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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It is hard to believe that we are in Week 5 of Term 2 and almost halfway through the school year. Life certainly goes by at a fast rate. I recently attended the funeral of a friend who lost her fight with cancer. She lived a short but exciting life and upon her final diagnosis was quoted as saying, “some people die while they are living, but I intend to live as I am dying”.
This made me reflect on the true meaning of living life to the fullest and how we can best do this.
The desire for fulfillment is universal. From the moment we are born we recognise within ourselves an insatiable hunger for more of life. We try to grasp onto every experience, enjoy every relationship, and maximize every opportunity. Yet even if we strive to fill our lives to the brim with adventure, are we ever truly satisfied?
The “abundant life” is about grace, it’s about holy living. It’s about the deep-down assurance that you belong to each other. “Life to the fullest” is God’s gift to us, free and unconditional. So how are we doing in our desire to live a “full” life?
Here at Good Samaritan, we strive to provide our students and families with an “abundance” of opportunities, celebrations and of course learning opportunities. The last two years have taught us to appreciate the small things in life and to not take others or gatherings for granted.
This year we have been able to reconnect and have families back on site and in the classroom. We have been able to join together for morning teas, mother’s day stall, open classrooms, sporting events, masses, liturgies, sacramental programs, excursions, Year 6 Camp, Welcome BBQ, try Year 7 for a day, Feast day celebrations, Harmony day celebrations, Mackillop sports trials, Naplan, Mufti days, Easter Hat Parade/ raffle, Holy Week Celebrations, Cross Country, Year 6 Leadership Program, da Vinci Decathlon, Athletics Carnival and other fundraising events such as our hot cross bun drive and lolly guessing competition for Project Compassion.
Thank you for allowing us to live our professional life to the fullest with your child/ren that you entrust in our care every day as we continue to live life with grace and holy living.
Go Gently,
Natalie Shelley
Religious Education Coordinator
Celebrating 10 Years as Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School:
This year marks 10 years of providing Catholic education as Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School. This followed the amalgamation of St John Vianney Catholic Parish Primary School and St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School.
To mark this significant event, a Gala Dinner is planned for Friday 16 September. We are now calling for parents to join an organising committee. This will involve some meetings leading up to the event to develop a timeline that will aim for our community to enjoy a wonderful evening of celebration for Good Samaritan.
If you are able to be a part of the organising committee please complete this form.
Protected Industrial Action - Friday 27 May 2022
Earlier this week you received the following communication regarding the industrial action that will take place on Friday.
The Independent Education Union (IEU) has informed Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong that their members will engage in protected industrial action on Friday 27 May 2022 for the entire school day.
I now write to advise that Good Samaritan will be non-operational with absolute minimum supervision. Students who do attend school will be supervised, however there will be no school work to engage in. Students will not have access to any devices.
Long Service Leave:
I will be taking a short period of long service leave beginning tomorrow, Thursday 26 May. I will return to work on Tuesday 31 May. Mrs Cath Hailstone, with the support of the school leadership team and Mrs Anne Duggan, will be the points of contact during this time
Winter Uniform:
We have been in communication with Poppets who have corrected our request to have ‘GSFM’ embroidered on the boys’ Winter trousers. If you have bought trousers for your son that do not have ‘GSFM’ on them you are able to return them to Poppets for embroidery.
Students are able to wear a long sleeve navy T-shirt under their sports polo on the colder days through Winter.
Next week is Screen Aware Week
Each term, week 6 at Good Samaritan is Screen Aware Week. This is the week where we refocus and reteach our classroom technology expectations. It is also an ideal time for you to revisit your expectations at home. Below are some conversation starters to support you.
The eSafety Commissioner also has some excellent resources that you could use to remind students of the importance of staying safe online. These include downloads such as an ‘App Checklist for Parents’.
Remember to have a regular ‘screens down’ time each day this week.
FEAST DAYS:
The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ is celebrated on Thursday May 26. The Ascension of Jesus is the Christian teaching that Christ physically departed from Earth by rising into Heaven, in the presence of eleven of his apostles. According to the New Testament narrative, the Ascension occurred on the fortieth day counting from the resurrection.
National Sorry Day also falls on the 26 May and National Reconciliation Week follows on, from Friday 27.5.22 - Friday 3.6.22. This year the National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme is , “Be Brave. Make Change.” It is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
What is National Sorry Day ?
National Sorry Day is a day of remembering and acknowledging the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year, 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Whole school Liturgy
Parents and friends are welcome to join us on Thursday 26 May at 11.45am in the SJV Co-Cathedral as we combine these two significant celebrations in a whole school liturgy.
Confirmation Session #4: 6.30pm Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Please Pray For:
Valentino Quintero (ex-student Good Samaritan). Valentino was within the current Year 5 cohort before moving interstate with his family.Valentino is currently very unwell in Brisbane Children’s Hospital.Please pray for a speedy recovery.
LUMEN CHRISTI PARISH RECONCILATION &
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
LUMEN CHRISTI PARISH RECONCILIATION & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION ENROLMENTS 2022
The Sacramental Programme for Reconciliation & First Holy Communion will begin with the Parent/Caregiver Meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday 29th June, and Thursday 30th 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 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 6.30pm sharp. If you require any further information or need to discuss any concerns please, contact Cathy on 4211 0506 email: cathy.zamroz@dow.org.au
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
Musical Reminders:
Just a reminder to book Thursday 23 June (W9) for our school musicals!
5:30pm: Infants Musical (K-2): The Litter Muncher
Approx. 6:15pm: Intermission
7pm: Primary Musical (3-6): Giant Slayer .
- Cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, & paper
- Old clothing, textiles and old pillows to cut up
- Soft drink bottles and bottle caps (washed)
- Foil
- Paper rolls
- Cellophane & crepe paper
News from our Learning Support Centre
In the Learning Support Centre we have been talking about the continuation of the Easter season until the Feast of the Ascension this week. We have also been learning about the Rosary as it is Mary’s month of May.
In English, we have been reading persuasive texts and learning about techniques authors use in these texts.
In Mathematics, we have been investigating odd and even numbers. We have also been estimating and measuring items in centimetres.
News from our Amaroo Blue Classroom
In Amaroo Blue we have been reflecting on the Easter Season and its meaning to us. We were also able to have fun at the Easter Hat Parade.
Mother’s Day was a special day. We were able to buy special gifts for our mum and also prepare her a treat during our Cooking Lesson.
We do have lots of fun in Amaroo Blue, but we also do some ‘serious’ learning!
In English we are improving our spelling and reading and writing about Persuasive Texts.
During our Mathematics lessons we are using a ruler and measuring in millimetres centimetres and metres.
Our Science unit is all about Plant and Animal Adaptations and our HSIE unit is about the environment.
In Personal Development we are learning how to keep ourselves healthy.
Last week we participated in the Athletics Carnival, the long jump was our favourite.
Athletics Carnival
Last Friday the GSFM community came together to participate in the annual Athletics Carnival. Due to the ongoing issue with rain affected grounds and the closure of the Beaton Park infield area we held an amended carnival without our Kinder Year 1 children. It was an exciting day for all, especially for our Year 6 leaders who showed their school spirit in leading their house groups in team chants. All of our students enjoyed participating in the track events and long jump and achieved outstanding results.
Due to rain on the day we had to make the decision for the safety of our students to not run high jump in the wet and slippery condition. There will be further information to come on the running of the high jump event. A reminder that Discus and Shot Put will be held during PE lessons.
Thank you to all of our parent helpers who volunteered their time on the day. We really appreciate your help. A special thank you to the leaving parents of Year 6 who have volunteered at carnivals for their children over the years. We will miss you!
Ribbons and age champions medals will be handed out at an assembly (date to be confirmed).
If your child has made the GSFM Diocesan Athletics team, you will receive a Compass event notification later in the term. The Diocesan Carnival will be held at Beaton Park on Tuesday 9th August.
Diocesan Cross Country Trial
On Tuesday 24 May, 18 students proudly represented our school at the Diocesan Cross County Trials. All students ran very well and did the GSFM community proud.
The following students competed:
Milla E 13th Zara H 21st
Ruby G 13th Amari W 19th
Anastasia P 3rd Lily W 11th Ruby R 21st
Sarah C 16th Bonnie K 24th
Jacob D 5th Flynn C 15th Oliver H 21
Noah H 20th Nash T 36th
Callum C 2nd Edward P 4th
Max S 28th Lucas C 29th
Congratulations to Anastasia P, Jacob D, Callum C and Edward P who will represent the Wollongong Diocesan Team at the NSWCPS CROSS Country Championships at Eastern Creek next month.
SPORT NEWS
Congratulations to Chloe O and Harrison C on their selection to the Illawarra South Coast representative Hockey teams (ISCH). We wish them all the best for the upcoming State championships!
CLASSROOM CORRECTION SEQUENCE:
What is the classroom correction sequence?
The classroom correction sequence is a strategy used across the school to maintain a consistent approach to behaviour management within the classrooms. The correction sequence clearly outlines what occurs when students are redirected by the teacher during class time. The emphasis is on returning children to focus on their learning when they may be distracted or causing distraction within the classroom. The sequence is displayed in classrooms as the accompanying image.
The Correction Sequence is a visual reminder for the children to return to their work displaying the expected classroom behaviours for the task at hand. Your child may begin to talk about the sequence as he/she begins to understand the system a little more. Once understood, the learning of all children, including your own, will be enhanced. We are continuing to enhance the use of this tool to support our students to remain active learners.
How can I support my child with the correction sequence?
It is important that a positive approach is used by parents when talking with their children about the classroom correction sequence. Rather than asking, ‘Were you moved on the Correction Sequence today?’ try to change the dialogue you have with your child. It is also important to recognise that, just as you appreciate a few question-free minutes to decompress when you get home at the end of the day, your child might need the same thing. But once you're both home and enjoying a snack or some downtime together, start your new approach to the after-school chats.
How should I talk to my child about their day at school?
It may take a few attempts over the course of a week or two, but start switching up your questions from "How was your day?" or "How did school go?" or “Did you move on the correction sequence?” to more open-ended questions. These require your child to mull over their day and put a little thought into their answers, and provide you with something more informative than the usual "I don't know" or "nothing."
Examples of Open Ended Questions to try:
- What was your favourite part about school today?
- Tell me one new thing you learned at school today and I'll tell you one thing I learned at work/home.
- Who or what made you laugh today?
- What's your favourite thing about your teacher?
- What project are you working on in Art/Science/History?
- What skills are you working on in PE/Sport?
- What book(s) did you read today? Tell me a little bit about the characters/story.
- What does your teacher have planned this week/tomorrow?
- What are you looking forward to at school tomorrow?
- What has been your most favorite activity this year (ask this at various points throughout the year)?
Do the children still get recognised for displaying appropriate and expected behaviour?
The usual classroom reinforcements and rewards are always in place and the children are able to receive acknowledgements and earn rewards even if a correction has been given. Children may break a rule or not keep to the expectation, but if they later do the right thing then this can be acknowledged by a teacher.
At the beginning of each day all students are moved back to the top of the sequence for a fresh start.
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…’
From the School Handbook:
Car Park Safety
Safety within the Parish car park is everyone’s business. Students, parents and staff can only be kept safe if everyone is vigilant about their actions when using this space. It is every parent/carer’s responsibility to exercise safe actions within the carpark. This includes using the car park as indicated below:
- Parents are not to park on school or Parish grounds during drop off (8:20am-8:50am) or pick up (2:30pm-3:20pm) times
- When arriving prior to dismissal at Car Line Pick Up parents are asked to turn engines off once the car is stationary
- A safe speed of 10km/h when driving into the car park
- Do not exit your vehicle when dropping off or picking up students
- Ensure that children are well within the school gate when dropping off before moving off
- Children only exit vehicles when the vehicle is at the front of the queue
- Ensure students have safely entered the car and closed the door when picking up
- There is no pedestrian access to the carpark when car lines have begun in both the morning and afternoon
- Gates into the school are closed and locked from the Parish car park following the morning bell at 8:45am.
Thank you to those parents who continually exercise the utmost care when accessing the school via the Parish car park. Every child’s safety is everyone’s concern.
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
If you have a sibling that will be ready to begin school in 2023 contact the office for an enrolment pack.
The Canteen will be open
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY and FRIDAY EACH WEEK
2022
May
Thursday 26 May
- National Sorry Day : Start of Reconciliatation Week 27 May-3 June
- The Ascension of Jesus
- Whole School Liturgy 11.45am @SJV
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
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
