Principal's Welcome

Dear Families,

It seems like a lot has happened since our last newsletter.  Our year 6 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation which was an absolutely lovely ceremony. Bishop Terry Curtin was also left so surprised at the reverence of both students and families. Thankyou for respecting the space and being completely involved in this amazing sacrament.  We thank our RE Leader, Caith and the Year 6 team (Ms Kelly, Ms Lee, Mrs Veronica, Mrs Alison, Mrs Ange) who prepared our children spiritually and physically for their big day. May the Holy Spirit shine through them and guide them throughout their lives. 

Our Book Week activities were so much fun, beginning with the Book Week Parade on Monday 24th August and ending up with an absolutely beautiful ‘Snuggle Up and Read’ afternoon. We were lucky enough to be blessed by sunshine so we could have the book reading outside on the Tiger Turf. Thank you to everyone who participated during the last two weeks. Mrs Amira wanted me to also extend her thanks for all of your support during the Book Fair. We sold a massive $8286 worth of books. School of the Good Shepherd students will now be able to benefit from this through purchasing books for our library and classrooms. Once again a very BIG thank you! 

Two weeks ago our Consultative Committee met to finalise changes so that we comply with the new EBA that has been voted on and agreed upon.  Beginning Term 4, our students will be finishing at 3.25pm Monday to Thursday and 3pm Friday.  There will need to be further changes made in 2024 which will be communicated at the beginning of term 4. 

I will be taking some Long Service Leave from Monday 4th September until Thursday 19th October. During that time, Jemma McVeigh will be Acting Principal and Caith Malone Acting DP.  I thank them for stepping in during this time.   For the last 7 weeks, Miss Dicello has been overseas and we have had Miss Paige covering that class. Now that Miss Dicello is back, Miss Paige will be shadowing Amanda Symeoy, our current STEM teacher until she goes on maternity leave. Miss Paige will then be taking STEM for the remainder of the year.

Yesterday, families would have received a survey link for the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools School Improvement Survey. We would appreciate it if you could take some time to fill this survey in as it will assist us in forward planning. 

On our community links page, you will find an expression of interest to contribute to and purchase our school cookbook which will be made up of our favourite recipes! Sharing a meal always brings people together and allows us the opportunity to share stories, share our experiences and share any worries. We welcome all recipes from all cultures and backgrounds! 

This week we have had the opportunity to thank our Co Educators who work diligently in our classrooms. Every year we are given the opportunity to celebrate all of the Co Eds in our Australian schools. We truly are so blessed to have them working with our staff, students and families. Thank you to those families that have been sending emails or messages in, the Co Eds have loved these. And thank you to the year 3 and 4 students who decided to host a shared lunch with the coeds from their classroom. What a special surprise. 

Just a reminder that we have a School Closure Day this Friday 1st September. As a staff we will be revisiting our school priority of : To strengthen the catholic identity of the School of the Good Shepherd community in dialogue with Faith, Life and Culture.  We will also be operationlising our value of BELONGING. Once staff has operationalised this value, we will then extend the activity to our students and families. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Have a wonderful fortnight!

School of the Good Shepherd 

Address: 88 South Circular Rd, Gladstone Park 3043

Telephone: 9338 7686

School Office hours:  8:30am- 4pm