During the school holidays we had considerable work done around the school, renovating one of our rooms to become our new Art room. This was a big job involving adding and removing wall spaces, putting in new cabinets and plumbing the area to help with clean up. It has also meant that we once again have a Multi-Purpose room available for meetings, staff professional learning and intervention.  

Also during the holidays, our school captains Isaac and Ishmeet attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Garden of Memory in Barmera. They laid a wreath on behalf of the school to acknowledge our thanks for the service of many over the years who fought in many wars and conflicts. ANZAC Day is an important day in the Australian calendar and one which we need to keep alive for future generations. Judging by the size of the crowd in Barmera, it certainly is alive in our local community.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education Week. This year we are going back to gathering with the other Riverland Catholic Schools to celebrate this on the Wednesday, when we will all gather at St Francis of Assisi College in Renmark. We will begin with a liturgy, after which the College students are going to run activities and fun events. This will be a great way of collaborating and celebrating our Catholic Identity. We will also be having some things at school during the week, such as Grandparents day next Friday, to celebrate all that makes Catholic Education unique and positive. Look out for some posts celebrating the week on our Facebook page. 

Next Friday we take part in the National Walk Safely to School Day. On this day, primary school aged children are encouraged to walk with their parents or caregiver to school. This encourages healthy habits as well as teaching vital road safety skills. National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of our children. Students taking part are to meet at the Berri Plaza Subway entrance @ 7.45am sharp. Please make sure your child is wearing appropriate active walking gear. 

After our AGM towards the end of last term our School Board has had a few changes. I would like to thank Dimitria Dale and Teresa Colligan for their time on the Board as they retire. I am pleased to announce that Dr. George Dalamagas has joined the Board in 2023 as a new member. I would also like to thank Tammy Kregar who finishes as our Board Chairperson, and thank Mark Howie who has been elected the new Chairperson. We look forward to our next year ahead, helping to shape the future of our school. 

Finally, I would like to wish all of our mothers and grandmothers a wonderful day this Sunday on Mother’s Day. Your impact in the life of your children cannot be measured, and your care and compassion for them is something that they need more than they know. Thank you for all you, and hopefully your children can spoil you a little, not just on Sunday, but every day. 

Mr Slagter
Principal