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- Principal's Message
- From the Principal's desk
- SCHOOL PHOTOS MONDAY 20 MAY
- From the Parent Handbook
- Student Participation in Sport Policy
- RE News
- School News
- Good Sam Art
- Diocesan Cross Country Carnival
- Principal's Awards
- Upcoming events
- Band Registration
- Federal Election Information
- Community News
- Spirituality in the Pub
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
The past week at Good Samaritan has been filled with moments of renewal, hope and striving for a future that offers our children the very best in education.
Last week the staff began working through a process of Case Management where students’ progress is brought forward to a supportive educational team, their work examined followed by a professional conversation to ensure that the student’s strengths are acknowledged and the support needed to continue to build upon these is offered in a constructive and explicit manner.
Throughout this process, I was able to come to know students more in an academic sense. I was able to observe the skill and dedication of our teaching staff and I was energised by what we have been able to put in place to support the academic progress of the students of Good Samaritan.
On Thursday the Good Samaritan community came together to celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful liturgy prepared by Year 3. This was followed by a Mother’s Day ‘High Tea’ provided by the school staff. This commitment to community continued on Friday with the Mother’s Day stall which was run by mums volunteering their time and the gifts were organised and laid out for sale by our P&F. All of this together, I believe, shows the supportive parental engagement we have at Good Samaritan.
In addition, I have been conducting interviews for Kindergarten in 2020. This has been such a privilege. This process allows me the opportunity to hear about the strengths of Good Samaritan and also what parents want for their children.
As I listen to parents I have heard that they really want to experience a sense of community. They have heard of the reputation Good Samaritan has within the wider community. Many parents themselves went to the school at either St John Vianney or St Francis Xavier and their experiences have been memorable and good. They want the same for their own children. I have heard of the importance parents place on consistent structures and routines for their children and they believe that enrolling their child in Good Samaritan will provide them with an education based on common values.
This was then extended further in a conversation with a colleague about how we might measure the impact of the core values of Catholic Education within the Diocese of Wollongong. The following Core Values are what we are called to act with as Catholic educators in this Diocese.
Hope: Adopting a positive and resilient approach to life and embracing the future with faith filled confidence.
Integrity: Being truthful, authentic and reliable, and acting with discernment and fidelity to the Holy Spirit.
Justice: Seeking right relationships, advocating with those in need and challenging unfairness and exploitation.
Compassion: Caring deeply for the dignity and wellbeing of others and welcoming all with love and respect and mercy.
I invite you as parents and carers to consider these values and to ask yourselves how you also contribute to bringing these alive within our school community. I also invite you to let me know how you have recognised these values through actions, events or messages from within the community.
Although my time at Good Samaritan has only been short thus far, I continue to marvel at the privilege I have been given to be the Principal of this school community. It is indeed one of my life’s greatest blessings.
Until next time, may we journey together with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Many thanks to our P&F for the organisation of the Mother’s Day Stall. Last Friday a number of mums were able to offer their time ensuring that all the children purchased a gift for the wonderful mums, grandmas, aunties and special women in their lives.
Another wonderful day in the Good Samaritan school year.
Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care in 2020:
Good Samaritan is currently looking at providing an OOSH service beginning in the 2020 school year. This service would be facilitated by CatholicCare with close collaboration with Good Samaritan. The service would operate based upon the systems and structures that are valued at Good Samaritan.
In order to ascertain the interest of parents in accessing such a service, the completion of a survey is required. This survey would take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and seeks to collect information including operating hours, days of operation and what parents would value in such a service.
Click here to complete the survey or follow the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoodSamaritan_OOSH
The survey will close on Friday 24 May.
Tips for Talking to Your Child about Strengths and Challenges
In last week’s newsletter Building on the Strengths of Students was highlighted. Whilst it’s important to talk to children about their strengths it is equally important to talk about their challenges. Here are the first 5 tips to help you strike a healthy balance and keep the lines of communication open. Next week 6 more tips will be published.Talk in a way that matches their age.
Primary school aged students may not be able to reflect on their strengths and challenges. But they do notice how they compare to other kids their age. Start a conversation with an observation: “Sometimes it seems like it’s hard for you to read aloud. I’m sure you see kids in school who can do it pretty easily, even if you don’t think they’re any smarter than you.” This opens the door for him to talk and perhaps confirm your observation. It also may encourage him/her to talk about what he/she is “smart” at.
Talk in a way that matches their age (Part II)
Students in upper primary and high school may be more able to consider their own strengths and challenges, but they’re often less willing to open up. It helps to be specific: “I know you struggled with organization on that project. The art looked great. Did the writing part end up being what you wanted?” Then let them take the conversation where they want
Help them see the whole picture
Having trouble with an activity can be deflating. For example, kids who have trouble reading aloud might decide they hate reading altogether. In this case, remind your child that reading aloud is only one part of enjoying the written word. If your child loves to be read to and has great insights, say so. Ask questions that help your child see there are ways to contribute even in tough situations.
Don’t shy away from the tough stuff
Children need to talk about what they’re good at, but they also need to talk about what they’re not so good at. Talk with your child about what he/she struggles with—not in a hurtful “you can’t do this” kind of way, but in an “I know this is hard for you” kind of way. Let your child lead the conversation as much as possible. You may know what his difficulties are, but only your child can tell you how they make him/her feel and their effect on his/her daily life.
Relate skills to situations
Children need to know that difficulties aren’t going to hold them back in every aspect of life. Case in point: If your child has trouble with mathematics, that’s not that big a deal at swim practice. At the same time, your child needs to know that his/her strengths will help him/her move forward. For example, the ability to make friends wherever he/she goes may not help in English class. But it may make it easier to get a job when the time comes.
School photos are being held on Monday 20 May 2019. All students are to wear their full summer uniform.
To ensure consistency of processes and practices across the school community, aspects of the Parent Handbook (currently under revision) will be published in each week’s newsletter.
STAGES OF HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
- If you have any educational/behaviour concerns about your child always contact your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance. Your child’s classroom teacher will always make contact with you if they have any concerns regarding your child’s education or behaviour.
- Grades and classes across the school are supported by Middle Leaders. You are asked to contact the Middle Leader/s responsible for your child’s class/grade if you have continued concerns regarding your child’s education or behaviour. The Middle Leaders will also contact you when and if necessary.
- All academic and behaviour concerns made to the office will be directed to the classroom teacher in the first instance. This may be followed up by support from the Middle Leader responsible for the stage/grade.
Middle Leaders 2019
The Middle Leader represented in bold will be your first port of call beyond the classroom teacher.
What do I do if I have a concern regarding a student who is not my child?
At times parents may become concerned about the behaviour of other students and, in an effort to resolve the situation, approach the student concerned. However, under no circumstances are parents to approach other students when trying to resolve an issue. Always seek assistance from the school. Incidents such as this can very quickly lead to reportable Child Protection matters that have to be investigated and reported.
It is also good practice to seek assistance from the school when you have a concern rather than approaching other parents about school related matters.
Always think about what you would do, or how you would feel, if another parent approached your child or confronted you about a matter where you were not fully informed of the details.
Parish Grade Mass
Our next Parish/Grade Mass will be held next Tuesday 21 May at 9:30am. Kindergarten will be attending, all welcome!
This week we are remembering to value:
We can do this by:
- Responding to bells/lining up quietly
- Always using good manners
- Respecting another person’s point of view
- Respecting the agreed rules of the game
Friday 17 May is National Walk Safely to School Day:
The aims of National Walk Safely to School Day include:
- Encouraging parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children.
- Promoting the health benefits of walking and create regular walking habits.
- Helping children develop vital road crossing skills and ensure children up to the age of 10 years hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.
- Reducing car dependency and traffic congestion.
- Reducing the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles.
- Promoting the use of public transport
For more information, visit www.walk.com.au
Year 2 artists Savanna, Lily, Marisa, Joseph and Eli.
Mrs Susan McAlister
Art Teacher
Last Tuesday the GSFM Cross Country team participated in the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival at the challenging track in Nowra. The whole team displayed outstanding effort and good sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the students for their wonderful achievements!
GSFM Cross Country Team – 5th Overall
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8/9 years Girls Sarah C – 4th Lily W – 28th Lucia I – 44th |
8/9 years Boys Callum C – 2nd Edward P- 32nd Marcus P – 44th |
10 years Girls Ava H – 1st Hana B – 2nd Alina – 5th |
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10 years Boys Finley C - 7th Ben G – 9th Luke G – 78th |
11 years Girls Matilda P – 22nd Abbey B – 27th Georgie P – 48th |
11 years Boys Eli H – 44th Cruz D – 61st |
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12 years Girls Xanthe B – 2nd Isabella H. – 23rd Grace T – 34th |
12 years Boys Noah S – 22nd Tzar H – 25th Hayden H – 37th |
A HUGE thank you to all the parent helpers who did a wonderful job assisting at the carnival. Special thanks to Mrs Hobbs who managed the team.
Ava H; Hana B; Alina P; Xanthe B; Sarah C; Finley C; Callum C have been selected to participate in the Combined Schools Cross Country Carnival at Eastern Creek on June 14. We wish these students the very best of luck!
MacKillop Winter Trials
Last Friday, the following students represented the Wollongong Diocese teams in Rugby League and Soccer in Canberra.
Soccer: Tzar H, Zane S
Rugby League: Mitchell S, Axel A, Noah S, Zane T
Coaching: Mr Jansen (Girls’ Soccer) and Mr Zamros (Rugby League 11’s)
In cold conditions, all students were exceptional in attitude and behaviour. It is a great achievement for these students to represent Wollongong and play at this level. Congratulations!
5 Principal's Awards
Serene (T) 1G, Ayla (S) 1G, Elizabelle (P) 1G, Hayden (P) 1G, Amari (W) 1B, Jasmine (I) 1B, Tyler (M) 1B
10 Principal's Awards
Alex (T) 3B, Macy (J) 4G, Austin R (4B), Zari (L) 4B, Oliver S (4B)
Principal's Awards to be handed out to the following students at assembly next Friday morning weather permitting.
Congratulations
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Thursday |
16 May |
Confirmation - Parent meeting 2, 7pm |
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Monday |
20 May |
SCHOOL PHOTOS - FULL SUMMER SCHOOL UNIFORM |
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Tuesday |
21 May |
Kinder grade mass - 9.30 - 10.30 |
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Thursday |
23 May |
Confirmation - Child Workshop 1, 7pm |
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Tuesday |
28 May |
Year 5 Grade Mass - 9.30 - 10.30 |
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Monday |
3 June |
P&F Meeting |
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Friday |
28 June |
Winter Wonderland Trivia Night |
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Thursday |
29 August |
Father's Day Breakfast BBQ and Prayer, 7.30am |
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Monday |
16 Sept |
Student Free Day |
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Friday |
1 November |
Grandparents & Great Friend's Day Liturgy & Open Day |
The programme is available for years 3-6 inclusive. Each child who registers with the programme will receive weekly instrumental tutoring AND band tutoring. Our band will be given regular termly performing opportunities.
Interested students will receive a hard copy registration form or you can register online at https://www.yulemusic.com.au/
Kindy Korner
“Miss Anne” started Kindy Korner in 1983 and has been educating children for the last 36 years!! She has taught so many and has had such an amazing impact on children and families in the northern suburbs that now that she is retiring we would like to celebrate her career.
We will be holding a morning tea and would encourage any families that can to come along and have a cuppa and catch up with Miss Anne.
Date: Thursday 27th June 2019
Time: 10am
Venue: Kindy Korner – 1 John St Balgownie
If you are unable to attend, but would like to share a story about your memories of her, please forward to louisa@kindykorner.com