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Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
As we enter this third week of Lent, the readings form last Sunday remind us of God’s love for us, soon to be witnessed in the suffering and death of Christ Jesus.
In last Sunday’s Gospel, we saw Jesus sweep away the buyers and sellers from the Temple, which should be revered as the house of God. We are reminded that it is through Christ’s suffering and death that salvation will come, and the power and wisdom of God will be revealed.
This week, we can pray for all those areas of the world where places of holiness and sanctuary are debased and de-valued. We pray too, for all people who are prevented from worshipping openly, and from practising their faith in freedom.
AWARDS
From Week 7, you will notice some changes regarding awards.
Firstly, we will now hand out the 2 class based Merit Awards and the 1 class based Values Award at each Friday Assembly. The names of students who have received these awards will be added to the newsletter of the following week.
Mrs Jancetic, our Creative Arts teacher, and Mrs Olima, our PE teacher, will distribute one award each per class in Weeks 5 and 10 of each term to award students who have achieved or participated well in these two Key Learning Areas.
Save the Date
We are hoping to hold a Working Bee on Saturday 16th March from 8:30am - 12:30pm. In order to tidy up our school environment, we are hoping to prepare some garden beds, do some planting and paint some of the areas around the school. If you have a particular interest or skill that might come in handy, or are able to donate any resources, please let us know by contacting the school office via email or phone.
A COMPASS event will be set up early next week to provide more information and gather numbers expected.
In order for the work to be done efficiently and safely, I ask that this be a ‘parents only’ event.
GSFM OPEN DAY:
https://enrol.gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au/open
‘Meet and Greet’ Sessions
Thank you to those who were able to complete the Google Forms. Your input is highly valuable to our staff and contributes significantly to our understanding of your child's needs.
For those who have requested face-to-face or phone meetings, we will soon provide available time slots. You will receive communication via Compass, our designated platform, enabling you to schedule a 'meet and greet' session with your child's teacher.
We look forward to these discussions and collaborating with you to support your child's academic progress and well-being.
Thank you for your active participation and ongoing support.
Home - School Communication
A reminder to contact your child’s teacher through the school office.
Whether you prefer a phone call to relay a message or an email, connecting with us is easy.
Feel free to contact us at the following:
* Phone: 42266577
* Email: info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au
Harmony Week
Our school will celebrate Harmony Day on Tuesday 19th March. Harmony Day is about promoting inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Students are invited to wear a cultural outfit, or something orange to school on this day. Orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.
We will have an assembly at 9am in the school hall and parents are welcome to attend.
If you have any questions please email;
stackhousej01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your support with this important event,
Jane Stackhouse (EAL/D Teacher)
PROJECT COMPASSION
Should you wish to contribute to Project Compassion this Lent Season, here is the QR code for our school. Donations above $2 will generate receipts and all donations will count in our school's fundraising tally.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ENROLMENTS 2024
Parents and caregivers of children in Year 6 are now invited to enrol their child into the 2024 programme for Sacrament of Confirmation.
To enrol your child in the Sacramental program visit the parish website: lumenchristi.org.au/sacramental
If you have any queries, please contact the Lumen Christi Office on (02) 4211 0504.
N.B. Enrolments close 1 March 2024.
DATES FOR SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS:
|
TERM 1 & 2 |
GOOD SAMARITAN FAMILIES |
|
Parent information Evening |
Wednesday 20 March at 6:30pm |
|
Candidate's Commitment Mass |
Sunday 24 March at 8:30am |
|
School Program St Brigid’s and Good Samaritan |
5 weeks with 2 weeks of pupil vacation |
|
Parish Mass Attendance |
Tuesday 26 March - no Mass |
|
Sacrament of Reconciliation |
Saturday from 11:00am - 12:00 noon on 1 of the following days: |
|
Retreat Day |
Friday 17 May from 8:50 am - 3:00 pm |
|
Celebration of Confirmation with Bishop Brian Mascord |
St John Vianney Church |
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:
Welcome to the magical realm of Kindergarten, where each day is a new chapter in the exciting journey of learning and discovery! Our littlest learners have embarked on a thrilling adventure during their first few weeks in school, filling the classrooms with laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy. Our kindergarteners are not just mastering their Phonics and Number Recognition but are also building the foundations of lifelong love for learning. The Kindergarten students have adapted well to school expectations daily routines. As we dive deeper into the school year, we can't wait to witness the continued growth, laughter, and exploration that make our kindergarten classrooms a beacon of warmth and learning. Here's to a fantastic year filled with discovery, friendship, and the joy of being a kindergartener.
Representative Sport Trial
We have had many students trialling for various teams this week. They have all participated with great enthusiasm and represented Good Samaritan with pride.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected in the Wollongong Diocesan team to trial for the Mackillop team:
Hockey: Isabelle O
Football (Soccer): Nash T, Archer V, Madelyne M
Good luck to our students trialling for Netball and Rugby League this week.
Diocesan South Coast Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to the GSFM Swim team who participated at the South Coast Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. A great day was had by all at Corrimal Pool with our students displaying great school spirit. Thank you to Mrs Vazey for managing the GSFM team. The following students placed in the top 4 and will swim again on Monday at the Swimming Selection Trial:
Ruby S , Ellie Mc, Piper T, Harriet W - 2nd Place 4 x 50m Junior Girls Relay
Angus B: 1st place 9 Years 50m Freestyle
Ashton W: 4th Place 50m Butterfly
Ruby S: 3rd Place 50m Backstroke and 4th Place 50m Freestyle
Chase W:2nd Place Senior AWD 50m Freestyle, 2nd Place Senior AWD 50m Backstroke and 2nd Place Senior AWD 50m Breastroke and will compete in the MacKillop Trial at Homebush.
Communication with Parents about Behaviours
We are implementing a new approach to communicating about student behaviours at our school. When a student accumulates 3 LOW behaviours over a 3-week period, a Middle behaviour alert will be triggered and shared with the Stage Leaders. They will then review the incidents to ensure accuracy and relevance before generating an email to parents detailing the behaviours observed. This change, discussed and positively received at the recent P&F meeting, aims to enhance transparency and collaboration between school and home.
Currently if a student exhibits HIGH behaviour, stage leaders will make contact with parents via phone. This process will continue.
Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a positive learning environment.
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.
Week 6
5 March – South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival
8 March – Assembly
Week 7
13 March – NAPLAN Commences
15 March – Assembly
Week 8
NAPLAN continues
20 March – Feast of St Joseph’s liturgy
20 March – Parent Information evening – Sacrament of Confirmation 6:30pm – 7:30pm
21 March – Cross Country Carnival at Kembla Joggers
22 March – Assembly
Week 9
24 March – 8:30am Confirmation Student Commitment Mass
25 March – Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord Liturgy/ Holy Week Liturgy 9:15am
27 March – Easter Hat Parade and Raffle
28 March – Staff Spirituality Day – Pupil Free Day
29 March – GOOD FRIDAY
Week 10
31 March – EASTER SUNDAY
1 April – EASTER MONDAY
2 April – Year 6 Mass 9:30am
5 April – Assembly
Week 11
9 April – Year 6 Mass 9:30am
12 April – GSFM Award Liturgy 9:15am (LAST DAY TERM 1)
Please click on the link to view