Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

Term One is nearly over and what a terrific start to the school year we have had. Our students have demonstrated a Love of Learning through a strong commitment to improving their thinking in the academic opportunities offered to them.

This isn’t done easily. There are many processes and procedures that support the learning within a school. Our school staff have worked very hard to establish positive and  proactive learning environments for our students. 

The partnership between school and home only continues to enhance the learning. As parents, you have also demonstrated a commitment to our school routines and expectations which has allowed the children to come to understand that school can be a place of positive opportunities whether they be academic, social or spiritual. As a school we are very appreciative and grateful for your continued support each  day.

Today was the Easter Raffle draw. This is a highlight of our school year with so many baskets ready to be won! This is another opportunity that isn’t possible without  parental support. Thank you for your donation of Easter eggs and purchase of the tickets. Many thanks to our P&F for coordinating the raffle which included the wrapping of the baskets and  the organisation of tickets. It is always a delight to  watch the students’ faces as the tickets are drawn.

As we approach the Easter break, make sure that you take some time for yourselves. Often we become so busy with our children that we tend to leave ourselves until last. Remember how much you are appreciated and, along with the rest of our Good Samaritan school staff, I wish you every Easter blessing.

As we journey together, with Jesus, into Easter,

Toni Sillis

Principal

The holiday break is a time to be vigilant about the amount of online and offline time your child is having. It is easy for the children to use the holiday break as screen time for gaming, watching Youtube clips and not engaging in face to face activities. 

The eSafety Commissioner has informative information about managing your child’s screen time. You can follow this link to read more.  Also, below is an eSafety parent information sheet that may support you to reestablish the expectations of screens at home.

When students visit the hospital for any reason it is important that parents inform the school. A return to work plan is often needed to support the student’s return particularly when adjustments need to be made to facilitate learning or the recovery process. Below is further information for parents and carers.

Happy Retirement Mrs Glossop

Today we farewell and thank Mrs Susan Glossop for the commitment and professionalism that she has brought to her role as School Support Officer. Mrs Glossop has specialised in the Early Stage One and Stage One classrooms over many years where she has had a huge impact on the lives of many of the students in our school. We will still see Mrs Glossop throughout the year when she comes to work on a more casual basis. We wish Mrs Glossop a wonderful retirement as she spends more time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Amaroo:

Mrs Tessa Robertson will return from maternity leave for one day each week. Tessa will be teaching each Tuesday with Mrs Grace McKay.

Mrs Fiona Sampson will be working Tuesday to Friday from Term 2. Mrs Grace McKay will be teaching with Mrs Nadia Huska each Monday. Mrs  Sharon Smithers will continue to work collaboratively with the Amaroo staff as leadership support.

Year 6:

Mr Tim Condon will take extended sick leave for Term 2 following knee replacement surgery. Mrs Christie Gray will be teaching Year 6 replacing Mr Condon for Term 2. 

We wish Mr Condon well for the surgery and subsequent recovery.

Year 5:

Mrs Meg Brannon will be taking extended leave for the remainder of the year as she takes time to enjoy some well earned family and leisure time. Mrs Brannon has been a member of staff since the opening of Good Samaritan School in 2012 and will continue to be a very valued member of staff. We will continue to see Mrs Brannon  at times on a casual basis at school. We wish Mrs Brannon good health and a well earned sabbatical from the role of classroom teacher.

Michael Gore will teach 5 Gold for the remainder of the year, working closely with Mrs Brannon initially and other staff to ensure a smooth transition for all students.

Good Samaritan staff will be participating in a Staff Development Day on Friday 21 May. This will be a Pupil Free Day so students do not attend school on this day. Teachers will be working with the newly released Personal Development Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) Syllabus.