From the Principal's Desk:
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
On Monday we celebrated our School Feast Day - The Feast of all Benedictine Saints. This feast day was chosen following a process of discernment by the community on the charism of the school. Monday was the first time that we were able to celebrate this Feast Day.
The story of our school rests on the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable underpins who we are as a community and how we live our lives each day. I share with you the parable this week and invite you to reflect on what words or phrases speak to you.
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’
He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
(Luke 10:25-37)
Take with you that word or phrase into the week ahead,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Thank You!
- To our committed P&F who supported our school Feast Day. The children had a wonderful day - one which they will remember for many years.
- To our P&F garden team for their work in the vegetable garden making it ready for its next harvest! This work is very much appreciated.
As this term progresses the children will become excited about the approaching Christmas season. It is very important that the children remain focused and settled throughout Term 4. When the children begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes and the like to school too early they tend to ‘tune out’. It is for this reason, and the fact that waiting is a part of our Catholic Christian tradition with the season of Advent, that the children may begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes etc for their classmates from the end of Week 9 – Friday 8 December.
Please begin to speak to your children about appreciating the card, gift or candy cane that they receive no matter who it is from and that when they give something they shouldn’t always expect something in return.
Taking time to T.H.I.N.K
As we approach the end of the year students can become tired and may show signs of frustration with their peers more quickly than what they have in the past. This can result in words being said in anger, annoyance or disappointment. It is really important that we encourage the children to take some time to T.H.I.N.K because their words have power. This acronym is explained below:
True: Is what I am going to say true? Are my words true?
Helpful: Is what I am going to say helpful? Are my words helpful?
Inspiring: Is what I am going to say inspiring to others? Are my words inspiring and positive?
Necessary: Do I need to say these words? Do my thoughts always need to be words?
Kind: Are my words kind? How do my words affect the thoughts, actions and feelings of others?