from the chair

On behalf of the Good Shepherd School Board I wish to offer our School Community an official welcome to 2022.  

Whether you are a new parent, student, friend or staff member to our School in 2022, or are returning from previous years, welcome to our Community.  

Things continue to be a little different. We normally celebrate the start of a year as a community in various opportunities, including our Welcome event on the oval, but unfortunately due to current restrictions, this cannot happen in the usual way. Despite this, the community still welcomes you all, and you are in our prayers as you, your family and students settle into the 2022 year.  

I wish to outline a collective massive thanks, for diving into the deep end in 2022, as the start of the year has been unique. Thanks for managing these complexities and challenges so well. I hope that despite these circumstances, you feel comfortable with the start to the year.  

We truly have an amazing school and I know the Good Shepherd atmosphere is currently ‘different’, but know you are part of a special place.      

I wish to acknowledge the efforts of our sensational staff, who have been challenged significantly, but through hard work, being super adaptive, they have all collectively ensured ‘business as normal’ as much as possible. We are truly blessed with our dedicated management team, who plan, adapt and lead our vibrant community. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated teaching staff who enthusiastically plan, plan again and adapt, mentor, motivate and inspire our students. To our school support staff, thanks for your efforts to ensure the school runs so smoothly. In my role I understand the significant complexities that face our Staff, and I am truly proud and thankful for their loyalty, work under pressure and commitment to our community.  

I urge you all to keep up to date with our School’s ongoing communications. Our Leadership are working extremely hard to ensure regular updates, and ensure safety within our community. Good Shepherd are strictly following SA Health protocols, and with an ongoing focus on prevention, through solid procedures and policy, combined with many hours of planning and personnel investment, we should be confident and most thankful for the hard work and guidance offered. As schooling is a partnership with our families, please ensure you follow the strict guidelines and communications, and simply do not send your child to school if they are symptomatic, regardless of mild symptoms.     

Know that your children are in an amazing school environment and being supported by people who truly care. I encourage you to consider the value of a simple ‘thanks’ to those who are working above and beyond at this time.  

The School Board is currently seeking nominations to take on an important Governance role, that is responsible for developing and monitoring the broad direction and vision for the school. I invite your consideration. Being a member of the Board offers a chance to give back, and do all we can to ensure a positive community, informed policy decisions and effective planning for the future of our school. I am more than willing to chat to anyone about a Board role, please contact me on 0412 357 558.  

We are all facing challenges and changes. Working from home, essential workers continuing to lead, isolation, juggling home learning, following guidelines, lack of relationship building through normal activities and reliance on online technology. Please know you are in our prayers, and together we will survive and continue to thrive as part of this blessed community. Importantly keep safe, please follow the guidelines and communications, and know we will work through this latest challenge and may 2022 be a fulfilled year overall. 

Matt Schmidt, 

School Board Chair, 

February 2022