Principal's Report

Technology Building Project

Just over one month ago, we were informed that Roberts Co, parent to our builders Monaco Hickey, went into administration and progress on the new Technology Building has been halted. Since that time, we have had contact with the builders, Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and project managers, but don’t as yet have a way forward in terms of how the building will be completed. I can assure you that the building will be completed. Although we won't now meet our November 2025 timeframe, we are hopeful that work resumes soon, as this will mean we can move into the building as close as possible to the start of 2026. I will of course keep the school community updated as we hear more.

Native garden installed near Building A

A beautiful new native garden has been installed between Building A and the crossroads over the term break. This is made up of over 1500 native plants, many of which will attract local birdlife. An irrigation system has been incorporated into the gardens, so the trees and shrubs should have a very high survival rate. Bluestone boulders uncovered from underneath our school grounds as part of the Building Project are another feature. Existing seating and the flagpoles have been incoporated, and additional permeable paths added so that students and staff can enjoy the space. I'm sure you'll enjoy it on your next visit to the school.

Welcome to Our Thriving Autumn Kitchen Garden! - Report from Anna Vella

The students of 8A have been hard at work, transforming our garden beds into a lush, productive space filled with vibrant veggies, fragrant herbs, and colorful flowers. As part of their Health studies on nutrition, they’ve explored where food comes from, the importance of seasonal planting, and how companion planting helps crops thrive. Now, our garden is bursting with life!

We’re currently growing silverbeet, beetroot, bok choy, rocket, lettuce, onions, strawberries, and so much more. Once our incredible produce is ready, it’s harvested and sold to staff, with the funds going straight back into buying seeds and seedlings—keeping our garden flourishing year after year. Check out our thriving bok choy and the mouthwatering stir-fry one of our staff members whipped up with it!

Working Bee

Our recent Working Bee was a fantastic team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteers. A special shoutout to:

Haydn, Geoff, Gab, and the students – for installing the roof on the large chicken coop. What an achievement!

Gary and his students – for fox-proofing the main coop, ensuring a safe home for our future feathered friends.

Selina and Andy – for planting lime, lemon, and cherry trees in our orchard—setting us up for delicious homegrown fruit in the years to come.

Belinda, Deborah, Katherine, Frank, Andy, Mitch, Heather, Sue, Sophie, and family – for tackling soil, mulch, and weeds, filling the polytunnel garden beds and giving our plants the best start possible.

Your dedication has truly transformed the space, and the Kitchen Garden has never looked better!

What’s Next?

In Term 2, our students will continue planting in the polytunnel and sowing even more veggies. We’ll also hold another Working Bee to put the finishing touches on the chicken coop and build a retaining wall for the orchard.

A massive thank you to our wonderful community—your hard work and enthusiasm make all the difference. As they say, many hands make light work, and together, we’re creating something truly special!

40 km/h zone now on Pentridge Boulevard & Stockade Avenue

We thank Merri-bek Council and the Department of Transport and Planning for their introduction of a 40 km/h zone on two streets very close to Coburg High School - Pentridge Boulevard (between Bell Street and Sydney Road) and Stockade Avenue (between Pentridge Boulevard and Murray Road). We know from our regular censuses of students (see below) that many hundreds of our students traverse these two roads each school day on foot or on bike. With three schools in the vicinity (Coburg High, St Paul's and Coburg Primary) as well as the busy Pentridge Shopping Centre, these new lower speed limits are welcome. These new speed zones will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Annual Travel Census

We completed the now fifth annual travel census with students midway through Term 1, with the results in line with previous years. For the first time we asked students about their travel both to and from school.

86% of students walk, ride or catch public transport home from school on a typical afternoon (even when it is going to be 33 degrees) indicating the continuing need to make our local roads as safe as possible for students.

School Council Corner

Following the election processes in early Term 1, see below for the School Council members for 2025. 

CHS staff members

* Brent Houghton (Principal & Executive Officer)

* Gary Vella

* Melanie Buscema-Moore

Parent members

* George Christofis

* Karen Turner

* Samantha Bond

* Lisa Leening

* Aaron Hemsley

* Michelle Fenwick

Student members

* Hasti Momeni

* Sienna Tonderys

Community members

* Simon Wilson

* Trent McCarthy

* Mitch Jones

At the first meeting of the new Council on Wednesday 26 March the following members were elected as School Council officebearers:

President: Trent McCarthy

Vice President: Mitch Jones

Treasurer: Michelle Fenwick

Secretary: Selina Dennis (non-voting member)

Thanks to outgoing Council officebearers Nat Abboud (President) and Samantha Bond (Vice President).

Look out for a newsfeed this week regarding joining School Council sub-committees.

Instrumental Music Funding

Last year a significant proportion of our school community signed a parliamentary petition into Instrumental Music funding. I want to let you know that the funding for Coburg High School increased significantly for the 2025 school year. To help determine funding levels for 2026 and beyond, I have been a member of the North-Western Victoria Region Instrumental Music Program Advisory Committee, which is providing advice to the Regional Director regarding a more equitable funding formula. In future reports I hope to be able to provide you with a further update.

In Brief

• Welcome to Dani Lawson, our new Wellbeing Leader, who is replacing Sasha Martin who is on family leave.

• A reminder that lost property (sometimes valuable) is kept at Reception
• Don't forget events this week - Wills Candidate Forum Tuesday night and Open Day on Wednesday. Coburg High School will be represented by our School Captains at an Anzac Day Dawn Service this Friday, 6am at the Coburg RSL. All are welcome.

Brent Houghton

Principal