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Dear parents and carers,
Last week I talked about the importance of wearing the correct uniform and how this supports the dignity of every person. This week, I want to talk about equity, another of our Catholic Social Teachings. Curriculum materials, classroom routines and our school rules and expectations are designed to support equity for all students.
Every teaching minute matters at Good Shepherd. Staff continue to refine their classroom routines and practices to maximise equity across the curriculum. Staff are identifying, and most importantly, minimising distractions in the classroom to maximise learning time.
Preparation of knowledge-rich curriculum materials and delivering those materials through High Impact Instructional Practices ensures every child experiences the best possible, equitable learning environment.
Coming late to school interrupts this careful balance. Entering the classroom late distracts others, stops learning, and does not help staff maintain these carefully constructed routines.
I came across this useful information about the importance of attendance and understanding cumulative time missed from school. I know that parents are doing their best to get children to school on time. This graphic might help you to work with your kids to help them realise that home routines are just as important as school routines, and that following good morning routines ensures that minutes matter when they get to school.
We are here to help you. Reach out to your child’s classroom teacher if you need assistance with attendance.
Good wishes
Trazel
Last week Year 5 students and teachers reminded us of the need for, and importance of, each of us going out and making a difference in the lives of others through our own loving acts of charity.
During Mass on the weekend we were similarly reminded:
It is important to take part in the Mass and worship the Lord. But Jesus also calls us to act on our faith. We can carry out acts of charity by:
- bringing groceries to church for the food pantry
- putting our own money in the collection basket for people left homeless by disasters, and wars
- keeping our eyes open for people in need all around us
- asking ourselves questions like: Is there someone who seems lonely at school? Does a friend need someone to listen to them?
In all these ways, we show our love for God and each other. (www.gpbs.com.au)
On Friday last week we were visited by Simon Carroll from Global School Partners because as a school community, we financially support a primary school in Kenya: St Pius Prepartory. Simon’s visit and presentation prompted us to focus on one profound way we as a school community help make a remarkable difference to the lives of these students and their families. Through our annual fundraising we have contributed significantly towards ensuring the human dignity of the students at St Pius and their families by enabling essential resources to be provided, and essential basic human rights and needs to be met.
| Kindergarten | KD - Marcus P | KH - Gabriel F | KT - Billy K | KTC - Ronit H |
| Year 1 | 1D - Bahir S | 1L - Alexander L | 1M - Mach K | 1R - Grace C |
| Year 2 | 2B - Chimbu I | 2C - Tehan E | 2E - Sebastian J | 2FO - Gursidak K |
| Year 3 | 3Ca - Liam P | 3Ch - Ryan C | 3T - Aarna P | 3W - Kristiano J |
| Year 4 | 4BP - Dominic C |
4I - James B |
4R - Joey B W | 4T - Thomas S |
| Year 5 | 5DJ - Cooper C | 5G - Remy B | 5Sc - Jacob T | 5Sm - Kudior K |
| Year 6 | 6G - Caitlyn H | 6K - Brayden J | 6Sb - Antony M-C | 6Sm - Sophia B |
Ribbons for the ACT 12 years and under Track & Field Championships will be handed out at Friday (20/9) morning's assembly.
Taekwondo is an effective and fun martial art that can build children’s confidence, coordination and respect for people and possessions. The children who participate in the Good Shepherd Primary Taekwondo Lunch Club will practice effective and practical self defence skills, and gain strength, flexibility and socialisation skills. They will do partner empathy exercises and even experience basic meditation in a safe and friendly environment. They can also work their way towards getting their junior black belt after a few years of practice!
We are offering these classes for students in years 4 to 6.
Please read the attached flyer for further information.
Earlier this month, our school hosted the term meeting for all the DSMs in Canberra. It was lovely to be able to share our new school hall and treat some of them to a tour of the school and the new Commemorative Garden.
