Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, Students and Friends,

The year's last newsletter is always a time for reflection and celebration. We know that it has been a challenging couple of years full of twists and turns, but throughout, we have had a sense of hope and confidence that we could adapt, change and continue to remain connected. I congratulate everyone on your resilience and support of each other as we kept our spirits high and were there for each other.

I feel an incredible sense of gratitude and appreciation as I reflect on the years that we have had together at Our Lady of the River School. The celebrations and highlights have been many and varied, and I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity to lead the school community.

I have been truly grateful for the dedication and commitment of parents at Our Lady of the River over the years. There is no doubt that the families contribute considerably to the wonderful community atmosphere and school spirit – enabling us to provide fantastic resources for the students, including new technology, extra support staffing, new playground equipment, and the list goes on.

I want to express my sincere thanks to Fr. Paul and our School Board members, who are committed to pursuing excellence at Our Lady of the River School and building a strong, faith-filled Catholic community. The support, advocacy and wisdom of our Board members over the years has been a real asset to our school and has made my job as Principal a pleasure.

I acknowledge and thank the fabulous Our Lady of the River staff that continually strive to provide challenging and stimulating learning opportunities for our students in partnership with families. Each staff member goes above and beyond in so many ways. I have been truly blessed to work with such enthusiastic, passionate and fun-loving colleagues.

Finally, I would like to say how proud I am of the Our Lady of the River students and what they have all achieved. It has been an honour to be entrusted with their care and education and watch each one grow socially and academically in faith, love, and wisdom.

Farewell to the staff, students and families who are moving on or beginning a new venture and thank you for being a part of our community. We hope Our Lady of the River always holds a special place in your heart.

To our graduating students, we are blessed to have had you in our school. 

You have played an essential part in what Pope Francis meant by fraternity. There is much you leave of yourselves at Our Lady of the River School that has made the foundations stronger for those yet to come, and it is something to be proud of.

You are now transitioning in the warm embrace of a new image, growing out of primary school and into the secondary world of schooling.

Classes of 2021, always try to live by the motto of Our Lady of the River School: 'Charity at all times.'  Treat others the way you want them to treat you and 'Never see a need without doing something about it'.  (Saint Mary MacKillop)

I am sincerely humbled, as always, to be the Principal and will dearly miss this school. I am very much looking forward to my new adventures, but I will always continue to watch from afar on all of your endeavours and adventures. Thank you so very much for your kind wishes and thoughtful gifts. I'm truly grateful.

I wish you all the blessings of Christmas, a relaxing holiday season and all the best for the future

Mrs Ros Oates 
Principal 

End of Year Prayer

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love worldwide. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.