Dear Families,

As we come to the end of 2025, we pause to reflect on the many moments, big and small, that have shaped this year at School of the Good Shepherd. It has been a year filled with learning, growth, joy, and countless achievements. Our students have shown resilience, creativity, and incredible spirit, and our staff and families have stood beside them with unwavering support.

From classroom milestones to whole-school events, community celebrations, and the daily routines that bring us together, every experience has contributed to a rich and memorable year. Thank you for entrusting us with your children, for your partnership, and for the warmth you bring to our community.

As we look forward to 2026, we do so with excitement, hope, and a shared commitment to nurturing every child who walks through our doors.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Last night we gathered as a community for our Christmas Carols, and what a truly magical evening it was. Our students shone on stage, sharing their incredible talents with confidence, joy, and Christmas spirit. Their singing and performances brought smiles, laughter, and even a few happy tears to our families and staff. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students, it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout. The spirit of Christmas was alive in every song, every moment, and every heart in the audience. It was a beautiful reminder of the warmth, unity, and joy that makes our school community so special.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

Tomorrow evening, we proudly celebrate the graduation of our Year 6 students. They have demonstrated maturity, compassion, and determination throughout their learning journey, and we are immensely proud of all they have achieved.

To our Year 6 families, thank you for the care, partnership, and support you have shown over many years. And to our dedicated Year 6 teachers and Co-Eds, thank you for the extraordinary effort and preparation that has gone into making this celebration meaningful.

We hope our graduates carry a piece of SoGS with them wherever they go, and that they always remember they are known, valued, and loved.

2026 SCHOOL LEADERS

Our Year 5 students recently delivered their leadership speeches, and we were deeply moved by their courage, reflection, and heartfelt aspirations. Each student spoke with passion about the kind of leader they wish to be; kind, responsible, supportive, and committed to helping our school thrive.

We congratulate all students who stepped forward, and we warmly acknowledge their maturity in supporting one another throughout the process. A special congratulations to our newly appointed 2026 school leaders. We look forward to celebrating them at our End-of-Year Mass on Friday 12th December at 9:15am.

STEP UP DAY

Today our students experienced the excitement of Step Up Day, meeting their 2026 teachers and classmates. This special day provides an opportunity for students to step confidently into the year ahead, begin forming relationships, and share their hopes for the learning journey to come.

Our 2026 Prep students also joined us for their final transition session, and we are so excited to welcome these bright and enthusiastic children into our school community next year.

2026 STAFFING

As we conclude the year, we acknowledge and farewell several staff members who are moving into new roles, new schools, or new chapters in their personal journeys.

Farewelling:

Anita John (Year 5 teacher)

Donna Caery (Year 5 teacher)

Angelina Mihocic (Year 6 Co Educator)

Rachael Boucher (Year 2 Co Educator)

Jazmine Bertoncello (Year 4 teacher)

Caroline Baressi (Year 6 teacher)

We thank them for their service, their dedication, and the impact they have made on our students.

We also welcome back the following teachers who are returning from Maternity leave:

Oriana Belanti (Performing Arts teacher)

Dianne Pettenon (Working M,T in Year 6)

Jayde Santilla (Working W-F in Year 6)

We look forward to you working at School of The Good Shepherd once again!

MEET THE TEAM 2026

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, updated Medical Action Plans must be submitted for any child with a diagnosed medical condition. Plans must be reviewed and signed by a doctor each year.

Action Plans and medication can be submitted at the school office on the following dates:

Thursday 29th January — 8:30am–3:45pm
Friday 30th January — 8:30am–3:30pm

If your child no longer requires an Action Plan, please provide a doctor’s clearance letter.

Thank you for supporting our commitment to student safety.

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.

THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank you to our Parent Association for the incredible time, effort, and dedication they have invested into fundraising throughout the year. Thanks to their hard work and the generous support of our families, we have been able to make significant improvements across the school. This year, we upgraded all classroom charging stations, creating more space and improving the functionality of our learning environments. We also purchased new tables for the Year 5 learning area, enhancing comfort and flexibility for students. In addition, we have reserved funds for the much needed upgrade of our playground. We have been exploring a range of playground options, ensuring we find a design that is both cost effective and meets the needs and interests of our students. We look forward to sharing more with you as this exciting project continues to develop.

To our parent helpers, volunteers, and all who have supported excursions, classroom programs, events, sports, and celebrations—thank you. Your presence enriches our students’ experiences in countless ways.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I pray that your homes are filled with love, peace, and joy. Thank you for a wonderful 2025. I wish every family a safe and restful break.

On a personal note, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our entire community for the overwhelming kindness you have shown. Your emails, Seesaw messages, hugs, farewells, and thoughtful words have touched my heart more than I can express. Each gesture has reminded me of the strength and warmth that defines our school community. I truly feel blessed to have spent the past four years at School of the Good Shepherd, surrounded by students who inspire me, staff who support one another wholeheartedly, and families who bring so much love, trust, and partnership to our school.

Thank you for embracing our mission, for supporting our work, and for allowing me to share in your children’s learning journeys. It has been an honour and a privilege. I wish each and every one of you all the best as you prepare to farewell 2025 and welcome 2026.

Take care,

Carmela D’Amato

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