Archdiocesan Assembly Reflection: Conversations of the Spirit

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Archdiocesan Assembly as part of our ongoing "Conversations of the Spirit." It was an enriching day not only for me but also for our Good Shepherd and Holy Spirit Parish communities. The gathering fostered deep reflection, dialogue, and unity among parish members and the broader Catholic Community, enhancing our shared mission and spiritual growth.

These conversations continue to shape the way we engage with one another, nurturing a sense of belonging and understanding within our faith community. The spirit of collaboration and prayer was truly evident throughout the day, leaving us inspired for the journey ahead.

2025 Class Allocations

As we approach the end of the year, we are in the process of finalising staffing arrangements for 2025. Below is a reminder of our "Class Allocation Policy," designed to ensure a fair and just approach to allocating students to classes. 

Our teachers who are experienced professionals, and have a comprehensive understanding of the students, will make decisions on class placements. However, I welcome parents to share any concerns they feel need to be considered for their child.

At Good Shepherd, each year has four streams of classes and as you can appreciate there are multitudes of possible combinations and we do our best. The allocation process takes into account factors such as:

- gender balance;
- diverse learners;
- behaviour;
- health considerations;
- religion (especially during Sacramental years); and
- common names.

We aim to create balanced classes with an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Parental requests based on educational concerns will be considered, although no guarantees can be made.

We do not place students with friends as friendships can change over time. Students can see their friends during play time.

We use a lens of Pedagogy, Curriculum and Assessment to ensure our core business, which is teaching, accurately supports all our children to achieve their academic potential.

We are not in a position to move students between classes in 2025 as we are completely full next year.

Class Allocation Process:
Mid-Term, Term 4: Class teachers compile class lists, taking into account the factors mentioned above. These lists are then handed to the Leadership Team for confirmation.
December: Children will be informed of their class placement for the following school year during the last week of school. They will have the opportunity to meet and spend some time with their new class teacher. New students joining us next year will also be invited to attend.
Final Decision: After appropriate consultation, I reserve the right to make the final professional decisions regarding class placements.

Parents are invited to submit any information for consideration to me in writing via email at Trazel.Scott@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday of Week 4, Term 4 (8 November). While we strive to accommodate all requests, we cannot guarantee all requests will be fulfilled.

Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for another successful school year.

Warm regards,
Trazel Scott
Principal, Good Shepherd Catholic School

This week we are reminded of two very important themes – to be gentle and to serve. Jesus was always firm and he challenged all he believed in his heart to be incorrect, unjust or unnecessary.  Importantly Jesus was also incredibly understadning, compassion and gentle. He consistently cared for others. In the weekly Gospel readings we are encouraged to tread lightly in our relationships.

Sometimes we are too tough on ourselves and on those closest to us. Let us take up the challenge to make fewer demands on each other and to give withour expecting anything in return.  Free them, and ourselves, from the burden of expectations. Instead of foucusing on what you expect from them, consider how you could be of service to them and make that postive difference to them. Ponder how your service to them ultimately leads to your service for God. If you focus on letting go of your expectations and concerns and lean on God for strength, comfort and guidance you can have faith that you will be where you need to be, doing what you need to be doing.

Let us pray together: (https://www.gpbs.com.au/)

Patient God, we have so many questions. We demand things, and often want to know where the path will lead before we set out. Set our hearts to rest and remind us that life is made up of more questions than answers, and that’s okay. May we trust in your love and respond to your presence when your call cuts against our expectations or plans. Help us to be open to accepting it isn’t about what is easy for us, rather, what is best.

Amen.