Leaders in preparing in young learners

From well-equipped classrooms to state-of-the-art technology and recreational spaces, the facilities of an educational institution plays a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence, creativity, and a sense of community.

High-quality facilities not only provide our educators support in the delivery of their effective teaching, they are also the cornerstone of an enriching educational experience, providing students with an environment conducive for learning, growth, and overall well-being.

Learn About Our Facilities

Curiosity Early Learning Centre

Curiosity is our Reggio Emelia inspired Early Learning Centre supporting children aged between 3 and 4 years of age. Our ELC boasts interactive indoor spaces tailored to cater to our diverse programs. Here you will find modern kitchen facilities to support our healthy eating plan, thoughtfully designed bathrooms, and quiet areas. The outdoor nature play area has ample shade and invites safe risky play. Meticulously crafted to ignite and support each child’s curiosity, our centre also invokes a sense of calm and wonder.

Imagination OSHC

We strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for students beyond regular school hours. As a result, we offer an Out of School Hours Care program known as Imagination OSHC. With experienced educators, structured activities, and a focus on healthy snacks, you will find Imagination OSHC serves as an extension of our school’s values. It offers engaging activities like homework assistance, art and craft, indoor games, and outdoor play. Imagination OSHC is housed in its own multipurpose area within the school building, strategically located near our junior primary classrooms and outdoor playing spaces.

Tirkanthi Library Facilities

Tirkanthi (pronounced tear-can-ti), meaning “meeting place to tell stories/storytelling place”, is the school library and resource centre. Situated in the centre of the school, Tirkanthi is an integral part of the learning program. We have designed this space to have a cosy reading nook and an upstairs landing for quiet reading and project work. You will also find a breakout room called ‘Billabong’ for specialist classroom learning and lunch clubs including drawing, board games, puzzles, and construction.

The Ark and The Nest

A sense of community is reflected in the single-building layout of our school where all the classrooms are housed under one roof. At the heart of our school is the world-class and South Australia’s first primary school Science and Discovery Centre known as ‘The Ark’. Valued at $2.1 million, this specialist STEM facility is complemented by ‘The Nest’, an outdoor classroom complete with seating, peaceful garden and water feature. The Nest was constructed through funds raised by initiatives of the Good Shepherd parent community.

Junior Primary Classrooms

Our purpose-built junior primary classroom facilities are vibrant, inclusive, and stimulating. Their designs are spacious and well-lit with age-appropriate furnishings and dedicated zones for literacy, numeracy, imaginative play, and creative arts. They also feature up-to-date technology, flexible seating, and outdoor spaces to enhance the learning experience. The junior primary classrooms provide an intimate environment with their own amenities for children transitioning from Early Learning to primary school, greatly enhancing feelings of security and safety. Find them on our regularly scheduled Principal’s Tours adjacent to the junior primary playground and OSHC service.

Middle and Upper Primary Classrooms

In our middle and upper primary classrooms, we’ve created dynamic spaces tailored for students in Years 3 to 6 to provide a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for their holistic development. These classrooms feature;

• Flexible seating.
• Integrated technology.
• Designated reading corners.
• Breakout areas for group activities and projects that encourages collaboration and hands-on learning.
• And let’s not forget the exercise bike tucked away in the corner – a genius solution for high-energy students needing a little help to channel their focus.

Leading The Way in Facility Design

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Para Vista prioritises safety, inclusivity, and responsibility through the adoption of non-gendered bathroom facilities. These spaces are designed to not only meet current needs, but also anticipate the evolving vision of the future. We prioritise accessibility, privacy, and inclusivity in our design to reflect our commitment to creating a supportive community that values diversity.

Collaborative Theatre Spaces

Opened in 2014, our state-of-the-art learning plaza known as ‘one7five’ features flexible use classrooms, a theatre, and collaborative spaces. Its name ‘one7five’ acknowledges 2014 as the 175th anniversary of Lutheran education in Australia.

Specialist Art Facilities

While STEM is essential for future career prospects, we recognise that without creative ideas and forward thinking there is no moving forward. That’s why we have dedicated Specialist Art facilities to provide quality learning spaces. This supports our skills-based programs and acknowledges the value we place on creativity for future thinking and careers.    

Performing Arts Suite

Our commitment to fostering diverse talents is complemented by our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Suite, designed to provide a versatile and enriching experience for our students. Within the Performing Arts suite we boast fit-for-purpose music rooms equipped to cater to a range of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, drums, and vocals.    

Exceptional Sports Facilities

We encourage physical well-being through various sports activities in our comprehensive gym space that aligns with our dedication to a holistic and dynamic education. Our fully air-conditioned gymnasium known as Mengkiwodli features;

• A full-sized court with basketball and netball rings.

• Indoor soccer goals.
• A bouldering/rock climbing wall.
• And a fully stocked equipment room.

Innovative Education

We are committed to staying at the forefront of technology. As can be seen when touring our school, classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge equipment. Computers, tablets, and touch screen smart displays are seamlessly integrated. Students can connect wirelessly to the school’s network giving access to technology where it is needed. This forward-thinking technological infrastructure aligns with our mission to provide a dynamic and innovative educational experience for our students and future-proof their learning.

Modern Play Facilities

Significant investment in our school means we now have three dedicated play spaces!

1. A playground tailored for Stage 1 and 2 students.
2. A second playground for Stage 3 students.
3. And a third playground for Stage 4 students.

Students love to play! Which is why our maintenance team works hard to provide a lush and green grassed oval with a newly installed cricket pitch where students can happily run, jump, and play various sports. Alongside the gym you will also find newly installed upper primary and junior primary outdoor basketball rings.

Learning Through Play

Play is integral to a child’s development, nurturing creativity, independence, and social skills. As a result, Tiny Town and Creative Corner were created and can be found in the corners of the oval. These imaginative play areas are crafted from recycled materials like old tires, wooden pallets, logs and PVC pipes! A unique play experience encouraging children to have fun employing their imagination and problem-solving skills. They allow our students to take safe risks, experiment, and construct in a flexible setting.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Facilities

We are especially privileged to have a strong connection with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church community. This relationship allows us to access the Church as our central theatre and place of worship. Being able to use the Church enhances our sense of unity and allows us to come together for cultural and spiritual experiences.