Acting Principal's Message

Dear Good Shepherd Families,

As many of you, I can hardly believe that we are about to wrap up Term 1 of the 2026 school year. Over the past week and a half, I have had the absolute joy of serving as Acting Principal while Jacqui has been on leave and attending a Principal Conference in Lorne. During this time, many wonderful events have taken place across our school.

Creative Arts Exhibition

Over the past two weeks, four of our Year 1 students, Eva Xavier, Jasper Tjoe, Saskia Cao, and Isabella Forward, have had their artwork from last year displayed at the MACS Creative Arts Exhibition. We look forward to showcasing their work here at school and presenting them with a special award at our assembly on Monday 30 March.

Mass of St Patrick for Schools 2026

Vanessa Lamanna (Religious Education Leader) and I were proud to accompany our 2026 Year 6 School Captains and Religious Education Leaders to the Mass of St Patrick for Schools at St Patrick’s Cathedral last Friday. It was a meaningful and reverent celebration, and our students represented the school with pride and respect.

Year 6 Camp

Our Year 6 students embarked on their final primary school camp at Campaspe Downs on Monday. They enjoyed a range of exciting activities, and thankfully the weather was delightful for most of their stay. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build friendships, and create lasting memories.

Harmony Day

On Thursday 19 March, our school community came together to celebrate Harmony Day. Students proudly wore cultural clothing, and it was fantastic to see so many families join us in the morning for classroom activities and again in the afternoon for our parade. Our staff also celebrated our diversity by sharing food from their own cultures, making it a truly special day.

NAPLAN

Our Year 3 and Year 5 students completed NAPLAN last week. We commend them for their focus and effort throughout the assessment period.

Monash Council Reminder

Please note that cars parked along Academy Avenue during drop-off and pick-up must remain stationary with engines running. Parking in this area (engines turned off) may result in a fine, as it is a designated no parking zone.

Top Gate Safety

We have noticed a number of students being dropped off by car near the top gate by the roundabout. This is extremely unsafe, and we ask that all families refrain from using this area for drop-offs. This gate is not a designated drop-off zone and is intended for students who are walking to and from school.

Parent Helpers (Prep to Year 2)

From Term 2, we will be offering opportunities for parents of Prep to Year 2 students to support in classrooms. Please read further in the newsletter for more information, including requirements and how to register your interest.

Year 2 Assembly

Our final assembly for Term 1 will be presented by our Year 2 students this coming Monday. We look forward to seeing many of our Year 2 families there. Nothing brightens the experience more for our students than having their families in the audience.

Stations of the Cross

Next Wednesday, we will hold a Stations of the Cross walkthrough, with each year level contributing to a station. A schedule outlining when each class will attend is available later in the newsletter.

Last Day of Term 1

The final day of Term 1 for students will be Wednesday 1 April, with dismissal at 1:00 PM. Please ensure you register your child with Camp Australia for after-school care if required, as staff will be leaving the school grounds at 1:25 PM.

Staff Professional Learning School Closure Day (MHiPS)

On Thursday 2 April, staff will participate in a professional learning day focused on the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative. Jacqui Marshall (Principal), Megan Skoda (Student Wellbeing Leader), and I have been undertaking this course through the University of Melbourne. This initiative aims to strengthen our capacity to support student mental health and wellbeing across the school.

Please note that this will be the final newsletter for Term 1. On behalf of Jacqui and myself, we wish all our staff, students and families a blessed and joyful Easter. May this sacred time remind us of the hope and renewal found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We look forward to an exciting and productive Term 2 with all of our students, staff, and families.

Warm regards,

Ferial Davis

Acting Principal