Acknowledgement of Country:

Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School Fairy Meadow acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal and Gweagal people past and present, the traditional custodians of the lands on which our school is built.

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,

Last weekend we entered the season of Pentecost - a season of the Church’s year that marks the ‘birthday’ of the Church.

Pentecost is the time when we remember the disciples who were together when the Spirit of God entered their lives. This was only 6 weeks after the death of their good friend Jesus. It was at Pentecost that they realised what gifts Jesus had left for them. These gifts are what we are taught within the sacrament of Confirmation. 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are recognised within the Catholic faith however they are not exclusive to baptised Catholics. As a Catholic community we believe that everyone has these gifts because everyone carries the Spirit within them - we are all made in the image of Christ. The recognition of the gifts within ourselves and others help us to acknowledge the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and the lives of others.

So, what are the gifts?

Wisdom: One way to think about wisdom is not to make judgements of others based on assumption or limited information but to rather inquire into another’s thinking or actions

Understanding: This gift allows us to gain insights into why things may occur. Understanding helps us to see the work of the Spirit in our daily lives.

Counsel: This gift helps us to make the right decisions. It shows us where our intentions lay and what actions we should take based on our intention.

Knowledge: Knowledge allows us to see what is around us within people, the earth. It is about the mystery of what we have seen, are experiencing and what is yet to come. Knowledge helps us move towards an understanding of God’s love and mercy.

Fortitude: This is a wonderful gift when we acknowledge it. Fortitude is about perseverance and resilience. We have certainly drawn on this gift over the last couple of years! This is the gift that helps us grow in love, faith and hope.

Piety: The gift of piety helps us towards an understanding of why things happen the way that they do. It is this gift that is responsible for us praying as if by reflex and without hesitation or planning.

Fear of the Lord: This gift isn’t about fear as we know it today. This is about having a loving and profound reverence for God and all that he has created for us. There are moments and times when we recognise that we are a part of God’s plan which builds upon the wonder and awe we experience in life.

As we continue through the week, the term and the year, Pentecost is a timely reminder of all that we have, all that we experience and all whom we meet are connected to the gifts given by God.

Enjoy the week ahead,

Toni Sillis

Principal

Over the next week you will notice a Road Safety Fence Banner around our school. School communities play a key role in keeping children safe around schools. Everyone can play a part in keeping children safe on the roads around the school.

Attached is a glove box guide to School Zone Parking.