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Our weekly newsletter is the major form of communication to the school community. It contains important information including student learning, school events and calendar dates. By receiving the newsletter, you will come to know the school community that you will enter in 2023 with your child.
As Kindergarten interviews continue throughout this month, we look forward to meeting you and your child as you make one of the most significant decisions for your child - accepting a position at Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School.
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
This week our staff participated in a day of professional learning together. We have titled the learning ‘Cracking the Code’ which relates specifically to the teaching of reading but also to the pedagogical practices that we continue to improve across our school.
Currently in NSW, we are going through a period of curriculum reform. This means that we will have new syllabuses handed down to us through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). We are currently familiarising ourselves with the K-2 English and Mathematics curriculum in readiness for implementation in 2023.
The curriculum reform will bring with it changes to our approach in teaching. It is important to note that these changes are evidenced based, that is based on research and cognitive science about the way a person learns.
At Good Samaritan, we are improving our approach in classrooms by refocusing on explicit instruction. Explicit Teaching is listed as one of the top 10 high impact teaching strategies. (Victoria Department of Education and Training 2017)
When teachers adopt explicit teaching practices they clearly show students what to do and how to do it. Teachers understand that learning happens most efficiently when teaching is clear, systematic and does not leave students to construct or discover information without any guidance.
The teacher decides on the learning intentions and success criteria based on the syllabus expectations and makes them transparent to students, demonstrating them by modelling. The teacher checks for understanding, and at the end of each lesson revisits what was covered and ties it all together (Hattie, 2009). Lessons begin with a review of previous learning which helps to alleviate the cognitive load of the working memory.
This is done through a model of instruction called the Gradual Release of Responsibility. As the title suggests, the responsibility of the learning is gradually released from the teacher to the student. This model is effective because it ensures that students are supported in their acquisition of the skills and strategies necessary for success. Implementing the gradual release of responsibility model requires time. This time is used to plan for learning, implement learning and evaluate the student gains allowing for the next steps of learning to be planned.
As a Catholic educational community we are reminded in the Book of Proverbs about learning ‘Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance’ (Proverbs 1:5). There is no greater testament to what our teachers do within the Good Samaritan classrooms than what our students themselves tell us.
As we journey through this week together, with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
To all our parents who were able to assist with the Mother’s Day Stall last week. This is certainly a highlight of the school year for our students and they were so excited to be able to purchase that special gift. We all hope you loved them!
Our Student School Leadership Team invites you to attend the Week 3 assembly. The assembly will begin at 2:15pm under the primary shade sail. If we are unable to hold the assembly outdoors, it will be held via zoom from the hall with Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2 in attendance.
Zoom link if required Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/61630291094?pwd=R01HOEl5Nmp2cFcxU09nWUZyNzBvZz09
Password: 701123
Upcoming Free Parent Webinar on Online Safety
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT have arranged to hold a free webinar with the eSafety Commissioner for parents and carers of children aged 5-12 years.
The title of this years’ seminar is:
Helping Kids Thrive Online
This Term 2 webinar offers tips on how to support young people to socialise, learn and have fun online in a safe manner. It explains how to access information, use technology safely and navigate new online platforms.
It will cover:
- how to talk to young people about online risks on different social media platforms and games
- how to help young people develop skills to protect themselves when they are online
- where to go for help if things go wrong and how to access mental health support and information through eSafety.
Register here:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/715182158220149006
Who should attend?
Suitable for parents and carers of children aged 5-12 years
Date/Time:
Wednesday 8 June at 7:30pm
Last week, a group of 16 students participated in the regional da Vinci Decathlon, a day-long test of aptitude and creative problem solving across a range of ten interest areas. A typical day at da Vinci involves multiple teams gathering from the region to compete in different academic events. Students spent weeks training for this event with Mrs Shirley Jancetic and Mrs Hailstone.
This was an amazing opportunity for some of our highly-able and motivated students to challenge themselves academically and socially. The da Vinci Decathlon focuses not only on academics but also fosters perseverance, determination, collaboration, and cooperation.
Our Year Five team had a very successful day. They achieved first place in Ideation, second place in Cartography and third place in Engineering.
Well done to everyone involved. A special thankyou to those students who trained with both teams prior to the event but were unable to attend on the day due to illness and numbers.
For further information about this event please visit: https://www.davincidecathlon.com/davinci/events/
Year Five Team: Joseph, Sergio, Darcie, Holly, Ruby, Olivia, Patrick, Elias
Year Six Team: Joshua, Ben, Harry, Alex, Issa, Calli, Cayleigh, Chloe
Mrs Cath Hailstone
LUMEN CHRISTI PARISH RECONCILATION &
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Session 2: 6.30pm Wed/Thurs St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
LUMEN CHRISTI PARISH RECONCILIATION & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION ENROLMENTS 2022
The Sacramental Programme for Reconciliation & First Holy Communion will begin with the Parent/Caregiver Meeting 6.30pm on Wednesday 29 June, and Thursday 30 June 2022, at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow.
Parents/caregivers must attend either one of these meetings to enrol their children for the First Holy Communion Programme. Please bring your child’s completed enrolment form and a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. You can download the enrolment form from our parish website. Go to: www.lumenchristi.org.au/sacramental2022
Enrolment forms will only be accepted at the Parent/Caregiver session held at 6.30pm on 29/30 June at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral. Strictly No late enrolments will be accepted.
The cost for administration and materials for the First Holy Communion Programme is $60. The sessions for each sacrament will be held in St John Vianney Co-Cathedral commencing at 6.30 pm sharp.
If you require any further information or need to discuss any concerns, please, contact Cathy prior to the enrolment directly on 4211 0506 email: catherine.zamroz@dow.org.au
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION ENROLMENT FORM 2022
Mini Vinnies Team
Congratulations to our Mini Vinnies Team. We thank all of the students who applied for the positions. It was a very hard decision to choose only 12. Students will be involved in opportunities to help people experiencing social justice issues in our community and will promote and carry out the work of St Vincent de Paul as we fundraise and work together to change the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves in the Wollongong area.
Ruby Rowles, Annastasia Parolin, Noah Sweeny, Salvatore Raschilla, Lillian Marcelli, Marisa Conte, Ruby Martin, Xanthe Joshua, Ruby Galea, Lily Wildner, Darcie Wise, Sophie Barlow.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
On behalf of Bishop Brian, Fr Bernard, Deacon James and our Lumen Christi Staff we wish all our Mothers a truly Happy Mother’s Day. May those mothers who have gone before us be blessed forever with God’s love and peace.
Ordination of Deacon James
In late April, we experienced a truly joyful celebration of Mass, in which James Arblaster committed himself to the service of God’s people and was ordained Deacon by Bishop Brian.
But what is a Deacon and what does he do?
As we read in the Acts of the Apostles, some men were called by the Church community to help in the service of the needy and to preach the Good News of Christ to Gentile peoples and baptized them. They had to be men of good repute and filled with the Spirit and wisdom. They had to be capable of witnessing to Christ even at risk to their lives (6:1-6, 54-60; 8:26- 40).
The Deacon is thus called to live and work in the person of Christ the servant, loving others according to the Lord’s command that we wash one another’s feet. He is ordained to work very closely with the Bishop in service to God’s people and the poor, proclaim the Gospel and preach the Word of God, help in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist, minister the Sacrament of Baptism, and officiate at Weddings and Funerals. As well as announcing the sign of peace and the dismissal to go forth at the end of Mass, the Deacon can also announce the Prayers of the Faithful after the Creed. For those on the way to the priesthood the Diaconate is a very important time, because the priest is not only called to offer prayer and sacrifice for God’s People.
There is no true sacrifice without loving service and the Deacon is called to embody this attitude of service. Please make Deacon James very welcome in our Lumen Christi parish as we congratulate him and wish him every blessing for his ministry in our community.
Fr Bernard Gordon
Musical - Save the Date! Thursday 23 June
For Creative Arts release this term, students will be preparing, perfecting and performing a musical. Each class will focus on ONE scene and song. Students will perfect their section by focussing on one element per lesson at the beginning of the term (Singing, acting, dancing, rehearsing, costumes and props). Towards the end of the term all aspects of the musical will join together into whole scene rehearsals, school rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances for the GSFM community.
We will be having an infants musical and a primary musical.These musicals are
The Litter Muncher and The Giant Slayer.
Please check compass and this space to receive updates over the next few weeks.
News from Year 3
Year 3 has had an amazing start to Term 2. We have been working with Mrs Stackhouse in the hall on Mondays. During this time, we have been learning about the use of high modality words and how to persuade someone to our point of view. Our favourite game has been snake oil, where you must sell a made-up product to a specific character. The winner is the person with the best persuasive argument. We also enjoyed our make-up Easter Hat parade. It was a great day!
News from Year 4
Year 4 have had a busy start to term 2, we having been learning about point of view in English, Fractions and Time in Mathematics, the Material World in Science and Earth’s Environment in Geography. Year 4 enjoyed showing off their creations at the Easter Hat Parade.
MacKillop Selection Trials Congratulations!
On Friday 6 May, Bonnie Kennedy and Hope Hill participated in the NSWCPS MacKillop Trials as part of the Wollongong Diocese Netball Team. Both girls played hard, gave their best and shot with great accuracy. Their team manager was extremely proud of their efforts.
Hope Hill was selected into the NSW MacKillop Team. We wish Hope all the best in the NSWPSSA Netball Championships in July.
Love of Learning
How Can We Build & Maintain Esteem in Our Community?
- 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:
Home School Communication
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 2022
|
Stage/Grade |
Middle Leader |
|
Early Stage 1: Kindergarten |
Mrs Patricia Foster |
|
Amaroo & Learning Support Centre |
Mrs Sarah O’Donnell |
|
Stage 1: Year 1 Year 2 |
Mrs Patricia Foster |
|
Stage 2: Year 3 Year 4 |
Mrs Cath Hailstone |
|
Stage 3: Year 5 Year 6 |
Mrs Natalie Shelley |
The Middle Leader represented in bold will be your first port of call beyond the classroom teacher.
If you have a sibling that will be ready to begin school in 2023 contact the office for an enrolment pack.
MEDICAL PLANS
PLEASE CHECK & UPDATE
If your child is on an Asthma or Anaphlylaxis Action Plan please make sure that the school has an updated copy of their plan. Copies can be scanned and emailed through to the school email. info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au
Book Club orders - Due Monday 16 May 2022
Last week the students took home their Issue 3 Scholastic Book Club brochures. Please be reminded that Good Samaritan accepts online Book Club orders only through Scholastic's LOOP site (ie. no cash orders through the school office).
Thank you to our parents who have already placed their online orders. Ordering through LOOP is easy - register at scholastic.com.au/LOOP and follow the prompts.
The deadline for all LOOP orders is Monday 16 May 2022. There is no need to return any paper forms to the school. Your child's books will be sent to their classroom when the orders arrive.
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE (PRC) 2022
PRC is back again. From Monday 21 March, students will be able to borrow any books from their respective challenge group (3-4 or 5-6).
Those students doing the PRC can check in SORA and find one of the Premier's Reading Challenge categories matching the right challenge level. If students are having trouble, they can download the reading log from the PRC website (https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html) to keep a track of what has been read. We will assist them to enter their data.
Students from Yrs 3-4 need to log 20 titles in which 5 of them are free choices. Yrs 5-6 need to log 20 titles of which 5 are free choices. Students from K-2 will do the Challenge (K-2) as a classroom.
The last day to log PRC titles is 19 August 2022 for students.
Mrs Medina
The Canteen will be open
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY and FRIDAY EACH WEEK
2022
May
Thursday 12 May
NAPLAN Language Conventions
Friday 13 May
NAPLAN Numeracy
Monday 16 May
9:15am: Laudato Si Liturgy in the Church
Friday 20 May
School Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 24 May
Cross Country B/Up Willandra
Monday 30 May -3 June
Screen Aware Week
June
Friday 3 June
7pm Confirmation
Saturday 4 June
2pm & 6pm Confirmation
Sunday 5 June
Pentecost Sunday
Friday 10 June
PB4L Day
Monday 13 June
Queens Birthday
Tuesday 21 June
South Coast Netball Gala Day
Parent/Teacher Interview Week
Thursday 23 June
School Musical
Wednesday 29 June
Parish Reconciliation & First Communion Enrolment Sessions
6:30pm: Parent/Cargiver meeting at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
Thursday 30 June
Parish Reconciliation & First Communion Enrolment Sessions
6:30pm: Parent/Cargiver meeting at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
July
Friday 1 July
Whole School Run & Picnic
Last Day of Term 2
Monday 18 July
First Day Term 3
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
