Principal's News

Dear Parents & Parishioners,

OHR ANZAC Day Commemoration Service

Last Thursday afternoon, we took the opportunity to recognise ANZAC Day as a school community. During the afternoon, students, staff, parents and relatives gathered together in the hall to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.  We observed that this year commemorates 110 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli , 80 years since the end of the second World War, and the passing of 50 years since the Vietnam War.

Thank you to Mrs Lisa Canty who spent a great deal of time in planning this meaningful service.

The students who read during the service, did so with grace and reverance.

I would also like to acknowledge the valuable contribution made to the OHR ANZAC Day Commemoration by Brigadier John Holloway who spoke about Service, Sacrifice and Courage.  Thank you to Gerri Wee who read The Ode.  Thanks also to Tiffiny Korda for preparing a beautiful wreath, which was also used during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Surrey Gardens.

The staff and parents commented on the respect shown by all the students on this solemn occasion.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Last Friday morning, our School Captains, Zoe C and Amelia L, along with our Vice Captains, Lachlan G, Kate M and Jacob Y, represented Our Holy Redeemer at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Surrey Gardens.  

Zoe shared the story of Australia's invovement in the Second World War, while Amelia read about Kirkland Robertson, from Surrey Hills, who served in the Second World War.

Jacob, Kate and Lachlan presented a wreath on behalf of the OHR community.  All wreath bearers placed their wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph. 

I would like to acknowledge our School Captains and Vice Captains who represented our school so proudly, and extend my thanks to their families for attending this important occasion.  We were joined by other OHR families during the annual service. 

3/4 Camp

In only four more sleeps the students in Years 3 & 4 will head to Phillip Island for their two day camp.  The students will be located at CYC The Island on both Monday and Tuesday. They will be acommpanied by Mrs Pettinato, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Hansen, Mr Byrne and myself.

At this stage, BOM is forecasting fine weather for both days ... fingers crossed.  

Working Bee

This is a friendly reminder that our next Working Bee is scheduled for this Sunday 4 May from 8:30 - 10:30am.   Within that time we will also have a sausage sizzle.

We have had fantastic attendances at every working bee over the last few years, and are hoping that this one will follow suit.  It's a great morning for the kids, so make sure that you bring them along, too.

Please bring along wheelbarrows and leaf blowers.

For task planning and catering purposes, please confirm your attendance to either of our Working Bee coordinators, Justin or Luke:

Luke.Torpey@jrtpartnership.com.au or Justin.trees@hotmail.com

We are also looking for another one or two parents to transition into the role of Working Bee coordinator(s) from the beginning of the 2026 school year.  If interested or have any questions, please talk to Luke, Justin or myself.

Mothers' Day Stall & Breakfast

For details of these two important events, please head to the PFA News page.  Please note that the Mothers' Day Breakfast will be held next Thursday, while the Mothers' Day Stall is scheduled for next Friday morning.

Grandparents & Special Friends' Day

The school, with the assistance of some very dedicated parents, is planning this year's ‘Grandparents & Special Persons Day’.  This special event will be celebrated on Friday 23 May.  On this day we would love for either the grandparents of the children, or other special persons in their lives, to come to the school for the morning.  The day will commence with a very special whole school mass in the church, celebrating the place of these important people in the lives of the children. The visitors will then be invited to partake in various activities within the classrooms.  Following the classroom activities, our special guests are warmly invited to stay on for a delicious morning tea in the Hall. 

Please mark this date in your calendar and commence sending out those important invitations!

House Cross Country

We were fortunate that the rain held off on Tuesday for our House Cross Country. Congratulations to all the students who particpated with all their heart.  

It was terrific to see so many parents and other family members in attendance.  My personal thanks to those parents who also volunteered to act as marshalls throughout the afternoon.

For a full wrap-up of the day, please head to the PE News page.

eSafety 

eSafety is Australia's independent regulator for online safety.  eSafety educates Australians about online safety risks and helps to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.

This term, eSafety will be offering a series of free live webinars giving parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. Simply follow this link to register: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars 

Winter Uniform

Commencing this Monday, 5 May, all children are required to be dressed in full winter uniform.  Thank you.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame