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The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
Parents, Caregivers and Students,
The resilience of students and staff throughout this time continues to astonish me as we keep moving through the term. Hopefully we are very slowly emerging on the ‘other side’ of these uncertain times. Some say it feels like time has stood still and in some ways, I suppose, it did. At school however, I am also happy to say that students have continued to grow in all areas of their education. Growth can’t be stopped; invisible and elusive at first, it puts the wheels in motion for bigger and better things into the future.
God also puts wheels in motion as He breathes inspiration into the minds of all who believe in Him. Also often invisible and elusive, the Holy Spirit guides us into the future. Some images of the Holy Spirit used in the Bible come from nature; a wind or a fire. Other images describe the Holy Spirit as a helper or healer. For me, at times, the Holy Spirit is the fire in my heart that encourages me to act with passion and love. Other times it is like the voice in my conscience warning me of danger or it comes as a challenge to help someone in need.
News of a Catholic Secondary School for the whole Riverland community in Renmark was announced last week by our Director Nichii Mardon, just before Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. The inspiration, ideas and drive for a Catholic secondary pathway for our students has lived within the Riverland community for a very long time. I am extremely proud and excited, as together, we will bear witness to these plans coming to fruition. I personally can't think of a better way to lift the spirits of our community. Thank you to all families for your engagement and feedback that has influenced the planning for the new school.
Fostering a sense of pride, belonging, purpose and identity through wearing a school uniform is of high importance at Our Lady of the River school. I am currently observing some variations to the school uniform and ask you to support your children to wear the uniform correctly.
This week all classes participated in School Sport SA’s virtual Cross Country Championship. On Wednesday morning students ran distances that varied from 500m for Foundation students to 3000m for Year 4-7 students. They ran on a special course set up around the school oval. It was wonderful to see students so committed on their run. Even some staff got brave and put on their runners!
Congratulations to Raahil and William who both won a solo as part of the Riverland Music Festival. An audition process can be very daunting for students. Raahil and William are commended for their courage in following through their ambition to sing in front of an audience. I very much look forward to see both of them shine on the stage.
A huge congratulations to the Baugh family, Sarah, Craig, Emma and Riley on the safe arrival of their daughter and sister Eloise. We very much look forward to meeting her.
Today we welcomed Stacey and Nathan Geyer and their daughter Laura into our school community. Laura has started transition visits in the F/1 class as part of the mid-year intake. She will start school full time at the beginning of Term 3.
Have a great long weekend!
Nanda de Winter
Pope Francis’s prayer for July
This Sunday’s Gospel Message for Families
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 5 July 2020
(Brisbane Liturgy website)
“I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Something to Think About
Do you sometimes feel worried about things?
Do you sometimes feel tired or frustrated and just need a rest?
In this Sunday’s gospel we learn that we can give our worries to Jesus and Jesus will give us rest and peace.
The Story
In Sunday’s gospel story from Matthew, Jesus makes a clear delineation between ‘wise and educated people’ and ‘ordinary people’ (in other translations ‘mere children’).
The first group probably refers to the Pharisees and others who rejected the messages of both John the Baptist and Jesus. ‘Ordinary people’ seems to refer to both those who are ‘child-like’ in their understanding (the disciples) as well as to children themselves.
The key message of Sunday’s gospel is: do not worry, for Jesus is gentle and humble and will give us rest.
The Scriptures
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:27-30
On one occasion Jesus said:
"The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son.
But the Son wants to tell others about the Father,
so that they can know him too.
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens,
come to me and I will give you rest.
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me.
I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.
This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light."
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is always there To Help You
Term 3 Masses
Throughout the past Term, classes have prepared Digital Liturgies of the Word to share across the school. This has been a new and different way to celebrate our Catholic identity. Assuming restrictions remain the same as they currently are, we will be able to resume hosting our Class Masses in the Church. We look forward to celebrating with the wider Our Lady of the River Parish community.
Aug. 6th Year 4 Class Mass 9:00am St Mary’s Church
Aug. 20th Year 1 and 2 Class Mass 9:00am St Mary’s Church
Sept. 3rd Year 6 and 7 Class Mass 9:00am St Mary’s Church
Sept. 17th Foundation and Year 1 Class Mass 9:00am St Mary’s Church
Special Days
August 8th Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
August 15th Feast of the Assumption of Mary – Holy day of obligation
September 6th Father’s Day
70th Birthday
There will be a gathering at the OLOR School Hall on Saturday July 18th from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. No-one is invited, but anyone is welcome. He is cooking 3 Gobblers for the occasion and some nibbles and refreshments will be supplied. Definitely no Presents, but you are welcome to make a donation to Caritas Australia. Please BYO chair and bring a plate of nibbles to share if able.
As the term draws to a close this is a good time to reflect on the many blessings and growth in learning we have experienced.
Wishing peace and rejuvenation to all families over the next two weeks.
May God’s peaceful Spirit be with you always,
Rosemary Perre
Religious Education Coordinator.
Witness
The Witness is a bi-monthly publication released every February, April, June, August, October and December, please click the following link to view.
Co-editors; Jennifer Wainwright and Michael Preece.
Miss Eckermann and the year 1/2 class presented their online assembly this week, watch the video below to see the spectacular presentation they have put together.
Chicken Divas
This year the Challenge is even more accessible with additional flexibility in the approach, instead of having to read 8 PRC books and 4 free choice - all books will be free choice.
Don't forget you can include audiobooks, comics, non-fiction texts, short stories and stories in different languages.