Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School in Springfield Lakes is fast becoming a community where students of Defence Force families can spread their wings.
With 34 students from 22 Defence Force families, Good Shepherd is a Brisbane Catholic Education school offering a supportive environment, understanding the challenges that serving families encounter.
Year 6 and Year 4 students Mila and Amaya Greentree said their transition to the school in 2020 was a breeze.
“We’re so proud of our dad who is an Aircraft Hangar Manager,” Mila said.
“This means we sometimes relocate. We don’t like when Dad goes away, but we feel supported at school by our teachers and other support staff who help us.”
Mila and Amaya’s parents Peter and Sheree Greentree said, they chose Good Shepherd because of the reputation the school had built among other Defence Force families.
“We were impressed with the school size, the support offered, and the learning environments,” they said.
“Good Shepherd organised an orientation for us and made our family feel very welcome.
“Having the opportunity to do this before relocating took the stress out of moving interstate.”
Mr Greentree said they felt at ease knowing their daughters would be paired with a buddy within their Year level to help with their transition.
“The teachers were aware of the girl’s situation and provided feedback on their progress, which is reassuring to us as parents,” he said.
“We are very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful school community, and we would highly recommend Good Shepherd to other Defence Force families moving to the area.”
Principal Christine Ioannides said Good Shepherd prides itself on fostering close relationships with its Defence Force families.
“We offer a range of support such as a guidance counsellor who is able to provide social and emotional support and an inclusive education teacher who ensures the students are on track with their learning,” Mrs Ioannides said.
“We have various spaces where they can seek emotional support, learn social games to help them make friends, do anxiety-relieving activities, or have quiet time.
“Our students can also spend time with our wellbeing dog Frankie, who helps our students develop empathy, relieve stress and anxiety.”
Amaya and Mila say they aspire to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Image: The Greentree family, part of the Brisbane Catholic Education community.
