From the Principal's Desk :
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
Last week the students engaged in our Term 2 PB4L Day. This is an opportunity for teaching how we engage with each other in the school environment and how we use the social norms of the playground.
The students respond very positively to these opportunities as they work as individuals, together in teams and as a whole class or grade group. It allows the students to develop skills that will stay with them as they begin to interact in society.
The activities that the students engage in allows for students to give their opinions and to raise concerns that they may have either in the classroom or on the playground. The information gathered from students on Friday will be analysed by teachers so as to further improve the delivery of the PDHPE curriculum.
The houses of Ingham, MacKillop, Xavier and Vianney play an important part in developing teamwork skills and for the social reinforcement of being a part of a larger group. The students are coming to know their house as more than a colour that they belong to and look towards the core values that are associated with their house patron.
Ingham House
This House is named after Bishop Emeritus Peter Ingham whose core values include:
- Service
- Compassion
- Love
- Mercy
MacKillop House
This House is named after St Mary of the Cross Mackillop whose core values include:
- Love
- Justice
- Compassion
- Dignity
MacKillop House is represented by the colour GREEN.
Vianney House
This House is named after St John Vianney whose core Faith values include:
- Friendship
- Care
- Love of God
Vianney House is represented by the colour RED.
Xavier House
This House is named after St Francis Xavier whose core values include:
- Serving others
- Being inclusive
- Being peacemakers
Xavier House is represented by the colour BLUE.
As we journey together with Jesus this week,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Playground Remodelling:
We are now looking forward to work beginning on the playground in the upcoming school holidays. Demolition work will begin on the area in front of the primary COLA. This will be an exciting time as we start to upgrade our Good Samaritan playground.
Year 6 Parents Mark Your Calendars!
An Evening with Paul Dillon
Holy Spirit College will be hosting a zoom parent information evening by Paul Dillon. “Teens alcohol and other drugs. What do parents in a post Covid-19 world need to know”
Holy Spirit College in collaboration with the College’s Parents & Friends would like to invite Year 6 parents (only) to attend this zoom parent information evening.
Details: Monday 19 July 7-8.30pm
Teens, alcohol and other drugs:
What do parents in a post-COVID-19 world need to know?
During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and research strongly suggests that they should be provided opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Under the COVID-19 ‘social distancing’ restrictions parents have been asked to try to restrict these face-to-face interactions. This presentation will examine how teens have adapted to the current situation and discuss some of the risks, as well as potential benefits of teens living in ‘isolation’. Most importantly, as the restrictions are gradually ‘rolled back’ over the months ahead, how should parents respond? Socialising, in all its forms, is going to look different for some time to come but underage drinking will inevitably play a role in many teen parties and gatherings. To assist parents to navigate through a post COVID-19 world some simple tips will also be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour.
Staffing Update:
Mrs Sampson has made the difficult decision to resign her position at Good Samaritan. This comes after much deliberation particularly regarding the students in her care with the Amaroo classes.
I am pleased to be able to advise that Mrs Christie Gray will be teaching in Amaroo from the beginning of Term 3.
Christie is currently replacing Mr Condon in Year 6. Mr Condon will return to Year 6 at the beginning of Term 3 as he is recovering well from surgery.
Mrs Gray comes to Good Samaritan with experience across a number of schools and a variety of settings including Special Education. She comes with a good knowledge of the curriculum and has well developed skills of differentiating the curriculum to suit student learning needs. Mrs Gray develops good relationships with students allowing for a positive classroom climate.
I am sure that you, like all of us at Good Samaritan, thank Mrs Sampson for her commitment to the students and Amaroo and also welcome Christie into this role.