Dear Parents & Parishioners,

Last Saturday evening the following students received the Eucharist for the first time: Mila-Rose B, Edward C, Harry C, Oliver D, Archie H, Emily H, Andrew J, Millicent M, Griffin M, Oliver M, Emily N, Aksel R, Chloe S, Lucy S, Finn S, Alessia V and Sophie W.

We pray for these students who have entered a new relationship with God. May they be open to how God is shaping their lives. May the love received from God be translated into a change in how the students act in the world: acting with the love of Christ.

This weekend we also pray for Oliver F, who will celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

Why the Olympics Encourage Reflection

The Olympic and Paralympic Games, those weeks-long extravaganzas of athletic competition that happen every four years, have long been more than just games. The Olympics, in their essence, are a stage for showcasing the best human values – like fair play, respect and the courage to strive for excellence. These ideas are not just important, they are the very fabric of our shared humanity and encourage reflection on our own democratic underpinnings.

The Olympics trace back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece, and have always been more than a mere display of athletic prowess. They were a time for Greek citizens to unite, celebrate their democracy and showcase their remarkable athletic skills. Fast-forward to the late 1800s, when people around the world were ready for a modern version of the games; they wanted to bring together athletes from different nations to compete and celebrate peace and friendship.

And just like the ancient games, the modern Olympics have always included people from all walks of life — different countries, races and religions. The sight of athletes worldwide chasing their dreams and pushing their limits is not just inspiring, it's a testament to the potential of the human spirit. It's a powerful message about the importance of diligence, perseverance, and the transformative power to inspire us to be our best selves.

Every Olympic Games is remembered for stories of endeavour and friendship which will stay with us for a long time. Countless stories have come out of the last two weeks and many of us would have a favourite. For myself, there are many, but one story that really stood out during the first week of the Olympics occurred when the North Korean and South Korean medalists posed together for a 'selfie' on the podium following the table tennis final. The scene was one that transcends borders and governments; a true example of the Olympics power to unite people through sport.

OHR Olympic Fun Day

We had an unseasonally fine day for our OHR Olympic Day on Tuesday. We began the day by gathering in the Hall as a school community where our leaders read the Athlete's Oath, shared a brief history of the Olympic Games, and explored the signficant Olympians after whom our sports houses are named. As part of our Opening Ceremony, we invited two special guest speakers, David and Siobhan Crawshay. David spoke of his Olympic experience, sharing insights into his training regime and diet, before commentating on the video capturing David and Scott Brennan's gold medal win in the men's double sculls at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Siobhan spoke very passionately about the courage of those in the Australian Paralympic team. Siobhan will be the lead dietician for many of the Australian Paralympians in Paris this year.

Following the Opening Cermeony, the students rotated through a range of activites across the day. I would like to thank the senior students and teachers who lead these activities. Thanks to Mrs Georgeous Golds and Mr Byrne for organising the activity schedule.

Following lunch we had a surprise visit from six members of the Richmond AFLW team, including their captain Katie Brennan. All the students were gathered outside to listen to these young women speak and answer any questions. Afterwards our visitors toured the school grounds and engaged with the students as they completed their final rotations of activities. What a great way to conclude our day!

Open Classrooms

You are warmly invited to visit your child/ren's classroom either this Tuesday afternoon, 13 August (3.15 - 3.30pm), or Wednesday morning, 14 August (8.30 - 8.45am). This is an opportunity for your child to show you around their classroom environment and share some of the learning they have been undertaking.

Remember, if you are unable to make either of these timeslots, you are always welcome to pop into your child/ren's class on another day.

Parent Helpers Induction

Mrs Lisa Canty will be running two separate induction programs for any interested parent helpers. Please refer to the Learning & Teaching News for further details.

Michael Ymer, Mathematics Guru, is Returning to OHR next Wednesday

Michael Ymer is returning to OHR this Wednesday 14 August to deliver an engaging Maths Evening for our parents. The session held at the beginning of the year received very positive feedback. Next Wednesday promises to offer even more, with Michael facilitating a 90 minute workshop.

For all details, please refer to Mrs Hansen's section in today's Learning & Teaching News, where you will be able to access a Google Form to indicate your attendance.

Book Week

This year, OHR will recognise the Children's Book Council of Australia annual celebration of Book Week between 26 - 30 August.

We will commence the week with a very special Book Week Assembly, where the students are invited to attend school on Monday 26 August dressed as their favourite book character.

100 Days Smarter

Tomorrow, Mrs Hollow and her Prep students will be celebrating 100 days smarter. An exciting and fun-filled day of learning has been planned for all the children.

Yesterday, while conducting a school tour, I came across the Prep students who were outside participating in a Maths activity. I asked some students what they were learning about, to which they replied, "We are gathering data on shapes." When I visited the classroom a little later the students were sharing with me their knowledge of shapes by identifying the number of sides found in a nonagon and a decagon! Wow, how far they have come in 100 days!

Next week's Newsletter will contain images and a summary of the day's events.

Cyber Safety

Make sure that you visit the Cyber Safety Tips page for access to some helpful parent resources. Note, this page is constantly being updated by Mrs Hansen.

Dads & Kids' Night with Kaboom Sports

Details can be found on how to book for the Fathers' Day Sports Night by visiting the PFA News page.

Working Bee

Our third Working Bee for the year is fast approaching and will be held on the morning of Saturday 10 August between 8.30am and 10.30am. The Working Bee will be coordinated by both Luke Torpey and Justin Bolger to address the upkeep of the school grounds and minor maintenance matters. Working Bees are a cost-effective and essential means of maintaining aesthetic school grounds that afford a safe and welcoming environment for our children, parents and visitors.

Working Bees provide the opportunity to connect with other families, and the children always have a great time helping out and playing with one another.

For task planning and catering purposes, please indicate your attendance by emailing either:

Justin: justin.trees@hotmail.com or

Luke: luke.torpey@jrtpartnership.com.au

OHR Spring Carnival

The fete committee continue to meet on a very regular basis to plan for our first school fete since 2019. Timelines, schedules, bookings and logistics are all ramping up with only 11 weeks until the big day. A link to the fete website can be found on the homepage of our school website.

Make sure that you go to the PFA News page for further information.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame

School News

Assembly Award Winners