Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Newsletter

Term 1 Week 7 , 12th March 2021

Key Dates

Thursday 18th March 

Year 3 Parish Mass 9.30am

Open Class Rooms 11.45am - 12.45pm 

Friday 19th March 

Cross Country

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

Friday 2nd April Good Friday
Monday 26th April Photo Day

Fourth Sunday of Lent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘The Son of Man must be lifted up

as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.

Yes, God loved the world so much

that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost

but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world

not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.

No one who believes in him will be condemned;

but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,

because he has refused to believe

in the name of God’s only Son.

On these grounds is sentence pronounced:

that though the light has come into the world

men have shown they prefer

darkness to the light

because their deeds were evil.

And indeed, everybody who does wrong

hates the light and avoids it,

for fear his actions should be exposed;

but the man who lives by the truth

comes out into the light,

so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

Catholic Schools Week

This week we celebrated Catholic Schools. Catholic Schools Week, a special time in the year when we celebrate and give thanks for Catholic Schools, especially our own school Our Lady of Lourdes.

We celebrated and gave thanks to God for 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.  Our schools have educated thousands of children in that time and all of them have come to hear the Word of God.

The Word of God is what our schools are based on and the person of Jesus is at the centre of our schools. Jesus is the teacher whose message gives us life. What does Jesus teach us?

Please see 200 YEARS- FAITH IN THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA , PRAYER

Catholic Schools Week Liturgy

200 Years of Education Prayer Card

A prayer Card has been sent home today with the eldest child of each family. This card has the National prayer for 200 years- Faith in the Future, We encourage you to pray this prayer throughout the year for all those we are involved in Catholic Education, teachers, students and families. May Christ continue to be the centre of all that we do

Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions

While restrictions have been lifted we are still required to comply with  gathering limits prescribed by the Public Health Orders, including physical distancing and hygiene measures. There are still limits on numbers in the church so we cannot invite all parents to a whole school mass or liturgy. However, parents may attend the parish mass on a Thursday morning when their child's grade attends.

Open Day

Parents are invited to an open day in the classrooms, next Week, Thursday 18th March between 11:45-12:45pm. Parents will be asked to sign in at the classroom, sanitise, self distance and limit the number of adults in the room to ten at a time. This is an opportunity to see some of the wonderful work your child is doing in class.

Before School

We ask that parents be aware that if you drop your children off before the gates are open at 8:30 am you should leave the drop off zone as it is a no Parking area from 8am. This means you cannot stay longer than two minutes. Some parents are waiting in this area for longer until the morning duty commences but this prevents other parents from dropping off their children.

Council rangers, who visit schools regularly, will book drivers who stay longer than two minutes or are more than  three metres away from their car.  Please see attachment.

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National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA)

On Friday 19th March Our Lady of Lourdes will join with other Australian schools to celebrate National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). The NDA 2021 marks the 11 year anniversary of Australia's key antibullying event for schools. The theme for 2021 is Take Action Together. The students will be participate in extra activities and lessons about this very important issue. 

Why is my child’s Teacher out of Class?

Like professionals in other fields, all teachers are required to keep up to date with current thinking on best practices and new developments in all curriculum areas. From time to time teachers are required to attend professional development opportunities to learn about changes to curriculum, new methods of teaching and learning and other ways of integrating technology. These sessions sometimes occur during the day, after school or in the school holidays.

Teachers are also given time at the beginning of the year to conduct assessments to pinpoint your child’s learning needs.

Some teachers also have additional responsibilities which benefit the whole school. At times, teachers are also required at Diocesan events etc.

Teachers also have entitlements such as sick leave, long service leave, maternity leave, bereavement leave and jury duty. Consequently, there will be times when your child’s teacher is absent from the classroom.

On these days the teacher’s program and day book is followed. Teachers on a grade work closely together allowing the grade partners to liaise with the substitute teacher so that good teaching and learning continues and routines are kept.

We thank you for your support  in this area

Assembly Awards Week ,7 Term 1

Executive Directors Summer Reading Challenge

During the school holidays students in our Diocese took part in the Executive Directors Summer Reading Challenge. Congratulations to all students who participated . Well done to Yunia Shin (4LH)  who was awarded a special prize for the Summer Reading challenge, she received a $30 gift voucher. 

 

Scholastic Book Club 2021

Today your child was given a Book Club brochure for Term 1 (Issue 2) orders. 

ISSUE 2 ORDERS TO BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY 19TH MARCH

We are always encouraging the children to read more and this is an opportunity for you to purchase books for your home library.

All orders will be done online and as a bonus, all orders earn 20% back in rewards for our school. Book orders will be returned and distributed at school. NO MONEY IS TO BE SENT TO SCHOOL, ALL ORDERS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE

For any new parents, please see the Book Club LOOP brochure  for details on setting up your Book Club order and payment.

Kindergarten 2022 Enrolments

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School is now taking Kindergarten enrolments for 2022.

Please download the enrolment form  the school website www.ololbhills.catholic.edu.au, complete the forms and return them to the school office with all the required documentation including originals as soon as possible. 

Families will be  contacted to arrange an interview.

New families may have a tour of our school on:

  • Tuesday 20th April, 10am

Please email the school office on: ololbhills.parra.catholic.edu.au advising of your attendance. 

School Fees

Families should have received their 2021 School Fees - Instalment 1, if not received please email the school office as soon as possible. 

Flexible Payment Plan (Bpay or Bpoint) is offered with Instalment 1. 

Please set up your Flexible payment Plan immediately. Those families that do not accept a Flexible payment plan offer, instalment 1 is due by 17 March, 2021. 

Regards,

Dianne Attard

Finance Secretary

Mathletics and Reading Eggs

Mathletics and Reading Eggs subscriptions are now closed. As we now have gone cashless and are using the QKR app a closing date needs to be finalised. You are still able to purchase a subscription directly from Mathletics and Reading Eggs, however, the cost may differ from a school based subscription. Login details will become available as soon as possible and will be sent home with students.

Social Skills

Respect feeling good about yourself and others: 

  • Valuing self
  • Being yourself

Gilroy Catholic College

Gilroy Catholic College is now taking enrolments for Year 7 2022.  Please contact the College Office on 8853 8200 if you have any enrolment queries.

Civil work near Our Lady of Lourdes

The civil company have advised they will be back on the corner of Oakland Ave and Forest Road Tuesday 16th next week. This will be one shift only.

This will be to connect and commission the new sewer and decommission the old sewer.

 Hopefully we haven’t caused too much disruption thus far. Thank you

Richie O’Malley (MRICS)

Sports News

Cross Country 2021

Due to the weather the cross country has been postponed until next Friday, however with the unpredicted weather predicted for next week this may change at short notice in order to select the cross country squad for the Diocesan cross country. 

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 9th March OLOL had 12 students compete at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Blacktown. We are so proud of all the students who made it this far. We are pleased to announce that we have a number of students who have made it to the next level and will be attending the MacKillop Carnival. A special mention to Ruby Smith who received Age Champion runner up. All students conducted themselves beautifully and demonstrated such independence in the unique climate that this carnival was held. Thank you to Margaret Thornton for her exceptional organisation in such difficult times.

Representative Sport

This term there have been Representative Sport Trials for AFL, Netball, Rugby League and Soccer. Well done to all of the OLOL students who tried out for these teams.

We would like to congratulate the following students who have been selected to represent the Parramatta Diocese.

Rugby League: Noah Puletua, Ruby Enosi-Tuipulotu

Netball: Addison Arkell

Parish News

Proposed Sacramental Schedule for OLOL 2021

Please see attached the proposed Sacramental Schedule for OLOL 2021
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For Youth in the Parish of Baulkham Hills

Our Youtube Channel is also still up for those still wishing to engage with the ministry but are unable to come along. Videos present input, games, activities and a few tips for keeping connected! If you have any suggestions for future videos, please forward them via the contact details below!

 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFy52lMn0ChQv7iEuR2ptAg

Pre-Registration Link (please register if it is your first time coming along): https://tinyurl.com/preregoyouth

Youth Groups

Y5-8: Next Friday the 26th of March, come along to the Downey Room from 7-8:30pm for youth group! We'll have food, games and activities ready to go, as we continue to explore different ways to serve our community! We look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any general questions or concerns, please contact the Youth Minister Paul Fam, on 0407 773 174, or send an email through to youth@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

Children’s Liturgy

We are hoping to re-commence the Children’s Liturgy at our 9.30am Sunday Masses following the Easter break. Please see attached information
Download

Children's Rosary Movement

Children's Rosary gather together to pray the Rosary every Monday during the school term. Bring your Rosary beads and spend some time in prayer. 

Where : OLOL Parish

When: Mondays (school term only) 

Time: 3.30pm 

Contact : anitamolina@hotmail.com

News from CatholicCare

Monthly Bereavement Support GatheringCatholicCare Solo Parent Services run a Monthly Bereavement Support Gathering for anyone whose spouse or partner has died.  If you feel alone in your grief and would like to be part of a group where you can share your experience of loss in a safe and supportive environment, you are welcome.  Gatherings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 10am -12pm.  Next Gathering: Thursday 18th March.  Venue: CatholicCare Parramatta Cost: $5

Please call Rita Chater on 8843 2500 or email soloparentservices@ccss.org.au for more information or to register. 

STEPPING BEYOND: SUPPORT FOR THOSE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED 

“Stepping Beyond” Support Group, assists those navigating their way through separation or divorce.  Guided by trained facilitators, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the challenges faced during this time in a safe and supportive environment.  These groups are held on the last Tuesday of each month via Zoom or at CatholicCare Parramatta.Next Gathering: Tuesday 30th March Venue: Zoom or Parramatta Location Time: 7pm – 9pm. Cost: $5.00. Registration Essential:  Call Rita Ph. 8843 2500 or email: soloparentservices@ccss.org.au  

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Cubby OOSH Vacation Care I Autumn 2021

Please link for Cubby OOSH Vacation Care, Autumn 2021 program.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department has moved

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s Emergency Department has moved into the Westmead Health Precinct’s newest building. Don’t worry though, it’s still accessible via the main Hospital building, or you can park underneath (see attached). The Hospital has created some FAQs (provided below) in case you want to know more.

Where is the new building located?

  • Block K is located between The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Hospital. The main entrance is off Hawkesbury Road - look for the 'Westmead Health Precinct' sign on the side of the building.
  • The building is just a few minutes’ walk from our existing main entry, back up Hawkesbury Road, in the direction of Westmead Station. 

 Which Children’s departments are moving into Block K?

  • Emergency Department
  • Children’s Short Stay Unit
  • Additional Medical Imaging service
  • Additional Pharmacy service
  • Additional digital operating theatres – operating theatres are part of the staged approach to opening services and will not open on day one

Are the Children’s services open in the new building?

  • The Children’s services in Block K, including our Emergency Department, Children’s Short Stay Unit, Medical imaging and Pharmacy services, is now open to patients.

 How do visitors access Block K?

  • Stay indoors: From the Hospital main entrance, follow the red signs to our two main lifts. Take the lift to level three and travel left along the linkway. Once you reach the multi-coloured windows, continue on until you reach the Children's Emergency on your right.
  • Get some fresh air: Exit the existing hospital building and turn right down Hawkesbury Road. Block K's green plaza and main entry is on your right - look for the 'Entrance 10' sign.

Where can visitors accessing Block K park?

  • Additional parking can be found directly underneath the new Children's Emergency Department, in P5. Enter via the new building's main entry driveway and take the ramp down. P5 has 250 parking spaces for visitors.

 Is there a dedicated drop-off zone at the Children’s Emergency entrance for parents and visitors?

  • There is a 15-minute drop-off and pick-up zone outside the Children’s Emergency Department entrance.
  • There is also a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone for patients with Mobility Parking Scheme permits in the same location.
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SkoolBag App

The newsletter and other communication will sent out through the Skoolbag App.  Please follow the instructions on the attached flyer to download free Skoolbag App on your smartphone.  Be sure to search ‘Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills South  and select your year group.
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Our Lady of Lourdes Primary