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Dear Parents and Caregivers of Good Samaritan,
As I write what will be my last newsletter as principal of Good Samaritan, I reflect on the absolute privilege of being able to lead this school over the last five years.
Who would have thought back in 2019 that we would have traveled through a renewed curriculum which has been the impetus for a change in our teaching; a global pandemic that stretched our limits in education but joined schools and families in a way that has never before been seen; we have journeyed through school improvement and the reworking of the Good Samaritan vision and we have laughed, celebrated and had experiences that our children will remember for many years to come.
I will remember Good Samaritan as one of those happy places of my life. A place where community is valued - where parents truly understand the importance of working together with the school for the success of their children.
I was so humbled to receive gifts and cards from the children that have expressed how they feel about me as a principal. Comments like: ‘Thank you for making me smart and having fun little days.’ and ‘You are the one who made me and my friends smart.’
This brings me so much joy to read because my focus has always been on the learning and developing the children as faith filled individuals. If I have made a difference in the learning of at least some of our Good Samaritan boys and girls, then my job is done.
As I leave Good Samaritan this week, I share with you some of a Joan Chittister reflection. I hope that you can see in this reflection our work together, as parents and principal - as a community:
Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Gandhi could have been a Benedictine. Humility is about living an integrated life, a life in which each part is in harmony with every other dimension.
What we think, what we say, and the way we go about life cannot be well lived when they are in opposition to one another. When, in fact, they simply cancel one another out, there is no integrity left to any of them….
The truth is that we are meant to be transparent. People, hearing what we say, should know what we think. Seeing what we do with our lives, people can infer what we care about and how we think about things. If we say one thing but think another, somewhere, somehow, it all begins to seep out. Worst of all, the burden of hiding exhausts a person from the soul on out.
St Benedict points us in a direction that is achingly pure: Be what you say you are. Do not lie, even to yourself. Don’t live two lives—loving parent/missing parent; honest employee/cheating employee; devoted public servant/self-absorbed public servant. The truth is that egotism is the bane of community building. No one can build anything that lasts when the materials are bogus.
At the end, three things measure both our integrity and the harmony of our own lives: self-control, respect, and freedom from self-deception. Self-control is the key to spiritual development. To be too much or too little of anything in one dimension of life creates imbalance in the other dimensions as well. Respect for other people not only measures my humility but opens me to the wisdom around us as well.
As I look back on my time at Good Samaritan, I realise that my experience here has been one of transformation. It has allowed me to humbly re-orientate myself and to take stewardship of my own resources.
My decision to move on from Good Samaritan comes after careful discernment as I relaxed into prayer with my God. My life in education feels like a tremendous adventure where I have ridden the rapids, enjoyed the sunshine, climbed the mountains and fought for what I have believed in.
The essence of Benedictine spirituality - the spirituality of our Good Samaritan community - is a spirituality of growth in God and in the human community.
Good Samaritan will forever remain a part of me because it is here that I have been formed and transformed.
May the peace of this Advent season be with you as you journey towards Christmas - and may we always be Moved to Compassion,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Thank You!
As a school community we remain incredibly thankful to our parents who continue to support us in proactive and constructive ways. Many people help out around the school each day. They do it selflessly and without any effort or expectation of accolades but I feel it is very important to mention just a few at this time of the year.
- To our P&F executive and those who voluntarily support the P&F, your continued support and encouragement for all that is done at Good Samaritan is very much appreciated.
- To the parents who help out in the classrooms, Library, on the sporting fields. Without your continued commitment we wouldn’t be able to offer the children what we do each day at the school.
- To Holly Lawson and Edward Page, our 2023 School Captains. Their commitment to the role, their willingness to lead us at assembly, and their attendance and contribution to events throughout the year has shown that they certainly have the qualities that our leaders of tomorrow will need.
- Thank you to our Year 6 students who are now ready to continue their educational journey into High School. I believe that each one of these students is leaving as a testament to Good Samaritan. They have been demonstrated commitment to their roles as our Year 6 leaders throughout 2023. A terrific group of Good Samaritan boys and girls.
- To our school support staff, both in the office and the classrooms - their commitment to their work and their diligence in ensuring that the school runs smoothly is quite extraordinary.
- To Bishop Brian, Fr Bernard and Fr James - our appreciation of their support of the school is immeasurable. We are indeed blessed to have these men as the clergy of Good Samaritan
- To Kevin Galea from the Lumen Christi Parish, and the volunteers of the Parish - our work with them to ensure that the children are offered regular and well planned opportunities to assist their spiritual development has been crucial throughout the year.
- To our Good Samaritan teaching staff. These men and women come to work every day to offer every child in every lesson the opportunity to grow and succeed. They are a passionate group of individuals who have, throughout the year, strived towards the aim of assisting our Good Samaritan boys and girls to be the best that they can be. I believe they have brought the school to a position where we are able to move confidently forward into 2024.
- And lastly, but certainly not least, to you - the person reading this newsletter. Your interest in, and support of, the school and the Good Samaritan community is very much appreciated. We cannot effectively operate without strong community support.
2024 Building Project:
I am very pleased to be able to advise that CEDoW Building and Facilities will undertake a minor capital works project to upgrade the internal areas of the two storey building. This is a much needed project that will be well worth the short term inconvenience for the longer term gain. The project is currently scheduled to begin towards the end of Semester One.
Farewell Mrs Sillis
We had a wonderful celebration for Mrs Sillis yesterday. The school community joined to celebrate Mass with students, staff, parents, friends and family of Mrs Sillis gathering in her honour.
Mrs. Sillis leaves behind an indelible mark on our school, her legacy etched in every life she's touched. Her 30-year journey in Catholic Education, 15 years as Principal, has been a beacon of inspiration. We're immensely grateful for her unwavering commitment and boundless passion. Good Samaritan is richer for her presence, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions.
Mrs Sillis with her daughter, mum, sister and aunty
Classroom Location Changes 2024:
The 2024 school year will see a change to the location of some of the grades across the school.
- Year 5 will occupy the two story building with Year 5 upstairs and Kindergarten remaining downstairs.
- Year 4 & 6 will occupy the demountable classrooms with Year 4 in the classrooms closest to the office.
The rest of the classrooms will remain the same in 2024.
K-5 students have been involved in a program over the past four weeks, ‘New Year and a New Class’ to prepare and ensure a smooth transition into their 2024 class.
Today, all students had a transition to their new classroom teacher and have met their teacher for 2024. We encourage you to speak with your child about what they are looking forward to next year.
St Brigid’s Church
Thursday 14th December after the 9.30am Mass
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
Friday 15th December 11am –12pm (2nd Rite)
Friday 15th December 6pm – 7pm
Every Saturday 11am – 12pm
The Second Sunday of Advent
The second candle symbolizes Faith and is known as the
Bethlehem Candle.
The second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Go Gently,
Mrs Shelley
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)
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Kindergarten Blue Well done to all the students on their learning and enthusiasm this year. I am proud of all the ways in which you have grown and become a part of the Good Samaritan Community. Thank parents for your support as your child has transitioned into our school. We wish you a happy and safe Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends.  |
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Kindergarten Gold Merry Christmas from KG. We did a whole lot of growing and learning this year, but we made plenty of time for fun and laughter. We wish you a Merry Christmas and may the magic of this holiday season fill each corner of your homes and hearts.  |
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Year 1 Blue would like to wish everyone a very happy, holy and safe Christmas. We have had a great year learning together and playing together. The best thing has been reading books and learning about the world we live in. Merry Christmas everyone and may the new year bring you and your family peace, joy, love and good health!  |
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Year 1 Gold  |
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Year 2 Blue Merry Christmas from 2 Blue! It has been an amazing year filled with laughter, learning and friendships. We are excited to embark on our new learning journey for next year in Year 3! Thank you to the parent community for your ongoing support and we wish you a Happy New Year! |
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Year 2 Gold Year Two Gold have had an exciting year of learning, laughing, growing and making wonderful memories together. We have worked hard, challenged ourselves and supported each other along the way, forging loving friendships. We thank all who have helped and supported us on our learning journey this year, especially our teachers and parents. We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas filled with love, peace and joy.  |
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Year 3 Blue Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from 3 Blue! It has been a wonderful year filled with fun, friendship and lots of learning. They are a wonderful class and I have been blessed to be their teacher and I thank the parents for their support throughout the year. May the Christmas season be a magical, joyful time filled with laughter, family and friends. Have a wonderful Christmas and an amazing 2024! ⭐️  |
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Year 3 Gold Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas and holiday season! Enjoy this special time with your loved ones and stay safe! Sending you lots of love and joy … 3 Gold 2023 ❤️
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Year 4 Blue Merry Christmas to all from 4 Blue. It has been a pleasure teaching your children and watching them grow as learners. I have appreciated their humour and colourful personalities. Have a restful break and enjoyable Christmas.  |
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Year 4 Gold Everyone at GSFM is on the good side because we are Good Samaritans. 4 Gold is like gifts because we give. We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas where everyone can spread Christmas cheer for now and in 2024.  |
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Year 5 Blue As we delight in the festive cheer, I want to express my gratitude to the students of 5 Blue and their families for the incredible journey we've shared this year. The children have filled our classroom with warmth, laughter, and a thirst for knowledge. May this Christmas season bring you joy, peace, and precious moments with loved ones. Here's to a well-deserved break and the promise of new beginnings in the coming year.  |
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Year 5 Gold As we celebrate the Christmas season, I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in 5 Gold and their families. May this time be filled with joy, love, and laughter. I would like to thank you for your support and involvement in your child's education. Your dedication to their learning has been invaluable and has helped to create a positive and engaging classroom environment. Thank you again for a fantastic year. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for your child.  |
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Year 6 Blue Dear Good Samaritan School Community, Wishing you a joyous Christmas filled with laughter, love and unforgettable moments. May the holiday season bring you warmth, happiness and cherished time with your family and friends. Here’s to a magical and festive celebration as we bid farewell to this year and our time at Good Samaritan and embrace the promise of a bright and exciting new one ahead.  |
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Year 6 Gold Dear Everyone, As the holiday season unfolds and the air is filled with the magic of twinkling lights and joyous melodies, we want to take a moment to share our heartfelt Christmas message with all of you. This year has been a remarkable journey for each and every one of us, filled with laughter, learning, challenges, and triumphs. As we approach the end of this chapter, we reflect on the bonds we've forged, the knowledge we've gained, and the memories we've created together. Christmas, to us, is not just about the presents under the tree, but about the presence of love, kindness, and the warmth of shared moments. It's a time to appreciate the diversity that makes our class so unique and to embrace the spirit of giving, understanding, and compassion. May this festive season bring you moments of peace and reflection, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Let's remember to extend a hand to those in need, spread cheer wherever we go, and cherish the magic that lies in the simplest of gestures. |
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Year 6 Red would like to say thank you all for an amazing year. It has been a great way to end off our time at GSFM. We wish you all the love, joy, kindness and happiness in this upcoming Christmas period. Keep us in your prayers as we journey onto high school. We will miss you all. Merry Christmas.
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Amaroo Gold would like to wish all our families and friends a Christmas full of love, peace and joy. We would like to also thank you all for your support and encouragement this year so that we could be the best we could be.
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Amaroo Blue would like to wish all in the Good Samaritan school Community a Happy and Holy Christmas. We also want to thank Mrs Sillis for everything she has done and has been to our school community over the last five years. We hope her new adventure at Mater Dei School brings Mrs Sillis and her new students many blessings. We would like to wish Atticus, Ben and Dominic all the luck in the world as they leave our Amaroo family to begin Year 7 in 2024. Our Year 6 young men will be greatly missed next year. Our Year Six students hope that all the children and staff have a happy and wonderful year next year.  |
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Learning Support Centre Wishing all of the Good Samaritan Community a happy and safe Christmas from everyone in the LSC. Thank you to all who have made this year so wonderful! May the joy of Jesus' birth fill your heart with gratitude and warmth throughout the holiday season!  |
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Creative Arts Thank you to all the students, parents and staff for welcoming me into your community this year. It has been a pleasure to watch the students grow this year and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May it be filled with love and joy! |
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PE/Sport To our wonderful GSFM school community, I extend my gratitude to all of the parents who have volunteered their time at our sporting events throughout the year and to those families leaving year 6 who have helped over the years. What a great year of sport we have had! I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and an amazing 2024!
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Mrs Hailstone and Mrs Sillis We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all students and supportive parents. Your dedication and involvement have made this year memorable. May this Christmas season bring joy, peace, and a sense of togetherness to your homes. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe Christmas. Looking forward to 2024.  |
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Mrs Palermo, Mrs Myerscough and Mrs De Santis We would like to wish the students, staff, parents and carers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your homes be filled with Joy, Happiness and Peace. |
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Mrs Tri Vu Wishing all the students, staff and parents a very Holy and Merry Christmas. All the best for the New Year. I hope you have a great holiday with your family. 
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PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITH INSTALMENTS
If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments eg Weekly to Fortnightly
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT INSTALMENTS
If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2024 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2024 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen eg Fortnightly, Monthly, etc.
IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment eg Weekly, fortnightly, etc.
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Primary School Fees Diocese of Wollongong |
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Tuition Fees K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
$1843.00 |
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SEDSO Levy K-6 (Family Fee Type) |
1245.00 |
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GSFM School Resource Fee K-6 (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$215.00 |
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GSFM Carnivals (Individual Student Fee Type) |
$26.00 |
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At Good Samaritan, excursions are billed at the time of the event.
Year 6 2 single day School Camp and annual activities are also included within the school fee structure.
The Canteen will be open Wednesday,Thursday and Friday
CASH ONLY
We took part in a leadership program, run by a man called Cameron. Instead of choosing sporting equipment or playground initiatives, we decided to take part in reorganizing and replenishing the art. As you may remember the art room was quite disorganized and was in much need of a restock.
We raised money by holding a raffle in the school playground and raised $175. We later went on to buying the items such as the erasers, pencils, rulers, glue sticks, sharpeners and a cart to store all of the products. We had lots of fun and hope these resources are of good use for GSFM.
Earlier in the term Year 1 to Year 5 participated in a Sporting Schools Tennis program. The coaches from The Illawarra Tennis Academy today gave tennis encouragement awards to the following students:
Over the next two weeks our focus will be on caring for our school environment. This aligns with the Benedictine vale of Stewardship.
What does this mean?
Stewardship: We will instill a sense of responsibility for the gifts and resources entrusted to us by God. Students will learn about caring for the environment, practising sustainability, and using their talents and abilities to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.
What can students do?
- Place rubbish in correct bins.
- Pick up any rubbish you see on the playground or in your classroom.
- Pack waste free lunches by putting food in containers instead of plastic wraps and packaging.
- Be kind and compassionate to others.
- Help others in your classroom and on the playground.
What can teachers do?
- Hand out tokens to students who have a waste free lunch box at recess and lunch times.
- Teach students to use the correct bins in the classroom and playground to reduce our waste.
- Emu Bob every week to keep our school environment clean.
- Encourage students to use their talents to support others in the school community.
- Model sustainable practices when cleaning up rooms at the end of the year.
From the School Handbook:
Parents Supporting Student Learning: Replenishing Equipment for the New School Year
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.
Diary Dates & Reminders for the week ahead:
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DATE: |
REMINDER: |
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Thursday 14 December |
10:30am: Year 6 Farewell Liturgy & Morning Tea 6:30pm: Year 6 Farewell at Frat (Year 6 students only) |
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Friday 15 December |
1:30pm: Year 6 Ringing of the old school bell Students may go home following this school tradition 2023 School Year closes for students |
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Saturday 16 December |
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B Rejoicing in God, our saviour. Christmas is a feast of joy and light. We celebrate God who comes to dwell among us and save us. With the prophet Isaiah, we exult for joy in the Lord. With Mary, our spirits rejoice in God our saviour. We do not deny the pain and evil that exist in the world, but we rejoice in the knowledge that nothing can come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus. |