ALL four Riverland Catholic schools individually found unique ways to celebrate Catholic Education Week last week, as they were unable to unite due to government restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
St Joseph’s School Renmark, Our Lady of the River School Berri, St Albert’s Catholic School Loxton and St Joseph’s School Barmera celebrated Catholic Education Week last week – held from May 4 to 10 – and what makes them different from other schools.
St Joseph’s School Renmark APRIM and inclusive education co-ordinator Michael Slagter said although the four schools were unable to come together this year, they adapted well to finding alternative ways to celebrate.
“Most years, the four Riverland Catholic schools get together in Berri to share a special celebration together, which consists of a combined mass and activities,” he said.
“This year with the COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to adapt.
“At St Joseph’s School Renmark, we have been promoting that students do random acts of kindness, to spread positivity and show we are all part of one big community.
“We had a few liturgies and celebrations as well – such as Switch Off Day – where students learnt about our roles to look after our planet.”
Mr Slagter said participating in Switch Off Day taught the students about stewardship.
“Stewardship of creation means we have a responsibility to protect and cherish the earth’s ecological diversity, beauty and life-sustaining properties,” he said.
“Students switched off all of the electronic devices in our school for one day, and learnt about the difference that they can make in terms of not polluting our planet and reducing our carbon dioxide emissions.
“This included turning off lights, heaters, computers and printers.”
Mr Slagter said this year’s theme, Bring Fire to the Earth, encompassed Jesus’ call to be “fired-up and passionate about things that are important”.
“This year’s theme is about standing up for what we believe in and then showing by our actions that we are living lives filled with God’s love,” he said.
“The Adelaide archdiocese also celebrated Catholic Education Week by launching the theme of Raising Hearts and Minds.
“This highlighted that in Catholic education we not only raise students to be academically capable learners, but also people who care.
“Catholic education in SA is committed to creating students who are thriving people, capable learners, leaders for the world God desires.”