Principal Ponderings

Reconciliation Week

What a privilege it was to share with some of the Reconciliation Team from school to represent Good Shepherd at the Reconciliation breakfast that was held at the beginning of this week. 

The morning began with a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Tamaru Smith (he has previously spent time with our Curiosity ELC community) and a Yidaki performance by Michael Connelly.  Jamie Goldsmith provided the Welcome to Country, and there were captivating performances by Imbala Dance Group, Iwiri Choir, and Marliya/Spinifex Gum. Event speakers included Reconciliation SA co-chairs Jeremy Johncock and Helen Connolly, the Honourable Kyam Maher MLC, Dr Jenni Caruso, and keynote speaker Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA. The event was hosted by the engaging Bianca Hunt.

We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to learn, listen, and be inspired as we continue to 'Bridge Now to Next' toward ongoing reconciliation.

Playground Upgrades

The countdown is on! Late June will see the transformation begin around the school.  The work will take approximately 6 months.  In the coming week we will share with you all the designs!

Uniforms

Over the coming weeks we will be reminding students about the uniform requirements at school.  We have seen an increase in uniform not being worn correctly, and jewellery, hairstyles, and jackets that fall outside of the policy.  Students will be given a warning and information sent home to families as to how to support. You can see our uniform requirements here.

Naming uniform: Please take the time to name your child's uniform - specifically jumpers. We will continue to support students to take responsibility for belongings to ensure that they are not misplaced, however, a clear name helps with the return of jumpers and other belongings to their rightful owners.

Carpark Safety

Over the last few weeks I have noticed a decline in the patience and respect shown in the carpark by a number of people using kiss and drop.  Additionally, I have been contacted by residents in Hillary Cres sharing near misses with their own cars and children.

I appreciate that drop off and pick up times are difficult - please show patience, slow down, and obey the traffic and parking rules. Please review the expectations of our school community in the following page 'Before and After School Safety'.

Thank You Matt!

Matt Modra has been involved in the Men 'n' Minors camp since it began here at Good Shepherd 14 years ago.  Up until this year, he has led the group of volunteer dads to prepare, organise and manage the event!  This year was officially his last.  We thank God for Matt's servant heart, and for the way that he has shown Love for the community through this event.