20 August 2025

From the Desk of the Acting Principal

Dear Staff and Parents/Carers,

As we arrive at Week Six of the term, it is wonderful to pause and reflect on the many experiences that have drawn our school community together in learning, celebration and faith. Over the past fortnight, our students have had opportunities to shine in academic, cultural, and community events, reminding us of the diverse ways they are growing as learners and leaders.

A particular highlight was the Marian Spelling Bee, where seven of our students proudly represented our school. They showed tremendous courage standing before a large audience and spelling their way through challenging word lists. More than simply testing spelling ability, the competition called on them to demonstrate concentration, composure, and perseverance under pressure. Our students supported one another beautifully, encouraging their peers both before and after they stepped up to the microphone. The pride they took in representing our school community was clear to see and we congratulate them on their fine efforts and admirable sportsmanship.

The other great focus of recent weeks has been our NAIDOC Week celebrations, which filled the school with colour, music, story, and reflection. The week began with a very moving flag-raising ceremony, where students led us in prayer, song, and acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the land. It set a respectful and hopeful tone for the week, reminding us of the importance of listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Throughout the week, each class worked on door displays that interpreted the NAIDOC theme in creative ways. Walking through the corridors was like stepping into a gallery of art and ideas, with each design sparking conversations about identity, culture, and reconciliation.

Students also enjoyed a lively NAIDOC disco, where music and dance brought them together in celebration. The discos combined fun with cultural appreciation, giving children the chance to connect socially while remembering the significance of NAIDOC Week. Another “first” for us was the Parent–Student Movie Night, which proved a great success. Families gathered on campus, sharing food, laughter, and the opportunity to experience a film that lifted up the voices of First Nations peoples. This evening was both relaxed and meaningful, strengthening the bonds between home and school in a way we hope will become a new tradition.

We were especially blessed to welcome Will Mabo from Stykx, who spent time working with our students. Through music, storytelling, and conversation, Will brought culture alive in the classroom. His warmth and generosity allowed students to ask questions, share reflections, and gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal identity and history. The impact of his presence was evident in the thoughtful responses from students who were clearly inspired by what they had learned.

The week culminated in a beautiful NAIDOC liturgy, where Indigenous traditions and our Catholic faith came together in prayer and celebration. This liturgy was a powerful reminder that our community is strengthened when cultures stand side by side, honouring one another in respect, recognition, and love.

I would like to sincerely thank our staff for the creativity and effort that went into planning such a rich and varied program, our families for joining us in celebration and above all, our students for embracing each activity with openness and joy. Their curiosity, respect and enthusiasm were the heart of the week.

As we continue into the second half of the term, may we carry forward the lessons we have shared: to celebrate achievement, honour culture and walk together as one community of faith and learning.

Warm Regards, 
Annette Poulsen
Acting Principal 

apoulsen2@gstsv.catholic.edu.au

From the Desk of the Acting Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning

It has been another wonderful two weeks at Good Shepherd Catholic College in the teaching and learning space. I have managed to now spend time in most classes from Prep to Year 6 and cannot express enough how impressive the learning is that is being undertaken by our students. There is a very high level of engagement and curriculum output from our students which makes for an enriched learning environment leading to happy and successful students. It also makes us teachers very happy!

Literacy Blocks

My focus during classroom visits has been to observe the Literacy Blocks occurring in classrooms from Prep to Year 6. Townsville Catholic Education believes that literacy is a human right that is important for human development and well-being. Literacy, the ability to use written language and other forms of communication to express and comprehend ideas, is fundamental to a student’s ability to engage and learn at school. As students become literate they develop the knowledge and skills to interpret and use language confidently allowing for effective participation in society.

At Good Shepherd Catholic School we structure our literacy blocks to ensure all the elements of literacy are covered. The structure of the literacy block is as follows:

Daily Review

A brief 10 minute session at the start of each lesson to review previously taught vocabulary, sentence-level writing strategies, grammar and punctuation concepts, and aspects of text comprehension. 

Shared Read Aloud

Students engage with high quality texts through shared read aloud, promoting rich discussions and comprehension.

Vocabulary

Explicit teaching of tier 2 words from texts, with ongoing review. Implicit vocabulary words are also introduced during shared reading. These words are also reviewed across the year through a Daily Review allowing students to consolidate their vocabulary knowledge.  

Sentence Level Writing

During sentence-level writing lessons, students learn how to craft increasingly complex, varied and interesting sentence types and structures. Explicit grammar and punctuation instruction is also embedded within sentence level writing lessons.

Understanding, responding to and creating texts

This component focuses on speaking and listening activities to help students share ideas, express thoughts, and make personal connections to texts. It also reinforces concepts from other curriculum areas and provides opportunities for creating texts through speech, drawing, performance, or digital tools.

I have been in awe observing our students engage in these robust and rigorous sessions. It is clear to see the achievements and progress students are making in literacy.

Wishing you all a lovely two weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Nadine Anderson
Acting Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning

nanderson6@gstsv.catholic.edu.au

From the Desk of the Assistant Principal Religious Education

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

A Special Feast Day – Friday 15^th August

The Catholic Church teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, was taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. As a Church we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 each year.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary's life on Earth and her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. This doctrine was defined as dogma by Pope Pius XII on 1st November 1950.

A dogma, in religious terminology, is a principle or set of principles believed to be true. It is therefore a required belief of all Catholics and followers of the Catholic Church. Last Friday our PaL classes joined together to celebrate a special liturgy for this feast.

The Eucharist – Food for the Journey

As Catholic’s, the Eucharist is who we are – each and every day. It’s not just about First Communion, as important as that is. Eucharist is about the weekly celebration of the liturgy for the rest of our lives, and how we live the Eucharist each day of our lives. The Body of Christ serves the Body of Christ to become the Body of Christ. Be what you receive and receive what you are. (Saint Augustine)

But Jesus said, “There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper”. “All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish,” they said. Jesus said, “Bring them here”. Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to those assembled. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed. (Matthew 14: 16 – 21)

When your children attend Mass at school or on the weekend, they see that they gather in Jesus’ name, at his command, to remember his passion, death and resurrection — the Paschal Mystery — and to become one with him when we receive 

Rebecca Kershaw
APRE

rkershaw@gstsv.catholic.edu.au

What's Happening In Year 4

Year 4 students have been busy this term learning how to plan and write an information report. Over the next few weeks students will plan and write an information report for assessment about an animal that can be found in the Coorong in South Australia, where our novel Storm Boy was set. We have also been busy collecting spectacles and making bookmarks for our ‘Acts of Kindness’ during Catholic Education week. Last week was NAIDOC Week celebrations and students worked on the decorations for our ‘Deadly Door’ competition as well as the colouring competition. Students also got creative making our class display for Book Week this week, which will be on display in the library

Sports

Our Jump Rope for Heart fundraising program has been a huge success, with our school raising over $3,000 so far! Students have been enthusiastically practising their skipping skills during PE lessons and at playtime's, building both fitness and fun along the way. We will be celebrating our fundraising achievement at this Friday’s assembly 22nd August, where we will announce our top ten fundraisers and showcase some of the fantastic skipping skills we have learned. A big thank you to our parents and families for your wonderful support in making this event such a success.

Library

NAIDOC WEEK 2025

GSCS put on another deadly week of NAIDOC celebrations.  Thank you Deadly Ladies, Kylie De Daunton, Melisia Ellis, Emma Shaxon and Marita Murray for making this event even more deadlier.

The week began with the beautiful Opening/Flag Raising Ceremony set in the picturesque location on the mound.  The symbolic gesture of our Flags being raised by our parents, grandparents and community members alongside their child/ren was a heartfelt moment to witness.  Thank you Cranston Hill Snr, Brian Simpson and Patricia Hunt for being part of this special moment.

Arika Appleby and Eli Blackman from 4K1G FM107.1 radio station, honoured us in interviewing our Deadly Learners and School Leaders in capturing their voices about what the 2025 NAIDOC Theme meant to them.  For me, it was a "My cup runneth over” moment to hear what our kids had to say.  Loud and Proud!

We undertook learning in the classrooms about cultural identity to strengthen knowledge of reconciliation and legacy. 

Our Deadly Door competition reflected our NAIDOC Week Theme - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.  This year Mrs De Daunton and Mrs MacCarone had the tough gig of judging.  Year 1, you’ve earned the title, the trophy and the Pizza Party. Congratulations!

Discos were a part of our cultural week and our kids turned up to express themselves.  Congratulations Kyle Foxley- Conolly and Isabelle Spreadborough in 2B winning the Deadliest Dancer for P - Year 2.

In the Years 3 - 6 Layla Kinsey 5B and Ned Browne 5A were voted Deadliest Dancers for upper primary. 

For Staff we undertook training in the Library which was led by Krista Hobbs, our First Nations Education Advisor - Yellow Team, supported by our Deadly Ladies who welcomed colleagues to a Deadly Learners Yarning Circle experience that reflected Dr Miriam Rose’s cultural framework ‘Dadirri’.  We took the time to contemplate, connect, to ourselves and to each other.

Thursday was an epic occasion for our whole school community.  William Mabo from Stykx provided three fun, cultural and energetic sessions learning and hearing about the sultry, hypnotic sounds of the didgeridoo and dancing like a kangaroo for our lower primary, and kicking it like Baker Boy for our upper primary through the dance Meditjin.  We came away inspired by William and we can’t wait to have him visit us again. 

And our Thursday just got better for our Family Movie Night to watch  “Windcatcher” starring Jessica Mauboy.  We were so blown away by how many families who joined us for this deadly occasion.  Picnic rugs, blankets, pillows and an abundance of food filled the air.

Huge shout out to Coffees N Shakes for the much needed caffeine hits for us adults, and to Shellz Shaved Ice for the delicious sweet treats.  We’re already planning our next Family Movie Night.

On Friday was our NAIDOC Week Liturgy/Closing Ceremony that started with our special guest, Brenton Creed from Wulgurukaba Walkabouts.  This occasion saw our Deadly Learners lead and shine bright through the words of the Lord. 

Our Deadly Learners performed “I Am Me” to express how deadly we really are as individuals and as a school community.

The First Nations Team couldn’t be more proud of how you, our school community embraced and celebrated NAIDOC Week.  It’s a true reflection of how welcoming we are of all diversities.

Thank you Good Shepherd Catholic School, Staff, Students, Parents, Carers, Families and our wider community. 

The First Nations Team

Kylie De Daunton, Melisia Ellis, Emma Shaxson, Marita Murray and Marissa Priestley

Story Dogs

A Message from our Finance Secretary

School Fees Reminder and A Heartfelt Thank You

We would like to remind all our families that school fees were due on 15th August. We sincerely thank everyone who has already made their full or part payments. Your timely contributions are vital in helping us provide the best learning environment for our students.

For those who are still in the process of making payments or need to discuss their fees, please know that my door is always open. We understand that circumstances vary, and we are here to work with you to find the best solutions. Never hesitate to reach out - together, we can ensure your child’s education continues smoothly.

As a school family, we are reminded that we are part of God’s flock, cared for and guided with love and compassion. Just as a shepherd looks after each sheep, we are committed to supporting each family in our community with kindness and understanding.

Thank you for being a valued part of our school family. May God bless you all.

Danielle Jacobson
Finance Secretary

djaqcobson1@gstsv.catholic.edu.au

Breakfast Club and Running Club

The Good Shepherd Way

Term 3, Week 6

This week our Good Shepherd Way Gospel in Action value is Justice where I make right choices.

Our Justice prayer is below:

Term 3, Week 7

The Good Shepherd Way Gospel in Action for Week 7 will be Love where I share my good heart with others.

Our Love prayer is below:

The GSCS Way

The GSCS Way is our positive behaviour support program here at Good Shepherd Catholic School.

All in our community are encouraged to:

• Give My Best
• Show Respect
• Compassion and Care
• Safe Responsible and Fair

Each week we focus on a different area of our matrix.

This week we are focusing on: In the library. 

In Term 3, Week 7 we are focusing on: In the toilets. 

Enrol for 2026

Tuckshop

Dates to Remember

School Notice Board

Teacher Contacts

The Parent Portal allows you to:

View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
View up to date attendance information for your child
Enter details of upcoming absences or explain past absences or late arrivals for your son or daughter
Access your child’s Semester reports
Make bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews
View a news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates
Provide consent for school events/excursions
Communicate by email with your child’s teachers
Update your contact details (email and mobile phone number).

The parent portal is a web-based system that can be accessed by clicking this link:

Community News