Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

On Monday the Good Samaritan staff gathered for our annual staff spirituality day. The focus of the day was our mission as educators of Good Samaritan. The day centred around reviewing what our mission statement is and how this is lived daily within our school.

Whilst Good Samaritan began as a school in 2012, it has a rich history with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict who established the schools previously known as St John Vianney’s and St Francis Xavier.

Throughout the day we were led to focus on three aspects:

• The Parable of the Good Samaritan

• The Rule of St Benedict 

• The Good Samaritan Sisters

These three aspects are the story that shapes us as a school today within a journey that has spanned over 162 years.

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan Order was founded by Archbishop John Bede Polding, a Benedictan Monk, in 1857. Polding asked Mother Scholastica Gibbons for assistance. Mother Scholastica was a Sister of Charity and yet devoted her life to the formation of this new group until 1876.

Five women came together on February 2 1857 as the Sisters of the Good Samaritan to become known as the first congregation of religious women in Australia. In writing the ‘rules’ for the congregation, Polding drew heavily on the ancient Rule of St Benedict. This rule dates back to the sixth century yet continues to speak to countless women and men around the globe today. The text of the Rule is remarkably brief, but it is refreshingly realistic in its understanding of who people are and who they can become.

Although written for a group of monks, there are lessons for all contemporary people: lessons about mercy and humility; about hospitality, care and welcome; about living a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

It is intended for those who seek peace. It speaks about acceptance, compassion, and commitment to prayer and work.

The Rule presents a gospel way of life, a life based on the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Good News, which Benedict called “the truest of guides for human life”.

Our vision statement is that towards which we strive, our mission is how we get there. As a Catholic school, steeped in the history of the Good Samaritan Sisters of the Wollongong area, the charism to which we belong is that of St Benedict. A charism becomes the story we enter; the language we speak; the group to which we belong; a way to pray; a work to undertake and a face of God to see.

 This week’s spirituality day was just the beginning of revising our mission statement in light of the Benedictan tradition. There is still much work to do as we Listen, as we Learn and as we Live. But we will do this as a  community of students, s

taff and parents.

I leave you this week with a quote from St Benedict:

‘... be faithful to finding God in the ordinary

circumstances of daily life…’

 As we journey, together, towards Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal

Year 6 Parents - Get Set for High School!

As an important part of their preparation for moving to high school, the Year 6 children will take part in the ‘Get Set For High School’ workshop next Thursday 26 September. This will be facilitated by Jenny Atkinson. Jenny has 30 years’ teaching experience and is the author of the award winning book for parents, ‘High School Rocks: Make Starting High School An Awesome Experience.’ 

The activities focus on how high school works, coping with change, getting organised and developing essential skills for handling the high school workload. During this interactive program, Jenny Atkinson helps take the ‘unknown’ out of moving to high school so that the children are more prepared and confident to manage this important transition.

At 7.00pm on Thursday 26 September, Jenny will present a session for the Year 6 parents, ‘How to Help Your Child Cope With High School’. She will explain the challenges children face in adjusting to high school and you will take home practical strategies for supporting your child. Some of the issues covered include: supporting your child through their transition, navigating technology and cybersafety, managing the increased homework load, getting organised and dealing with changing friendships. Please RSVP your attendance will be sent home closer to the date.

Year 6 Parent Action: RSVP your attendance for the Parent Workshop by clicking  here

SPB4L: 

This week we are remembering to value:

Gratitude

We can do this by:

• Being thankful for the little things in life
• Showing gratitude for God’s creation
• Being thankful for the things that we have 

NAPLAN ASSESSMENT:

Today, students in Years 3&5 received their report on their performance in the NAPLAN tests held in May this year. Below is a FAQs about Individual Student Reports. This is to be read in conjunction with your child’s NAPLAN report.

Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School is interested in continuing our participation in the National School Chaplaincy Program for 2020 to 2022.  In order for the school to be eligible for this valuable program we require you to complete a short 30 second survey by close of business Thursday 19 September.

 Please click here or follow the link below for the survey:

School Chaplains support the wellbeing of students and the school community. Participation in programs delivered by the chaplain is voluntary. Chaplains deliver a range of non-therapeutic welfare, spiritual and emotional support to students, families and staff at the school. Some of these beneficial activities may include:

• Grief and loss programs
• Support for the spiritual needs of the school community
• Individual support
• Mindfulness
• Parent workshops
• School community support initiatives
• Social justice groups
• Social skills groups
• Youth groups

The Chaplaincy program at Good Samaritan has served the needs of students very well in the past and it is our hope to continue to offer this across the school.

 Thank you for your participation in the survey.

Principal’s Awards

With the recent change to Compass we have come across some anomalies with the merit and Principal’s Awards. Please be patient as we sort out where each student is up to within the award system.