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Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation. Those who undertake their Confirmation are effectively adult members of the church after Confirmation, standing up and saying for themselves the words that were said for them by Parents and Godparents in Baptism.
This week five of our students are celebrating this important Sacrament. They have been learning about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit which we receive as a part of Confirmation in their class and have taken part in a Confirmation retreat today. Part of this retreat experience was thinking about what sort of person they want to be when they grow up. They thought about those who inspire them, and what they can do to inspire others.
We congratulate Eli Cresp, Will Cresp, Mackenzie Pitt, Kenzie Sweet and Layla Vallelonga, as well as those from the St Albert’s school and parish community who will be celebrating their Confirmation this weekend.
Our students have been lucky enough to have many extra experiences in the last few weeks at school. While these all add an extra dimension to their schooling, it also gives students a chance to take part in things they are passionate about.
Last week we celebrated Book Week, and this year’s theme “Dreaming with eyes open”, was a great way to celebrate the many different worlds that we encounter through stories. Our Book Week Assembly on Monday was a great start to the week, where each class shared information and responses about two different Book Week books. This really focused us all on the great books that were released in the last year. Our Book Week parade on Wednesday was also a great event, with so many colourful costumes and dress ups. It was great to see nearly every student dress up and share the characters they love. A big thank-you to the Dream Team staff for all of their support, preparation and involvement to make Book Week one to remember.
The Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival performance on Tuesday was one to remember as well. Nine of our students joined many others from schools across the Riverland to experience a night of music, song and performance. Well done to those in the choir, and a big thank you to Miss De-Gregorio for her support and commitment throughout the preparation and performance.
This week our Foundation to Year 3 students got to experience live theatre at the Chaffey Theatre in Renmark. They went to see Home by the Patch Theatre Company, and from all accounts, enjoyed it immensely. Seeing performances like this gives students a change from just seeing them on screen, and an appreciation of what the performers do to make a story come to life. Once again, thank you to the teachers and ESOs who supported the classes to be part of this.
We had 19 students represent the school at the Riverland SAPSASA Athletics carnival in Loxton this week as well. A great day was had by all, with some fantastic competitors, positive sportsmanship and lots of fun. Overall, we finished second in the Medium Schools category. Well done to everyone involved and thanks to Mr Charlton, Miss Roberts and Mr Vowles for their assistance and organisation on the day.
This weekend we also look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with five of our students. Eli Cresp, Will Cresp, Mackenzie Pitt, Kenzie Sweet and Layla Vallelonga will join with students from St Albert’s Loxton and parishioners, to celebrate what is their acceptance into full membership of the church. It will be a special celebration and a great opportunity to come together with the Parish in a Sacramental way. A big thank you to those who helped prepare all of the students for this significant occasion
Finally, I wish all fathers a great and happy day on Sunday. As Catholics, we look to the example of St. Joseph in how to live as a good father. Please enjoy the following prayer to St. Joseph, who is the patron saint of fathers.
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and
chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life
in loving fulfilment of duty.
You supported the holy family of Nazareth
with the work of your hands.
Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you.
You know their aspirations,
their hardships, their hopes.
They look to you because they know
you will understand and protect them.
You too knew trial, labour and weariness.
But amid the worries of material life
your soul was full of deep peace and
sang out in true joy through intimacy
with God's Son entrusted to you
and with Mary, his tender Mother.
Assure those you protect
that they do not labour alone.
Teach them to find Jesus near them and
to watch over him faithfully as you have done.
Pope John XXIII
The Resilience Project- Empathy
Empathy is thinking about what others are feeling. It’s about being kind to others. It’s about knowing how to make others feel happier, and also make ourselves feel happier and more connected to each other, as well as our own feelings.
Thank a family member or friend
- Next time you are gathered together get everyone to stand up.
- Ask everyone to go up to someone else and thank them for something they bring to this family/group.
- After a minute ask them to find someone else to thank.
- Then sit back down.
Reflect on the experience of thanking each other?
- Was it easy? Was it awkward to begin with? Why do you think this was/wasn't the case?
- How did it feel to be thanked? How did it feel to thank someone else?
- Why don't we do this more?
- How can we practise this more often?
Let’s put this into practice:
- Think about a family member who might need to hear something good, receive an act of kindness, or be included in your plans.
- Make a plan for who you are thinking about, and what you are going to do.
- Share this plan with another family member.
- Carry out your plan!
- Follow up with the person a few days later, and reiterate what you said, to let them know it wasn’t just a one-off.
This year we celebrated Book Week with the theme 'Dreaming with eyes open'. Everyone did an amazing job with their costumes and had a great time. Thank you to all the Parents and extended family and friends for coming to support the students in their parade.
Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival
On Tuesday the 23rd of August, the Our Lady of the River Choir, joined students from other schools to perform in the Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival. Our choir students participated in an almost 4-hour rehearsal during the day, in which they demonstrated incredible stamina and enthusiasm. They then performed beautifully that night.
A big congratulations for all the hard work and dedication goes to:
Cailin Altus
Alice Colligan
Zoe Stephens
Siri Gudipati
Jasreet Kaur
Georgia Strong
Latesha Darvill
Harsimran Singh
Claire Strong
On Tuesday 30th of August, the Foundation – Year 3 students attended a performance called ‘Home’. We travelled to the Chaffey Theatre by bus and participated in the interactive performance. Several students were invited to join the performers on stage and students all had fun joining in with their ‘hand snails’, passing around the talking house and bouncing giant eyeball balloons around the audience!
In year 1/2 we have been learning all about earth and space. We have learnt about the sun and how landscapes can change. This week, we focussed on the night sky. We learnt about stars, the moon patterns, and constellations. We enjoyed learning about the Southern Cross and the constellation Lyra. After this, we used mini-marshmallows and toothpicks to design our own constellations. We enjoyed creating these and giving them cool names!
As was announced last term the year 3 class was awarded a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to go towards their Waste Warriors initiative. This led to the purchase of a SubPod worm farm, compost bin, a garden bed, and edible plants. Year 3 students will empty our class compost bin into the new Subpod each day. The worms will then break down the food and organic matter into compost from their castings, otherwise known as worm “poop”. We will then use this nutrient rich compost in our class garden which is full of herbs, fruits and vegetables. We hope this will help reduce waste across our OLOR school community by decreasing the amount of food and organic waste entering landfill. Together we can divert waste, rebuild soil, grow food and be part of the solution.
Awesome Athletic Achievement!
Hi all,
On Wednesday, 31st August 19 OLOR students travelled to Loxton High School to compete at the Riverland SAPSASA Athletics Carnival. In what were perfect conditions for physical activity our students thrived in numerous events. Full results can be accessed via the link https://rss.resultshq.com.au/. OLOR finished second overall in the medium schools category and also took out the Most Improved award. I would like to thank Ms Nicolette Roberts and Chris Vowles for all their help in what was a fantastic day for our school.
Please keep checking for sporting dates on the calendar below.
Have a great weekend!
Kind regards,
Tom Charlton
OLOR Sports Coordinator
Sporting Quote of the Week: |
“Somebody gives you an opportunity, say yes to it. So what if you fail? you won’t know if you fail or succeed unless you try.” – Ann Meyers |
Term 2 SAPSASA Dates |
|
Event |
Date |
Riverland SAPSASA Athletics Carnival @Loxton |
Wednesday, 31st August |
School Cricket Cup @Berri |
Wednesday, 14th September |
Hot Shots Tennis Carnival @Barmera |
Tuesday, 20th September |
Would you mind ensuring that your child's uniform and school items are clearly named to reduce the number of children looking for lost property? If your child does access spare clothes, please return these to the school.
A reminder that school uniform items are accessible through Tri-State Graphics, 216 Renmark Avenue, Renmark Ph: 8586 5815