THE sense of purpose at Cohuna Consolidated School is palpable: proud and aware of its history but also confidently moving into the future.
School values of respect, responsibility, trust, honesty and integrity permeate all that happens at the school and help define the school’s own definition of success. Cohuna Consolidated School welcomes all students and prides itself on an inclusive culture.
School principal Valerie Lobry said: “Everything we do at our school is centred around our students and what is best for them. When you come to our school, you can see for yourself the engaging teaching and our welcoming culture. Our school has a fabulous and dedicated staff team, with a wealth of experience that enrich the classroom learning every single day.”
Numeracy and literacy feature prominently as whole-school priorities, with other subjects such as science, history and geography completing the school curriculum.
The school has a strong specialist program including Information Communication Technology (ICT) with the recent introduction of coding, art, music, Physical Education (PE) and French. Tutoring and inclusion programs help to support students who may need it.
Layla (Grade 4) says: “We get so much new knowledge, I love learning”. The sentiment is echoed by Marlee (Grade 1): “I love learning at this school because it is so much fun and I really improve”.
For Zahra (Grade 6): “Everyone is helping each other to challenge oneself and do our very best”.
Jordy (Grade 1) adds: “I love my teacher, she is so nice and kind”. School Captain Kaiya Wishart adds: “You make friends quickly here, it is a very welcoming school”
Zylee (Grade 4) loves her art classes and learning French, the excitement of speaking a new language.
Opportunities for leadership abound: a child might choose to get involved in the junior school council, be a house captain or a bus captain. School captains and vice-captains are also elected by their peers and staff.
Special events are held throughout the year for students: it may be the book fair, the Walk to School Program, a whole-school music/dance performance or a hockey/footy clinic.
The school also has an extensive excursions and camps program which is carefully integrated into the curriculum.
“Our students missed the school greatly during remote learning and they were very excited to be back and see their friends and teachers again,” Ms Lobry said.
The school facilities also have a positive impact, as noted by school captain Noah Mathers: “It is very peaceful and welcoming, with an open space design and each classroom having direct access to their own courtyard.”
In these COVID times, the school does everything to be as COVID-safe as possible: it is well equipped with purifiers, fans, ventilation and a fogging schedule.
Mitchell (Grade 4) says: “I love that we have a basketball court and a netball court. I love our spacious classroom with the new carpet as well as the multi-purpose room for our PE or special events.”
As a parent, there is a multitude of ways to be involved. It could be cooking a barbecue for a parents club fundraiser, contributing through school council or volunteering in the classroom to listen to some children read.
If you would like to learn more about the school, contact Valerie Lobry on 5456 2361 to organise a time that suits your family.
