FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK:
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
This week we welcome Kindergarten into the Good Samaritan school community. As of Thursday 8th February our Good Samaritan family will be complete. Beginning school is a significant milestone in the life of children and their families and we look forward to working together in the faith, learning and well-being development of all of our students.
We recognise Safer Internet Day this week. This worldwide initiative helps to create safer online spaces for children
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
As we commence the 2024 school year, the prevalence of mobile digital devices (such as smart watches and mobile phones) amongst the primary school students at Good Samaritan has highlighted concerns regarding learning focus, social connections and potential breaches of the CEDoW Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement. I understand that parents may wish their child to have a mobile digital device for travel to and from school. Whilst at school, however, where we have a duty of care to provide a safe learning environment, such devices pose a heightened risk of the above-mentioned concerns, as well as a heightened risk of access to inappropriate sites and potential cyber abuse. Please note also that the school does not take any responsibility for any loss or damage of personal mobile digital devices if they are brought to school.
As a way of enhancing the safety of our learning environment for all students, the following process will be in place from the commencement of Week 4 - students who bring mobile phones or smart watches to school will store their device in a school provided storage container during school hours.Students will hand their devices to their class teacher each morning and collect them each afternoon.
I appreciate the anticipated support of this process as a way to enhance your child’s ability to learn and play in an environment where access to technology is an integral part of the curriculum using school managed devices. As a school community we aim to minimise the possibility of harm caused by the potential misuse of technology.
STAGES OF HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Ensuring open and effective communication between parents and teachers is crucial for your child's academic success.
To streamline this process, we recommend reaching out to your child's teacher through the school office.
Whether you prefer a phone call to relay a message or an email, connecting with us is easy.
Feel free to contact us at the following:
* Phone: 42266577
* Email: info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au
Grades and classes across the school are supported by Middle Leaders. You are asked to contact the Middle Leader responsible for your child’s class/grade if you have continued concerns regarding your child’s education or behaviour. The Middle Leaders will also contact you when and if necessary.
All academic and behaviour concerns made to the office will be directed to the classroom teacher in the first instance. This may be followed up by support from the Middle Leader responsible for the stage/grade.
Middle Leaders 2024
|
Stage/Grade |
Middle Leader |
|
Early Stage 1: Kindergarten |
Mrs Cath Hailstone |
|
Amaroo & Learning Support Centre |
Mrs Cath Hailstone |
|
Stage 1: Year 1 Year 2 |
Mrs Leesa Ellul |
|
Stage 2: Year 3 Year 4 |
Mrs Christie Gray |
|
Stage 3: Year 5 Year 6 |
Mrs Natalie Shelley |
The Middle Leader represented in bold will be your first port of call beyond the classroom teacher.
We appreciate your proactive involvement in your child's education, and we look forward to maintaining strong lines of communication throughout the school year.
Car Park Reminder
For the safety of our school community, please ensure that you maintain a safe speed of 10km/h when driving in the car park.
In Faith and Learning,
Lisa Tyson
Acting Principal