Dear parents and carers,

As we come to the end of a sensational Term 1, I want to thank our incredible teachers, staff, students, and parents for their energy, support, and commitment to making this term such a success.

Our Kindergarten students have made a wonderful start to their schooling journey, settling into routines, making new friends, and embracing the joy of learning. At the other end of the school, our Year 6 students are truly stepping into their leadership roles with confidence and care—leading by example and guiding the younger students with pride. I extend my thanks to all our amazing students across the school as I have seen how hard they have worked for their teachers. We are excited to provide parents with an Interim (mid-semester) progress report. We hope this report provides a simple snapshot of learning progress and helps parents and teachers continue the learning journey with your child. A reminder that students finish school on Thursday 10th of April.

A huge thank you to our Community Council for their continued support and engagement. The Hot Cross Bun fundraiser was a hit—both delicious and successful! We’re thrilled to share that our canteen will continue its Wednesday lunchtime operation in Term 2, offering a tasty selection of warm treats for students to purchase over the counter. More than just lunch on a Friday—our canteen has become a fabulous opportunity for students to engage with real-world numeracy and commerce skills in a fun and practical setting.

I am looking forward to commemorating veterans at our ANZAC assembly on Thursday. Students and teachers have been working on ANZAC awareness building activities over the last few weeks under the guidance of our Defence Mentor, Mrs Ahern.

Teaching and learning across the school continues to thrive, and we are seeing the positive impact of The Resilience Project throughout our classrooms. This program is helping us support the whole student—fostering gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness every day.

As we head into the break, we’d like to offer a timely reminder about e-safety. We know many of our older students use instant messaging services to stay connected with friends. However, the research is clear—young brains are still developing the social and emotional tools needed to manage online interactions. Over the holidays, please check in with your child, know who they’re talking to and what kind of conversations they’re having. Let’s work together to ensure their online world remains safe and respectful.

Interestingly, our recent student wellbeing survey (part of The Resilience Project) highlighted a desire from many students to connect more with nature. The beautiful Canberra autumn is the perfect backdrop for unplugging, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time as a family—away from screens!

We are excited to announce some new winter clubs for Term 2. Our playground is small for our population and free play is difficult for many of our students, not to mention the cold winter temperatures coming our way. We have opened a suggestion box for students to submit ideas for various topics including lunch order selections, choice of music for our bells, and lunchtime clubs. We have been pleasingly overwhelmed by suggestions, which is wonderful, and clearly will meet the needs of our students more successfully. Drawing, Lego, reading, drama, sport, writing and knitting clubs (among others) are all being considered. We are working on the logistics, and we are always happy for any parents to come along who might be available to assist during lunch breaks. We will get information out to parents and students at the beginning of Term 2, once we have developed the timetables. Our Year 6 leaders will co-lead these groups to continue to build connections across our school.

Winter uniform is to be worn from Term 2. Thank you for your attention to ensuring all children wear the uniform so well. The uniform supports equity and identity across our school and students frequently approach me in the playground to tell me how much they love wearing our uniform and being a Good Shepherd student.

An update on our planned toilet refurbishments: The toilets in Year 2 and 3 have progressed to tender stage and we hope to commence demolition and refitting in the July school holidays.

We are also planning to remove some trees in the top playground following our storms earlier this term. The ACT Access Canberra arborists have assessed these trees, deemed them safe but recommended they be removed.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited to be hosting several events:

• Open Day/s – Join our Year 6 tour guides for a walk through the school and see our learning in action;
• E-Safety Webinars – Join these valuable sessions for parents on supporting your child’s digital safety and wellbeing. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars;
• SAVE THE DATE May 14th: High School Preparation Seminar – Year 5 and 6 parents are warmly invited to an evening hosted by our Year 6 team. We’ll be joined by Dr Craig Wattam, Principal at JPCII, to help demystify the transition to high school. Regardless of your chosen school, come along and hear practical advice from those who know the journey well;
• BATTLE of the BUNNIES! Vote for our Good Shepherd BUNNY in the BATTLE of the BUNNIES at the Gungahlin Market place.  Some of our Year 6 students have put together a remarkable entry worthy of the grand prize of $2000 for our school! In order to vote, all you need to do is head to the landing page here and pop in your name, email and click Good Shepherd.

As the holy season of Lent draws to a close and we prepare our hearts for Easter, I wish you all a joyful, safe, and relaxing holiday break. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Good Shepherd such a vibrant, caring, and faith-filled community. I look forward to seeing you all again on the first day of Term 2- Tuesday 29th April!

Trazel

In preparation for and celebration of Holy Week, which this year falls during the holidays as a school, this week, we have focused on the final and most significant week of Jesus’ life.

The following is a summarised extract from: https://ministry-to-children.com/palm-sunday-mark-11-childrens-sermon/

On Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, Jesus borrowed a humble donkey which symbolises peace and loyalty, and rode it into Jerusalem, while people lined the sides of the road. Some of them made a carpet for him to ride in on, laying down their coats and palm branches on the road. They waved their palm branches. And sang “Hosanna!” which means “Save us now!” 

Later, that week, on Thursday night, the night known as Holy Thursday, Jesus and his friends ate a special meal called “Passover.” It was Jesus’ last meal (his last supper) with his friends because during this meal one of his friends left the special meal to betray Jesus. This betrayal led to Jesus’ death.

Then on Friday, known as Good Friday, Jesus was falsely accused of crimes, he did not commit. He was unfairly sentenced to die on the Cross. He was also beaten, ridiculed, criticised and teased. Jesus courageously, generously and compassionately endured all this so we could be saved from sin.

Finally, on Sunday, the day we call Easter Sunday, Jesus rose to life again. Death just couldn’t hold him! Jesus’ triumphant rise from the dead is what destroys the hold sin has over us and gives each of us a chance of new life with God.

It is true, we live in a world where there is suffering, pain, sadness and cruelty. However, every single one of us can make a difference in the world. We should strive to be like Jesus and trust that what God asks of us, God will help us achieve. Easter Sunday calls us to be seekers, proclaimers and persons of hope and life. How we live as people of hope is today's challenge. Let us rise to the challenge of being hope-filled people who are beacons of hope for others.

In preparation for Holy Week next week, pease focus on this image of our school's sacred space for Good Friday. The colour red symbolises the blood shed by Jesus, also his unconditional love for each of us. The purple reminds us to prepare for the important Holy Week Events and for Easter.

Wishing each of you God’s blessings for a happy, safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break with your children.

Let us pray together: 

Dear loving, compassionate, merciful, and inspiring Lord,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, asking for Your blessings upon this holiday break. May You grant a happy, safe, relaxing, and enjoyable time with our children. Fill our hearts with joy, peace, and love as we cherish these precious moments together. Watch over us, protect us, and guide us in Your grace.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Canteen information
The Community Council manages the school’s canteen and lunch order service in conjunction with our supplier, The Merchant’s Feast.

Snack canteen service
The snack canteen operates every Wednesday during the second play period. Children can bring along a few dollars to purchase a snack item over the counter to eat during playtime. This is a cash only service, and we ask where possible, that children bring the correct change, and no more than $10 cash to spend at the canteen.

Please see below for a copy of the snack menu. This is also available on the ‘For Parents - Notes and Notices’ section of the school website.

We also remind parents to talk to their child/ren about money safety at school, and the possible risks in purchasing and/or sharing items with friends due to child allergies.

Lunch order service
The lunch order service operates every Friday. Parents/carers can place a lunch order for their child/ren through the Good Shepherd Lunch Menu in the QKR! App. Orders must be placed by 1pm Thursday for the following day.

The lunch order menu is available through the QKR! App.

Next term
We have some exciting new additions to both the snack and lunch order menu next term! A copy of the new snack canteen menu is below - new additions are available from Week 1 of Term 2.

If you have any questions about the canteen or lunch order service, please reach out to the Community Council at gscouncil1@gmail.com. 

Save the date! Mother's Day event - Friday 9 May
Through the Community Council Survey earlier this year, you told us that you didn't really value receiving a gift bag each year but that you enjoy attending the breakfast event with your family. We heard you! This year we will continue to host breakfast, and instead of all children going home with a randomly selected gift bag, we will have a gift stall at the breakfast event. Items will be $5 each, children (or parents/carers) can come to the stall with cash and purchase one or more gifts to take home. For families not able to attend the breakfast, we will have other opportunities for children to purchase a gift throughout the day. More information will be shared over the holidays and at the start of Term 2. 

We can't do this without our dads and father figures! If you're able to volunteer your time from 7:30am on Friday 9 May, please email gscouncil1@gmail.com.

Wishing all of our school community happy holidays!

The National Catholic Education Commission has outlined policy priorities for the federal election. Please click here to read the policy priorities.

Does your child have a worry tummy?

Friendships & Sports Help Kids Thrive
Friendships and sports aren’t just fun for kids—they’re essential for their happiness and development! Whether they’re kicking a ball around with friends or sharing laughs on the playground, these experiences help kids grow emotionally, socially, and physically.

Why Friendships Matter for Kids
Having good friends is like having a support system built right in. Friendships help kids feel happy, confident, and connected, making life’s ups and downs a little easier to handle.

The Benefits of Friendships:

• Emotional Boost: Friends are there to cheer kids up when they’re feeling down and celebrate their wins—big or small.
• Stronger Social Skills: Playing and chatting with friends teaches kids how to share, communicate, and be kind.
• Confidence Builder: Feeling accepted by friends makes kids believe in themselves.
• Stress Buster: Laughing and playing with friends helps kids relax and feel less anxious.
• Positive Influence: Good friendships encourage kindness, teamwork, and problem-solving.

How to Help Kids Make Friends:

• Encourage them to join group activities, clubs, or teams.
• Teach them the power of kindness and inclusivity.
• Show them how to listen and communicate well.
• Be a role model—kids learn by watching how we interact with others!
• Set up playdates or opportunities for social fun.

Why Playing Sports is a Game-Changer
Sports aren’t just about winning or losing—they teach kids important life skills while keeping them active and happy. Plus, moving their bodies releases feel-good endorphins, boosting their mood and mental well-being!

The Benefits of Sports for Kids:

• Healthy & Strong Bodies: Exercise keeps their muscles, hearts, and minds in top shape.
• Better Social Skills: Team sports help kids learn cooperation, leadership, and respect.
• Discipline & Focus: Sticking to practice teaches responsibility and goal-setting.
• Confidence Boost: Scoring a goal or improving a skill helps kids feel proud of themselves.
• Resilience & Growth: Learning from mistakes and bouncing back builds perseverance.
• Happier Minds: Movement reduces stress, anxiety, and boosts overall mood.

How to Encourage Kids to Play Sports:

• Let them explore different sports to find what they love.
• Keep it fun—pressure-free play is key!
• Cheer them on no matter their skill level.
• Focus on teamwork and effort, not just winning.
• Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Encouraging friendships and sports helps kids feel good inside and out. By supporting them in building strong connections and staying active, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of happiness and well-being. 

Why are resilience and wellbeing important?

● Research shows us that there is a direct link between wellbeing and academics, therefore children who are not emotionally healthy will have difficulty learning. When we are stressed, the part of our brain responsible for learning does not function effectively.

● Calm children can focus and retain more information.

● Resilience enables children to take safe risks without fear of
failure.

● The statistics indicate that the number of adults struggling with mental ill health has increased over the years. Statistics also tell us that mental ill health is affecting young people at alarming rates and the onset is getting earlier. Prevention is the key to seeing these figures improve.