WEDNESDAY, 30 OCTOBER, 2013 NEWSLETTER NO. 34

Lourdes News

Important Dates ...

October

31 Frank Fraser Lectur.

November

1 Orford Cup Tennis

6 Interhouse Swim

Carnival (9am)

Board Meeting

8 School Mass

20-21 Gr 4 Camp Gumburu

27 Christmas Concert

28 Town Vs Country

Swim Carnival (pm)

December

2 Year 7 End of Year

Trip to Tsvl

4 Gr 7 Rite of Passage

& Dinner

6 Term 4 Ends at 12

Dear Parents This week began with a visit from our Diocesan Director, Dr. Cathy Day. It was a terrific opportunity for Dr. Day to see the many fantastic improvements that have taken place in our school this year. The visit began with a tour of our school grounds and our terrific gardens. Dr. Day was escorted by some of our school’s environment committee and shown first hand why they have the best green thumbs in the business. The Director then visited some of our classrooms to catch up with what has been happening throughout the year. It was a pleasure to have Dr. Day visit our school and I am sure she enjoyed her time at Lourdes. Maraka was another tremendous success for our school. Our school float ‘The Boat that Rocked’ looked fantastic and the children had a great time representing their school. An enormous thanks to our staff, parents and students from Years 1 to 4, and our float co-ordinator, Mrs. Christine Timms for your efforts in making the float look fantastic. We would also like to thank Mina Transport for the use of their truck once again this year. Your support of Our Lady of Lourdes is greatly appreciated. Our Canoli stall was another fantastic success. The delicious treats sold out again despite the fact that we had over 3,000! I know that there were an enormous amount of volunteers on and prior to the day, and on behalf of the school community, I would like to thank you for your time and effort. A special thanks must go to Susan and Mark Di Bartolo, our Canoli coordinators, for their dedication and commitment in making this year, not only a success, but a record for canoli sales. Thank you Susan and Mark on a fantastic effort. Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Gilroy Santa Maria College Awards night. This was a real privilege. I was particularly impressed with the outstanding achievements of so many of our past students who have obviously committed themselves to their studies throughout the year. I was also very impressed with the lead address by the College Principal, Mr. Dan McShea. Mr. McShea spoke confidently about the College’s future with over six million dollars committed to current and future development of facilities. These facilities, including the Ferlazzo Trade Training Centre, will put Gilroy at the forefront of educational and vocational training. These physical changes ,combined with a dedicated leadership team, spell a bright future for Gilroy Santa Maria. Congratulations to the Gilroy community on a successful awards night and their many outstanding achievements in 2013. Have a great week. Timothy Ham.

From the Principal

As we move into week four and November, our Church celebrates two feast days – All Saints on November 1st and All Souls on November 2nd. On Friday – All Saints Day, we remember all the saints of the Church, those people who have revealed the Good News by living extraordinary lives of love and service to God often in the most challenging of circumstances. We also think about those people in their own lives who have shared God’s love with us and who have been role models in how to live and love. On All Souls Day, we remember those who are no longer with us, particularly our loved ones. We will have an Assembly Prayer for All Saints in the Menegon Centre this Friday morning at 8:45am. All are welcome to join us. As mentioned in a previous newsletter October is Mission month, so next Tuesday (5 November) we will have a CRAZY SOCK DAY (see page 6 for more details). Farewell NET team … see page 6 for more details. Have a wonderful week! Paula Martin.

From the APRE

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Achievement Awards Prep MH Taylor Craig … for working so hard to

learn her letters and sounds and using them in her story writing. Well done, Taylor!

Prep AG Riley Carr … for listening carefully during focused learning time and applying skills and the strategies he learns to new situations.

1DM Ella Thompson … for her hard-working attitude and application in learning how to write letters and postcards. Well done!

1/2PC Jasmin Ham … for completing all activities quickly and to a high standard, and for using her time wisely in class.

2KG Valencia Vezzaro … for her wonderful justification of her answers and sharing her understanding in maths. It is wonderful to hear!

3CA Emily Topfer … for applying herself to her work with an excellent attitude, and for striving to succeed at all times.

3/4ED Rachel Pelleri … for achieving good spelling results.

5MK Sophie Poppi … for displaying a praiseworthy commitment to praying the Rosary every day.

5JS Kaila Cosentino … for always putting her best effort into her work.

6GC Christopher Aquilini … for working co-operatively while constructing his spaghetti bridge in Technology.

7MM Phoebe Bowden … for writing and performing an excellent lecturette.

7MQ Joseph Bortolanza … for always displaying a diligent application to his school work and assessment tasks.

Congratulations to Monday’s Award Winners ...

School Spirit Awards … Prep MH Ryan Elliott … by always sharing his

thoughts and great ideas confidently during class discussions. Well done, Ryan!

Prep AG Isabella Plumb … by settling into her new school environment with ease, and confidently joining in with her peers.

1DM Brady Catalano … by appreciating the freedom of learning with his consistent and hard-working attitude in numeracy and literacy activities . Well done!

1/2PC Nicholas Gulisano … by the way he includes others in various activities and being kind and patient.

2KG Arian Fichera … by being an advocate for turn taking and ensuring all of her peers have been able to share their ideas and understanding in group situations. It is wonderful to see!

3CA Caytlan Stephensen … by always being ready to commence work and for helping others to set a good example.

3/4ED Samuel Timms … by playing fairly with others and working hard to improve his schoolwork.

5MK Oriana Sheahan … by making positive decisions in the classroom and the playground.

5JS Lachlan Waldon … by always being organised to start work and ensuring that assessment tasks are completed on time.

6GC Kymmy Stifanic … by allowing others to have their say and waiting patiently and quietly for her turn.

7MM Grant Burns … by fitting in quickly to his new school environment.

7MQ Danny De Leo … by presenting his speech for the Frank Frazer Lecturette competition in a very mature way.

Group Photos Available for Order

Orders are now being taken for Group Photos taken recently by MSP Photography: Grade 7, School Captain, Sports Captains, Media Officers, U11 Rugby League, U12 Rugby League, School Leaders, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Romanello Shield Lourdes Blue Broncos and Lourdes Gold, Italian Speaking Competition, Netball. Photos are $17 each and order forms are available at the office, along with sample photos for viewing. Orders close on Wednesday, 6 November.

PAGE 3 LOURDES NEWS

Maraka … The BoaT ThaT rocked!

PAGE 4 LOURDES NEWS

Sports News

Orford Cup School Tennis Competition will be held on Friday, 1 November from 1:00pm

and finish approximately around 5:00pm. Good luck to all children competing!

Interhouse School Swimming Carnival On Wednesday, 6 November, the Blue and Gold Interhouse Swimming

Carnival will be held at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. After marking their class rolls at 8.35am, the teachers will walk all nominated swimmers (8 years & under to 13 years of age) and all remaining Grade 4 to 7 students (spectators) to the pool for events starting at approximately 9.00am. The events should be finished by 12.00noon. All races will be timed and successful place getters will be nominated to swim at the Town and Country District Swimming Carnival on Thursday, 28 November. Notes to those who are participating will go home shortly—permission slips will need to be returned by 1 November. On the day, students are asked to wear their school sports uniform, with school hat and to bring a cut lunch and drink bottle for the morning. The pool will be running their canteen so the children can also bring a small amount of money to buy a treat during the morning. Finally, we are very grateful to the Herbert River Swimming Club who will be helping us run the carnival, but all parent volunteers are welcome to help on the day.

We mainly need timing officials, so contact the office or report to the pool at 8.45am on the day of the carnival, if you can help out. Thank you.

On Tuesday, staff dressed in pink and held a very “pink” morning tea to raise funds for breast cancer research. Our playgroup also held a pink morning tea, also raising valuable funds for this worthy cause.

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Last Friday, we celebrated Grandparents Day at Lourdes. The morning commenced with Mass, followed by morning tea and classroom visits. An overwhelming number of our grandparents attended and children proudly escorted them around. Many grandparents commented on the wonderful technology available to students in the their classrooms.

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Crazy Sock Day

Tuesday 5/11

Students and staff are encouraged to wear crazy socks to school!

What is the most creative way you can wear your socks?

We will also be hosting a ‘Rock Your Socks Off’ dance party,

during our big lunch break in the Menegon Centre.

Students are able to wear coloured clothes (with sleeves)

and crazy socks (and sandshoes) next TUESDAY.

Please bring a gold coin donation for the Missions.

Farewell NET Team ... This year we have been very fortunate to have had the NET team visit and work with our classes. Fred, Dana, Ursula, Jess and Lach have been regular visitors to our school throughout the year. We have been so fortunate to have had them play beautiful music for our school Masses, as well as being very active participants in our students’ spiritual journey. This week they are joining our Year 5 and 6 students for their leadership camp and have some wonderful team-building activities planned for them. We thank this wonderful team for the efforts they have put into making a positive difference in the lives of our students and wish them safe travels and all the very best for the future. The Parish will farewell the NET team at the 6:00pm Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on November 9. Following Mass, there will be a supper under the school – please bring a sweet/savoury plate to share.

Thank you from the Stall Co-Ordinators:

Mark and I would like to thank everyone for a magnificent job well done. Your support was great this Maraka, from the working bees to make the shells and the cream, the donations of eggs and home made cream and the effort everyone put in on the night. True Lourdes Community Spirit!!. It looked like everyone was having an enjoyable time even though they were under continuous pressure to pump those 2900 shells out. GREAT EFFORT!! I would also like to make a special thanks to Jane Morelli who helped with the organizing of the whole show, I can’t express how much I appreciated your help.

Thanks, Susan Di Bartolo.

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Thank you from the P&F President:

Dear Parents & Friends,

This year’s Ingham Maraka Festival has come and gone and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many people who contributed in any way to the success of the Lourdes Canoli Stall on Saturday night. It was a huge effort and will allow all of our students and our school to once again benefit in many ways by our contribution.

A special mention to Susan and Mark Di Bartolo for their continued co-ordination of what has become our second major fund raising event. Susan & Mark display the enviable attribute of calmness under all situations during this hectic time and I thank them both.

It is encouraging again to see some new faces at the working bees and stall. lease continue your support of our Lourdes P&F during these important schooling years for your children.

Thanks heaps!!

Paul Spina President of Lourdes P&F

PAGE 8 LOURDES NEWS

Lourdes Nominates for Mark Mappas Award 2013

The Mark Mappas Medallions are awarded annually in recognition of outstanding service by volunteers in school communities. The program is an initiative of the Townsville Diocesan P&F Association. The award is named in memory of Mark Mappas (RIP) of Ingham who made an outstanding contribution to our School and others in the district over many years and, later, to the Townsville Diocesan Council of Parents and Friends Association and the Queensland Federation of Parents and Friends Associations. This year Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School proudly nominated:

Joe and Margaret Girgenti Joe and Margaret Girgenti’s association with Our Lady of Lourdes School spanned the years from 1980 to 1991. Joe served terms as P&F Vice President, then President from 1986 until 1988. Margaret was the Secretary, then President, of the Ladies Auxiliary during this period also. Joe was President of the Catholic Debutante Ball Committee in 1986. While no major building projects were undertaken during this time, the P&F financially supported the introduction of computers into classrooms. The P&F also provided support for grounds and building maintenance, the school tuckshop, the library, sporting and classroom equipment, together with financial assistance towards the school’s loan repayments. In order to provide the school with this support, both the P&F and Ladies Auxiliary undertook many fundraising events such as school fetes, catholic debutante balls, Easter afternoon teas, Melbourne Cup luncheons, Ingham Show stalls, raffles, lamington drives, cake stalls, as well as in-school functions such as school dances, end of year celebrations and Maraka Festival floats. During their time at Lourdes, they were guided by four school Principals: Sr. Venard, Sr. Carmel Ruddick, Sr. Alberta Busuttin and Sr. Nina Barra, who all supported the P&F and Ladies Auxiliary wholeheartedly. Parish Priests of the time, Fr. John Holyoak, followed by Fr. Tam Ferlazzo, also lent their guidance and support to the P&F. Joe and Margaret’s contribution was backed by a very dedicated committee and many hard working parents. These people, in combination, contributed to building an outstanding Lourdes School spirit. It would also be remiss not to mention the contribution made by grandparents and friends of the school, who were only too willing to help when asked. Joe and Margaret believe that had they not become involved in the P&F and Ladies Auxiliary, they would have missed out on the most important aspects of their children’s years at Lourdes. This involvement allowed them to not only participate fully in the education of their three children: Tania, Christine and Leanne, but also to gain friendships, support and personal growth. Throughout the years, the presence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, fostered by dedicated principals, teachers, staff, parish priest and parents, is the glue that binds a great school like Our Lady of Lourdes together, making this school community a truly blessed family.

Lourdes School thanks Joe and Margaret Girgenti for their outstanding contribution to our school.

Enrolments for 2014

Next week, we are commencing enrolment interviews for the 2014 school year. We still have vacancies for Prep next year, together will all other grades, so if you have any family or friends who are still deciding if Lourdes is right for their child, please let them know they are welcome to contact our office for a tour and an enrolment pack. Orientations days for Prep will be held on 26, 28 and 29 November.

PAGE 9 LOURDES NEWS

DAY FOR DANIEL Last Thursday, we held a RED Day

for Daniel. Children dressed in red

clothing, and brought a gold coin

donation for the Daniel Morcombe

Foundation. Our Safe Person, Mrs.

Quabba, spoke to children about

the strategies they can use to stay

safe and to keep others safe.

Health Care Card Concession to School Fees

In an effort to reduce the financial burden on families, a significant discount to Diocesan tuition fees is available for holders of a means tested Australian government health care or pensioner concession card—these families are entitled to a discount on the tuition fees, however no discount applies to the school levies and additional charges. If you are eligible, please see the office to apply for this discount. We will require a copy of your current card to apply, or continue to apply the discount. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS DISCOUNT, PLEASE CHECK YOUR CURRENT FEES NOTICE CAREFULLY. IF THE DISCOUNT HAS BEEN APPLIED, IT WILL BE LISTED AS “HCC DISCOUNT.” IF YOU BELIEVE IT HAS NOT BEEN APPLIED, PLEASE COME IN WITH YOUR CARD. WE ARE UNABLE TO APPLY THIS DISCOUNT IF WE DO NOT HAVE A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CARD. Please note that onus and responsibility is on the parent to advise our office if they believe they are entitled to the discount, or if the discount has not been applied. It is impossible for staff members to assess each family’s situation, or follow up entitlements to discounts. Thank you.

PAGE 10 LOURDES NEWS

Bowen Waterpark

Whitsunday Adventure Park Let’s Eat!

The 2013 Year 7 camp at Adventure Park Whitsunday was a great success and provided great enjoyment and fun

for the whole group. Day 1 saw the group visit Plantation Creek and the Bowen Waterpark en route to Cannonvale,

the site of the Whitsunday Adventure Park. The day was rounded off with a swim at their great pool , pizza night,

leadership activities and a movie on the big screen.

Day 2 saw the group visit the Airlie Beach CBD for a mapping exercise and shopping, Airlie Lagoon for a swim

and then on to Conway Beach for beach studies and an old fashioned picnic. That afternoon saw the group com-

plete HPE activities at the adventure park and finish off the evening with pasta and ice cream before another movie

night to really chill out before bed.

Adventure Park Activities

Airlie Beach

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Daydream Island

Adventure Park Activities

Day 3 saw the group board the ferry for the trip Daydream Island. On the Island the boys and

girls enjoyed the facilities and joined marine biologists in feeding and handling many sea creatures.

More fun activities followed at the Adventure park and then it was time for a BBQ and to start

packing up. Day 4 was spent traveling back to school with movies and a lunch at Maccas to round

things off.

Thanks to all the students and staff members who made this great trip possible. A great time was

had by all.

Awaiting the Ferry to Daydream Island

Conway Beach

Mermaid’s Beach

Heading Home!

PAGE 12 LOURDES NEWS

Public Health Alert for Schools: Measles Outbreaks

What is the concern? Queensland Health is concerned about the number of measles outbreaks in Queensland this year. There have been 24 people notified with measles so far this year, three of whom were school aged and one toddler. There have also been measles outbreaks occurring in other states, with young children and school aged children infected. Large measles outbreaks are occurring in other parts of the world, including in our nearest neighbours in Indonesia (Bali) and Thailand. Measles outbreaks in Australia usually commence with a person who was infected overseas. Measles is a highly infectious disease that causes people to feel very unwell. It can cause complications such as middle ear infections and more serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Complications are more common and more severe in people with a chronic illness and very young children. Approximately 60% of deaths from measles are associated with complications, especially pneumonia in the young and encephalitis in adults. The virus is spread from an infectious person during coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Because measles is so infectious it can spread rapidly in schools and early childhood education and care services where non-vaccinated children and or adults attend.

What can schools and childcare services do? It is very important that schools and child care services are aware of the current measles risk and inform parents to keep children away if they think they could have measles. Parents should be advised to ring their GP or 13HEALTH if they think their child has measles as confirmation of measles infection requires medical assessment and laboratory testing. Schools and childcare services are encouraged to strongly recommend that parents ensure their children and staff are fully vaccinated against measles and if possible, keep a list of any unvaccinated children and staff. Unvaccinated children and staff will need to be excluded from any school or childcare where a measles case has been confirmed. Anyone born in 1966 or after who has not had two documented measles vaccinations or documented immunity should get vaccinated. Measles vaccine is free. Your local Public Health Unit will provide advice and support to you, in the event of an outbreak of measles within your Centre or Service. A list of the Public Health Units is available at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cho/default.asp

What if parents refuse to keep their child away? The Public Health Act 2005 gives the person in charge of a school or early childhood education and care service specific powers that enables them to direct a parent to keep a child who has or may have measles away from school for a prescribed period of time. Details on these powers can be found at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/publichealthact/documents/fs-cont-cond.pdf A measles fact sheet and other measles resources are available at www.health.qld.gov.au/cdcg/index/default.asp

PAGE 13 LOURDES NEWS

The P&F and Board will hold its “break-up” dinner on Friday, 22 November at 7.00pm at the Lucinda

Point Hotel. Please contact the office no later than Friday, 15 November if you wish to join them.

LOURDES

PLAYGROUP

Each Tuesday (term time)

9.00am to 10.30am

At Lourdes School

in Prep Outside Area

$3.00 per family

BYO Morning Tea

All children under 5 and their

parents welcome!!

PAGE 14

Weekend Mass Times

St. Patrick’s, Ingham Sat. Vigil 6pm, Sunday 8am,

7pm St. Peter’s, Halifax

Sunday, 7am St Teresa’s, Abergowrie

Sunday, 10am Canossa Chapel, Trebonne

Sunday, 9.30am

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School 18 Abbott Street / P.O. Box 1553, Ingham Qld 4850

Ph: (07) 4776 2719 Fax: (07) 4776 3882

Email: ighm@tsv.catholic.edu.au Web: www2.olltsv.catholic.edu.au

Tuckshop Roster Thursday, 24 October M Milan

Friday, 25 October M Glindermann, M Watts

Monday, 28 October R Firth

Wednesday, 30 October E Liesenberg

Thursday, 31 October S Thompson, S Hamilton

Friday, 1 November L Pelleri

Monday, 4 November K Lyons, R Cordery

Wednesday, 6 November A Brescianini, M Barnes

Notice Board ...

Tuckshop Specials ….

Thursday, 31/10 ............. Chicken Parma Burger ................... $5.00

Friday, 1/11 .................... Beef & Veg Stirfry ........................... $5.00

Monday, 4/11 ................. Chicken & Mushroom Pizza ............ $3.00

Chicken & Pineapple Pizza ............. $3.00

Wednesday, 6/11 ........... Fresh Rice Paper Rolls & Dipping Sauce

(with chicken & veges) .................... $4.50

Thursday, 7/11 ............... Nacho Cups .................................... $4.50

Friday, 8/11 .................... Honey Soy Chicken Kebabs ... 3 for $4.00

Also now available in the tuckshop are

Slushies … $2/per cup

(Apple juice based)

Christmas

Concert

7.00pm on Wednesday , 27 November in our Menegon Centre

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A BBQ

DINNER AVAILABLE THIS NIGHT.