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Dear Parent and Carers of Good Samaritan,
As we progress through the first part of the term, many families are experiencing the inconvenience and disruption that can occur when COVID comes into a family. We experience a whole range of emotions that can lead to us making assumptions of what ‘I should have/could have done’ to keep the family or loved ones safe.
We can only reassure ourselves that we did everything we've been advised to do by NSW Health and adhered to the continuing restrictions. If anything, our experiences are leading us to appreciate the present moment a little more. Prayer rests in the present moment. Prayer is the awareness that we have of the present moment - so we can be praying and not even recognise it as prayer!
Theologian, Richard Rohr, writes: The present moment has no competition; it is not judged in comparison to any other. It has never happened before and will not happen again. Rohr tells us that prayer isn’t primarily words but rather a stance, an attitude, a way of being. St Paul tells us to ‘Pray always’ ‘Pray unceasingly’. If we think that prayer has to always be words, Paul’s thoughts make prayer impossible. However, if we view our life as prayer, it becomes so much easier to pray more often.
As we continue to support each other, work with each other and be with each other, let us remember that we are, in fact, praying with each other.
Enjoy the week ahead, as we journey, together, with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Our first Zoom assembly will be held on Friday afternoon at 2:15pm. Year 5 will gather in the hall for a face to face assembly with our student leaders. You are invited to join our assembly via zoom. Log in by following the link below, put yourself on mute and enjoy some time with Good Samaritan students!
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/65533211609?pwd=R0ZOUGxYMmRITzhpeXNQb25jd1FWdz09
Password: 009854
All students catching buses must carry a current Opal card. Travel can be refused if students do not have their Opal card with them each day. ACTION: Ensure your child has their Opal card when catching the bus to or from school.
Parent Voice
We encourage all parents to complete the parent engagement form for your child/ren.These were sent out last week. This form will provide valuable information to your child’s classroom teacher to best support them throughout the year.
Please click on the relevant link below to complete:
During the past week students have been setting up routines and clear expectations around the use of technology at school. Students will begin to use technology to support their learning in classrooms this week. Year Three will engage in an iPad Bootcamp on Thursday this week to prepare them for the effective use of iPads in the classroom.
We encourage you to keep discussing how to be safe online with your children and become familiar with the school expectations around technology. We invite you to talk to your child/ren about these classroom expectation and refer to the following policies:
- Good Samaritan Digital Devices Policy.
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CEDoW Social Media Policy -
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/
Please take some time to read and sign the Student Responsible Technology Agreement with your child and return to schoo at your earliest convenience. This agreement reminds users to be responsible and respect the dignity of all involved when using technology.
CEDoW Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement
The e-safety commissioner is a wonderful resource and reference point offering a number of free parent webinars.https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
Look Closer: What makes us happy? Many people think that having “things” is the answer - toys and gadgets, fancy clothes and holidays. Yet Jesus knows that these things do not bring lasting happiness. We are created to be with God; God alone can fill the longing in our hearts and bring us happiness that lasts.
Talk about it: Share a time when you felt really happy.
Eucharist Group from 2021
(These groups are for students who were enrolled in 2021)
The dates for the Eucharist Programme are as follows:
Term 1 (March) 2022
Session Parent Meeting 23/24 Feb SJV 6:30 pm
Session 1 9/10 March SJV 6:30 pm
Session 2 16/17 March SJV 6:30 pm
Session 3 23/24 March SJV 6:30 pm
Session 4 30/31 March SJV 6:30 pm
The First Communion Masses will be held on Saturday April 2nd and Saturday April 9th. Further confirmation of times will be available during the Parent Meetings in late February 2022. If you require further information, please contact Catherine Zamroz on a Friday via Ph: 02 4211 0506 or email: Catherine.Zamroz@dow.org.au
Year One have started the year with excitement and enthusiasm. They are doing an amazing job settling into their new classrooms, getting to know their classroom peers and the new routines. Year One have enjoyed the new activities they can play in the playground such as learning how to play elastics, using the netball hoops and playing with the dolls house as well as trying lots other activities. In class, it is lovely to see the students grow in confidence speaking in front of the class and demonstrating safe, respectful and responsible behaviours.
News from our Year 2 Classrooms
We are very proud of the way the Year Two children have settled into their new grade. In the classroom the children have been learning about our Year 2 expectations, following our new routines and learning to work cooperatively in small groups. On the playground, it has been lovely to see the children playing together and showing kindness to their classmates.
In Religious Education our focus has been The story of the Good Samaritan. This story reminds us to be compassionate to our neighbour, which aligns with our school motto and positive behaviours for learning.
9 March:
2023 Enrolments Open School Twilight Evening
The Canteen will be open
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY and FRIDAY EACH WEEK
On Monday 7 February GSFM swimmers braved the rain for a fabulous morning of swimming at the GSFM Swimming Trials, held at the University Pool. Congratulations to all swimmers for their fantastic sportsmanship and participation on the day. The morning ran smoothly thanks to our parent volunteers.
Successful swimmers will now advance to the South Coast Diocesan Carnival held on the 1 March. Goodluck to the GSFM team listed below.
Diocesan Team
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Girls |
Boys |
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Sarah C Bonnie K Hope H Macy E Holly L Charlotte B Evie W Ruby S Madeleine S Milla E Piper T |
Bede O Atlas P Xander H Madix B Callum C Nate O Harlan J Max L Lachlan B Flynn C Kage B Henry G Gus L |
Swimming Trials Results 2022
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Female 100m Freestyle All Age
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Male 100m Freestyle All Age 1. Madix B 2. Bede O 3. Callum C |
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Female 12 years 50m Freestyle
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Male 12 years 50m Freestyle
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Female 11 years 50m Freestyle
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Male 11 years 50m Freestyle
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Female 10 years 50m Freestyle
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Male 10 years 50m Freestyle
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Female 9 years 50m Freestyle
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Male 9 years 50m Freestyle
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Female 8 years 50m Freestyle
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Male 8 years 50m Freestyle
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Female Infants 50m Freestyle
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Female Senior 50m Backstroke
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Male Senior 50m Backstroke
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Female 11 years 50m Backstroke
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Male 11 years 50m Backstroke
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Female Junior 50m Backstroke
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Male Junior 50m Backstroke
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Female Senior 50m Breaststroke
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Male Senior 50m Breaststroke
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Female 11 years 50m Breaststroke
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Male 11 years 50m Breaststroke
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Female Junior 50m Breaststroke
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Male Junior 50m Breaststroke
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Female Senior 50m Butterfly
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Male Senior 50m Butterfly
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Female 11 years 50m Butterfly
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Male 11 years 50m Butterfly
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Female Junior 50m Butterfly 1. Milla E 2. Madeleine S |
Male Junior 50m Butterfly
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Female Individual Senior Medley All Age
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Male Individual Senior Medley All Age
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Male Individual Junior Medley
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Age Champions
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Junior Female Age Champions
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Junior Male Age Champions
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11 years Female Age Champions
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11 years Male Age Champions
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Senior Female Age Champions
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Senior Male Age Champions
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Diocesan Relay Teams
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Junior Relay Girls (order to swim)
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Junior Relay Boys (order to swim)
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Senior Relay Girls (order to swim)
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Senior Relay Boys (order to swim)
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Congratulations to:
Hope HIll and Bonnie Kennedy who have been selected to represent the Illawarra District Netball Association. Hope will join the 12 Rep team whilst Bonnie will join the 12 Development team. Best of luck girls!
Dates for the calendar:
Friday 4 March:
11 & 12 years rugby league, Boys and girls football (soccer) and Netball selection trials
Wednesday 9 March:
Girls & boys hockey trials
Love of Learning
How Can We Involve in Our Community
- Encourage others through turn taking.
- Encourage students to listen to each other.
- Raising your hand
- Not giving up - persist when things get tough
- Working through or facing a challenge
- Using good manners when asking for help
- being a willing and consistent helper
- including others in games and activities
- students are encouraged to ask for help - every question is relevant and valued
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.
TERM 1 2022 DATES:
February
Monday 14- 18 February
Teacher /Parent Introduction Week
Friday 18 February
Year 6 Leadership Liturgy
Wednesday & Thursday 23 & 24 February
Year 6 'Camp'(2 Day Trips )
Monday 28 February -4 March
Catholic Schools Week
March
Tuesday 1 March
ERC Try Year 7 for a day 9.30am-3.30pm
All Families College tour 3.30pm-6.00pm
Wednesday 2 March
Ash Wednesday
Friday 4 March
Primary Football (soccer) Rugby League and Netball Trials
Friday 4 March
Clean up Australia Day
Wednesday 9 March
2023 Enrolments Open School Twilight Evening 5-6.30pm
Wednesday 9 March
Hockey Trials
Thursday 17 March
Cross Country (Dalton Park)
April
Friday 8 April
Holy Week Liturgy and Easter Hat Parade /Last Day of Term 1
May
Thursday 5 May
Mother's Day Liturgy & Morning Tea (COVID restrictions may apply)
Friday 6 May
Mother's Day Stall
June
June 29/30
2022 Sacramental Programme Parent Meeting & enrolment evening 6.30pm SJV
July
Friday 22 July
Grandparents & Great People Day
September
Friday 2 September
Father's Day BBQ Breakfast & Stall
Wednesday 14 September
Feast of the Holy Cross - Feast Day 10 Years of Good Samaritan
18-25 September
UCI 2022 Road World Championships- Wollongong
School Travel 2022
School Road Safety Messages 2022
Welcome to 2022! Wollongong City Council supports safe travel for your school community.
40km school zones often experience an increase of vehicle and student movements during pick-up and drop-off times.
To help your school community maintain safety during these time, please find attached suggested content for your school newsletter, school app and/or social media pages, to support the promotion of road safety messages to your school community and specifically school zone parking protocol.
Attachments include:
- Keeping our kids safe around schools
- Look out before you step out, school flyer
- School zone pick-up and drop-off tips
- School road safety parking rules
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Wollongong
Dear All,
Our Greek School is accepting enrolments for 2022.
We were able to refurbish our classrooms over the summer break; laying commercial grade fire rated carpet and gyprocking the walls to create a warmer environment that has significantly improved the acoustics of the room.
Educating our children and teaching them the Greek language, our Orthodox Faith, our culture and traditions is a primary focus of the Parish.
Our Language School is a member of the Community Languages Program of the NSW Government and therefore observes all regulatory requirements as per the guidelines.
We are a Covid safe School. All our teachers and staff are fully vaccinated.