-

Dear Parents & Parishioners,

Last Friday we celebrated our Preps 100th Day of Learning. Thank you to Ms Dening and Mrs Hollow for creating lasting memories of this special day.

Our young Preps all arrived at school last Friday looking 100 years older. Never have I seen so many walking canes, bushy sets of eyesbrows, brooches, eye glass chains, cardigans, frocks and braces! You could be forgiven for thinking that our school had turned into a retirement village.

The students had a wonderful day engaging in a wide variety of activities including: walking the red carpet in their spiffy outfits; counting 100 items with their buddies (who also presented beautiful cards to the Preps); playing grandma vs grandpa tag; making '100' crowns; viewing the 101 Dalmations movie; and disco dancing. The day concluded with a wonderf afternoon tea, prepared by the parents, where the students also received a special certificate recognising this milestone day.

Thanks to our Prep parents who joined in with the celebrations.

MASH Rotary Club Speech Competition

On Tuesday evening Chloe O-L (5/6CM) and Lakyn R (5/6KM) represented Our Holy Redeemer School in the Rotary 20th Annual Primary Schools Speech Competition. This year the event was hosted by Roberts McCubbin Primary School. 15 students represented eight primary schools from the area, including Wattle Park Primary, Mont Albert Primary, Chatham Primary, Our Lady's Primary, Surrey Hills Primary, Box Hill North Primary, Roberts McCubbin Primary and, or course, Our Holy Redeemer.

We are so proud of Lakyn and Chloe who both spoke so confidently, fluently and animatedly. Chloe placed third in the competition and will now present her speech at the next meeting of the Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club.

Australian Catholic Education Conference

Next week I will be attending the Australian Catholic Education Conference with other Principals from around the nation. The conference will be held in Cairns. All the Catholic Principals in our local network of schools will be travelling and spending the week together.

With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. The conference will feature a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; and so on.

National Science Week

This week is National Science Week, although according to Mrs Axon, "Every week is Science Week at OHR." And she is spot on! Our students are so fotunate to have such rich and engaging lessons on a weekly basis. Make sure that you ask your child what they learned is Science this week.

In 2025, the theme of National Science Week is, 'Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature's hidden language'.

Mrs Axon even put on a special morning tea for the staff on Tuesday. We also had some science-based questions which put our brains to the test!

MACSSIS

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 1 September – Friday 19 September 2025

Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.

A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.

I encourage you to read the Letter of Informed Consent.

OHR School Concert - Less than 4 Weeks to Go

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

On Monday you will receive information on how to purchase tickets for this incredible event.

Book Week at OHR

Next week, OHR will be celebrating Children's Book Week. This year's celebration marks the 80th anniversary of the event, which is organised by The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). The theme for 2025 is "Book an Adventure!".

We commence the week with our annual Book Week assembly where all students are invited to dress as their favourite book character. The assembly commences at the usual time of 8.45am, and parents are warmly encouraged to attend.

During the week many other activities are planned, including a special breakfast where our Year 6 students officially launch their picture book creations.

Boroondara Library Service: Celebrating Science and Book Week

August is a big month at the library with lots of fun and exciting events for children and families. Check the website for a list of activities.

National Science Week at the Library 9 to 17 August

Kids Science Fair Wednesday 13 August, 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Children’s Book Week Awards 16 to 23 August

Book Week Saturday Storytime 16 August 11.00am to midday

Book Quiz - Family Trivia Night Wednesday 19 August, 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame

School Community