School News for March 1, 2026

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,

While today and tomorrow are still a bit chilly, the forecast looks like we’ve made it through the coldest days of winter, and spring is just around the corner.  This is also the time of year when the school yard starts to get soggy.  Children will likely be coming home with wet socks and mitts in the days ahead, but know that sogginess is a pretty good indicator of recess fun. 

Wishing you and your family many blessings as we continue our Lenten journey. 

Paul Gautreau and the Staff of Holy Redeemer

KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE: On Thursday, March 5th, from 3:30 until 5:00, we are inviting our future JK students and their families to drop in to tour our Kindergarten classrooms, meet our team of Kindergarten educators, and connect with other Kindergarten families.  Families who are already registered, as well as those thinking about registering are welcome to attend. 

PARADE OF NATIONS: As mentioned previously, we will be celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes our school community so special.  Students are invited to wear clothing that represents their family’s roots (i.e., country of origin, cultural background, etc.) Please help us with the planning of this special event by completing this quick Google Form.  Thanks from Ms. K. & Mrs. Nelson.

MORNING ARRIVAL:   Just a reminder that school yard supervision starts at 8:15 a.m.  Some days, you may see children from our EDP Program outside before 8:15, but please know that EDP Program staff are not responsible for general supervision.  Also, we don’t want to accidentally lock any student outside after the bell has rung. All students arriving after 8:30 should be signed in at the office. 

ON THE CALENDAR:

• March 1 ~ Last day to order popcorn through School Cash Online.

• March 2 ~ Inuit Games for Grades 3 to 6 

• March 5 from 3:30 to 5:00 ~ Kindergarten Open House

• March 10 ~ Winter Play Day (depending on the weather, the day may be adjusted)

• March 9-13 ~ Grade 4 to 6 complete the Student Census

• March 14 to 22 ~ March Break!!!

• March 16-20 ~ EDP March Break Program

• March 23 ~ School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

• March 24 ~ Hoopstars visit Holy Redeemer

• April 1 ~ Grade 6s visit Holy Trinity

• April 2 ~ Holy Thursday

• April 3 ~ Good Friday (no school)

• April 5 ~ Easter Sunday

• April 6 ~ Easter Monday (no school)

• April 17 ~ Parade of Nations Celebration

• April 27 ~ PD Day

• May 30 ~ Jack’s Gala 

School News for February 22, 2026

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,

After last week’s busyness, we look forward to a few more routine days in the week ahead. Special events are exciting, but, like Olympic athletes, children need plenty of consistent practice and lots of time to build strong reading, writing, and math skills.

GO CANADA GO!

Wishing you and your family many blessings on your Lenten journey. 

Paul Gautreau and the Staff of Holy Redeemer

POPCORN:  We are running our Kernels Popcorn fundraiser in March and April. Proceeds will support the Grade 6 year-end field trip, with a donation to the Kanata Food Cupboard/Stittsville Food Bank. Choose from five flavours: Buttersalt, Dill Pickle, Low-fat Caramel, Salt & Vinegar, and White Cheddar. All popcorn is gluten- and nut-free. Cost: $2.50 per bag. No cash sales. Orders must be placed through School Cash Online.  Ordering closes Sunday, March 1. Thank you for supporting our Grade 6 fundraiser!

STUDENT CENSUS:  As mentioned previously, our school board is conducting a Student Census. Parents of Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be receiving an email in the next few days with a link to complete the online census on behalf of younger children.  Students in Grades 4 to 6 will be completing the census in class the week of March 9-13.

PARADE OF NATIONS: We are excited to host a Parade of Nations Celebration on April 17, 2026! This joyful event will honour the rich cultural diversity that makes our school community so special. Students are invited to wear traditional clothing or attire that represents their family’s country of origin, including vibrant cultural dress, national colours, or meaningful symbols. On April 17, we will gather in the gym for a school-wide celebration as we recognize and celebrate the beautiful diversity within our Holy Redeemer family. We look forward to celebrating together and will share more details as the day approaches.

HANDBALL:  This past week, our Handball teams did a fantastic job representing Holy Redeemer at a school board tournament. Well done to our Girls Handball Team: Vanessa A., Lexie C., London H., Tiwa K., Scarlett T., Giovanna B., Aubrey D., Geethika G., Bhea H., Yemisi J., Maya V., Amelia H., and Coach Caron.  Also well done to our Boys Handball Team:  Grady S., Sam D., Lucas L., Jack W., James D., Logan B., Jaykob P., Nicholas S., Charlie B., Ben M., Braedan L., Shaheim B., and Coach Kalil.

FLOORBALL:  Back in December, our Floorball teams went to a tournament.  They also showed what it means to be great competitors, athletes and sportspeople.  Congratulations to our Girls Floorball: Tiwa K., McKayla K., Bridget M., Masvitha S., Scarlett T., Giovanna B., Monroe C., Eberle C., Aubrey D., Finn M., Alexis O., Cassandra R., and Coach Caron. Congratulations also to our Boys Floorball Team: Lucas L., Jack W., James D., Grady S., Thomas M., Wyatt A., Eamon M., Charlie B., Jaykob P., Ben M., Braeden L., Nicholas S., David A., Landyn B., and Coach Nelson.

LOCKDOWN PRACTICE:  On Thursday last week, we held a brief lockdown practice. Students returned to their regular activities in about 10 minutes, and teachers reported that, with very few exceptions, students responded perfectly. Fire drills will take place in the spring after the snow has melted.

ON THE CALENDAR:

February 23 @ 6:30pm ~ School Council Meeting (please join us in the Staff Room)

February 25 ~  Pink Shirt Day

February 26 @ 5:00pm ~  Holy Trinity "Welcome to Grade 7" night for parents

February 27 ~ Grade 6 Grad Photo Retake Day

March 2 ~ Inuit Games for Grades 3 to 6 

March 5 from 3:30 to 5:00 ~ Kindergarten Open House for our future JK students

March 10 ~ Winter Play Day (depending on the weather, the day may be adjusted)

March 9-13 ~ Grade 4 to 6 complete the Student Census

March 14 to 22 ~ March Break!!!

March 23 ~ School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

March 24 ~ Hoopstars visit Holy Redeemer

April 1 ~ Grade 6s visit Holy Trinity

April 2 ~ Holy Thursday

April 3 ~ Good Friday (no school)

April 5 ~ Easter Sunday

April 6 ~ Easter Monday (no school)

April 17 ~ Parade of Nations Celebration

April 27 ~ PD Day

May 30 ~ Jack’s Gala 

School News for February 13, 2026

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,

What a week it has been! With a snow day, spirit days, report cards, a dance, and an extra-long recess, we have certainly been busy. We have also been saddened by tragic events in the news. . As we approach Valentine’s Day and the Family Day weekend, hug your loved ones, relax, watch some Olympics, and thank God for the many blessings in our lives. 

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Paul Gautreau and the Staff of Holy Redeemer

FAMILY DAY:  Just a reminder that there will be no school on Monday as we’ll be closed for Family Day.  

COYOTE:  A coyote was spotted this morning in our school yard.  By the time Mr. Nickey, our custodian, and I went outside to investigate, the animal had already left the yard. We watched it walk across Hayward Park, and then cross McCurdy Drive.  With the all clear, lunch and afternoon recess went on as usual, although we did keep an extra vigilant eye on things.

FRENCH REMINDERS:  Just a reminder that Grade 3 and 6 parents must complete a Google Form to let us know what French Pathway they want their child to follow next year.  Please see the “French Selection” email that was sent to you on Wednesday.  Also, you might be interested in taking a look at this Tips & Tricks document for supporting your child in French. 

LOCKDOWN PRACTICE:  Due to this week’s snow day, we postponed the Lockdown Practice that we had scheduled for Tuesday. We have rescheduled the practice for next week.  Like fire drills, lockdown practices occur a couple of times each year, and are very familiar to students and staff. 

ASH WEDNESDAY marks the beginning of Lent.  Families are warmly invited to join us in the gym at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday for our Ash Wednesday ceremony, led by our Kindergarten classes. Please join us as we begin our Lenten journey together.

ON THE CALENDAR:

February 16 ~ Family Day Holiday (the school is closed)

February 17 ~ Shrove Tuesday (see below)

February 18 @ 10:15 ~ Ash Wednesday Ceremony.  Families are welcome to attend.

February 18 ~ Boys Handball team heads to tournament with Coach Kalil

February 20 ~ Girls Handball team heads to tournament with Coach Caron

February 20 ~ Have a Heart Day

February 23 @ 6:30pm ~ School Council Meeting (please join us in the Staff Room!)

February 25 ~  Pink Shirt Day

February 26 @ 5:00pm ~  Holy Trinity "Welcome to Grade 7" night for parents

February 27 ~ Grade 6 Grad Photo Retake Day

March 2 ~ Inuit Games for Grades 3 to 6 

March 5 ~ Kindergarten Open House for our future JK students

March 9-13 ~ Grade 4 to 6 complete the Student Census

March 13 ~ Last day before the March Break!!!

March 24 ~ Hoopstars visit Holy Redeemer

April 17 ~ Parade of Nations Celebration (details to follow)

A message from the Holy Redeemer School (Parent) Council

Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with Your Family!

As we approach Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) on February 17, 2026 we invite you to take part in this meaningful tradition with your family.

What is Shrove Tuesday? Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins. Traditionally, people would use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. It’s a time to prepare our hearts for Lent, which helps us remember Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Make Pancakes Together! We encourage you to share this tradition with your children and make pancakes as a family. Here is a simple recipe you could try at home, as well as a gluten and lactose free alternative:

Basic Pancake Recipe:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• A pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp melted butter or oil

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.

2. Cook on a greased pan over medium heat, flipping when bubbles form.

Gluten-Free & Lactose-Free Pancake Recipe:

• 1 cup gluten-free flour

• 1 cup almond or oat milk

• 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• A pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or vegetable oil

Follow the same cooking instructions as above!

We hope you enjoy this special time with your family, reflecting on the season of Lent and the joy of Easter.

School News for February 8, 2026

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,

Hoping you are enjoying this breezy Sunday morning.  Below are a few bits of information for the week ahead.

Stay warm and as today’s Gospel reminds us, “let your light shine”!

Paul Gautreau and the Staff of Holy Redeemer

REPORT CARDS:  On Wednesday evening, you will be receiving an email letting you know that Kindergarten Communication of Learning reports, and Grade 1 to 6 Report Cards have been posted on the Parent Portal.  Updated Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will also be available on the Parent Portal for some students. 

FRENCH:  On Wednesday, the parents/guardians of Grade 3 and 6 students will also be receiving an email asking them to confirm the French program that they want their child to follow next year. Please see below about the Café français information session and watch your email inbox.

SPIRIT WEEK AT A GLANCE:  We have quite a special week planned for students.  While dressing up is completely optional, the children can participate in the following ways:

• Monday ~ 100 Day: Dress like you’re 100 years old!

• Tuesday ~ 101 Day: Dress in black and white or polka dots like a dalmatian!

• Wednesday ~ Tacky Tourist Day: Dress in your best tropical or vacation wear! Straw hats, fanny packs, or Hawaiian shirts. Of course students will still need warm clothes for recess time. 

• Thursday ~ Comfy Sweater Day: Wear something cozy.  We may also have some extra outdoor play today!

• Friday ~ Valentines Dance Day:  Dress in pink, red, white, purple, hearts, etc.  Classes will be heading to the Gym throughout the day for some dancing.

THANK YOU to our Lunch Program volunteers!  A small group of parents spends many hours organizing, sorting, handing out, and trouble shooting lunch orders week in and week out.  We are so fortunate to have this dedicated group serving our school community!

ON THE CALENDAR:

• February 9 ~ Black History Month continues

• February 9-13 ~ Valentine’s Spirit Week

• February 11 ~ Report Cards and IEPs (K-6) posted on Parent Portal

• February 11 @ 7pm Café français information session (open to all, but especially important for the parents of children in Grade 3).

• NEW February 13 ~  Last day for Grade 4-6 parents to opt out of the Student Census. 

• February 16 ~ Family Day Holiday (the school is closed)

• February 17 ~ Shrove Tuesday

• February 18 ~ Ash Wednesday

• NEW February 18 ~ Boys Handball team heads to tournament with Coach Kalil

• NEW February 20 ~ Girls Handball team heads to tournament with Coach Caron

• February 23 @ 6:30pm ~ School Council Meeting (please join us in the Staff Room!)

• February 25 ~  Pink Shirt Day

• NEW February 26 @ 5:00pm ~  Holy Trinity "Welcome to Grade 7" night for parents

• February 27 ~ Grade 6 Grad Photo Retake Day

• March 2 ~ Inuit Games for Grades 3 to 6 

• March 5 ~ Kindergarten Open House for our future JK students

• March 9-13 ~ Grade 4 to 6 complete the Student Census

• March 13 ~ Last day before the March Break!!!

• NEW April 17 ~ Parade of Nations Celebration (details to follow)

On Thursday, March 5th, from 3:30 until 5:00, we are inviting our future JK students and their families to drop in to tour our Kindergarten classrooms, meet our team of Kindergarten educators, and connect with other Kindergarten families.  

• Enter through the front entrance and we'll have someone there to direct you.

• Stay as long or as short as you want, but please keep an eye on your little ones while you are with us!  

• Ask our Kindergarten Team any questions that you might have.  We'll do our best to give you an answer.

• Not yet registered? Have no worries.  Please feel free to attend our Open House anyway!  Or, take a moment right now to fill out our online registration form online registration form.

Children who will be four by December 31, 2026 may be REGISTERED ONLINE NOW.  For more information, check out Kindergarten at Holy Redeemer and Kindergarten in the Ottawa Catholic School Board.