Principal's Welcome

Dear Families,

Sunday marked the 5th Sunday in Lent and we heard about Lazarus in John's gospel (Jn11:1-45).  A commentary by Mary Cole asks:  We begin Lent with Ashes and a reminder of our mortality – Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. The Lazarus episode asks of each of us – do you really believe in life beyond the grave. Death is something we don’t often think about, until we are forced to either by the death of someone we know or by learning of a personal illness. What do we really believe awaits us?  This question also had me wondering  about what really awaits us and how we can prepare for that whilst we are on Earth. This term, by speaking about the core value of BELONGING, it has also had me wondering about how I can contribute to someone feeling that they belong. I truly hope that everyone at School of The Good Shepherd experiences belonging in some way or another. 

Can you believe that next week is the last week of term 1! What a term it has been. We have had so many opportunities for celebrating our students learning and growth. In the past week or so, I have had the privilege of witnessing some unbelievable work that is occurring in classrooms. I have seen the preps beginning to write and sound out both familiar and unfamiliar words. I have been able to see how some classes are using various mathematical concepts to unpack place value, I have seen how some classes have used hexagonal thinking to unapck a novel they are reading. I have also seen how classes have incorporated the Zones of Regulation into their everyday 'talk'.  Well done to all the students and staff for the amazing work that has been done this term! We can't wait to share some of our learning with you on Wednesday 5th April when we invite you back to our classrooms after the Easter Bonnet Parade. 

The Easter Bonnet parade is a wonderful celebration of Easter that is usually celebrated on Easter Sunday. We are looking forward to viewing our students creations at 9.15am on the Tiger Turf.  Easter Bonnets are to be made at home and if you need some ideas of what to make, visit:

https://www.pinterest.com.au/lakshmikerr/eco-easter-hat-ideas/ https://reversegarbage.org.au/2020/03/03/how-to-have-a-more-environmentally-friendly-easter-hat-parade/ 

https://www.chasingsimplicity.co.uk/diy-easter-bonnets-for-an-eco-friendly-easter/

Currently we have a few staff members  on Long Service Leave  and we wish the following safe and happy travels: Chris Catterall, Susan Mitchell (week 10) and Elizabeth Fernandez.

We also with Paige all the very best as she undertakes her final placement before graduating as a Primary School teacher. Paige is currently working as a Co Educator in Year 3 A and has been studying to be a teacher. She finished her studies last year and has one placement to complete which she will be doing in Year 3B with Miss Ravanello. Good luck on your final placement Paige, we know you already are an amazing educator!

Next Term, we will be having two school closure days, Monday 24th April and Friday 9th June.  Please put these dates in your calendar.

Finally, if you have a younger sibling who starts school next year, don't forget to bring in your enrolment forms. We are nearly at capacity and wouldn't want anyone to miss out!

From me to you, I would like to wish all of you a very happy Easter and a safe and happy Term break. 

Sincerely

Carmela D'Amato

An Easter Prayer

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear. And may Christ,Our Risen Saviour, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.

Amen

School of the Good Shepherd 

Address: 88 Sth Circular Rd, Gladstone Park 3043

Telephone: 9338 7686

School Office hours:  8:30am- 4pm