Dear Parents and Carers,

Over the last week we welcomed our students back for their Focus Day joining those who have been attending more regularly throughout the week. It was so good to be able to see them again. The noise and the atmosphere of the school became vibrant and alive with laughter, movement and friendships.

I watched the children enter the school some with trepidation, some nonchalant and others with great excitement. A couple of Year 6 girls, who would usually run and hug each other, ran over to each other and started waving their arms about as indicating how excited they were to see each other!

I feel that the message from Premier Gladys Berejiklian about NSW citizens exercising caution and heeding the requirements of the restrictions reflects our own school community commitment. Together we are making sure that we minimise any risk to our students, staff and parents. This week I share with you a song released in New Zealand as students returned to school. It’s a great way to help the children understand what they need to do to keep social distancing and hygiene front of mind. The teachers will be sharing this with the children this week and it is also posted on the Learning Hub.

As we continue to work within the parameters of Phase 1, the regular timeline of the year continues. Over the last 2 weeks, Mrs Smithers and I have been conducting Kindergarten 2021 enrolment interviews. This is always an exciting time for families and for our school. It has been wonderful to welcome new families, along with siblings, to the school. This period is so important as it is the beginning of such an important relationship between home and school.

The staff of Good Samaritan are most grateful for the continued support of our parent community as we work our way through Phase 1 of the return to school.

As we journey together, with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal