Dear Parents & Parishioners,

GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY IS TOMORROW.

PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8.45AM FOR A 9.00AM START IN THE CHURCH

Tomorrow, we take time to recognise the special people in the lives of our children, whether they are grandparents, aunts, uncles, long-time friends, parents ... anyone. As we prepare to celebrate Grandparents and Special Friends' Day, it's worth pausing to reflect on the special gifts our grandparents impart and, in turn, receive from their grandchildren.

Grandparents can provide emotional care, especially during times of stress or family transitions. They can offer a listening ear, a safe space to confide, and a source of unconditional love.

Grandparents help children feel connected to their family history, culture, and heritage. They can share stories, traditions, and values, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.

Grandparents can serve as positive role models and mentors for their grandchildren, teaching them valuable life skills and shaping their character.

Grandparents can provide support for their children (the grandchildren's parents) as they navigate the challenges of parenting and juggling work and family responsibilities.

Strong bonds between grandparents and grandchildren can also have positive effects on the grandparents' mental and physical health, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Grandparents help children understand their place in the family tree and their connection to past generations. They can also introduce children to new interests, hobbies, and perspectives, expanding their horizons.

Grandparents often provide a unique kind of love and acceptance that can differ to what children receive from their parents. This unconditional love can contribute to a child's sense of security and self-worth.

We are all looking forward to tomorrow which promises to be a very special morning. Thank you to the parents involved in coordinating all aspects of the hall set up and tomorrow's morning tea.

National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.

In the NRW 2025 theme artwork, created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

An Invitation to a Guided Learning Walk for Parents

On Wednesday 28 May, you are invited to come to the staff room for a decent coffee (we use Nespresso pods!) and then see firsthand how children learn at our school through joining us on a Learning Walk for Parents. Learning Walks are a great opportunity for parents to come to the school and, with other parents in a small group, be guided around classrooms by one of the school leaders. It is a great opportunity to observe what learning looks like in different levels of the school.

These guided walks will provide you with:

A first-hand look into selected classrooms to observe the learning
Special commentary and insights from school leaders
An opportunity to ask questions
A chance to meet, listen and learn with other parents

If you are interested in joining us on one of these walks please indicate your interest by emailing ohradmin@ohrsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au or alternatively completing the Google Form that was shared last week.

Our Learning Walk for Parents will commence at 8.45am on Wednesday 28 May. Please allow 45mins.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disability. The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school. The definition of ‘students with disability’ applies broadly to any student who has received adjustments over 10 weeks within a 12-month period.

Information pertaining to the NCCD can be found in today’s Newsletter on the Learning Diversity page.

Semester One Reports & Parent Teacher Conferences

Semester One Reports will go live on Monday 30 June. Instructions for accessing the reports will be communicated closer to the time.

Due to the fact that a number of classroom teachers will be away on Long Service Leave during the last week of Term 2, the Parent Teacher Conferences will be held early next term on Thursday 31 July.

Lamont Book Fair

The Lamont Book Fair is currently open to the school community until 4.00pm tomorrow afternoon. For details of the Fair, please go to the Library News page in this newsletter.

Please note that visitors on Grandparents & Special Friends' Day will be able to visit the Book Fair in the LRC (Library) from 8.30am onwards.

District Cross Country

Congratualtions to all our students who represented OHR during last Friday's District Cross Country event. This Monday, six of those students will represent our district at the Division Cross Country. Further details can be found on the PE News page.

Unwell Child?

If your child is unwell, we would appreciate that they be kept home in order to recover and minimise the spread of sickness to their peers and members of staff. We realise that this is challenging for working parents, however, an unwell child at school does not bode well for anyone, particularly the child.

School Closure Day

Our next school closure day for staff professional learning will take place on Friday 6 June, which immediately precedes the King's Birthday long weekend. The staffs from our three parish schools will gather together on this day where the focus will be on Staff Faith Formation.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame