31 January 2020

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Scripture

John 2:1-12 - On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brother and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Principals Report

Dear Parents, caregivers and Students,

As you have probably heard me say on several occasions, I am very excited to be the Acting Principal of Our Lady of the River school for 2020. Staff, students and families have made me feel very welcome and as a result I have had a wonderful first week.

I would like to welcome the returning students and families to the school and a special welcome to our new students and families; Amanat, Gurmehar, Florence, Mia, Ryleigh, Irmaan, Ollie, Max, Emma and Miley. I would also like to welcome Lauren Harslett as the Foundation/Year 1 classroom teacher.

I come to you with 24 years of experience as an educator. My teaching career started on the other side of the globe, in The Netherlands, after graduating as a specialist Drama Teacher.

My teaching career has not only taken me halfway across the planet, it has also taken me all over this marvellous country. I have taught in various schools in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia. The last 13 years I have been part of the teaching team at St Joseph’s School in Barmera where in the last 5 years, next to teaching, I have been in the role of APRIM (Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission). I have taught across all the year levels at various times in my career. In 2011 I was already briefly part of the OLOR team as the Spanish teacher, which some of you might remember. In 2018 I was proud to be awarded the teacher of the year award for ‘Excellence in Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners’ across the 3 educational sectors in the state.

The ending of the 2019 school year has created space for a new beginning into the 2020 school year; a seedbed of potential and hope for something better. It is law of nature that life continually seeks places to germinate. Beginnings from endings can be an exciting time for us with opportunities for change. A time to establish new habits, new relationships or even start a complete new way of life. But it also means saying good-bye to what we have known and loved. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mrs Ros Oates all the best for 2020 as she takes on the role of Acting Principal in Roxby Downs.

If you have had a chance to come into the school and walk into your child’s class, you would have seen the amazing jobs the staff have done in creating excellent learning spaces for your children. To achieve this, it takes time to plan, position and create. I am thankful for the efforts of the staff.

Before school started, staff spent three days engaged in professional learning. On the

Monday, we began our discussion on developing a shared vision and focus for the year with regards to teaching and learning and improving learning outcomes for all students. On Tuesday we engaged in Autism Spectrum Syndrome professional learning together with teachers from St Joseph’s Barmera and St Joseph’s Renmark with the aim to improve learning for all students. This learning was provided by the Catholic Education Office and I would like to thank Angela Centofanti, Andrea Richardson and Ciara James for their commitment to staff development.

This week a letter from Nichii Mardon, the Director of Catholic Education for the Port Pirie Diocese was sent to all families via email. The letter invites you to complete a survey as we enter the next phase in exploring Catholic Secondary schooling in our Riverland region. Phase 2 is for the Catholic Education Office South Australia to develop a business case for the feasibility of building a new Catholic Secondary School in Renmark. Transport to and from Renmark will be part of this plan. Last year it was already discovered there is a lot of interest from Riverland families and if given the green light the Catholic secondary school will be in Renmark. I am highly excited about the option of having a Catholic secondary school in Renmark as it creates a Catholic pathway for our students without having to go all the way to Adelaide. Imagine all the opportunities that a Catholic Secondary option will give to all students in our region. Your continued feedback is of high importance to this process and I strongly encourage you to follow the link that is provided in the email and complete the survey before it closes on Wednesday 5th February 2020.

The scripture in John 2:1-12 tells us about Jesus being invited to a wedding. It is a big wedding party. Weddings in Jesus’ times lasted for days and many people were invited. Long and happy days of dancing, singing and meeting new people. But then something terrible happens….the wine runs out! There is disappointment all around. Unfortunately, the party seems to finish a lot earlier than planned. Shame will fall upon the family that organised the wedding and the high expectations of the guests lie in tatters.

But then there is Jesus. He heads towards the servants and asks them to fill 6 stone water jars, of about 600 L each, with water. When the jars are filled with water he asks the servants to fill a glass from it and to bring the glass to the master of the wedding for a taste. When the master tastes it the water has changed into wine and it is joyfully approved. Laughter and joy erupt, the party can continue! Jesus shows us who He is. The wedding was about to end early. Also for us things break down and come to an end. Sometimes these ends come unexpected. But there is Jesus. He makes everyone happy by saving the party. He didn’t come to break down, but to build up.

When situations change, Jesus gives us the opportunity of a new beginning. Through his death on the cross He gives us a new perspective. If death first seemed like the end, it is now a new beginning. Laughter and happiness, the party can go on!

Welcome to 2020 - A new beginning.

Nanda de Winter

Religious Education News

The latest edition of the Southern Cross features all the latest news and information on our Catholic community. Click on the following link below.

Witness - Latest Addition

The Witness is a bi-monthly publication of the Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie. Issued every February, April, June, August, October and December.

PLEASE READ THE NEWSLETTERS CAREFULLY. Everything you need to know about the school week and dates is on the school app. (SZapp) You can download on all smartphones and tablets for free. We get a lot of phone calls & text about events and programs that have been advertised widely.

Community News

The Berri Swimming Club extends an invitation to all intended swimmers to join in with trainings from 6pm, Monday & Wednesday evenings. Entry into the pool will be at their own cost & preferably wear a school shirt so we know where they're from.

Happy Birthday!