Principal's Message

Dear Families, 

It’s hard to believe we have already passed the halfway mark of Term 3. The past two weeks have been filled with wonderful learning experiences and memorable events, including the Year 5/6 camp, our whole-school musical, the Feast of the Assumption, the ISIC Junior Workshops, and the Year 5/6 excursion to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

Jesus asks, ‘Who do people say I am?’ Matthew 16:13-20

The people knew that Jesus was a special person. They had witnessed him cure the sick, heal the blind, feed the crowds and do many marvellous things. When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” only one person knew the answer.

The Gospel this Sunday asks us to think about our faith in Jesus. Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Like the other disciples, Peter often found it hard to understand Jesus and his message. It is easy to see this aspect of ourselves in Peter – the doubt, the uncertainty, the fear and the lack of understanding.

Our challenge:

We are invited to think about our faith in Jesus. 

• How would we respond if Jesus asked us, ‘Who do you say I am?’ 

A Special Announcement 

We are delighted to share some exciting news with our school community. Rachael Goldring and her husband Mikey are expecting a baby and they are due in February. Freddy is very excited to become a big brother! We are thrilled for Rachael and her family as they prepare to welcome this new addition. 

Rachael will be finishing at the end of this school year to begin her maternity leave. Over the remainder of the year, she will continue to be a valued member of our school community and we look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with her. While we will certainly miss seeing Rachael next year, we are excited for her as she embarks on this special new chapter with her growing family.

Jeans for a Cause Day - Daffodil Day

You may have seen our staff wearing Jeans today. As you know this means we are fundraising for a worthwhile cause. Today we are fundraising for Daffodil Day! For 40 years Daffodil Day has been a day to come together against cancer and it continues to give hope to those who are, have been or are yet to be on a cancer journey. 

This year Daffodil Day has extra significance for our staff. Clare Inwood, who was a teacher at our school last year has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Clare is in constant contact with us and is doing well. She has a Daffodil Day fundraising link that you are welcome to contribute to. 

https://www.daffodilday.com.au/fundraisers/TrunksupforClare 

The theme for this year's Daffodil Day is "Make a splash with the Daffodil Day Dip". Karen Gosling and Carolyn Heil bravely took on this challenged and jumped in the lake at Camp Adanac. 

Closure Day

A reminder that the school will be closed tomorrow, Friday 21st August as the staff complete professional learning. 

Book Week

“My test of a good book is dreading to begin the last chapter.” 

Thomas Helm

Since the establishment of the Children’s Book Council of Australia in 1945 we have seen Australian literature grow and engage young readers across our nation. During the celebration of Book Week next week, we hope to nurture a love of reading in our young students and foster a literate and creative community. 

We will hold our Book Week Parade on Wednesday, August 26th at 9:00 am. As mentioned in previous newsletters students are invited to celebrate by dressing up representing their favourite book character, book title or their interpretation of this year’s theme ‘Symphony of Stories’.

Running/Walking Club

Mrs Tobin will not be running Athletics club next week (before school Thursday 27th August). From Thursday 3rd September onwards the morning sports club will be our running and walking club. All students in Prep - Year 6 are welcome to join in the running and walking club. The club will run from 8:00am - 8:30am each Thursday morning unless otherwise stated.

Prep Discovery Experiences

Don't miss out on our next Prep Discovery Experience. 

Fathers Day Stall

Our Father's Day Stall will be held on Wednesday 2nd September. Students are reminded to bring their money and a bag to put their gifts in. A huge thank you to the Parent Association for the work that has gone on behind the scenes to make this stall possible.

Father's Day Breakfast

Our annual Father's Day Breakfast will be held on Friday September 4th from 7:30am - 8:30am followed by our assembly. Keep an eye out for the upcoming nForma notice where you can rsvp and let us know if you are able to assist in the morning. 

Principal's Pilgrimage to Greece and Türkiye

From the 7th September to the 19th September, I will have the privilege of joining my fellow principals from the South Eastern Region on a pilgrimage, walking the Footsteps of St Paul in Greece and Türkiye. This unique professional and spiritual experience will provide an opportunity to visit places of great historical and religious significance, including sites connected to the early Christian Church and the journeys of St Paul.

The pilgrimage offers many benefits, both personally and professionally. It will deepen my understanding of the historical foundations of our faith, enrich my spiritual leadership and provide valuable opportunities to reflect on the mission of Catholic education. Travelling and learning alongside other school leaders will also foster collaboration, the sharing of ideas and professional growth that can be brought back to benefit our school community.

Experiences such as these help school leaders gain fresh perspectives, strengthen their sense of purpose and develop new insights into faith formation, leadership and community building. I look forward to sharing some of these learnings and experiences with students, staff and families upon my return.

During my absence, the school leadership team will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that all routines and programs continue smoothly. Ilona Cetrola and Karen Gosling will act as principal in my place. They can be contacted via the school office or via email at icetrola@cohroakeast.catholic.edu.au and kgosling@cohroakeast.catholic.edu.au 

Reminders

• Don't forget we have our school closure day tomorrow, August 21st.
• Our Book Week Parade will be held on Wednesday August 26th.
• Confirmation is on Sunday August 30th at 3pm in the Christ Our Holy Redeemer Church. 
• On September 1st we ask all children to bring their hats back to school as the UV begins to increase during Spring. The no hat no play rule will be started on Monday 7th September.

Have a fantastic week ahead,

Aimee Gale

Principal