Principal's Message

Dear Families,

Today, Mrs. Tasevski (P–6 Literacy Leader) and I attended a Literacy Leaders Network meeting at the Australian Catholic University, where MACS shared further insights into the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement. It was an inspiring opportunity to hear how MACS as a  system is working to enhance literacy teaching and learning.

As we listened to the different approaches being implemented, we felt incredibly affirmed by the direction we’ve already taken at School of the Good Shepherd. Our literacy instruction, focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, and writing is both explicit and tailored to meet the needs of our students.

Our dedicated Curriculum Team has worked closely with all staff to unpack these new MACS documents, ensuring a shared understanding and consistent, high-quality teaching across the school. The progress our students are making in literacy is truly wonderful to see, and it reflects the hard work and commitment of our teachers and leaders to provide the best possible learning opportunities for every child.

In addition to our focus on literacy, we have also strengthened our mathematical knowledge, pedagogy, and practice through the lens of the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement. Our teachers have been engaging deeply with effective mathematics teaching strategies, emphasising conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. By fostering curiosity, confidence, and perseverance in mathematics, we continue to build a strong foundation for our students to think critically and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

Our focus moving forward is to ensure that engagement remains high for all students and that genuine connections are built between staff and students. It is our intention to continue to build on our collective pracite so that we can create and develop learning environments where students feel they belong, are respected, and are heard, ensuring continued growth in their learning. This approach nurtures the whole person, caring for each child beyond the academic, and supporting their social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Pilgrimage day 2 and 3

On day two of our pilgrimage, we visited the Basilica di San Clemente, a church dedicated to Pope Clemente and were taken beneath the church to uncover its incredible layers of history. Hidden underneath the current 12th-century basilica lies a 4th-century church, and below that, the remains of a 1st-century Roman house and pagan temple. Walking through these ancient levels, we were literally stepping through centuries of faith and culture.

Each layer told a story, from early Christian worship to the gradual transformation of Rome. It was a powerful reminder that our faith is deeply rooted in history, built upon the prayers and lives of those who came before us. The quiet, dimly lit spaces beneath the basilica invited reflection on how our own faith continues to grow and be renewed, just as new life was built upon old foundations through the ages.

We then attended mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour where we saw the original painting of Our lady holding the infant Jesus.  The art in this church is beyond words and absolutely breathtaking. 

Church Car Park

I would like to thank all parents who continue to follow our car park safety and etiquette procedures as your cooperation helps keep our students safe and ensures the smooth flow of traffic during busy times. Unfortunately, we are still noticing some parents parking in areas that are not designated for parking. Please do not park in front of the yellow ‘Kiss and Drop’ lines. Parking in this space blocks the flow of traffic, prevents students from walking safely to their cars, and obstructs parents who are parked along the fence line.

To ensure everyone’s safety and access, please be aware that you will be asked to move your car if it is blocking other vehicles or parked in restricted areas. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our car park safe and efficient for all members of our community.

Remembrance day

On Tuesday the 11th of November we will be remembering the end of  the First World War  as well as remembering all the armed force members who have died in the line of duty. Our students will be participating in a Remembrance Day Service in their classrooms. 

A Prayer for Remembrance Day

God of love and justice, today we remember all men and women who died in defence of our country and its freedom.

Help us to honour their sacrifice through our prayers and actions for peace in our world.

Send your Spirit to help us to let go of misunderstandings, hatred and prejudice so that we may grow together as one family.

Guide our steps in the way of peace.

We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Building & Facilities Update: New portable

Over the past 12 months we hav ebeen woking with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic School building and infrastructure team to add a new portable to our existing portables. Currently our Italian lessons are being run in the students own classroom, which means that Signora Zaffina is needeing to carry her resources with her everywhere she goes. The new portable will be the new STEM space, and the current portable being used for STEM will be used for Italian lessons. The new portable will sit behind the existing portables and will be called the SPECIALIST HUB. This project should be compelted by the end of the January school holidays. Exiting times ahead!

2026 Students

Class Lists for 2026

Our teachers have been working tirelessly on mapping out class lists for 2026. Our students have had a big focus on listing students that they think they work well with rather than being with friends. The teachers have all unpacked what this looks like, feels like and sounds like. The students are aware that they will get at least one other person that is on that list in their classroom next year.  This is only one small aspect of what teachers look at when they are placing students in classrooms. They also take into consideration the academic levels in the classroom as well as the students' social and emotional needs. It is an intense process that takes a lot of planning but one that showcases our students' skills and growth. 

To help us finalise our class lists, can you please let us know if you are not returning next year. We understand that families move from the area and therefore need to move schools, so if you could please let us know as soon as you can, we would be extremely grateful. 

Sun Safety Reminder

As we begin Term 4, students are reminded to wear their hats to and from school each day, as well as during lunchtime and recess and any other time they are outside throughout the school day. Please encourage your children to apply sunscreen before coming to school.

It is also timely to remind families to clearly label jumpers and jackets as it begins to warm up. Many belongings which get removed during play time often don't make their way into bags - if they are labelled they are easier to return to their owners. 

Family Engagement Opportunities

Our Parent Association has been working hard to organise some fantastic fun opportunities for our students. In the coming weeks we will have our Italian Pizza lunch on Monday 17th November and then our Fun Run later in November. All reminders have been announced on our NPortal. Please continue looking ourt for announcements on the nForma Parent Portal. 

Christmas Carols on the green!

We will be holding our Christmas Carol evening on Monday 8th December on the Tiger Turf. We  will have our coffee cart avaibale as well as some food options, but ask everyone to bring something to eat with your family and friends. We will then ask all the students to go to their classrooms to get ready for the Christmas Carols. It is sure to be a fun night and we look forward to seeing you all there. A formal invitation will be sent out this week outlining times and information.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Carmela