From the Principal's Desk:
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
This week has been busy with some of the most significant events of the school’s calendar.
On Sunday Year 3 gathered in the Parish along with a couple of older students for the mass of commitment. This marks the beginning of their preparation for the sacrament of First Holy Communion. On Tuesday, these same students celebrated the Rite of Reconciliation. This is a significant part of the preparation period. Reconciliation is a prayerful way to reflect on where we went wrong in our lives and how we can make things better in the future.
On Monday the students enjoyed a terrific sports carnival where they joined with their peers to compete for their house. It was a great day with many achievements across the day. I was very proud to see so many students having a go and gaining points for their house.
Today we celebrated Grandparents’ and Great People Day. This is held on the feast of Joachim and Anne - Parents of Mary Mother of God. It was wonderful to see so many people come and join together at the liturgy and then enjoy the children’s work across the open classrooms.
Each of these events demonstrates how important it is to belong. Belonging is our capacity to feel joy, freedom, and love in any moment. Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck [1917–2011] said: Joy is exactly what’s happening, minus our opinion of it.
She made a distinction between joy and happiness—Happiness has an opposite: unhappiness. Joy is not about being happy or unhappy, liking or disliking. Joy is accepting each moment for what it is without contention. We belong to any moment simply by meeting it with joy. This is freedom. Love is the ultimate expression of joy and freedom. Joy, freedom, and love could be considered synonyms for each other, and for belonging.
I leave you with that thought this week having made many new memories at Good Samaritan.
Until next time,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Please pray for:
Mrs Louise Testa and Bailey (Year 6). Louise’s father and Bailey’s grandfather passed away on Monday morning.
Eternal rest
Grant unto him O Lord
And may perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Book Week 2023: Read, Grow, Inspire
It’s that time of year where we get ready to celebrate Book Week! It’s time to think about a costume or outfit for the Book Parade. The GSFM Book Parade will take place on Monday 21 August.
School Uniforms:
We have been in conversation with Poppets Uniforms regarding an option for the girls’ Summer uniform. Below are some images of the option for the girls to wear shorts and a shirt during the Summer months. The girls will still be able to wear the Summer dress. The girls will continue to wear the school unisex ankle socks and black school shoes.
In the coming weeks, some girls from the primary classes will be asked for their feedback on the shorts option. The manikin display will be in the office foyer until Monday 31 July.
Please complete this Google Form to indicate your agreement with the option or any concerns that you may have. The form will close on Monday 31 July.
