strategic directions
Strategic Directions
The development of the School's revised SIP (School Improvment Plan) commenced in 2020. The school made decision to pivot from this singly focused strategic view of the future, to appropriately invest in a strategy to successfully navigate the challenges associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic - how might we strengthen the Key Elements that sit core to school improvement in a year where changed thinking and creative resourcing was called for?
Our vision contunued to guide ....
Active and connected, growing for LIFE
and the School was driven to underpin new expressions of connection, community and learning through the values of Love, Optimism and Creativity, and the school’s Learning Principles.
Professionally, Good Shepherd continued its improvement agenda. A significant development in 2020 was the detailed work of the ICT Team which undertook pre-planning for the ICT school-wide strategic review and plan.
Most importantly in 2020 as shared, was our focus on doing 'community and connection' in new and creative ways through the COVID-19 lockdowns.
A highlight was the "Great Good Shepherd Family BBQ'. Families were invited to return to school in the evening and as each passed through the driveway, they were issued, through the car window, a gift BBQ pack. Each family was encouraged to enjoy a BBQ and share a photo of their celebration with the wider community. Staff were also gifted with the pack. The gratitude expressed by families and staff was heartwarming.
School staff served to ignite joy and celebration at every available opportunity, whether that be through dress-up days, video messages to families or by simply ensuring awareness and support was available to families financially impacted.
In all, our future focussed improvement agenda did not slow and was evidenced by...
Excellence in learning
Good Shepherd Lutheran School values excellence and creativity in teaching and learning for all community members. A culture of challenge and support nurtures enthusiastic, independent learners, committed to lifelong learning. Excellence in teaching and learning is focused on improving student outcomes which includes spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, cultural and social dimensions. All learners should have access to quality learning experiences that ensure they develop their God-given abilities so that they may enrich the world. High expectations are established through reflective practice, collaborative planning, monitoring, providing feedback and reporting on the effectiveness of learning. The learning environment promotes active engagement, risk taking, motivation and a strong learner voice.
Ongoing improvement and innovation
Improvement at Good Shepherd Lutheran School is guided by our Vision: Active and Connected, growing for LIFE, and our values: Love Optimism and Creativity. Excellence is pursued through a culture of reflection, collaboration, innovation and creativity. Evidence is gathered to develop and implement improvement plans and policies for the continuous development of teaching and learning, the school and its facilities. Ongoing professional learning encourages all members of the community to achieve high standards and develop their service and leadership capacity.
Strengthening Lutheran identity
Good Shepherd Lutheran School as an agency of the Lutheran Church of Australia, shares a recognisable Lutheran identity in which the gospel of Jesus Christ informs all learning and teaching, all human relationships, and all activities in the school. The rituals, symbols, visual displays and practices convey its Christ-centred identity. Our community is regularly involved in Christian worship which includes daily devotions. Christian Studies is an essential and distinctive part of the formal curriculum. We deliberately and intentionally share and live the good news of Jesus Christ with students, families, staff and the broader community. Opportunities for faith nurture are actively promoted and maintained
Community building
Good Shepherd Lutheran School values the richness and diversity of the wider community and other education sectors. Positive and strategic partnerships are developed and maintained with students, families, local Christian communities, the broader community and Lutheran education. The relationships are built upon support, collaboration, trust and reconciliation. Our community lives out the gospel and is active in service of others. The multicultural and multi-faith nature of Australian society including the Good Shepherd School community fosters understandings of diverse cultures. Good Shepherd Lutheran School promotes the understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Leading effective organisation and management
In Good Shepherd Lutheran School, roles, responsibilities and procedures are clearly articulated so that staff can participate in its smooth and efficient operation. Data and knowledge management methods and technologies are used to ensure that resources (human, physical, technological and financial) are efficiently organised and managed to provide an effective, safe and caring, growth-oriented learning and working environment. Strategic planning ensures the ongoing improvement and sustainability of the school. Best practice is built upon effective collaboration between the governing body, staff, students, families, church and others.
Governance
School council continued to effectively develop and monitor the broad direction and vision for the school.
School council is a committee comprising of chairperson - Matt Schmidt, vice-chair - Ash Schmidt, school council members - Debbie Schubert, Ashley Amaro, Matt Modra, Paul Schulz, Rebecca Crowe, Shawn Zeppel and Tim Eckert. Council is supported by school /congregation leaders - Principal - David Wilksch, Directors - Jacqui Gliddon, Bronwyn Holliday, Brett Humphrys and Karen Schoff, Pastor - Reid Matthias, Director of Business and Finance - Garry Schwartz and Secretary - Pauline Gilroy.
Council members are parents of the school. Through professional learning and clear guiding principles, School Council understands that a clear delineation between governance and management enables our school to flourish day to day, whilst also having a responsible and innovative eye on the future.
Council meets 10 times a year, and representatives also sit on a number of sub groups including finance, risk and compliance teams, staff care team, facilities development team, Connected Schools and Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA committees.