Principal's Message
This week, our school community joins Australians across the nation in observing National Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on our shared history and continue building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
As a Catholic school, reconciliation is deeply connected to our Gospel values of justice, dignity and compassion. Jesus calls us to walk together in love, and our Year 3 students delivered this important message beautifully at their assembly on Monday.
Over the past few weeks, our students have had many rich opportunities to reflect, learn and excel both in and out of the classroom. Some year levels have participated in excursions and sporting events, attended Mass, and engaged in National Simultaneous Storytime. You will see many reflections on these experiences included in today’s newsletter.
First Eucharist
The Sacrament of First Eucharist will take place on 13 and 14 June at Good Shepherd Church. This is a special moment for our Year 4 students who are Catholic, as they grow closer to Jesus and deepen their understanding that they are truly loved by God.
We keep all students receiving this sacrament in our prayers over the coming weeks.
Enrolments for 2027
Our Prep enrolments for 2027 are continuing to grow, and we will soon need to place families on a waiting list. Therefore, it is very important that all current families with children due to commence Prep next year have submitted an online enrolment form.
We have started meeting with new families who have chosen Good Shepherd, and it is wonderful to hear that our school has often been recommended to them by our current families. We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and advocacy for our school community.
Upcoming School Closure Day
An important reminder that Friday 5 June is a school closure day, and students will not attend school as staff will be participating in First Aid training.
Swimming Program
Thank you to the families who have returned permission notes and made payment for the Year 3 and 4 swimming program in Term 3. Our students will participate in an eight-day program during the first two weeks of the term.
This is an important reminder that permission notices need to be returned by Monday. Any parents wishing to discuss their child’s participation in this compulsory activity are encouraged to contact either myself or Megan Skoda.
Further communication will be sent to Year 3 and 4 families early next week to address some of the questions we have received regarding the program, which forms part of the school curriculum. I acknowledge that implementing a new program may raise questions, so please know that I am always available to discuss any matters with you and sincerely appreciate your ongoing support.
Chess TournamentIn Term 3, we will be hosting a chess tournament for students who regularly participate in the chess program each Tuesday. Information about how parents can register their children will be sent out shortly.
Jacqui Marshall
Principal
jmarshall@gswheelershill.catholic.edu.au