Our Lady of the River School eNewsletter

Catholic Education Week

Last week, we celebrated Catholic Education Week, a time to recognise the unique identity of our Catholic schools and the essential roles they play in the lives of our students, families, and the wider community. This year, our diocesan theme, "Seeds of Hope," strongly resonates with our OLOR staff and students. It reminds us of our duty to plant seeds of hope in the world.

The theme helps our students understand their educational experience within a Catholic context. Their time at OLOR is not just about academic learning; it is also a journey of spiritual growth, moral development, and embracing values based on the Gospel.

Last week, we highlighted how our students can actively participate in their faith, build their relationship with Jesus, and develop a sense of belonging within our school and parish community through various special events. We celebrated our wonderful mothers and all those in our lives who bring us hope every day. We walked in solidarity with millions of children worldwide who trek long distances to access water, reflecting on their challenges. We also celebrated our faith alongside our sister Riverland Catholic schools. In addition, we switched off our devices to promote care for creation and participated in a walk to school event, emphasising the importance of safety and fitness in our community. To end Catholic Education week our Foundation and Year 4/5 students hosted the weekend parish mass, with our students and teachers taking an active roll in reading prayers and scripture and processing gifts to the altar. This is a significant week for OLOR that offers something for everyone in our community.

The theme of "Seeds of Hope" reminds us that we are part of something larger—a community united by faith and a shared hope for a brighter future. Catholic Education Week is more than just a week filled with activities; it encourages us to strive to become the best versions of ourselves. Catholic Education Week invites everyone in the OLOR community to view themselves as active participants in a journey of faith, guided by hope to create a positive impact in our world—not only during that special week but throughout the entire year.

First Communion

We are excited to share a special moment in our school and parish community, Rayner, Laura and Harry will celebrate their First Holy Communion later this Term. This important celebration not only deepens their faith but also allows them to fully participate in the Eucharist, which is central to our Catholic life. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time brings them closer to Jesus and the Church, marking a significant step in their spiritual journey with the support of their families and school.

Please see the dates for their preparation and celebration next to the Mass times. Join us in praying for our First Holy Communion students, and may this journey be a cherished memory and a source of hope and joy in their lives.

OLOR Mass Times - St. Mary's Church, Berri

Saturday May 24th – 6:30 pm

Sunday June 1st – 9:00 am **First Eucharist - Welcome/Commitment Weekend - Family Workshop before Mass at 8:00 AM

Saturday June 7th – 6:30 pm

Sunday June 15th – 9:00 am **First Eucharist - Rite of Election Weekend

Saturday June 21st – 6:30 pm **First Eucharist – Celebration of the Sacrament

Sunday June 29th – 9:00 am **First Eucharist – Commissioning Mass

The current edition of the Catholic newspaper put out by the Archdiocese called,' The Southern Cross,' is available at Southern Cross Latest Issue

Rosemary Perre

APRIM

2025_Multicultural_Picnic.pdf

2025_Multicultural_Picnic _pdf 1.32 MB

As we move into the cold weather that Term 2 brings, we have had plenty going on at OLOR to keep everyone busy and warm. Below you will find a snapshot of the many things that have happened so far.

During the school holidays our transportable rooms were moved across the oval, and set up in readiness for this term. This was a big process and one which went relatively smoothly. We were pleased to start this first stage of our building program, getting the space clear for the new buildings. We are now looking forward to the building works commencing sometime soon.

In Week 1, we remembered Pope Francis in a special liturgy. He was a fantastic leader for the church, and we look with anticipation at how Pope Leo XIV undertakes his leadership of the church in the years to come. We pray that he builds on Pope Francis’ vision and direction for the church to continue the positive path forward.

Later in Week 1 we had our Year 4-6 camp to Yorke Peninsula. This was a great experience for all and we were very lucky with great weather. Students enjoyed everything from kayaking to fishing, snorkelling and raft building. I thank Ms Moll-Short, Mrs Williams and Mrs Curyer for their assistance and leadership on camp.

In Week 2, our boys and girls took part in SAPSASA Netball. Both teams did themselves proud and put in great efforts throughout the days. We thank Mr Dunn for his leadership and coordination with all of the SAPSASA events this year.

In Week 3 we celebrated Catholic Education Week. This was a chance to celebrate all that makes being part of a Catholic School so special. We started the week with a Mother’s Day Liturgy and Afternoon Tea, and it was great to do some activities together afterwards. We went on a Walk for Water on Tuesday, learning about the challenges many children face around the world in their quest for water for their families. We then gathered with the other Riverland Catholic Schools at St Francis of Assisi College for a combined Mass and activities on Wednesday.

We took part in a Switch-Off day on Thursday, where we went without electricity and learnt about caring for the environment. On the Friday we celebrated Walk Safely to School day in the morning and finished with an assembly in the afternoon. It certainly was a huge week and I thank Mrs Perre for her leadership and organisation with all of it.

This week our Year 5 and 6 students had an Immersion Day at St Francis of Assisi College. These days give students a taste of what life is like at high school, and provide students and families with more information about St Francis of Assisi College to help make the important decision about which secondary school fits best for their children.

In the next few weeks we have more SAPSASA events on the horizon, our Choir will attend a cluster rehearsal, and there are many more things to look forward to. Beyond these events, our classes will continue to be vibrant spaces for new learning experiences and dedicated periods to strengthen understanding and apply new knowledge.

Mr Michael Slagter

Principal

This week we took part in a photo shoot organised by Catholic Education SA to promote our schools during Catholic School Open Week later this year. Mary and Tahj travelled with Mr Slagter to St Francis of Assisi College to be a part of this.

Assembly Awards

Congratulations to Gracie, Aarvika, Aira, Laylah, Frankie, Addison, Hazael, Hope, Gurmehar, Aikampreet, Rayner and Anna who all received Certificate of Achievement Awards at our last assembly in recognition of their efforts during the past few weeks.

PBIS Awards

We were also proud to announce our PBIS award winners for earning the highest number of points in each category. Congratulations to -

Archer C- RESPECT

Portia - KINDNESS

Mackennah - RESILIENCE

Darcy - BEING YOUR BEST

A big congratulations to Catie Camilleri who successfully auditioned for a panel and has been assigned to sing as part of a small group at the Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival. Well done to all students who auditioned.

On Wednesday in Week 6 our Wakakirri troupe will be running a bake sale to raise funds to purchase costumes and props for their upcoming performance. Please send in some money for your child to purchase some tasty treats. Let me know if you are able to donate some baked goods to contribute to our sale.

It was so lovely to welcome back our class from what I am sure was a busy holiday break! Everyone was very excited to see each other and share what they each got up to! It didn’t take long to get straight back into learning routines and expectations, with lots of exciting events and opportunities in between!

We began our Health learning this Term by exploring Self-compassion. Self-compassion is being kind to yourself when things are difficult, such as when we make a mistake. Instead of being upset when making mistakes, we can speak to ourselves with kindness, warmth and understanding, just as we would treat a friend or family member. When we speak kindly to ourselves, we feel happier and more encouraged.

To help us practice speaking to ourselves with kindness, warmth and understanding – we read a book called ‘All the ways to be smart’. This book teaches us that being
smart is not just about doing well in tests or getting good grades – it is about so much more than that! Some of the ways that we can be smart are: learning to dance or sing, helping others when they are sad, protecting insects and bugs, making potions out of water and dirt, or even climbing things – the list is very, very long! After reading this book, we reflected on ourselves and the many ways that we are smart. We created an art piece to remind us of just some of the ways we are smart, so that we can remember and practice speaking to ourselves with kindness and self-compassion.

In Week 3, we celebrated Catholic Education Week. It is a special time that we come together in unity to celebrate our shared faith, purpose and mission as a Catholic Community. We were lucky enough to celebrate Catholic Education Week through a variety of different activities and special events. On Monday, we shared some fun activities with our Mum’s and families as we recognised Mother’s Day and the love our female role models share with us. On Tuesday, we walked with solidarity to remember those who must travel long distances each day just to access water. On Wednesday, we joined all catholic schools in the Riverland Region for a fun day of celebration. On Thursday, our school switched off from all technology from 12.00pm as a tribute to Pope Francis and his teaching of Laudato Si – to care for the environment. And on Friday, many of us participated in ‘Walk Safely to School Day’, to raise awareness about road safety. Please enjoy our photos of OLOR coming together to celebrate Catholic Education Week.

Last term the Young Environmental Leaders, Jack B, Jack M and Kahra, attended their first YEL forum at Loxton Research Centre.

In our first activity we learnt about farming technology and how scientists are using good insects to kill pest insects, so we don’t have to spray poisonous chemicals.

Our second activity was about Young Environmental Leadership and the ways that we can have a positive impact on our environment.

In our break times we explored the walnut grove and we all picked walnuts, smashed them open and ate them. It was really funny!

In the last activity we learnt about fruit fly life cycles and how they lay eggs in our fruit in the Riverland. We also designed an invention to prevent fruit fly spreading because we want the Riverland to be fruit fly free.

It was a really nice day and I am looking forward to going to the next YEL forum and telling you all about it.

Written by Kahra Przibilla

On Wednesday 21st May, we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime. Schools across Australia and New Zealand get together and read the same book at the same time. This year the book was ‘Truck Cat’ by Deborah Frenkel. This book is about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. The Truck Cat is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere.

SAPSASA Boys Netball Carnival

On Thursday 8th May, ten boys from the year 4/5 and 5/6 class represented OLOR in the Riverland SAPSASA Boys Netball Carnival. The carnival was an exciting opportunity for these boys to learn a new sport and engage in some friendly competition. All of our representatives accepted the challenge to learn and became more familiar with the game as the day went on. The day was an excellent experience, and all participants should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship shown on the day.

SAPSASA Girls Netball Carnival

Four girls from the 4/5 and 5/6 class represented OLOR in the Riverland SAPSASA Girls Netball Carnival on Friday 9th of May. All competitors showed great grit and determination, despite facing some talented sides. I would like to extend a thank you to Billie, Olive and Amy from St Joseph’s School Renmark for joining our team and allowing us to play on the day. I would also like to thank Mia Sandford for being our scorer on the day. A massive congratulations goes out to Ada Dalamagas for being selected to trial for the Riverland team. Good luck Ada!

SAPSASA Cross Country

Today, Friday 23rd May, six students competed in the Cross Country event at Martin's Bend in Berri where, they ran up to 3km. The students all had fun and put in a great effort.