Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed!

We extend our warmest congratulations to the Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend. It was a truly beautiful and Spirit-filled liturgy, marking a significant milestone in their faith journeys.

Under the guidance of Bishop Brian Mascord and Father Bernard Gordan, our students embraced this Sacrament with reverence and joy. Through the anointing with sacred Chrism oil and the laying on of hands, they were sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live as active and courageous witnesses of Christ in our world.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and preparation shown by each candidate. Their commitment to deepening their faith was evident, and it was a privilege to witness them take this important step.

A sincere thank you to their parents, sponsors, teachers, and our parish community for your invaluable support, guidance, and prayers throughout their preparation.

As our newly confirmed students step forward, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we pray that they continue to grow in wisdom, courage, and love, always seeking to live out their Catholic faith with conviction.

World Refugee Day: Standing in Solidarity with Hope and Compassion

Thursday, 20 June marks World Refugee Day, a significant international day dedicated to honouring the courage, strength, and determination of women, men, and children who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disaster.

In our Catholic tradition, we are called to recognise the dignity of every human person and to welcome the stranger, just as Jesus welcomed all. World Refugee Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the Christian call to compassion and justice for those seeking safety and a new beginning. It invites us to reflect on the immense challenges faced by refugees globally and to pray for peace in our world.

As a school community, we will be marking this day with prayer in our classrooms, reading books and engaging in discussions.

We thank the GSFM Staff also for their kind donation of warm blankets that Mrs Jane Stackhouse will gift to the Wollongong Refugee Centre. We encourage you to take a moment with your children to discuss the importance of empathy and hospitality, and to pray for all refugees and displaced people around the world, that they may find safety, peace, and hope.

Natalie Shelley

REC

Congratulations to Oliver H and CJ A. Their team were the Winners of the U12 Premier division John Martin Country Tournament held at the Snakepit last weekend. 

They won 5 out of 6 games, only losing their first game by 1 point. 

Following their recent success in winning the Basketball NSW Southern Junior League Under 12 Girls Division 1 championship just two weeks ago, our talented GSFM Illawarra Hawks Girls Representative Players also competed in the prestigious state-wide tournament over the long weekend. The girls Savannah M, Ellie M, Alessia A and Evelyn B proudly claiming the title and reinforcing their position among the state’s elite junior basketball teams.

Both teams played great, demonstrated hard work, amazing teamwork and skill and determination.

MacKillop Cross Country Trials

Congratulations to Chase W, Nicholas P and Evelyn B for placing in the top eight of their respective age groups at the MacKillop Cross Country Trials!

These three students have secured themselves a place in the MacKillop team to compete in the NSWPSSA Championships in July!

A special thank you to former GSFM student Sophie B for supporting Nicholas during his race. We truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to giving back to our school community.

Chase 1st

Nicholas 3rd 

Evelyn 6th

We wish these three students the best of luck as they continue to train and prepare for the next level of competition! 

MacKillop Touch Football Trials

It was a great day in Wagga for the MacKillop Touch trials last Friday (at least when the fog cleared and the temperature reached double figures). The Wollongong teams including our GSFM students Maddi, Evelyn and Piper performed exceptionally well with a very high standard of skill and talent on display. Congratulations girls on representing GSFM with pride. We’re proud of your dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship on and off the field.

GSFM Athletics Carnival

The Good Samaritan Athletics carnival will be held at Beaton Park Athletic Track on Thursday 19 June. We are very grateful to all our Parent Volunteers for helping to make the day a success. Parent helpers, please meet Mrs Olima at the track at 9:30am. Parents who are not volunteering are asked to spectate from the grandstand or outside the fence. 

Please note that there are no Canteen facilities available; however, a coffee van will be in attendance late morning. There will also be a sausage sizzle ($3 for parents) and a fundraising stall for Year 6 graduation. Lollies $1 + $2, Chips $1 and Waters $2 will be available. Year 6 will also be selling raffle tickets for 2 x Jamberoo ($2 per ticket). 

Students can wear their house colour T-shirt & should also have warm clothing such as their school jacket and tracksuit. All students must wear sunscreen, bring wet weather gear and have their school hat on the day.  Students also need to bring adequate water & food for the day.  All students will receive a free sausage sizzle.

Students are to remain with their age group (Primary) or class (Infants) throughout the entire day to ensure active school supervision can take place.

In the event of poor weather, an announcement will be made through Compass and we will be participating as a Competitor only carnival. 

Reminder: If your child is nominated to run the 800m event, they need to be transported to Beaton Park by 8:30am.

The bus will leave Good Samaritan at 8:50am for the remaining students. Please be at school by 8:40am. 

Program: please note these times are approximate and subject to change). All races are run as timed heats, there will be no finals. 

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE 

Lost Property is located outside Year 6 classrooms. Please have items labelled this way we can return them to your child.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

Each year the Mini Vinnies team run a collection of non-perishable food to support vulnerable community members through the cold winter months. This year, our Winter Appeal theme will be “no one chooses to be homeless”.

The focus is on addressing homelessness, highlighting the factors that lead to homelessness and the support needed to recover and rebuild over the long-term of experiencing homelessness.

The Vinnies Winter Appeal plays a major role in ensuring our Members and Volunteers can continue to provide support to the people we assist and that our services are able to meet their individual needs.

How can our community help?

Donating to the Winter Appeal is a meaningful way to live out our school values. By showing Love of Christ and Neighbour, we extend care and compassion to those in need. Through Hospitality and Community, we open our hearts to others, fostering a spirit of generosity and kindness. Finally, through Stewardship, we use our resources wisely to support those less fortunate, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to making a positive difference. Every donation, big or small, helps bring warmth and hope to those in need.

Hamper Donations

Please bring your donations to school by Term 2 Friday June 27 Week 9.

Pyjama Day

Get ready to stay cosy for a cause! On Monday 30 June, students are invited to wear their favourite pyjamas or tracksuits to school for our Pyjama and Tracksuit Day Fundraiser. All we ask is for a gold coin donation, with proceeds going towards the Winter Appeal. Let’s come together in comfort to support a great cause!

Miss Ashley Rae and Miss Bianca Aylett

NEWS FROM P&F:

VOLUNTEERS:

Athletics Carnival Volunteers:

Attention Parents and Carers:

All parents and carers wishing to volunteer at any event must first download the app below and be approved by the CEO before they can participate.

For those volunteering at the Athletics Carnival, please make sure to meet Liz or Olivia with your barcode before starting.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office.

Onboarding_QR_volunteer.pdf

Sausage Sizzle

Please note: this BBQ fundraiser will only go ahead if we have enough volunteers. 

• All students will receive a free sausage sizzle provided by the school.
• Parents and siblings can also purchase sausage sizzles on the day.

 Year 6 Fundraising Stall

Year 6 will be hosting a stall with the following items for sale:

Bottled water

Poppers (juice boxes)

Chips

Lollies

Raffle tickets to win 2x Jamberoo Tickets $2 per ticket

Year 6 will contribute to redoing the basketball courts. If they have funds left over they will have a Year 6 fun day lunch.

Come along, support our students, and enjoy the day!

Year 6 fundraising will occur throughout the term.