The last two weeks have once again been a whirlwind of activity at OLOR. The different opportunities that students have had to experience and learn from abound this term and we know that there have been many memorable moments for everyone. 

Last week we celebrated Book Week, which is always a lot of fun and something to look forward to. The classes all prepared a short item about two shortlisted books to share with the other classes in a short assembly on Monday. This gave us all a great insight into the many varied books that are part of Book Week each year. On Thursday we held our parade and dress up day. There were students dressed as all types of book characters, and it was great to see all of the staff embrace the ‘Grow’ part of this year’s “Read. Grow. Inspire” theme with their creative costumes. A lot of fun was had by all and we thank all students and families for their efforts with costumes. We also had a visit from St Francis of Assisi students on Friday who did some Book Week activities with our Junior Primary classes.

We also had a visit from two special guests last Thursday, Port Pirie Director of Catholic Education Nichii Mardon, and Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) John Neate. Our school captains Ishmeet and Isaac showed John and Nichii around the school and they visited classrooms and asked students what they loved about OLOR. It was great to hear the positive responses and enthusiasm for our school that they showed. John and Nichii then chatted to staff at lunchtime, before continuing their visit of our Riverland Catholic Schools. They both commented that they loved the energy and excitement around the school and that the students all were happy and engaged in their learning. We thank them for their continued interest in all of our schools. 

 

Last Wednesday night our school choir was part of the Riverland Primary Schools Music Festival performance at the Chaffey Theatre in Renmark. We would like to thank Miss De-Gregorio, who has been working with the choir all year to practice the songs and get ready for the big night. They all did great job and the night was full of music and fun. Special mention must go to Siri Gudipati, who was a compere on the night, Grace Heuzenroeder, who had a solo part in a fun song about the Charleston, and Lily Fan, who accompanied piano player Catherine Heuzenroeder, on her violin. Well done to all of the students involved. It was a great night! 

On Monday our Foundation to Year 4 students had the opportunity to have cricket clinic with representatives from the Adelaide Strikers. They learnt lots of skills and played plenty of mini games and activities. It was great fun for all of them to be part of. 

Next week our Year 4 and 5 students look forward to their Flinders Ranges camp. The camp promises to be lots of fun, and a chance to learn about and reconnect with nature in a wonderful part of our state. I look forward to sharing more about the camp in the next newsletter and thank the teachers and ESOs for their efforts getting everything ready.  

It is great time of the year to be in the sunny Riverland, as the blossoms and leaves appear back on the trees and vines and the days start getting a bit longer. As we head to the change in seasons though, we are reminded of a few things. There has been more sickness in our community over the last few weeks, which often happens at this time of the year. We thank families who are being considerate and keeping unwell students at home while their symptoms are clearing. This is the best way of stopping the spread. We also have started encouraging students to start wearing hats and put on sunscreen as the weather warms up and the UV levels rise. Before we know it we will be turning the air conditioners on again!

Mr Michael Slagter
Principal