Care Week at Good Shepherd Lutheran College is an annual event focused on promoting a growth mindset through care and love for others.

 This year’s theme Awe and Wonder challenged students to expand their empathy beyond our borders.

With over 40 events and activities for students, staff, and parents to enjoy, Awe and Wonder aimed to stimulate curiosity, creativity and innovation.

Students were encouraged to take the time to slow down and cherish the beauty of small things.

Parents were encouraged to follow their child’s lead, ask questions, marvel at their curiosity and never lose a sense of wonder and amazement.

Famous marine biologist, writer, and conservationist Rachel Carson believed that, “if a child is to keep alive their unborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with them the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in”.

Fundraising was also a major component of Care Week with some proceeds supporting the valuable work undertaken by ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service).

Funds were also raised for Cancer Council with staff raising over $500 by hosting the Biggest Morning Tea.

Good Shepherd College councillor Marg Hall said, “Care Week is a great opportunity for our College student leaders to step up and think of fun ways to generate funds for those in our community and beyond who desperately need it as well as create opportunities for students to come together.”

“It’s also a good opportunity for staff to get together at various events, whether for an early breakfast or casual refreshments in the afternoon.

“Life is so busy, we need to take opportunities to just stop, look around and really appreciate the people around us, where we live and the freedom, we sometimes take for granted.”

Prep students enjoyed the opportunity to be with Year 12 students at the much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic sharing their favourite childhood stories whilst others grabbed a friend and joined in ‘Dance in the Square’.

Throughout the week students were encouraged to not only purchase a delicious cupcake, enjoy an egg and bacon muffin or grab a sausage at the sizzle while supporting these worthy charities, they were also encouraged to look closely at their community and recognise the need for support, both near and far.

With the focus of the week encouraging students to look around, listen to others and care for others, the message was obviously heard, resulting in over $3200 being raised.