Religious Education
Celebrating our Patron Saint, Mary of the Cross Mackillop – 8th August
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop emulates all that is the Australian Spirit. Her hard-working, resilient nature in the face of challenges, her inclusiveness of all people, especially the marginalised and the broken, and her constant efforts to keep other's happy. Her kind-hearted ways and commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that we continue today. She is truly a Saint for and of Australia!
It is from St. Mary of the Cross’ humble beginnings and her Josephite values our school is founded. Therefore to celebrate St. Mary Mackillop's Feast Day, Our Lady of the River School honoured our Patron Saint with a Mass dedicated in her honour on Monday, 9th August. Mass was hosted by the Year One and Two class and officiated by Fr. Paul Bourke. It was lovely to be able to celebrate with some of our parents and parish community. To commemorate St. Mary and her mission to do all that she can to provide for the poor, students and staff dressed up in the late 1800s attire and donated towards supporting members of our local community who face challenging times.
Sometimes, Mary MacKillop would visit schools armed with a tin of sweets and a spoon. Each child received a spoonful of sweets. To replicate Mary’s kindness and love of children, OLOR students received a special treat from Mary Mackillop in the afternoon. It was a delightful day enjoyed by all.
Let's endeavour to live like St Mary each and every day.
"Never see a need without doing something about it" -St Mary MacKillop
Youth ministry ad.
All youth are invited to an online Youth Games Night. If you would like to participate please follow the links to register.
Youth Games Night 1st September, 7:00-8:30pm (12-17 Years of Age)
Registration closes August 31st.
Registration - https://www.pp.catholic.org.au/caring-for-our-community/youth-and-young-adult-ministry/youth-online-games-night-registrations
Young Adults Games Night 17th September, 7:00-8:30pm (18 Years +).
Registrations close 9th September.
If you are interested in being a Youth Leader in your community. Click the link below to find out more and register.
Minnie Vinnies
This year our Senior students have been involved in our Minnie Vinnies program. Our Lady of the River School has partnered up with our local St. Vinnies to help pack boxes of food which St. Vinnies distribute throughout the community. Our Minnie Vinnies adventure began during the season of Lent when Mr. Fewster was generous enough to meet with our Year Seven students and explain the valuable work St. Vinnies does to support people in need in our own hometown. Students were then invited to offer their services to help pack boxes weekly. All Years Seven students were happy to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand. Thank you to Mr. Fewster and all of the St. Vincents de Paul Volunteers, who have worked with our students throughout the year. You have helped our students take small steps to help out in our local community. We look forward to continuing our work with you in the future.
Sacrament of Confirmation Important Dates
| Wednesday, 25th August 4:00pm | Parent Information Session in the Multipurpose Room. |
| Friday, 10th September 9:30am until 2:30pm | Confirmation Retreat Day in the school Hall. |
| Sunday, 19th September at 9.00 am | Sacrament of Confirmation in the School Hall. |
If you have any questions, contact Rosemary Perre.
A Prayer for our Confirmation Students,
Father in Heaven,
We ask for your blessings on our students as they celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.
May their hearts be open to the
Holy Spirit to be their helper and guide.
And through the work of the Holy Spirit
may their life be a witness of
Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,
Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness,
Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity.
Amen
It is with mixed emotions that I write my last newsletter for 2021. At the end of next week, I will sadly cease caring for many people I am blessed to work with each day and gladly continue caring for the most important people in my life, my family. It won’t be long until I can share all of that love with the newest little blessing in my life, and I could not be more excited about revisiting the role of being the Mum of a brand new little precious soul again.
I want to thank all of the people who have turned my workplace into a home. To Mrs Oates, Fr. Paul and the amazing Staff at OLOR. Thank you for your smiles and encouragement each day. I will be forever grateful for the leadership opportunities I have been given at OLOR. Both APRIM and Inclusive Education Coordinator roles have offered deep discernment and great discovery. You inspire me each day to learn more and achieve my best.
To the wonderful students at Our Lady of the River. Thank you so much for the beautiful messages you all wrote for me last week. They are still adorning the art room, but once I have some time to put my feet up, I will most definitely read each one, and I look forward to sharing them all with Baby Perre one day. Thank you also for the warmth, the memories, and the learning we have shared.
Thank you to the supportive parent and wider school community for entrusting me with the special role of working with your children and nourishing their faith journeys. It takes a village to raise a child, and the partnerships I have made with parents and the wider community over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. It has been challenging to achieve our goals at times, but it is always worth the hard work and dedication.
So, it is goodbye for now, but not forever. I will be sure to pop in during my time of leave to say hello, and I will return next year sometime to resume the terrific friendships I have encountered at OLOR.
May the generous hospitality of God's gracious love be with you always.
Wishing you God’s richest blessings,
Rosemary Perre
APRIM