Principal Message
Dear Parents and Guardians
The beginning of Term 3 has been action packed as students begin preparation for Sacraments, we continued to showcase learning and achievement at our whole school assemblies and also celebrated 100 days at school for our Foundation/Prep students.
We acknowledged NAIDOC week and continue to think of those in need through our St Vinnie's winter appeal - Crazy Sock Day. We congratulate the Year 6 Netball team on getting into the finals on Wednesday and coming runners up. A great effort.
Staffing
We congratulate Sarah Murphy (5M) and her husband Jack, as they shared the wonderful news of her pregnancy with her baby due later this year.
We wish Rosa Yanko (FY) a wonderful holiday in Europe with her family as she takes some long service leave.
Student Attendance
An important reminder that school starts for students at 8:45am. We have noticed there are too many students arriving late and missing some important learning time.
If your child arrives after 9am parents must bring them into the office and sign them in.
Also a reminder that school finishes at 3:05pm and all students should be collected by no later than 3:25pm. Staff have meetings to attend after this time so we can not supervise students. We have a wonderful "Before and After School Care" program that operates from 7am in the morning to 6pm at night and I encourage all families to register so your child can go there in case you cannot collect your child on time.
After school supervision
Once students are dismissed from class it is very important that they leave the school straight away or wait in areas that are supervised by staff. No students should be playing in the school yard after school. Could I please ask that students who are involved in netball training after school go to the Pick Up zone near the carpark and remain there until the adult supervising netball training arrives and collects them. There have been a few safety issues recently as students have been unsupervised waiting for the netball coach to arrive. We really want to ensure all students are safe at all times.
Parking around the school
It really disappoints me when I hear of disrespectful behaviour from parents when it comes to school drop off or pick up. I am aware of a few recent incidents and I am following these up and will enter into conversations with parents about the Code of Conduct. No school drop off or pick up is easy, however we need to be patient and considerate.
A few reminders:
Parents are not to park in the carpark of the school across the road (Monash Special Developmental School)
At the end of the day cars should be entering Academy Drive from Strada Crescent to ensure the roundabout remains clear. Cars should not be lining up in other directions as this is causing gridlock and reduces any emergency access needed to the school should it be required. Refer the map below.
Coming up
We are looking forward to the Year 5 Assembly on Monday and Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Thursday.
Coming up soon we celebrate Book Week and Science Week - fun opportunities for dressing up (read the sections included in this newsletter)
Our School Reviewer will be in the school over the next two weeks and is looking forward to engaging with staff, students and parents.
There is more information about on the next page.
Unfortunately I have been away a few days this week unwell, but would like to congratulate our Foundation/Prep students on a wonderful celebration of there 100 days of school. I will visit them next week to continue to celebrate with them.
I would also like to thank the staff and students for acknowledging "Happy Principals Day" today. I am so sad I wasn't well enough to be there today to share the day and hear the warm wishes of thanks. My role is such a privileged one that involves many moments of joy and inspiration. I feel honoured to be the Principal at Good Shepherd and have a wonderful Acting Deputy Principal in Ferial Davis and an exceptional staff.
Regards,
Jacqui Marshall
Principal