Filter Content
No matter how much we try to ignore it, or play it down, the call to simplicity of lifestyle and detachment are important elements in the teaching of Jesus and the way he lived his own life.
This week in Luke’s Gospel and in his second volume, The Acts of the Apostles, the obligations of the haves to the have-nots are regularly underlined. Scholars think Luke's Gospel keeps this teaching most alive because it was a community divided by wealth.
As Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem (and the cross that awaited him there), he warned his followers about the hardships of walking in his footsteps. A commitment to accompany Jesus on his journey meant rejection, insecurity and danger. These are still a reality in our mission to follow Jesus in 2022.
Merciful God,
You call us to follow;
to turn away from our own selfish interests,
and to take up our cross and follow after You,
even if the path is difficult to see,
or is heading in a direction we would never have chosen for ourselves.
Forgive us for being so quick to question
and so hesitant to follow.
Help us to see with the eyes of faith,
rather than from our own human point of view.
Teach us to follow without fear,
knowing that You are always with us,
leading the way.
Amen.
LearnWell
Last Monday, representatives from all of the Riverland Catholic Schools gathered at Our Lady of the River School to increase our understanding about a new CESA initiative, ‘LearnWell: Foundations For Learning Through Wellbeing’.
This new approach aims to ensure all aspects of our learning program have the concepts of wellbeing weaved into them. Our existing focus on enabling our children to experience 7 key capabilities in their education from Reception to Year 12 will be enhanced when we can utilise key enablers, principles and practices to maximise each child’s wellbeing and learning.
We are grateful to Miss Gemma Stewart for undertaking the LearnWell Ambassador role at OLOR. Gemma will work with CESA personnel and colleagues to provide a strategic approach to realising the intent of this program. As more details emerge over the coming months it is our intention that we will be communicating our approach with families as we work together to build the capacity of the students and adults at OLOR. This is a terrific initiative and will harness the efforts of staff with their work in implementing The Resilience Project and What’s The Buzz.
The Resilience Project
In the final part of The Resilience Project's digital series, Martin shares an important message about creating environments where our kids can ask for help.
65% of adolescents do not seek help for mental illness.
In this presentation, Martin shares a personal experience about a traumatic event that happened to him as a child. He explains how he overcame adversity and built resilience by asking for support, particularly from his family.
Note: This video contains a story of sexual abuse that may be triggering. Please consider this before watching. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.
View Part 5 of the series here – Summary
https://theresilienceproject.com.au/parent-and-carer-hub/
Thank you for participating in this Parent and Carer Digital Program series. You can re-watch the videos and access activities and resources anytime via the Parent & Carer Hub.
You can also stay up to date with The Resilience Project news and events by signing up to their Newsletter.
Recycling Challenge
Over the last few weeks, students have had lots of fun getting creative and a little bit messy as they prepare their submissions for the Berri Barmera Council Recycling Challenge. Their task was to create an artwork or project using recycled materials. Final pieces will be submitted early next week. Thank you to all families who were able to donate materials for us to use!
Foundation
Sport
Well done to our students that participated in SAPSASA Soccer on Friday the 17th in Renmark. The girls team won 4 games and drew 1 but unfortunately were defeated in the Grand Final. The boys tried hard all day winning 1 game and drawing 1. Great teamwork from all of the Year 5 and 6 students who participated on the day.
Congratulations
We would like to congratulate Karlie and Jack on the safe arrival of her beautiful baby boy Rex born 15/6/22. We welcome him to the OLOR community and can not wait to meet him.
Term 2 End of Term & Start of Term Three
- Term Two concludes Friday 8th July 2:30pm
- Term Three commences Tuesday 26th July
(Monday 25th July Riverland Catholic Schools Professional Development Day)
School Board
Our School Board meets twice a term and supports the Principal in the effective management of Our Lady of the River School.
Each diocesan School Board has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop/Bishop for the overall well-being of its school, within SACCS’ and diocesan policies and guidelines. In practice, this means that in a spirit of partnership, Boards act to:
- develop policies that nurture the religious dimension and guide the direction of the school;
- develop the relationship between the school and the local Church;
- promote educational excellence within the school;
- support the administration of the school;
- foster harmonious and positive collaboration within the school community;
- protect children;
- monitor buildings and grounds development and maintenance;
- exercise financial stewardship of the school; and
- ensure compliance with legal obligations.
(From the Manual For School Board Members)
At our Tuesday evening Board Meeting, the Office Bearers for 2022 were elected. We congratulate and thank the following people for generously sharing their skills and knowledge in these positions:
- President: Fr Paul
- Chairperson: Mrs Tammy Kregar
- Chairperson of Finance Committee: Mrs Emma Vallelonga
- Secretary: Ms Melanie Steele
We also recognise the commitment and dedication of the following parents who represent our school community on the OLOR School Board:
- Cilla Marsden
- Dimitria Dale
- Ryan Vallelonga
- Teresa Colligan
- Mark Howie
Uniform
A reminder that school uniform items are accessible through Tri-State Graphics, 216 Renmark Avenue, Renmark Ph: 8586 5815
As the weather becomes cooler it is important that our students are wearing the correct uniform items and not random coats and jackets.
Student Intensive Dance Week
In Week Two of Term Three, students will be participating in 'Dancify' dance workshop (1st – 5th August). Workshops will be held in the OLOR Hall, on Friday the 5th of August students will perform their dance at 3.00pm.
More information will be provided in future newsletters.
Class Masses & Assemblies
It has been wonderful to have our families re-join our Class Masses and Assemblies. Please see below for the class events which are occurring over the next 2 weeks of Term Two:
Week 9 - Assembly Year 3 1st July at 2:30pm
Week 10 - Mass Foundation 7th July at 9am
T 2 Calendar
Our Term Two calendar will be updated in our Schoolzine newsletter. We will also provide a PDF version via SZapp and Seesaw so that every family is aware of the events which will be held at OLOR this term.
Safe Parking at Our Lady of the River
Instrumental/singing Lessons at OLOR
Would your child like to learn a musical instrument at school?
Music Alive School of Music has been partnering with OLOR to provide guitar lessons at school and is now able to offer students the opportunity to learn piano, strings (violin, viola and cello) and singing at school.
Piano, strings and singing lessons will be provided by Catherine Heuzenroeder, an OLOR parent and experienced teacher who is the accompanist for the Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival and regular contributor to the Young Riverland Musical Society (YRMS) program.
Learning an instrument develops musicality and is recognised as stimulating brain function, including maths and language skills. It brings a host of transferable skills including improving memory, concentration and building determination and resilience. It’s also a lot of fun!
Students who learn a musical instrument through Music Alive have the opportunity to perform at recitals, sit nationally-recognised exams and enjoy the social benefits of playing in ensembles.
If you would like more information or want to register for lessons starting soon, please contact Music Alive School of Music on info@musicalive.com.au or by phoning 8584 5561. Catherine can be contacted directly at catherineheuzenroeder@outlook.com or by phoning 0417 530 070.