2024 has started really well at OLOR. Students are happy, settled into routines and learning, and beginning their journeys in their new classes. The school has a wonderful calmness about it, and the students and staff have all started the year positively. It has been great to be a part of. 

This year our Diocesan theme is “Let your light shine”. We have looked at this as a way of celebrating our strengths, talents and abilities. We are encouraging everyone too look for the positives in the everyday world, and see the goodness around them. We will be working with our staff and students this year in making this theme come alive across our school. 

Over the holidays our toilet renovations were completed, with thanks to Michael Kregar and his workers for all of their efforts. They are now a great addition to the school and so much brighter, fresher and nicer to use. We also had some maintenance tasks completed over the break, which has refreshed the school surroundings. 

Before school started our staff were all busy preparing for the new year. Classrooms were setup and prepared, resources were organised for students and teachers began their planning for the year ahead.  This involved some Professional Development with representatives from the Mathematical Association of South Australia. All of our Riverland Catholic Primary Schools were involved in this, and the learning was a great way to help us think about the Maths learners in our classes and what we need to do to support their learning.  

We also had our Commissioning Mass with Bishop Karol Kulczycki, where all staff from our five Riverland Catholic schools were sent forth by the Bishop to carry out their work in a spirit of Catholic calling and mission. Bishop Karol challenged us all to listen to the call, and to act on it with faith that God is supporting the work that we do. 

This year we look forward to many great opportunities and events, from camps and excursions, to events like Wakakirri and the Riverland Choir, as well as opportunities such as SAPSASA and Sports Day. The calendar of our school is always a busy one, but we believe it gives all students opportunities to let their lights shine as they find out their own strengths, talents and interests.    

Thankyou to those who were able to join us for Welcome Night this week. It was an opportunity to make connections, learn more about what is happening in your child’s class and meet other families who share the OLOR journey.

 

2024 promises to be a great year at OLOR and we thank families for their ongoing support as they entrust us with the care and education of their children. We welcome everyone to become part of the OLOR family, as we work together for the benefit of all of our children.

Mr Michael Slagter
Principal