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.
December 15 May your Advent journey be filled with many blessings and may you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
December 8 As we prepare for Christmas, we pray for God’s forgiveness for the times when we have done wrong, when we have hurt other people or damaged our earth. May God’s love lead us to make a change and to live differently. Merciful God, hear our prayer. Please join us by including this prayer in your own personal prayers this week.
December 1 This week marks the start of Advent. We ask our Lord to energize our bodies and fill our hearts with your spirit as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
November 24 We pray that when the day is dark and dreary, we can be a light for others, just like Jesus is a light for us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
November 18 This week is Bullying Awareness Week. We pray that God will open our hearts and help us to show kindness to everyone in our school, regardless of whether they are our best friends or not. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
November 11 This week, we pray for our veterans and their families. We also pray for all our loved ones who have died in the hope of resurrection. 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 December 15, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
We have had quite a busy lead up to the Christmas Break, but how wonderful it has been. The concert, shopping day and spirit week activities filled the school with much joy and excitement. Now, as we close out the final week before the Christmas holiday, and as we close out 2024, we look forward to spending time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus. From all of us at Holy Redeemer Catholic School, we wish you and your family many blessings this Christmas season. See you in 2025!
ON THE CALENDAR:
Jan 5 ~ Last day to order popcorn through School Cash Online
Jan 6 ~ First Day back after the Christmas Break
January 23 ~ Social Networking Safety Presentation (Grades 4, 5 and 6)
Jan 23 ~ Social Networking Safety Presentation for K-6 parents
Jan 15 @ 6:30pm ~ Parent Council Meeting (please join us. Everyone is welcome!)
Jan 17 ~ Ottawa Police Hoopstars presentation
Jan 20 ~ OCSB United in Black Day
Jan 31 ~ PD Day (no school for students)
Feb 3 ~ Black History month begins
Feb 3 at 7pm ~ The Evolution of Inclusion with Shelley Moore. Use this link to find out more about this virtual event.
Feb 17 ~ Family Day holiday
Feb 18-21 ~ Luv to Groove Dance classes (Kindergarten to Grade 6)
Feb 25 ~ Twin Flames Concert at Sacred Heart H.S. (Grade 1 to 6)
March 4 ~ Shrove Tuesday
March 5 ~ Ash Wednesday
March 10-14 ~ March Break
School News for December 15, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
Only 5 days of school left until the Christmas Break. The excitement and anticipation of Christmas is definitely in the air at our school. It is a joyous time!
SPIRIT WEEK: This week, students are invited to show their Christmas spirit: Christmas Spirit Week
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Our Christmas Concerts were a huge success, well, maybe even too much of a success! Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the show. We’re already talking about how we can do a better job of accommodating such a large crowd next year.
ANISHINAABEMOWIN LANGUAGE CLASS: Indigenous Students in Grades 6 and up and their parents are invited to take part in a weekly virtual drop in to learn foundational Anishinaabemowin words and phrases. Click this form to learn more and to register.
MITTS: If you have any extra mittens or gloves laying around your house, please consider donating them to the school. We would like to have a few pairs at the office to lend out to students who need them.
FLOORBALL: Our Floorball teams have been busy practicing for and participating in tournaments this month. Thanks for all your hard work Finn, Mary, Yemisi, Kianna, Aubrey, Shayla, Alexis, Quinn, Lotus, Melonie, Amy, Mayne, Asmita,Landyn, Charlie, Ben, Jaykob, Nicholas, Laith, Wilson, Luke, Ryerson, Leo, Freddie, and Nolan. Thanks also to coaches, Mrs. Nelson and Mr. Caron, and to Ms. Kalil, the tournament convenor!
CHOIR: Many thanks to Ms. Watters, Mrs. Kajubili, and all our Choir members for the hard work they put into their many performances over the past few months. Choir members include Mayne, Mia, Amy, Eliana, Lotus, Ericka, Alexandra, Isla, Asmita, Eva, Tamar, Barbare, Violet, Alessia, Alexis, Finn, Naomi, Maya, Ela, McKayla, Hendrix, and Yemisi. Thanks for filling our school with your musical talents!
SCHOOL COUNCIL: As 2024 wraps up, I would like to extend a huge thank you to our school council members who organized our lunch program and Halloween Dance, and who have big plans for 2025. Our school council is small but mighty, and always looking for new members. Please consider coming to a meeting or volunteering to help out at an event.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Dec 16 ~ Wear red and green
Dec 16 ~ The third Advent Celebration @ 9:15a.m. Guests are welcome.
Dec 17 ~ Dress up like any Christmas character
Dec 18 ~ Dress up like a candy cane wear any coloured stripes for Candy Cane
Dec 19 ~ Wear a Christmas sweater
Dec 19 ~ Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Wear some cozy PJs
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
January 6 ~ First Day back after the Christmas Break
Jan 23 ~ Social Networking Safety Presentation for parents from Holy Redeemer, George Vanier and St. Isidore.
May your Advent journey be filled with many blessings
and may you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
School News for December 8, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
We have two very busy weeks leading up to the Christmas Break.
VOLUNTEERS: We are still looking for parent volunteers to help out with our Christmas Shopping Day, especially in the afternoon, to wrap gifts and to help tidy up. If you are able to volunteer, let your child’s teacher know a.s.a.p.
DONATIONS FOR ST. MICHAEL: We are still accepting donations through School Cash Online for families in need at St. Michael School in Overbrook. We will be accepting donations until December 13th. Thanks for your generosity!
PARENT COUNCIL: The next meeting of the Holy Redeemer Parent Council will be taking place in our Learning Commons on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:30p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
FACT OR FAKE: How can you tell if what you see online is real? Here’s a quiz from CBC that you can try with your children.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: The Ottawa Safety Council has produced this School Zone Safety Video for drivers and pedestrians. Please take a look!
THIS WEEK’S INTENTIONS: As we prepare for Christmas, we pray for God’s forgiveness for the times when we have done wrong, when we have hurt other people or damaged our earth. May God’s love lead us to make a change and to live differently. Merciful God, hear our prayer. Please join us by including this prayer in your own personal prayers this week.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Dec 11 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation for Grades 3-6 with Father Marc
Dec 11 ~ The second Advent Celebration with Father Marc @ 10:30a.m. (Parents and family members welcome)
Dec 11 ~ The Power of Relationship and Play Free Workshop (Register here)
Dec 11 ~ School Council Meeting at 6:30p.m.
Dec 13 ~ Grade 1-6 Christmas Concert @ 8:45a.m. (Parents and family members welcome)
Dec 13 ~ Kindergarten Christmas Concert @10:15a.m. (Parents and family members welcome)
Dec 16 to 20 ~ Christmas Spirit Week
Dec 16 ~ The third Advent Celebration @ 9a.m. (Parents and family members welcome)
Dec 19 ~ Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
January 6 ~ First Day back after the Christmas Break
Jan 23 ~ Social Networking Safety Presentation for parents from Holy Redeemer, George Vanier and St. Isidore.
School News for December 1, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
PD DAY: Just in case you missed it, tomorrow is a PD Day. Staff will be completing health and safety training, planning lessons and preparing special activities for the months ahead.
SPIRIT WEAR: Parent Council is beyond pleased to announce the official hard launch of our Holy Redeemer apparel. There’s no better way to show our pride for our school than to wear HR Rockets gear! Thanks to our supplier, we can easily browse and purchase items at https://shophrrockets.northernphenixapparel.ca For any potential Christmas gifts, please make your purchases on or before December 12. When orders are ready, a member of the Parent Council will deliver the merchandise to the school directly, (unless requested otherwise). The website will remain active for those who want to purchase throughout the scholastic year. There is something for every season! If there are any questions regarding this or other Parent Council initiatives please contact us at holyredparentcouncil@gmail.com We thank you for your continued support.
CHRISTMAS STORE: Thanks to your generosity we have a growing inventory of “gifts”, wrapping paper, gift bags, and monetary donations for families in need at St. Michael School in Overbrook! We will be accepting donations until December 13th, so keep them coming! Also, if you haven’t yet sent back the Christmas shopping day forms sent home last week, please do a.s.a.p.
RECONCILIATION: Students in Grades 3 and up who have made their First Communion, will be invited to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Learning Commons (Library) on December 11th. Recognizing that this will be a new experience for some students, Father Marc will gently guide students through the sacrament. Participation is optional.
ADVENT CELEBRATIONS: Parents are invited to attend our Advent Liturgies taking place over the next three weeks. A limited number of seats will be available for parents and family members who are able to join us. Please note the time of each liturgy is listed below.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS: We are anticipating a good turn out for our Christmas Concerts on December 13th, which is great, but parking will be tight. Guests will not be permitted to park in our parking lot or bus lane as these areas are needed for staff, so please plan on parking on nearby streets instead.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Dec 3 ~ 🕯️The first Advent Celebration @ 10a.m.
Dec 5 ~ Virtual Event: The Evolution of Inclusion with Shelley Moore (Register here)
Dec 11 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation for Grades 3-6 with Father Marc
Dec 11 ~ 🕯️🕯️The second Advent Celebration with Father Marc @ 10:30a.m.
Dec 11 ~ The Power of Relationship and Play Free Workshop (Register here)
Dec 13 ~ 🎄Grade 1-6 Christmas Concert @ 8:45a.m.
Dec 13 ~ 🎄Kindergarten Christmas Concert @10:15a.m.
Dec 16 to 20 ~ Christmas Spirit Week
Dec 16 ~ 🕯️🕯️🕯️The third Advent Celebration @ 9a.m.
Dec 19 ~ 🎁Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
School News for November 24, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy Sunday! With only one more week until Advent begins and 19 school days until the Christmas Break, here is your weekly update.
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS: It was great seeing so many parents and guardians on Thursday evening for Parent-Teacher Interviews. If you didn’t have the chance to connect with your child’s teachers, but would like to, please contact them directly to set up a time to chat.
CHRISTMAS STORE: Our annual Christmas shopping day is fast approaching. Please drop off or send in gently used items for our gift inventory. We also need donations of wrapping paper and gift bags. Finally, please consider making a monetary donation to families in need at St. Michael School in Overbrook.
ABSENCES, LATES, ETC:
REPORT ABSENCES: Please let the office know if your child will be absent or late. You may send an email to holy.redeemer@ocsb.ca or simply reply to this email. Please include your child’s first and last name and the date that your child will be absent. Linda replies to every email to confirm that it has been received.
SIGN IN and SIGN OUT: Please bring your cell phone in with you when dropping off or picking up your children from school to sign them in/out. A link to the “Sign In & Sign Out” form can also be found on the main page of our school website (red.ocsb.ca).
Early pick up by 2:30 p.m.: In order to make the end of day process go as smoothly as possible, we ask that anyone who is picking up their child at the office for an appointment, practice, or other event, please do so by 2:30 p.m. Having office pick ups end at 2:30 p.m. each day will help ensure that all students get home safely and efficiently.
BUS SIGNS: The plywood signs that we use at the end of each day to identify bus lines are looking pretty rough. If you might be able to help with re-creating new and improved bus signs, please let us know!
THIS WEEK’S INTENTIONS: This week we pray that when days are dark and dreary, we can be a light for others, just like Jesus is a light for us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Please join us by including this prayer in your own personal prayers this week.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Nov 28 ~ 😁Dental Screening for JK, SK and Grade 2 in the Learning Commons
Dec 2 ~ PD Day
Dec 3 ~ 🕯️The first Advent Celebration
Dec 5 ~ Virtual Event: The Evolution of Inclusion with Shelley Moore (Register here)
Dec 11 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation for Grades 3-6 with Father Marc
Dec 11 ~ 🕯️🕯️The second Advent Celebration with Father Marc (date change)
Dec 11 ~ The Power of Relationship and Play Free Workshop (Register here)
Dec 13 ~ 🎄Christmas Concert
Dec 16 to 20 ~ Christmas Spirit Week
Dec 16 ~ 🕯️🕯️🕯️The third Advent Celebration
Dec 19 ~ 🎁Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
School News for November 17, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
RHH FUNDRAISING UPDATE: With the support of Mlle Babineau and your generosity, students in our Ronald McDonald House Hot Chocolate Fundraising Club put together dozens of “Care Kits” and also presented CHEO officials with a cheque for a whopping $1,451.60 this week! A few members of the club were also interviewed on Rogers TV. Take a look!
BUILDING MATH FLUENCY: As part of our effort to help students build their math skills, Grade 2-6 classes have or will soon be using Numbots to bolster addition and subtraction skills, and/or Times Tables Rock Stars to hone their multiplication and division skills. Children can also login and play these games at home. Phone apps for Numbots and TTRS are also available.
CHRISTMAS STORE: Our annual Christmas shopping day is fast approaching. We will be looking for donations of gently used gifts, donations of wrapping paper and gift bags, and monetary donations to help brighten Christmas for needy families from another local school. Next week, a paper copy of this note will be sent with all the details and a form that needs to be filled out and returned to school.
VOLLEYBALL: Our Volleyball Teams did a great job representing Holy Redeemer at tournaments last week and the week before. Congratulations to Laith, Jaykob, Charlie, Brody, Khrystos, Ryerson, Luke, Ryan,Thomas, Leo, Freddie, Jorge, Aubrey, Shaula, Maya, Yemisi, Uswa, Melanie, Anastassia, Mayne, Ericka, and Madelene. Thanks also to Coach Colasante and Coach Kalil and everyone else who helped out at all the practices.
KEEPING HEALTHY: Does your child have a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea? Ottawa Public Health has shared some guidance to help us with Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses. Take a look!
THIS WEEK’S INTENTIONS: This week is Bullying Awareness Week. We pray that God will open our hearts and help us to show kindness to everyone in our school, regardless of whether they are our best friends or not. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK:
Nov 20 ~ School Spirit Day ~ If you can, wear RED and BLUE.
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews (Enter through the doors closest to the Gym)
Nov 22 ~ The return of Pizza Day (for those who ordered)
BEYOND THIS WEEK:
Nov 28 ~ 😁Dental Screening for JK, SK and Grade 2 in the LC
Dec 2 ~ PD Day
Dec 3 ~ 🕯️The first Advent Celebration
Dec 5 ~ Virtual Event: The Evolution of Inclusion with Shelley Moore (Register here)
Dec 11 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation for Grades 3-6 with Father Marc
Dec 11 ~ 🕯️🕯️The second Advent Celebration with Father Marc (date change)
Dec 11 ~ The Power of Relationship and Play Free Workshop (Register here)
Dec 13 ~ 🎄Christmas Concert
Dec 16 ~ 🕯️🕯️🕯️The third Advent Celebration
Dec 19 ~ 🎁Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
School News for November 11, 2024
Dear Holy Redeemer Families,
Happy Sunday!
PD DAY: What happens on a PD Day? Well, on Friday, some of our staff attended crisis intervention training at a neighbouring school while the rest of our staff learned new strategies for helping students develop reading fluency and computational fluency. Fluent reading skills and automatic recall of math facts provide essential foundations for deeper learning.
THIS WEEK’S INTENTIONS: This week, we pray for our veterans and their families. We also pray for all our loved ones who have died in the hope of resurrection. Please join us by including these intentions in your own personal prayers this week.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK:
Nov 11 ~ Remembrance Day Ceremony @10:30am (All welcome. Seating limited)
Nov 12 ~ Father Marc visits classes
Nov 13 ~ School Council Meeting @ 6:30 in the Learning Commons (all welcome)
Nov 14 ~ RMH Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
Nov 14 ~ Girls Volleyball Team goes to tournament
Nov 14 ~ Report Cards Posted on the OCSB Parent Portal.
BEYOND THIS WEEK:
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews (details will be sent out on Friday)
Nov 25 ~ 📖Bharati Belmore, our new Library Technician, starts!
Nov 28 ~ 😁Dental Screening for JK, SK and Grade 2 in the LC
Dec 2 ~ PD Day
Dec 3 ~ 🕯️The first Advent Celebration
Dec 9 ~ 🕯️🕯️The second Advent Celebration
Dec 11 ~ The Power of Relationship and Play Free Workshop Register Here.
Dec 13 ~ 🎄Christmas Concert
Dec 9 ~ 🕯️🕯️🕯️The third Advent Celebration
Dec 19 ~ 🎁Christmas Shopping Day
Dec 20 ~ Last day before the Christmas Break
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:
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 6 ~ McDonald’s Dinner Fundraiser for School Council
Nov 7 ~ First Ronald McDonald House Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
Nov 8 ~ PD Day
Nov 11 ~ Remembrance Day
Nov 12 ~ Fr. Marc visits the school
Nov 12 ~ School Council Meeting
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews (details to follow)
Dec 1 ~ The first Sunday of Advent
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.
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 7 ~ First Ronald McDonald House Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
Nov 8 ~ PD Day
Nov 11 ~ Remembrance Day
Nov 12 ~ Fr. Marc visits the school
Nov 12 ~ School Council Meeting
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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/.
Oct 21 ~ First day of the Lunch Program (for those who order)
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale fundraiser (order via School Cash Online )
Oct 28 ~ Spirit Week Mix and Match Day
Oct 29 ~ Spirit Week Plaid Day
Oct 30 ~ Spirit Week Falling Leaves Day
Oct 30 ~ Grade 1-6 Halloween Dance from 6-8pm
Oct 31 ~ Spirit Week Costume Day
Oct 31 ~ Kinder Dance (during the daytime)
Nov 1 ~ Spirit Week PJ Day
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 7 ~ First Ronald McDonald House Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
Nov 8 ~ PD Day
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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:
LUNCH PROGRAM: The Parent Council Lunch Program will be starting very soon! Sign-up information will be sent out in a separate email later today, so please watch for it!
HALLOWEEN DANCE: Holy Redeemer School Council is hosting a Halloween dance for Grade 1-6 students on Wednesday, October 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. in our Gym. As you know, our gym is small, so only a limited number of free tickets will be available through School Cash Online starting October 21st. Kinders will have their own special Halloween Dance on October 31 during the school day.
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:
Oct 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday Holiday
Oct 15 ~ IEPs posted on Parent Portal
Oct 21 ~ NEW Lunch Program Begins
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale
Oct 28 ~ NEW Spirit Week Mix and Match Day
Oct 29 ~ NEW Spirit Week Plaid Day
Oct 30 ~ NEW Spirit Week Falling Leaves Day
Oct 30 ~ NEW Grade 1-6 Halloween Dance
Oct 31 ~ NEW Spirit Week Costume Day
Oct 31 ~ NEW Kinder Dance
Nov 1 ~ NEW Spirit Week PJ Day
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 8 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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:
Oct 8 @ 10:30 ~ Thanksgiving Liturgy
Oct 10 @ 1:45 - Terry Fox Outdoor Activity Celebration
Oct 11 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Oct 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday Holiday
Oct 15 ~ IEPs posted on Parent Portal
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale
Oct 31 ~ Halloween
Nov 3 ~ NEW Taekwondo Fundraiser for SPG4 Cure
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 8 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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!
Co-Chairs: Megan Mills and Allison Peterkin
Treasurer: Erin Stead
Secretary: Jess Hussey Best
Parish Rep: Naomi Reynolds
CSPA Rep: Emily Senft
Members at Large: Kelly Bean, Deirdre Waud
Teacher Rep: Erin McStravick
Principal/Vice-Principal: Paul Gautreau/Jennifer Divell
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:
Sept 30 ~ Orange shirt day
Oct 4~ Popcorn Day #1 (for those who ordered)
Oct 4 ~ Terry Fox Run/Walk Day
Oct 8 @ 10:30 ~ Thanksgiving Liturgy
Oct 10 @ 1:45 - Terry Fox Outdoor Activity Celebration
Oct 11 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Oct 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday Holiday
Oct 15 ~ IEPs posted on Parent Portal
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale (Tentative)
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 8 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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:
Sept 25 ~ Fete franco-ontarienne
Sept 27 ~Photo Day
September 27 ~ Bus Safety Presentations
Sept 30 ~ Orange shirt day
Oct 4~ Popcorn Day #1
Oct 4 ~ Terry Fox Run/Walk Day
Oct 8 @ 10:30 ~ Thanksgiving Liturgy
Oct 10 @ 1:45 - Terry Fox Outdoor Activity Celebration
Oct 11 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Oct 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday Holiday
Oct 15 ~ IEPs posted on Parent Portal
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale (Tentative)
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 8 ~ PD Day ~ No school for students
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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:
Absences: Thank you for emailing us at holy.redeemer@ocsb.ca to let us know when your child is going to be absent.
Sign In & Sign Out: Thanks also for using our online “Sign In & Sign Out” form within 15 minutes of your child arriving late (after 8:30a.m.) or leaving early.
Picking Up: Finally, thank you for avoiding picking up your child at the office after 2:30 p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Sept 17 ~ Grade 1 & 2 Reading Screening
Sept 18 ~ Terry Fox Run Launch Assembly (sorry, families aren’t invited to this one)
Sept 19 from 4-5:30pm ~ Meet & Greet Open House
Sept 25 ~ Fete franco-ontarienne
Sept 27 ~Photo Day
September 27 ~ Bus Safety Presentations
Sept 30 ~ National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange shirt day)
Oct 4 ~ Terry Fox Run/Walk Day
Oct 8 @ 10:30 ~ Thanksgiving Liturgy
Oct 10 @ 1:45 - Terry Fox Outdoor Activity Celebration
Oct 11 ~ PD Day - school closed
Oct 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday - school closed
Oct 15 ~ IEPs sent home/posted on Parent Portal
Oct 25 ~ Grade 6 Bake Sale (Tentative)
Nov 5 ~ Photo Retake Day
Nov 8 ~ PD Day
Nov 14 ~ Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal
Nov 21 ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
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:
Sept 14 ~ Sacramental Preparation Information Meeting for Parents of Grade 2 Students (10 a.m.) and Grade 6 Students (11 a.m.) at the church
Sept 19 ~ Meet & Greet Open House Evening
Sept 25 ~ Fete franco-ontarienne
Sept 27 ~ Photo Day
Sept 27 ~ Bus Safety Presentations
Sept 30 ~ National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange shirt day)
October 8 @ 10:30 ~ Thanksgiving Liturgy
October 11 ~ PD Day
October 14 ~ Thanksgiving Monday Holiday
Oct 15 ~ IEPs sent home/posted on Parent Portal
P.S. More dates and events can be found on our School Website Calendar as well as on the OCSB School Year Calendar