Good Shepherd College

Our Prep to Year 6 campus is nestled within the regional centre of Hamilton, on spacious grounds and well-appointed facilities. Located adjacent to the Good Shepherd Early Learning Centre, the campus caters primarily for the early developmental phases of learning within an intimate, nurturing environment.

The Senior Campus, supporting Year 7-12 students, is set on a picturesque, 100 hectare property located on the outskirts of Hamilton. It offers a broad range of curriculum experiences that provide for multiple pathways for students beyond school. The Senior Campus specialises in agriculture, with a fully operational farm including:

• an accredited Murray Grey stud, complete with undercover cattle yards;
• a mature orchard, with a variety of fruit trees;
• a working shearing shed and yards;
• a well maintained vegetable garden, in addition to the extensive glass and shade houses located close to the classrooms, and;
• a fully equipped, specialised agricultural classroom, complete with change rooms and undercover workshop.

Lutheran schools have been a part of Australia’s educational landscape since 1839 and now extend into every state and territory of Australia except the ACT. Today more than 35,000 students receive their education in 85 Lutheran schools throughout Australia. They are located in every state and territory apart from the ACT. In addition, it is estimated that 3,600 children are educated and cared for in around forty Lutheran early childhood centres around the nation.

Lutheran schools have experienced significant growth which has led to system support at regional and national levels. Lutheran schools are schools of the Lutheran Church of Australia and as such, are based on the central message of the gospel, that our acceptance by God does not depend on our own worth or achievements, but on His unconditional commitment of love for us, evidence through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The promotion of Christian growth and development in our students is a reflection on what Jesus has done for us.

Lutheran schools offer quality teaching and learning experiences for each child to reflect their individual uniqueness. Lutheran schools are communities where caring and respectful relationships are developed. These strong relationships form the binding element that allows Good Shepherd College to actively share its ethos and values. As a learning community, Good Shepherd proclaims hope for the future grounded in the Lutheran tradition. We celebrate the word of God through:

• Daily devotions and weekly chapel services
• Christian Studies teaching and learning curriculum
• Pastoral Care activities and service learning programs.

Unique to the Hamilton region, our college has been established on two distinct campuses. This enables the college to tailor each learning environment to the developmental stages of students. We believe this reflects ‘best practice’ and provides teaching and learning situations specifically suited to the students in each location, focusing on the way these students’ best learn.

We believe every student is a special gift from God each with unique gifts, skills and talents, which when nurtured enable them to become active citizens beyond school. Every child is treated with Christian love and respect and encouraged to have control over their learning. Each is challenged to discover, develop and use their gifts and abilities for personal growth and service to others. We hope that the enriching and fulfilling opportunities experienced in our community stay with students for life.

Good Shepherd College is widely regarded as a caring school. We place a high priority on pastoral care. Our staff work hard at developing nurturing relationships with students because encouraging and affirming relationships lie at the heart of effective learning.