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Good Shepherd Grapevine – 18 February 2021

Upcoming Events

 

A Prayer for When You are Battle Weary
By Bobbie Schaeperkoetter

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. – 2 Chronicles 20:17

Do you feel the tension that seems to permeate the air of this world lately? Things just feel heavy. Hearts are hurting. People are discouraged and dissatisfied. It seems as if this whole world is worn down from struggles and it would be so very easy to just give in to the pull of weariness and discontent.

In the middle of the strife and struggles, we can start to feel overwhelmed, worn, and just plain weary. When these feelings come, and they linger far past their welcome, what can we do to keep our heads up? How do we remain hopeful when things just seem so difficult?

Maybe a good place to start is to look at someone else who was weary in the battle and see how they overcame it. In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat is facing a multitude that has come against him. He’s going to have to fight his enemies. However, when he seeks God’s battle plan, he sees that it is a little different than the one he might have been considering.

Maybe like Jehoshaphat, God’s plan to overcome our battles looks a little different than ours.

Battle weary friend, we do not need to be overcome by the strife and the difficulties that surround us. Let’s give up our battle plan with all of the fear, worry, discouragement, wobbliness, and struggling that it brings and follow God’s plan instead. We can embrace the peace, hope, and assurance He offers. After all, His record for victory is pretty solid.

Lord, I admit, I am weary. Life is going a million miles an hour and I am just trying to hang on. I am tired and I am afraid when I look to the future and think about all that is coming. Lord, I know You want me to trust You through this. I know You want me to surrender this weariness to You. I surrender now. Fill me with Your strength. Fill me with Your presence. Help me find moments today of rest and rejuvenation. Thank You that You never abandon us in the midst of the battle. Thank you for your everlasting faithfulness.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Submitted by Abby Beames
1/2 Class Teacher

Prayer Corner

This fortnight, staff and students pray for:

FAMILIES 

  • BARRY:  Renee, Trent, Rylan, Bridie & Oliver
  • BAWDEN:  Bec, Thomas, Shailah, Ruby, Alex & Abigail
  • BOYD: Serena, Darren, Zachary, Sienna & Isla
  • BRANDON: Deborah, Joel, Jesse & Jadon

STAFF 

  • Jodie Hampton – Arts Teacher
  • Edith Unger – Volunteer
  • Linda Fiebiger – LSO
  • Sonya Abdelmalek – LSO

Birthdays

February

2   Asia Kuchar
5   Cooper Jachmann
10  Elsa Penna
14  Alexander Johnson
18 William McCarthy
21 Kevin Zheng
23  Archie McGorman
26  Max Gaston
26  Tillie Waechter

Baptisms

January

15   Sophie Doering
15   Rachel Doering

February

1    John Lewis

 

OUR PRAYERS

  • This week we pray for our newly appointed school captains and house captains as they take on leadership roles in our school.  May each of them be blessed with the encouragement and support they require to successfully fulfil their new roles.


Principal’s News

Dear Parents,

It was great to catch up with so many of you at Aloha night last Friday. This is a real highlight for so many families and a wonderful way to start the new school year. The weather was kind, the food was good and the slide was wide enough! I would like to acknowledge and thank the Staff, P and F and School Board as all three ‘arms’ of the school had a role in delivering this special event. If you weren’t able to make it keep your eyes and ears open as we want to hold a number of school events to keep the heart of our precious school family beating strongly. If 2020 has taught us anything it has reminded us to not take these occasions for gathering together for granted and to make the most of every opportunity.

And speaking of 2020……. Unfortunately, COVID – 19 did not magically disappear on the stroke of midnight New Years Eve. We are still under certain restrictions, but many of the events that we couldn’t do last year we can do this year. You will have seen that we have QR codes posted at all the entrances to the school. Please check in with these (or enter your details on the written form) every day upon entering the school. This applies to ALL adults entering the school: parents, staff and volunteers. Adults must maintain the physical distancing requirements of 2 sq m per adult. We are holding weekly assemblies and chapels in the Hub and parents are welcome to attend. Intrastate camps and excursions are fine. This year we are going to Monarto and Hindmarsh Island. We have planned the GSLS Sports Day for the 26th of March and our children can attend interschool sporting events and competitions. Swimming lessons in week 6 will go ahead but we have been asked to restrict parental involvement. PD on school grounds is permitted and we can continue with our Building Blocks playgroup. Schools that have organised trips to Canberra have been advised to book direct flights (our flights for our Canberra trip in October are direct). Most importantly, physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning and disinfection of the environment and staying home if unwell remain the key strategies for preventing infection.

Next Wednesday the middle and senior classes will hear a presentation on refugees lead by Celia Fielke of Australian Lutheran World Service. This will lead into a launch and promotion of the ‘Walk my way’ event being held in the Barossa on Saturday May 1st. Julie Krause, also from Australian Lutheran World Service, will be guest speaker at Chapel on Friday and will talk to the school community about how the money is used. Walk my way is a voluntary event to raise money for refugee children. Our offering money over this semester will go towards this cause. If you or your family would like to be involved there will be further information following the presentations.

 Also next Wednesday we will hold our first Vintage Festival Float committee meeting at school at 11.00 a.m.  Anyone can be involved in this, in fact the more the merrier. Come along with your creative ideas. The Doecke family have kindly provided the transport for our entry in the parade, we just have to ‘dress her up’ so that she looks amazing in the parade!

Blessings,

Anne Marschall
Principal 

IB PYP Learner Profile Awards

 

Week 3 – Monday 8 February 2021
FDN Kratos Briones Thinker Kratos is such a thinker!  In his first week of school, he led many discussions and always has something relevant and interesting to say.  Kratos has been a leader in Foundation by sharing his understandings in a knowledgeable and friendly way.
1/2 Ellie John Caring Ellie has been showing love and care to all students during class and play. She is approachable and always tries her very best to make sure everybody feels happy and included.
2/3 Kevin Zheng Risk-Taker Kevin has had a wonderful start to the year. He has tried his very best in every activity completed in class. It is great to hear the excitement and see the smile on his face as he participates.
4/5 Aimee Gripton Risk-Taker Aimee has been a risk-taker during this week with numeracy lessons. She displayed this by solving unfamiliar and challenging addition questions with enthusiasm.
6/7

Georgia Leggett

 

 

Ben Schultz

Communicator

 

 

Principled/Balanced

Georgia has displayed fantastic leadership and communication skills this year with her work throughout the STEM challenges.  She has been successful in leading her groups through tough times with her great problem-solving abilities.

Ben challenged himself to complete the long run during PE last week despite it being his least favourite event.  He finished his laps strongly, with gusto and enthusiasm. 

 

 

Week 4 – Monday 15 February 2021
FDN Sophie Scholz Caring Sophie is an extremely caring member of the Foundation class. She always looks to be helpful to her friends and thrives on making sure that everyone is included. Sophie has an infectious smile. She brings her great big heart full of happiness and joy openly to Foundation every day.
1/2 Jobe Rathjen

Risk-Taker

 

Principled/Caring

 

Jobe is growing in his confidence each day as he tries new things, makes new friends and tries his best. Others are encouraged by his positive attitude and self-belief.

Jobe went out of his way to help Mrs Grieger after school, offering to carry and pack away heavy long jump equipment. Jobe also showed great enthusiasm towards her PE lesson that day.
2/3 Felix Maddern Risk-Taker Felix showed great commitment and was very brave as he practiced a speaking part and delivered it in front of the school as part of Chapel on Friday.  
4/5

Sarah Cameron

 

Priya Rathjen

 

Balanced

 

Principled/Caring

Sarah is a balanced student. She demonstrates this by making the best choices for her wellbeing throughout the school day.

Priya went out of her way to help Mrs Grieger after school, offering to carry and pack away heavy long jump equipment. Priya also showed great enthusiasm towards her PE lesson that day.
6/7 Senspri Qualter Knowledgeable Senspri has displayed great knowledge this term with her work on her maths and completing increasingly difficult multiplication problems without teacher support. She was very proud of her efforts and working out the problems herself.

 

Classroom Snapshot – Mr Dan Hausler 2/3 Class

The Year 2/3 classroom theme is “Mr H and the Year 2/3 Superheroes”. This theme ties in with our “Who we are” unit of inquiry which has the central idea “Characteristics of heroes in various cultures throughout history help define individual beliefs.”

To begin the year we got to know each other and began our journey into becoming a super-team by playing some team games like musical hoops, building huts in EDEN together that had to be wind and water proof and building spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

The next task was for students to set their superhero goals.
Heidi wants to improve the neatness of her writing. To help her do this she will practice and listen to the teacher’s advice.
Harry wants to improve his reading. To help him do this he will practice every night and keep on trying.
Sam wants to improve his reading. To help him do this he will work hard and try his best for Mr H.
Kevin wants to make more friends. To help him do this he wants to talk to people, include others and be kind to others.

Students looked at our central idea with students of the Year 1/2 class. They found that the current central idea had words in it that were a bit difficult to understand. In small groups they were given one of the central idea key words to look at and try to define. Once they had done this they were able to reword the central idea to help them make sense of it. They changed it to “Special features of brave people in many places throughout the past help explain people’s own true values.”

We have begun tuning into our Who we are unit by watching The Incredibles.  Afterwards, students considered the characteristics that some of the characters had which made them a hero.
Amelia said Jack-Jack is a hero because he is a shapeshifter. He made the bad guy fall.
Sienna said Dash is so fast so he can get to emergencies faster.
Charli said Mirage was a hero because she saved Mr Incredible from dying.
Alex said Dash was a hero because he can run on water to save the day.
Asia said Violet was a hero because she could make a forcefield and she can turn invisible.
Tate said Edna Mole was a hero because she gave the superheroes cool suits and helped hide their identity.
Sean said Mr Incredible was a hero because he reflected on his last battle with the robots which helped him remember how to defeat it again.

We are currently surveying our family members to learn what characteristics they think a hero has and who their heroes are. We can’t wait to share their responses later in the week!

Library News

 It is that time of year again when we start thinking about the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) for 2021!

Foundation class do not need to worry about completing the challenge at home, we will complete it with students during class and library time.

Year 1-7 have to read 12 books; 8 from the PRC list and 4 free choice. The PRC books have stickers on them marked with the appropriate year level but don’t hesitate to ask if you are needing help finding suitable books.

Each student has been given a PRC Readers Record sheet and teachers have decided how best to keep these sheets so that they can be filled in regularly. Oftentimes these sheets will come home to be filled in as children will borrow PRC books during borrowing time.

I am encouraging students to complete this in term 1, which roughly equals 1.09 books a week. The first 20 students to complete the challenge will receive a pick from my library prize box and the first class to completely finish will receive house points for their house!

Medals and certificates will be presented in Term 4.

Many thanks and happy reading!

Rachel John
Library and Resources Coordinator

Library Times for 2021

FDN – Wednesday after recess
1/2 – Wednesday after lunch
2/3 – Tuesday before lunch
4/5 – Tuesday before recess
6/7 – Tuesday before recess (after 4/5 class)

Readers

Previously, lost or unreturned readers have not incurred a cost. After some discussion at the end of last year it was decided that now lost/unreturned readers will incur a cost of $8.00 as it costs us at least this much to replace these items. Overdue notices from books still not returned from 2020 will be coming home soon. A big thank you to those families who have spoken to me and/or returned books that they found over the holidays.

P&F News

Aloha Evening

Thank you to all who came along to the Aloha evening. It was a wonderful night full of laughter, games and food. Thank you to all the people who were involved organising and running the evening.

Pizza and Planning Evening

The P&F’s major planning meeting for 2021 was held on Monday. It was great to see so many faces. We took the opportunity to ‘test out’ the new deck, enjoying some pizza, wine and planning on it. We have created a year full of variety with our upcoming events and fundraising ideas. Watch this space!

Angaston Show (27/02/2021)

Thank you so much to the families that have already put their hand up to help with manning two of the entrance gates at the Angaston Show. We still require at least 12 more volunteers. Please contact the Front Office as soon as possible if you are able to spare some time on Saturday 27/2/2021, it would be greatly appreciated.

School Captains and House Captains 2021

At Monday’s assembly our school captains and house captains were presented with their official name badges. We wish them every blessing as they work together in leadership this year.

   Year 7 School Captains:  Erin Heinrich and Jaslyn Grundel
   Year 6 School Captains:  Tiara Schultz and Olivia Emmett
 

 

  Angas House Captains:  Georgia Leggett and Jadon Brandon
  Fife House Captains:  Ella Randall and Calum Klose
  George House Captains:  Tom Noack and Luke Scanlon

 

Everyday Reminders

Absentees

It is important that the school is notified by 9.00am each day if your child is absent.  Please ensure that a reason is included with your notification.  You are able to advise us of absentees by phoning and leaving a message prior to 8.30am or email gsls@goodshepherd.sa.edu.au.  Please note that we plan to discontinue the use of the Skoolbag App.  Please understand that the Front Office is unable to access SeeSaw notifications sent directly to class teachers.  We also ask that parents keep children home if they are unwell.

Drink Bottles

With the weather warming up it is really important that all students bring sufficient water into school to keep them well hydrated.  Bottles can be refilled at the water fountains during the day.

Hats

All students are required to bring a hat to school.  Our school supports the SunSmart actions of Slip, Slop, Seek and Slide wherever possible and follow the guidelines below to ensure all students are protected from over-exposure to UV radiation:

– Children not wearing an appropriate hat will be sat out of play in the shade.
– Parents are encouraged to supply sunscreen for their children, although there will be bulk sunscreen packs available at school.
– The application of sunscreen will be encouraged before going out for recess/lunch or any outdoor activity between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Anyone wanting to access daily UV levels can access via the free SunSmart app.

Car Park Safety and Speed Zones

We remind everyone that the safety of our students is paramount.  Please ensure you are aware of the speed limits in and around the school and always encourage your children to use the footpaths in the school car park.

Chaplain’s News

Dear Good Shepherd Community, 

Hope everyone is going well.

This week’s article from Parenting Place tells us ‘Seven ways to be a positive influence on children and young people’.

Parents and teachers influence children most during their first twelve years of life. When they are teens, we have less influence, as they become increasingly independent and look to their peers for guidance and approval.

Hope you enjoy the read!

Also…its ‘Random Acts of Kindness Week‘. 

Celebrated on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Week, has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, and organisations, nationwide, to encourage acts of kindness. It is a favourite day to many, as people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness. So…why don’t you do a random act of kindness to somebody this week, it could make their day.

Have a fabulous week.

Fiona Lloyde
Chaplain

Seven ways to be a positive influence on children and young people

by Dr Justin Coulson

 

Parents and teachers influence children most during their first twelve years of life. We have less influence over teens as they become increasingly independent and look to their peers for guidance and approval.

The following strategies will help ensure that you have a positive influence on children at any age.

1. Be available

Nothing says “You matter” more than a busy parent giving a child undivided attention. Research has established that children whose parents are emotionally present for their kids have better social, academic, and wellbeing outcomes than those whose parents aren’t available.

2. Be warm

Sometimes we can forget that our children are people too – particularly when they’re irritable, tired and obnoxious. By responding to kids warmly (even when you don’t feel like it), you show that you value them as people. A gentle touch, a smile, or soft words bring warmth to a relationship, and increase the likelihood that you’ll be listened to and be a positive influence on their lives.

3. Listen, but don’t fix

Parents can fix sore knees, broken hearts, messy friendships, and even some difficult homework projects. But kids generally don’t need adults to fix them. They just want us to ‘get’ what they’re going through. When you see the world through their eyes, you are more understanding – and more likely to be listened to when they need us.

4. Set limits

Nothing says “I love you” more than a firm and clear “No!” from mum or dad.

“No, you can’t say that to your sister. How can you make things right?”

“No, it’s not ok for you to stay out until midnight. You’re 14.”

“No, I don’t feel right about you having your smartphone/tablet/laptop in your bedroom. Ever!”

Children and young people will often argue with you, but setting limits means that you are having a positive influence on your children. The trick is to not become too authoritarian or you’ll simply drive unwanted behaviour underground.

5. Play

Playing games and laughing together binds us close to our kids. Through play you build a relationship of trust with that facilitates our ongoing positive influence.

6. Be grateful

Grateful people are happier, healthier, have better relationships, sleep better, have more income, are less materialistic, achieve better academic outcomes and are more energetic. By being grateful you’ll be a positive influence in the lives of your children. Say thanks often – and mean it.

7. Love them and show it every day

We’re always correcting our kids or telling them what to do. Pick this up, put that away, get off the computer, pack your bag, tidy up your room, and so on… and that’s before 7.30 in the morning! Our ratio of negative to positive statements can often be the wrong way round. So find opportunities to tell your kids such things as:

  • “You really make a positive difference around here.”
  • “I am amazed at the exceptional effort you make at…”
  • “I love you – no matter what.”

Your time with kids is short. By setting a positive example, you can be a positive and lasting influence in your children’s lives.

Dr Justin Coulson helps families be happier. His Goalcast and TEDx positive parenting videos have been viewed by more than 100 million people. He is the author of 6 books about creating flourishing families and raising resilient children. Justin and his wife, Kylie, are the parents of 6 daughters. Find the Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For further details visit www.happyfamilies.com.au

Finance and Administration News

School Fees Term 1 2021

School account statements were emailed to our families on Wednesday this week.  Please contact our Finance Officer, Sarah Loveday if you did not receive a statement.  Payment of school fees for Term 1 are due by Friday 26th February 2021. Please contact Sarah if you would like to discuss payment arrangements.

Uniform Shop

Our Uniform Shop Coordinator, Virginia will be available each Monday afternoon from 3.15pm – 3.45pm during the school term for any uniform purchases. Please contact Virginia directly if you have any uniform queries on 0407 716 350.

Notice of Withdrawal

We remind families that we require one term’s notice in writing of your intention to withdraw a student to avoid being charged an additional term’s fees.

School Card Scheme 2021

Did you know that limits for the school card have now been increased. So you may now be eligible if you have not been in the past.  Applications for the School Card Scheme are available online.  To check if you are eligible click on the following link or contact Sarah Loveday for further information.  https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

Office Hours:  8.30am – 4.00pm

Please avoid phoning between 8.15 – 8.30am as staff are debriefing and in devotion. A phone call prior to 8.30am however will be taken by the answering machine for you to leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible if required.

Student Absence

Parents are requested to call the office by 9.30am if your child is absent. An answering machine is available to leave a message after hours. Skoolbag App also has an absentee note you can send which is received as an email to school.

Late Arrivals / Early Departures

If your child is late for school or they depart early for appointments etc parents/carers must sign them in at the front office in the Student Sign In/Out Register.

School Banking

LLL Banking—Lutheran Laypeople’s League. Passbooks to Administration on Monday morning for processing during the week. Application forms for opening an LLL account are available from the front office.

Student Accident Cover

Children are covered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year but only in respect to any injuries that happen:

  • While the student is engaged in school activities and school-related extra-curricular activities (including work experience, vocational training, excursions etc).
  • While the student is engaged in organised school sporting activities.
  • While the student is engaged in organised non-school sporting activities with a club that is a member of an established sporting association. The student must be a registered and/or a financial participant of the club.
  • During travel to and from school, school activities, organised school sporting activities, and organised non-school sporting activities. 

No Parking on Neldner Avenue

Parents are asked not to park on Neldner Avenue as the buses need to be able to pull up, for the safety of our children. Please use the car park south of the school or by the Shepherd’s Hub.

2022 Enrolments

We plan to begin the process of confirming places for the new Foundation students in 2022.  As enrolments for this year’s Foundation class reached capacity we encourage any families to collect an enrolment form from Danette at the Front office and return ASAP.

Golden Years at Good Shepherd

We would love for our Alumni to share in the excitement as we officially unveil our brand new learning spaces at Good Shepherd. Celebrations commence at 9.00am with our opening service followed by a tour and morning tea on the new deck. What better way to reminisce and catch up with past scholars.

We invite you to join our new Facebook group: Good Shepherd Alumni Angaston. This is a group for past students of Good Shepherd Lutheran School from 1962 to present. Members are invited to use this space to catch up, share and reminisce. If you are in contact with Good Shepherd old scholars, please encourage them to take a look and join the group or they can share their contact details with the School directly on 08 8564 2396.

Building Blocks Playgroup

Monday’s session started with some sensory sand play in the sandpit followed by fruit and storytime.  Our little learners then got creative making their very own pet rock’s.  We look forward to welcoming you all again next Monday as we utilise fine motor skills with some ‘Weaving’.

Please contact our Playgroup Co-ordinator, Bec Bawden if you have any questions on 0427 538 371.

Local Church Service Times

 

Angaston Parish Service Times

Date

Angaston

Gruenberg

Gnadenberg
February 17
Ash Wednesday		 7.30pm HC – Parish Service @ Angaston
February 21
Lent 1		 10.30am
HC		 8.45am  HC
AGM

 

KEVS Service Times

Date

Keyneton

Eden Valley

Springton
February 17
Ash Wednesday		 7.30pm HC – Parish Service @ Angaston
February 21
Lent 1		 9.00am HC 5.30pm 11.00am HC

 
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