Dear Parents & Parishioners,

Welcome back to a new school term filled with great learning and special events. This term we can look forward to the OHR Olympics Fun Day, Prep 100 Days of Learning, Book Week Celebrations, OHR Art Show, Celebration of First Eucharist, Dads & Kids' Sports Night and Footy Colours Day. Many other exciting events are also planned including the Michael Ymer Maths Night for Parents. The staff look forward working with parents in an endeavour to foster family engagement.

NAIDOC Week

On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet, a group of over 1000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status’ and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. As one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, this day became known as the Day of Mourning. Since then, National NAIDOC Week has grown to become both a commemoration of the first Day of Mourning as well as a celebration of the history, culture and excellence of First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

This year’s theme is KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD which is a powerful reminder of resilience, pride, and ongoing cultural vitality. NAIDOC week is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples by learning about our First Nations history and participating in the celebration of the oldest continuous living cultures on earth.

A New Chapter for Fr Brendan Reed

At the end of last term we learned that as of this November, Fr Brendan Reed will be concluding his life of ministry to the Parishes of Camberwell, Balwyn Deepdene and Surrey Hiils Wattle Park. Fr Brendan has accepted a new apppintment to the Parishes of Brunswick, West Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Moreland. We will certainly miss Fr Brendan's warmth, wisdom and energy.

Fr Sang Ho will become our next Parish Priest.

Full details can be read here.

Congratulations Jaden!

During the school holidays, Jaden Q (1/2GC) competed in the Victorian Junior Rapid Chess Championship in the Under 8 category. Of the 7 rounds played during the day, Jaden won 6, placing him 3rd in the competition. He was awarded a trophy for his amazing result.

Parent-Teacher Conversations

As communicated by Mr Nick Byrne on Tuesday, Parent-Teacher conversations will take place on Thursday 25th July (1.30 - 4.30pm) and Wednesday 31st July (3.30 - 4.30pm). Students will be dismissed from school at 1.00pm next Thursday. Camp Australia will be operating the After Care program from 1.00pm.

The Parent-Teacher Conversations provide the opportunity to discuss your child's progress throughout Semester 1. Goals will also be set for Semester 2.

If you missed Mr Bryne's email, you can jump to the Learning & Teaching News page for details of how to book your preferred meeting time. Note, bookings close this Monday 22 July at 4.00pm.

Holiday Maintenance

During the recent school holidays, a number of tasks were undertaken to ensure the grounds remain safe and aethetically appealing. These included:

Twice annually turf maintenance
Painting of the external columns and entry to the hall
Removal of the old, deteriorating awning near the tuckshop
Pruning of all hedges and bushes along Barton St carpark, Mont Albert Rd, and the northern end of York Street
Tidying of wicking beds.

Term 3 School Closure Day

There will be one school closure day this term for Staff Professional Learning. The date of the closure day is Monday 29 July. During the first part of the day the staff will be engaged in further work surrounding the MACS Vision for Instruction, with a focus on Explicit Teaching. The second component of the day will be geared towards renewing our First Aid (including CPR) qualifications.

Camp Australia will offer a full-day program, should there be sufficient interest. So that the organisers can make a decision as to whether to proceed with the program, it is recommended that families book as soon as possible. Details can be found by selecting the attachment, below.

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. Don't forget that the Parent Information Session will be held this Wednesday evening.

MTQ

Maths Talent Question submissions are due this Monday, 22 July. For further details, go to the Learning & Teaching News page.

Cyber Safety Tips

Make sure you visit the Cyber Safety Tips page for ways in which you can support your child/ren online.

Save the Date: OHR School Fete

Remember to save the date of Saturday 26 October in your calendar. This is the date of the OHR School Fete, branded as the OHR Spring Carnival.

Our organsing committe has been meeting regularly on a fortnightly basis. For further information, please visit the PFA News page.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame