The day began with an exploration of Indigenous Spirituality, allowing the staff to immerse themselves in the stories and traditions of First Nations peoples. Following that, we looked at Indigenous artworks where the artists captured their Christian spirituality through biblical imagery. 

The day ended with a creative session, where the staff became artists themselves, creating unique pieces of art that captured the essence of their school's spirituality. This hands-on activity strengthened their connection to their shared spiritual journey and celebrated the diverse expressions of faith within the community. It was a great opportunity for the staff to connect with and celebrate the OLOR story and values.  

Retreat days such as this are vital for our school because they nurture our staff's faith formation and help us reflect on how we can shine our own lights in the world to make it a better place. Our collaborative art display is featured below. I’m sure you will agree that we have many talented artists on staff who have beautifully captured our OLOR story! 

In love and light,

Rosemary Perre 

APRIM

Two weeks ago, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. This year, 10 students from our school and St Joseph’s Renmark, as well as local parishioners, celebrated becoming an adult in the church. Bishop Karol Kulczyzki presided over the Mass, and Fr Hau concelebrated as well. We congratulate Ocea, Ally and Lilly on this important part of their faith journey, and I thank Mrs Perre and Mrs Grocke from St Joseph’s for their support and formation of the students. 

In the last two weeks I have also been fortunate to attend two events at other local Catholic schools. St Joseph’s Barmera held their 70th anniversary and it was a wonderful celebration. With our 90th birthday coming up in a couple of years, it was great to reflect on the foresight and foundations that the Sisters of St Joseph had in establishing our schools. I also attended the opening of the new buildings at St Francis of Assisi College in Renmark. This was yet another wonderful addition to the college and the liturgy and opening was attended by Bishop Karol, Executive Director of CESA Dr Neil McGoran, Pt Pirie Director Nichii Mardon, Chair of SACCS John Neate, and many other guests. After the opening Neil, Nichii and John visited OLOR and I shared with them plans I hope to realise in our school for new and improved facilities. 

Today and tomorrow our school, along with the other Riverland Catholic schools has a stand at the annual Riverland Field Days. This is a great way for our schools to be seen and promoted out in the community. If you are attending, please come past and say "Hello" and give your support to whoever is at the stand.

The Chinese proverb, “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people” is so true when we think about it. We spend so much time thinking about next week or next month, that sometimes we forget to look further. One thing I also take from the quote is that we always need to be thinking of the future, both near and far, if we are truly planning for life ahead. At OLOR, we try to look at what we can do here and now to make things better, but also what we can do to map out the next ten years. Our aim is not just to give students a good education, but to help develop the next generation of adults in our community. We want them to leave OLOR knowing how to care for each other, themselves and the world in which we live. This is an important task that will benefit all of us if we get it right.

Mr Michael Slagter
Principal

SAPSASA Hockey