About Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Primary School, Grahamstown is one of the oldest schools in the area, it was built in 1844. Although it is situated in the centre of the business area of Grahamstown, it is populated predominately by disadvantaged learners, they receive their teaching and learning through the medium of English. The School caters for girls and boys from grade R to 7 (ages 6 -13).

Learn more about our history.

Message from Trust Chairperson

The following message is a speech from the Trust Chairperson, Ms. Kelly Long, at the birthday service on Wednesday 15th of October 2025.

Dear Learners, Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Guests.

What a joy it is to gather with you today to celebrate the birthday of The Good Shepherd Primary School!

Today, I want to talk with you all about something that seems simple — but is truly powerful when we do it over time. It’s an idea that Warren Buffett often speaks of.  Warrren Buffet is an old man from America who has spent his whole life learning about how to make good choices with money and with life. He’s one of the richest people in the world, but what makes him special isn’t his money — it’s that he’s patient, kind, and still reads and learns every single day

He speaks about the power of long-term investment — investing in yourself, your character, little by little, day by day, rather than chasing the wins that are quick and easy.

You might wonder, “Why talk about investing at a school birthday?” Because a school is exactly the place where we all invest—for years to come—in children, in learning, in community. And what better time than today to remember that every small step counts.

To the children:

Imagine you plant a little seed in the ground. You water it a little each day, give it sunshine, not too much, not too little. You protect it from bugs. For a while, you don’t see much change. But slowly, over months, it becomes a little sprout. Over years, it becomes a tree, strong and tall, giving shade, fruit, and beauty.

Your life is like that seed. Every time you read a little, every time you are kind, every time you try hard at your homework, every time you persevere when things are difficult, just like Douglas spoke about, — those are your water, sunshine, care. They may not show a big result right away, but over time you grow into someone strong, wise, generous, and capable.

Warren Buffett says something similar when he talks about investing: he says the biggest returns come from patient, consistent investing – investments compound over time.

That is a big word, compound.  Let’s just try to understand that a little.  Imagine you plant a tiny apple seed. After a while, it grows into a little tree that gives you one apple. You eat the apple — but you also plant the seeds from that apple! Soon, you have more trees growing. Those new trees give you more apples, and each apple has more seeds. Before long, you have a whole orchard!

That’s what compound interest is like — when you grow something, and that growth helps you grow even more.

The same is true with your heart, your mind, your character.

So I encourage each of you: pick one small thing you will commit to every day. Maybe 10 more minutes of reading. Maybe helping someone in class. Maybe practicing something you find hard. Over time, these small habits will grow into something great.

To the adults — teachers, parents, staff:

You are the gardeners of these children’s lives. You provide the soil, the care, the guidance, the encouragement. When you encourage a shy child to speak, when you help a struggling learner, when you praise effort more than perfect results — you are investing in them.

Buffett often underscores that character and reputation are more important than quick profits. In schooling, that means values, integrity, perseverance matter far more than just test scores. When you help build those, you prepare children for life, not just exams.

So I encourage you: continue sowing wisely. Be patient. The growth may seem slow sometimes — but remember, the greatest trees took years to grow.

I believe that Good Shepherd Primary, through its heart and the mission is more than just a school — it is a place where people grow in knowledge, in character, in caring for one another. Today, on your birthday, we remind ourselves of that mission.

May this school be known not only for academic success, but for producing children who are kind, faithful, resilient, ready to serve their community, confident in who they are, and always learning.

So, learners: before you go home today, think quietly: What small thing can I do every day to grow, to improve, to shine? Write it down, and commit to it.

To the teachers, parents, and staff: keep investing. Keep believing in these children even when results seem slow. Your patience, care, and encouragement are seeds that will one day bear fruit.

Let us pray that this school will continue to grow, that every child here will flourish, and that together we will build a future of wisdom, service, compassion, and excellence.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates:

• 13th October : Start of term 4
• 15th October : SGB AGM Meeting
• 17th October : School Birthday 
• 18th October : School Bazaar
• 24th October : School Play