Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,

Over the last week or so I have noticed some changes happening around us. The days seem to be a little longer and the buds are starting to show on the trees ready to blossom as Spring approaches.

Sometimes our lives can be so busy that the seasons just seem to pass by every year. Whilst waiting for a friend recently, I took this photo of her magnolia tree that blooms so brilliantly every year. 

I am reminded that ‘noticing’ helps to strengthen your contemplative practice particularly in nature. The blooms call out ‘I am here, I am here’ just as Isaiah wrote. (Isaiah 65:1)

Spiritual teacher Paula D’Arcy spent an extended time in contemplative observation of nature. She writes:  

I rest and notice the trees rising out of the water. I look into the water and see how the trees have bonded with the algae and plant life. Aren’t I out here to learn how to bond to God? Nature bonds, but it does not cling….  

I look at the river. If I were to cling to it, I’d have to pick it up in a bucket and take some of it with me. I’d separate it from itself. If I were to cling to a tree, I’d have to break a part of it off, or uproot it. If I were to cling to a rock, I’d have to remove it from its home. This is worse: if I were to cling to the red bird, I’d have to cage him.  

Maybe when I cling to people, I dim them, too. I separate them from their own inner roots. I help them to believe that they are dependent on me, or that the hunger in their bellies is a cry for me. I convince us both. And then we never hear the cry of hunger which is for God. Until this moment I have not understood that. I am hungry for God…. Now as I am eating and drinking (taking in) God’s creation, I feel satisfied. I am letting myself live in its beauty without needing to own it or control it or secure it for tomorrow. I am seeing it as it is … really seeing it. And that is enough, to really see. I am present to this moment. That brings joy.

The next time you go for a walk or are in your yard, take that one moment to be present to what is around you and listen for the words ‘I am here.’

Enjoy the week ahead,

Toni Sillis

Principal

Last Friday was Primary Principal’s Day and the Good Samaritan students had a wonderful surprise planned for me with art work, poetry and performances. I felt greatly humbled by the attention and the experience.

Thank you to our P&F for the beautiful bouquet of flowers given to me on behalf of the parent community. I am very blessed to be able to be the principal of Good Samaritan.

Teacher Shortage:

As you would be aware from media reports, Australia is currently experiencing a teacher shortage. Unfortunately, we are now feeling the effects of the shortage at Good Samaritan. At the moment this particularly relates to the employment of casual teaching staff. So far we have not had to split classes across the school very often during teacher absence, however it is becoming increasingly obvious that we may have to resort to this in order to run the school day. 

Our teachers are very much aware of this shortage however there will always be times (sickness, long service leave, etc) when teachers are unable to attend work. We try to maintain consistency as much as possible including having available leadership team members taking classes where possible. 

Recruitment for positions is also becoming more difficult with very few, if any, applicants applying for available positions. This will lead to some creative thinking in filling available positions.

Please be patient with us as we navigate this difficult period in education.

NEW!- Take It Down Platform

"Take It Down" Platform - Preventing the Unwanted Spread of Intimate Child Images Online.

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Instances of image-based abuse can also be reported to eSafety or the police.

This week at Good Samaritan, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus has been the important skill of "Asking for Help" in the classroom. Developing the ability to seek assistance when needed is a crucial life skill that empowers our students to become confident and independent learners. We are excited to share with you some of the strategies and approaches we've been implementing to encourage this skill among all students.

Raising Hands: One of the most fundamental ways students can ask for help is by raising their hands. We encourage students to confidently raise their hands when they have a question or need clarification. Staff are always ready to provide support and guide them through any challenges they may be facing.

Peer Collaboration: We foster a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to work together. Encouraging students to partner with a classmate when they are stuck can help them develop problem-solving skills and build strong relationships with their peers.

Quiet Signals: In addition to raising hands, teachers have introduced various quiet signals that allow students to discreetly indicate their need for help. These signals can include using a specific hand gesture or placing a help card on their desk.

One-on-One Time: Teachers allocate time for one-on-one or small group sessions, during which students can directly approach them for personalised assistance. This approach helps students build a strong teacher-student connection and feel comfortable seeking help.

Positive Reinforcement: We celebrate and acknowledge students who take the initiative to ask for help. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or small rewards, encourages students to continue seeking assistance when needed.

As parents and guardians, you play a vital role in supporting your child's development of this essential skill. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their school day and any challenges they may be facing. Emphasise the importance of seeking help when needed.

Modelling: Demonstrate the importance of asking for help in your own life. Share examples of how you seek assistance when faced with challenges.

By working together, we can nurture a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength and a pathway to success. Thank you for your ongoing support in creating a positive and empowering learning environment for all students.