What has the school done, and what is the school doing, in respect of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse?
At Our Holy Redeemer, we implement the Child Safe Standards and the Child Safety Code of Conduct. The Standards and the Code aim to ensure that all adults working with children have been through rigorous screening processes. We require all volunteers, staff and contractors to have a valid Working with Children Check and to sign in at the office before entering the school premises.
OHR considers the safety of its students to be of paramount importance. We have implemented a number of programs to teach children how to stay safe. For example, our students participate in a Cybersafety program each term which is hosted by Inform & Empower.
How often do the children attend mass, have RE lessons and participate in prayer?
The entire school community attends mass at the commencement and the end of each school term. The school holds a weekly morning assembly in the hall, which includes a reflective component. On average, classes will usually have two RE classes per week which are generally integrated with the curriculum. Every class will normally participate in prayer each morning, which might take a variety of forms, for example, meditation. Parents are welcome to attend morning prayer sessions.
What processes and policies does the school adopt to help keep children safe? How are children kept safe in the playground? What about visits to the toilet?
Student safety and wellbeing is at the centre of all our learning.
We have a range of programs to support our children in their physical, social and emotional development. For example, each class has weekly social and emotional learning lessons in which students learn about concepts such as relationships, stamina, persistence and character. Classes often use mindfulness and meditation practices to assist with student wellbeing.
There are separate areas for playing and play equipment for older and younger children (F-2 children have separate play equipment for the 3-6 children). A number of staff are always on Yard Duty wearing high visibility vests. OHR has two sets of toilets, which are each located inside the school buildings and are in close proximity to the classrooms. When attending the toilets during class times, students pair up so that they do not attend the toilets alone.
What does the school do about bullying behaviour? What about cyber bullying?
OHR has a zero tolerance policy to bullying behaviour. At OHR we aim, through wellbeing programs, to create a safe and respectful environment to mitigate bullying. We employ a restorative approach when dealing with any issues that do arise. Parents are informed of matters, should the need arise.
Cyber safety is a serious problem in society, particularly in the secondary years. Nevertheless, OHR believes that children should be educated in the primary years about acceptable and unacceptable behaviors online. This year all our students participated in Inform & Empower’s Cybersafety program to address safe use of digital technologies when online.
We also run an information workshop about Cybersafety to support parents. This program is aimed at educating parents about the potential risks and issues that could affect their children online. Parents are provided with a toolkit to support their child safely navigate the online world.
I’m Catholic, but my partner isn’t Catholic, can our child still attend OHR? Or, neither of us are Catholic, can our child still attend OHR?
Absolutely! We are a school who welcomes non-Catholic families on a pastoral basis. This means that while you do not need to be Catholic, your child participates in our religious education program and other religious observances.
Our family belongs to another Catholic parish, can our children still attend OHR?
Yes. We have many students who travel from within other parishes to attend OHR as this is their school of choice and may suit their circumstances.
I’ve heard OHR has composite classes – do you think this is a good or bad thing?
At OHR, whether as part of a multi age class or as part of a single year level class, we cater for a broad range of abilities. We recognise that even within any single level there is always a broad range of abilities. Our teachers have a deep knowledge of the Victorian Curriculum and our teaching program is structured in a way to cater for the individual differences of our students. In this sense, we support students that require extension, but also focus on students that require support.
How do I know if my child is ready for school next year? Is there anyone I should consult? Any thoughts on my child attending school when they’re turning 5 or just turned 5 in the year of entry?
Every child is different, and the age of the child is not the only determinant for school readiness. At OHR we aim to help all children in their learning, whether they require extension or support.
We suggest that parents talk to the child’s pre-school teacher to understand whether their child is ready for school.
How do you incorporate technology into learning?
At OHR, students participate in dedicated STEM lessons led by a specialist teacher, where they explore a wide range of technologies. These sessions provide hands-on opportunities to engage with robotics, computer programming, and other innovative tools that inspire creativity and problem-solving. In the classroom, students continue to create and collaborate using various digital programs on their devices. Our teachers remain at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning, supported and guided by our Digital Technologies Leader to ensure best practice in teaching with technology.
How is student progress assessed and reported to parents?
Teachers use a variety of assessment methods to monitor student understanding and progress. Our approach is guided by the philosophy that “today’s data is tomorrow’s instruction”, meaning that what students demonstrate in their learning helps shape the next lesson and informs future teaching. Formal reports are provided twice a year, at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2. In addition to these reports, there are many opportunities throughout the year for parents to learn about their child’s academic and social development, including two dedicated parent–teacher conversations and ongoing communication as needed.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
At OHR, maintaining open, honest, and respectful communication with our families is a key priority. Parents are welcome to contact their child’s teacher via email for any queries or updates, and teachers also use this channel to share relevant information. We also utilise the nForma Parent Portal to distribute important notices, excursion permission forms, and other documents requiring signatures, ensuring communication is timely and efficient.
Are there school camps, sports days?
Students in Years 3 to 6 participate in annual off-site camps designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and independence. Each camp provides a balance of adventure, learning, and fun, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop life skills in a supportive environment.
Our whole-school Athletics Day, held early in the year, brings the community together in friendly house competition. Students proudly represent their house teams, taking part in a range of individual and team athletic events that encourage participation, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
Throughout the year, students also have opportunities to compete in District Sporting Gala Days, including soccer, football, cricket, and hockey. These events promote teamwork, healthy competition, and connection with other local schools. Our Senior levels (Years 5 & 6) also participate in a Summer and Winter Interschool Sport program as part of the Balwyn North District. These days provide the chance for students to compete against other schools in a variety of sports, exposing them to a few they may not otherwise have tried out.
An annual intensive swimming program is also a highlight of our Physical Education curriculum. Held at PLC Swim School, the program focuses on developing essential swimming and water safety skills, an important part of life in Australia. Swim instructors often comment on the remarkable progress students make during this program.
Is there a homework policy? How much and what is it?
At Our Holy Redeemer, we run a consistent reading homework program from Prep to Year 6 that supports students’ developmental growth in reading. Reading at home plays a vital role in every child’s learning journey. Sharing books together, whether reading to your child, listening to them read, or reading side by side, helps foster a love of language, builds confidence, and strengthens family connection. It’s also a wonderful way to make learning fun and part of everyday routine.
For younger children, being read to or seeing adults read and write helps them understand how language works, why reading matters, and builds the early skills they need to become confident readers.
In addition to reading, homework may include mathematics tasks and other family engagement activities. Students in Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read nightly, while those in Years 3 to 6 also complete spelling and maths homework as part of their weekly routine. All tasks are recorded in student diaries, helping to develop independence and strong organisational skills.
Do preps start off with a full 5-day program at school?
Our Prep students begin the school year with a carefully planned staggered start to ensure a smooth and positive transition into school life. During the first five weeks, Wednesdays are designated as rest days, giving children time to adjust to new routines and the demands of a full school week. Starting school can be exciting yet tiring, even for children with prior experience in kindergarten or childcare. Full five day weeks commence after the Labour Day long weekend in March, allowing our youngest learners to settle in with confidence and enthusiasm.