Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, Students and Friends,  

Welcome to Term 3.  What a few weeks we have had - lockdown, remote learning, blizzard-like weather and the Olympics!   

While this wasn't the start to Term 3 that we were expecting, I want to thank every student and family for the way you have handled the challenges of the lockdown.    

The students across the whole school embraced remote learning very well.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the fantastic staff here at Our Lady of the River. They enacted their remote learning plans aligned to the Australian Curriculum for Term 3 last week with minimal notice. The staff here go above and beyond what is expected in their role description. The students are always at the forefront of every decision made, and their dedication and commitment to teaching are unquestionable. I am incredibly grateful for everything they do.  If in future we need to put remote learning in place, the staff are skilled and ready.     

This term, we welcome our Mid-term intake students, Leo Howie, Kaylee Trevorrow, Angus Dixon-Chapman, MacKenzie Renfrey, Theodora Dalamagas and part-time Hudson Curyer. Miss Harslett's Foundation and Year 1 class has six new students, and five Year 1 students have moved into Miss Trueman's classroom, making that a Year 1 and Year 2 class.    

Now for some sensitive news.  Unfortunately, just before the break at the end of Term 2, the Stiles family's world came crashing down. Alexa, one of their youngest twins, three years of age and the little sister of Olivia in our Year 2 class at Our Lady of the River, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.  

Both parents have had to halt all plans and will be required to attend appointments most days in Adelaide at Women's and Children's Hospital with Alexa in the next six months.   

Alexa has commenced chemotherapy, at times daily for weeks at a time. Her treatment plan also includes intensive weeks of daily radiotherapy, leaving her extremely ill.

We reach out to our OLOR school family for love, prayers and support. In the coming months, we as a community will be involved in Fight Cancer 'Footy Colours Day' - Wear your colours for Kids with Cancer fundraiser that supports the team of people helping the Stiles family.    

Staffing 

This term, we welcome Mel Halupka, who will be supporting the Junior Primary classrooms as a curriculum Educational Support Officer.    
We also formally acknowledge the newly appointed staff who will be joining the Leadership Team at St Francis of Assisi College in 2022:  
Mr Luke Cotter – Leader of Wellbeing  

Mrs Nanda DeWinter – Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission  

Mrs Natalie Meuret – Leader of Learning    
In 2016, Luke Cotter joined the Our Lady of the River School community as a graduate teacher. Over the years, he has refined his teaching and leading skills in our school and become an active contributor to many community groups in Berri.  This new role is such a fantastic opportunity for Luke, and I'm sure you will join me in congratulating him on his new role in 2022.  

Living Learning Leading Survey

Today, all families received a flyer (via Seesaw) introducing you to a survey we are currently conducting about the school climate and the Catholic Education Living Leading Learning Framework, in conjunction with Curtin University.   

We value your feedback greatly, so all parents are invited to participate in the survey as an important opportunity to let us know how things are going for you and your child/ren. CESA and school staff will use the data to identify strengths and areas to work and build upon as part of our continuous improvement.  

Please be assured that your feedback will be anonymous and confidential.  

We would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey.   The closing date for the survey is Thursday, August 19. Thank you in anticipation.  

'Never see a need without doing something about it.' Blessed Mary Mackillop.   

Ros Oates
Principal