Principal's News

Dear Parents & Parishioners,

We were deeply saddened by the news of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday.  

For twelve years, our Holy Father has urged a new missionary heart in the Catholic community, cultivating a spirit of Gospel-centred reform, of shared and collaborative leadership, of a simple faith in the risen Jesus.

Pope Francis has displayed a heart for the poor, praying unceasingly for peace, fraternity and dialogue.

European Comission president Ursula von der Leyen summed up Pope Francis' legacy perfectly:

"He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fontunate.

May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."

ANZAC Day

In 2025 we reflect on 110 years since the Gallipoli Campaign and commemorate all Australians who have served in times of peace and war.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as ANZACS and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. 

The ANZACS landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months. 

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. 

The meaning of ANZAC Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians who have died and served in military operations.

Our Holy Redeemer ANZAC Day Commemoration

This afternoon, we will commemorate ANZAC Day at OHR with a very special ceremony commencingat 2.30pm in the hall.  All are welcome, including grandparents and other family members.

Surrey Hills ANZAC DAY Dawn Service

The Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club & Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre are pleased to announce that the 2025 ANZAC Day Dawn Service will take place in Surrey Gardens at 5.45am arrival for a 6.00am start tomorrow, 25 April.

Our Holy Redeemer is one of four schools invited to send students to participate in the service.  Our School Captains will read during the service, while our three Vice Captains will lay a wreath on behalf of the school.

All families are invited to attend the service.

Address: Surrey Gardens, 88 – 90 Union Rd Surrey Hills

2025 House Sports Day Wrap up

We concluded the Term One with our annual House Sports Day.  The weather remained fine throughout the morning, the students were enthusiastic, and families gathered in droves.

It was wonderful to see the spirit in which every student competed, and the passionate way in which they supported their peers .  Regardless of house colour, the OHR spirit was truly on display!

For our Prep students (and their parents) this was a proud day.  Most of them remained in their lanes during the sprints, they showcased their relay skills for the first time, and learned what it meant to be a member of a House Team.

Congratulations to Clarke on winning the House Sports Day.  They were lead by their proud captains Emila K, Jack T and Lakyn R.

eSafety 

eSafety is Australia's independent regulator for online safety.  eSafety educates Australians about online safety risks and helps to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.

This term, eSafety will be offering a series of free live webinars giving parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. Simply follow this link to register: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars 

Nicki Durrant

Sadly, Mrs Nicki Durrant, who joined us when the St Bridget's community closed, will be leaving us at the end of Week 4 of this school term.  Nicki has taken up a new appointment.  

We will all miss Nicki and the gentle way in which she has nurtured and supported our students.  

I  know that you will join me in wishing Nicki well for the future.

Winter Uniform

The first few weeks of Term 2 can offer temperamental weather with a mixture of warmer and cooler days.  Therefore, the children are allowed to wear either summer or winter uniform until the end of next week.  Commencing Monday 5 May, however, all children are required to be dressed in full winter uniform.

Note: the students are required to wear their hats until the end of April.

Open Mornings

Our next Open Morning will be held at 9:00am on Thursday 1 May,. 

If you know of anyone considering a school for their child, please encourage them to come along to our next Open Morning or, alternatively, arrange a personal school tour. Our parents are our greatest advocates.  Research clearly shows that word of mouth is the strongest form of marketing.

It would be gratefully appreciated that all existing school families who have a child commencing school in 2026 complete an enrolment form and submit it to Heather.

If you are available to assist by meeting and greeting prospective new families at the end of the school tours, your help would be greatly appreciated.  You would be required to be avaialble in the hall foyer between 10.00 and 10.30am.  Please notify be by email if you can help out.

Wishing everyone a great long weekend,

Frank Dame