Learning & Teaching News
ICAS Competitions Presentations
At next Monday's assembly (17/11), we will be presenting certificates to students who completed any of the ICAS Digital Technologies, Writing or English Competitions.
Overall, students in OHR achieved 7 High Distinctions and 26 Distinctions. This is by far the highest number of these awards students have achieved in a year. There is no class time spent on preparing students for these voluntary competitions. As such, these outstanding results are a testament to the learning that is occurring in each of our classrooms.
ICAS Medal Winner 2025
At Monday's Assembly, Sam B from Year 2 was awarded an ICAS Medal. These are presented to students who receive the highest score from their Year Level out of every entrant in Victoria for a specific competition.
Sam achieved this in the Digital Technologies competition. The exact number of entrants for any specific competition is never publicly disclosed. With approximately 10 million students participating worldwide across all subjects and levels, it becomes clear that to be awarded an ICAS Medal is an outstanding achievement and OHR is very proud of Sam - well done!!
The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) Assembly Presentation
This year, students from Our Holy Redeemer proudly took part in a range of APSMO Mathematics Competitions, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills, perseverance, and teamwork.
A select group of middle school mathematicians began their journey with the Maths Explorer Competition, where five students earned the coveted Maths Star Award for their outstanding results.
In the Maths Games Competition, which challenges students to apply logic and reasoning in creative ways, seven students in Years 5/6 achieved the Maths Star Award, reflecting their dedication and enthusiasm for mathematics.
Another group of 5/6 students participated in the Junior Maths Olympiad, tackling complex, multi-step problems that required deep thinking and persistence. Our Holy Redeemer performed exceptionally well, placing in the top 25% of teams nationally. Individual achievements were equally impressive, with four students earning a Top 10% Pin and five students receiving a Top 25% Patch.
These results are a testament to the students’ hard work and the support of their teachers in nurturing a love of mathematical thinking. Congratulations to all our participants for representing Our Holy Redeemer with such enthusiasm and excellence!
Nick Byrne
Learing & Teaching Leader
Bebras Computational Thinking Competition- 2026 Form
We are incredibly proud of the exceptional way our OHR students embrace opportunities to extend and challenge themselves. This week’s awards in a variety of competitions across Maths, Science, and Digital Technologies are a testament to their growth mindsets and enthusiasm for learning. Their achievements reflect not only strong academic skills but also curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. We celebrate their dedication to exploring new ideas, tackling complex problems, and demonstrating excellence through effort and collaboration, qualities that embody the spirit of lifelong learning at Our Holy Redeemer.
Early in 2026, our students in Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to participate again in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge during the week of Monday 9 February. A specific date will be set within Week 3 of Term 1, 2026.
As the competition is so early in Term 1, we ask you to complete this form by Wednesday 3rd December if you would like to register your child for this computational thinking opportunity in 2026. Payment of $5.20 registration fee can be made to Heather in the office or via eft.
Bebras is one of the largest international computational thinking challenges involving over 2.9 million students from 60 countries. There are 15 questions, answered online – a combination of multiple choice, integer and interactive responses. Example questions are shown below.
Please feel free to email with any questions phansen@ohrsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au
Penny Hansen
Maths Leader
Digital Technologies Leader
Year 3 & 4: Middle Primary competition example questions
Year 5 & 6: Senior Primary competition example questions
