Dear Parents and Guardians

I hope you are all well.

As I write today’s newsletter I reflect on what was a Magical Night as our students performed our School Concert Disney Production of Aladdin a few weeks ago. The show featured incredible performances from students across all year levels, each bringing their own energy and enthusiasm. A special congratulations goes to our lead performers, who embodied their characters with confidence and heart. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, especially Shannen Wickremasinghe and Cara Decru who put endless effort into ensuring both nights were a success. The Aladdin concert was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of teamwork, creativity and the power of imagination.

Last night we held our Annual Music Gala and it was an evening that celebrated not only talent but also passion, dedication and the incredible power of music to bring us together. We welcomed back Karen De Wilde to present the inaugural Karen De Wilde Music Excellence Award. This award is presented to a student who is; musically artistic, displays leadership qualities, shows respect, commitment and a positive attitude.

We are very proud to announce the recipient of the award for 2025 is - Naomi Cheah

Over the past few weeks the school has certainly been very busy with our Annual Sports Day, Prep 2026 Orientation, assemblies, incursions and other special events.

Thank you to Steve Mondon and Megan Skoda for leading our Sports Day and to all our staff and parents for your support on the day. You can read all about this day further in the newsletter.

Parent Teacher Interviews

As communicated earlier this week, Interviews will be held in the Performing Arts Building on: Monday 24th November from 3:30pm - 6pm and Wednesday 26th November from 3:30pm - 6pm.

Please ensure you book your times via the Nforma portal. These meetings are so important in supporting the partnership between home and school and all working together to meet the needs of our students and celebrate their successes.

Swimming Program

In 2026 we will be launching a swimming program at Good Shepherd. This has been discussed at the School Advisory Council and is a Victorian government directive as it is part of the curriculum. Next year only students in Years 3 and 4 will be involved in a compulsory 8 day swimming program in Term 3. The full plan for our Prep to Year 6 program is included further in the newsletter.

School Fees and Levies

A reminder that 2025 school fees are now overdue and payment would be appreciated as soon as possible. Please engage with Teresa Packwood or myself if you would like to discuss this matter further. Our MACS business manager has been working with me over the past month to develop the structure of our 2026 Fees and Levies. This will be sent to all families via nForma on Monday.

Planning for 2026

Thank you to the parents who have already advised us that their children will be moving to a different school next year. We understand that due to various reasons this may happen.

If you have not yet informed us could you please email gsoffice@gswheelershill.catholic.edu.au by Friday 21 November.

This does not include our Year 6 students who will be moving onto secondary school.

Thank you also to the parents who have made contact with me to communicate any wellbeing concerns related to your child as we start creating class groupings for 2026. I have responded to all families who have emailed me, so if you have not received a response it could mean that I have not received your email. I can take no more requests after Friday 21 November as 2026 class lists will be locked at this time.

School Closure Day

An important reminder that there is no school for students on Monday 1 December as staff are engaged in professional learning and planning for 2026. Camp Australia may run a program for the day if there is enough interest.

Student Leadership

Over the next few weeks our current Year 5 students will present their leadership speeches to their peers and staff as they prepare for Year 6. This is an excellent opportunity and I am really looking forward to hearing all they want to contribute to their school in 2026. I would also like to thank our current Year 6 students for their wonderful leadership this year.

Thank you

A big thank you to a very generous family who donated some balls for our students to use in the playground. Our students say thank you.

Upcoming events

Monday 24 November - Year 5 Assembly at 9am

Friday 28 November - Colour Run (Parents and Friends) 1:30pm - 3pm.

Sunday 30 November - Parish Christmas Carols at 5pm.

Monday 1 December - School Closure Day (no school for students).

Wednesday 3 December - School Christmas Carols at 5:30pm.

Friday 5 December - School Disco (Parents and Friends) More information to follow.

Wednesday 10 December - End of Year Whole School Mass at 9:15am.

Thursday 11 December - Year 6 Fun Day at Gumbuya World Theme Park.

Friday 12 December - Graduation Mass/celebrations 5pm - 8pm (Yr 6 students last day).

Monday 15 December - 2026 Year 1 - 6 Orientation (11:15am - 12:45pm).

Tuesday 16 December - Prep to Year 5 final day (1pm finish).

Have a wonderful weekend.

Jacqui Marshall

Principal

2026 Swimming Program