Dear Parents and Carers  of Good Samaritan, 

During the holidays we were able to reflect on Luke’s Gospel of the Good Samaritan. This Gospel is so well known and probably came straight from the words Jesus spoke so many years ago.

The Good Samaritan story answers the question: “Who am I required to love? Who belongs in our community?” Jesus tells us very simply that it is the one who shows mercy. Luke tells us that the ones who belong are those who take pity, who can live a compassionate life, who can live in love and don’t make decisions based on race, religion, gender or ability.

In the Good Samaritan story, Jesus chooses someone far removed from the Jewish society of the time - a Samaritan. He calls him the true neighbour. This calls on us today to broaden our very understanding of who should be included in  communities - all are to be welcome in our community.

As young people, our Good Samaritan boys and girls continue to grow in their understanding of the Good  Samaritan story - and they don’t always get it right. Sometimes their actions may result in others not feeling that great,  or feeling they have been outcast. The important thing is how we support them to ‘get it right’  next time. 

One of the ways we do this  is through Positive Behaviours 4 Learning (PB4L). PB4L is more than just school rules, it is a way of being in community. Each week the students  focus on a particular Mission Behaviour that is aligned with St Benedict’s Love of Learning. We support the students  by breaking down what these behaviours look like and, in turn, combine these with our Merit and Value Awards.

Each Monday morning, the students will gather in their stage groups to be oriented for the week ahead. This meeting will involve clear and consistent explanations of the week’s Mission Behaviour, the school focus and our playground social norms. It will also be within this stage meeting that students will receive Merit and Value Awards.

Positive reinforcement of student learning and behaviour is crucial for the success of all students. Each week in the newsletter you will be able to read about the Mission Behaviour, school focus and playground norms the students will be learning. Your support as a parent will only benefit your child and his or her peers.

Until next week, as we journey into Term 3 together with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal