From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Yesterday we acknowledged Caritas Day where we acknowledged and reflected on those people in Australia and around the world who are less fortunate than ourselves. Children were invited to bring along a donation, return their Project Compassion Boxes or to make a donation online.

Caritas Australia

As the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency, Caritas Australia works hand in hand with the most marginalised communities in Australia and overseas, to confront the challenges of poverty. Through locally-led programs, Caritas works with all people, with shared hope and compassion, towards a world where all can thrive and reach their full potential.

For more information about the amazing work that Caritas caries out please visit their website;

caritas.org.au

End poverty

Promote Justice

Uphold Dignity

5/6 Camp

Last week's 5/6 camp to Forest Edge in Neerim East was a terrific experience for our students. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather and this allowed us to enjoy all the activities on offer.

The camp grounds, facilities, amenities, camp staff and food were all amazing and collectively this made it an enjoyable experience for all.

We are very proud of our students for they way they conducted themselves on camp with the camp staff complementing them on their behaviour and manners. Our campers went home a little exhausted on Friday afternoon but I guess that can be the sign of a successful camp experience.

I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank our amazing staff who took care of our students while on camp. It is an enormous responsibility and I am very grateful for giving of their time, energy, willingness and care they provided over the course of the three days.

Next term our Year 4 students will head off on a three day camp.

School Uniform

It is lovely to see some of the students wearing the new winter tunic. The winter uniform is expected to be worn in the week commencing Monday 15th May. Students are no longer required to wear their school hats when outside.

Mother's Day Breakfast

Next Friday we look forward to celebrating our mums with a special Mother's day Breakfast in the hall. This will be followed by our usual Friday morning assembly with a special presentation from our Preps.

I am very interested in hearing from any dads who may be able to help out on Friday morning from 7:00am - 9:00am or even a part of that time.

Mother's Day Stall

A reminder that the Mother's Day Stall will be held next Wednesday 10th May. Children are invited to bring along some money to purchase a gift for their mums or special person in their life. The price range of gifts will range between $1 and $10 .

If you are free to assist on the day could you please inform Rachael or Sandra in the office. Helpers will be required from 9:00am

Chess

Chess lessons in the 3/4 level commenced this week and will continue for the remainder of the term each Monday morning. This program is offered as part of the 3/4 curriculum.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

Our kitchen garden program commenced for Term 2 with our Year 3/4 classes cooking up a storm last Monday. With the assistance of our parent helpers students made pumpkin soup, zucchini and cheese muffins and wattleseed damper. Yummo!

Tomorrow our Year 1/2's will head into the kitchen!

Extra-curricular Activities

Code Camp

On Tuesday after school a number of our students were engaged in Code Camp. After the first session students were excited and enjoyed the activities on offer. Students are still welcome to join Code Camp. Please contact Code Camp staff directly through their website

codecamp.com.au/cohr

or by phone 1300 263 322

ABC Music

Unfortunately there has not been sufficient interest in the instrumental program and at this point in time the program will not proceed this term. Expressions of interests will be sought again later in the term for a start in Term 3.

Condolences

Please continue to keep the Neophytou family in your thoughts and prayers following the recent passing of Steve (Harrison's dad).

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the O'Bryan family (Clara 1/2RG) on the passing of her Grandfather, Louise's dad.

Government Secondary School Enrolments 2024

Parents intending on sending their child to a government secondary school in 2024 are asked to collect enrolment forms form our school office.

Open Day

Next Wednesday 9th May we have our second OPEN DAY from 9:00am – 4:00pm. All prospective parents are most welcome to come along for a tour on this day. If you are aware of friends or neighbours who are interested in our school but are unable to make the Open Day we would encourage you to invite them to make another time to visit our school when we would happily show them around.

Enrolments for Prep 2024 are now being received at the office. If you have a child commencing next year and haven’t returned an enrolment form, would you please do so as soon as possible. Thank you.

Parents Association - Feedback required

Following last night's Parents Association meeting we are seeking parent feedback on the preferred costing for a parent social event that is being planned for later in the year.

Plans are still in place however the night would involve a variety of food and entertainment.

The feedback the PA require is...

Would you prefer to pay $85 per head (includes all food, soft drinks and entertainment. Alcoholic drinks at very reasonable bar prices) or pay $120 (Fully inclusive of all food, entertainment and drinks)?

We request your feedback by completing the following;

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WJ6HVKW

Parent Cyber Safety Webinar

These webinars are excellent resources for our parent community. Details regarding next week's webinar can be found in this fortnight's newsletter.

Next School Closure

Our next school closure day will be on Thursday 18th May. This day will be used to further develop teacher skills in numeracy.

Take care everyone

Brendan Welsford

COHR Italian Day 2023

When: Monday 19th June