Deputy Principal's Message
Dear Families,
The COHR Community has certainly been drawn together with joy and hope over the last two weeks.
We gathered in prayer and hope two weeks ago at a Mass for Aimee. We prayed for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Father Raju's homily for the children told them that they can not help Miss Gale in the way the doctors and nurses can, but what they can do is pray. That is their power and it is something they can do for anyone they know who is unwell or needs help. Further, prayer is not something you just do once, you continue to do it throughout your life. A message we could all take on board as we travel the journey of life.
Aimee is now out of hospital and recouperating at home, grateful for our prayers and thoughts of support. So please continue to remember her in your prayers, as she travels the journey to good health, and pray that she will be back with us soon.
Colour Run
We gathered as a community in joy on Monday with our Colour Run. There was a touch of hope as we watched Melbourne's crazy spring weather, hoping that the rain would stay away. Colour Run#2 was simply fun. Moving through an obstacle course, with your friends, being sprayed with the colours of the rainbow, is a great way to spend a Monday afternoon! Details regarding the prizes, etc are on the Parent Association page in this newsletter.
A huge thank you to Anna, Jess, Alicia and Nicole for all your hard work in getting it all organised and enabling the fun. Thanks also to the helpers on the day - though I suspect they had as much fun as the children!
Remembrance Day
We gathered on Tuesday as a school on the 11th hour of the 11th day. Thank you to Karen Wakeling and Year 5/6G for leading our ceremony. In Library lessons over the last few weeks, each class made a wreath to lay at this ceremony and a poppy to add to our display of love and remembrance in the foyer.
Some of our school leaders also represented COHR at the wreath laying ceremony of the Oakleigh RSL on Sunday. Thank you to the students and parents who took time on the weekend to represent all of us in remembering those who have served to keep our country safe and full of hope.
Sports Day
Although we were trying to be hopeful, the weather on Tuesday was simply awful. So we are going to try and hold it again on Monday 17th November - so pray for good weather!
We need helpers
- to draw the lines on the oval in the morning at 9am. Please simply come down to the oval at drop off. No skills needed. The more pole holders we have the better!
- at the sports - on the score table, winning line judges, etc. Please see Sue in the Oval at 1:30pm
Prep 2026 Orientation #1
Today we welcomed our new Preps and their parents to their first orientation session. It was a time when we saw the joy and maybe some tears, as they stepped into the wonderful journey of school. We welcome our new families to our community, please if you see them, make them feel our welcome!
Our Pre-school Music Time will be held tomorrow at 9am. All 3 and 4 year old preschoolers are welcome to attend in the Performing Arts Room.
2026 Staffing
As we approach the end of the year, we are beginning to make the final arrangements for staffing for 2026.
Jill Palermo has taken a position at St John the Baptist School in Ferntree Gully for 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for Jill along her career path, after 13 amazing years with us we wish her all the absolute best. She has been doing a few CRT days this term, so you may see her to say good bye yourself.
Suzanne Neil has accepted a position at St Justin's in Wheelers Hill for next year. Suzanne's service to COHR has been outstanding in her support of students and parents with PSGs and PLPs and various leadership positions. She has always pushed for the best support and the greatest opportunities for all our students. We are grateful for her 7 years at COHR and wish her all the best.
Clare Inwood has accepted a position at Kilbreda, Mentone, teaching English. Clare has taught in secondary schools before, so she too is taking a positive step on her career path. We thank Clare for her 6 years of quality teaching and care of our students and families during her time at COHR and wish her all the best.
At the end of this year we will hold farewell gatherings for those leaving, so look out for further information.
The 2026 Leadership structure and teachers will be shared in the following weeks.
School Closure Day
Please note that Monday, 1st December, is a school closure day. This day will be used by staff in planning for 2026.
Start of the 2026 School Year
The 2026 school year will commence as follows;
Tuesday 27th Jan Staff Commence
Wednesday 28th Jan Preps 8:55am - 1:00pm
Year 1 - 6 assessments
Thursday 29th Jan Prep 8:55am - 1:00pm
Year 1 - 6 assessments
Friday 30th Jan All children in Years 1- 6 commence.
No Preps on Wednesday throughout February.
Bookings for 2026 assessments days will be sent out in the coming weeks.
2026 School Fees
Following discussions with our school's business manager and in consultation with the COHR School Advisory Council the following fee structure will be in place for 2026 -
Fees have been set very much in relation to the actual running costs of the school in reflection of the 2025 spending and predicted costs of 2026. MACS also has input with the calculated Capacity to Pay for our community. As our enrolment numbers change, so too do the contributions required for us to keep our beautiful, large school site well maintained and for our programs running achieving the high educational results we are all striving for for our students. Aimee and I are very happy to discuss the fees if you wish to.
A reminder that the 2025 fees are now due.
COHR Feast Day
Save the date! Next Friday, 21st November we celebrate our school Feast Day.
It will be casual clothes day for a gold coin donation to Mini Vinnies, launching their Christmas Appeal.
We would love parents to join us with joy for all or any of the following events.
- 9:00am - Assembly
- 10:15am - Mass
- 1:50pm - COHR's Got Talent
- 7:00pm - Movie Night
Wishing you all joy and hope as we journey together,
Jo Cowan
Deputy Principal