Principal's Message

Dear Families,

Welcome back to a new school year! Our students have settled in brilliantly despite the hot weather, demonstrating their true strength, resilience, and joy for learning. Already, we have seen them engaged in various lessons, understanding expectations, organising their materials, and gathering for mindfulness. Well done to both students and teachers for establishing routines so quickly! Our Prep students have also settled in wonderfully, actively participating in class activities and meeting their buddies yesterday. We look forward to getting to know them throughout the year. A very warm welcome to our new students in Years 2, 4, and 5. We hope you quickly feel a sense of belonging and that it soon feels like you have always been part of our community.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to working together to support our students' growth and success!

Professional Learning

Last week, our staff joined colleagues from St. Carlo Borromeo and Mary Queen of Heaven to engage in professional learning centered on Catholic Identity. We gathered at Penola Catholic College, surrounded by beautiful surroundings, for a meaningful day of reflection and growth.

We were privileged to be led by Fr. Rob Galea, a devoted priest who has dedicated his life to fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and sharing His love with the world. Through his insights and personal experiences, Fr. Rob helps others grow in faith and hope in Jesus through music, ministry, and reflection.

If you would like to learn more about his work, please visit his webpage: https://www.frrobgalea.com/.  or his podcast for reflections on upcoming Sunday readings https://www.outsidethechapel.com/

MACS Vision for Instruction

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools' Vision for Instruction has been designed to support our schools with clear guidance on instructional best practice, ensuring a consistent approach to teaching and learning excellence across our system. It builds upon established frameworks for school engagement, wellbeing, improvement, and inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. Specifically, the focus for the Vision for Instruction is on enhancing cognitive engagement, a crucial aspect for learning. All classes will continue benefiting from explicit instruction to enhance learning. 

Opportunities for Family Engagement

There are many opportunities for families and staff to meet for many various reasons. 

• Staff will be walking their class out each afternoon, so please stop by and say HI. Only our preps will be dismissed from inside  their classroom. 

   

• Get to Know You sessions which are happening this Thursday. This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to listen without judgement while you tell them about your child. It is another great way for you to meet the classroom teacher, classroom teacher to meet parents and to learn more about your child. 

   

• This year we would like to invite parents/carers to a coffee chat in the staffroom to meet the teachers and co educators in your child's year level. If you are around at pick up time and can come a little earlier, it would be great to see you. Some information may be shared at these coffee chat sessions, such as the daily running of the classroom, classroom routines, homework, however any information shared will be sent home as well.  It is a great opportunity to also meet other parents in that year level, if you haven't already done so.  We look forward to seeing you!

Please check the invitation for the date of your child's year level.

Parent Association

Join Our School’s Parent Association – Make a Difference!

Get involved, stay informed, and help shape your child's school experience! Our Parent Association is a great way to connect with other families, enhance school programs, and fundraise essential funds to support student activities and school improvements. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement—big or small—makes a huge impact. Join us to share ideas, volunteer, and help provide the best opportunities for our students! If you are interested in joining, please email pa@sogsgpark.catholic.edu.au . 

Birthdays 

At School of The Good Shepherd, we love celebrating birthdays. To alleviate pressure on those parents that either can’t afford to bring cakes, lolly bags or non food items to each child and for those parents of anaphylaxis students who have to supply their own treats every birthday, we are asking parents to not bring cakes, lolly bags or non food items to school. 

School will provide each student with the gift of a special pencil engraved with the words “Happy Birthday love from School of The Good Shepherd”.  Each child will be presented with their gift in class and HAPPY BIRTHDAY will be sung. School will supply a happy birthday badge for each class for the birthday student to wear. 

Everyone loves celebrating a birthday and we are no different, so we will make their day special. 

We hope you have an amazing week!

Carmela D'Amato