Principal's News

Dear Parents & Parishioners,

This week is recognised as Children's Book Week, although many schools, libraries and community organisations work their celebration of children’s books in and around other competing activities making the date work best for them.  At OHR we will be celebrating Children's Book Week throughout the entirety of next week from Monday 26 August - Friday 30 August.

The theme of Children's Book Week in 2024 is Reading is Magic.

The Chidlren's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Winners were announced last Friday, 16 August.  

You can preveiw the full list of winners in the below attachment:

Children's Book Week at OHR will offically launch with the Annual Book Week Assembly, which will be held this Monday commencing at the usual time of 8.45am.  Students are encouaged to dress up as their favourite book character and bring along a copy of the book or novel featuring their character.  Thank you, in advance, to Mrs Campbell and the Arts /Library Team who will be running the assembly.

The Arts/Library Team are also organising activites for the students to participate in during lunchtimes.

This Wednesday, our Year 6's will lauch their picture book creations at a very special breakfast to which their family members are invited.  During OHR Book Week they will share their picture books with classes throughout our school; the students will also visit local kindergartens for public readings of their books.

On Wednesday 28 August, all levels across the school will gather in the hall to particiapte in a Book Week performance by Perform Education. 

Rotary Club Primary Schools Speech Competition

The Rotary Club of Mont Albert & Surrey Hills held its 19th Annual Primary Schools Speech Competition on Tuesday evening.  Each of the participating schools were able to enter two finalists. Representing Our Holy Redeemer were Zoe C (5/6MM) and James G (5/6MB).  James and Zoe both spoke on the same same topic, 'Life through a dog's eyes'.  Their speeches were incredibly clever, humerous and engaging.  Both represented their families and OHR proudly.  

Other schools participating on the night included Chatham Primary School, Mont Albert Primary School, Roberts McCubbin Primary School, Wattle Park Primary School, Surrey Hills Primary School and Our Lady's Primary School.  A total of 14 students represented their schools.

OHR Art Show

After a long hiatus, the OHR Art Show returns in just three weeks!  This is a great evening showcasing the talents of all OHR artists.  The students are so proud of what they have produced.  We invite all families to attend this special evening, as this is truly a family affair.  

Date: Thursday 12 September

Time: 7.00pm

Venue: OHR Hall

Parent Maths Night with Michael Ymer

Make sure that you head to the Learning & Teaching News page where Mrs Hansen has written in detail about last week's Parent Maths Night. Even if you were unable to attend, Penny has included some links to resources that you will definitely find helpful.

Fathers' Day Stall

Please refer to the PFA News page for details of this year's Fathers' Day Stall which will be held next Friday 30 August.

Child Safety - Driver Behaviour & Etiquette

Last Friday I wrote to you regarding driver behaviour and etiquette, and parking safety in the streets surrounding our school, particularly in relation to Barton and York Streets.  The safety of our students, families, and neighbours is our top priority.  Thank you to those families who have always exercised careful and considerate driver behaviour and those who are responding to the call for greater caution and thoughtful behaviour.

I reiterate the importance of following the points below, as our streets will never be safe for our students, pedestrians and neighbours until we have 100% take up of this initiative.

Driver Safety:

• Slow down and be alert when driving near the school.  Children may dart out unexpectedly, so it's critical to drive at or below the posted speed limit of 40 kph.  We encourage you to drive the length of both streets at 40kph.
• Get into the habit of driving south down Barton Street, i.e. from Whitehorse Rd to Mont Albert Rd
• Please do not travel north along Barton Street and attempt a U-turn into the school carpark as this is unsafe and creates traffic gridlock
• Similarly when exiting the Barton Street carpark, turn left towards Mont Albert Road, thereby avoiding another U-turn.  We have encouraged this safe practice for many years.
• Be extra cautious during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-up times when there is more traffic and activity around the school
• Walk with your children as they cross the street; please don't call them to run across the street to you.

Parking Safety:

• Use designated drop-off and pick up zones only.  Do not double park nor stop in the middle of the road to let students out.
• Strictly observe the posted parking limits outside the school during drop off and pick up times: 10 mins in Barton Street and 2 mins in York Street. 10 minutes means no longer than 10 minutes.  And definitely do not park in the no standing zones.
• Park only in authorised spaces.  Do not block neighbour's driveways, nor park in non-parking zones.
• Avoid U-turns as these streets are narrow and particularly busy at these times.
• Consider parking further away and walking with your child if the area surrounding the school is crowded.  This can be a safer option.  For example, it can often be congested for the 20 minute period around afternoon pick up, so consider parking north of the school along Barton Street, where there are usually plenty of spaces, and walking down to pick up your children. A little exercise won't hurt.

By working together, we can ensure that our school community is safe and accessible for everyone.  This is a residential area and, as such, it is fundamentally important that we also respect our school's neighbours.

Please share these reminders with any family members or caregivers who may be responsible for driving to and from school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Dads & Kids' Night with Kaboom Sports

If you have not already booked, details regarding the Fathers' Day Sports Night can be found on the PFA News page.

Family Technology Agreements

Jump to the Student Wellbeing page where Mrs Lisa Canty has included some helpful information and links relating to Family Technology Agreements.

OHR Spring Carnival - Only 9 Weeks to Go 

The fete committee continue to meet on a fortnightly basis to plan for this year's school fete.  This is a HUGE event for our school and to ensure that it is a success the fete committee will require everyone's support.

Make sure that you visit the PFA News page for further information.  A link to the fete website can be found on the homepage of our school website.

MACSAnnual Report 2023

The MACS Annual Report 2023 can be accessed by selecting the button below.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame