*Principal's Message

The 2023 school year has now ended. My time as principal of Good Shepherd School is coming to an end. It completes an enjoyable year with a very busy last term. It was also a very special time for me. I have some very happy memories to treasure both written and spoken.

The Music Gala on the 16th November highlighted the excellent music opportunities offered through our school’s music program. It was a testimony to the students and the music staff. I had a wonderful trip down memory lane when a band made up of a very large number of Good Shepherd Music Graduates appeared on stage. It was wonderful to catch up with them and a number of returning music teachers. 

A very special thank you to present and past music teachers for their organisation and performances on that night. It was wonderful to share memories of our music program with them and the audience. Thank you to all the music staff and students who took part. Thank you to Doug Leutchford and Karen de Wilde for their excellent organisation of the evening and former teachers Jason Mears, Nick Maturano and Patrick Maslemoney for coming back to perform and share the occasion with us. 

I have always enjoyed the games and activities of the netball club. I think it is a great asset for the Good Shepherd Students and their families. They not only have the opportunity to keep fit but it is also a social opportunity for many of the families. I haven’t missed a Netball Presentation Night for many years and only missed this year’s on the 1st December because a reaction to medication I was taking meant I could only walk short distances. The Netball Club has a trophy for ‘Outstanding Service to the Club’ and I discovered the following week that I am the recipient of the trophy for this year. I am very appreciative and humbled by the award. I hope the club continues to be a wonderful service to the community in the years ahead. 

The Good Shepherd Annual Carols Night on the 3rd December was another very special occasion when I was only able to walk very short distances. Hoa Au, Lauren Carbone and Linda Palermo from the Parents and Friends’ Committee came up to the sound room to present me with a beautiful sapphire necklace based on our Good Shepherd Blue and 32 years of service. This beautiful necklace will remind me of Good Shepherd families in the years ahead. Thank you to the Parents and Friends for their very active support in 2023. It was very special to see a large number of former staff members at the Carols. 

Good Shepherd Students concluded my very happy final weeks with a performance which included messages for me in musical and spoken items. Their waves and smiles as they left the auditorium were priceless. I felt truly blessed. 

Thank you to all for your emails, cards and messages.

I wish you all peace and happiness for the years ahead. 

Best wishes for a very happy and blessed Christmas from me and the Good Shepherd School Staff.

May God bless you all,  

Ruth