School News for November 23, 2025

Dear Holy Redeemer Families,

While Advent hasn’t even begun, we are definitely gearing up for Christmas!  So, along with regular lessons, we are getting ready for three Advent liturgies, two Advent fundraisers, one Christmas Craft Day, and a festive Christmas Concert.  

Wishing you and your family many blessings,

Paul Gautreau and the Staff of Holy Redeemer

TWO ADVENT PROJECTS:  With Advent beginning next Sunday, our school is launching two initiatives to support families in need across Ottawa.:

1. CRAFT DAY FOR ST. MICHAEL:  On December 12th, students will be creating Christmas crafts to take home as decorations or gifts. There is no cost for this activity. Instead, we are inviting Holy Redeemer families to make a monetary donation through  SchoolCashOnline to support families at St. Michael School in Overbrook. All funds will be used to purchase grocery and gift cards for families in need.

2. PYJAMA PATROL: We are collecting donations of new children’s pyjamas to help ensure every child has something warm and cozy this Christmas. Pyjamas will be shared with local organizations that support families in need. Please send donations in with your child or drop them off in the collection boxes at the front office.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us live out the spirit of Advent!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: On December 17th, we will be holding two Christmas Concert performances. At 9:00 a.m., Kindergarten families are invited to enjoy a show featuring Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes. At 12:30 p.m., all other families are welcome to attend a performance by our Grade 1 to 6 classes. By having two concert times, we hope to ensure there is plenty of room for everyone to attend comfortably.

VOLLEYBALL:  Our Girls Volleyball Team did a great job representing Holy Redeemer in a tournament last Thursday.  Congratulations to Yemisi, Chiamaka, Geethika, Monroe, Aubrey, Alessia, Maya, Aubree!  And, once again, special thanks to Coach Kalil!

ARRIVING ON TIME MATTERS: Please aim to have students arrive between 8:15 and 8:30 each morning. By 8:30, we want all students entering the school so lessons can begin on time, and so classrooms aren’t disrupted by late arrivals. Thanks for helping us with this! 

AVOID UNAPPROVED ABSENCES:  Please update your child's absence or late arrival using SafeArrival so your child does not have an unapproved absence on their school record. 

ON THE CALENDAR

• Dec 1 ~ School Bus Safety Presentations (in the Gym)

• Dec 2 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation with Father Marc

• Dec 2 ~  Advent Liturgy with Father Marc

• Dec 3 ~ Floorball Tournament in our Gym

• Dec 5 ~ PD Day 

• Dec 8 ~ Advent Liturgy led by Grade 2 Team

• Dec 10 ~ Floorball Tournament in our Gym 

• Dec 12 ~ Christmas Craft Day (stay tuned for details)

• Dec 15 ~ Advent Liturgy

• Dec 15 @ 6:30pm ~ School Council Meeting

• Dec 17 ~ Christmas Concert  (2 shows)

• Dec 19 ~ Last day before the Christmas break!

SafeArrival is designed to make it easier, faster, and more convenient for families to report absences and late arrivals.

With SafeArrival, there’s no need to call the school and leave a message. Instead, you can quickly and securely report your child’s absence in one of three ways:

• Using the SM Home App: Download and install the SM Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Online: Visit home.schoolmessenger.ca.

• Phone: Call the toll-free number 1-844-478-2598 and follow the prompts

Further detailed instructions are available on the OCSB website.