On Friday 27th February, Good Shepherd held their annual Welcome Party with the school community coming together and celebrating the school's 45th birthday and Official Opening of the Junior Primary Playground.

As MC for the evening, I was honoured to participate and share my experience as a Good Shepherd parent.

Along with my beautiful wife Deanne, we are proud parents to two boys - one is a current student here at Good Shepherd, and the other a graduate. It was a fantastic sight to see so many families gathered together to celebrate, connect, and mark this special moment in the life of our school.

The evening was particularly special to me for more than one reason. I stand in this school community as a dad. I'm also a Good Shepherd graduate, graduating in 1988. My class was the first reception intake, which made us the first class to complete all year levels. My dad was also actively involved in the school PFA back in the day and I fondly remember him doing things like this at the school's events. Back then, I never imagined I'd one day be holding the microphone at one of the school's events. I miss him dearly and it feels special to walk in his footsteps.

When I attended here, the school was in its infancy. We had wooden transportable buildings for classrooms, a metal slippery dip that doubled as a hotplate in summer, and fireman hoses hanging from crossbars that we thought was peak adventure.

It felt so big to us then.

But now as our own children enjoy these incredible new nature play spaces, and while we celebrate the School's 45th birthday, it's amazing to see how far Good Shepherd has come.

Nature play gives children space to explore, imagine, and learn how to manage risk. When they climb, balance, build and create, they're not just playing, they're building resilience, confidence, wisdom and courage.

But as wonderful as buildings and playgrounds are, what makes this place truly special is, of course, the people.

I remember attending our first Welcome Party as parents. We didn't know many people. What we found were life-changing friendships, the kind where you celebrate together and support one another through tough times. We have been truly blessed.

To the families who are new to our community, welcome.

Lean into the school's community events (there are many), introduce yourself to the families around you. This community may become one of the greatest gifts of your time here.

And to the staff, leadership and volunteers, thank you for your vision and commitment in creating spaces like this, and continuing to build something so special.

Carl Heyne

MC for the GSPV Welcome Party and Official Opening of the JP Playground

Part of the GSPV community since 1981!

45 Years of Good Shepherd