Parents, Caregivers and Students,

The resilience of students and staff throughout this time continues to astonish me as we keep moving through the term. Hopefully we are very slowly emerging on the ‘other side’ of these uncertain times. Some say it feels like time has stood still and in some ways, I suppose, it did. At school however, I am also happy to say that students have continued to grow in all areas of their education. Growth can’t be stopped; invisible and elusive at first, it puts the wheels in motion for bigger and better things into the future.

God also puts wheels in motion as He breathes inspiration into the minds of all who believe in Him. Also often invisible and elusive, the Holy Spirit guides us into the future. Some images of the Holy Spirit used in the Bible come from nature; a wind or a fire. Other images describe the Holy Spirit as a helper or healer. For me, at times, the Holy Spirit is the fire in my heart that encourages me to act with passion and love. Other times it is like the voice in my conscience warning me of danger or it comes as a challenge to help someone in need.

News of a Catholic Secondary School for the whole Riverland community in Renmark was announced last week by our Director Nichii Mardon, just before Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. The inspiration, ideas and drive for a Catholic secondary pathway for our students has lived within the Riverland community for a very long time. I am extremely proud and excited, as together, we will bear witness to these plans coming to fruition. I personally can't think of a better way to lift the spirits of our community. Thank you to all families for your engagement and feedback that has influenced the planning for the new school.

Fostering a sense of pride, belonging, purpose and identity through wearing a school uniform is of high importance at Our Lady of the River school. I am currently observing some variations to the school uniform and ask you to support your children to wear the uniform correctly.

This week all classes participated in School Sport SA’s virtual Cross Country Championship. On Wednesday morning students ran distances that varied from 500m for Foundation students to 3000m for Year 4-7 students. They ran on a special course set up around the school oval. It was wonderful to see students so committed on their run. Even some staff got brave and put on their runners!

Congratulations to Raahil and William who both won a solo as part of the Riverland Music Festival. An audition process can be very daunting for students. Raahil and William are commended for their courage in following through their ambition to sing in front of an audience. I very much look forward to see both of them shine on the stage.

A huge congratulations to the Baugh family, Sarah, Craig, Emma and Riley on the safe arrival of their daughter and sister Eloise. We very much look forward to meeting her.

Today we welcomed Stacey and Nathan Geyer and their daughter Laura into our school community. Laura has started transition visits in the F/1 class as part of the mid-year intake. She will start school full time at the beginning of Term 3. 

Have a great long weekend!

Nanda de Winter