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Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of yet another term and to think that we are halfway through the year already seems to be a bit crazy. The time does seem to go quickly especially when we are watching our students move from strength to strength each day.
The last couple of weeks have seen our senior students take on some terrific responsibility especially when greeting our guests at the recent Open Day last week. I was able to call on our Year 5 students and, with very little preparation, they rose to the occasion demonstrating great pride in their school. They welcomed the guests so beautifully and I received wonderful comments about them that should make us all very proud.
It is great to see students mature in their thinking over the course of time. At Good Samaritan, we understand that children develop at many different rates academically, socially and spiritually. Some have a greater understanding than others about the curriculum that we put before them whilst others are able to manage social situations better than some of their peers - and this is okay.
Last week you received your child’s school report and this week you have the opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher about their progress. My hope is that you are pleased with the effort your child has made this semester and the achievements that the teacher has spoken about. It is always important that we remember each report is a point in time and all we can ask of the children each semester is to do their best. I know that your encouragement, together with ours, will always work in the best interests of your child.
As the student vacation period begins, I wish you a restful period of time where you can enjoy the company of your child without the regular school routines for a while. A time to celebrate who they are, what they have achieved and encourage them to continue to be the best Good Samaritan boy or girl they can be.
Sincerely,
Toni Sillis
Principal
IMPORTANT: School Uniform Update
The school has been in discussion with Poppets uniform supplier to look at possible options for the girls’ Summer uniform. The option to be decided upon in the early part of Term 3 will be shorts and shirt for the girls to wear.
Shorts and shirts will provide a more comfortable option for the girls during Summer. It will also promote a sense of inclusivity across both boys and girls as we move into the future. The Summer dress for girls will remain the same.
Models of the uniforms will be displayed in weeks 1&2 and preferences will be asked for during this period. We will also ask students to also view the uniforms and give their preference.
We were unable to complete the grade evacuation drill on Monday due to the high winds. However, on Thursday each grade will be taken through an evacuation drill outlining at an age and stage appropriate level the importance of the drill. This will include explaining to students what to do in an emergency situation.
We will complete a whole school drill early next term. You may take some time next week to reinforce with your child the importance of practising for emergencies to keep everyone safe.
School Photos:
Advanced Life Photography have advised that school photos are due for delivery at the beginning of Term 3.
Camp Quality Cancer Education Program
On Friday, 30 June students will be participating in a Camp Quality puppet show which is a fun, interactive show that creates a supportive community for kids impacted by cancer.
Camp Quality Cancer Education Program, featuring the Camp Quality Puppets, visits primary schools and preschools across the country to deliver free cancer education. The puppets provide interactive and age appropriate cancer education for any child impacted by cancer – whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a sibling, parent, carer, grandparent, relative or friend. The program creates a shared language to facilitate cancer conversations within the school community
For further information about Cancer education please refer to this handboook prepared by Camp Quality. Talking_About_Cancer_Booklet.pdf
Mrs Cath Hailstone
Assistant Principal
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Due to the school holidays, our celebrations will take place on Tuesday 1 August 2023.
2023 Commissioned Mini Vinnies Team
Congratulations to our newly commissioned Mini Vinnies Team:
Phoenix P, Aurora De , Genevieve G, Jessica B, Claudia T, Rose C, Ava G Claudia U, Harper F , Isabella G, Samuel T, Jasmine I.
A special welcome to Miss Rae and Mrs Apolloni who have joined the team. We are very excited to work with you.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
Mini Vinnies Pyjama Day and Food Drive
Winter can be a particularly difficult time for people, especially the 3.6 million Australians facing food insecurity and the 116,000 Australians experiencing homelessness - 60% who are under the age of 35, 44% who are women and 13% who are under 12 years old.
Our school is guided and informed by the Benedictine Values, in particular the value of Community. This value calls us to service the common good, show respect for the individual, and develop virtuous friendship. It leads us to demonstrate good will, humility, trust, accountability, justice, faithfulness, obedience, peace, and discipleship.
On Friday 21st July (Term 1 Week 1) GSGM will be holding a Pyjama Mufti Day and Food Drive Fundraiser where students will wear their Onesie or Pyjamas or Tracksuit to school (please bring a gold coin donation) and will donate an item of nonperishable food (see below), which will be given out to those in our local area experiencing rough sleeping or food insecurity.
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Kindergarten |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
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Juice or milk popper |
2 minute noodles |
Packet chips/ pretzels |
Muesli bar |
Soaps Toothpaste |
Toothbrush |
Deodorant (non gender) |
Year 3 -Commitment Mass Save the Date -
Sunday 23 July 2023 8.30am at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
This mass is for all students preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Saint Benedict Of Nursia:
11 July marks one of the days where we remember St Benedict.
In a 2005 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI said St. Benedict was a “powerful reminder of the indispensable Christian roots” of Europe. He cited the monk’s instruction to “prefer nothing to the love of Christ,” and asked his intercession to " help us keep Christ firmly at the heart of our lives.”
Born to upper-class parents in modern-day Italy during the year 480, Benedict was sent to Rome to study the humanities. However, he soon became disgusted with the loose morals that prevailed among the students. Withdrawing from the city, he lived briefly with a group of monks, then as a hermit.
St. Scholastica, Benedict’s sister, also embraced religious life as a nun. She most likely died shortly before him, around the year 543. In his final years, the abbot himself had a profound mystical experience, which is said to have involved a supernatural vision of God and the whole of creation.
Around the age of 63, Benedict suffered his final illness. He was carried into the church by his fellow monks, where he received the Eucharist for the last time. Held up by his disciples, he raised his hands in prayer for the last time, before dying in their arms.
Mrs Natalie Shelley
Religious Education Coordinator
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS:
General enquiries
Lumen Christi Catholic Parish, Wollongong
Diocese of Wollongong
PO Box 874 (36 Harbour Street)
Wollongong NSW 2500 Australia
Ph: (02) 42 110500
Email: wollongong@dow.org.au
Office hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am–1:00pm)
News from Kindergarten
Kindergarten are wrapping up a huge term of learning. Over the past few weeks we have enjoyed learning about graphing data and telling the time in maths. We are beginning to write our very own sentences and enjoyed the opportunity to read to our buddies last week who were amazed at how much we had improved, we are always excited to see our year 6 buddies!
We have loved the opportunity to confidently stand in front of our peers and teachers and give an oral presentation for history on special items from our past (all five years!). We will be celebrating all our success with a winter warmers chill out day this Thursday and look forward to our excursion to Calmsley Farm on day one of term 3!
School Canteen:
Term 3 canteen times and days will be notified as soon as they are available. A new menu will also be coming out.
This week we will be focusing on
Managing my Emotions When On The Playground
Our focus this week is managing our emotions when on the playground. It’s important we recognise that some children find this more challenging than others.The lack of structure, open-ended activities as well as the sensory stimulation can be overwhelming for many of our children. It’s important to identify students who face these.
From the School Handbook:
Parents Supporting Student Learning: Replenishing Equipment for the New School Term
As we approach the upcoming holidays parents are asked to ensure that their child’s pencil case and school supplies are replenished. Having everything at their fingertips each day aids in the learning process allowing children to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about not having the equipment to complete the task.
Uniform Check:
Throughout the holidays please check your child’s uniform is clearly labelled with their name. Also, if your child needs new school shoes or joggers they must be within the uniform requirements i.e: black school shoes and predominately white joggers similar to the images below.
As we approach Semester 2 it is important that the students continue to wear full school uniform until the end of the year. It may be a good idea to check your child’s uniform, including school hat, school shoes and joggers, to make sure that they will all ‘last the distance’. This is particularly important for Year 6 students.
P&F Pie Drive:
Diary Dates & Reminders for the week ahead:
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Thursday 29 June |
Grade Evacuation Drills |
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Friday 30 June |
End of Term Liturgy - Good Samaritan Awards and Mini Vinnies members presented Camp Quality Puppet Performance |
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Saturday 1 July |
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
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Sunday 2 July |
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Monday 3/7 - Friday 14/7 |
School Holiday Period |
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Monday 17 July |
Pupil Free Day Students do not attend school on this day |
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Tuesday 18 July |
Students return to school Kindergarten Excursion - Calmsley Farm 6:30pm: Reconciliation & First Eucharist Parent Information Session |
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Wednesday 19 July |
6:30pm: Respectful Relationships, Child Safety, Growth, Development & Human Sexuality Education Zoom Meeting: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/67391518928?pwd=M2RPUkhmbDlUWHo1Z3lUNEZJREpOdz09 Password: 882778 |
Mark Your Calendars!
- Monday 17 July: Staff Development Day Students do not attend school on this day. Term 3 will begin for students on Tuesday 18 July.
- Sunday 23 July 2023 8.30am:Year 3 Commitment Mass St John VCianney Co-Cathedral
- Wednesday 26 July 9.15am: Grandparents & Great People Day
- Sunday 27 August 9am: First Eucharist Celebration St John Vianney Co-Cathedral
CLAIM THE DATE:
Wednesday 6 December: GSFM Christmas Celebration starting 5:30pm
