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Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
On Sunday many of our students will make their First Holy Communion. This is such a special time in the faith life of any person. It is one that is remembered for many years to come. The Gospel on Sunday will ask the question:
‘Who do you say that I am?’
This question is so important for the children who will engage in the Eucharist for the first time. It is a question that speaks to the relationship they have with Jesus - which will be strengthened by the understanding of Communion.
As a school community let us pray for these students as they take this step in deepening their faith and their relationship with Jesus.
May you always know
the peace of Jesus
the light of His love
and the joy of His life
within you.
Until next time,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Overdue Library Books:
Recently you may have received an overdue notification of resources that were borrowed from the Library in Term 1.
This is a reminder to return them to the library as soon as possible.
If the book/resource has been lost or damaged please contact the school office by email info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au or Library Staff gsfmlibrary@dow.catholic.edu.au
GIRLS’ SUMMER UNIFORM OPTION:
Following discussion with parents and students the uniform pictured below has been chosen as an option for girls to wear during the Summer season. The feedback from the girls in Years 4 & 5 was considered and maturely communicated. They are quite excited about the choice to wear a ‘skort & shirt’ option.
We have communicated with Poppets who will now proceed to work on the delivery of the uniform for the 2024 school year.
Skort with Peter Pan Collared Shirt
Skort with GSFM embroidery
Peter Pan Collared Shirt
Girls’ Summer Dress and Skort with Peter Pan Collared Shirt
Summer Uniform Changeover:
As the weather begins to get warmer the students may wear their Summer uniform from Monday 4 September. It is then at parental discretion as to which uniform is worn given the weather forecast until the end of term.
All students must wear the Summer uniform from the beginning of Term 4.
Skort with GSFM embroidery
Girls’ Summer Dress and Skort with Peter Pan Collared Shirt
This term we will be celebrating RUOK Day in conjunction with a whole school Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) Day on Thursday 14 September.
Students will be invited to wear their house colour mufti on this day.
The Term 3 Respectful Relationships units of work will be celebrated across the school and students will be engaged in activities to promote positive behaviour and wellbeing for themselves and others.
Mrs Cath Hailstone
Assistant Principal
Prayer for our First Holy Communion Candidates
On Sunday 27 August, our Year Three and a number of other students throughout the school will experience a very special day in their lives. It is the day on which they will be making their First Holy Communion (Eucharist) at St John Vianney. Our Catechism teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. When we receive the Lord in the Eucharist, it is an act of thanksgiving to God. It recalls the Lord’s Supper with his Apostles. The Eucharist is essential to the communal dimension of our faith. It is the nourishment that enables us to remain spiritually strong and healthy.
Pope Francis refers to the Eucharist as a gift. He reminds us about how important the Eucharist is to our faith journey. He encourages us to receive the Eucharist as a family as often as possible if we are so disposed and in the state of grace. Our Holy Father spoke to a group of children in Italy as he recalled his First Holy Communion many years ago. He addressed the children and stated, “You will make your First Communion, always remember that day your whole life: the first day that Jesus came to us. He comes, makes himself one with us, makes himself our food, our nourishment to give us strength.”
As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we can give thanks for all the teachers, relatives, and friends of these children who have helped prepare them for First Holy Communion, and who assist them in their future growth in faith through their prayers and actions. We especially thank the parents who are the primary educators of the children in the ways of the faith.
The following “PRAYER AT A CHILD’S FIRST COMMUNION” is a prayer for those children preparing for their First Holy Communion and reflects our great appreciation of the Eucharist:
Lord Jesus Christ, bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.
May this day be the step toward a life-long love of the Eucharist.
Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship.
Thank you for their innocence and goodness.
May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament. Amen.
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 began the term with a fantastic excursion to Calmsley Farm. We had a great time on the tractor ride, milking the cow, patting the animals and watching the sheep dog show. The excursion grew our background knowledge that enabled us to read and write facts about farm animals.
Continuing our learning about non fiction texts, we are now engaged in discovering new and interesting facts about dinosaurs. We have drawn labelled diagrams of dinosaurs such as the Pterodactyl and Apatosaurus and created our own dinosaur fossils. In mathematics we are learning to use the rekenrek to add and subtract quantities beyond 10.
We enjoyed participating in our first sports carnival, grandparent’s day, showing our support for the Matildas and can not wait for our first Book Week Parade!
Kindergarten students had a great time at the Science Fair. We loved all the slime, explosions and levitating matches! Term 3 has been full of excitement and lots of great learning opportunities.
The Canteen will be open Wednesday,Thursday and Friday
In this week's PB4L spotlight, we focus on using technology appropriately. Week 7 is Screen Aware Week, a dedicated time to reflect on our relationship with technology and foster positive habits for a healthy and balanced life. In an increasingly digital world, it's essential to use technology mindfully to ensure it enhances our lives rather than consumes them. This week, we'll explore tips and insights on how to engage with technology in ways that promote well-being, productivity, and meaningful connections.
From the School Handbook:
At times there may be incidents within the school that involve certain students and you may hear about them through other parents. These may relate to another child’s progress and learning or their behaviour. It is most important that the confidentiality of that student, and of his or her family, is protected. Always treat such incidents with empathy – no one would like their own child to be the topic of discussion amongst parents. If you have some specific concerns that relate to your own child please do not hesitate to address these through the classroom teacher, Stage Middle Leader, Mrs Hailstone or Mrs Sillis.
P&F Meeting: Monday 28 August 7pm
The next P&F meeting will be held in the Library and via zoom (link below).
This meeting will include the ballot of those who have nominated for the position of Treasurer.
Topic: P&F Meeting Zoom Invitation
Time: Aug 28, 2023 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/66245865282?pwd=REJHQTZVblZKV3B0cWdlYkduQmpydz09
Password: 824364
Sign up
P&F have a new platform Sign up its a new way to help support events and keep our community informed of upcoming events.
https://signup.zone/xwtB7FwYC5S7iuWWb
An Event has been sent out to all parents for permission for child/ren to attend the School Disco on Thursday 7 September.$5 is to be dropped off to the school office.
For catering purposes please complete the event.
https://signup.zone/school-
Diary Dates & Reminders for the week ahead:
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DATE: |
REMINDER: |
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Friday 25 August |
First Holy Communion Retreat Day No assembly this week due to the Retreat Day |
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Sunday 27 August |
First Holy Communion Who do you say I am? Jesus asks his disciples this question in the Gospel. He asks us the same question. He is not seeking a textbook response or for us to repeat what others have said about him. He wants to hear our personal response. May we answer his question as truthfully as possible, and then listen as he speaks to us. |
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Week 7 Good Samaritan’s Screen Aware Week |
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Monday 28 August |
Edmund Rice Band Performance 7pm: P&F Meeting - This meeting will include the voting of the Treasurer All Welcome Join face to face in the Library or via Zoom |
Coming Up:
- Fathers Day Breakfast Friday 1 September commencing at 7:30am. RSVP via Compass for catering purposes.
- School Disco Thursday 7 September. RSVP via Compass for attendance and catering purposes.
- RUOK Day - Thursday 14 September (Students can wear house colour mufti on this day)