From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are fast approaching the end of the Church’s year as this Sunday marks the Church’s season of Advent. Advent ushers in a challenging period, where we are asked to take time for quiet prayer and reflection in the midst of one of the most hectic times in the school year, especially after the year we have all had. But when we make it a priority to find that quiet space, we find the rich fruits of opening ourselves to God and to life and love.

We re-orient ourselves to what is true and deep in the human condition. We are reminded that God loves us and keeps his promise to be with us in the coming of Jesus. We are reminded that the greatest commandment is LOVE. This Advent season, may we all be more open to the possibilities of God working in us to bring hope and love to the world.

First Eucharist

Last night we held two masses celebrating the Sacrament of Eucharist for students in Years 4 and 5. They were both meaningful celebrations which made the candidates feel very special. Tonight we have two more First Eucharist celebrations and another one next week.

We congratulate all of our First Eucharist candidates and pray that they continue to be nourished in their faith journey.

Official Opening

We are well and truly settled into our new building however next Monday, 29th December at 2pm, we will be holding an official opening ceremony of our new building.

Steve Dimopolous, Local Member for Oakleigh, will be here to officially open our new building on behalf of the Minister for Education. Steve was a wonderful advocate of this project and assisted by strongly supporting our building plans. We were fortunate to be receive 1.45 million dollars from the State Government towards this 2 million dollar project. We also hope to have representatives from Crosier Scott Architects, Newpol Building Group and representatives from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools. Father Raju will also be present to bless our new learning spaces.

As this is an outside event we are able to welcome parents who may be interested in attending. Parents will be required to QR code check-in on arrival. The formalities are due to commence at 2pm and conclude by 2:30pm.

Garden Help

Sincere thanks to Marie and Claude Morelli for tackling our Reflective Garden last weekend. This was a great start to tidying up this area. Marie has kindly offered to assist in coordinating helpers to maintain this garden area. If you have a moment to help or would like to speak with Marie, she is happy for you to contact her on 0422 557 076.

Condolences

Our sincere condolences to the D'Rozario family (Kaylea - Year 5) on the sudden passing of Nicole's brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Staff News

As with all schools there is often a little movement within the staff at the end of each year. We would like to congratulate the following staff on their appointments to new schools in 2022.

After 5 years at COHR Emily Faella has taken on a classroom position at St Jude's in Scoresby.

Kristy Sly who has also been here for 5 years has taken up a new position at St Agnes in Highett.

Tim McDonald, one of our Learning Support Officers, will be taking up a new LSO position at St Patrick's in Lilydale.

Daniela Vecchi, our Italian teacher is also moving to St Jude's in Scoresby taking on the role of LOTE teacher.

We are very grateful to Tim, Emily, Daniela and Kristy for their years of service here at COHR and we wish them much happiness as they continue their own learning journey in their new work environments.

In 2022 we will welcome two new classroom teachers to our team. Miss Maya Howard and Miss Jacqui Sharp.

While we are still finalising our staff for next year a full list of our 2022 staff will be communicated in our next newsletter.

Graduation

We are pleased to be able to invite parents to our planned Graduation ceremony on Thursday 9th December at 7:00pm in the hall. We will be in communication with our Year 6 parents early next week regarding more detailed arrangements.

Start of the 2022 School Year

The 2022 school year will commence as follows;

Friday 28th Jan Staff Commence

Mon 31st Jan Preps 9:00-1:00pm

Year 1 - 6 assessments

Tues 1st Feb Prep 9:00 - 1:00pm

Year 1 - 6 assessments

Wed 2nd Feb All children in Years 1- 6 commence. No Preps on Wednesday throughout February.

Bookings for 2022 assessments days will be sent out in the coming weeks.

School Closure Day

A reminder that TOMORROW, Friday 26th November, is a school closure day. This day will be used as a curriculum planning day for 2022.

Take care everyone

Brendan Welsford

Principal

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