Principal's Message

Dear Families,

I don’t know about you, but this is usually the time of year when we start to feel a certain energy pick up. Rather than getting caught up in the rush, let us embrace the excitement and remember that on the 30th November  we enter the beautiful season of Advent, a time of waiting, preparing, and opening our hearts.

Advent: A Time of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

The season of Advent calls us to be mindful of those around us who may not have what we have and to recognise the important role that peace plays in our lives. We pray for peace in our classrooms, our school environment, our family life, our social groups, and in the world around us. Advent is also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how we can each be a Good Shepherd in our world today—people of care, compassion, service, and kindness.

The Four Advent Candles:

• Week 1 – Hope (The Prophet’s Candle): reminding us of the hope brought by the coming of Christ.
• Week 2 – Peace (The Bethlehem Candle): calling us to act with peace in our homes, school, and community.
• Week 3 – Joy (The Shepherd’s Candle): represented by the rose-coloured candle, symbolising the joy that Jesus brings.
• Week 4 – Love (The Angel’s Candle): reminding us of God’s love and the call to share that love with others.

2026 Preps Begin Transition Sessions

This week, our newest students and their families joined us for their first Prep transition session. They took part in activities including shared reading, prayer, early number work, and fine motor skills. It was wonderful to see parents and children learning side by side, starting their Good Shepherd journey together.

Parish School Advisory Council Update

Last week, we met as a Parish School Advisory Council (PSAC) for the final time this year. Thank you to Emily, Fiona, and Matthew for being such wonderful members. We especially farewell Matthew and his family and thank him for his valued contribution to our school community.

In 2026, there will be an opening for a new PSAC member, so please keep an eye out for the invitation to apply.

At our final meeting, we also discussed a change to the Year 4 camp format and received an update on our new portable classroom, arriving in January. Here’s a sneak peek of our new STEM space, which is being built off site. It’s coming along beautifully, and we can’t wait to see it installed!

Year 4 Camp – Change of Format

Please note a change to our Year 4 Camp this year. It will now be a full-day and evening experience without an overnight stay, with students taking part in activities over two days.

• Day 1: Students will enjoy activities outside of school, followed by an evening activity held at school.
• Day 2: Students will take part in a fun morning at school, with lunch provided.

We are excited about this new format, which promises a memorable and engaging experience for all students. Year 3 parents will receive a letter outlining the changes and benefits. 

School Fees Reminder

A friendly reminder that all school fees must be finalised as soon as possible. Please also take the time to read the MACS letter regarding the new fee structure for next year as well as fee increases. Your attention to this ensures we can continue to provide the very best learning environment for all students.

Carols Night – Family Picnic & Concert

All classes have received their invitation to Carols Night. Families are invited to eat together in a relaxed, picnic-style setting from 4:30–5:30pm. At 5:30pm, students will be called into their classrooms to prepare for the concert. Our Parent Association will be running a sausage sizzle where you can buy a sausage in bread and we will have our coffee cart available as well.

To make things easier for everyone, we ask that all students wear a plain black t-shirt and black shorts or pants. This simple colour choice will allow the stage props and performance elements to really stand out on the night. It is sure to be a fun night and we look forward to seeing you all there. 

Sun Safety Reminder

Students are reminded to wear their hats to and from school each day, as well as during lunchtime and recess and any other time they are outside throughout the school day. Please encourage your children to apply sunscreen before coming to school.

It is also timely to remind families to clearly label jumpers and jackets as it begins to warm up. Many belongings which get removed during play time often don't make their way into bags - if they are labelled they are easier to return to their owners. 

We look forward to celebrating this joyful season as a community and sharing the spirit of Advent with one another.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Carmela