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Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School Fairy Meadow acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal and Gweagal people past and present, the traditional custodians of the lands on which our school is built.
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
Welcome to Term 3. I hope that you all had a restful and rejuvenating break from organising lunches and ironing school uniforms. The students have approached the start of the new term with fresh enthusiasm.
As we return to the classroom, Olympic excitement fills the air. We have turned our focus to Paris this month for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics—a celebration of athletic dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. Did you know that some past students from Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong are competing, including:
Kieran Woolley (Corpus Christi, Oak Flats) in Skateboarding (Park)
Blake Govers (St Joseph’s, Albion Park) in Hockey
Ellen Perez (St Joseph’s, Albion Park) in Tennis
Natalie Van Coevorden (John Therry, Rosemeadow) in Triathlon
I wonder if we'll have any future Good Samaritan students competing in future years?
Thank you to the grandparents who attended our beautiful Grandparents Day celebrations last Friday. It certainly was a magnificent day, celebrating the presence of Grandparents and Great people in our lives.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was celebrated on Sunday 28th July, the Sunday closest to the Feasts of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. For the 2024 celebrations, Pope Francis chose a line from Psalm 71 “Do not cast me off in my old age” as this year’s theme.
I extend my thanks to Year 3 Gold for the Liturgy, the Parents and Friends Association for donating money for the morning tea, and to all of the staff who helped to prepare and serve the food, and those teachers who welcomed the grandparents and visitors into the classrooms.
On Sunday 11th August, some of our Year 3 students will receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion at the 8:30 am mass at St John Vianney’s Church. Please keep these children in your prayers.
We have continued to analyse and act on data presented in the Tell Them From Me survey conducted last term.
Parent said that they needed more clarity around Homework expectations at Good Samaritan.
We have reviewed and refined our Homework Policy. Please refer to it below.
Parent and Carer Evening with Dr Justin Coulson at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto
The St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto Parents and Friends Association are excited to announce they are hosting a parent and carer information session with Dr Justin Coulson on Wednesday, 28th August 2024 at 6:30pm.
Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au and is considered one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts.
The parent session will focus on the topic of Resilience, in this session, parents will learn the psychological secrets that build their child’s sense of identity, strengths, and growth mindset in order to perform better, be happier, and build resilience.
Tickets can be purchased using this link https://events.humanitix.com/resilience-with-dr-justin-coulson-parental-guidance-workshop
The live session runs from 7:00pm-8:30pm and refreshments will be provided from 6:30pm on the night.
Mrs Lisa Tyson
Acting Principal
Respectful Relationships Information Session
All parents and carers are invited to attend an information session around the topics of educating in:
- Respectful Relationships
- Child Safety
- Growth
- Development and
- Human Sexuality.
Two sessions will be offered and all parents are encouraged to attend ONE of the sessions:
Monday 12 August 6-7pm
Wednesday 14 August 4-5pm
These sessions will be held in the hall. They will provide information on how to best support the students in an age appropriate way while teaching the mandated PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) curriculum.
NAPLAN results were delivered to students in Years 3 and 5 during week one.
NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students undertake.
As students progress through their school years, it’s important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards.
NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It doesn’t replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.
Playground and Lunchtime Clubs
A number of clubs have been established and students have been invited to join during one lunch time a week. School clubs are a great way for students to participate in activities they enjoy, learn new skills, and meet new people. The clubs this term will cater for different needs and skills of students and aim to create a sense of belonging and connection to school.
The groups this term are:
Monday - LUNCH Band
Tuesday - LUNCH - Choir
Wednesday - RECESS - Christmas Art for Years 5&6
Wednesday - LUNCH - Dancing & STEM
Thursday - LUNCH Mini Vinnies
Friday - LUNCH Garden Club
We also have passive areas available in each playground with Wellbeing Wagons provided in each zone. These areas provide options for students to play quietly or engage in a range of activities. Passive playgrounds are a great way to support students with social skills and social engagement.
Grade Newsletters
Consistent and accurate communication between home and school allows for a positive relationship to develop and be maintained. The school will publish a fortnightly newsletter to keep the community informed about the activities within the school.
In addition, each grade will publish a grade newsletter at the beginning of each term. This newsletter will highlight the planned learning to take place for the term. Included this term is a timetable for each class, providing you with a clear understanding of what is happening in your child's school day and allow opportunities for discussions. These will be sent out at the end of Week 2.
Mrs Catherine Hailstone
Assistant Principal
Feast of St John Vianney- Sunday 4 August
John Vianney (born Jean-Marie Vianney and later Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, born 8 May 1786 – 4 August 1859) was a French Catholic priest often referred to as the Curé d'Ars ("the parish priest of Ars"). He is known for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish in Ars,France , resulting in the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings.
Catholics note his saintly life, mortification, persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession, and ardentdevotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was canonized in 1925 and his feast day is August 4. He is the patron saint of parish priests.
Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
August 8 is the feast day of Mary Mackillop, the first Australian to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church, as Saint Mary of the Cross. During her life, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites), a congregation of religious sisters that established a number of schools and welfare institutions, emphasising education for the rural poor.
Mary Mackillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Victoria, and was the eldest of eight children born to Scottish migrants Alexander and Flora Mackillop. Alexander had strived to enter the priesthood but left his studies at 29, just before he was due to be ordained.
One of her brothers became a Jesuit priest while one of her sisters became a member of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Melbourne.
Mackillop started working at 16 as a clerk in a stationary store before taking a job as a governess in Penola, South Australia a few years later in 1860. Already set on helping the poor whenever possible, she included the other farm children on the estate as well.
Two years later, she accepted a job teaching in Portland, Victoria and opened her own boarding school. In 1866, Father Julian Tenison-Woods, who she had met in her role as a governess, invited her and her sisters to open a new Catholic school in Penola.
WE PRAY:
May we renew our trust in your Providence to lead us to hope as we bring our prayer before you. May we grow in the fullness of your love and the depth of your mystery. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Way, our Truth and our Life. Amen.
Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal
Donations
The theme of this year's St. Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal is "The Working Homeless."
Due to the severe lack of affordable housing and the growing demand for rental properties in Australia, even those who are employed are finding it increasingly difficult to secure a place to live. As a result, more Australians are being forced into homelessness, creating a troubling rise in what is now known as "the working homeless."
For individuals experiencing homelessness, meeting basic needs such as food, water, and a safe place to sleep becomes a daily struggle. Sadly, this is the harsh reality for many Australians, including those with jobs.
How can we help? During winter, material donations such as food, warm clothing, and blankets are especially needed. We greatly appreciate your contributions of the following items to support those in need within our local community.
Please keep the following in mind: To maintain the dignity of those receiving the donations, ensure all food items have an expiration date of at least six months from now. All donated items must be non-perishable and undamaged. Look for packaged foods with a Health Star Rating.
Your generosity can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those struggling to meet their basic needs, despite being employed. Thank you for your support.
Please bring your donations to school by Term 3 Friday Week 3.
|
Kindergarten |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
|
Juice or milk popper No soft drink |
2 minute noodles |
Muesli bars |
Packet chips/pretzels/popcorn |
Soaps and Body Wash |
Toothbrush and Toothpaste |
Deodorant |
Mini Vinnies Olympics
We are thrilled to announce that our school will be hosting its very own Mini Vinnies Olympics! This exciting event will take place on 2nd August 2024 and promises to be a day filled with fun, competition, and school spirit.
Event Details:
- Date: Term 3 Week 2 Friday 2nd August
What to Expect: Our School Olympics will feature a variety of athletic events and activities designed to encourage participation from all students. From traditional track and field events to fun team challenges, there will be something for everyone. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, work together in teams, and most importantly, have a great time.
Events Include:
- Soccer Goal Shootout
- Sackrace
- Egg and Spoon Race
- Relays
- Footy Kicking Challenge
- Paper Plane Throwing
- Rob the Nest
What to wear: We encourage all students to participate and Green and Gold with a splash of their house colour. Students should wear appropriate footwear.
Gold Coin Donation: Let’s Make It a Day to Remember! The Mini Vinnies Olympics is not just about competition; it’s about coming together as a community to help raise money for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. Please bring a gold coin donation on the day.
Let the games begin!
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)
Click here to view the Parish Mass Times
STATUE OF MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP
A statue of Mary of the Cross Mackillop will be installed in the Cathedral Grounds in the Corner of Harbour & Crown Sts. Fr Bernard will bless the new statue on Sunday 7th July after the 10.30am Mass. Thank you to those who have donated money towards this beautiful statue. If you wish to make a donation towards the statue and seating.
Go to: lumenchristi.org.au/donate
MASS AND PRAYER INTENTIONS
All parishioners and visitors are very welcome to ask one of our priests to offer Mass for them and their loved ones. Intentions can include thanksgiving for a blessing received from God, to help a relative or friend in need, to celebrate an anniversary, to ask God to strengthen and heal the sick, or to pray that someone who has died will rest in God’s peace. If you wish to offer a Mass & Prayer Intention go to our website: lumenchristi.org.au/intentions or fill in a Mass Intention envelope or contact the parish office.
Please do not enter into Compass.
|
Year |
Values |
Merit |
|---|---|---|
|
K Blue |
Xavier P Preston P |
|
|
K Gold |
Allegra K |
Joseph B Kriyansh G |
|
1 Blue |
Eleana E |
Stewart J V Kyah G Jobe V |
|
1 Gold |
Awards to be handed out in week 2 |
|
|
2 Blue |
Philippa S |
Jack N Ava S |
|
2 Gold |
Sophie G |
Miles S Knox B |
|
3 Blue |
Timothy T |
Remi F William B |
|
3 Gold |
Stella D |
Sonny M Freya N |
|
4 Blue |
Claire B |
Gabe M Taylah O |
|
4 Gold |
Angus B |
Madi W Devna V Sabinna G |
|
5 Blue |
Sampson P |
Ace B Jack P |
|
5 Gold |
Aiden M |
Juliette S Zoe B |
|
6 Blue |
Harper F |
Nash T Elizabelle P |
|
6 Gold |
Amelie S |
Ava G Max L |
Book Week will occur in Term 3, Week 5.
The parade will be on Monday, 19th August.
This year's theme is READING IS MAGIC
Athletics Carnival
Despite the overnight rain and the threat of more to come, our school community came together for an unforgettable day of athleticism and camaraderie at this year's Athletics Carnival. From the first race of the 800m to the final 100m races, students showcased their talent and determination in a variety of events, cheered on by enthusiastic parents and teachers.
As the day progressed, a rain shower added to the excitement but did nothing to dampen spirits. The perseverance and sportsmanship displayed by all participants were truly commendable.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated parent volunteers whose support and encouragement made this event possible. Your commitment to our school community is invaluable and deeply appreciated. A big shout out to the students from Holy Spirit College who also assisted us on the day and we were fortunate to have some ex students and siblings help on the day. Thank you!
The spirit of teamwork and achievement that defines our school was certainly on display throughout the day.
Ribbons and Age champion medals will be handed out at Friday Assembly, Week 3, 9 August, 2pm.
Best wishes to the GSFM Athletics team who will compete at the South Coast Diocesan Carnival in August.
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/
Password: 456396
Important Information for all Mufti Days
Please ensure that any shorts that are worn are no shorter than the school sports shorts.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
As part of the recruitment process for the next Principal of Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow, the Catholic Education Office would like to invite parents & carers to attend a consultation session to discuss the current context of the school and what the parent/carer community believe is important for the next Principal to demonstrate. The session will be facilitated by Brendan Hall - Team Leader of Recruitment.
The details of the consultation session are:
Date: Wednesday, 31 July 2024
Time: 5.00-5.45pm
Location: Library - Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow
AUGUST:
Friday 2 August: Mini Vinnies Olympics
Monday 5 August: P&F Meeting 7:00PM
Thursday 8 August: Year 3 Excursion -Minnamurra Falls
Thursday 8 August: Feast of Mary of the Cross Mackillop
Friday 9 August: First Holy Communion Retreat Day
Friday 9 August: Assembly
Monday 19 August: Book Week Parade
Friday August 23: Assembly
Monday -Friday 19-23 August: Reading is Magic Book Week
Wednesday- 28 August: School Photos
SEPTEMBER:
Friday 6 September: Principal Awards & Assembly
Friday 13 September- GSFM Trivia Night
Friday 20 September: Assembly
Thursday 26 september- School Disco
Friday 27 September: GSFM Awards Liturgy
Friday 27 September: Last Day Term 3