As we finish Term 2 I am filled with pride about the efforts put in by staff and students this semester. We have had many learning experiences and opportunities this term including Catholic Education Week, Walk Safely to School Day, Grandparents Day, First Communion, various SAPSASA events, Year 1 & 2 Excursion to the Loxton Historical Village, performances, and visitors, as well as all of the learning happening in classes. I would like to thank all of the staff for their tireless efforts at making sure that our students have great opportunities in all learning areas.  

This week we welcomed Senior Constable David Garner from the SAPOL Road Safety Section who spoke to our Year 4-6 students about Road Safety and the role that they play in keeping themselves and others safe. The topics covered included an introduction to road safety, Australian Road Rules, the appropriate use of cycles, skateboards, scooters and roller skates, and calling Triple Zero (000) when there is an emergency. Many students were surprised to find out things like that e-scooters are illegal on SA roads and footpaths, and can only legally be ridden on private property. I encourage all families to chat with their children about road safety as there were many misconceptions and things that students do frequently which put them at risk of an accident or a fine.

Next term we look forward to numerous events and activities to complement the learning program. These include the Wakakirri and Riverland Music Festival Choir performances, which students have been working hard on for much of the year. These will both be great opportunities for our students to share their artistic creativity with an audience. We also look forward to our Year 3 Monarto Zoo camp, and our Year 4/5 Flinders Ranges camp. These are fantastic opportunities for students to learn about the world in a different environment and take on new challenges. We also look forward to more performances, SAPSASA events, as well as our Sports Day toward the end of term. 

We are also introducing some new programs next term to enhance the learning program and support students with their wellbeing. We have been invited to be part of the Naturally Brave Learning by Design program, along with a number of other Riverland schools. This program is about empowering students as problem solvers and creative designers who can make a difference in their families’ lives. Students will use the design thinking problem-solving methodology and 3D design to create solutions to problems. Students will be using the Maker’s Empire software and creating things to print with a 3-D printer. It will be something that the Year 4-6 students will be involved with, and promises to be a fun, engaging learning experience.  

We are also looking at supporting our Year 4-6 students with developing and maintaining friendships through the In Real Life program. This involves small groups working through learning together about issues which affect them. In Real Life: Real Friends (Girls) addresses topics such as making and being a good friend, dealing with gossip, communication styles, conflict resolution, managing emotions, social media and safety, plus assists girls to identify their support networks. In Real Life: Equip (Boys) addresses topics such as working as a team, self-awareness/self-management, relationship skills/communication, responsible decision making, managing emotions, conflict resolution, social media and safety, plus identifying support networks. We look forward to seeing how these programs support our students navigating friendship and personality issues as they grow up.  

Over the school holidays we have a few works starting around the school. Our Junior Primary courtyard will have shade sails installed, which will be great for when the weather warms up again. We also are starting renovations on all of our toilet blocks to make them up to date and a much nicer place for students (and staff) to go.  

Just a reminder that Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th July are student free days for staff formation and Professional Development. I wish all families a wonderful break and look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday 26th July for the start of Term 3. 

Mr Slagter
Principal