Principal's Welcome

Dear SoGS Families,

Welcome back to another term at School of The Good Shepherd where once again we will be immersed in many new learning opportunities and experiences. We’ve got quite an exciting term planned with excursions, incursions and much much more. 

On Sunday we celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday.  Every year, on the 4th Sunday of Easter, we are called to reflect deeply on Jesus as the Good Shepherd who always looks out for every member of his flock. There is a line in John’s Gospel that calls out to me each and every time I read it,  “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” Jn 10:14,15. This Gospel passage reminds us that each of us BELONG to the community of the Good Shepherd and that each of us is an important part of this community, where we are truly known. 

There are a few reminders this week, please read through these:

CAR PARK

At School of The Good Shepherd, we are truly blessed to have a car park with a kiss and drop area. Having worked in 6 different schools across my career, I have to say that I have never seen anything like this for our parent community to use and we are so very fortunate. We remind parents to be extremely mindful and patient when traveling in the car park and when waiting in the kiss and drop queue. Unfortunately we have had a few instances when cars have overtaken the Kiss and Drop queue trying to get to the start of the line and resulting in students nearly being hit. If you do not have the time to wait in the Kiss and Drop queue, and wait your turn then we ask you to park in the car park and walk in to pick up your child.  Please also be mindful that the car park belongs to everyone and that there are no designated spots. The only spots that have been designated are for staff along the green fence along the driveway, otherwise please use the parking bays to park your car.  When walking your child across the car park, we also ask that you walk in front of the yellow Kiss and Drop area OR across the pedestrian crossing rather than in between the cars. We have opened another gate further along the fence for pedestrian use. This has helped reduce the traffic.  We also ask you NOT to park in front of the yellow Kiss and Drop bay as we have students walking across this space. 

Just as Jesus the good shepherd looks after his flock, I urge you to also look out for each other’s children just as you would your own when in the carpark. 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Usually in Term 2 we start to transition to our Winter Uniform, however as we live in an ever changing climate, please use your discretion when choosing which uniform to wear. As per our school uniform policy, “The Summer school and sport uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4 and Winter school and sport uniforms in Term 2 and 3.  However, we recognise the unpredictability of Melbourne’s weather and suggest that children wear the uniform that best suits the weather conditions at the time.  Please ensure that whatever uniform is worn, needs to be worn correctly.” Please note that sports uniform is ONLY to be worn on designated SPORTS DAYS.

CHANGES TO MEDICAL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Recently Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools have made changes to the way in which medications are administered and stored at school. All policies have been included for you to read through, however please note that the major changes are that:

• Parents/guardians/carers are responsible for the provision of a Medical Management Plan and, where applicable, a Medication Authority Form, which references the diagnosed medical need and the medication to be  administered. The school is responsible for administration of medication in accordance with the medication authority documented in the Medical Management Plan for the student. 
• Medication such as aspirin and paracetamol will not be stored (or administered) for first aid purposes as these medications may mask symptoms of serious conditions.
• ANY medication that is to be administered at school or on school camps MUST be accompanied by a medical management plan and/or medical administration form, signed by a medical practitioner.

CELEBRATIONS FOR GOOD SHEPHERD FEAST DAY

On Thursday 4th May we welcome the year 5 and 6 students from St Carlo’s and Mary Queen of Heaven to celebrate the feast of the Good Shepherd. The students will be involved in attending mass, having lunch together and listening to some of our youth speaking about their involvement in the church. We will also be joined by some students from Ave Maria College who will assist in leading some of the activities.   Our Year P-4 students will also be able to explore some of their knowledge of Good Shepherd Feast Day.  All students will be given a Zooper Dooper as part of the celebrations. 

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

This year we see the return of the Mother’s day stall which will be held on Monday 8th May. More information will be made available. Mrs Sanderson and our Community Liaison Delegate team have been working hard behind the scenes to get ready for the Mother’s Day Stall. We also invite all of our SoGS mums to join us for coffee and afternoon tea, a special mother’s day liturgy and then classroom activities on Friday 12th May from 12.30pm  Hope to see you there!

Wishing you all an amazing fortnight!

Carmela D'Amato

School Principal

School of the Good Shepherd 

Address: 88 Sth Circular Rd, Gladstone Park 3043

Telephone: 9338 7686

School Office hours:  8:30am- 4pm