Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, Students and Friends,

On August 30, Our Lady of the River welcomed during an assembly Olympian rower, Gold and Silver medalist Alexander Hill. Now out of COVID-19 isolation, Alex was keen to see his cousin, Charlie Kregar, in Year 3 at his school and make a surprise visit. Charlie was indeed surprised and enjoyed sitting on the stage with Alex. At the same time, Alex talked to the audience about his early life, becoming involved in sports and rowing, and his journey to becoming an Olympian.  

He also talked about his intensive training regime in Canberra to achieve what he has done so far in the sport of rowing. He answered many questions from the students about how he felt while competing and winning a Gold Medal in the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo.    

The students and staff both loved the visit from Alex, he spoke for about an hour, and all those present appreciated getting to hold his medals and having a photo with our local Olympic champion.  

‘Photo courtesy of the Murray Pioneer’

Father's Day Prayer 

God, 

Bless all the fathers in the world.
Father, we ask that You guide them to be good role models and loving to their children.
We also ask that You help them to be a father like You are.
Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way. 

Amen.

This Sunday, September 5, we celebrate Father's Day. Father's Day is a celebration of fathers and father figures, honouring fatherhood and the role fathers play in our society. Jesus was entrusted into the care of St Joseph. Knowing that Jesus was the Son of God, St Joseph took the responsibility of being Jesus' Father on Earth very seriously. Joseph loved Jesus, guided him and showed him how to work hard and to grow into the man Jesus was to become.   

On Father's Day, we show our father figures in our lives what special place they hold in our hearts and what influence they have on us. Spend the day caring for or thinking about how much you love your father or father figure.

National Child Protection Week 5-12 September 

Child protection is everyone's business. At Our Lady of the River, we are mandatory reporters, and we have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of all children at the school. We greatly value the support of parents and carers in providing a safe school environment. The National Association to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect (NAPCAN) is an organisation dedicated to preventing Child Abuse and Neglect. Their website has many valuable resources, contacts and information to inform, guide and assist parents in this important area. Check their website for more details at https://www.napcan.org.au/.  

Theme: Every child in every community needs a fair go. 

To treat all Australia's children fairly, we need to ensure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.

RUOK Day? 

This day is about inspiring and empowering people to connect meaningfully with others around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with everyday life. You do not need to be an expert to reach out - just a great listener. RUOK? DAY encourages people to reach out and engage in conversations with others while raising mental health and well-being awareness. Some fun ways to participate include sharing affirmations or random acts of kindness. This year, the message is? Are they really OK? Ask them today? RUOK? DAY is on Thursday, September 9 2021. 

The Importance of Breakfast Daily 

Eating a healthy breakfast before starting the school day is linked to improved concentration, better results, increased energy, a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and even healthier body weight. Breakfast is essential for young students whose brains use up about half of the body's energy. Would you please let your child's teacher know at any time if the breakfast meal is missed because we can support this on any given day?

Year 6 and 7's Prepare for High School 

Many families have decided or will be making the important decision of where their child will be attending High School in 2022. A survey to indicate your choice of High School will be sent to the Year 6 and Year 7 families next week.    

If you are still considering your options, please contact the Principal of St Francis of Assisi College, Mr. Nathan Hayes.      

M: 0417 696 480 

E:  principal@assisi.catholic.edu.au 

School: 258 Twentyfirst Street, Renmark, 5341 (Opening Jan 2022) 

Office: 129 Renmark Avenue, Renmark 

W: cesa.catholic.edu.au/assisi 

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

Ros Oates 
Principal