Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 2. It has been wonderful to welcome our students and families back after the holidays and to see everyone settle so quickly into the rhythm of school life. I have especially loved hearing the children share stories and highlights from their holiday break. There has been a real sense of excitement and connection across our school community this week; what a great start.

We are looking forward to a term filled with rich learning experiences and continued growth for every student. As always, we will maintain high expectations for all learners, while carefully scaffolding learning to ensure each child is supported, challenged and engaged. Our goal is to create opportunities for every student to develop confidence, make progress and experience success in their learning.

Curriculum newsletters will be sent out next week, Friday 1st May, and will provide an overview of the learning taking place this term. Please keep an eye on the Seesaw platform for them, so that you can support your child’s learning at home.

As you know, here at School of the Good Shepherd, we truly value the strong partnership between school and home, and we know that when we work together as a team, our students are best supported to thrive and flourish. Looking forward to your ongoing support as we begin another positive and productive term.

SCHOOL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD FEAST DAY

John 10: 14-15

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

This coming week we celebrate our schools' feast day! Having been at School of the Good Shepherd for 9 years and genuinely seeing this Gospel reading enacted and lived out daily by all in our school community, this passage has genuinely become one of my favourites.

At its heart is a deeply comforting truth: every single person is known by their name and loved for who they are and what they bring. Just as a good shepherd knows each sheep by name and tends to them with great care, Jesus reminds us that we are each seen, valued, and held close. It is a beautiful reassurance for our children and our whole community; that here, and always, you matter, you are cared for, and you truly belong.

It also speaks about relationships and trust. 'My sheep knows me' suggests a bond built on love, listening, and familiarity. In a school setting, this can remind us how important it is to build kind, trusting relationships with our teachers, friends, and families; where everyone feels safe and valued.

The line about ‘laying down my life for the sheep’ speaks of a deep, selfless love that puts others first, and in our community this is so beautifully reflected in the care shown by both parents and educators. At school and at home, you live this out each day through your patience, presence, and quiet generosity, you help shape a community where every child can flourish, knowing they are cared for.

FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS

On Monday, 27th April, we look forward to gathering as a school community to celebrate all that makes us who we are! We warmly welcome our new Principal, Laura Petrie, who will share in this special time with us, beginning with a Mass for the Year 5/6 students from all three schools in our Parish, Mary Queen of Heaven, St Carlo Borromeo, and our school. With a full day of shared celebrations planned, it will be a beautiful opportunity to come together in faith and community.

We warmly invite all our families to join us for a whole-school Paraliturgy at 2:30pm in the School of the Good Shepherd Church to conclude our special day. Hope to see you all there.

A special mention and huge thank you needs to go to Michelle Peel, our Religious Educator, for organising such a special day for us all. A day undoubtedly to remember!

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Our Year 6 students are entering an exciting and special time as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral next weekend 3rd of May. This week they had a special visit from Father Dishan who conducted a Q & A session to ensure all students had the opportunity to clarify their understanding of the blessed commitment they are making.

A rehearsal at the Cathedral is also planned for this week to support our students in being well prepared and confident for the celebration. This sacrament is our students saying ‘yes’ to their faith, as they renew the promises made at their Baptism. They open their hearts to be filled with the Holy Spirit, receiving strength, courage, and guidance. As a community, we celebrate the unique gifts each child brings, and how they are called to use these gifts to serve others.

May this sacred step deepen their faith, inspire kindness, and remind them they are never alone on their journey. What a special time for them all, please keep them in your prayers.

NEW PRINCIPAL VISITS

Laura Petrie visited this week and what a warm welcome our community gave her. Our students greeted her with warmth and a heartfelt smile, introducing themselves confidently, showing their excitement for this new beginning and showing her that they are the heart of our school. It was such a joy to witness. Needless to say, we made a good impression, as did she.

Laura will be joining us on Monday for our Feast Day celebrations, then officially commences on Monday 4th May.

We look forward to all that lies ahead with Laura as our Principal, as we continue to deepen and strengthen our school values of compassion, belonging, and growth.

Kindly,

Maria Tasevski.

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