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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 Caregivers,
Season of Advent
Last Sunday marked the commencement of the Season of Advent, a sacred time of prayer and contemplation in which we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. During this time of waiting and expectation, we are challenged to look for opportunities and practical ways to honour the holiness of the season.
There are many traditions, signs and symbols that are commonly used during Advent. The empty crib in the manger, the colour purple together with Scripture readings that reflect the theme of hope. The Advent Calendar is used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas and the Advent wreath, which holds four candles, one for each Sunday of the season, is placed on the altar in our churches and prayer spaces.
If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, we’ve put together a few ideas.
Earlier this year, I submitted three applications to the Catholic Education Office for capital grant funding for three projects:
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To fund part of the playground
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To provide shade to the sandpit
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To purchase signage for the eastern fence line of the school.
It gives me great pleasure to report that not only were all three applications successful, but that the amounts available are incredibly generous.
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The playground - Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) are aware of the P&F’s ability to donate $50,000 and will provide an additional $150,000 - bringing the total funds available to $200,000.
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The sandpit shade - Total funds available = $50,000. Any surplus funds can be used after the new building project has been completed to improve the quality of the ground cover near the flag poles.
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The signage -Total funds available = $40,000. This will be used to purchase a large double sided plinth sign that will be clearly visible to all northern and southern bound traffic on the highway.
Cath Hailstone, Pauline Chrowstowski and I have also begun discussions with the architect from JDH Architects who is responsible for designing the master plan for Good Samaritan. The first step of this master plan is a significant refurbishment of the double storey building, which is earmarked to commence mid 2025. The plans will be shared with the school community in due course - we are still very much in the initial stages, with many meetings occurring to ascertain our needs.
Once the double storey building is completed, the demountables will be removed from the playground, providing a significant increase in green play spaces for the students, and opening up the school visually from the Cabbage Tree Lane perspective.
On advice from the CEDOW Properties office, the playground will be built in two stages.
Stage 1 - a playground suitable for the younger students will be built at the eastern end of the school site.
Stage 2 - a playground will be built on the ‘newly opened’ playground once the demountables are removed. This playground will be more suitable for the older students.
The shade structure over the sandpit will be constructed before the children return to school in 2025.
We are in the process of obtaining quotes for the signage.
Exciting times ahead - I look forward to coming back to see it when it’s all done!
Peter Hill, the Director of Schools for the Diocese of Wollongong, shared the following with the staff of the Diocese in a recent communication. It highlights a significant achievement by one of our Year Six students and invites us all to reflect on God’s plan for each of us as we go about our ordinary lives. I invite you to carefully read and reflect on the following:
Isabelle Olima’s artwork was chosen for the Packing Room Prize in the 2024 Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong's Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition.
This week we explore the scripture ‘The Annunciation’ Luke 1:30 - "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.”
This scripture reminds us of the ultimate ‘yes’ that Mary modelled for us.
Isabelle’s Reflection
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Luke 1:30).
The angel Gabriel's message to Mary reveals her extraordinary role in God’s plan. My digital artwork reimagines Mary in a contemporary context, depicting her as a modern magazine cover star. Created using Canva and ProCreate, this piece merges traditional Biblical themes with a modern twist to reflect Mary’s humble yet pivotal role in Christian history.
The artwork portrays Mary as if she’s recently pregnant, participating in everyday activities, like baking bread or tending to olives. This modern portrayal serves to highlight that even though Mary was chosen by God, she lived a life filled with ordinary tasks, emphasising her humanity and relatability.
This choice resonates with me personally as my sister, a teenager, is a similar age to Mary at the time of Jesus' birth. By photographing my sister for this piece, I honour Mary’s youthful courage and faith. This artwork deepens my appreciation of Mary’s everyday strength and makes me realise how special moments can be part of everyday life."
Reflection Questions
How often do we consider God’s plan for us?
Where do we say ‘yes’?
Where do we find the extraordinary moments in the ordinary of our own lives?
Last week we announced the 2025 Student Leadership Team. I would like to congratulate the following students:
School Captains:
Jacob Dowler Maya Sepulveda
School Vice-Captains:
- Amelie Best
- Kage Burcher
- Flynn Courtney
- Marcus De Santis
- Ronny Hay
- Indie Martin
The student leadership application process used at Good Samaritan supports the students to discern the role and responsibilities that come with it. Student leadership is important not only for the personal development of individuals but also for the well-being and success of the broader school community. It instils valuable skills, fosters positive character traits, and prepares all students for the challenges and responsibilities they may encounter in the future.
I wish our 2025 School Leaders every success in their roles as Captains and Vice-Captains.
Semester Two reports
Semester Two reports will be made available via compass to parents during Week 9.
PB4L
We are continuing our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus with weekly themes that help build a positive and respectful school environment.
Week 8 - Keeping hands and feet to ourselves:
Reinforce respect for personal space and physical boundaries, which is key for safety and comfort.
Week 9 - Being inclusive and respectful to others:
Highlight the value of kindness and inclusion, encouraging students to support and welcome all peers.
This term, students are earning tokens for consistently demonstrating our school values and following the PB4L rules. Each positive action brings them closer to an exciting reward!
On Thursday, 12 December the winning house will be rewarded with a mufti day and a celebration. Stay tuned to see which house will receive the most tokens.
Dear Parents and Carers,
ADVENT
Throughout this season, we encourage you to join us in helping the children understand the true meaning of Advent. Together, we can make this time special by:
- Lighting the Advent Candles at Home
Create a family tradition of lighting the Advent wreath each week. Each candle symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and love—beautiful themes to discuss as a family. - Acts of Kindness and Giving
Encourage your children to reflect on how they can share God’s love by helping others, whether through kind words, small acts of service, or donating to those in need. - Daily Prayer and Reflection
Take a moment each day to pray as a family, giving thanks for the blessings you’ve received and preparing your hearts for Christmas. - Participating in School Events
We warmly invite all families to join us for our Advent and Christmas celebrations, including the upcoming school Christmas concert and liturgies.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT GSFM
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the joy of Christmas, we warmly invite you to our Christmas School Concert. This special event celebrates the birth of Christ through song and prayerful reflection, bringing the true meaning of Christmas to life.
Date: Wednesday 11 December
Time: 6.30pm- 7.30pm
Students to arrive from 5:45pm-6:00pm.
Choir and Band will be playing from 6:05pm outside.
Doors open from 6:15pm.
Location: St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow
Dress: White Clothing with Gold or Silver tinsel to accessorise
( Shorts, tshirts, jeans, dress, skirt. No large logos or No midriffs please)
Note: Seating for extended family will be limited and no food will be available on site
The concert will feature performances by our students, highlighting the nativity story and the hope and love that this sacred season brings. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in faith and fellowship to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you and your family. May the peace and love of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE SENT OUT IN A SEPARATE COMPASS NOTIFICATION.
GSFM ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED
Calling students from years 5 and 6- 2025
Children participating as altar servers at Mass is a meaningful way for them to engage in their faith, deepen their understanding of liturgy, and contribute to the Church community. Here are some reasons why altar serving is beneficial for children:
1. Active Participation in Liturgy
Altar serving allows children to play an active role in the Mass, moving from passive observers to active participants. This involvement helps them better understand the significance of the liturgical actions and the structure of the Mass.
2. Faith Formation
Serving at the altar helps deepen a child's connection to their faith. It offers them an opportunity to learn about the symbols, prayers, and rituals of the Catholic tradition, strengthening their relationship with God.
3. Sense of Responsibility and Service
By fulfilling their duties during Mass, children learn the importance of responsibility and service. They see firsthand how their contribution enhances the worship experience for the entire congregation.
4. Connection to Community
Altar servers often form a sense of camaraderie with other servers, priests, and members of the parish. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and helps children feel more integrated into their faith community.
5. Development of Life Skills
Altar serving teaches children important life skills, such as teamwork, attentiveness, and discipline. It also helps build confidence as they perform their roles in front of a congregation.
Please contact Natalie Shelley via the school email for further details.
- Christmas Mufti- Wednesday 11th December
- On Wednesday 11th Dec we will be holding a Christmas Theme Mufti Day. Come dressed in your green, white and red Christmas clothes. You will be asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This money will be used to add to hampers or buy small gifts such as soft toys, books, or beach towels.
- GSFM Christmas Card Competition
All students are encouraged to join the 2024 GSFM Christmas Card Competition! The Mini Vinnies team will select one winning design from each stage. The chosen submissions will be transformed into a Digital Christmas card to be shared with students in their stage at the end of the year. Entries due Friday Week 8 (6th December).
THANK YOU TO OUR PARISH SCHOOLS
As we approach the conclusion of this academic year of
2024 on behalf of our parish I thank the Principals,
teachers and administrative staff of Good Samaritan and
St Brigid parish schools.
A special note of congratulations and best wishes to all
the Year 6 students who will go into the exciting new
world of High School in 2025! I pray that you will
continue to grow in knowledge about yourselves, life,
and other people, and gain confidence to place your
talents in the service of helping others to grow. May God
bless you, your parents and caregivers, and all your
families with joy and peace.
For all the students of our Parish schools, their parents,
families and friends, and to all our teachers and their
families and friends, I pray you will have a restful holiday
and joyful Christmastide!
Fr Bernard
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
PARISH HOSPITALITY
On the first Sunday of every month, after the 8:30am Sunday Mass at St John Vianney, the parish puts on Hospitality (Morning Tea), for the parishioners and we would like to extend that invitation to families of the school. It is a beautiful opportunity to gather and catch-up with one another as family groups.
Representative Sports News
Cricket
Congratulations to Zara H who as part of the Wollongong Diocesan team participated at the MacKillop Cricket trials in Wagga last week in extremely hot conditions and was selected to represent the MacKillop team next year. We wish you all the best at the NSWPSSA tournament Zara!
Tennis
Amelie B participated in the Wollongong Diocesan Tennis trials last week. The convenors commented that the students in attendance participated with great sportsmanship throughout the trials on an extremely hot day. Congratulations to Amelie who had some very close scoring matches.
Tennis Sporting Schools Program
Special thanks to the wonderful coaches from the Illawarra Tennis Academy who have spent the last four weeks providing our students from Year 1 - Year 6 with an amazing Tennis program. The students made noticeable progress in key areas of the game, from footwork and ball control to forehand/backhands and rallying.
If you child is interested in tennis lessons or attending a holiday program please contact David or Kylie @ https://play.tennis.com.au/theillawarratennisacademy
See flyer below for a free tennis lesson and free HotShot tshirt.
Basketball NSW State Tournament
Congratulations to the Year 6 Boys Basketball Team for their outstanding performance at the Basketball NSW State Championships! The team played with determination and skill in Penrith over two action-packed days, proudly representing Good Samaritan. Your hard work and sportsmanship were truly commendable, and you made us all proud. Well done, boys!
Congratulations to the Week 6 & Week 7 Awards Receipients
Week 6
|
Year |
Values Hospitality |
Merit |
|---|---|---|
|
KBlue |
Kivah B |
Thomas M |
|
KGold |
Kriyansh G |
Sharni G |
|
1 Blue |
Patrick D |
Hari B Blaze C Eddie D Jobe V |
|
1 Gold |
Ari P |
Spencer M Cara D |
|
2 Blue |
Eleanor N Timothy R |
|
|
2 Gold |
Knox B |
Archer T Evie E |
|
3 Blue |
Remi F |
Hayden T Bradley C |
|
3 Gold |
Emily C |
Jonas S Tobias H |
|
4 Blue |
Harriet W |
Kade M Taylah O |
|
4 Gold |
Serena R |
Devna V CJ. A |
|
5 Blue |
Oscar C |
Sofia W Eamon H |
|
6 Blue |
Sebastian S |
Phoenix D Louie K |
|
6 Gold |
Aidan M |
Hudson L Maddy M |
WEEK 7
|
Year |
Values Stewardship |
Merit |
|---|---|---|
|
KBlue |
Alex C |
Hugo I Mia S |
|
KGold |
Austin Z |
Allegra K |
|
1 Blue |
Peppe D |
Anaya B Kyah G Stewart J |
|
1 Gold |
Annabelle Y |
Thomas B Parker P |
|
2 Blue |
Hendrix M |
Ava S Owen H |
|
2 Gold |
Miles S |
Levi W Kiara P |
|
3 Blue |
Elira M |
Grace R |
|
3 Gold |
Freya N |
Ethan B Luca L |
|
4 Blue |
Lisa H |
Will D Keziya E |
|
4 Gold |
Xavier |
Evelyn B Kaisha B |
|
5 Blue |
Archie C |
Jack P Marleigh J |
|
5 Gold |
Riley S |
Izaac E Zane S |
|
6 Blue |
Marc A |
Milla E Hayden P |
|
6 Gold |
Claudia U |
Amelie S Rose C |
|
Amaroo Gold |
Evan P |
Arlo S |
Students receiving Principal Awards (10,20 Awards) will be presented on Friday 6 December.
Parents will receive an email prior to the date.
POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS:
Positive Partnerships provides information to parents, carers, and educators of school-aged autistic children. This information is research-based and available through free workshops and other resources.
Please see the flyer flyer for upcoming workshops in Semester 1, 2025.
CANTEEN NEWS:
We welcome our new Canteen provider Sticky Beak Tuckshop for 2025. Sticky Beak Tuckshop will offer a great selection of items for your child/ren to purchase. Canteen will be open Tuesday - Thursday. Sticky Beak is in the process of setting up a "online ordering service".
We look forward to welcoming Maddi Zevallos as the owner of this business in 2025.
LOST PROPERTY:
There seems to be a lot of lost property in the spare room between the Kindergarten rooms. If your child has lost any items please ask the to check in the room.
VOLUNTEERS:
|
DATE: |
REMINDER: |
|
Thursday 5 December |
Year 6 Jamberoo Action Park |
|
Friday 6 December |
Whole School Assembly/Principal Awards commencing 2:10pm School Hall |
|
Wednesday 11 December |
Mini Vinnes Christmas Mufti - Gold coin donation Christmas Raffle drawn 12pm GSFM Christmas Concert commencing 6:30pm in Church |
|
Friday 13 December |
Good Samaritan Awards in Church commencing 9:30am |
|
Monday 16 December |
Meet the Teacher 2025 |
|
Tuesday 17 December |
Year 6 Farewell Liturgy and Morning Tea commencing 9:30am Year 6 Farewell at The Fraternity Club commencing at 6:30pm - 9:30pm |
|
Wednesday 18 December |
Year 6 Ringing of the bell commencing 2:00pm Last day of Term |
2025
|
Tuesday 4 February |
Term 1 commences for Year 1 - 6 |
|
Wednesday 5 February |
Kindergarten commence |
