Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 2 is already upon us and as we head into the term we keep in mind the Easter message of the Resurrection.  With the current COVID-19 situation we have had to learn to adapt in a whole new way.  Our family lives are being transformed and there seems to be so much that is beyond our control as individuals, families and community.

With this can come a level of suffering - the longing to be with family who may be vulnerable; missing the opportunities that would usually accompany the Easter holidays; not remembering the ANZACS with the usual parades and gatherings.  With all the suffering our faith holds us to the knowledge that there will be a Resurrection - through suffering is born new life.

Richard Rohr (an American theologian) writes:

Suffering, of course, can lead us in one of two directions. It can make us very bitter and close us down, or it can make us wise, compassionate, and utterly open. Our hearts open either because they have been softened, or perhaps because suffering makes us feel like we have nothing more to lose. It often takes us to the edge of our inner resources where we “fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

Let us all pray for the grace of this second path of softening and opening.

As I reflect on what we are facing as a school community entering Term 2 - taking into account the many opinions, directives and conversations from government, social media and regular media channels - everyone seems to have something to say about what schools should or shouldn’t be doing.  I have come to further believe that schools play an incredibly powerful role in our society at large.  Schools are the bedrock of our society.  Without schools, society finds itself in a very difficult position when trying to operate effectively.

The staff of Good Samaritan have worked extremely hard in the movement to remote learning.  The needs of the students have been forefront in everyone’s minds. The concern that has been displayed for you, as parents and carers, who have to take on the role of supervising school work has been paramount in our planning and thinking.  I could not be more proud of the Good Samaritan staff and their work in this period.

I introduce to you today the Good Samaritan Learning Hub.  This hub will become the school environment in Term 2.  It will work to support you and the students navigate your way through remote learning or doing school at home.  The hub aims to be your ‘one stop shop’ for all that you’ll need.  It will be where students ‘check in’ each day so the roll can be marked.  It will direct you to the learning platforms of SeeSaw and Google classrooms.  It will house a series of short videos to help you find what you need. 

Below I introduce you to the Good Samaritan Learning Hub.

Although the term will be different, I am looking forward to all the learning that will be done by our students, staff and families. We’re all Ready to Learn!

As we journey together with the Resurrected Christ in this Easter season,

Toni Sillis

Principal