a word from leadership
Staff News
We congratulate Sarah Smith (Stage 1 Learning Support) who has won the position of Learning Support Coordinator, Concordia College Junior School. Sarah has existing connections with the school and is excited to lead a review of pedagogy, programs and resourcing.
Of course, I share this news with great sadness also. Sarah has been an asset to Good Shepherd and pivotal to our Early Years development planning and implementation. Most importantly, Sarah has been a loved, respected and trusted colleague, teacher and friend. Sarah leaves Good Shepherd with a heavy heart, valuing the relationships and impact she has made. Sarah will conclude her time at Good Shepherd at the close of Week 3 this term.
With every farewell, comes new opportunity. God’s provision never ceases to amaze. Caitlin Robinson (St Jakobi Lutheran School, Lyndoch) has been appointed Stage 1 Learning Support Teacher, commencing Term 3 2022. We welcome Caitlin, an experienced and passionate educator and lifelong learner.
Valmai Henderson, a regular relief teacher at Good Shepherd, will continue Sarah’s programs and support Stage 1 staff and learners prior to Caitlin’s commencement.
David Wilksch
Class Carers
For many years Good Shepherd has appointed/recognized two parents per class as ‘Class Carers’.
Class Carers Mission & Vision
“To share Jesus love within our community so that people are served and experience encouragement and care”.
Class Carers actively strive to:
- Develop a vibrant sense of community
- Offer mutual support, encouragement, opportunities for personal growth and family enrichment
- Quickly identify and respond sensitively to the needs of the community
Class Carers have contributed to Good Shepherd’s long-enjoyed reputation as a caring and well-connected community. Our first value 'LOVE' acknowledges that relationships are central to our purpose and existence as a school.
The world has shifted over recent years in more ways than one – we’ve lived amidst a pandemic, our school demographic has changed, privacy legislation has reshaped our practice, and families too, have found a new rhythm and priorities, largely prompted by the pandemic.
Over the years we have recognised that the ‘Class Carer’ support structure simply isn’t achieving the same results as it did in years past. At the same time, we recognise the increased need for encouragement, support and connection in challenging times.
Last term a group of parents joined me to for preliminary conversations about new ways we might care in this changed world. During term two more school resources will be allocated to support this journey of exploration and discovery for future. Our goals are to not only maintain the valued care and support delivered through previous programs, but to enhance and develop new ways to care and connect.
David Wilksch
Strategic Planning - Final opportunity to provide feedback via survey tool
The School Board's focus in 2022, is on developing the next iteration of the School Improvement (Strategic) Plan. The plan will guide the school’s development over the next three to five years.
This is an exciting initiative that prompts us to take stock of where we are now and where we want to be in the future.
Previously, you received an email (Sunday 27 March) with a link to the Health Check survey. Every voice is important and every voice is valued. After a busy Term 1 we decided to leave the survey open until the close of this week to allow maximum participation. If you are still keen to participate, the survey will remain open until 4pm on Friday (tomorrow). Please email me direct if you require the survey link to be resent.
David Wilksch
Learning Impact Symposium
Good Shepherd featured prominently at the international ‘Learning Impact Symposium’ presented by the Association of Independent Schools SA (AISSA) on Monday 2 May, held at Pultney Grammar School.
The symposium connected education thinkers both face-to-face and virtually around the world, and gave opportunity to celebrate the research being undertaken by Good Shepherd and other AISSA schools which have worked alongside international education thought leaders Charles Leadbeater and Michael Bunce over the last three years.
Led by Karen Schoff, our staff have explored ways in which to originate, grow and embed transdisciplinary approaches to learning, and also developed tools to map and document learning impact.
The work was labelled ground-breaking and necessary, as we strive to be responsive to the needs of children growing into a world where past education structures and models will not be adequate in preparing them for success.
My thanks and acknowledgement to the entire teaching team at Good Shepherd. Your work in this space is inspirational. Websites and a series of podcasts will further unpack the work of AISSA schools. Watch this space!
David Wilksch
COVID-19 reporting to school families
We expect COVID case numbers will rise again in Term 2 with the relaxing of Close Contact guidelines in the community. While the School is no longer required to report individual cases to SA Health, we do feel a responsibility to keep parents informed of case numbers. If together, we are watching patterns emerge, my hope is that together, we can make informed and responsible choices about how to manage outbreaks and achieve the same successes as Term 1.
This term you will receive a Daily Case Number Update from Brett Humphrys on days when new cases are reported. Updates will not be sent on days where there is no change.
David Wilksch