Dear Good Shepherd Community

As we draw the curtain on what has been an extraordinary year, I find myself filled with immense gratitude and joy reflecting on my first year as part of this wonderful school. Joining the Good Shepherd family has been a blessing, and I am so thankful for the warm embrace I have received from staff, students, parents, and the wider community.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing our students and creating a vibrant learning environment are truly inspiring. Each of you brings unique gifts to our school, and together, you make Good Shepherd a place of excellence, care, and faith.

To our amazing parents and caregivers, your support has been the cornerstone of our shared success this year. Whether through volunteering your time, participating in events, or supporting your children in their educational journey, your contributions have been invaluable. A special shout-out goes to our Community Council and parent volunteers who have worked tirelessly to organise events, including the vibrant Colour Run, that brought so much joy to our community this term.

And to the heart of our school, our students—thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness. Watching you grow, learn, and thrive has been the highlight of my year. Your energy and spirit remind us all of the true purpose of our work and fill our school with life and hope.

As we look forward to 2025, we are excited to welcome new families and staff to our Good Shepherd community. Together, we will continue to grow and enrich our school, building on the strong foundations laid by those who have come before us.

I wish each of you a safe and happy holiday season. May your Christmas be filled with joy, love, and the peace of Christ. Take this time to relax, rejuvenate, and cherish the company of loved ones. I look forward to seeing all your smiling faces on the first day back next year, ready for another year of growth and adventure.

Thank you for making my first year at Good Shepherd so memorable. May God bless each of you abundantly during this holy season and always.

With gratitude and Christmas blessings,
Trazel

This coming Sunday will mark the coming of the Third Week of Advent. As we finish the school together let us focus on this week in particular – reflecting on all the joy we have received from God and others throughout this year, as well as on the joy you have brought to God and others.

The third week of Advent is Joy. The Bible verse that follows is from the story of Jesus’ birth. The angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields nearby to announce that a baby has been born in a manger. The angels describe Jesus’ birth as “good news of great joy” because he came to be our Saviour! The Bible tells us that right after they announced this news to the shepherds, angels appeared and sang glory to God because Jesus had been born.

Luke 2:10-11 – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

Father in heaven,

Thank you for the gift of your son Jesus

who came to be the Saviour for everyone who trusts in him.

Help us to remember that Jesus came to save us and help us

 to share the great joy of this good news with one another.

Amen.

Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance throughout the year. Have a happy, holy and blessed Christmas and a restful holiday break. I very much look forward to journeying with you again in 2025. Take care.

In 2025, this school newsletter will be distributed fortnightly on even weeks.

Weekly class awards will be announced on Compass every Wednesday afternoon.

Community Council end of year message

As we approach the end of another great year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to all of the Good Shepherd community. This year has been full of change, growth, and shared successes, and none of it would have been possible without the support and dedication you bring to our community. I know we say farewell to families in their final year at Good Shepherd who are treasured by the community and have supported the council throughout the years - you will be greatly missed and we wish you all the best for the next chapter.

To all of our volunteers - your contributions, big and small, have helped shape this space into something truly special. As we look ahead to the new year, we are filled with excitement for the opportunities and connections yet to come. Thank you for being a vital part of our community. We wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with love and well-deserved rest. 

Christie, on behalf of the School Community Council