Good Shepherd School

The Good Shepherd School (GSS) is a Jesuit, Catholic school serving students in grades K-7 located in downtown New Orleans. GSS provides a tuition-free, holistic education to children from families who would otherwise not be able to attend a private school. Inspired by the Nativity-Miguel model, GSS is open year-round and has an extended school day offering enrichment activities in areas such as sports, music, art, drama, and service. GSS seeks to develop young people with a deep-rooted passion for faith, community, service, and social justice.

By working with students, staff, and other GSS volunteers, Loyola students will have the opportunity to provide much-needed services to New Orleans youth in need of positive role models and mentors. In doing so, service learners will be able to observe and participate in a unique educational model rooted in Jesuit practices and values, analyze and reflect on needs facing educational institutions and the populations they serve in urban settings, and to witness and share in the many gifts and talents that our youngest learners have to offer our city, country, and world. By the end of this experience, Loyola students should have a better understanding of best practices in urban education and the importance of education in creating lasting social change.

Loyola service learners will be asked to help facilitate activities during the Enrichment Program. Service learners will be asked to sign up for weekly spots as individuals or in groups to assist and lead students in activities and projects that will either be already provided by staff at GSS OR be designed by service learners themselves, based on their interests, gifts, and abilities. Past enrichment activities have included organized sports, board games, dance, yoga, chess club, drama club, art, music appreciation, computer activities, and service projects.

Location

353 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 70112

Preservice requirements

Students serving at GSS must attend a mandatory Safe Environment Training (presented by Catholic Charities staff).  Two trainings will be offered at Loyola: 

1. Tuesday, January 22, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Multimedia Room 2, Monroe Library
2. Friday, January 25, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Multimedia Room 1, Monroe Library

Students who accept a placement with GSS will be fingerprinted and have their background checked.  Students will also have an on-site orientation. 

Contact

Matthew DeBoer, Enrichment Coordinator
mr.mattgss@gmail.com, 504.598.9399

Transportation

Days & times

Loyola service learners who accept a placement at GSS will be asked to commit to one or more of the following weekly shifts: