Prospectus
Welcome to Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School is a Prep to Year 6 school providing a highquality, Christ-centered education that inspires a lifelong love of learning. We believe every child is a unique and valued individual, and we are committed to helping each student reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our experienced and passionate teachers create engaging, child-centered learning experiences. We focus on developing wellrounded individuals who are confident, curious, and compassionate, encouraging critical, creative and collaborative thinking through diverse learning opportunities.
At Good Shepherd, we prioritise student wellbeing by fostering a strong sense of belonging and community where students feel safe, supported and inspired to thrive.
We are proud of our strong sense of community and the close partnerships we build with families, working together to benefit every child. We warmly welcome you to Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School and invite you to join one of our school tours to experience our vibrant learning environment first-hand.
Mr Daniel Weller Principal
Vision
Discovering potential, striving for excellence, in a caring Christian community.
Mission
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School is committed to providing a comprehensive education that develops the minds, hearts, and souls of our students. We partner with families to empower students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Values
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School strives for excellence in all endeavours, demonstrating God’s love through acts of service. We cultivate a compassionate community where students care for themselves, each other, and the world around them. By fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, respect and forgiveness, we empower students to approach the future with curiosity, courage, determination and resilience.
The Learning that 21st century learning skills Matters
At Good Shepherd, learning is a dynamic and transformative journey to equip students with the tools to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s world.
We deliver learning experiences that are intentionally aimed at building educational success and preparing our students for life in the 21st century, focusing on six key areas of learning:
• Academic learning – preparing students for lifelong learning.
• Creative learning – adding to the richness and diversity of learning.
• Technological learning – utilising technologies to enhance learning.
• Wellbeing learning – living well and relating with others.
• Global learning – engaging students with the world around them.
• Spiritual learning – learning to live in God’s love.
The development of 21st century learning skills is essential to teaching and learning at Good Shepherd. The learning that matters at Good Shepherd describes the skills, knowledge and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life.
Our students at Good Shepherd develop the following essential skills through our learning program:
• critical thinking
• effective communication
• collaboration
• creativity
• commitment to Christian spirituality
• technology and media literacy
• innovation
• global and environmental awareness
• social, emotional and physical self awareness
• problem solving
• finance and economic literacy.
The Good Shepherd
Learning Experience
The teaching and learning at Good Shepherd aligns to the Australian Curriculum, with emphasis placed on teaching core literacy and numeracy skills to give students the ability to succeed across the curriculum.
Teachers are actively involved in curriculum development, providing student-centred learning opportunities that encourage students to think critically, work collaboratively, use initiative and grow in self-confidence. Technology is taught both explicitly and integrated into other areas of learning.
Our learning program
From Prep to Year 6, Good Shepherd offers a comprehensive learning program encompassing both core and specialist subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students. The core subjects build a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, science and social sciences, while the specialist program offers opportunities to explore the arts, sport, languages and technology.
Core learning areas
English
English language skills are fundamental to student success at school, further education, employment and life. Through English studies, students develop into ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society –confident communicators, imaginative thinkers, and informed citizens who can effectively analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships.
Maths
The Mathematics Program emphasises mathematical reasoning, empowering students to apply their understanding creatively and efficiently. Through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging experiences, students develop into selfmotivated and confident mathematical learners
Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies weaves together key skills and understandings from History, Geography, Science, Civics, and Citizenship. Using an inquiry-based approach, Integrated Studies fosters deep student understanding and skill development through both teacher-guided and student-centred activities. This approach cultivates essential 21st century learning skills through a diverse range of engaging experiences.
Christian Studies
Through the Christian Studies curriculum, students explore and reflect upon the Word of God, developing an appreciation for the Christian perspective on life and the world. Christian Studies provides a rigorous yet inclusive exploration of the Christian faith and its relevance in today’s world, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
Specialist learning areas
Digital Technologies
In Digital Technologies, students explore a wide range of creative and practical applications, from coding and robotics (including Dash, BeeBot and Sphero) to 3D design and printing, movie making and website development. They develop a strong understanding of digital systems, data, eSafety and the process of creating digital solutions, while also becoming critical consumers of online information. Using school-provided Chromebooks and iPads (which remain on campus), students learn responsible and safe ICT practices across all subjects.
Music
Music plays a vital role in developing students’ skills and enriching their learning experience. At Good Shepherd, the Music Program offers a comprehensive and sequential learning journey from Prep to Year 6, with students participating in weekly classroom music and choral sessions (from Year 2 to Year 6). Students can further enhance their musical development through specialist instrumental music lessons. Numerous performance opportunities are also provided through participation in school bands, choirs, and ensembles, with concerts held throughout the year.
Visual Art
At Good Shepherd, the Visual Arts Program fosters imagination, creativity and skill development through exploration and experimentation with diverse art forms. Students engage with painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, threads and textiles, construction, collage and digital art. Student artwork is celebrated through campus displays and an annual exhibition.
Drama
In Drama, students develop creative improvisation and role-play skills through engaging in dramatic games, skits and plays. They collaboratively and individually create and develop characters using costume, voice, facial expressions, sound effects and movement. As students participate in and respond to drama presentations, they practise being cooperative actors and respectful audience members, using critical and creative thinking to provide and receive constructive feedback
Physical Education and Sport
Good Shepherd’s Physical Education (PE) Program cultivates a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing by developing fundamental motor skills and nurturing student appreciation for physical activity. Students participate in one Physical Education lesson each week, focusing on developing competent and confident movement skills. Prep and Year students participate in the Perpetual Motor Program (PMP) to enhance fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and self-confidence. From Year 2 to 6, students apply these skills in weekly PE lessons through games and sport-specific activities. The school also offers a wide range of individual and team activities as part of the Sport Program, including a swimming program, athletics and cross country carnivals for all year levels, and interschool sport competitions.
Languages other than English (LOTE)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School offers students the opportunity to learn both German and Chinese (Mandarin), with each language studied for one semester per year. Starting with basic vocabulary and engaging activities in the early years, the curriculum gradually increases in complexity. The LOTE program not only provides a strong foundation for future language learning but also fosters cultural understanding. Our Sister-School partnership with Lasa Road Primary School in Nanjing, China, further enhances these opportunities for language development and cultural exchange.
Library and Resource Centre
The Library Program supports student learning and teaching programs through a sequenced development of research and information literacy skills. These skills are built upon and refined as students progress through each year level. Students are encouraged to visit the Resource Centre for borrowing and research during the school day to take full advantage of this valuable resource.
Learning support & enhancement
To ensure every student thrives, Good Shepherd provides differentiated learning opportunities catering to a wide range of academic abilities. Our Learning Enhancement Teachers partner with Classroom Teachers to support and extend student learning in the classroom. The Learning Enhancement program also offers small group support and extension activities tailored to the specific needs of each student cohort.
Beyond the Classroom
At Good Shepherd, we offer a comprehensive range of extracurricular activities for students across all year levels. These programs are designed to introduce students to diverse experiences, encouraging their passion, commitment, and individual strengths and talents.
Clubs Instrumental music program
Our clubs provide a safe and supportive environment for students to explore new interests and build positive relationships. Our clubs include:
• Karate Club
• Green Shoots Gardening Club
• Chess Club
• Coding Club
• Running Club
• Drawing club
• Art Club
• Drama Club
Sport
Extending from the Physical Education Program in the classroom, Good Shepherd students can represent the school in a number of sporting activities and teams. These include:
• Good Shepherd Basketball Team
• Good Shepherd Lightning Netball Team
• Interschool Sport Program
• District, regional and state swimming, athletics and cross country.
More than just developing musical talent, learning an instrument cultivates selfexpression, confidence and creativity in students. The following instruments can be learned at school, taught by our experienced team of Instrumental Music Tutors:
• Piano
• Violin
• Cello
• Recorder (Year 1 and Year 2 – for students intending to continue on to a woodwind or brass instrument)
• Voice (Year 2 to Year 6)
• Flute (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Saxophone (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Clarinet (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Trombone (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Trumpet (Year 3 to Year 6)
• French Horn (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Guitar (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Bass guitar (Year 3 to Year 6)
• Percussion (Year 3 to Year 6)
Instrumental music students may also participate in bands and ensembles. At the end of the year, students have the opportunity to perform for the school community at the Spring Music Concert.
Choir
From Year 2, all students participate in yearlevel choirs with one lesson per week to practice as a group. Students with a passion for singing also have the opportunity to audition for one of our specialty choirs.
Both year-level and specialty choirs showcase their talents at the annual Spring Music Concert.
Student leadership
At Good Shepherd, we recognise leadership opportunities for all students as role models for others. In addition to this, Year 5 and 6 students are provided with a range of formal roles to develop their leadership skills.
• School Captains are elected from the Year 6 classes to represent the school at events, help to lead some school events, and contribute to a positive school culture by acting as role models to the student body.
• House Captains are elected from the Year 6 classes to represent their House, foster House Spirit and to assist with sporting events through the year.
• There are additional positions where Year 6 students elected to support the school as Captains in the areas of curricular and extracurricular activities.
• Students in Year 5 and Year 6 are selected to represent their class on the Student Representative Council, which discusses, makes decisions about and coordinates student-led initiatives.
• The Buddy Program: Year 5 are buddies with a Prep student to help them become familiar with, and confident in, the school environment.
Camps, excursions & tours
Through camps, excursions and tours, students gain unique learning and personal growth opportunities that aren’t available in the normal classroom or school setting. These immersive experiences facilitate the development of key life skills, such as independence and teamwork, while exposing them to new environments, cultures, and perspectives. They learn by doing, applying classroom knowledge in real-world contexts and developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Excursions
Each year level participates in excursions to connect classroom learning to realworld applications. Students also have the opportunities throughout the year to participate in externally-facilitated learning experiences at school.
Camps and tours
Camps and tours are an important part of our learning program that allow students to grow in their independence and confidence.
The Good Shepherd Camp Program begins with an overnight sleepover in Year 2, progressing to longer overnight stays.
• Year 2: Year 2 students sleep overnight in the Gym at school.
• Year 3: Students experience their first off-site camp with two nights away in Yarra Junction.
• Year 4: Two nights away at Camp Rumbug, South Gippsland.
• Year 5: Students spend three days at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat to experience the history of the Gold Rush era.
• Year 6: For their final camp at Good Shepherd, Year 6 students attend a five-day camp in Canberra to explore Australia’s capital.
Students can also participate in optional tours:
• Year 6 China trip: A group of Year 6 students explore the sights of China and travel to Nanjing to take part in a cultural exchange with our sister school, Lasa Road Primary School.
• Ski trip: Year 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to travel to a nearby ski field to ski or snowboard.
Growing in Faith and Wellbeing
Our commitment to enhancing and strengthening the social, emotional and spiritual development of our students is integral in every aspect of school culture. We recognise that wellbeing is fundamental to learning and we seek to ensure students develop positive and respectful relationships and connections within the school and community. A Christ-centred approach underpins the foundational values that the wellbeing and worship program is based on.
Wellbeing program
At Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, we prioritise student wellbeing by ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of every student is at the heart of our care and decision-making. We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where students feel protected and secure. Our wellbeing program offers tailored support for each year level, with specific programs designed to meet the unique needs of students at every stage of their development. This is alongside individual support for students as needed.
Our Head of Counselling and Wellbeing, School Counsellors and School Pastor make up the Wellbeing Team who support the social and emotional needs of our students.
Worship program
Worship is a central part of life at Good Shepherd, shaping students for life and service both within our local community and God’s worldwide community. Along with devotions held in classrooms and by staff, whole-school worship services are held on Wednesday and Friday each week, led by different year levels. Through worship we nurture and encourage everyone to strive with God’s help to reach their potential in Him.
Our School
A welcoming environment for students, the Good Shepherd campus is located in the leafy outer-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The Junior School (Prep to Year 2), Middle School (Year 3 and Year 4) and Senior School (Year 5 and Year 6) learning spaces inspire collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, with each area purposefully designed to cater for the learning needs of the growing student.
Each specialist subject is supported by a dedicated, well-resourced learning space including Drama, LOTE, Art and Music rooms, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities and a Digital Technology Lab.
Enrolling at Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School
Enquire
Visit gslps.vic.edu.au to find out more information about Good Shepherd. We encourage you to book a tour to explore school and discover why Good Shepherd is the perfect place for your child. Book a tour online or by calling the Administration Centre on 03 9726 2900.
Apply
Complete the online enrolment form. You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application.
Interview
You will be contacted for a school interview in the first semester of the year before your child is due to start Prep.
If your child is enrolled for a position in Year 1 to Year 6, an interview will be arranged when a vacancy arises in that year level.
Applications are accepted for all year levels, however, we will only contact you when a vacancy is available (for students applying to Year 1 to Year 6).
Offer
Following the interview process, positions for new Prep students are offered mid-year of the year prior to commencing Prep.
For students entering Year 1 to Year 6, an offer will be made following the interview process.
Transition
To support students starting at Good Shepherd, a transition program is offered to all new students the year prior to their commencement.
To help prepare for their first year, future Prep students attend an Orientation Program in Term 4 of the year before they begin school. This program helps ensure a smooth and positive start to their school journey at Good Shepherd.
For Year 1 to Year 6 students, a Transition Day is offered in Term 4 of the year prior to commencing at Good Shepherd. For mid-year intake, students are supported in their first days as they transition into a new school.