We have had a great start to Term 3 and everyone is back in the swing in the classrooms. We have welcomed 6 students into our Foundation class as part of our Mid-Year intake, as well as 4 new students to other classes this term. We also have 3 new Bright Start students joining us for the first time as they begin their journey to starting at school at the beginning of next year. It is great to see the interest in our school. If you know anyone who is considering sending their child here next year, tell them to get in contact with us to get the process started soon. 

On our Student Free Days we began with a Staff Retreat to the Mary MacKillop Precinct in Adelaide. Sr Mary Ryan RSJ led us in some learning and reflection about St Mary of the cross MacKillop and her story which led to the beginning of the Josephite Order and also Josephite schools like ours. It was great to hear about how her original reasons for setting up our schools are still relevant to us today. St Mary treated all students and families as equals, no matter their background, social status or financial status. At OLOR we still welcome families from all different backgrounds and support all students to achieve their best.  

This week we received our NAPLAN results for our Year 3 & 5 students who sat the tests this year. As a staff we have looked at the data and will use this to inform and guide our future staff professional development and focuses for improvement. We were pleased that our results mostly were as expected, and we performed well when compared to other schools in the Port Pirie Diocese, particularly in our Year 5 cohort. We look forward to using the data to help support school improvement going forward.  

Our Wakakirri troupe has been busy finalising their performance in preparation of their showcase at the Norwood Concert Hall in Week 4. Miss De-Gregorio has been fine-tuning the dance and the students are excited for the opportunity to perform with other schools on stage in Adelaide. It promises to be a big day, but also a fun one. We thank Miss D for her co-ordination and mentoring of the group and bringing all of the plans together. I can’t wait to see the final product!  

Miss De-Gregorio has also been busy finalising the school choir for the Riverland Music Festival in Week 5. This involves lots of practice at school, as well as with our cluster, in preparation for the big night at the Chaffey Theatre. As we head towards the performance night we wish the choir well in their final preparations. 

Next week we have our Year 3 camp to Monarto Zoological Park. This promises to be a great adventure as well as learning experience for our Year 3s as they get to learn more about the animals at the zoo, as well as what goes into caring for them and how conservation is a big part of zoos nowadays. School camps are a great way for students to experience different learning than what we can offer at school and a thing that students will remember forever. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures- stay tuned to our Facebook page! 

Mr Michael Slagter
Principal