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- Advent Kindness Mufti Day:
- Staffing Update 2022:
- New Year! New Class! Transitioning to the New School Year & meeting my new class :
- Mark Your Calendar!
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Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
As we continue through this period of Advent we have the opportunity to reflect as we await the joy that Christmas brings. As the year comes to an end we look back with gratitude on the lives that we lead. Gratitude is the virtue of being able to receive and give thanks.
To receive gratitude and show that we really are properly grateful is the most primary of all religious attitudes. Proper gratitude is the ultimate virtue. Gratitude defines the sacredness of the lives of Saints and holy persons but it can also define our lives as well.
Not so long ago, I was walking out of a restaurant behind an elderly lady who was being supported by her daughter in negotiating some stairs. Obviously, I slowed down allowing the lady the safety of the stairs. The daughter turned to me and offered her thanks – showing her real gratitude for my very simple action. I felt no need to be thanked but I appreciated the woman’s gratitude.
In Scripture, Adam and Eve failed to show their gratitude hence the first original sin. At times, when we become angry with someone, it can be because we are not being appreciated or thanked properly. Then, on the other hand, people may resent us as we have failed to thank them or have believed that it is their job to take care of us. How blessed we would all be if we just took the opportunity to show our love through the gratitude that we offer others!
As we wait throughout this Advent period for the light of the Lord to come into our lives we have the unique opportunity to show our appreciation for all that is done for us through the actions of others.
This is an important lesson for our children as well. As they eagerly await Christmas and the joy and happiness it brings, their demonstration of gratitude is a sign of their commitment to be responsible in their faith. Who else can show them this if not the adults around them?
As we move into this last week of school and this season of Advent, take some time to show your gratitude to those around you. It may be as simple as allowing another to pass by you in the rush of the day or to be truly present to your child, husband, wife or partner as they recount their day.
As we journey this week, together, with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
As the school year starts to wind down, iPads are not needed as greatly for learning. Therefore, all student iPads are to remain at home from tomorrow, Thursday 9 December until the end of the school year. The last week of school will have limited screen time allowing the students the opportunity to enjoy the end of the year with one another face to face.
Children can wear clothes that make them feel kind or Christmas clothes that remind them of the kindness that was extended to Mary and Joseph before Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem this Friday 10 December.
I am very pleased to advise that following an extensive recruitment and appointment process, the staffing for Good Samaritan now complete with the appointment of TPPT (RFF) teachers. Please see the updated 2022 staff list below.
Mrs Carla Olima
Carla will teach PE for next year. Carla comes with extensive PE teaching experience and experience in collaboratively leading carnivals, gala days and other important sporting events. Carla is very pleased to have had the opportunity to accept this position.
Mr Damian Collins
Damian will teach Science for next year. Damian also comes with many years experience particularly within schools of the Canberra/Goulburn Diocese. Damian will be moving with his family to Wollongong over the Christmas holiday period.
This year we know that students have had to pivot and adjust to many different modes of learning. They have also had a disruption to their friendship groups as well as trying to manage a return to school with less than a term of the year remaining.
To ensure that we set up all of our Good Samaritan learners for a successful start to the new school year all classes will be engaging in transition sessions. The sessions are based around the PDHPE outcomes of Communicating and Decision Making.
On Monday 13 December the transition program will culminate with the children meeting their new teacher and their new class. This is always an exciting time for both students and teachers alike. Our classes have been formed and this has included, where necessary, consultation with parents. Each year, teachers and parents always think very similarly about where students will experience the greatest success in the new year. This indicates that the process we use, which is extremely rigorous, is effective. I very much appreciate our parent community who place great trust in the process. Our teachers and school staff know your child best within the school environment and we approach this process ensuring the best possible outcome for all students.
This process is now complete. No changes will be made to classes. Changing students now creates a domino effect which may mean that the needs of other students are not met. I ask that you understand how complex this process is when we are working with the academic, social and wellbeing needs of all our students.
2022 eSafety Parent Online Sessions:
Safer Internet Day 2022 Tuesday 8 February
Once again the eSafety Commissioner is holding some great events for parents. Mark your calendars so you can attend these webinars in 2022.
Second Sunday of Advent
May our love keep growing and may our hearts be prepared for the Day of Christ.
PREPARE FOR THE LORD
In the frantic pace of Christmas preparations, it is easy to forget the one for whom the season exists- Jesus! “Maranatha” means, “Come Lord Jesus”. When the pace gets out of control, this simple word whispered in a deep breath can be a reminder that Jesus is the one for whom we long.
FAMILY MEDITATION:
Be comfortable- lie on the floor, or sit with a straight back and feet on the floor. Breathe deeply. On your in- breath say in your mind “maranatha” - 5 mins.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Sincere thanks to everyone involved in donating food for this year’s St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We acknowledge the busy lives of our staff and parents, and appreciate your generosity.
We have two winning classes this Year, 2 Gold and 4 Gold! Well done to these two classes and thank you to all the other classes. A special shout out to Mrs McRobert and 2 Gold for their beautiful prayer space for the Season of Advent.
Year 6 End of Year Excursion to Jamberoo:
Here’s what some students had to say:
“Jamberoo …… where we controlled the action!”
On Tuesday 30th November, Year 6 went to Jamberoo Action Park. We were very excited to go to Jamberoo. We went on heaps of fun rides in groups such as The Perfect Storm, Funnel Web, Taipan, and The Rock. We loved this experience with our friends and spending time with them before going to high school. Even though we couldn't have camp this year, Jamberoo was an amazing alternative and we all had an amazing time. It was a great day to celebrate the end of the year and remember Year 6.
By Emma.W, Mikayla.G, and Lucas.C (6 Gold)
It was a great way to start the summer. Everyone was just themselves and I could tell everyone enjoyed it. Everyone watched out for each other and at the end of the day everyone had a great time and no one wanted to go home.
Thank you so much for having year 6. From Lucinda (6 Red)
Last Tuesday we enjoyed a great day at the Jamberoo Recreation Park. We had an amazing time and created memories that we’ll never forget. Some of the things that we loved were riding the Funnel Web and the Perfect Storm. We went with our friends on the slides and screamed our heads off. Another fun thing was jumping off the rock and sliding down the slide into deep water. We also enjoyed eating ice-cream from the canteen.
We are very thankful for the opportunity to go to Jamberoo because most school camps have been cancelled and the students didn’t get to go anywhere else. We had a wonderful time and we are so grateful that we got to go. Evie and Ava F. (6 Blue)
GSFM Fun Day Wrap Up:
Last Friday all our students enjoyed a fun day together where they played games, created Christmas decorations and enjoyed each other’s company. The children had a wonderful time together with lots of laughter echoing throughout the school - and of course special ice cream and ice block treats were enjoyed by all!
Love of Learning
How Can We Share in Our Community?
- We are willing and consistent helpers.
- We are able to check in using the Zones of Regulation.
- We consistently try to Work through and face challenges
- When we work in a small group
- When we show we are being a welcoming class member
- When we are including others in games
- When we can describe how to Work well with others
- Contributing one's talents to the welfare of the group
- Knowing that it’s ok to agree with the thinking of others “I was thinking that” hand movement.
- Being involved in student led discussion and learning experiences
- When we share thinking and mental strategies we use in our learning
- Knowing what to say to show kindness like ‘I like the way you… because…’
Congratulations To:
Bonnie Kennedy, Hope Hill and Gemma Humphrey who have been selected for the Illawarra 12 years and 13 years Netball Squad. A great achievement!
From the School Handbook:
Parents Supporting Student Learning: Replenishing Equipment for the New School Term
As we approach the upcoming holidays parents are asked to ensure that their child’s pencil case and school supplies are replenished. Having everything at their fingertips each day aids in the learning process allowing children to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about not having the equipment to complete the task.
Uniform Check:
Throughout the holidays please check your child’s uniform is clearly labelled with their name. Also, if your child needs new school shoes or joggers they must be within the uniform requirements i.e: black leather school shoes and predominately white joggers similar to the images below.
SCHOOL FEES
TERM 4 DATES:
December:
- Monday 13 December - Year 6 Farewell
- Wednesday 15 December - Last Day of Term 4 2021
TERM 1 2022 DATES:
January
- Friday 28 January - PUPIL FREE DAY/ Staff Return
- Monday 31 January - PUPIL FREE DAY /Staff Development Day
February
- Tuesday 1 February - Students Return
- Friday 4 February - Touch Football Trials
- Monday 7 February - Swimming Carnival
- Tuesday 8 February - Basketball & Tennis Trials
The University of Wollongong LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program is open for applications. This is an academic and creative arts enrichment program designed for students who are motivated and passionate learners and performing excellently in their area of interest. These are for targeted students from Year 1 to 6. First-time applicants are required to demonstrate their suitability for the program.
Dates:
Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 10th – 12th January 2022
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 17th – 21st January 2022
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: Wednesday, 17th November 2021
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au.
School Travel 2022