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Weekly Prayers of Intercession

We're starting something new at Holy Redeemer.  Each week, our school community will use these prayers of intercession during our morning prayer.  Please join us by using them your own personal prayers as well.

November 11 For justice and peace in the world, especially in those areas where there is violence and war. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

November 4 This week, we pray for the courage to respond to the needs of the people we see around us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

October 28 Friday is  All Saints Day. This week we pray that we might hear and answer God’s call, just like the saints did. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

October 21 This harvest, we pray for a world where all people may have everything they need to eat.  Lord, in your mercy…


Inspired by: https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources/weekly-intercessions

The Latest School News 

School News for November 3, 2024


Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy November!


McDONALD’S DINNER FUNDRAISER: Join us for our fall fundraiser by having McDonald’s for dinner between 4pm and 8pm at the McDonald’s on the corner of Hazeldean and Terry Fox on Wednesday November 6th.  Twenty (20%) percent from your purchase will be returned back to the school. Simply bring the attached cutout to McDonald’s and present it to the cashier prior to placing your order to authorize the donation from your purchase (Print or show a digital copy to the cashier). The fundraiser is valid for dine-in, takeout, and drive-through orders! Funds raised from this evening will go towards supporting School Council initiatives.

Thanks! Parent Council    


REMEMBRANCE DAY:  Parents are invited to attend our Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th at 10:30 a.m. In addition to seats reserved for veterans or first responders, a limited number of seats will be available for other guests. That said, some guests may need to stand during the ceremony. 


STUDENT SAFETY: With the shorter days that come with the changing seasons, arrival and dismissal times are going to be getting darker over the next two months.  Please be extra vigilant when travelling to and from school.


MATH WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS: The Ottawa Catholic School Parent Association (CSPA) is hosting a virtual math session with Dr. Christine Suurtamm on November 7 for parents and teachers.  If you’re interested in attending, please check out the details at this link.  


ON THE CALENDAR:


School News for October 27, 2024

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


Has Fall weather finally arrived?  Last week I was sitting on the beach with my grandson. This morning, I saw a few flurries. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?


Have a safe Halloween!


Paul Gautreau

Principal


IT’S SPIRIT WEEK:  Every day this week, students and staff are invited to dress up for Spirit Week.  Check out what we have planned for each day. Of course, dressing up is entirely optional.


HALLOWEEN DANCES:  We have 2 dances coming up this week.  The dance for Grade 1 to 6 students takes place on Wednesday evening. Reserve your free tickets through School Cash Online and  please read over this important information.  The dance for our Kindergarten students will take place on Thursday during the school day.


PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION: We're starting something new at Holy Redeemer.  Each week, our morning prayers will include a prayer of intercession. This week, in recognition of All Saints Day, we pray that we might hear and answer God’s call, just like the saints did. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Please join us by including this prayer of intercession in your own personal prayers this week. 


NEW OSTA APP: The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has launched a new app. Receive real-time notifications about your child’s bus or van status right to your phone or device. To find out more about this free app, visit www.ottawaschoolbus.ca.


REMEMBRANCE DAY: As was mentioned in last week’s newsletter, parents or grandparents who are currently serving or have served in our military, or work as a first responder to attend our Remembrance Day Ceremony. Please let us know if you are able to join us by completing this Service Member and First Responder RSVP Form.



School News for October 20, 2024

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


With fall-like mornings and summer-like afternoons, figuring out what to dress children in this past week has no doubt been a challenge.  Equally challenging has been making sure children go home with their sweaters, coats and other gear.  This week, we’ll be laying out our lost and found for children to peruse. Please remind your children of clothing they might have lost at school.


HALLOWEEN DANCE:  Our October 30th Halloween Dance for Grade 1-6 students is fast approaching.  A limited number of free tickets will be available through School Cash Online starting October 21st. If you are planning on taking part in this event, please read over this important information.

CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING:  Our Cross-country Running Team spent a chilly but dry day out at Mooney’s Bay last Wednesday.  Thank you for representing our school so well Lucas, Sunchenna, James, Scarlett, Eamon,Gabrielle,Nolan, Nora, Sang, Bridget, Laith, Aubrey, Martin, Mary, Matthew, Bhea, Nicholas, Rebecca, Jayden, Sophie, Ryerson, Eliana, Luke, Amy, Zakhar, Mayne, Freddie, Lotus, Ryan, Eva, and Jorge.  Thanks also to Coach Madge and all the volunteers who helped out.

REMEMBRANCE DAY:  As is a tradition at Holy Redeemer, students are invited to wear red and white or their Sparks, Embers, Cubs or Scouts uniforms on Remembrance Day. We would like to extend a special invitation to any parents or grandparents who are presently serving or have served in our military, or work as a first responder to attend our ceremony on November 11th, beginning at 10:15 a.m. As space in our gym is very limited, please let us know if you are able to join us by completing this Service Member and First Responder RSVP Form.


EQAO RESULTS: Every spring, Ontario students in Grade 3 and 6 participate in EQAO Assessments.  If you have a child who was in Grade 3 or 6 last year, their results are now   available on the Parent Portal. Please see this video for help in accessing your child’s results. For more information about EQAO and our school’s results, please visit https://www.eqao.com/.



School News for October 6

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


This week we celebrated Thanksgiving BIG Time! We had a Thanksgiving liturgy led by Mr. Caron’s class and Father Marc, our school was decorated by beautiful thanksgiving poems, cards and drawings, and on Thursday, we had a special Outdoor Activity Block to thank children for their Terry Fox fundraising efforts. Our school community has so much to be thankful for.


We wish you many blessings this Thanksgiving weekend. God is Good!

The Staff of Holy Redeemer


BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION:  October 23 is Bus Driver Appreciation Day. If you would like to thank your child’s bus driver, please take a few minutes and complete OSTA’s Driver Recognition Form. Your feedback will be shared directly with the driver’s employer and the driver themselves, giving them the recognition they deserve.


FROM SCHOOL COUNCIL:

FALL SPIRIT WEEK:  We have lots of fun planned for the week of October 28th.  Every day has a theme.  Check out this document to find out more.


SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH ONTARIO is a provincial organization that works with schools across the province to support student mental health. SMH-ON has recently released two “Info Sheets” that may be of interest:Noticing Mental Health Concerns for Your Child and  Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology.


STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE: A flyer regarding Student Accident Insurance will be sent home next week.  Please know that it is entirely optional.


ON THE CALENDAR:


School News for October 6

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


This past week started off with a meaningful commemoration of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and ended with a triumphant Terry Fox Walk/Run.  There are good things happening at Holy Redeemer!


Wishing you many blessings on this beautiful Sunday,


Paul Gautreau

Principal


PARENT PRESENTATION:  Join award-winning educator and author Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe for a free virtual event on October 10th, 6:30-7:30 pm. Learn practical strategies to help your child thrive

and build resilience. Use this link to join the live event: https://www.youtube.com/live/LpnFAM9XQ4I 


HALLOWEEN:  Halloween is quickly approaching. Students are welcome to dress up to celebrate this fun day. That said, please no masks, weapons, violent, gory or culturally insensitive costumes. Also, please know that costumes may not look 100% after being worn for a full day of school. 


LATE BUSES:  This week we had a few late buses.  If your child’s bus is ever late, it is best to check https://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/ to find out the latest bus status information.  You can also call the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) directly at 613-224-8800. 


SPG4 CURE FUNDRAISERS:  In addition to the upcoming Halloween Fundraiser to help find a cure for SPG4, a new Taekwondo Fundraiser is being organized for November 3rd.  Click the links for details.


ON THE CALENDAR:


School News for September 29

Dear Families and Guardians, 


While September has been generally sunny and warm, the days are getting cooler, and the leaves are beginning to turn colour.  How blessed we have been this September.  May God continue to bless us all as we head into the month of October.


NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: To commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we are encouraging staff and students, if possible, to wear orange shirts on Monday, September 30th.  We are also marking the day with a special guest. Elder Jeannie Namagoose will be at school on Monday to help us to learn more about residential schools and Orange Shirt Day. Elder Jeannie will be presenting to Grade 1-3 students during Block 1, and to Grade 4-6 students in Block 2.


TERRY FOX:  On Friday, October 4th, from about 10:15 to 11:00, students and teachers from Grades 1-6 will be walking or running around the perimeter of Hayward Park while Kindergarten students and their educators will be walking a loop inside the school yard.  If you haven’t already done so, go to the Parent Portal and complete the Off Site Permission form. This form must be completed for Grade 1 to 6 students to participate in the Terry Fox Walk/Run.  Also, if you would still like to donate, please go to https://schools.terryfox.ca/90327. 


SCHOOL COUNCIL:  The first meeting of the Holy Redeemer School Council took place last Wednesday evening. We are thankful to each of the school council members, listed below, for stepping forward! 


LUNCH PROGRAM: One of the first orders of business for our School Council was to work out the details for this year’s Lunch Program.  The details will be shared very soon.


ON THE CALENDAR:


Have a great week!


Paul Gautreau

Principal


School News for September 22


Happy First Official Day of Fall,


For those of you who made it out to our Meet & Greet Open House, it was great seeing you!  If you didn’t have the chance to make it, we have Parent-Teacher Interviews coming up on November 21st.


Paul Gautreau
Principal


SCHOOL COUNCIL:  The first meeting of the Holy Redeemer School Council will be taking place on Wednesday in the Learning Commons. If you are planning on attending the meeting, RSVP by completing this Google Form. By the way, if you had difficulty completing the form previously, it has now been fixed (I think!).


BOOMERANG SNACKS AND LUNCHES:  In an effort to get students to think about the waste we produce, and to do our part for the environment, our school will be following the Boomerang snack and lunch program again this year.  What this means is that all packaging and any food children don’t eat during the day will be sent back home at the end of the day.  We also encourage your child to pack their snacks and lunch in reusable containers.  Through the Boomerang Program we hope to help the environment out a bit, and perhaps more importantly, to help everyone to see themselves as stewards of God’s creation. 


TERRY FOX UPDATE:  We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we have already reached our Terry Fox fundraising goal and we are now looking to DOUBLE our donation goal! If you would like to donate, please go to https://schools.terryfox.ca/90327. 


POPCORN:  Our Grade 6 students will be selling popcorn this year to raise funds for their year end field trip.  They will also be making a donation to the Kanata Food Cupboard/Stittsville Food Bank. Popcorn can be ordered through School Cash Online at https://ocsb.schoolcashonline.com/. Thanks in advance for your support!


RAIN:  Rain is a real possibility this week.  While students won’t be going outside if it is raining, they will probably still go outside if the rain isn’t that significant.  As such, students should come to school ready to go outside, even if the dark clouds are looming.


HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER TO FIND CURE FOR SPG4:  A special Halloween Party fundraiser is being held on October 26th to help raise money to help find a cure for Jack, a Holy Redeemer student who was recently diagnosed with SPG4. For more information, please click here.


ON THE CALENDAR:


School News for September 16, 2024


Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


Students seem to have quickly settled into the routines of school over the past two weeks.  It is great to see them working hard, playing with friends, and taking part in the many activities that make up each school day. One upcoming event that I am sure they are excited about is our Meet & Greet Open House this Thursday.  No doubt they are excited for you to meet their teachers and see their classrooms. I also look forward to meeting parents, guardians and family members on Thursday.  See you then.


Paul Gautreau
Principal


TERRY FOX FUNDRAISER:  This year, our school is proudly taking part in the annual Terry Fox School Run to continue Terry's dream of a world without cancer. On Wednesday, we will be kicking off our fundraising efforts with an Assembly. On October 4th we will lace up our shoes for a school-wide walk/run.  Finally, on October 10th, if we meet our fundraising goal, students will celebrate with a special Outdoor Activity Afternoon.  Please support our school's fundraising efforts today by donating online at

https://schools.terryfox.ca/90327.


A MESSAGE FROM OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH: Given the increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases locally, OPH is sharing a fact sheet that provides key information about the disease, its symptoms, transmission, and prevention measures. 

 

KINDERGARTEN PARENTS:  The Catholic School Parent Association is hosting a free webinar entitled Creating the Best Conditions for Growth and Learning, with Hannah Beach on September 17th.  For more information, please visit the CSPA Eventbrite website at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/ottawa-cspa-35352194143.


FIRE DRILL:  Last week we had our first fire drill.  Despite it being our first fire drill of the new school year, everything went smoothly.  We will be having 2 more drills over the next few weeks.


THANK YOU FROM THE FRONT OFFICE:

ON THE CALENDAR:


September 8, 2024


Dear Holy Redeemer Families,


What a joy it was to see the school filled with students and staff this week! It was also wonderful to see everyone settling into the routines of the new school year. Many thanks to students, parents and staff for all you did to help make the first week of school go so well. The fantastic weather sure helped, too.  Our school community is truly blessed!


Paul Gautreau

Principal ~ Holy Redeemer


SPIRITUAL THEME:  The Ottawa Catholic School Board has just launched a new three-year Spiritual Theme: "Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings."  During the 2024-2025 school year, we will be focusing on the first part, "opening doors”.  By opening doors, we welcome Jesus and others into our lives.  By opening doors, we also open ourselves to new opportunities and new experiences.  Throughout this school year, watch for ways in which staff and students open doors at Holy Redeemer.


MEET & GREET OPEN HOUSE: On Thursday, September 19th, between 4:00 and 5:30 (new time!), we are inviting parents to drop into the school for our “Meet and Greet Open House”.   There won’t be any formal presentations. Instead, the evening is intended to give you a chance to tour the school and meet some of the educators who work with Holy Redeemer students everyday.  While the evening is geared towards parents and guardians, children are welcome to come, too. More information will be sent out early next week.


JOIN SCHOOL COUNCIL:  The first meeting of the Holy Redeemer School Council will be taking place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:30 p.m. in the school Staff Room. During this meeting, we will be holding elections (if necessary), as well as discussing some of the things the School Council will be doing this year.  If you are interested in joining the School Council this year, please RSVP by completing this Google Form.


PARENT PORTAL FORMS:  If you haven’t already signed into the Parent Portal, and completed the 4 required forms, please do so TODAY!!!  Required forms include the Student Verification form, Photo Consent form, Technology Agreement form, and the Off Site Permission form. Having trouble signing into the Parent Portal, help can be found at https://red.ocsb.ca/parents.


AI IN THE OCSB: You may have read articles about how Artificial Intelligence is being introduced across the Ottawa Catholic School Board in the Ottawa Citizen, on Global News, or on CBC News.  One of our first steps will be to present age-appropriate lessons about digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology to students. The lessons will be taking place this week and next. These lessons will complement the “Samaritans on the Digital Road” lessons that have been used across our school board for many years. For more information, please visit the  OCSB AI Parent Webpage.


SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION:  Students typically receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion in Grade 2, and the sacrament of Confirmation in Grade 6.  If you would like your child to receive any of these sacraments, please see the attached flyer for details about sacramental preparation meetings taking place at Holy Redeemer Parish on September 14.


ON THE CALENDAR:

P.S. More dates and events can be found on our School Website Calendar as well as on the OCSB School Year Calendar 

Community Fundraiser for Jack

Dearest Holy Redeemer Community, efforts are ongoing to raise funds to support SPG4 research, treatment and/or trials for Jack, as well as any supports he may need on his journey with SPG4.


NEW:  A special Halloween Party fundraiser is being held on October 26th to help raise money to help find a cure for Jack, a Holy Redeemer student who was recently diagnosed with SPG4. For more information, please click here.


More information and links to donate can be found here.  

Also, please take a look at this CTV News story from June 2024.

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