Easter

Easter is the special time when we celebrate Jesus coming back to life after he died. It's the most important part of our Christian beliefs. We remember Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, which means he was nailed to a cross and died. It was a sad and difficult time for his followers because they thought it was all over. But then, something amazing happened! On the third day, which we now call Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead. His tomb was found empty, and he appeared to his followers, showing them that he was alive again. Easter reminds us that Jesus loves us so much that he was willing to die for us, and his resurrection gives us hope for eternal life with him. So, during Easter, we celebrate with joy and gratitude, knowing that Jesus' resurrection brings hope, redemption, and new beginnings.

NAPLAN

Year 3 and 5 have been taking part in NAPLAN. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time. NAPLAN is just one aspect of Good Shepherd’s assessment and reporting processes. It doesn’t replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

Camp

Last week I was very fortunate to join the Year 6 students at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp. A big thank you goes out to Mrs Purnell and Mr HB for their excellent coordination of the Year 6 Camp. We also extend our gratitude to Mrs Darge who spent day and night with us. Thank you as well to Mrs Manifold for being there each day. Thank you to Mrs Deans and Mrs Lornie for attending and helping out. Special thanks to Mrs Cutler and Mr B for taking the time to visit us during the camp. It was also wonderful to have Father Al visit and even join in with the Archery activity. Throughout the camp, students participated in a variety of engaging activities including The Big Swing, Flying Fox, Archery, Surf Lifesaving, Bike Pump Track, Silent Disco, Minute to Win It challenges, and a visit to the Department of Fisheries. The Silent Disco was particularly memorable, and it's sure to be a cherished memory for the kids for years to come.

Catholic Education Early Childhood Conference

Recently I joined Mrs Panaia, Mrs Musbah and Mrs Mackenzie at the Catholic Education Early Childhood Conference. The Conference brought together educators and experts from various fields to explore innovative approaches to early childhood education. The conference focused on themes such as inquiry-based learning, nature play, and botanical literacies, highlighting the importance of nurturing young learners' curiosity and connection with their environment. Sessions also delved into strategies for enhancing numeracy skills beyond counting, as well as supporting students' social, emotional, and spiritual development. We had the opportunity to engage with inspiring speakers and exchange ideas with passionate educators, gaining valuable insights to enrich their teaching practices and create supportive learning environments for children.

Harmony day

It was inspiring to witness numerous children adorned in traditional attire, a testament to the diverse cultural fabric of our community. Students met with their Buddy class and participated in an activity focused on “Everyone Belongs”. Moreover, we were delighted by the active participation of several parents who graciously shared their cultural heritage with our classes. From reading books in their native languages to showcasing special dances and engaging in cultural dialogues, their involvement added invaluable depth to our Harmony Day activities.

Additionally, the whole school enjoyed an engaging incursion in the hall led by 'Rhythm Fix,' building upon the success of last year's memorable experience. While last year's focus was primarily on African culture, this year's performance expanded to include the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Brazilian culture. It was a dynamic display that further enriched our celebration, providing new insights and fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. We extend our thanks to all the parents who supported and contributed to making this day truly special.

God Bless

Nic Gaglia

Principal