Our school has been a rather busy place over the past few weeks with many events being celebrated. We take pride in the wide variety of learning opportunities and experiences we can offer our students.

Sacrament of Confirmation 

Our parish community came together for a deeply meaningful event last weekend: the Sacrament of Confirmation. This year was particularly special as our students joined with their peers from St. Joseph’s Barmera and St. Joseph’s Renmark. The special ceremony took place at St. Therese Church in Renmark, where Bishop Karol Kulczyzki presided over the Mass and Fr. Hau concelebrated. It was a powerful service that marked a significant step in the faith journeys of all the young people involved. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jack, and we were incredibly proud to witness him take this important step. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Perre and Mrs. Grocke from St. Joseph’s for their dedicated support and for the time they invested in the formation of the students, helping them prepare for this sacred moment. 

Riverland Music Festival Success 

The air was filled with beautiful music at the Riverland Music Festival, thanks to the outstanding performances of our talented choir students. Their participation showcased not only their incredible musical abilities but also their commitment and passion. Each song was a testament to the countless hours of practice and hard work they put in. We are proud of their dedication and the professionalism they displayed on stage. A special thank you is due to Mrs. Owens for her tireless guidance and support. Her encouragement and expertise were instrumental in preparing our students for this unforgettable experience, helping them shine so brightly. 

Year 3 Monarto Zoo Camp 

Our Year 3 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure at the Monarto Zoo camp. It was much more than a typical zoo visit; the students got to experience what it's truly like to be a park ranger. They enthusiastically participated in hands-on activities, like helping to clean up animal enclosures, and got to make animal shelters as well. The learning continued into the evening, with a thrilling night walk and a session of stargazing. Against the backdrop of a starry sky, they were treated to a great view of the Milky Way, all while hearing the majestic roar of the lions in the distance—a memory that will surely last a lifetime. A huge thank you goes to Miss Stewart for her meticulous organization, and to Pat and Mel for their invaluable support on the camp, which ensured everyone had a safe and wonderful time. 

A Note on Smartwatches and Mobile Phones 

Recently, we've noticed an increase in students wearing smartwatches to school. While we recognize that these are excellent tools for adults and can be useful for children, they can become a significant distraction in the classroom setting. Many of the smartwatches available today have the same capabilities as mobile phones, which are not permitted in class. I have spoken with students to clarify that while they are welcome to wear their smartwatches, they should only be used to tell time while at school. To avoid any distraction for themselves or others, teachers will follow the same protocol as with mobile phones and ask students to put them away if they are being used inappropriately. We kindly ask that families reinforce this message with their children. This is also a good opportunity to remind students who carry mobile phones in their bags to please hand them to their class teacher at the start of the day to ensure they are kept safe and secure until the end of the school day. 

Father's Day Celebration 

To all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other special role models who joined us for our Father's Day afternoon, we extend our most sincere thanks. Your presence made the day truly special. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and the smiles on our students' faces clearly showed how much your support and love mean to them. We truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to connect with your children and celebrate this special occasion with us. Thank you for being wonderful role models and for the endless love and care you provide. As Sunday approaches, we wish you a very happy Father's Day and hope your children treat you as well as you deserve.