Principal Message
Dear Parents and Guardians
The school was certainly full of colour and fun last week as we celebrated Book Week. We just loved seeing our students dress up as a book character for our Book Week Parade and also complete many engaging activities throughout the week.
I would like to thank Mimi Chavarria and the staff on the Book Week team for providing such a wonderful week for our students.
We also celebrated Science Week recently and our students had the opportunity to participate in experiments and dress up as Scientists. The students had so much fun. A big thank you to Ferial Davis and the team of staff who planned out the day so well.
On the 8 August we celebrated the feast day of Mary Mackillop and Grandparents Day. It is always so special to have Grandparents and special friends in the school.
Our Year 5 and 6 students shared their learning at our last two assemblies. Assemblies are such an important part of sharing our learning with the community. The next assembly is in week 8 and we look forward to hearing from our Year 4 students.
Staffing
Once again we congratulate our Music/Drama teacher Shannen Wickremasinghe (Miss W) for her amazing appearance on The Voice last Monday night. We next look forward to seeing her on episode 11 as she appears in the battle rounds on Guy Sebastian's team. Go Shannen.
Luigina Eatwell Prep/Foundation teacher will be taking 4 weeks leave towards the end of this term and into next term. We wish her a wonderful time in Europe as her daughter gets married and she does a bit of travelling.
Sacraments
On Friday 16 August many of our Year 6 students received the sacrament of Confirmation by Bishop Les Tomlinson at Good Shepherd Church. It was such a beautiful and faith filled celebration as our students renewed their baptism promises. Thank you to all the parents who continue to guide your children on their catholic faith journey and to Fr Andrzej (Andrew), Year 6 teachers and our RE Leaders.
School Review and MACSSIS Surveys
Thank you to the parents who came along to speak to the reviewer. Your voice is really important as we plan the next School Improvement Plan for Good Shepherd. Craig Tanner (reviewer) is now completing a report which includes; strengths, opportunities and recommendations. I will share the feedback with you all.
Next week staff, students and senior school students will be asked to complete surveys. I highly encourage you to provide us with your feedback so we can continue to improve our practice at Good Shepherd.
Student safety
On Thursday 15 August I advised you all on a safety incident outside the school grounds. I can once again assure you all the student safety is a priority for all staff at Good Shepherd. As a result, we will continue to work with the local police department and their school safety officer will visit our students to talk more about safety. We have also put some temporary mesh up along the fence that faces the street to ensure more privacy and safety.
Enrolments
If any of our current families have children ready to start Foundation/Prep in 2025 can you please submit an enrolment form as soon as possible as we will be finalising numbers this term.
Have a wonderful week ahead
Jacqui Marshall
Principal