This term has been flying by very quickly with lots of things to celebrate. Students have been finalising their work and teachers are wrapping up the learning programs as we head into report time. Our Wakakirri and Choir students have been working on their acts for these exciting events coming up early in Term 3, and many students have been taking part in SAPSASA events, both in the Riverland, as well as representing the Riverland in Adelaide. We are proud of all of the different experiences we offer to students at OLOR and know that by providing a well-rounded experience we are helping all students be more engaged, enjoy their opportunities and catering to their individual differences. 

Teachers have been busy preparing end of semester reports for all students, which will go out at the end of next week. While these reports use an A-E reporting structure, it is important to remember that all students have a different starting point and finishing point, and what is most important is the individual progress that each child has made. We also need to remember that these grades are different to when we attended school, and a ‘C’ grade means that the student is achieving what is expected at their year level. This is a cause for celebration.  

I also remind parents to look at their child’s Attitude & Effort for each subject, and the comment, as these give a better indication of how each child is going and what more they can do to reach their individual potential. I know reports time can be stressful for some students and families, but it is just a snapshot of what a child has achieved and who they are. We should celebrate every aspect of their lives and be proud of who they are becoming as they grow up in many different ways. 

I thank the teachers for their effort with reports this year as we have moved to a new system to create them and a new way of working through the process. This has taken considerable effort and extra time and patience from the teachers as we navigate and work through the changes. Their efforts with managing the change has been a credit to their professionalism.  

Mr Slagter
Principal