Week 8 Term 4 - Shepherd's Shorts
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Week 8 Term 4 - Shepherd's Shorts
End of Year Reflections
Dear parents and carers
The final stages of reporting and class allocations for 2025 are well underway. Teachers have worked diligently to provide thoughtful and detailed feedback in student reports, celebrating growth and highlighting opportunities for continued learning. Class allocations have been carefully considered, ensuring each child’s needs and strengths are taken into account for a smooth transition into the new year.
As we approach the conclusion of another incredible year at Good Shepherd, we find ourselves in the season of Advent, a time that calls us to pause and reflect amidst the busyness. Advent, a season of waiting, reminds us to prepare our hearts for the joy and hope of Christmas. It is a time to reflect on what has been, to practice gratitude, and to anticipate the blessings to come.
At Good Shepherd, we have so much to be grateful for. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and countless moments of connection. Together, we have faced challenges with resilience and celebrated successes with joy. As we journey through Advent, let us remember that this season is not only about waiting but also about preparing—preparing to bring light into the lives of others.
Advent invites us to demonstrate kindness and compassion in our words and actions. Whether it’s through a kind word to a friend, a helping hand to someone in need, these small acts of love and connection make a difference. They remind us of the true meaning of this season—hope, love, and joy shared in community.
Good wishes for the week ahead
Trazel
Watch, be alert and be ready.
Don't delay—be proactive now.
Make a difference by following God.
The message of Advent is clear: don’t wait until it’s too late. Do good now. Remember Jesus' commandment to love others as God loves you, and treat them as you want to be treated. How we behave matters, how we treat each other matters, and while we can’t control other people’s behaviour, how we respond to theirs, matters. Ultimately, through our actions we will either bring God’s love to others and be God’s goodness in the world, or we won’t.
Good thing we are up for this challenge!
This week reminds us to be ready for when our time comes to meet our loving Creator. Once we get to Heaven, the time for second chances will have passed us by, so we must make our time on earth count. We must be accountable to ourselves, others, and God by acknowledging, addressing, and repairing what we are responsible for, while nurturing and supporting each other to do the same. This way we can we fulfil our promise to God to build lasting loving, healthy, Spirit-filled fruitful lives.
Together, we can become better and reflect God’s goodness in the world. It takes time, patience, and support. Mistakes will happen, but as long as our intentions and faith are true, God’s unconditional love will guide us. He asks us to be His hands and feet, bringing goodness to the world.
Let us pray together:
Dear Jesus
You are the hope in our world.
This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important.
Let us be ready in mind, body, heart, and spirit to receive you this Christmas and beyond.
We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas.
Amen.
Thanksgiving Mass + Year 5/6 Candle Ceremony
What: Whole School Thanksgiving Mass + Year 5/6 Candle Ceremony (combined event)
When: Thursday 12 December
Time: 12pm
Where: Good Shepherd School Hall
Who: All are welcome.
Why: To celebrate a successful year together and be grateful for all that we have accomplished. To farewell staff, students and families. An opportunity for Year 6 to hand over the ‘Light of Leadership’ to Year 5.
Vinnies Christmas Hampers - REMINDER
What: Please help your child to bring in their allocated grocery item for their class Christmas Hamper.
When: By tomorrow (Friday 6 Dec).
Why: Together to be the Heart of God in Amaroo and do what we can to bring God’s goodness into the world.
Thank you: To all families who have already sent their child’s donated item. Thank you to everyone for your support.
Good Shepherd weekly awards
| Kindergarten | KD - Harsifat K | KH - Gianna D M | KT - Ava C-K | KTC - Isobel T |
| Year 1 | 1D - Sofia C | 1L - Cruz M | 1M - Max K | 1R - Edward O |
| Year 2 | 2B - Sophia L | 2C - Emmeline J | 2E - Ethan A | 2FO - Olivia P |
| Year 3 | 3Ca - Amelia B | 3Ch - Miguel N | 3T - Waris M | 3W - Ariana A |
| Year 4 | 4BP - Charlotte S |
4I - Zara T |
4R - Jack R | 4T - Lillie R |
| Year 5 | 5DJ - Connor H | 5G - Ben B | 5Sc - Harrison K | 5Sm - Lexie N |
| Year 6 | 6G - Steve J | 6K - Sienna G | 6R - Gabriel S | 6Sm - Mia O |
Announcement of the SCC Secretariat Role
We recently advertised an expression of interest to fulfill the role of Secretariat for the School Community Council Executive. We are pleased to announce Erin Anderson has been appointed. Erin has been heavily involved in the Good Shepherd Community and we are very excited to have her as part of the Executive - congratulations Erin!
Christmas Carols
We held our annual Christmas Carols event on Tuesday 3 December and wow, was it a good one! The weather tried to trick us into canceling but we had faith, and it all came together as planned. Alot goes into this event and I would like to extend my thanks to members of the Community Council, our parent volunteers, our MC's Mrs Scott and Mr Kelly, the teachers for their ongoing support and commitment, Mr Fitz for his help with set up and pack down, the vendors, and our special guest appearance from Santa. Thank you all for braving the weather to watch your children perform and support this community event.
DMFS
Defence recognises that some children may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting.
Financial support is available to help minimise the disruption to education caused by posting.
Defence may provide assistance when a posting means that a child needs to:
- change schools;
- study at a school not in the posting location; and
- study at a tertiary institution away from home.
Financial support available under the Education Assistance Scheme includes:
- tutoring;
- tuition and boarding school allowance;
- tertiary accommodation;
- loss of scholarship compensationl and
- reunion travel.
The ADF Pay and Conditions Manual provides further details on Education assistance.
For help with your application email education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au.
Call or email 24/7
1800 624 608 is the first point of call for all support needs.
Finding and moving to a new school has many challenges. The moving schools checklist for parents covers things to do to help children settle in.
Moving schools - Checklist for parents (PDF, 440.48 KB)
Choosing a new school
Gather as much information as possible about the schools in a location.
Check to see if the school provides the Defence School Mentor Program and request a copy of the School Handbook. Other helpful information includes:
- parent communication and expectations of parents;
- fees and contributions;
- uniform requirements;
- availability of before and after school care;
- school curriculum and specialist subjects;
- homework, assignment and assessment requirements; and
- student welfare services.
If possible arrange a visit to the school and an interview with the Principal.
Education Liaison Officers
Education Liaison Officers (EDLOs) provide an education advisory service for Defence families to:
- inform families about local schools and education systems;
- connecting families with education providers and resources;
- work with parents, children and teachers to manage the transition to a new school;
- working with schools to ensure a supportive educational environment; and
- provide advice on Defence financial assistance.
EDLOs have extensive knowledge about the differences in the way states, territories and individual schools deliver education. They also understand the unique needs of Defence children.
Contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline to access EDLO support.
TeamKids have another action-packed Summer Holiday Program lined up!
Ready to DISCOVER the TeamKids difference?
- Learn new skills and make new friends
- Qualified and REMARKABLE Educators
- Digital detox with our no screens policy
- Delicious and nutritious morning and afternoon snacks
- CCS-approved care
Head to https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/good-shepherd-catholic-primary.pdf to check out your school’s program + secure your spot today!