As we approach the end of a fantastic term, we ought to take a moment to reflect on the numerous accomplishments and experiences that have made this term memorable.  

Celebrating Achievements

Throughout the term, there have many outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements. Congratulations to our Lourdes Learners who received class awards and outstanding achievement and effort on the report cards. Well done to those students who made it into Darling Downs sports teams and to those who became age champions or gained a winning place at our Track & Field carnivals. Congratulations also to those students who were chosen to be part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Arts Fest this week. From academic successes to artistic and musical accomplishments, effort and determination continue to inspire us all.  

A huge thank you to our teachers and support staff for their dedication and hard work to ensure our students continue to be successful and feel valued here at Our Lady of Lourdes. After reading all the report cards (which will be published to the portal on the last day of the term) it fills me with pride to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and efforts of our students this term.  

Term Events and Activities 

The term was made successful for a variety of reasons. One such reason is due to the range of exciting activities for students across all grade levels. From excursions, visits to the theatre and local parks, to Arts Fest and sports carnivals, author visits and book fair, a Maths challenge event, to P&F run social events, social justice activities, and assemblies, there was something for everyone.  

These activities foster engagement in learning, teamwork, creativity, and healthy competition. They also build community and a sense of who we are at Lourdes. Well done to all involved and thank you for everyone’s participation and efforts to make these events a success.  

Staffing

As mentioned previously, next semester we welcome back Mr Steven Shoebridge who will teach 6F until the end of the year. We also welcome back Mrs Emily McKay from her stint as Acting APRE in St George. From all reports, Emily did an amazing job on the leadership team at the school. 5M students are thrilled to have Mrs McKay back. With their return to Lourdes, we say a big thank you to Mr Birch and Mrs Cruice for teaching 6F this last term and Mrs Moore for taking 5M for the last five weeks. They have been wonderful teachers and we are grateful for their contribution to our staff and students.

Thanks to Mr Franzmann for ably stepping up into the Acting Assistant Principal role this term. He has been a welcome addition to the leadership team and will continue in this role until the end of the year.

Next semester, we officially welcome Mrs Lisa Garcha, who will continue teaching 3G from Monday - Thursday. Mrs Garcha has had a lovely start to Our Lady of Lourdes and not surprisingly, could not resist the chance to continue teaching our students next semester. Mrs Dolley will continue in 3G each Friday. Both teachers have joined the Year 3 teaching team with ease and we are grateful they are willing to continue teaching to enable a smooth transition for our students.

Gratitude 

As we conclude the term, I would like to personally extend my sincerest gratitude to all our students, parents, and staff members for their support and resilience, particularly with the changes to Principal, Assistant Principal, and various Class Teachers. 

I have certainly appreciated the positive energy & attitudes throughout the term and the recognition of people's actions in our school community. Acknowledging a student, parent, or teacher for their efforts is wonderful. Supporting each other is wonderful. Avoiding energy on negative thoughts and expressing appreciation is key to our positive school culture.

Together, we have all created a vibrant and nurturing learning environment, and I am confident that our school community will continue to thrive in the future. 

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. May it be filled with relaxation, rejuvenation, and quality time spent with loved ones. 

I look forward to seeing parents and students again on Tuesday 11 July for another tremendous term.

Miranda

Ms Miranda Murray
Acting Principal

Report Cards 

Report cards will be published to the parent portal on the last day of the term. When reading the report card, it is important to remember that the fundamental purpose of reporting student achievement and progress is to improve student learning. The grades in the report card reflect where students are at against the end of year achievement standard for their year level. The three key terms of conceptual understanding, skills and the ability to transfer knowledge are in all definitions and students show these at different levels, hence the A-E grade. 

It is also important to be mindful of your reaction to reading the report and how it can impact the way children see themselves, not only as learners, but as people. As parents, you may feel proud if your child has achieved a grade you expected but you may experience some angst if your child is not progressing as you had hoped. 
 

Tips for reading report cards 

• Highlight your child's strengths as a first point of reference. Focus on the learning and recommendations for next semester. 
• Consider your child's effort and attitude to learning. These are other indicators of success. 
• Draw attention to both academic success and growth with the broader picture of your child's progress as a member of a social setting. How your child interacts with others will influence their happiness and well-being. Skills of independence and cooperation are highly valued in society. 

You might find these questions useful as conversation prompts with your child: 

• What are some key learnings you had this semester?  
• Which result do you feel most proud of? 
• What traits of a learner will you focus on next semester? 
• Look at what the teacher has recommended to improve on, what are your steps to achieve these points? 
• Which subject have you found the most challenging? Why? How have you overcome challenges? 
• If you were to write your own general comment, what would it say? 

If you would like any further clarification on the A-E definitions or discuss your child’s report card, please don't hesitate to send me an email or talk to your child's classroom teacher next term. 

Thanks for reading. 

Miranda