Principal's Message

Dear Parents, 

Term 4 has certainly begun with our students' gifts and talents shining as we presented to you all our 2026 Art Show. For those of you who were able to attend it certainly provided an art gallery experience with the theme of HABITATS - CELEBRATING THE AMAZING PLACES ANIMALS CALL HOME. 

I would like this opportunity to thank Cara Decru and Karen Ervin for showing amazing vision, leadership and creativity in supporting our students all year in their Visual Arts lesson to produce such creative and inspiring pieces.   Please read all about our Art Show further in the newsletter, including the winners of the Art Teacher awards and Principal awards.  This event will take place every 2 years.  We are open to any feedback from our families on what you thought worked well and what we could do differently next time.  

Fr Jean Sebastien

As principal I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fr Jean Sebastien for his faith leadership at Good Shepherd over the past 2 years.  It was wonderful to see the parish celebrate him as he begins his new appointment in Gladstone Park.  

Year 5 Camp at Portsea

This morning our Year 5 students headed off with much excitement for their very first camp at Good Shepherd.  As we know, living in Melbourne you can never predict the weather but I know it won’t stop us all from having a wonderful time away together. I would like to thank the following staff for giving their time away from their own families to support our students.  Stephen Zgudka, Vanessa Lamanna, Megan Skoda, Bridget Pinney, Ayden Rubino and Harry Baudinette.  I will also be attending and look forward to getting to spend time with our Year 5 students.  2BP will be taught by Liana Caliguri and Sarah Murphy this coming week.

Planning for 2027

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 principal@gswheelershill.catholic.edu.au by Friday 30 October.

This does not include our Year 6 students who will be moving onto secondary school. I will respond to the parents who have emailed me this coming week.

In the coming weeks, we will begin the process of creating class groupings for the 2027 school year. Last week we sent home a "friendship star" where students can list up to five friends they would like to be with in their class next year. While we will make every effort to accommodate their preferences, please understand that we can only guarantee placement with one friend from their list. 

Also, as previously communicated,  if you have a request for a significant reason related to the wellbeing of your child including as to why your child should not be placed with a specific student, could you please email me directly (principal@gswheelershill.catholic.edu.au) by Friday 30 October.    

We will be working on class groupings soon and we need all the information now to ensure the process runs smoothly. No requests can be taken after this time.  For those parents who contacted me in the last 2 years there is no reason to contact me again. This information will be taken into consideration.  I will respond to the emails I have received in relation to these requests this week.  If you do not receive a response from me I suggest you contact the office next week to ensure the email has been received.

Prep 2027

Last Friday our new Prep 2027 students had their very first orientation session and I was so proud of how they embraced this opportunity with such confidence.  They will attend two more sessions:

Our 2027 Prep Teachers are; Miranda Barron, Luigina Eatwell and Rosa Yanko.

●   Friday 6 November 2026: 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

●   Friday 20 November 2026: 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

School Fees

As we head closer to the end of the school year, could all families please ensure that all school fees and levies have been paid for the 2026 school year.  In particular are leaving families.  If you are ever experiencing financial difficulties, please reach out to me.  

In the coming few weeks I will be sending out the 2027 fee schedule.  As with each year there will be an increase as our school continues to face rising costs.  We know that cost-of-living pressures continue to place a strain on household budgets and we remain committed to keeping school fees as affordable as possible.  At the same time, we have a responsibility to attract, support and fairly reward the teachers and staff who make such a profound difference in the lives of our students each day, including maintaining pay parity with their colleagues in government schools.  

Music Gala

Our 2026 Music Gala will take place on Tuesday 10  November commencing at 5:30pm in the Performing Arts Building.  Our Year 4 - 6 students in the junior and senior school choirs will sing and we will have performances from the junior, senior and jazz bands.  It will be a wonderful night. All families are welcome to attend.  We will send out an invitation to all families in the coming week. 

ANZAC Appeal for Remembrance Day - 11 November

Some of our Year 6 student leaders will come around to classes in the next two weeks to sell pins, wristbands and Poppies as we remember soldiers who died in wars to protect the nation.

Today’s Newsletter

Please take some time to read all the wonderful things happening at Good Shepherd in today’s newsletter.  There is a reflection on our staff professional learning on the first day back this term.  All about our new initiative - Second Hand Uniform and I would really like to thank Ferial Davis for her leadership in getting this up and running.  Students have been involved in many incursions, excursions, preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation and we celebrate all achievements including academic, creative and sporting.   

Coming up

In the coming weeks there are many school activities taking place.  

They include; Incursions, Prep Nurse Visit, Year 7 Transition meetings, Level masses, Day for Daniel, PSG Meetings, Year 5 Leadership program, Band and Choir Assembly and Music Gala. 

Please keep an eye on nForma for alerts and reminders that may come out. 

School Closure Days

An important reminder of the following school closure days this term.

Monday 2 November (day before Melbourne Cup Day)

Monday 30 November (Planning for 2027)

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Jacqui Marshall

Principal

jmarshall@gswheelershill.catholic.edu.au