Newsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Families,

 

Another term is coming to an end and our students have worked well throughout the Term. It is always exciting to see those students who take hold of every opportunity they are given to learn and grow. A whole school highlight of the term was the students’ performance of Storytime Symphonies. 

 

At the primary level of your child’s education we foster students’ growth in their academic learning and their social, emotional, spiritual and physical development. We nurture this personal growth by providing opportunities for our students to experience different learning environments such as camps, sports and excursions and situations where they can thrive as well as step out of their normal routine. As educators we are always thrilled when we see student growth and the building of their confidence and self-esteem.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Son of Man must be lifted up. John 3:13-17

The Gospel for this coming Sunday is from the Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The cross is today the universal image of Christian belief. The cross recalls the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death.

 

Every time we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God – mind, soul, heart, body, will and thoughts. 

 

Our Challenge: 

  • God sent the Son out of love for the world. However, the world has to decide to accept him. Those who accept him have eternal life at the moment of the decision. 
  • Throughout the week use a Cross as a focus for your prayer and reflect on the boundless love of God that is at the heart of the Gospel this week. 

Farewell to Sarah Counihan 

As you would have seen in the nForma Portal, after ten wonderful years at our school, we are saying farewell to Sarah Counihan, who will be leaving us at the end of this term. Sarah has accepted a role teaching library at another school that will commence next term. 

 

We will formally farewell Sarah at our last assembly of the term on September 19th at 9am. All parents are welcome to join us as we say goodbye to Sarah. 

 

Sarah has made an incredible contribution to our school community across a variety of roles. Most recently, she has been teaching Digital Technologies, leading Learning Enhancement groups, and playing a key role in organising our much-loved school concert. Her dedication, creativity, and genuine care for students have left a lasting impact on both staff and families alike.

 

We know you will join us in expressing heartfelt thanks to Sarah for her hard work and commitment over the past decade. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her journey.

 

We welcome back Tanya Ticca who will return from leave at the start of Term 4 and will be replacing Sarah in teaching Digital Technologies. She will also be taking learning enhancement groups. 

MACSSIS Family Survey

A reminder to complete the MACSSIS Family Survey. You received the link in an email from Jo - jcowan@cohroakeast.catholic.edu.au. Thanks so much to all who have already taken the time to complete it, we really appreciate your feedback about all that happens at COHR.

Bunnings BBQ 

A huge thank you to all involved in running our Bunnings BBQ. It was another successful fundraiser with  $2100 raised for our school. Thank you to Corrado for organising the event and to Jess and Ali for being there for the entire day and making sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you to Amelia, Liana, Matteo, Rocco, Theodor, Jasper, Peta, Ollie, Johann, Attila, Nick, Matt, Laura, Stacy, Alcino, Venetia, Michael, and Andrew for their help cooking and selling the sausages and to all parents including Belinda, Kate, Ollie and Nicole who supported the BBQ with donations or organising the equipment and food/drink. 

Father's Day Stall and Breakfast

Thank you to all those who helped with the Father's Day Breakfast and Stall. It was fantastic to have the community come together to celebrate the special fathers and father figures in our lives. 

 

Book Week

We had a wonderful celebration for Book Week today. It was great to see the students and staff embrace the fun of wearing costumes and complete some great activities exploring the nominated Book Week books. Thank you to Karen Wakeling for organising the day and to all the parents and carers who helped prepare costumes. 

Footy Day - Friday 19th September

Each year we have a Free Dress day to help celebrate the footy fever that takes hold late in September. We invite students and staff to wear footy gear from any club they support in the AFL. If students would like to wear footy gear from another club they support in the AFLW, NRL or the A-League that is acceptable also. If students do not have specific footy club gear any colours of their favourite team may be worn. 

 

We invite all students to order pies and sausage rolls with the information about how to order sent home on Monday. Contact the office if you have any questions about ordering. We require orders and payments to be finalised by Monday 15th September, as we need to place the orders externally.

Summer Uniform

With the arrival of warmer weather in Term 4 students change to wearing their summer uniform. This also includes a school hat for all outside activities. Please ensure all removable items of clothing (hats and jumpers) are clearly named. 

National Child Protection Week 7-13 September 2025

This year’s theme for National Child Protection Week highlights that while open discussions are crucial, words alone are not enough: we must turn dialogue into meaningful action.

 

NAPCAN acknowledges that while conversations can raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and spark new ideas, real change happens when we take steps to create safer environments for children that prevent them from harm.

 

This year, we are focusing on moving beyond conversations to concrete actions that prevent harm and instead, focussing on strengthening support systems, and empowering communities to actively protect children. By shifting from conversation to action, we can ensure that every child not only feels heard but also experiences real safety, care, and protection.

 

NAPCAN is supported by the Department of Social Services.

Opportunity - Mother's Who Pray Group

Oakleigh Parishes would like to invite members of both schools' communities to the opportunity of joining a Mothers Who Pray for Their Children group. The group will meet in the room behind the COHR church. Organisers of the group will be attending the weekend Masses of both Sacred Heart Church and COHR Church on the 13th and 14th of September.

 

If you would like more information, please contact Irna Kostic (0416 197 622) on behalf of the Parish Council Committee. 

Reminders

  • Cake stall tomorrow!
  • Hot shots tennis is on for selected Year 5/6 students tomorrow.
  • Casual clothes day - Wednesday 17th September.
  • Footy Day - Friday 19th September, don't forget to order pies and sausage rolls.
  • Daylight Savings Time begins on October 5th 2025 by moving our clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. (Australian Standard Time). 

 

Friday, 19th September marks the end of Term 3. Staff and students will return for the beginning of Term 4 on Monday, October 6th. 

 

Wishing you all a lovely break from the routine of school in the company of family and friends and we hope you find some time for fun and relaxation over the next two weeks. 

 

Aimee Gale

Principal