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- From the Principal's Desk
- What is the difference between Compass and SeeSaw?
- Keeping in Touch:
- 10 Year Gala Event Update:
- From the Assistant Principal's Desk
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- School News
- Office News:
- PB4L @ GSFM
- Parent and School Partnership
- Canteen News
- Important Dates for Term 4
- Pupil Free Day
- Save the Dates
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Our students and staff are getting ready for a great P&F Colour Explosion Fun Run on Friday 18 November. Thank you to the many parents who have already signed up for the run.
This is the major fundraising event of the year for the Good Samaritan P&F. The Colour Explosion Fun Run has not been held since 2019 so we are very excited about being able to hold it in 2022!
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
Last week Holly Lawson and Ezekiel Daszkowski represented Good Samaritan at the Southern Region Public Speaking Competition for Stage 3. Holly and Ezekiel certainly provided terrific competition for the other competitors with very well prepared speeches.
When writing a speech such as this the students are required not only to speak in public, but to also demonstrate speech writing skills that maintain the interest of the audience, state some researched factual information and make connections with real life experiences. With all that we hear about student performance in the media, to watch and listen to our students compete in events such as this is most heartening.
Congratulations to both Holly and Ezekiel for competing at the Southern Region level but also to all our Stage 3 students who wrote speeches and presented them to their peers at the classroom and school level. All of their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Until next week, as we journey together, with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
This question was asked recently by one of our new 2023 Kindergarten parents. It is a great question to support the understanding of the purpose and use of these platforms.
Seesaw is a platform that allows the students of Good Samaritan to engage with parents and carers to create an online learning environment which:
- Empowers students to take ownership of their learning and reflect on their progress over time
- Gives students tools to show what they have learned in the way that works best for them
- Inspires students to try their best by providing an audience for their learning beyond the classroom
Seesaw is not a communication platform to be used between parents and teachers. Seesaw is, essentially, a social media platform and is not a school wide platform i.e Seesaw is used only from Kindergarten to Year 4. Teachers will communicate with parents via phone call or face to face discussions.
Compass is the major platform for communication between the school and parents. Compass is the main source of information for all aspects of school life including the school newsletter, school fees, general daily notifications and event/excursion information. Teachers communicate classroom/grade specific information via Compass.
Parents are asked to communicate with teachers via phone call, face to face discussions or emails sent to info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au This email will then be distributed to the class teacher and/or other relevant staff members.
Our P&F are establishing a mailing group for those parents who wish to receive information throughout the school term regarding P&F Meeting Agendas and Minutes, details of upcoming P&F sponsored events and more for you to remain informed about the school community.
The P&F continuously aims to support the school in a positive and proactive way. If you wish to be included in the P&F Mailing List, please complete this form by Wednesday 9 November.
10 Year Gala Event Update:
The 10 Year Gala Event was a terrific success for Good Samaritan raising a total of $15,251.28 for the P&F. This is due to our generous sponsors and donations made by many families.
Thank you once again to all who supported the 10 Year Gala Event and our generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors
Construction Science
First Class Accountants
Gifts by Bella
R&D Group
Journey 2 Business & Personal Wealth
Adam Casey's Football Academy
SMAI Fitness
Soul Fit Woonona
Maintenance Made Easy
Gold Sponsors:
Balgownie Beauty
Stella Interiors
Silver Sponsors:
Carbon Reduction Institute
Evil Eye Cafe
The Fraternity Club
Interscope Flooring
Quest Accounting & Financial Services
Regional Appliance and Electrical Services
Figtree Travel
Bronze Sponsors:
Boston Money
Emmanuel’s Barber Shop
Grand Connection Gifts
The Humber Bar
Ianni & Co Property
Studio Mikayla
Ivy & Quill
Lighthouse Home Loans
MG Marino Group
MCR - Multi Civil & Rail
One Agency - JD Property Agents
PCC Computers
Perossa Hair Artistry
Perre Bros Smash
Vantage Dental
Wolf & Woman Distillery
GS Factor
It is that time of the year where we look forward to watching the talented children of Good Samaritan showcase their talents on the stage. For those new to this event, it is an opportunity for students from Yr 1 to Year 6 to perform in front of an audience of their peers, teachers and family. There is no audition process but, we ask that the students take the time to rehearse and try their very best. They may like to sing, dance, play an instrument, act. The ideas for acts are endless and may be solo, a pair or a group. These performances are not compulsory and many children may wish to just be in the audience.
Students are encouraged to speak to their class teacher if they have any questions about the GS Factor. Costumes are optional and are to be kept to a minimum expense. Costumes and music needs to be age appropriate and checked by a parent and teacher.
Times for these performances will be communicated shortly. We are hoping to hold all performances on Monday 5 December. Parents/caregivers are most welcome.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ms Malady (4G) or Ms Rae (3B).
MUSIC WITH MEANING FOR YOUTH
Here are some playlists that have something to say for young people negotiating and managing social media and its expectations.
- Treat People with Kindness: Harry Styles
- Pretty Hurts: Beyonce
- Hands and Feet: Audio-Adrenaline
- Lanterns: Birds of Tokyo
Blessed Holy Water Returns
As you are aware Bishop Mascord has given permission for us to have Holy Water in the entrances to our churches, commencing this Sunday, 29/30 October (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time). The sprinkling rite will take place at all Masses this weekend and the Holy Water will be blessed and Holy Water stoops will be filled at the entrances to the churches after the blessing.
Thank you from Bishop Brian
Bishop Brian Mascord recently wrote to Fr Bernard to convey a very special thank you to all those who were involved in the 2022 celebration of Confirmation at Lumen Christi Parish on 3 and 4 June. He expressed his thanks and acknowledged those from both the parish and school who were involved in the sacramental preparation program and he extended a special congratulations to the children who received Confirmation and assured their families of his continued prayers for them.
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD,
31 OCTOBER 2022
Congratulations Bishop Brian Mascord on the 30th anniversary of your Priestly Ordination on Monday 31st October 2022. We pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen you in your priestly and episcopal ministry. We wish you many more happy and healthy years ahead.
May God bless you always!
YEAR 1 News & Learning:
Year One students have happily returned to school to connect with their friends and to engage in learning activities.
In English, Year One have enjoyed learning about, writing and identifying the use of literary devices such as rhyme, rhythm and onomatopoeia.
We have been working hard in Mathematics and are currently working on the addition strategy bridging to 10 and we are very proud of the progress the student are making.
In Religion, Year One are learning about creation. We have discussed the beauty of God’s creation and some things that are threatening creation. The students shared their favourite part of creation.
As part of Religion and Visual arts, Year One did an amazing job drawing a tree.
In Science, the students have developed a good understanding of hardware and software in digital technologies and have started to use software to complete various tasks.
YEAR 2 News & Learning:
Year Two has made a great start to the term and we are proud of their settled approach to learning. In Mathematics, we have been learning about Multiplication and Division. The children had the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities to facilitate their learning of these concepts. In Religion, we are learning about the wonder of God’s creation and our interconnectedness to the world God has made. The students produced some beautiful drawings of different parts of God’s creation.
2023 School Fees:
We have been advised of the following regarding School Fees for 2023. There has been a slight increase in fees for the upcoming school year. The following is billed to parents per family.
School Fees are generally due 30 days after invoicing, however, families are provided with flexibility to meet their commitments. To facilitate this flexibility families must complete a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment Form to advise the school of their intended payment option. Once you have completed the Installment form the instalments will show on your fee statements with the amount to be paid each instalment and the date by which it is due. The instalment amount will be calculated so all fees are paid in one school calendar year with an end date the first week in December.
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Primary School Fees Diocese of Wollongong |
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Tuition Fees K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
$1781 |
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SEDSO Levy K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
$1187 |
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GSFM School Resource Fee K-6 (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$200 |
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GSFM Athletics & Cross Country Carnivals (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$14 |
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At Good Samaritan, excursions are billed at the time of the event.
Year 6 School Camp and annual activities are also included within the school fee structure.
Love of Learning
How Can We Build & Maintain Empathy in Our Community?
- Show kindness towards others through actions and/or words.
- Use active listening & showing this with your whole body
- Think through what you say before you say it
- Be aware and supportive of those less fortunate
- Value the perspective others even though you may not always agree
- Turn taking when listening and speaking
- Setting expectations for social interactions
- Recognise different opinions and viewpoints are ok
- Speak up when you know or hear something that is not right
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.
P & F Christmas Gifts
The GSFM P&F is excited to be running a Gingerbread House Fundraiser this year to get us all into the Christmas Spirit. You may like to buy one for yourself or as a gift. It’s such a lovely Christmas activity to do with the kids!
Please read the information flyer attached HERE. To purchase click on the following link:
Good Samaritan Fairy Meadow Gingerbread Folk Unique Purchasing Link:
The Canteen will be open
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY and FRIDAY EACH WEEK
Term 4 2022
November:
Wednesday 2 November
All Souls Day
Thursday 3 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Friday 4 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Thursday 10 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Friday 11 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Thurday 17 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Friday 18 November
P&F Colour Run
Friday 18 November
Kindergarten 2023 Playgroup
Thursday 24 November
Kindergarten 2023 Orientation Day
Friday 25 November
Staff Spirituality Day (This is a Pupil Free Day - students do not attend school on this day) Staff will be off site for the day.
December:
Tuesday 6 December
Year 6 Farewell Mass 9.30am (Year 6 parents please note change due to an adjustment in Fr Bernard's calender.)
Friday 9 December
Christmas Carols -a combined Lumen Christi, Good Samaritan and St Brigid's event 6.30pm
Thursday 15 December
Year 6 Farewell - Fraternity Club (students only)
Friday 16 December
Final day of school for students 2022
