From the Principal
Class Allocations 2026
In the coming weeks staff will begin working towards the allocation of students to specific class groupings for 2026. This will be completed before our Move-Up Morning which will be held on Monday in the last week of school.
As a staff team, we feel the trust of the parent community and are confident that our class allocation process is thorough and respectful of student needs. Thank you! However, we also recognise that for some families, the allocation process creates high levels of anxiety.
We ask that you continue to strengthen the partnership between school and home by sharing any information that you believe the school is not aware of that may impact the placement of your child(ren). Please refrain from requesting a specific teacher for your child(ren) or specific friendship groupings. The reason for this is simply that the broad range of factors we consider for each child, makes for an already detailed and complex process. We are simply unable to meet such individual requests, broadly and equitably.
The following I hope will provide some insight into the process.
- Children who are in Years 1, 3 and 5 will remain with their current year level peers.
- The Foundation children (Stage1) will be split across the 5 different Stage 2 classes.
- Children moving up from ELC will be moved into 3 Stage 1 classes.
- The voice of the children is gathered regarding who they work well with in class.
- Teachers consider the academic and social needs of the students.
- Balance of gender and language background are considered.
Please remember that as staff go through this process, all stage teachers, learning enrichment teachers, and leadership team work at balancing the needs of each learner and the overall learning community. We celebrate the strengths, opportunities, and positives during this process.
New information that needs to be shared should be directed to me (principal@gspv.sa.edu.au) in writing, by Monday 27th October.
Many thanks for your understanding and support of our process.
Absences from school
Illnesses and holidays
Since our experience with Covid over 2 years ago now, we have seen an increase in the number of children that are staying home for longer periods of time when they are ill. Thank you for keeping your children home. This allows the children the rest they need but also supports us in keeping our community healthy.
The other noticeable observation is the number of families that are taking holidays during term time. There are many very good reasons that this may take place for your family, and I thank you for keeping us informed and following protocol by gaining permission. There are many times I have felt a little envious of the destinations of this travel. When planning travel, please do consider the impact of continuity for your children - both academically and socially.
In addition to absences, I have seen a significant increase in students who are consistently arriving late or leaving school early. While there are times as families, we are juggling many things and I know that getting out the door on time and the kiss-and-drop line can have an impact, but having students settled at school by 8:35 sets them up for a smoother transition into the day of learning.
If your child is struggling consistently with this, and you need some help, please reach out. Your child's class teacher can be a first point of contact and can support via conversations with your child, or they may seek additional support from our Wellbeing staff.
Official Opening Celebration – Thank You
Yesterday we celebrated the official opening of our new Middle Primary Playground, and what a wonderful occasion it was! The event was a huge success, made even more special by the enthusiasm and joy of our students.
We are so proud of our students for being such a responsive, respectful, and enthusiastic audience throughout the ceremony. Their excitement and sense of pride reflected the heart of our school community.
A special thank you to our student leaders, who carried out their official duties with confidence and care. They were exceptional representatives of Good Shepherd and helped make the event a memorable one for our guests and school community alike.
Finally, one last special thank you to our guests, and the following staff for helping to make this project a reality:
Mr Michael Brown MP, Member for Florey
Mr Tony Zappia MP, Member for Makin
Cr Lauren Brug, City of Salisbury Council
Mr Shawn Zeppel and members of the School Board
Mr Mark Elliott our school Business Director and the project manager of the work, and Mr Stephen Hirschfield of Indulge Outdoors who made it a reality.
We are incredibly proud to provide our students - both now and in the years to come - with amazing facilities that inspire play, connection, and wellbeing. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone possible.
Blessings,
Evie Stevens