SPB4L:

     This week we are remembering to value:

      Forgiveness.

      We can do this by:

• Being a peacemaker
• Resolving differences in constructive and non-violent ways
• Gracious in accepting an apology

Why have Parent Teacher Interviews?

The Vision of Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School states:

We are a Catholic community, inclusive and compassionate, promoting quality learning, journeying with Jesus, drawing all into the heart of God.

It is through this statement that Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School acknowledges the valuable relationship that must exist between home and school to encourage effective academic, social and spiritual development of students. Opportunities for meetings between parents and school professionals allows for student progress to be discussed; the sharing of information; the resolution or support of academic, pastoral or behavioural needs.

Below are some tips for Parent Teacher meetings from parenting expert Michael Grose which aim to help you be prepared for the interview.

Parent Action:  Book your meeting time with your child’s teacher online through the School Interviews site.

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.

School Attendance & Absences:

It is most important that students attend school unless there exists a genuine reason for absence. It is also most important that students attend school for the full school day. Whilst the first 10 minutes of school or the last 20 minutes of the school day may seem unimportant to parents, it is during these times that students are instructed of the essential routines and guides of the school day that help to create productive learning environments. As parents, you are urged to ensure your child/ren arrive at school on time and stay for the complete school day every day of the week.

Below is an outline of the processes Good Samaritan will use to follow up extended absences from school.

As a systemic primary school within the Wollongong Diocese, Good Samaritan adheres to the School Attendance Guidelines and Procedures of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. As such, the following process will be used to support the regular attendance of students at school.

Step 1: 3 - 4 days absent

• Phone call to parents (if required).
• Follow up with letter to parents if absences continue - arrange meeting with parents to discuss.
• Review situation for the following week.

Step 2: 7 - 14 days absent

• Regular phone call to parents re attendance.
• Registered letter to parents re attendance.
• Referral to school counselor/Family Support.
• Meeting with school Principal.
• Head of School Services to be informed.

Step 3: 14 - 21 days absent

• Inform Head of School Services.
• Regular contact to parents.
• School informs Catholic Education Office.
• Meeting with school Principal and Head of School Service (Action Plan agreed on and review date set).
• Registered letter to parents.

Step 4: 22+ days absent

• Head of School Service with Principal to determine Action Plan.

Step 5: Above 30 days absent

• Report ‘education neglect’ (i.e., habitual absence or not enrolled) to Community Services (CS) Child Protection Helpline.
• Letter to parents from Head of School Services advising that the system has reported to Community Services (CS) or if not enrolled, also reported to Department of Education and Communities (DEC). If there are any concerns for the child’s wellbeing, normal child protection procedures apply - this can be made any time during the above procedure.

Applying for Exemption from Attendance at School:

WHY DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FOR MY CHILD?  

The Education Act 1990 (Part 5) states the following regarding attendance of children at school:

1.1 Section 21 of the Act requires students between the ages of six and seventeen to be enrolled at a government or registered non‐government school and to attend school  whenever instruction is provided;

1.2 All students who are enrolled at school regardless of their age are expected to attend  whenever instruction is provided;

1.3 Compulsory schooling is the duty of parents;  

1.4 Section 23 of the Act states it is an offence if a parent fails to send their child to school;

1.5 Section 24 of the Act requires Principals to maintain an attendance register (roll) in an  approved form. The attendance register must be available to authorised officers at all times;

1.6 Section 25 of the Act requires Certificates of Exemption to be processed for students not  attending school for extended periods of time.

All absences must be explained to the school.  

If you know of an absence in advance then you must apply for an exemption from  attendance.  

Applications for student leave can be considered as applications for exemption from school attendance.

WHO CAN GRANT EXEMPTION FROM ATTENDANCE?  

Certificates of Exemption from the compulsory education requirements of the Act may be granted  by the Principal for less than 50 days, by the Principal with relevant Head of School Improvement  Services approval for up to 100 days in a twelve month period when it has been clearly  demonstrated by the applicant that an exemption is in the student’s best interests in the short and  long term and that alternatives to exemption have been considered. For example, in some cases, application for Distance Education may be more appropriate than seeking an exemption from  school attendance.

The power to exempt students in Catholic systemic schools for periods more than 100 days in a twelve month period currently remains with the Minister. Applications should be forwarded through the school to the CEO then to the Catholic Education Commission, NSW. Principals are legally responsible for keeping accurate records of student attendance. The Principal  of the school has the right to question parents’ or carers’ requests for their child to be absent from school. Principals are also responsible for deciding if the reason given for an absence is justified. Exemptions cannot be granted retrospectively.  

REASONS WHY EXEMPTION CAN BE GRANTED  

FULL DAY Exemptions   

Principals and the Director of Schools may grant exemptions due to:  

• exceptional domestic circumstances – this does not apply to family holidays
• other exceptional circumstances such as health of the student where sick leave or  alternative enrolment is not appropriate
• employment in the entertainment industry or participation in elite sporting events for  short periods of time i.e. for one or two days, and at short notice.  

For any other matter, the Principal must consult, prior to the exemption being granted, the Head of School Improvement Services Primary or Secondary.  

HOW DO I APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FOR MY CHILD?  

What to do – for periods of less than 50 days   

• Collect the Application for Exemption Form from the School Office.   
• Complete the form and include relevant documentation and return to the school.    
• If the application for Exemption is granted you will be issued with a Certificate of Exemption (Please keep this as it needs to be included in any later application for Exemptions from Attendance).  
• If not granted then you will receive a response in writing from the Principal.   

What to do – for periods of between 50 and 100 days  

For a period of between 50 and 100 school days then follow the directions above. Once the Principal has approved the application must then be sent to the relevant Head of School Improvement Services Primary at the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong  (CEDoW) office. You need to apply at least 4 school weeks before the period of exemption for the  paperwork to be processed and interviews to be attended.  

What to do – for periods of more than 100 days  

For a period of greater than 100 school days then the application must be sent to the Minister of Education and Communities via the relevant Head of School Improvement Services Primary or Secondary at the CEDoW Office. You need to apply at least 6 school weeks before the period of exemption for the paperwork to be processed, interviews to be attended and the application sent the Minister’s Office for approval.

***PLEASE NOTE ALL LEAVE APPLICATIONS ARE WITHIN A 12 MONTH PERIOD NOT A SCHOOL YEAR.***

Trivia Night Prize Donations Still Needed!

The P&F Winter Wonderland Trivia night is fast approaching. Donations for the night are still needed.  If you would like to donate money to be used to purchase vouchers or choose an item listed for your child’s year, all donations are greatly appreciated.

The Trivia night is a major fundraising event for the Good Samaritan School  community and an extremely fun night for all. This is an opportunity to come together with families and friends to help raise funds for air conditioning in our classrooms.

Come dressed in your favourite winter outfit.

Mini Vinnie's Winter Appeal Mufti Day - This Friday 21st June 

Year 6 created their own artworks after being  inspired by Traditional Aboriginal Paintings. Amazing standard of work from Dakota, Laila, Millie and Natasha.

Mrs Susan McAlister

Art Teacher

5 Merit Awards

Elizabelle P (1G), Amelie S (1G)  

10 Merit Awards

 Mele P (5G)

Last Friday Ava H, Hana B, Alina P, Xanthe B, Sarah C, Finley C and Callum C competed at the CPS cross country at Eastern Creek. All students displayed wonderful sportsmanship and effort.

Finley C was successful in assisting the 10year old Wollongong boys team win a Gold medal!

Congratulations to Ava H who gained selection into the MacKillop team. She will compete at Eastern Creek for the NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships on Friday 26 July (week 1, term 3).

We are very proud of all the students and wish Ava all the best at the next carnival.

Touch Football Gala Day

On Friday, approximately 60 students will be participating in the Touch Football Gala day. Thank you to the parents who have already indicated they will assist on the day. If you are available, could you please indicate on the permission note. We wish all the players a fun day. Please check the Skoolbag ap in case of wet weather.

Netball Gala Day

Next Tuesday, GSFM will be sending 9 netball teams to the South Coast Netball Gala Day. This is always an excellent day, where the students are able to develop their netball skills and have lots of fun.

Athletics Carnival

The GSFM Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday July 4. All notes and monies are required to be sent to the School office by the end of Week 9. We require parent helpers to assist with time keeping and walking with the children. If you are available, could you please indicate on the permission note.

Parent Action

Return all permission notes for sports carnival and gala days.

Good Samaritan are introducing girls winter long pants. They are available in the uniform shop from Thursday 30 May 2019.

The sizes available are size 4 to 14, limited stock this winter.

The cost is $41.00.

Uniform Shop normal opening hours are:

Monday 8.30am - 9.30am

Thursday 2.15pm - 3.15pm