Welcome Back

Welcome back to another school year. A special welcome to the new families who have joined Good Shepherd School. I hope you were able to have some time off to spend with your children and that your children are looking forward to a great year of learning.

New Staff

This year we welcome the following new staff:

Kindy B Education Assistant: Miss Allanah Dedman

PPB Education Assistant: Mrs Bell Simeoni

Pre-Primary W Teacher: Mrs Lorena Princi (welcome back)

Year 1W Teacher: Miss Emily Paterniti

EA/Administration: Mrs Caroline Hiss

Year 2W Teachers: Mrs Tara Ryan (welcome back)

Year 3W Teacher: Mrs Elly Mitchell

Year 5W Teachers: Miss Davina Sankar

ICT: Mrs Iolanda Jennings (welcome back)

Parent information Night

The Parent Information evening was very well attended. This was a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet teachers and for teachers to give an overview of the school year and make expectations of students clear. I would like to thank parents who were able to attend for their ongoing support.

Communication

It is important that parents and teachers are able to communicate with each other. Parents are encouraged to notify your child’s teacher of any concerns you may have and to make an appointment at a mutually convenient time before or after school. The easiest way to make an appointment is by email or seesaw.

When messaging teachers there is no expectation for staff to reply during the school day. My expectation is that a response should be received within 24 hours of sending an initial enquiry. However, there are no expectation for a response to be given on weekends. As you can imagine our staff are busy during the day dealing with many students, so I ask that you allow them time to reply.

Mobile Phones(watches)

If students are bringing a mobile phone to school, they are asked to drop it off at the office each morning and pick it up at the end of the day. This includes watches with communication features.

Swimming Lessons

Year 1 – 6 students have been having a wonderful time engaging in swimming lessons. The students are very fortunate that they have the opportunity to have these lessons especially as we are a coastal city with many beaches a numerous pools.

 Bushfire Risk Area

Good Shepherd Catholic School is in a bushfire risk area. As part of our commitment to safety, the school has a clearly defined bushfire plan. This includes lockdown and evacuation procedures. The school also follows a maintenance plan where guttering and downpipes are cleared regularly.

Covid

We have started the term with a sense of normality and would like to encourage parents to begin to return to classes. Parents are welcome to enter classes, but we ask that large numbers do not stand around in classes. The junior primary Reading Roster has started, parents are asked to assist if they have time.

School Values

Our school values define how we go about our daily lives at Good Shepherd. We try to help our students achieve each one. We have reduced the number values to four. Below is an outline of each value.

Term 1 RESPECT - We value ourselves, our faith, others, their property and the environment.

Term 2 COMMUNITY - We encourage strong partnerships with families to help foster children development.

Term 3 DIVERSITY - We celebrate diversity by accepting the uniqueness of individuals through their multicultural heritage, varying abilities and many gifts.

Term 4 EXCELLENCE - We actively strive for excellence by providing opportunities for children to develop positive work ethics in order to achieve their personal best.

Pick Up/ Set Down Area

You may have noticed that the Pick Up/Set Down area has been extended. Can I please ask that when dropping off or picking up your child that you are moving as far froward as you can right up to the staff parking entrance.

Parking

As explained in my correspondence regarding parking around the school, the City Of Swan will be patrolling the area. Please note that if you are parking along Sugar Gum Rise you can not park on the footpath or any part of your tyre be on the verge. Your car must be safely parked on the road ensuring that there is enough room for cars to drive past. A reminder that anywhere you park you can not be on or any part of your car over a footpath. Please also read any parking signs.

God Bless

Nic Gaglia

Principal