

Principal's Message
At Our Lady of Lourdes, we believe in empowering students to reach their full potential. Our focus on personal development, academic excellence, and community engagement equips them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing world.
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We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued, heard, and inspired to explore their passions. Through a personalised approach to education, we help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. By encouraging collaboration, empathy, and a sense of responsibility, we prepare them to become active and engaged citizens.
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Parents are the first educators of their children and it is they who are the consistent influence in their lives. Our teachers journey with you in supporting your child’s development by providing a safe and happy learning environment. We aim to work in partnership with you by nurturing the children’s development, by taking a genuine interest in their welfare, and by guiding, supporting and assisting their holistic development. The teachers at Our Lady of Lourdes School are professional, dedicated and resolute in ensuring that each child attains their full potential.
I encourage you to explore what Our Lady of Lourdes offers by attending one of our Open Days.
Venez Voir, Come and see!

Adrian McAlister
Principal

Mission & Vision
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To prepare our students for life's future challenges.

About
Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic primary school that is welcoming and dynamic. As a Catholic school we are committed to teaching and living out the Gospel in a caring community where Christian values are nurtured and celebrated.
We believe that a faith-filled, rich learning and teaching environment will support the growth of the whole person. Our curriculum fosters inquiry and develops a range of skills and knowledge to empower each child to reach his/her potential. We recognise the unique qualities of all members of the community and embrace our diversity.
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At Our Lady of Lourdes, we strive to prepare our students for life’s future challenges in a spirit of cooperation.

Our History
In January 1922 Rev. Father Michael Ignatius O’Brien purchased the property “Cavendish” in High Street Prahran, thereby establishing the Parish of Armadale – Toorak. In June of the same year, Archbishop Daniel Mannix laid the foundation stone for the school/church, in which Mass was first celebrated on 22nd October 1922.
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Our Lady of Lourdes held classes in the original red brick building, which still stands behind the church, from 1922 until 1961 when a new school was built on the current Wynnstay Road site. In 1974, the first lay principal was appointed. Originally, classes were conducted from Preparatory to Year 8. This changed in 1967, when the classes were Preparatory to Year 6 as they remain today. Our Lady of Lourdes School is still the only Catholic Parish Primary School serving the Parishes of Armadale and Toorak.
Meet the Team



Adrian McAlister
Principal
Aine Teague
Teacher
Alison March
Music and Performing Arts Teacher



Anne Vella
LSO

Aoife Finnegan
Teacher & Student Engagement Leader

Bridget Ardley
Teacher

Caterina Alessandrini
Administration
Daniel Podbury
Teacher & Wellbeing Leader
Di Platt
LSO



Eleanor Colaneri
Teacher
Fiona Phelan
LSO
Grainne Campbell
Teacher



Irene Stone
Deputy Principal
Isabelle Nedelec
French LSO
Joseph Ayton-Delany
Teacher



Louise Morgan
Teacher
Luisa Vivarelli
Visual Art Teacher
Mary Gammilonghi
Literacy and Learning Diversity Leader



Nicole Farnsworth
LSO

Robyn Lazzaro
LSO
Rachel McLeary
PE Teacher

Tom Vanier
Teacher & RE Leader
Renee Griffin
Teacher

Tonia Dalitz
Administration

Vanessa Ratnayake
STEM Teacher