If Catholic Education Week is premised by ‘living life in all its fullness’ then surely it was there for all to see last week! The response from St Albert’s community was nothing short of extraordinary. They collected over 30 blankets for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and raised in excess of $400 for the Caritas Australia Nepalese Earthquake Appeal.
On Wednesday all four Riverland Catholic Schools: St Albert’s, Our Lady of the River Berri, St Joseph’s Barmera and St Joseph’s, Renmark gathered at Our Lady of the River to celebrate Mass and just enjoy each other’s company. Staff spoke of the ease at which students seemed to mix and the patience they exhibited when waiting in line to jump on a castle, wonder at a ball, marvel at the balloon making skills of a clown or put some paint on a face. They spoke of the belly laughs and covert photographs taken when the Principals challenged themselves (and their physical health!) to a race to the death on the jumping castle obstacle course. It was the Riverland community at its finest.
Finally, on Friday St Albert’s marked the Year of the Family by celebrating Grandparent / Grandfriend Day.
Principal Brett Czechowski spoke of the deep community experience as everyone celebrated,
“For me, this was a shining example of everything we value in our community – love, respect, pride and family. I saw that uncontrollable excitement as a child welcomed their special loved one into the school. I saw that love returned three-fold as grandchildren and grandfolks spent time together learning and exploring,” Brett said.
“I saw generations of St Albert’s families return to share stories and was humbled to see them extend a hand of welcome and friendship to those who were new”, he said.
Brett extended his thanks to staff, family & friends and to the students who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the day and he is looking forward to future community gatherings.
Four Catholic schools across South Australia have been awarded $6.34 million in grants for capital works to improve learning spaces, increase opportunities for disadvantaged students and cater for more diverse learning needs.
The State Government grants — $6.34 million for Catholic schools and $6.38 million for independent schools — are for building projects to commence over the next year.
Introduced in 2018 to ensure all students have access to a first-class education, the latest funding under the scheme has been approved for four projects at Catholic schools and 103 smaller projects at independent schools.
