Happy New Year

A very warm welcome to you all at the beginning of another new year of teaching and learning at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. I trust that the school holidays provided rich opportunity for some enjoyable family events and experiences.

At this time of year, excitement levels peak as children, parents and school staff, anticipate and plan for the year ahead. There’s already a special feeling about 2023. Coming together over recent days as community has generated energy and a strong sense of connection. Welcome back!

Welcome to new Families

The beginning of each school year brings with it opportunity for us to welcome new families into our community. For ELC and Reception children and their families who are experiencing these settings for the first time, and for students and families transferring from other locations, the beginning of the new school year is a time of exciting change and challenge. We trust that the various events and programs that promote connection for parents, the Buddy program for students and the warmth of our administration team, make your transition into our community comfortable, informative and enjoyable. In the event that questions arise, don’t hesitate to make contact with us. We’re here to help.

Welcome Vanessa Duns

A special welcome also to Vanessa Duns who has been appointed to our front office team. Vanessa has most recently served the Golden Grove Lutheran School community in a similar administration and finance role. As a past parent, volunteer and relief staff member, Vanessa understands our community, its vision and values. Vanessa will commence in the role on February 15 after a couple of transition days over the coming weeks.

Awesome beginnings

My sincere thanks to each and every member of the staff team of Good Shepherd for a wonderful commitment over the last two weeks of professional development activities prior to the commencement of the school year. An incredible desire to work and laugh together for the benefit of our community was inspirational. Parents, be confident that your children are in the very best of hands. Enjoy some happy snaps of some smiling faces on the first day.

Back to School Service and Dedication of Staff and Students

New and existing staff members will be dedicated at our ‘Back to School’ school service at 10.30am in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church this Sunday, 5 February. In fact, all those entering the new school year, students and parents too, will be acknowledged and prayed for. This is a whole of community event – all are welcome regardless of background or experience. Come along and feel the warmth of the Good Shepherd community.

School Commences

The school year commenced this week for all Curiosity and Stage 2 - 4 students. Term 1 Foundation starters will commence school on Monday 6 February.

Bus Service

Good Shepherd in partnership with Endeavour College, continues to offer two bus services catering for students from suburbs covering an area from Tea Tree Gully to Mawson Lakes to Parafield Gardens. Families can enjoy the convenience of safe, direct and affordable transportation to and from school. If you would like to utilise the service or receive further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Kirsty John via email: kirsty.john@gspv.sa.edu.au

Parent Partnership Nights (PPN)

Parental involvement and support will always be a critical factor in keeping communication channels open and working effectively for the benefit of all children.

Parent Partnership Nights (PPN) represent one way in which we can support parents as we work together towards helping children reach their potential. The evening is stressed as compulsory for all parents. Get along and enjoy our hospitality and welcome, and to take away important information to support a successful home-school partnership.

Parent Partnership Night (Curiosity ELC) – Tuesday 7th February 6:45pm

An important introduction to the new year of learning at Curiosity. A ‘parent only’ event, including refreshments and fellowship.

Parent Partnership Night (Stage 2/3/4) – Tuesday 14th February 6:45pm – includes a ‘Welcome to Country’ and digeridoo performance by Jack Buckskin commencing at 7:00pm sharp

An important introduction to the new year of learning in Stages 2-4. A chance for parents to hear from their child’s classroom teaching team. A ‘parent only’ event, including refreshments and fellowship.

Parent Partnership Night (Foundation) – Tuesday 21st February 6:45pm

An important introduction to the new year of learning in Foundation. A ‘parent only’ event including refreshments and fellowship.

Calendar and Term dates for 2023

The school website is your best point of contact for term dates and an up to date list of events. www.gspv.sa.edu.au Up and coming events are also listed in this publication weekly.

School Uniform

If you have not yet attended to uniform needs for 2023, is essential that this be finalised as a matter of priority. Please pay extra close attention to requirements regarding sports shoes, hair ties and earrings.

(Attach policy documents)

Imagination OSHC

The holiday relocation of our OSHC service has been well-received by children, staff and parents. Licensing requirements do mean that the service must have sole use of its nominated/licenced areas during operation.

Parents are therefore required to vacate the Ark space immediately after dismissal of students at 3pm to free the space for OSHC. With the exception of the 2P classroom all others have alternate access doors which are best used for teacher meetings and the like.

In the same way, OSHC must be provided sole use of the middle and senior playgrounds. These should not be used by children / families not registered in OSHC for the session.

After school play and fellowship.

Parents are encouraged and welcome to spend time together at the close of the school day. The junior primary playground (adjacent the car carpark) and the southern end of the oval are available. All children must be directly supervised by a parent at all times.

Sport

PlayStart Soccer