In our Catholic Calendar we are in the season of Lent. This started on Ash Wednesday and culminates at Easter. Once upon a time this meant giving up things. We were told that we had to give up something we really liked, which was generally sweets,  and we could only eat fish on Fridays. But what is Lent really about?

A wise man, a former Principal of mine, found this prayer from Pope Francis and shared it with me. It summarises what Lent should be about. This prayer has something for all of us, Catholic or not. 

Lent is a time to reflect on ourselves and how we might be better human beings. I encourage you to read Pope Francis’s prayer and share it with the children in your care. We can all be a little better and therefore make the world a lot better.

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worry and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words; be silent and listen.

Pope Francis

Good Shepherd recently conducted surveys via Emails, to gauge the effectiveness of this communication method within our school community. It appears that only a minority of parents utilise newsletters for communication, expressing a preference for emails, Compass, or Facebook for receiving information.

Consequently, this will be the final newsletter distributed. However, we remain open to reconsidering this decision in the future should there be a perceived need for its reinstatement. Our primary objective is to enhance communication methods for parents/caregivers.

Moving forward, information will be distributed through Compass, with dates accessible on our school calendar webpage. Emails will be utilised when necessary, and our Facebook page will be more actively updated in response to survey feedback. Additionally, we will continue to share a "What’s On" bulletin every Sunday on both Compass and Facebook, outlining events for the upcoming week to assist you in staying informed.

Drafting at GSCC

Assessments are an extension of the work completed in class, and allows students to demonstrate their application of the skills and knowledge they have acquired this term.  

Drafting is a very important part of the assessment process. When students submit drafts to their teachers for feedback and guidance, the submission should be the student’s best possible response to the task.  This way the teacher can provide the best possible feedback to the student.

Students are reminded to be organised to enable them to complete full drafts by the required date. Teacher feedback on drafts will vary from task to task and is generally subject-specific, thus meaning that how a teacher drafts in English will be different to how another teacher drafts in Maths. 

Sometimes assessments will see students respond in class under exam conditions, whereas for other tasks the assignment might be a ‘take home’. 

Year 7-10 students who are unable to submit assessments on time and have a valid reason for requiring a revised assessment date, should collect an extension form from the office, and complete and return the form to their teacher with any supporting documentation at least 3 days before the assessment is due.

In Senior School, planned student absences during assessment time require QCAA approval, and must be accompanied with supporting documentation.  

Drafting at Good Shepherd is a compulsory process that all students are expected to take part in. If students are struggling or finding the drafting process challenging I encourage them to make contact with their classroom teacher as soon as possible.

Compass Parent Portal

As we make the shift away from a traditional newsletter, it is important that all families are able to access Compass. I will be creating News Items for all important information, which will remain pinned to your Compass News Feed while relevant.

Term 1 - Interim Report Cards

As we approach the busy ‘assessment period’ in Term 1, our dedicated teachers have been assessing and evaluating students' performance, highlighting successes and offering constructive feedback. 

At the end of the term, Interim Report Cards will be published to Compass and we encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about their interim report, acknowledging accomplishments and discussing strategies for improvement.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your childs’ academic outcomes. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your child's teachers or our school office.

Term 2 - Parent | Teacher | Student Interview Bookings

We believe successful education is achieved through a three-way partnership between parents, students and teachers. Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews provide opportunities for teachers to discuss a child’s progress and behaviour and allow parents and students to discuss their academic achievements. I encourage all parents/carers to attend. I would also strongly encourage your child to accompany you to the interview as this results in a consistent message being communicated to all parties.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will take place in the Lumen Christi Centre on Tuesday, 23rd April (Week 2, Term 2) from 3.30pm - 7.00pm. The interview schedule consists of 10-minute time slots. Compass Conferences will be open to Parents/Carers on Wednesday 27 March and will close at midday on Friday, 19th of April. After bookings close, you will only be able to view your bookings.

Should you need to make any last minute cancellations or changes, you will need to contact the College Office on 4749 9400.

If you use your phone to make your interview bookings, please ensure that you are using the latest version of the Compass App. (You may need to update the Compass App on your phone if you haven't done this recently.) It is also important that you close the App and re-open it prior to doing your bookings or going to the App to change a booking. This ensures that any changes that we make to the settings or schedule for Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews transfer through to your phone.

Road to NAPLAN

This year, Year 7 & 9 students will be sitting their NAPLAN tests on Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 March. Please see below the 'Road to NAPLAN' document, along with the 2024 Test Schedule for your information. All students require a fully charged laptop, wired headphones and a pen/pencil for NAPLAN tests. The tests will take place in the Lumen Christi Centre.

If students are absent for NAPLAN, there will be a catch up day on Monday 25 March (Week 10).

If you have questions or concerns about your child's participation in NAPLAN, please contact the College Office as soon as possible on 4749 9400.

Year 11 & 12 Exam Block

Year 11 & 12 Exam Block will take place next Week from Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 March. Students will sit their exams in the Lumen Christi Centre and study will take place in the library.

All students should be studying/completing assessment at home, studying quietly in the Study Room (Library) or completing an exam during exam block. Please see the exam schedule below.

Positive behaviour at GSCC: 

So far we have already seen amazing things from our students at GSCC, there are a number of students who have achieved 10+ praise notes already. These behaviours include our students representing the College with pride and showing our 4Bs: Be Responsible, Be our Best, Be Safe, and Being Christ Light. Please see the data graph below to view the sum of positive behaviours amongst our houses at GSCC: 

School TV: 

Over the last two years we have been using this amazing tool to help get topical messages across to our students and families. As we end our Newsletter at GSCC, I would like to promote this further through our facebook page. We will continue to deliver quality content related to the issues that we are experiencing day to day. 

This week we will be looking at your child's wellbeing, as parents there is a quick quiz to take to reflect on the behaviours that your child is showing and gives you an opportunity to contribute to studies around the wellbeing of students across Australia. 

Please see the link below to the SchoolTV Wellbeing Barometer: https://goodshepherd.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing-barometer-2024-secondary

Jangawala Dates for Semester 1

Thank you for your continued support of our greater Good Shepherd community. The following are the dates we are rostered on for Jangawala from March through to June. You will note that the last two dates are consecutive weekends; the only other free weekend in June was during the school holidays.

• T1, Wk 8, Sunday 10 March
• T2, Wk 1, Sunday 14 April
• T2, Wk 7, Sunday 26 May
• T2, Wk 8, Sunday 2 June

Project Compassion

As with previous year’s homerooms, we will be fundraising for Projection Compassion. This year, we will be holding a Caritas Market stall on Wednesday 20 March. As part of Project Compassion, each week, we will engage with stories of people who have been assisted by the funds raised during Project Compassion. Week 3’s story focuses on Leaia; you can watch a short video about Leaia’s Project Compassion journey.

Harmony Day

On our Caritas Market Stall day, Wednesday, 20 March, we will also be celebrating Harmony Day. Students are encouraged to wear orange shirts as a sign of solidarity with each other. There will be a gold coin donation, and funds raised from the donations will go towards Project Compassion.

Lenten reflection - Third Sunday of Lent

A reminder that the tuckshop will not be selling any meat products on Fridays as is traditional during the time of Lent.

Last Friday, Year 7 shared their retreat day together at the Good Shepherd Community Parish and Splashez Aquatic Centre. It provided a unique opportunity for them to step away from their regular routines and immerse themselves in a day of reflection, bonding, and growth.

The focus of the retreat was building relationships and the work of The Good Shepherd. Our Year 7 students engaged in activities expressing gratitude and thanks to those around them and in our community. Students explored what it means to be part of a supportive community, just as the Good Shepherd watches over and tends to the flock. They reflected on how they can extend kindness, empathy, and understanding to one another, creating a safe and nurturing environment.

The Year 7 retreat wasn’t just about fun activities; it was about forming bonds that would carry them through challenges, celebrations, and everything in between. Our hope is that these relationships will continue to flourish, guided by the principles of the Good Shepherd.

Thank you to our Homeroom Teachers and School Office Staff for assisting and facilitating the delivery of this day. We sincerely appreciate the effort you continually go to to provide our students opportunities to grow and learn beyond the walls of the classroom.

As we have passed the halfway mark of the term, it’s a delight to see all the activity within the vibrant artistic community. Last Friday’s Paint & Sip Night was a resounding success, congratulations to Jane Edmiston for organising, arranging and planning this event. A special thank you also to Robyn Guest and other staff members who offered their support.

All the proceeds from the Paint & Sip Night have gone towards the funding for the upcoming Year 12 Visual Art trip to Sydney. The eager and keen students led by Ms Edmiston will be departing next Tuesday, 5th of March. Would like to take this opportunity to also thank the Buffs Club, P&F Association and NSW Gallery for their kind donations. I am sure that the experience for the students will offer exciting opportunities for them to explore and gain artistic inspiration.

In other exciting news, instrumental lessons and rehearsals have commenced for a variety of ensembles including Concert Band, Senior Band, Vocal Ensemble, Junior Rock Band, Senior Rock Band and the String Ensemble. It’s a great sight to see students immersed in the creative process of music making.

As always, if you have any questions or inquiries regarding the arts program and events, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

School Based Apprenticeship

Congratulations to our Year 10 student Ryder Corrigan who has commenced a schoobased apprenticeship with Downright Capentry. Ryder will work towards a Certificate III in Carpentry. Well done Ryder!

A big congratulations to Hayley on achieving the Certificate III in Education Support! Hayley will go onto complete the next part of her Scholarship which is to complete two university Education subjects online. This will give her direct entry into an Education degree. All the very best Hayley!

TAFE

Last week saw 12 of our Year 11 & 12 students commence their TAFE courses.  

 We recieved such great feedback from their teachers and the students thoroughly enjoyed their week. During the year they will undertake up to 6 weekly blocks learning new skills and working toward a formal qualification in their area of interest.  The courses include automotive, health, engineering (diesel fitting), electrical and cosmetics. Here are some pics:

 WORK EXPERIENCE 

In January, before the start of Term 1, Riley Webber had the opportunity to attend a work experience placement at the James Cook University in Townsville with their Marine Biology Team. Riley participated in a range of activities from small experiments over a broad range of topics, field work, observation and hands on tasks. 

Heres what Riley had to say - 

“The best things about this work experience was working with all the animals and being able to dig deeper behind the scenes. Such friendly staff and so helpful!”

Arili Thina Morning Cafe 

Arili Thina Cafe is open every Wednesday Morning from 7.30am - 9.00am, the cafe is located behind the LCC next to the Hospitality Kitchen.

Offering a range of espresso Coffees and cold drinks; milkshakes, frappes, Iced Coffee. There is also a selection of food: Ham and Cheese Croissants, Bacon and egg toasties and Granola Fruit Cups, this may change weekly.

Our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality Students run this Cafe to achieve their competencies towards their Certificate ll in Hospitality and also fundraise for Hospitality camp.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Students are welcome to Cafe if accompanied by a parent or adult.

We encourage everyone to dine in.

We look forward to seeing you at the Arili Thina Cafe.

Cheers Mrs Cole and senior Hospitality Students