To ensure consistency of processes and practices across the school community, aspects of the Parent Handbook (currently under revision) will be published in each week’s newsletter.

School Uniform Policy

The wearing of correct school uniform is very important at Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School as it creates a greater sense of equality among the student population despite the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of their families. 

The following are some basic guidelines for following the expectations associated with wearing the correct school uniform at Good Samaritan:

1. All students are to wear the full, correct  uniform at all times.
2. Uniforms are to be labelled, cleaned, pressed, properly repaired and worn neatly at all times. 
3. Damaged or shabby items of uniform are to be replaced.
4. School uniform regulations apply equally to hair, jewellery, make-up (including false fingernails), hats and shoes.
5. Classroom teachers are responsible for checking uniform on a daily basis.
6. Where a uniform breach occurs a verbal reminder/warning is given.
7. If a repetition of uniform breaches occurs, parents will be contacted by way of letter.
8. Students out of uniform, who have a valid reason, should have a note to this effect, signed by their parents. This is to be counter-signed by the classroom teacher.
9. For extreme breaches of the uniform code, a student may be isolated from the rest of the school.
10. Where genuine financial difficulties hamper a student in fully meeting all uniform requirements, the Principal may supply items of uniform at the school’s expense. 

All items of uniform must be purchased from the Good Samaritan Uniform Shop.

Introduction of new student information management system

This term Good Samaritan has introduced a new student information system called Compass that will impact parent communication with the school. It is most important that all parents have a very good understanding of this system. This management system has been rolled out across all Wollongong Diocesan Catholic primary schools 

Below is some further information about Compass.

What is Compass? 

Compass is a Student Information System that allows you, as parents, access to your child(ren)’s records. 

The Parent Portal allows parents/carers to:

• monitor your child(ren)’s attendance, and enter explanations for late arrivals or absences
• update your family details - mobile and email address
• download and view your child(ren)’s semester reports
• view ‘My News’- a news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates
• view your the school calendar
• book parent-teacher meetings
• provide consent for events and excursions.

How can I get access?

Access can be gained following this link:

https://gsfmdow-nsw.compass.education/

• Every parent will have a separate account to log into the Compass Parent Portal

What can I get access to?

• The student's profile page 
• Attendance pages where notes/approvals can be entered
• Full record history of the student’s attendance
• Academic reports for the student
• School Calendar
• Parent/Student/Teacher Conference bookings

What is ‘My News’?

The ‘My News’ section displays any applicable reminders or notifications which may include:

• outstanding absences or late arrivals that require a note or approval
• parent/Student/Teacher Conferences that are available for booking
• semester Reports that are available to download
• excursions or Events that require consent and/or payment
• news Feed items that have been targeted to you as a  parent will display. 

The next section deals with how you manage your child’s attendance at school.

Compass Parent Information - Attendance

Attendance

If your child has to be absent from school, arrive late or depart early, it is important to tell the school and provide a reason for your child’s absence. To explain an absence, parents and carers may:

• log into the Compass parent portal and enter an explanation
• send a note, email to the school
• telephone the school 
• visit the school

All absences must be explained to the school. Schools are legally required to keep an accurate record of attendance. The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities may take further action in cases where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unjustified absences from school.

Adding a Note or Approval

You can enter notes and approvals in advance, if you know your child is going to be absent from school. To do this go to your Home page and click on the 'Add Attendance Note/Approval' link listed underneath the name of the relevant student. This will take you to the Attendance screen, with a pop-up window to enter details of the note or approval. You can then select the applicable date range.  If the leave is greater than 5 days you will still require Principal approval.

You can also approve your child's unapproved absences or late arrivals. You will receive an alert on your Compass home page letting you know that your child/ren was marked late or absent and there is no note/approval on the system for it. Clicking on this notification will allow you to add a Note or Approval for one or more absences.

On this screen you will see a list of unexplained absences for your child. Check the box next to the absences that are to be explained and choose to explain with note approval. 

Choose the absent reason type from the dropdown list and a comment or further details. Please note that you cannot edit the notes or approvals once they've been saved, and you will need to contact the school if changes need to be made.

Parent Action: A hands on introduction to Compass will be conducted next Wednesday evening at 6:30pm prior to the P&F meeting. Please join us in the Library to learn how to use Compass. There will be an additional meeting on Friday 9 August following assembly.

Parent access for Compass will open on Monday 12 August.

Important Dates for Term 3:

This term we look forward to some exciting events at Good Samaritan. Please mark these dates in your calendar!

August: First Holy Communion

Throughout August children enrolled for the sacrament of First Holy Communion will begin their preparation sessions. Watch our school newsletter for any updates. Our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Jennett, will publish further information about the program.

29 August: Father’s Day BBQ

This year we plan to celebrate Father’s Day with a breakfast BBQ. All dads, grandfathers and other significant father figures are most welcome to come along. Watch upcoming newsletters for further information.

30 August: Father’s Day Stall

Our P&F are again organising the Father’s Day stall. Students will be able to buy gifts on Friday 30 August. Upcoming newsletters will have more information.

16 September: Pupil Free Day - Staff Spirituality Day

This year our Staff Spirituality Day will be held off site. No staff will be on site on this day. The day will focus around Educating with a Mission Lens and will also include reflection on our mission statement and the establishment of a Benedictan charism for our school.

Building Work Update:

During the holiday break the windows of the Year 1/2 building were replaced. This has made the rooms much brighter for the students. We have also installed an electronic gate at the McGrath St pedestrian entrance. Please be patient with us as we iron out a couple of glitches with the installation. Please note that this gate will be programmed to open at 8am and will be locked at 9:10am automatically. It will reopen again at 2:45pm in readiness for dismissal.

In addition, there is a new door between the student and parent foyers. This is to ensure further security of the site throughout the school day. Also, the basketball backboards are being replaced. The boards have come down and will be replaced with new backboards in the near future. The shade sail is currently being remade and will be installed over the coming weeks.The date of installation will be communicated when we are advised.

Thank you for your support and patience as we make these adjustments to our school.