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Mrs Janice Moore / Ms Angela Gilbert / Mrs Sarah Jackman
Mr Garry Birch / Mr Chris Golightly
Dear Parents
Wow! What a year. We certainly won’t forget 2020 in a hurry. But we got through it and I believe we are stronger for it.
I need to acknowledge the tremendous work of our teachers and support staff who have done an amazing job in ensuring quality teaching and learning opportunities continued even during the difficult period of home schooling. To you, the parents, well done! You were called on to take on home schooling, provide additional support and co-operate with many changes to our normal routine. I cannot thank you enough for your efforts during this extra-ordinary year. The continued culture of parent support for our teachers is paramount for ongoing success. Without your assistance, we would not be able to achieve the high standards which currently exist. In many ways it has been a very successful year and I am most proud of the children’s efforts in persevering through adversity.
The final few weeks of the school year is a crazy time not only in schools but in all aspects of our lives. End of year assessment & reporting, excursions, Graduation, farewells, carnivals, staffing, budgets and planning for the impending holidays and Christmas, swamp us at a time when our energies may be low and many of us feel we are running on empty.
At the end of each term, especially Term 4, we are more likely to be sensitive, a little ‘thin skinned’ and emotional because we are run down and in need of that well-earned break, we shouldn’t be surprised. The same thing happens at this time every year. The important thing is how we all, parents, teachers and students respond to this challenge.
Monitoring our talk and our sensitivity are particularly important at this time of the year. We are far more susceptible to allowing irritations that would not normally have an effect to get to us. Our resistance is low, and we are vulnerable to both attack from outside and poor decisions within. Now is the time to watch our words, resist the temptation to ‘shoot from the hip’ and make decisions on the run. It is the time when things get us down, to take that deep breath and a moment to reflect on the real importance of the issue at hand. It is when times are tough that reputations are truly made. A harsh or insensitive word to someone can undermine our good work in building relationships throughout the year. It is important to be aware of our moods and on guard to think before we act.
Remember back to the start of the year. Most of us start the year with energy and vigour. We were rejuvenated by the break and were ready to put all our energies into being as effective as we possibly could. The old adage ‘beginners are many, finishers are few’ is worth remembering. It is important to finish strong, or as I like to say…we all need to aim to be 80 minute players. Whilst our reserves may be running low, it is vital to remain focused and finish the year well. Our credibility in the eyes of others is based on results and our ability to complete our projects, meet deadlines and follow tasks through to completion.
“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” [Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO Amazon]
Stephen Covey, the author of the book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” talks about when world-class marathon runners ‘hit the wall’ and they feel like they can’t go on, instead of focusing on their exhaustion and how tired they are feeling and going into the ‘survival shuffle’, they lift up their head and pick up the pace.
The end of term is near but there are still lots to do. Let’s do them in a spirit of co-operation and as always…let’s do them to the very best of our ability and do them well.
Farewell Fabulous Year 6 Students
One of the sadder parts of the end of each school year is that it is time to bid farewell to our senior students. Now is usually the time to reflect on their journey through primary school. Over the next couple of weeks, there will be number of things they will do for the very last time and hopefully this will spark many treasured memories of their time here at Our Lady of Lourdes. They have all been great ambassadors for their school, families and have been a credit to themselves in what they have achieved, especially in their final year.
As a school, we take time to celebrate and reflect on their journey at two very special occasions. Last week the Year 6 students did a fantastic job at hosting the final assembly which provided a glimpse of their time here as Lourdes kids.
On Tuesday 1st December, at 6:30 p.m. a Graduation Mass will be held in their honour. This is always a very special occasion for the children and their families. It also gives us the opportunity to say thank you to the contribution of those families who finish their time here upon the Graduation of their youngest child.
Farewell
We also will be sadly bidding farewell to Mr. Steven Shoebridge at the end of this term. Steve has been a valued member of the Lourdes staff for the past 8 years. His contribution to the culture of the school and impact on student academic and social wellbeing has been outstanding and I sincerely thank him for all that he has done for the betterment of the school. We will certainly miss Steve being part of the Lourdes team but do wish him well as he takes up a new position at Education Queensland’s West Toowoomba Special Education Unit.
Mrs. Annie Roberts who has been teaching Year 3MR this year will not be returning in 2021. Not that she doesn’t like it here, but Annie has a pretty good excuse in that she will be busily preparing for the arrival of her second child early in the year. On behalf of the school community, I not only thank Annie for her wonderful efforts teaching Year 3 but of course extend our congratulations and best wishes.
Miss Tilly Hose, who has been a valuable addition to our staff in the role of teacher aide this semester. Even though Tilly has only been here a relatively short time, she has quickly developed a wonderful rapport with the students and staff. Tilly has finished her Teaching degree and has accepted a position at Holy Name School in 2021. Congratulations and best wishes for your future teaching career.
Prep Christmas Concert
Our only Christmas concert for 2020 will be performed by our wonderful Prep classes in the hall next Monday 30th November at 2:30pm. This is always a very special event and I am very much looking forward to seeing them on stage.
Swimming Carnival
Our annual swimming carnival will be held on Wednesday 2nd December for all students in Grades 3 to 6 at the Glennie Pool. All students need to be dropped directly to the Glennie Pool by 8:30 a.m. and picked up from the pool at 3:00pm. After school care students will be accompanied back to school following the completion of the carnival. If you plan to collect your child from the pool at any stage of the day, please ensure you inform your child’s teacher or the house marshall at the carnival. Mrs Salisbury has forwarded home information about the carnival in the newsletter for several weeks. It is expected that all students attend the carnival and compete in at least one event. The children are permitted to wear coloured clothes which represent their respective house colour and remember unfortunately no spectators are permitted inside the Glennie Pool complex during the carnival.
Tuckshop
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mrs Teagan Harch and all who have assisted with the tuckshop throughout the year. The tuckshop provides a wonderful service to the students and staff of the school. Thank you for all the hard work you have put in. We really do appreciate all that you have done throughout the year.
Clothing Pool
A big thank you as well is extended to Mrs. Alana Brown for convening the clothing pool. This is another invaluable service and the voluntary time Alana and other parent helpers put in is greatly appreciated.
Class Placements 2021
Classes for 2021 have been finalised. No further requests are able to be considered. I’m sure you would appreciate the difficulty involved in accommodating ongoing requests. All families will be notified of which class their child is in during the last week of term. Placement of students in classes involves input from their current Teachers, Learning Support Teachers and school leadership team members. Several considerations are taken into account, the main one being an individual student’s academic interests. Other factors include a balance in each class in the number of boys and girls, number of students requiring additional support, friendship groups and best fit for positive relationships within the classroom. The best thing is that all our Teachers are first class, and all give more than 100% to create the best possible learning environments for their students.
2021 Teaching Staff
We are currently in the process of appointing an additional teacher for the 2021 school year. This should be finalized by the end of the week. I will then be able to announce the full staff and class list via email early next week.
2021 Booklists
Next year’s booklist requirements will be forwarded home next week. If you do not receive one by next Friday, please contact the school. Before you do though, it might pay to check your child’s bag or desk!! Once again, Browns Bookstore is providing a great service to the families of OLOL. Please ensure that you utilize this service. Not only does it take the headache out of shopping around for individual items, but it also ensures all children in a particular year level have exactly what is needed for the new school year. Students who do not have the necessary items or bring along different books, stationery etc., places the student at a disadvantage and can prove very frustrating for teachers.
Books & Stationary Drop Off
On Thursday 21st January, parents are invited to drop book list items off if they wish to their children’s classrooms from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Due to the amount of professional development sessions during the pupil free days, this will be the only time available for parents to drop off these items prior to the commencement of the 2021 school year on Wednesday 27th January.
Uniform
Another reminder to please consult the school’s uniform policy prior to purchasing any new items over the upcoming holidays, especially joggers for which are to be worn on Phys. Ed. Days and every Friday. The policy can be found in the school calendar and on the website. Please pay particular attention to... fluro shoes or laces are not permitted. Your assistance and co-operation in abiding by school rules and policies will be greatly appreciated.
Outstanding School Fees
It is most important that your prompt attention to ensure all outstanding school fee invoices are paid by the end of 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. Your support in paying your fees and levies in full will greatly assist the school to continue to provide and upgrade school and classroom resources.
End of Year Mass
Our school year will conclude with our traditional end of year Mass. This special celebration will be held in the hall at 12:00 p.m. on Friday 4th December. This Mass will be just for the students and staff only. Parents may wish to take or organise for their child to be collected from school following the Mass at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Holiday Office Hours
The school administration will remain open for enquiries over the Christmas holidays except for the period of time from the 24th December to 1st January 2021. Holiday office hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thank You
Thank you as well to all our parents for your continued support of our school. The building and maintaining of positive relationships with the teachers makes a big difference. We really do appreciate all the assistance and look forward to renewing the strong partnership in 2021.
A special mention must go out to all the families who sadly end their time at OLOL with the departure of their youngest child in Year 6. Over the years many of you have been ardent supporters of the school and have effectively contributed to the building of a strong and positive school culture. For that I am most grateful and hope you leave us with many treasured memories.
To Fr. Quinlan and the parish community, your ongoing support and guidance has again been well received. The strong relationship which exists between the school and parish also contributes to the ongoing success of both communities. Thank you.
Finally, to the P&F, Tuckshop, School Board, volunteers and Parish…you have once again been fantastic. You all play a crucial role in our continual success.
Make sure you all have a safe and restful holiday and I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Chris
School Banking
School banking has now been finalised for 2020. There will be no school banking until 2021.
Artwork
We currently have displayed in the office some absoutely wonderful artwork, created by our Year 5 students. Please feel free to drop in and admire their amazing work.
2020 Reflection
What an incredible year we have just had and what an amazing accomplishment for our staff, students and families to overcome change, challenge and COVID. There have been trying circumstances throughout the year, yet our community has pulled together to continue the teaching and learning.
The teaching of both the learning area subject content and the dispositions and traits of a learner and a global citizen has been fantastic and will continue to enrich the lives of our young Lourdes Learners that come through our gates each school day. I certainly commend the work of our tremendous teachers and support staff. Despite any circumstance that have come their way, staff have remained professional and encouraging for the benefit of the young learners in our school and for the benefit of each other’s wellbeing.
Numeracy Lighthouse Project
Our Numeracy Lighthouse Project has come to the end of a three-year action research initiative of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. Throughout the past three years our teachers have undergone professional development to explore effective ways of teaching and learning Numeracy and maximising impact of learning by making the thinking and learning visible in classrooms.
Teachers have explored the use of Learning Journals, Number Talks, problem solving strategies, visualising Maths concepts, collaborative groupwork, investigative real-life tasks and valuing mistakes as an opportunity to learn. Innovatively, teachers have created METS (Maths, English/ Engineering, Technology and Science) units to engage students in their learning and to inspire critical and creative thinking.
The growth of our teachers collaborating and learning together has made a tremendous impact on student learning across the school, as evidenced recently in the gathering of student voice and data on the perceptions of Maths. Despite the challenges and changes to ways of learning throughout the year and particularly Term Two, our teachers and students have made fabulous progress.
There have also been wonderful opportunities to collaborate and learn alongside teachers from other Lighthouse schools. Our students have also had opportunities to learn with students from other schools. Recently our Year 6 students participated in a STEM showcase morning and learnt about the Design Thinking Process and STEM tools that ignite thinking and learning. A big thank you to St Saviour’s for organising the event for us.
Reports
In the previous newsletter I shared the reporting grades and definitions. An example of the 'C' definition is below:
Evidence of the student's work typically demonstrates that the student has the targeted knowledge and
- expected conceptual understanding
- expected application of skills
- they are able to transfer the above to familiar situations
Therefore, the 'C' result in any learning area subject is the expected result. For further clarification, the following list provides definitions of other key terms you will read in the report card:
Evidence- a range of information that teachers collect including data, work samples, digital media, teacher notes, formal assessment tasks.
Typically- allows for those students who may not have displayed this during a particular assessment task, but it is evident in their work with the frequency required within this grade. There are a range of opportunities provided to demonstrate student learning to obtain the reported grade and is not limited to one test or one assignment.
Conceptual Understanding- a connected web of knowledge, rich in relationships and understanding and must be learned by thoughtful, mental activity
Sophistication- employing advanced or refined concepts
Skills: these are often what students need to be able to do, for example, creating texts, asking questions, re-reading and editing, summarising, counting etc.
Transfer: the ability of a student to take their current knowledge, skills and understandings and apply this into a new scenario and/or different context; the ability to think about their thinking (metacognition) and reflect on their learning and understanding
Happy Holidays
As this is our last newsletter for the year, I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas holiday and a rejuvenating break ready for another tremendous year of teaching and learning in 2021.
Thanks for reading,
Miranda
Assistant Principal
miranda.murray@twb.catholic.edu.au
Faith & Religious Education News
Last Thursday we had our final assembly where the Year 6 students shared their thoughts and memories about their time at OLOL –The Year 6 students have certainly grown, matured and become true examples of followers of the Lourdes Way who are CALLed to Think! - Everyone enjoyed their memory skits, their poise and sense of fun – We thank Miss Byrne (the Year 6’s Year 1 teacher) for her wonderful compilation video. Congratulations also to our worthy academic award winners from Year 5 and 6.
Prep will share their Christmas Story Concert on Monday 30th November at 2.00pm in the Hall – Parents of Prep are welcome.
Please continue to send in gift cards for our Mini Vinnies Christmas Collection. We will give these to our St Vincent De Paul Chapter for distribution amongst the less fortunate in our parish community.
Our classes will be holding End of Year prayer celebrations – Please keep an eye out for dates and times over this next week.
The Year 6 Graduation Mass is on Tuesday, 1st December in the OLOL Hall starting at 6:30 pm. Children wear their smart formal summer uniform with black shoes.
Our OLOL End of Year Mass will be on Friday, 4th December at 12 noon in the school hall. Unfortunately, due to Covid19 restrictions, this Mass is limited to students and staff. If you choose to take your children home after Mass – please let your classroom teacher know.
We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and we look forward to the renewal of 2021.
Have a great week!
Janice
Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE)
Prep
We are nearly at the end of Prep and what a great year it has been. At this time of year it is lovely to reflect on the progress of each child, both socially and academically. It is also a little sad as we farewell our Prep friends to Year 1. Yesterday, the Preps spent the morning in the Year 1 classrooms for Step Up Day. They had a great time and showed us they are more than ready for the new challenges that lie ahead.
A few reminders for the following week
Monday – Prep Liturgy 2:30pm in the hall. It would be lovely to see all parents.
Wednesday – Prep visit to Newtown Park
Thursday – Gymnastics Excursion
Friday – Final Mass at 12.00pm.
Finally, thanks to all parents for your support and generosity throughout the year. The partnership between school and home is of utmost importance and helps set your child up for success. It has been a pleasure watching your children grow and blossom into Lourdes Learners. Merry Christmas and have a safe holiday.
Liz and Melita
Year 1
Welcome to week 8!
We have finished all our units of work and are starting to unwind from a somewhat busy term. Now it is time for some Christmas fun! Both classes are enjoying learning about the Symbols of Christmas and making and creating in Santa’s Workshops. Our end of year liturgy is on Tuesday 1st December, commencing at 9.30am and concluding with a play and shared morning tea at Newtown Park. We are looking forward to our trip to All Stars for Gymnastics on Thursday 3rd December.
From all of us in Grade 1, we’d like to thank you all for your ongoing support this year and wish you an enjoyable Christmas and holiday.
Jen and Ange
Year 2
In Year 2 this week we are all starting to wind down and enjoy some Christmas activities. We are busy exploring some different versions of the Christmas Nativity story. This Thursday in Year 2 we are very excited about our upcoming trip to Allstars Gymnastics. It is very important that every child bring a water bottle because there is no access to bubblers and some us were very thirsty last time. Students may wear their sports uniform on the day.
This Friday is our Christmas Liturgy which is being held in the hall commencing at midday. Please let us know if your child won’t be at school that day. It would be lovely to see as many parents attending as possible. Our Secret Santa gifts are due this Friday so please send them in wrapped and write the child’s name who is receiving the gift on the front.
Next week we have our excursion to The Strand Cinema to see ‘The Star’. Students may wear their full summer uniform. It is going to be so exciting!
On the last day of term parents are welcome to collect their child after Mass at around 1.00pm.
From all of us in Year 2 we would like to thank all of our families for your support and encouragement this year. It has been a privilege working with your beautiful children and despite the Covid challenges along the way we have all thoroughly enjoyed the year!
Merry Christmas and have a safe a happy holiday!
Warm Regards
Dennielle, Allyson, Sarah, Aleisha and Megan
Year 3
Welcome to Week 8! It is hard to believe the year is almost over. Today we shared our end-of-term prayer and played our Maths board games. We thank everyone for coming along to pray and play with us.
It’s Pizza lunch on Friday 27th November. We hope you got your order in!
Next Monday we go to the Movies to watch “The Star” We will be leaving school in the morning and should be back in the middle session. We thank Mrs Davis for organising this end of year treat!
It’s the OLOL Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 2nd December. Children are to be dropped to the Glennie pool by 8:25am and picked up from the pool by 3.00pm. Please remember to name all the belongings that you take to the pool as we often have mountains of lost property after the carnival and named items are easier to return! Please read the sports news for further details.
Next Thursday 3rd December - Secret Santa Gifts will be given out. Please make sure your S.S. gift is under the classroom tree before Thursday. Report cards will also be sent home on Thursday 3rd December. If your child will be away in the last week – please let us know so we can organise it to be posted home.
Our End-of-year Mass is at 12pm Friday 4th December - Don’t forget to send in a gift card for the St Vincent de Paul collection – Unfortunately Mass is only for the children and staff due to COVID 19 restrictions. If you are taking your children after Mass, please let your class teacher know.
We farewell Mrs Annie Roberts at the end of 2020. Annie is expecting her second baby in March 2021 and we thank her for being a wonderful Year 3 teammate. We look forward to meeting Baby Roberts next year.
We would like to thank you all for a wonderful year and wish everyone a Merry and Holy Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday break!
Cheers
Angela, Annie, Damian and Janice
Year 4
Our final newsletter for the year, how quickly it ends. From all the Year 4 teachers a very hearty thank you to all our parents and carers. With your support and encouragement the school year is an easier path for teachers and children. Watching the Year 6 parting assembly last week reminds you how much the children grow and mature; your children too, are certainly ready for the challenges of Year 5. This Friday is Gala Sports Day, children will compete against other Catholic Schools in T-ball. Next Monday 30th November at 11.00am is our end of year class liturgy; you are all invited to attend. The swimming carnival of course is on Wednesday 2nd December. Just a reminder too, to send in any overdue library books. Thank you once again for a great year and a very happy and holy Christmas to all.
Suzanne, Toni and Garry
Year 5
Well, it’s week 8 and we are almost at the end of 2020 and what a year it’s been! The children have been able to list many highlights and are certainly looking forward to stepping up to be the leaders of the school in 2021.
Thank you to those who have sent gift card donations for the Mini Vinnies Hamper Appeal. At this point in time we are very light on donations, if you could donate, you will certainly brighten someone's Christmas.
Thank you to the volunteers that have helped our classes this year, especially at our Father's Day Stall – we hope that you enjoyed last weeks Volunteers’ Morning tea, and to those who couldn’t make it, please accept our sincere thanks.
Last week we had Fireman Zac come and educate the students on Fire and Floods. Fireman Zac was involved in the Flood Rescue operations in Townsville a few years ago and was part of the Fire response teams in the fires surrounding Toowoomba last year. The students were engaged and learnt a lot about being prepared.
Step Up Day was yesterday, the Year 5 students ‘stepped up’ to Year 6 for the morning. Leadership shirts are being organised this term, a link has been put on teams for number and sizing of shirts for you to fill out at your earliest convenience, if you haven’t done so already. Once shirts and pricing are finalised we will advise you. Shirts will be paid for via your child’s school fees account.
The school swimming carnival is on Wednesday of the last week and the end of year Mass is at 12pm on Friday 4th December. This Mass is when the captains for next year will be announced. Students are permitted to be collected with parents after Mass - please be sure to let your teacher know.
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.
Many thanks for all your support this year and we are sure that all students are ready to take on the many adventures of Year 6. We wish you all a safe holiday and a blessed Christmas and we will see you in 2021.
God Bless,
Tim, Steve and Emily
Year 6
Final Assembly
Wow!! What an incredible job the whole Year 6 cohort did during the Final Assembly. The students are to be commended for the manner in which they presented themselves. We have received a lot of positive feedback.
Step Up Day
Yesterday the 6’s had a terrific time at Bazinga. Thanks to Mr Golightly for this very generous treat and to Mrs Salisbury, Mrs Moore and Miss Twidale for supervising.
Last Day
Students are permitted to leave after our final school Mass on the last school day of this year, Friday 4th December – at approximately 1.00pm.
Swimming Carnival
Please refer to the last newsletter for the arrangements for the school swimming carnival – a reminder that students do need to be dropped at the pool in the morning and then picked up from the pool at the conclusion of the carnival - approximately 2.45pm. No buses will be provided this year.
Report Cards
Report cards will be forwarded home next week.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa notes have been sent home. Students are asked to purchase a small gift up to the value of $10. Wrapped gifts are to be placed under the Christmas Tree in 6M or 6L by the close of this Friday. (Any issues, please let us know.)
Gift Cards
Thank you for your generosity. Gift cards for our nominated charities can be handed in at the office.
Communication
Thank you to Mrs Otto for the wonderful job that she has done with extra communication throughout the year.
Graduation Mass
Tuesday 1st December 2020. Time - 6.30pm (Formal School uniform to be worn).
Due to COVID restrictions, our graduation ceremony, presided over by Fr Quinlan, will be held in the school hall this year. Unfortunately, we have had to restrict numbers, so each student will only be allowed 2 adults in attendance.
Thank you to the planning committee and in advance to all parents and guardians for making the graduation a memorable one.
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish all of you and your families a happy, safe Christmas. Enjoy spreading the Christmas cheer. We thank you for your support throughout the year.
Larry and Kylie
Year 6
German
This has been a busy semester that has flown by. Students have all worked very hard during German lessons. These last two weeks we are doing a Wordsearch and some Christmas colouring.
Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!
(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)
Christine Fisher
Hello to all! I can’t quite believe that it is the end of the year. Things in the Learning Hub are very busy! We are organising transition support for students, working hard in reading groups and generally getting ready for the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Below is an article, from LD Online, about how to support your child’s reading over a long break. It has been written with Dyslexic students in mind, however, applies to all children. I wish everybody a happy, healthy and holy Christmas, and look forward to a great 2021!
Strategies for Summer Reading for Children with Dyslexia
By: Dale S. Brown
As a parent, you play a critical role in your child's education during the summer — especially if your child has dyslexia. Without your help, kids are more likely to forget what they learned last year. A recent study estimates that summer loss for all students equals about a month of academic learning. Most likely, children with learning disabilities need even more reinforcement.
Help them remember what they learned in school. That way they can start next year caught up or ahead of the other students in their class. Bring out their natural love of learning. And encourage them to read for pleasure without the pressure they experience in the classroom.
Here are some summer strategies to help your child with dyslexia remember what they learned in school and see that reading can be useful and enjoyable:
- Give them material that motivates them to read, even though they might find it hard to do. Try comic books, directions for interesting projects, and mystery stories. Have them read information on possible activities as you plan your summer vacation. Let them decide what they want to read.
- Support them as they read. Read their book aloud to them, help them decode, and make it easy for them to get the meaning. Even if a question is asked again and again or if you feel irritated, act happy that they asked. Show them that reading is a way to find out what they need to know, or even to entertain themselves.
- Give them easy reading. Summer is supposed to be relaxed. Let them succeed and get absorbed in the book.
- When you read with them, make it your goal to enjoy the book together. You don't have to make them read perfectly! Avoid too much correction. In school next year, the teacher will help them improve their skills.
- Let younger children "pretend" to read. Read the story aloud together. Let them follow your voice. Have them look at the words as you point to them, even if they aren't actually reading. When they say the wrong word, say the word correctly and cheerfully while pointing to the word.
- Read aloud to them as you do daily chores, sightsee, or sit on the beach. Read an instruction manual with them as you try to fix something. While visiting a museum, read the interpretive materials. If you see the slightest sign they want to read aloud to you, let them!
- Model and teach persistence. When you are working on something that is hard, model the discipline and patience that you want them to show while learning to read. Teach them explicitly the value of working hard to do something challenging. Tell them inspirational stories about famous people — or members of your own family — who have overcome obstacles.
- Accommodate their dyslexia. For example, if they have to read aloud in public, have them memorize their passage ahead of time. If you give them a recipe for cooking (or any project involving written directions), be sure that it is at their reading level and that the print is large enough for them.
- Use technology. If you have a computer, equip it with software that reads aloud. Let them load books into their electronic devices and listen to them at the same time as they read the printed book in their hands.
- Use recorded books.
- Be a model of reading. Bring books to the beach and read them. If you are traveling, find a book for the whole family to read and discuss. If you are dyslexic, "read" your taped books on vacation, letting your child see you or give them their own tapes. Show and tell them how you overcome your own difficulties.
- Have reading matter conveniently available. You might carry small children's books and magazines with you and have them ready when you must wait in line for those crowded amusement park rides and popular sightseeing destinations.
The summer months are important to your child's academic development in two ways. First, they need to be reminded of what they learned during the school year so that they remember it when they return in the fall. Second, and perhaps more important, children with dyslexia can discover the joys of reading and other academic skills in the relaxed summer season. If nobody tells them they have to read to do well at school, they might just pick up a book and enjoy it.
Kate
Upcoming Dates
Week |
Date |
Event |
Venue |
Who |
9 |
02/12/20 |
OLOL Swimming Carnival |
Glennie |
Grade 3-6 |
9 |
03/12/20 |
Gymnastics |
Allstars |
Grade P-2 |
OLOL Swimming Carnival Information
Who: |
Grades 3 – 6 ONLY |
When: |
Wednesday 2nd December 2020 |
Time: |
8:30 – 3:00pm |
Where: |
The Glennie Aquatic Centre |
Cost: |
$4.00 – To be charged to your next fee statement |
What to Take: |
Morning Tea, lunch, water bottle, togs, towel, bathing cap & underwear. |
What to Wear: |
Children can wear their house colours on the day. House swimming caps will be provided for the children to wear during their races. These caps can be worn over the top of the child’s own cap. |
Transport: |
There will NOT be any bus travel provided. Students will need to be dropped directly to the Glennie Aquatic Centre between 8:00-8:30am. Please do not drop your child/ren before this time. Likewise, children will need to be picked up from Glennie at approximately 2:45-3:00pm. After-School Care Students will be walked back to OLOL. Please utilise the drop off/ pick up zone in Vacy Street. |
Nominating & Eligible Swimmers
Eligible Swimmers:
The Carnival is for children in Grades 3-6 ONLY.
All students in grade 3 who are born in 2012, depending on numbers, will participate in the 2011 (9 year’s) category. However, as they are not of appropriate age, they will not be eligible for age championship points. As with Cross Country and Athletics, 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.
Please refer to the table below for information relating to the correct age group your child belongs to.
Age-Group |
Born Between |
|
8 Years (Grade 3 students ONLY) |
01/01/2012 |
31/01/2012 |
9 years |
01/01/2011 |
31/12/2011 |
10 years |
01/01/2010 |
31/12/2010 |
11 years |
01/01/2009 |
31/12/2009 |
12 years |
01/01/2008 |
31/12/2008 |
Event Nomination:
Nominations will be taken in PE lessons. It is expected that all children in Grades 3-6 nominate themselves for at least one event. Less confident swimmers will be able to use a noodle or kickboard if necessary. In this case it would be best for them to nominate for the 25m Freestyle.
A nomination confirmation note was sent home last week. This will also include a consent form. Please make sure you check your child’s nominations carefully and make any changes via this form; no changes will be made on the day.
On the Day
Getting To & From the Pool:
There will NOT be any bus travel provided. Students will need to be dropped directly to the Glennie Aquatic Centre between 8:00-8:30am. Please do not drop your child/ren before this time.
Likewise, children will need to be picked up from the Glennie Aquatic Centre at approximately 2:45-3:00pm. All after school care students will be walked back to school.
Please utilise the drop off zone in Vacy Street.
Morning Tea & Lunch:
Students will be required to bring their own morning tea and lunch. There will NOT be a canteen. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle also.
Carnival Timeline
8:00-8:30 |
Students to arrive at the pool no later than 8:30am |
8:45 |
Butterfly – 100m, 25m, 50m |
9:45 |
Backstroke – 100m, 25m, 50m |
10:45 |
100m Individual Medley |
11:15 |
Breaststroke – 100m, 25m, 50m |
12:15 |
Freestyle – 100m, 25m, 50m |
1:45 |
Relays |
2:30 |
Presentation – if time allows |
2:45 |
Children to be collected by 2:45 from Vacy Street |
Please note: These times are approximate and may vary depending on the number of nominations in each event.
Points Allocation
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:
1st Place – 10 Points (Blue Ribbon)
2nd Place – 6 points (Red Ribbon)
3rd Place – 4 Points (Green Ribbon)
4th Place – 2 Points (Yellow Ribbon)
5th – 10th Place – 1 Point (Navy Ribbon for 8-year-olds)
Where there is more than one heat, points and ribbons will be awarded to the fastest swimmers overall. These points have been changed for 2020.
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
Due to Covid-19 restrictions this will be a spectator free event.
Donation of Age Championship Medallions
Thank you to the Koch and Kelly (Michael & Thomas) Families for their generous donations of the swimming carnival medallions. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Catholic Carnival and West Zone Carnival Team Selection
In Week 2 of Term 1, 2021 (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.
Book Fair
WOW Lourdes! Thank-you so much for supporting Book Fair in 2020. We had over $5600 in sales (our BIGGEST BOOK FAIR EVER!) and this means we have just over $1700 worth of Scholastic rewards to use on resources and books for the school in 2021. Book Fair will return to Lourdes in May next year.
If you had reordered items that were out of stock, they are available NOW at the Library. Drop by to collect or send your child/ren in to collect as soon as possible.
Library OVERDUES
Thank-you to all those children who have located and returned their Library loans. If your child/ren have long-term overdue item/s that just cannot be found, please contact the Library so we can negotiate a replacement. We offer three options for replacing lost items.
- We are very happy to accept a donation of new book/s to replace lost item/s.
- We can organise that the cost of outstanding items be added to your school fees. If we do not hear from you before Tuesday December 1st we will assume that this is the option you have chosen and charges will be added accordingly.
- You can pay costs associated with outstanding loans at the office. You will need to bring along the letter that has the costs on it as the office does not have access to these details.
All library items are now OVERDUE. Please return them ASAP. At the time of writing there were still over 440 items outstanding to students.
If you have any queries or issues please contact: Danielle.Leathart@twb.catholic.edu.au or drop by the Library and see us.
Summer Slide
Summer holidays are full of fun, sun and adventure for many of us. We have all worked hard all year and now it’s time to relax. One thing to keep up over the summer break is reading to prevent the summer slide (where students lose some of the reading stamina they have worked so hard to build throughout the year). Here are some suggestions to help reduce the risk of summer slide in your family:
- Read – everyday! Visit the town Library. Book swap with neighbours, cousins or friends. Reread old favourites together. Share a book from your childhood with your children. Read independently. Read aloud. Read anywhere.
- Reading Eggs is available all holidays. Your child should have a copy of their username and password in one of the books that comes home at the end of the year.
- Sunshine Online – a great resource (especially for out P – 2 readers). Username: lourdes2 Password: lourdes2. Download the APP for iPad or Tablet or use on a computer or laptop.
- Make time for smart play – word games, board games (like Monopoly, Scattegories, UpWords, Boggle, Scrabble) puzzles, crosswords can all help keep children’s minds active.
- Read for different purposes. Have your child/ren read the menu to you at the restaurant. Have them choose a recipe from a family recipe book for you to make. Follow directions to make some Christmas craft items.
- Set a good example. When children see family members enjoying reading, they learn that reading is important and valuable too.
Christmas has arrived at the Lourdes Library!
Gael and I would like to take this opportunity to thank-you for a wonderful year. We wish you all happy and safe holiday break. All the best to the students and families who are moving on from Lourdes. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2021.
Thanks for reading!
Danielle & Gael
LourdesLib@twb.catholic.edu.au
Just a reminder no morning tea will be available this Friday only the pizza lunch special. Icecreams will still be available on the day for cash sales. Pizza orders are now closed, allowing time for the supplier to fill the orders.
Thanks for a great year!
Teagan
Little Miracles Community Kindergarten
NAIDOC WEEK
Little Miracles children recently celebrated NAIDOC week. We engaged in lots of learning about Indigenous Culture, we explored artwork, we read dreamtime stories, and we met local elder Uncle Johnny. At Little Miracles we take pride in ensuring that children are given the opportunity to learn about many cultures and share their own culture with their friends.
Little Miracles offers quality education for children ages 3 – 5 years. We now offer before and after Kindy care which means working parents have more flexibility. If you are interested in more information, please contact the Kindy on little.miracles@bigpond.com.