A Prayer for Peace in Gaza

Heavenly Father, we pray for the many people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict in Gaza and Israel.

We pray especially those who have died, those who are grieving, the injured and those now without food, shelter or medical supplies. Strengthen and support the work of all relief organisations.

We pray also for those who have the power to bring peace. May they be touched by a spirit of compassion and kindness.

Lord hear us as we pray in the power of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Israel’s government is pursuing an “unacceptable and morally unjustifiable” policy in Gaza, the Catholic Latin patriarch of Jerusalem has said after visiting a church in the territory that was attacked by Israeli forces last week and meeting survivors.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said he had witnessed extreme hunger on the brief trip, his first into Gaza this year, and described Israeli blocks on food and medical shipments as a “sentence” for starving Palestinians.

“Humanitarian aid is not only necessary, it is a matter of life and death,” he told journalists in Jerusalem after the visit. “Every hour without food, water, medicine and shelter causes deep harm.”

Pizzaballa travelled to Gaza with the Greek Orthodox patriarch Theophilos III, in a show of cross-denominational solidarity after the recent attack on The Holy Family church that killed three people and injured nine others including the priest, Gabriel Romanelli, who used to receive daily calls from the late Pope Francis.

Acknowledgement: The Guardian

New Synthetic Turf is Open for Business ... err ... play!

The men from EasyTurf completed the works on the new turf last Friday midway through luncthime. The head foreman, Kane, acknowledged that his team did not always get to see the fruits of their labours during the handover phase. The laughed as they witnessed the enthusiasm of the students as they surged onto the new surface to begin their play.

OHR School Concert - Less than 6 Weeks to Go

The OHR School Concert is on in just a little under six weeks. The title of this year's concert is, 'Come Fly with Me'. The theme is based on travel and adventure.

As with our previous concert, students should wear black clothing with no logos and comfortable, soft shoes. We’ll be adding accessories as we go. Your child's class teacher will communicate the accessories required, and these will be kept simple.

Over the following weeks more details about this event will be coming home.

If you haven't already done so, make sure that you mark the evening of Monday 8 September in your calendar now. The concert will commence at 7.00pm, so students will need to arrive by 6.30pm.

This year's concert will be held at the Madeleine Centre at Genazzano College.

100 Days of Learning in Prep

Congratulations to all our Prep children who will be celebrating 100 days of learning at OHR on Friday 8 August. Ms Dening and Mrs Hollow are planning a range of exciting activties to do with "all things 100".

Don't be surprised if you see a number of small senior citizens around the school on the day!

Parent Learning Walk

Our next Parent Learning Walk will be held on Wednesday 13 August commencing at 8.45am.

"What is a Parent Learning Walk?" I hear you ask. A Parent Learning Walk takes place throughout the school year during the school day. Parents are invited to walk the school with some members of the school leadership team and observe lessons taking place in three learning areas across the school. During this time you will have the opportunity to talk to the senior leaders and classroom teachers.

Each Learning Walk is designed to provide you with an insight to the learning that takes place at OHR, with the opportunity to ask questions and share any observations in an informal environment. All this plays an important role in the strategic development of our school.

A Google Form will be sent home tomorrow to ascertain numbers of interested parents.

Working Bee

Our third Working Bee for the year was scheduled to be held on the morning of Saturday 9 August. However, as we are in the middle of Winter, there has not been much growth or need for a clean up. Therefore, there will not be another Working Bee until Term 4 where we hope for a brillliant 'turn up'.

About Real Life: Years 3 - 6

Information regarding this year's About Real Life program for parents and students in Years 3 - 6, can be found on the Student Wellbeing page where Mrs Lisa Canty has provided information about the forthcoming Parent & Child sessions.

Is your Working With Children Check up to date?

Parents have been notified by the school when their Working With Children Check is due to expire. Upon expiry of the Working With Children Check, legislation requires that you obtain a new card and bring it to the Office in order that it can be verified and photocopied.

The Card MUST be displayed at all times when volunteering at School in any capacity. Thank you for your support.

Term 3 School Closure Day

This Monday 4 August we have a school closure day for staff professional learning.

The OHR staff will continue their work on fine-tuning the implementation of pedagogical practices detailed in MACS Vision for Instruction.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame

School Community