Dear Parents & Parishioners,

We began the week with Monday's whole school assembly, where we reflected on the significance of Remembrance Day. Year 5/6MM presented a prayer/reflection that included rich symbols and prayers honouring the more than one and a half million Australians who have represented our great nation over the decades in wars and peacekeeping missions. This was followed by a reading of In Flanders Fields, and concluded with the Last Post and the observation of a minute's silence.

Later that morning, the School Captains and Vice Captains accompanied me to the Remembrance Day Service hosted by the Kew RSL. The cermony was held before the Cenotaph at the Kew Junction. All schools represented at the cermony were there at the invitation of Jess Wilson MP. To conclude the service, our students placed a wreath beneath the Cenotaph.

Prep 2025 Transition Program

We currently have 35 children enroled in Prep for 2025. On behalf of the staff, I would like acknowledge and thank all those parents who have been 'spreading the word' about OHR throughout the local community.

To date, we have conducted two Transition Afternoons for our incoming Prep students. This Tuesday morning, the children will attend the third and final session which comprises the lengthier Orientation Morning. This event will be follwed by the Prep 2025 Parent Dinner and Information Evening, to be held next Thursday evening. Thanks to Frankie Van Hoorn who is cooridnating the evening and being well-supported by our current Prep parents.

By the way, we presently have a total of 205 students enrolled at OHR for the commencement of the 2025 school year, which is great news.

Christmas Drawing Competition

The students at OHR have been invited to participate in the 2024, "How my family celebrates Christmas" drawing competition. Jess Wilson MP welcomes students to submit entries that demonstrate how their family celebrates Christmas. Whether it means sun, sand and barbeques, snow or a very simple family lunch with loved ones - the competition will celebrate our wonderfully diverse nation.

One winner and three runners-up will be awarded per school, with winning entries to be judged by Jess Wilson in late November. All particpating students will receive a certificate of participation.

Students are to submit entries to the school ffice by tomorrow, Friday 15 November 2024. Entiries will be proudly displayed in Jess' electorate office in Kew.

Prep & New Families Welcome Mass

All OHR families are invited to the weekly parish mass in the OHR Church this Sunday 17 November at 10.30am. This is a special welcome mass for our current Prep families and all 2025 Prep families.

At the conclusion of the mass there will be hospitality.

2025 Fees and Levies

Last Thursday, all families were emailed a letter including the schedule of Tuition Fees and Levies for the 2025 school year. A copy of this document can be accessed here:

Calling for PFA Nominations - 2025

Being a member of the PFA is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in your child’s school community, as well as play a part in initiatives that support the education and welfare of the children of OHR.

Please jump to the PFA News page for further details.

OHR Twilight Christmas Celebration

Don't forget that the OHR Twilight Christmas Celebration will be held on Friday, 29 November, commencing at 5.00pm with our students singing Christmas Carols. Food and refreshments will be available. There will also be balloon creations, face painting, temporary tatoos and a visit by Santa. The PFA encourages pre-purchase of tickets for food and activities to help minimise lengthy queues. Details on the pre-purchase of all-inclusive tickets can be found on the PFA News page.

We encourage the children to dress up in something Christmassy!

We also ask that children arrive by 4.45pm in order that the carols can commence at 5.00pm sharp. Please allow ample time for car parking as the roads around the school will be busy.

Mandarin

On Tuesday I was informed by Ms Li, our Mandarin teacher, that she will require leave for the duration of 2025 in order to care for her sister in China. Ms Li's sister is currently quite unwell.

I have advertised for another Mandarin teacher through the Teachers On Net platform. Applications are due by Monday 25 November.

I will keep you posted on developments.

Student Absences

Whilst ensuring student attendance at school is the legal obligation of parents, supporting students to attend school each day is the shared responsibility of all parents, students, the school, and the wider community.

School attendance is important as it maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. Positive engagement with schooling enhances academic and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.

All MACS schools must document their school-based procedures for monitoring and recording attendance. To meet legislated requirements and discharge a school’s duty of care, school staff must record student attendance twice per day in primary schools. Attendance must be recorded, including the reason given for each absence. All schools must maintain attendance records, identify, and follow up unexplained absences and develop procedures to support and maintain student attendance.

I encourage you to read the attached Attendance Policy for MACS Schools.

2025 Parent Gatherings

As has become an OHR tradition, we invite families to open up their homes to host one of three parent gatherings that are spaced throughout Term One on Friday evenings. These are warm and low key social events. All Parent Gatherings were very well-attended earlier this year.

We have currently set aside three dates for 2025.

Thank you to Tara and Andrew Sutherland who have offered to host the Prep - Yr 2 Parent Evening.

Prep - Yr 2 Parent Evening: 21 February 2025 @ Sutherland's home
Yrs 3 & 4 Parent Evening: 14 March 2025
Yrs 5 & 6 Parent Evening: 28 March 2025

If interested in hosting one of the two remaining evenings, please let either Heather or myself know.

Skipping Club Demonstrations

Our students have been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn skipping skills and routines during their lunchtimes, with thanks to Mrs Nicki Durrant.

Mrs Durrant would like to take the opportunity to showcase what the students have learned.

Skipping Club demonstrations will be held at the following Whole School Assemblies:

Year 5/6 - Monday, 18th November
Year 1/2 - Monday, 25th November
Year 3/4 - Monday, 9th December

Students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform on the day they are involved in their skipping demonstration.

Next School Closure Day

2025 Planning Day - Monday 2 December

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank

School Community