Enrolling Now for Kindergarten 2021!                                                      

Enrolment applications are currently being accepted for Kindergarten 2021 at Good Samaritan.

Update of Construction of Shade Sails on Infants Playground

The posts have been installed in readiness for the fabric to finalise the construction of the shade sails.

We should see the project completed over the next two weeks.

The construction fencing will come down over the next couple of days enabling ease of  access to classrooms.

Smartwatches & Phones at School

The exponential growth of technology and its role in education for the 21st Century Student, has been very exciting but also very challenging. Students are faced with more distractions than ever before and are struggling to maintain focus and concentration, manage impulsivity and avoid distraction. It is our role to help support them to develop as successful learners.

Many Good Samaritan students are wearing smartwatches to school and it is our responsibility to ensure that the wearing of them does not result in lower levels of concentration due to: constant interruptions; an increase in fear of missing out; reduced memory; warped views on reality and increased levels of stress. Research is beginning to show that the mere presence of a phone or smartwatch, either in a pocket or on a desk, is enough to reduce cognitive capacity. 

It is important that all parents and carers understand that students do not need a smartwatch, or phone, turned on at school. Students will be asked to turn such devices to modes that will not interrupt the course of learning or playing throughout the school day. 

If a student chooses to ignore a staff member’s direction to turn the device to the correct mode, the device will be confiscated until the end of the school day. 

Parents are asked to consider the value of allowing their child/ren to wear smartwatches and/or bring phones to school and to decide whether it is worth the associated risk of loss, damage or theft. Therefore, if the watch or phone is brought/worn to school the risk remains with the student and parent.

In addition, parents are reminded that  if, in an emergency, a student needs to contact a parent or a parent needs to contact his/her child during the school day, this contact must be made via the Good Samaritan school office.