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- From the Principal's Desk
- How are classes formed each year?
- Keeping Children Focused in Term 4:
- Taking time to T.H.I.N.K
- From the Assistant Principal's Desk
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- School News
- Sports News:
- PB4L @ GSFM
- Canteen News
- Pupil Free Day
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- Important Dates for Term 4
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Our students and staff are getting ready for a great P&F Colour Explosion Fun Run on Friday 18 November. Parents are able to come along from 11:30am to assist with the BBQ Sausage Sizzle and run set up. We are looking forward to a great day. See previous Compass notifications for further details.
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,
Our teachers are currently working on the Semester 2 reports. Reporting to parents is a significant part of the overall assessment and reporting process of the school. Often there can be an element of confusion or misunderstanding as to what the reports actually tell parents about their child’s progress.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions to support your understanding of the reporting process.
Why does the school use the A-E system?
For the past 14 years It has now been a requirement of national legislation for Primary schools to provide twice-yearly written reports for students in Years 1 - 6.
What type of report is the A-E report?
The A-E reports are standards-referenced which, in NSW, means reporting is based on the Common Grade Scale. (see common grade scale below)
A standards referenced report differs to a norm referenced report in that the report is written against a set of standards as identified by the the outcomes of the NSW Syllabus.
Within a norm referenced reporting system students are evaluated against one another such as in NAPLAN. This student to student comparison does not occur in the standards referenced reporting system, rather the reference is made against the individual student’s achievement of the outcome.
Common Grade Scale:
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A |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
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B |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations. |
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C |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
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D |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
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E |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
If my child was awarded a ‘B’ grade last semester and is awarded a ‘C’ grade this semester does that mean they have gone backwards?
Definitely not! In the standards referenced reports students make growth against the outcome. Over the course of the year, different outcomes are taught. Whilst these outcomes may be more challenging, they will be different to what has been taught previously - hence the variation in the grade.
My child only ever receives a ‘C’ grade, should I be concerned?
All parents and teachers want the children to achieve all that they can throughout every semester. However, the ‘C’ grade indicates that the student is achieving the standard (outcome) at a sound (stable/solid) level of knowledge and understanding for their age and development.
How can I support my child to understand the report?
Receiving their school report can be an anxious time for some students. As parents, our reaction to the report can influence how our child views their learning, how this may affect their confidence levels and their engagement in school life.
It is important that children feel a sense of accomplishment so the feedback they receive needs to be effective and easy for the child to understand. Here’s a couple of tips to think about when speaking to your child about their report:
1.Be mindful of your child’s confidence levels
2.Honesty: we want children to feel happy but we also need the feedback to be effective and work to influence their continued learning
3.Constructive: make plans with your child about how they might improve; ask them where they feel they need to improve (they will know); set small goals and check in with them as to how they are going; ask them ‘what do I need to do to help you improve…/achieve the goal…’
4.Inclusive: children need to be included in the conversation; it can’t be done for them; they have to do it so they need to know how and they need to be challenged with high support from home and school.
When will I receive the report?
Reports will be distributed to parents on Friday 9 December. The reports are distributed to parents via Compass.
As we journey, together, with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Attached to the newsletter this week is the Formation of Classes Policy and Procedure. This policy is used to direct the process of class formation each year. This is a lengthy process that works towards ensuring that every child’s needs are considered. The process begins throughout Term 4. It is important that parents are aware that the teachers know the students within the school - classroom and playground - environment exceptionally well and always put the best interests of every child first.
Please take time to read the policy. This will give you some indication of the process. Whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that they will be granted. If you plan to make a request, particularly about your child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that prevent it from being granted.
Often there can be experiences where children are placed in classes with friends upon parental requests. The children have then encountered difficulties with the friendship causing awkward situations for all involved that could possibly have been avoided. In addition, parents have requested that their child not be with a particular child/ren and the concern rests more with the adults than the child/ren involved.
Please remember that, first and foremost, Good Samaritan is a place of learning. Learning involves academic achievement as well as learning how to work effectively with a range of people including peers, teachers and school support officers.
Classes will be finalised on Monday 12 December.
No further changes to classes will be made beyond this date.
As this term progresses the children will become excited about the approaching Christmas season. It is very important that the children remain focused and settled throughout Term 4. When the children begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes and the like to school too early they tend to ‘tune out’. It is for this reason, and the fact that waiting is a part of our Catholic Christian tradition with the season of Advent, that the children may begin to bring Christmas cards, candy canes etc for their classmates from the end of Week 9 – Friday 9 December.
The evening of Friday 9 December is our combined Parish and Schools’ Christmas Concert. The children have been practising their part of the concert. It will be a wonderful evening of Christmas celebration for us to have together. Further reminders about the Christmas concert will be distributed on Compass next week.
Please begin to speak to your children about appreciating the card, gift or candy cane that they receive no matter who it is from and that when they give something they shouldn’t always expect something in return.
As we approach the end of the year students can become tired and may show signs of frustration with their peers more quickly than what they have in the past. This can result in words being said in anger, annoyance or disappointment. It is really important that we encourage the children to take some time to T.H.I.N.K because their words have power. This acronym is explained below:
True: Is what I am going to say true? Are my words true?
Helpful: Is what I am going to say helpful? Are my words helpful?
Inspiring: Is what I am going to say inspiring to others? Are my words inspiring and positive?
Necessary: Do I need to say these words? Do my thoughts always need to be words?
Kind: Are my words kind? How do my words affect the thoughts, actions and feelings of others?
Thank you to the wonderful support shown towards our fundraising event - the GSFM Colour Explosion Fun Day. Students are really looking forward to a great day.
On Friday:
- Lunch will be kindly provided by P&F - Sausage Sizzle.
- Canteen will be closed
- All students will receive a Zooper Dooper.
Students may wear MUFTI for the day and encouraged to wear/bring:
- A plain white or light-coloured t-shirt
- An old pair of shorts
- An old pair of socks and shoes
- An old cap/hat
- An old towel if you are transporting your children home after the event (to keep the car clean).
Students may wear crazy socks & colourful tutu.
Everyone is welcome to come along to join in the fun. You can eat lunch with your children on the day. There will be sausages available for parents and siblings.
TIMETABLE: (times are approximate)
1.00pm - 2.30pm – Learning Centre Carpark closed. No cars in/out.
12:00 Lunch provided by P&F
12:00 - 12:10 Eating Time with Buddies & Families
12:10 - 12:40 LUNCH
12:45 Students line up in class groups
1:00 Whole School Instruction provided in the COLA
Time to SLIME - Mrs Sillis and Mrs Hailstone
1:15 Group A - Kindergarten, Year One, Year Six and Year Five (spread out around the course to start)
1:20 - 1:40 Group A walk/run. Group B at the Disco (COLA)
1:50 - Group B - Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 (spread out around the course to start)
1:55 - 2:20 Group B walk/run.Group A at the Disco (COLA)
2:20 - 2:35 All Students, DISCO and WRAP up!
2.30 – Learning Centre Carpark reopened
2:35 Students clean up/pack up and remain with their class teacher for dismissal
2:40 - 3:00 P&F pack up
Andrew Chinn Concert:
On Tuesday 29 November, Australian religious songwriter and singer, Andrew Chinn, will be visiting our school to lead an Advent/Christmas Concert with our children. Andrew’s songs, such as “These Hands”, “Rainbow”, “An African Blessing” and “Rise Up!” are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. This is a STUDENT ONLY event. We are looking forward to celebrating with Andrew Chinn.
Faith in Action at Good Samaritan
As we approach the end of the 2022 school year, we will be having our yearly Vinnies Christmas Appeal for people in need in our community.
Mini Vinnie’s Christmas Hamper Appeal
The annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal is fast approaching! To contribute to the Christmas Hamper Appeal please bring in the following food items. These will be collected by the St Vincent De Paul Fairy Meadow and Wollongong Conference Members and distributed to people in need in our community.
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Kindergarten Amaroo |
Fruit cake (no mince pies please) |
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Year 1 |
UHT milk/custard |
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Year 2 |
Sweet Biscuits |
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Year 3 |
Cereal |
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Year 4 |
Crackers/chips |
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Year 5 |
Soft Drink |
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Year 6 |
Lollies (soft) |
Term 4 is always an exciting time in Kindergarten. For many of our students, the reading and writing journey is in full swing and everything is starting to come together for them to begin more rigorous independent learning. We have been looking at story sequencing in the literacy block this term, reading many of the classics and incorporating some wonderful visual literacy into our representations. The teachers are so proud of the children’s enthusiasm and commitment to learning and the joint efforts of home and school are seeing wonderful learning gains.
Last term we created our “KinderGARDEN” with the extraordinary generosity of our school community, and over the past few weeks, and a break in the weather, we have been able to harvest and create our own produce..science in practise is the best science! Especially when it comes in the form of homemade pizza!
We have been exploring telling the time in maths and look forward to participating in the many wonderful learning opportunities the season of Lent brings, and you can be sure that Kindy will put on a show at this year’s carols! What an amazing start to their learning journey 2022 has been, you are certainly ready for Year 1!
Last Friday evening Good Samaritan students were awarded for their achievements in sport at the Annual CDF Sports Awards Presentation.
We congratulate our Good Samaritan boys and girls for their commitment, skill and achievement on all they have worked for this year.
Callum was awarded a Primary Sports Council Red Award for his achievements in representing at school and Diocesan levels in Athletics and Cross Country.
Callum also represented at the MacKillop level in Athletics and Cross Country.
Congratulations Callum!
Jacob was awarded the Primary Sports Council Medallion.
Jacob represented the school and Diocese in Athletics and Cross Country. Jacob was also the GSFM Athletics Age Champion.
Congratulations Jacob!
Annie was awarded the Primary Sports Council Medallion.
Annie was a school and Diocesan representative in Athletics and Cross Country. Annie was also School Athletics and Cross Country Champion.
Congratulations Annie!
Hope was awarded the Primary Sports Council Medallion.
Hope was a school and Diocesan representative in Netball and Swimming. Hope was also a MacKillop representative in Netball.
Congratulations Hope!
Sarah was awarded the Primary Sports Council Medallion.
Sarah was a school and Diocesan representative in Basketball and Swimming. Sarah was also a MacKillop representative in Basketball and the School Athletics Champion.
Congratulations Sarah!
Bonnie was awarded the Primary Sports Council Medallion. Bonnie was a school and Diocesan representative in Netball and Swimming.
Congratulations Bonnie!
What a week of Sport!
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
The Canteen will be open
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY and FRIDAY EACH WEEK
From the School Handbook:
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
In order for the school to ensure that all staff and volunteers have the necessary WWCC, all parents who wish to volunteer are asked to ensure that they have the appropriate clearance in order to remain as a volunteer within the school. Once the WWCC is completed the school maintains a register of parents who are able to volunteer within the school. This includes classroom assistance, excursions, camps, canteen, Library assistance and general helping about the school.
Further information about the Working With Children Check can be found on the CEDoW website. Follow this link to the website.
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:
Term 4 2022
November:
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
