 am
- Week 8 - 6th June - 8:45 am
- Week 10 - 26th June - 8:45 am
May is the Month of Mary
May is traditionally dedicated to honouring and seeking the intercession of Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. Mary is Mother—your mother, my mother, everyone’s mother – and because she cares for all of us day in and day out without fail, she intercedes for us in even the tiniest matters.
Hail, holy Queen,
Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve:
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus,
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary!
Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 11
On Sunday, May 11, we celebrate Mother’s Day — a special opportunity to recognise and thank all the wonderful mums, grandmothers, nonnas, and significant women who play such an important role in the lives of our students and school community.
We are truly grateful for the love, support, and care you give so generously. You are the heart of our families and an integral part of our Lourdes community.
As we prepare to mark this special day, let it also remind us to show appreciation for our parents and carers, not only on Mother’s Day, but every day.
Wishing all our mums and mother figures a joyful and love-filled day this Sunday.
Blessings for a wonderful week ahead!
Moris
ANZAC Day 2025
2025 Cross Country Fun! 
Congratulations to O’Connor House (Gold) for taking out the win with 136 points, with Ryan House (Blue) hot on their heels with 101 points!
#CrossCountry2025 #SchoolSpirit #WellDoneEveryone
Futsal Trials! 
URStrong - April Theme - Empathy
April 2024 – As we focus on empathy this month, it’s important to consider the developmental stages of those gorgeous growing brains in our schools.
By the age 3 or 4, children begin to develop cognitive empathy – an ability to see & understand things from another’s perspective. This is sometimes called “Theory of Mind” (ToM), which is the ability to explain, predict, and interpret behaviour.
Empathy strengthens & fine-tunes as a child grows and matures cognitively and socially. And while preschoolers can share & cooperate & give hugs when they see someone is sad, it is not until the age of 7 or 8 that they can really consider who is to blame for the Friendship Fire® . This level of empathy & ToM is necessary for a child to differentiate between a Friendship Fire and Mean-on-Purpose, as this requires the capacity to consider & attribute intent in conflict. It requires a child to predict how their friend was feeling!
Was their friend joking or being sarcastic? Was their friend possibly feeling jealous & left-out, which is why they said the things they did? Was the Friendship Fire an unresolved issue from before? Was it a total misunderstanding? These complex considerations in understanding others takes time to develop.
The good news is that empathy can be developed! In our Friendology friendship skills curriculum for URSTRONG Schools, we meet students where they are at developmentally. Our curriculum has been very intentionally designed as a progressive learning model, building on skills as students learn and grow.
In Friendology, students role-play scenarios and get better at de-escalating their Friendship Fires®. Through explicit instruction & discussion, they get better at predicting and understanding how their friends feel. Perspective-taking starts to become a default setting, as they learn to put themselves in their friend’s shoes. In fact, our culminating project called, Friendology Shoecase, “ties” it altogether!
Written by: Dana Kerford
Founder & Friendship Expert
Week 2
| PREP A | Oliver Craig, Paige Sellwood |
| PREP B | Beaud Dametto, Lyla Mastrippolito |
| 1A | Harry Irvin, Nova Guandalini |
| 1B | Miller Hanson, William Celotto |
| 2A | Will Seri, Huxley Beatts, Angela Li |
| 2B | Heidi Accornero, Sophie Solari |
| 3A | Carter Hallam, Edie Monro |
| 3B | Drew Accendere, Michael Solari |
| 4A | Ollivia Briggs, Jake Petersen |
| 4B | Lucy Egan, Amelia Skinner |
| 5A | Zara Drew, Klara Osterberger |
| 5B | Tilda Pollock, Liam Venturato |
| 6A | Romeo Reitano, Lani Cockburn |
| 6B | Jamii-Lee Richmond, Brayden Roveglia |
Ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and families during drop-off and pick-up times is our top priority. In the past few weeks we have noticed an increase in unsafe actions at pick-up time particularly. To help maintain a smooth and secure process, we kindly ask for your cooperation in following these important guidelines:
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures:
- Please use designated drop-off and pick-up areas only.
- Please do not exit your vehicles in the 'Quick Pick Up' area (which is temporarily out the front of the school).
- Pull forward to keep traffic flowing.
- Please wait your turn, do not pull in front of other cars.
- Do not block crosswalks or double park.
- Please refrain from being on your phone whilst waiting for your turn in the pick up line.
Pedestrian Safety:
- Always use designated crossings and follow the directions of staff and safety volunteers.
- Do not walk in between cars in the 'Quick Pick Up' area.
- Hold your child’s hand when crossing the street.
Patience & Courtesy:
- Follow all speed limits and traffic signs.
- Be mindful of our staff and fellow parents—safety comes first!
Your cooperation helps keep our school community safe and ensures a smooth transition for all families. Thank you for your attention to these guidelines and helping us create a safe environment for our students.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.
