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Celebrating the Gifts of the Spirit
Last Thursday, our Year 6 students, alongside students from Holy Spirit and Mother Teresa primary schools, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, a significant milestone in their faith journey. This sacred occasion marks the deepening of their relationship with God and the strengthening presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We congratulate each of these young people and pray that they continue to grow in faith, courage, and compassion.
We offer our sincere thanks to Fr Eden, the Year 6 teaching team, our Religious Education Coordinator, and our Sacramental facilitators, whose tireless preparation and behind-the-scenes support made this celebration possible. Your guidance and commitment have helped nurture the spiritual growth of our students in such meaningful ways.
Term 3 staffing news
We are pleased to let you know that Mrs Charlotte Fitzpatrick will be extending her hours as one of our classroom support teachers, and that Mrs Kylie Horrigan will be stepping into the role vacated by Mrs Diana Jones for the remainder of Term 3 and Term 4. We are grateful to both for their willingness to serve our students with dedication and care. Later in Term 3, we will readvertise this position to secure the right person into 2026 and beyond.
We are also excited to welcome back Mrs Jessica Wilson, who will be rejoining the Good Shepherd staff following her maternity leave. Mrs Wilson will be with us three days a week, and we are thrilled to have her back on the team.
A fresh look
Our school has had a visual refresh, with new signage now installed at the front of the campus and on the Year 5 building with visibility from the oval. The updated look and feel of our buildings and logo reflect the vibrant, welcoming spirit of our community while honouring our identity and mission. We hope you love the new look as much as we do!
Kindergarten 2026 enrolments
Kindergarten enrolments for 2026 are progressing rapidly toward capacity. Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting many new and returning families as we welcome the youngest members of the Good Shepherd community. If you have a sibling who is intending to start Kindergarten in 2026 and you have not yet submitted your enrolment paperwork, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible to ensure that a place is secured.
Playground update
Following a routine safety inspection on the playground, it has been determined we must enhance the soft fall underneath the playground structure. The high elements including the monkey bars and spider web have been removed until rectification works can begin. This will happen as quickly as we can arrange it (hopefully in the holidays). We have to undertake remediation works in the sand play area as well but we are yet to determine when this might occur. Thank you for your patience during this time. Safety of our students is paramount.
Toilet refurbishment update
We are delighted to inform you that the toilet refurbishment project has commenced with the demolition of the Year 2 toilets over the weekend. Fit out will commence this week and continue until the end of term. Following the completion of the Year 2 toilets, demolition of the Year 3 toilet spaces will commence in the holidays.
Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Thankyou to all our GS families and supporters for donating to the Vinnies Sleepout. Ending homelessness in our community is a priority for me. To me, supporting the dignity of every person is the reason we are here. So far your donations have helped deliver 13 individual support programs, 34 beds and 140 meals for homeless people in our community. Together we raised over $5000- Thankyou!
A moment of reflection
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a Principals’ Retreat Day at Galong. Together, we reflected on the Council of Jerusalem in 49 AD and explored the spiritual discipline of listening. In our busy lives, true listening is a radical act of humility, one that opens us not only to the voice of the Holy Spirit but also to the humanity of the other. Listening is not about waiting for a chance to reply, but about entering a space where mutual transformation becomes possible. May we all continue to grow as listeners, open to faith, to each other, and to the Spirit moving in our midst.
Stay warm and well.
Kind regards,
Trazel
This past Sunday the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of the Holy Trinity. This special day celebrates one of the biggest mysteries of the Christian faith—the belief in one God as three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It's a reminder of God's love and the unity within Him. Though no one can fully understand how it works, Christians embrace this mystery and see it as the foundation of their faith.
This coming Friday the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast is a celebration of Jesus' deep and boundless love for all people. His heart, often depicted surrounded by flames and a crown of thorns, is a symbol of His compassion and sacrifice. It reminds Catholics that Christ’s love is always present, offering mercy, healing, and strength. Many mark this day with special prayers and acts of devotion, reflecting on how they can share His love with others.
This coming Sunday the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. This feast signifies the honouring of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist—the bread and wine that Catholics believe becomes His body and blood. It's a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and deepen one's connection with Him. Many churches hold processions and special services to show their gratitude and love for this gift.
Let us pray
Loving God, We thank You for the gift of the Holy Trinity, the perfect unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May we reflect Your love in our lives, embracing faith, peace, and harmony. Lord Jesus, present in the Eucharist, we adore You. Strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with Your grace. May we never take for granted the sacrifice You made for our salvation. Sacred Heart of Jesus, overflowing with love and mercy, draw us closer to You. Teach us to trust in Your compassion and to share Your kindness with others. May our hearts be open to Your healing presence. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth and holiness. Inspire us to be living witnesses of God’s love, bringing light and hope to the world. Amen.
Winter Woolies Clothing Drive
When: THIS Friday 20th June OR BEFORE
What: warm/winter clothing is donated (each grade has specific clothing items to donate)
Winter Woolies Dress Up and Gold Coin Donation Day
When: THIS Friday 20th June
What to wear: Students come dressed in their Winter Woolies to promote awareness of and compassion to those doing it tough in our community.
Dress for the weather and wear sensible shoes such as sneakers.
What to do: If you haven’t already, bring in your clothing donation for St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol.
Why: To answer the call to make our world a better place through prayer and action, particularly through supporting the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal to help people break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Mini Vinnies Sleep Out Students 4-6
When: THIS Friday evening 20th June – Saturday morning 21st June
Many students in Years 4, 5 & 6 will be participating in a sleepout in the school hall to raise awareness and money for St Vincent De Paul, with a focus on homelessness.
All students who sign up to participate in the Sleep Out are encouraged to find sponsors for the event to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Appeal for Homelessness.
Cardboard box donations
What to do: Help the students participating in the sleepout by donating and sending in any medium or large cardboard boxes you are willing to give away please.
When: Before 20th June
Why: All our students who are sleeping out need a medium/large cardboard box each for the night.
Thank you.
Second Hand Uniform Shop – extended opening hours
Need to top up with a few more uniform items? Our Second Hand Uniform Shop will be extending their opening hours in Week 10. You can pop in from 8:00am to 10:00am on Wednesday 2 July.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop won’t be operating during the school holidays.
SAVE THE DATE – GSPS Book Fair
We are excited to announce the date for our inaugural Book Fair on Sunday 26 October.
More information will be available in the coming weeks – but if you are doing any winter cleanouts these school holidays, please consider putting aside good condition books and puzzles for donation.
Vinnies CEO Sleepout – congratulations Mrs Scott!
The Community Council sends warm wishes to Mrs Scott in the lead up to her first Vinnies CEO Sleepout this Thursday, and congratulates her on exceeding her donation goal. We look forward to seeing your updates!
Our Term 2 Subway special lunch day is being held on the last day of term – a fun way to finish the first half of the year!
Envelopes to order your child’s lunch will come home on Thursday this week and are due back with cash payment only on Friday 27 June.
Please see below information to assist us in making the day run smoothly:
- one envelope per child. If you have more than one child, do not combine their orders on the same envelope;
- $8.50 correct cash. Change will not be given by the front office. Qkr! payments will not be accepted;
- return order envelope by 3pm on Friday 27th June. Late orders cannot be accepted;
- print student’s full name and class name in pen (no pencil);
- do not add extra cash in the envelope for fillings not listed on the envelope (such as avocado);
- orders will be served at lunch (1:40pm). Please pack regular recess and fruit boost for your child; and
- gluten free options are available. Specify on the order form if your child requires a gluten-free wrap and add $1 extra in the order envelope.
Spare order forms are available at the front office.
Please consult the Subway website for nutritional and allergy information.
We now have a designated lost property basket inside the front door of the administration building, for all lost uniform items. Please check the basket if your child has misplaced any part of their uniform. Uniform items will no longer be stored behind the front desk.
All non-uniform lost items (such as lunch boxes, water bottles, etc.) will still be kept at the front office.
To help us return lost items, please ensure all uniforms and belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
If you have any uniform donations, you are welcome to continue dropping them off at the front office.
Thank you for your support!
The Front Office Team
Please find below, the playground roster and clubs that we offer at Good Shepherd in break times in Term 2. You may wish to chat with your child/ren about what clubs are available to them. Days of clubs are subject to change next term.
the imperfects
We’re all imperfect, and on 'The imperfects' podcast you’ll hear interviews from some of the world’s most interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections. When we’re vulnerable, we can build authentic connections, which helps improve our general happiness, well-being and self esteem.
Remembrance Day craft activity
Parents and carers,
This year for Remembrance Day we will be attempting to make a trail of poppies that will go from the Commemorative garden out the front of the school, into the office and through to the library. This is to focus on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Mrs Pratt, Mrs Aitken and Mrs Ahern are hoping to use the poppies in the flyer below, as well as other poppies our community and students have made.
If you would like to donate plastic bottles and lids for us to use, there will be some boxes in the front office near the library. This may be also a good holiday activity to do as a family. Completed poppies can also be dropped into the front office attention to Mrs Ahern.
St John Paul II College Presents: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Step into a world of pure imagination with this year’s College musical!
Show Dates:
- Opening Night: Thursday, 31 July at 7:00pm
- Evening Show: Friday, 1 August at 7:00pm
- Matinee: Saturday, 2 August at 2:00pm
- Closing Night: Saturday, 2 August at 7:00pm
St John Paul II College Theatre
Bookings can be made at: https://www.trybooking.com/DAXAT
A colourful, family-friendly production perfect for all ages!