Care Week at Good Shepherd Lutheran College is an important annual event focused on promoting a growth mindset through care and love for others.
It offers an opportunity for students, staff and the Good Shepherd community to take the time and reflect on the plight of others. This year’s focus was on the South Sudanese community in Northwest Africa, one of the many valuable programs being assisted through the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).
The theme of Care Week this year was Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Strong, which promoted resilience, kindness and empathy towards others. Students were also encouraged to engage in many activities that promoted the theme, such as taking a kindness pledge, participating in Storytime Express and attending the Mashed Theatre education productions centred around Well-Being.
College parents were also included in Care Week and invited to join guest speaker Marg Thorsborne, an international expert on relational approaches to behaviour management, for a workshop.
Principal Anthony Dyer said it was a great opportunity to have Ms Thorsborne speak with the parents.
“Her session focused on restorative practice, which is an effective approach to problem-solving positioning relationships at the centre,” he said.
Ms Thorsborne also unpacked the restorative philosophy adopted by the Good Shepherd school community, highlighting the benefits of working together to solve issues as they arise.
Student counsellor and Care Week coordinator Marg Hall said the week gave college student leaders an opportunity to step up and lead.
“The student body thought of interesting, fun ways to generate funds for those less fortunate in our community as well as create opportunities for students across the year levels to come together. Teachers and staff also felt the love as they were encouraged to spend quality time together at various activities and events including an elaborate early breakfast, after school activities or over a cup of tea at the Biggest Morning Tea,” she said.
“We understand that some families are struggling with the high cost of living, so it was heart-warming to see everyone unite to raise money for others in need. The Cancer Council will receive over $1200, funds raised through the Biggest Morning Tea and Junior Years Bake Sale and ALWS will continue their vital work with $1800 raised over the week.”
Care Week at Good Shepherd has always been about giving. This year, Be Kind, Be Strong and Be Brave was put into practice and felt across the entire campus. Students reached out to each other, staff connected, and parents were empowered.
