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Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, Students and Friends,
The year's last newsletter is always a time for reflection and celebration. We know that it has been a challenging couple of years full of twists and turns, but throughout, we have had a sense of hope and confidence that we could adapt, change and continue to remain connected. I congratulate everyone on your resilience and support of each other as we kept our spirits high and were there for each other.
I feel an incredible sense of gratitude and appreciation as I reflect on the years that we have had together at Our Lady of the River School. The celebrations and highlights have been many and varied, and I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity to lead the school community.
I have been truly grateful for the dedication and commitment of parents at Our Lady of the River over the years. There is no doubt that the families contribute considerably to the wonderful community atmosphere and school spirit – enabling us to provide fantastic resources for the students, including new technology, extra support staffing, new playground equipment, and the list goes on.
I want to express my sincere thanks to Fr. Paul and our School Board members, who are committed to pursuing excellence at Our Lady of the River School and building a strong, faith-filled Catholic community. The support, advocacy and wisdom of our Board members over the years has been a real asset to our school and has made my job as Principal a pleasure.
I acknowledge and thank the fabulous Our Lady of the River staff that continually strive to provide challenging and stimulating learning opportunities for our students in partnership with families. Each staff member goes above and beyond in so many ways. I have been truly blessed to work with such enthusiastic, passionate and fun-loving colleagues.
Finally, I would like to say how proud I am of the Our Lady of the River students and what they have all achieved. It has been an honour to be entrusted with their care and education and watch each one grow socially and academically in faith, love, and wisdom.
Farewell to the staff, students and families who are moving on or beginning a new venture and thank you for being a part of our community. We hope Our Lady of the River always holds a special place in your heart.
To our graduating students, we are blessed to have had you in our school.
You have played an essential part in what Pope Francis meant by fraternity. There is much you leave of yourselves at Our Lady of the River School that has made the foundations stronger for those yet to come, and it is something to be proud of.
You are now transitioning in the warm embrace of a new image, growing out of primary school and into the secondary world of schooling.
Classes of 2021, always try to live by the motto of Our Lady of the River School: 'Charity at all times.' Treat others the way you want them to treat you and 'Never see a need without doing something about it'. (Saint Mary MacKillop)
I am sincerely humbled, as always, to be the Principal and will dearly miss this school. I am very much looking forward to my new adventures, but I will always continue to watch from afar on all of your endeavours and adventures. Thank you so very much for your kind wishes and thoughtful gifts. I'm truly grateful.
I wish you all the blessings of Christmas, a relaxing holiday season and all the best for the future
Mrs Ros Oates
Principal
End of Year Prayer
Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love worldwide. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.
On Monday, 6th December, students received the opportunity to visit the Riverland Gymnastics Academy and participate in some sessions. Students worked through several stations testing their balance, flexibility, coordination, mental focus and strength. Students even had the chance to launch themselves into the foam pit, which is always a highlight. A big thank you to Pat Perre who made numerous trips to and from the venue to ensure students got there safely.
Thank you to our Yr 5 students for their recent speeches regarding our School Leadership Team for 2022.
Next year, the following students have been successful and are excited about their new roles as senior leaders of Our Lady of the River School.
School Captains: Claire Strong and Elysia Cresp
School Vice-Captains: Will Cresp and Kenzie Sweet
Outreach Captains: Harsimran Singh and Tom Colligan
I thank each of our applicants for how they have truly applied themselves in wanting to be a school leader. There will be other opportunities for students in 2022 to be school sports captains. I congratulate Claire, Elysia, Will, Kenzie, Harsimran and Tom for taking the chance to stand, lead, support and be heard. I know you will be exemplary role models for all the students in our school community next year.
Last week during our graduation ceremonies, we awarded students with the following achievements in 2021.
Social Justice Awards — Asher Martin & Maddison Wurth
This award acknowledges a student who has excelled this year in looking out for others and taking care of our school environment, and where possible, supported both peers, younger students and teachers in the school.
Arts & Technologies Awards — Hugo Dolheguy & Yvette Kroon
This award acknowledges a student who has excelled in the Arts and or Technologies this year.
Excellence in Sports - Paul Efthimiou & Bella Gates
This award acknowledges a student who has been outstanding in representing the school in sport. Our Lady of the River has been fortunate enough to have been the foundation for some outstanding young sportsmen and women.
Academic Achievement — Madison Pitt & Raahil Sowkath Ali
The Academic Achievement award acknowledges a student who has excelled in all curriculum areas throughout the year.
Mathematics Award – Ruby Wishart & Ashlyn Cresp
This award acknowledges a student who has excelled in mathematics over the years of primary schooling.
Growth & Improvement Award — Luke Endemann & Miley Mitchell
This award acknowledges a student who has grown in confidence throughout the year, taken risks in their learning, and put their best efforts into participating in all school activities.
Tim Whetstone Award – Royan Kipkosgei & Riley Halupka
Mrs Oates presents this award on behalf of Tim Whetstone, Member for Chaffey. This award is for a student who has humbly and often unknowingly taken on many challenges throughout their schooling at Our Lady of the River School with courage and determination.
School Commencement Days for 2022
Term 1 will commence on Monday, 31 January 2022.
The school supplies most if not all stationery and equipment for the students. There is no need to purchase book-covering resources. Students may like to bring along their own pencil case, and we encourage families to update their school uniform items if they are in need of repair or new sizing over the school holidays. Next year we will add a bucket hat style along with the broad-brimmed hat to our OLOR school uniform. All these items can be purchased at Tri-State in Renmark.
Pat Perre, Finance Officer
If you have any questions, please contact the school on 08 8582 1128 or email patperre@olor.catholic.edu.au
Topic | Term | Week |
Circus Classes now at OLOR! | Term 4 | Week3 |
Graduation Events 2021 |
Term 4 | Week 3 |
Footy Colours Day | Term 3 | Week 9 |
Quick Writes | Term 3 | Week 9 |
Book Week | Term 3 | Week 7 |
Alexander Hill visit | Term 3 | Week 7 |
Staffing | Term 3 | Week 3 |
Sacraments | Term 3 | Week 3 |
School Attendance | Term 2 | Week 3 |
Canteen Price increase | Term 2 | Week 1 |
Transition Students | Term 2 | Week 1 |
SAPSASA Timetable | Term 1 | Week 8 |