FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK:
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Season of Advent
Last Sunday marked the commencement of the Season of Advent, a sacred time of prayer and contemplation in which we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. During this time of waiting and expectation, we are challenged to look for opportunities and practical ways to honour the holiness of the season.
There are many traditions, signs and symbols that are commonly used during Advent. The empty crib in the manger, the colour purple together with Scripture readings that reflect the theme of hope. The Advent Calendar is used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas and the Advent wreath, which holds four candles, one for each Sunday of the season, is placed on the altar in our churches and prayer spaces.
If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, we’ve put together a few ideas.
Earlier this year, I submitted three applications to the Catholic Education Office for capital grant funding for three projects:
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To fund part of the playground
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To provide shade to the sandpit
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To purchase signage for the eastern fence line of the school.
It gives me great pleasure to report that not only were all three applications successful, but that the amounts available are incredibly generous.
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The playground - Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) are aware of the P&F’s ability to donate $50,000 and will provide an additional $150,000 - bringing the total funds available to $200,000.
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The sandpit shade - Total funds available = $50,000. Any surplus funds can be used after the new building project has been completed to improve the quality of the ground cover near the flag poles.
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The signage -Total funds available = $40,000. This will be used to purchase a large double sided plinth sign that will be clearly visible to all northern and southern bound traffic on the highway.
Cath Hailstone, Pauline Chrowstowski and I have also begun discussions with the architect from JDH Architects who is responsible for designing the master plan for Good Samaritan. The first step of this master plan is a significant refurbishment of the double storey building, which is earmarked to commence mid 2025. The plans will be shared with the school community in due course - we are still very much in the initial stages, with many meetings occurring to ascertain our needs.
Once the double storey building is completed, the demountables will be removed from the playground, providing a significant increase in green play spaces for the students, and opening up the school visually from the Cabbage Tree Lane perspective.
On advice from the CEDOW Properties office, the playground will be built in two stages.
Stage 1 - a playground suitable for the younger students will be built at the eastern end of the school site.
Stage 2 - a playground will be built on the ‘newly opened’ playground once the demountables are removed. This playground will be more suitable for the older students.
The shade structure over the sandpit will be constructed before the children return to school in 2025.
We are in the process of obtaining quotes for the signage.
Exciting times ahead - I look forward to coming back to see it when it’s all done!
Peter Hill, the Director of Schools for the Diocese of Wollongong, shared the following with the staff of the Diocese in a recent communication. It highlights a significant achievement by one of our Year Six students and invites us all to reflect on God’s plan for each of us as we go about our ordinary lives. I invite you to carefully read and reflect on the following:
Isabelle Olima’s artwork was chosen for the Packing Room Prize in the 2024 Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong's Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition.
This week we explore the scripture ‘The Annunciation’ Luke 1:30 - "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.”
This scripture reminds us of the ultimate ‘yes’ that Mary modelled for us.
Isabelle’s Reflection
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Luke 1:30).
The angel Gabriel's message to Mary reveals her extraordinary role in God’s plan. My digital artwork reimagines Mary in a contemporary context, depicting her as a modern magazine cover star. Created using Canva and ProCreate, this piece merges traditional Biblical themes with a modern twist to reflect Mary’s humble yet pivotal role in Christian history.
The artwork portrays Mary as if she’s recently pregnant, participating in everyday activities, like baking bread or tending to olives. This modern portrayal serves to highlight that even though Mary was chosen by God, she lived a life filled with ordinary tasks, emphasising her humanity and relatability.
This choice resonates with me personally as my sister, a teenager, is a similar age to Mary at the time of Jesus' birth. By photographing my sister for this piece, I honour Mary’s youthful courage and faith. This artwork deepens my appreciation of Mary’s everyday strength and makes me realise how special moments can be part of everyday life."
Reflection Questions
How often do we consider God’s plan for us?
Where do we say ‘yes’?
Where do we find the extraordinary moments in the ordinary of our own lives?
Last week we announced the 2025 Student Leadership Team. I would like to congratulate the following students:
School Captains:
Jacob Dowler Maya Sepulveda
School Vice-Captains:
- Amelie Best
- Kage Burcher
- Flynn Courtney
- Marcus De Santis
- Ronny Hay
- Indie Martin
The student leadership application process used at Good Samaritan supports the students to discern the role and responsibilities that come with it. Student leadership is important not only for the personal development of individuals but also for the well-being and success of the broader school community. It instils valuable skills, fosters positive character traits, and prepares all students for the challenges and responsibilities they may encounter in the future.
I wish our 2025 School Leaders every success in their roles as Captains and Vice-Captains.