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Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
It was great to be able to welcome parents back on site this week with the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The students, and their teachers, once again demonstrated the ability to adjust to new organisation procedures particularly for afternoon dismissal.
There has been much to celebrate across our school community over the last couple of weeks including student participation in many sporting events. Students have also had the opportunity to participate in liturgies, SPLICED not to mention the thinking, idea creation and learning that occurs in each classroom every day.
As I watch the students arrive every day, I love to see them walk into school with smiles on their faces ready to greet each other and to begin their day. Many children run through the gate, and whilst I know many are running to begin a handball game or to find their friends, it brings a genuine sense of belonging. This is what can be referred to as the implicit wellbeing curriculum. Whole school wellbeing can be taught but it is more often caught.
Whole school wellbeing will not only be achieved through teaching an explicit curriculum to students - it is something beyond this. It is vital to consider the multitude of moments, places and interaction where wellbeing is built in our school. This ‘caught’ curriculum appears in the way we are with each other, the language that is used - essentially it is ‘the way things are done around here.’
As part of developing a culture of wellbeing, we are planning to have a PB4L Day each term. The aim is to have a consistent opportunity to focus on the Benedictan values and mission behaviours so that students will have a consistent opportunity to practise social skills and strengthen relationships. This term we will celebrate the PB4L Day on Friday 19 March. This is also the Feast of St Joseph. Our PB4L Day will begin with a Liturgy followed by a day of activities that take into account Harmony Week, World Happiness Day and National Day Against Bullying which all fall throughout that week. The students are able to wear mufti for the PB4L Day using the theme of Wear What Makes You (& Others) Happy! eg: football jersey, butterfly wings, funny hat. Students need to wear enclosed shoes and remember to wear something that makes another person smile.
Have a great week ahead, as we journey together with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
CHANGES TO GAZETTED ANNUAL STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/PUPIL FREE DAYS:
Catholic Education has advised that Wollongong systemic Catholic schools will come into line with the Gazetted Staff Development days of NSW Department of Education from January 2022.
Specifically, for 2022 the CEDoW gazetted dates are:
- 26 January - Australia Day holiday (Wednesday)
- 27 January - Student vacation (Thursday)
- 28 January - Staff return Pupil Free Day (Friday)
- 31 January - Staff at schools Pupil Free Day (Monday)
- 1 February - Year 1-6 students return to school (Tuesday)
Mark the dates in your calender !
Kindergarten 2022 Best Start will be conducted 1 February through to 7 February and the official first day of school for the 2022 cohort is 8 February (Tuesday).
Car Line Reminders:
The following are some reminders for morning and afternoon car lines. These actions help to keep the car lines running smoothly and ensure the safety of all our community.
Morning Car Lines:
- Begin at 8:20am
- Supervision by duty teachers who hand sanitise students on arrival
- Students must be able to get out of vehicles on their own
- School bags are to be in the car with the student, not in the boot
- Students must get out of the car on the passenger side
- Parents are not to exit the vehicle
- Supervisors are not allowed to open &/or close car doors
Afternoon Car Lines:
- Begin at 3pm (unless wet weather)
- Students must enter cars on the passenger side
- Students must be able to buckle their seatbelt independently
- Supervisors are not allowed to open &/or close car doors
- Bags are to go into the car with the student/s, not in the boot
- Parents are not to exit the vehicle
Thank you to all our parents who consistently support the safety in the operation of car lines.
Wet Weather School Dismissal:
On occasions where it is raining at dismissal time a Compass notification will be sent to parents to advise that wet weather dismissal arrangements will be put into place.
Wet weather dismissal means that:
- Car Lines begins at 2:45pm unless the weather is such that it makes it unsafe for students and staff
- Parents and carers are asked to ensure that the car line does not extend out into Cabbage Tree Lane and that a loop of the block is completed until the driver can safely enter the school
- Parent pick up dismissal is from classrooms beginning at 2:50pm
- Year 4 parents will meet their child/ren under the COLA. Year 4 parents are asked not to access the stairs during wet weather.
- Bus lines operate as usual from 3pm
St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast day Friday 19th March:
We will be celebrating the life of St Joseph as the “Husband” of Mary. In our School Liturgy we will be talking about the qualities that Joseph displayed as a husband to Mary, such as his willingness.
Slavery-free Easter Chocolate
The organisation Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) invites us to consider how we can help eliminate slavery and child labour by making ethical choices when we buy our Easter chocolate.
ACRATH Executive Officer Christine Carolan says, “Much of our chocolate is made using cocoa beans harvested by children, often in the West African region. Many of these children are forced into labour. We can help change this.”
This Easter Australians will buy and eat more than $200 million worth of chocolate. “The bitter truth about much of our Easter chocolate is that it comes at the price of a child’s education and health. About 80% of cocoa comes from West Africa and it is estimated that almost 2 million children are in child labour in these areas.” To make a change today:
We cannot ignore the fact that there is as much slavery in the world today, as there was before, or perhaps more – Pope Francis.
Can’t find slavery-free Easter eggs in your supermarket? Ten years ago there was almost no slavery-free chocolate in our supermarkets in Australia. Now, because of public pressure and consumer demands, most supermarkets will sell some. Thank you for contributing to the demand for slavery-free chocolate, but we have a long way to go.
Slavery-free chocolate is delicious and is no more expensive than other chocolate. Try ALDI, Haighs, and leading supermarkets.
Please remember that if you are putting together a fundraising chocolate raffle for your school, parish or workplace, make sure it only contains chocolate that is certified slavery-free.
For information on Slavery-free Easter chocolate and resources, go to:
https://acrath.org.au/take-action/slavery-free-easter/
- Buy only chocolate that is certified slavery-free and features one of the pictured logos
- Go to Take Action for a Slavery-free Easter for the ACRATH chocolate poster
- Tell at least one person about slavery-free chocolate and share some with them. They will discover how delicious it tastes.
Parent/Caregiver Meeting Confirmation Programme, 2021
The Sacramental Programme for Confirmation will begin with the Parent Meeting on Wednesday 24 March and Thursday 25 March, 2021 6.30pm in the St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow.
Parents/caregivers must attend either one of these meetings to enrol their children for the Confirmation Programme. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. The cost for administration and materials for the Confirmation Programme is $40.
GSFM Kindergarten 2022 Open Day:
Saturday 13 March Good Samaritan will be conducting an Open Day for students beginning at the school in 2022. The day will begin at 9am and continue until 12noon. Let your friends, family and neighbours know that they are able to come and look around our wonderful school.
What’s happening in Year 6?
Year 6 are proving that there is no “I” in “TEAM”. They have shown great responsibility and maturity since the beginning of Term One. The students continue to display our 5 Mission Behaviours; Esteem, Empathy, Involve, Share, Support with their interactions with their Kindergarten Buddies, their involvement and commitment in organising morning games, recess playtime with Kindergarten and numerous meetings with Mrs Sillis regarding the Year 6 Leadership Structure for the future of GSFM.
The badge ceremony and Liturgy was a great celebration and opportunity for the students to realise the importance of wearing a badge and what it means to them.
Our Year 6 Leadership Program is also giving our Year 6 the tools to use daily thoughts, words and actions to make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others, allowing them to “Be the change we wish to see in the world”.
Well done Year 6, 2021, we couldn’t be prouder!
GSFM Cross Country Friday 12 March 2021
The Good Samaritan Cross Country will be held on Friday 12 March on the school grounds. The students will be able to elect to participate in the Cross Country competitive race. Students who participate in the Cross Country competitive race must have a desire to represent the school at the Diocesan Carnival in Term 2. There will be a fun walk/jog event for students who do not participate in the competitive race.
All Sports news
Wow! What a week of sport!
Last Friday the Diocesan Sports selection trials were held for Rugby League, Netball and Girls and Boys Football (Soccer). All the students who participated from Good Samaritan did an amazing job and should be very proud of their efforts.
Congratulations to Samuel B, Finley C, Hamish G and Declan P who made it through to the Diocesan team of 12 in Boys football.
In the Girls football, congratulations to Talia F and Mikayla G who made the Wollongong Diocesan team.
Congratulations to Kobi T made the Rugby League Diocesan team and will be participating in the Mackillop trials in Opens Rugby League and finally further congratulations to Gemma H who will be heading to Canberra as part of the Diocesan team for Netball.
Swimming- On Monday March 8 the 2021 Swimming selection trials were held at Corrimal pool. These trials combined the top swimmers from the Southern and Western regions of the diocese to select a team that will represent the Wollongong Diocese at the MacKillop trials on the 25th March in Homebush. Well done to the following students who swam at the trials; Milla E, Madix B, Callum C, Nate O, Edward P, Rafael D, Matisse S, Gemma H, Ava H and Samantha E.
A big congratulations to the following students who will be representing our diocese at the upcoming Championships at Homebush.
8 year old girls
Milla E
50 m Freestyle
12 year-old girls
Gemma H
100m freestyle
50m freestyle
50m backstroke
50m butterfly
200m medley
12 year old girls
Matisse S
100m freestyle
50m freestyle
50m breaststroke
Girls Senior relay team - Matisse S, Gemma H, Ava H and Samantha E
Upcoming trials:
Best wishes to Chloe O who is at the Girls Hockey trials today in Narellan.
School Fees:
A reminder that fees are due 30 days after receipt of invoice. However, should you wish to pay your fees throughout the school year in instalments you are required to complete a Request To Pay School Fees By Instalment form.
Canteen News:
Allergy Aware School:
As an Allergy Aware School we request no peanuts, peanut paste, peanut butter (including “dippers”), nuts, “Nutella” spread, nutty muesli bars or eggs within the school.
We believe an effective partnership between home and school will ensure the successful inclusion of students with life-threatening allergies.
We are committed to supporting our students with anaphylaxis within the school environment and request your support to ensure a safe environment for these students.
Thank you
The Uniform Shop is now open on
Tuesday mornings 8.30am to 9.30am
Thursday afternoons 2pm to 3.15pm
Appointments Only
Winter Uniforms are now available
In order to manage the physical distancing requirements, parents will continue to make appointments at the uniform shop to purchase uniforms.
This can be done through the Compass Portal.
If you would like to place an order with the uniform shop an order form has been added to the school website under parents/uniform.
Please complete the form and return with payment to the school office.
These orders will be filled on uniform shop days.
Love of Learning
- Showing care for myself like wearing my uniform correctly
- Showing an in interest in what others are thinking and doing
- Using positive and encouraging words towards everyone I meet
- Using positive self talk like - ‘I can do this!’
- Performing random acts of kindness - like carrying someone’s telling someone how good their work is
- use a growth mindset and just giving new things a go
- looking, smiling and saying hello
These are just some of the ways that we can build and maintain esteem while developing a Love of Learning.
From the School Handbook
Bus Travel
Transport NSW has a complete set of Guidelines for managing school students behaviour on buses. These guidelines unpack the Code of Conduct responsibilities of students, parents and school principals in relation to bus behaviour. The guidelines also indicate the consequences for a breach of the Code of Conduct.
For your information, the following is taken from section 2 of the Guidelines - Student Code of Conduct.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ON BUSES
It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes:
Behaviour on buses:
- Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language
- Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted
- No eating or drinking (other than water) — unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission
- Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers
- Do not touch, push or shove other people
- Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver. This includes photographing, making lewd or suggestive comments, acting in a manner or participating in activities that may be deemed inappropriate or of a sexual nature.
- Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency
- Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.
Parent Action: If your child/ren catches a bus to or from school please familiarise yourself with these guidelines and speak to your child/ren about their responsibilities on the buses.
Car Park Safety
Safety within the Parish car park is everyone’s business. Students, parents and staff can only be kept safe if everyone is vigilant about their actions when using this space. It is every parent/carer’s responsibility to exercise safe actions within the carpark. This includes using the car park as indicated below:
- Parents are not to park on school or Parish grounds during drop off (8:20am-8:50am) or pick up (2:30pm-3:20pm) times
- When arriving prior to dismissal at Car Line Pick Up parents are asked to turn engines off once the car is stationary
- A safe speed of 10km/h when driving into the car park
- Do not exit your vehicle when dropping off or picking up students
- Ensure that children are well within the school gate when dropping off before moving off
- Children only exit vehicles when the vehicle is at the front of the queue
- Ensure students have safely entered the car and closed the door when picking up
- There is no pedestrian access to the carpark when car lines have begun in both the morning and afternoon
- Gates into the school are closed and locked from the Parish car park following morning assembly.
Thank you to those parents who continually exercise the utmost care when accessing the school via the Parish car park. Every child’s safety is everyone’s concern.
P&F Updates
AGM & Easter Raffle News
March
- Friday 12 March - GSFM Cross Country
- Saturday March 13- GSFM OPEN DAY 9am -12pm
- Monday 15 March - Harmony Week
- Monday 15 March - P&F Meeting 7pm
- Wednesday 17 March - Year 6 Captain & Vice Captain Speeches
- Thursday 18 March - Year 6 Captiain & Vice Captain Speeches
- Friday 19 March- Feast of St Joseph School Liturgy PB4L Day: Mufti Day for Students Wear What Makes You (& Others) Happy!
- Sunday 21 March -Feast of the Passing of St Benedict
- Monday 22 March - Year 6 Student Leadership Day with Cameron
- Tuesday 23 March - Touch Football Trials
- Tuesday 23 March - Touch Football Trials
- Thursday 25 March - Year 5 St Joseph Liturgy with Fr Bernard
- Friday 26 March - Easter Egg Raffle returns due
- Monday 29 March - Holy Week Begins daVinci Decathlon
April
- Holy Thursday 1 April - Last Day Term 1
- Friday 2 April - Good Friday
- Sunday 4 April - Easter Sunday
- Monday 5 April - Easter Monday
- Monday 19 April - First Day Term 2
- Tuesday 20 April - 9:30am: Easter Liturgy
- Thursday 22 April - School Photos
- Friday 23 April - ANZAC Day Prayer
Good afternoon,
We're planning an inclusive play space that provides for young people and adults with disability. We’re seeking community feedback on the concept plan, which expands Stuart Park’s existing playground to incorporate new features designed with young people and adults with disability in mind. The additional offerings include stimulating equipment, physical challenges and natural and sensory discoveries to provide a range of play options for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy together.
A two-staged approach to construction is proposed, with Stage 1 works planned for June 2021. Additional phased access upgrades in Stuart Park, including linking paths and parking are planned to occur to support the proposed playground extension. The existing playground in Stuart Park would remain open during works.
To find out more about the proposal or to provide feedback, visit Council’s engagement website by Monday 15 March 2021:
- Visit: www.our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/stuart-park-play-space-upgrade-all-ages-and-abilities
- Email: engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
- Call: (02) 4227 7111
Join the Conversation by Monday 15 March 2021.
National Ride to School Day
Students who ride or walk to school contribute to their minimum physical activity level of 60 minutes per day. They are also more focused and ready to learn compared to those who are driven. Get involved and celebrate National Ride2School Day on Friday 19 March 2021.
