strategic directions
Strategic Directions
Good Shepherd School utilised the Lutheran Education SA, NT, WA (LESNW) Business Development Framework to commence the development of a new Strategic Plan.
Our vision...
Active and connected, growing for LIFE
continued to guide our innovative approach to learning 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.
In all, our future focussed improvement agenda 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 Board continued to effectively develop and monitor the broad direction and vision for the school.
School Board is a committee comprising of chairperson - Matt Schmidt, vice-chair - Matt Modra, school council members - Tim Eckert, Catherine Noack, Kathy Ramsey, Shawn Zeppel (Chair elect for 2023) and Amy Schultz. The Board is supported by school /congregation leaders - Principal - David Wilksch, Directors - Jacqui Gliddon, Evie Stevens, Brett Humphrys and Karen Schoff, Business Director - Mark Elliott, and Secretary - Pauline Gilroy.
Board members are parents of the school. Through professional learning and clear guiding principles, the Board understands that a clear delineation between governance and management enables the 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, ministry and care, , Connected Schools and various Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA committees.