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,

Last Tuesday I was honoured to be joined by Jacob Dowler (School Captain), Amelie Best (Vice Captain) and Mrs Kerrie Hennessy (CARITAS representative and Amaroo Gold Teacher)  for the launch of Project Compassion 2025 a powerful initiative that calls us to live out our faith through compassion, generosity, and social justice.Project Compassion provides us with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable communities both in Australia and around the world.

The theme for this year’s campaign, “Hope in Action”, reminds us that through our collective efforts, we can bring light to those in need. I look forward to the many associated events that will take place during the Lenten Season, including our Big Water Walk and Pancake Day today, all raising money for a worthwhile cause. Bishop Brian encouraged us during the launch to look deeply in how we can be people of hope, bringing the message of Jesus to those around us. 

On Friday, our school will open its doors for our annual Good Samaritan Open Day. We are excited to showcase our wonderful school and all we have to offer. During the tours our local produce will be used from our gardens to make some scrumptious pizza and prospective families will have the chance to tour our facilities and see faith and learning in action. 

Finally a warm congratulations to our Swim Team, who represented Good Samaritan at the Diocesan Trials on Tuesday,

Special thanks to Mrs Carla Olima for her organisation of this event.

Sincerely

Pauline Chrostowski

Principal

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

Web: www.lumenchristi.org.au

Office hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am–1:00pm)

Click here to view the Parish Mass Times

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

Screens Aware Week

Each term during Week 7 we take time to focus on being screen aware across the school community. Time is dedicated to refocus and reteach classroom technology expectations and review the school guidelines for iPad/Computer use. 

Parents may like to take an opportunity to rethink or reinforce expectations at home as well. The eSafety Commissioner has a wealth of resources for parents including how to establish good online habits from a young age - Good Habits Start Young.

Harmony Week

Our school will celebrate Harmony Day on Friday 21 March. Harmony Day is about promoting inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

Students are invited to wear a cultural outfit, cultural colours or something orange to school on this day. Orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. 

We will have an assembly at 9:00am in the school hall followed by a cultural morning tea at 10am. Parents, grandparents and carers are welcome to attend and are encouraged to bring some food from their culture to share. 

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)

Catherine Hailstone

Assistant Principal 

GSFM SWIMMING TRIALS

Our school swimming trials were a huge success, and what a fantastic morning it was! Students of all ages showcased their swimming skills with incredible enthusiasm and energy, making for an exciting and fun-filled event. Seeing so many students giving their best in the pool, swimming beautifully and pushing themselves to reach new heights was truly wonderful.

Thank you to Mrs Olima for organising the event. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff who worked tirelessly on the day to ensure everything was in place and the students had the best experience possible. 

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the wonderful parent volunteers. Without your help, events like these wouldn't be possible. Your support behind the scenes, whether timing races, cheering on the swimmers, or assisting in any way, made all the difference, and we couldn't have done it without you.

It was a memorable morning for all involved, especially the fun student/staff relay at the end and we’re already looking forward to next year. Well done to all the swimmers and a huge thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success! 

Results

Winning House - 

1st Vianney

2nd Xavier

3rd MacKillop

4th Ingham

Age Champions

Junior Girls Age Champion: 1st Ellie M 2nd Claire B   3rd Emily T, Zara P

11 year Girls Age Champion: 1st Ruby S 2nd Piper T 3rd Eva M

Senior Girls Age Champion: 1st Madeleine S 2nd Juliette S  3rd Maya S

Junior Boys Age Champion: 1st Angus B 2nd Levi W    3rd Miles S

11 year Boys Age Champion: 1st Ashton W 2nd Gus L   3rd Darcy R

Senior Boys Age Champion: 1st Kage B 2nd Izaac E   3rd Braxton G

Multi-class Champion: 1st Chase W

* We apologise for the oversight in not including the 2nd and 3rd Age Champion ribbons. This has now been corrected, and we appreciate your understanding.

Representative Sport

Mackillop Cricket 

Congratulations to Zara H for her outstanding performance as a member of the Mackillip Cricket team at the  NSW PSSA girls cricket championship. Zara was named captain of the Mackillop team which is an achievement being in Year 5. 

The girls won 5 out of their 6 games finishing 2nd in their pool and 3rd overall.

Zara started the week with her best Batting innings and finished on fire with the ball.

Best figures 2/7 of 5 overs

Total overs bowled 26

Bowling average 8.333

Bowling economy 1.92

Batting average 12.5

Batting H/S 14 not out

Well done Zara! We are excited to see what the future holds for you ?

Wollongong Diocesan Touch Football trials 

A big congratulations to Evelyn B, Maddi T, and Piper T for their outstanding participation in the Wollongong Diocesan Touch Trials. After a morning of swimming at the GSFM Swimming Trials, these girls showed incredible dedication and energy. Special congratulations to Maddi and Evelyn for their selection to the Wollongong Diocesan Team! Best of luck to all the girls as they prepare for the upcoming MacKillop Trials!

Mackillop Basketball Trials 

Congratulations to Jacob D, CJ A, and Liam S on their fantastic effort at the MacKillop Basketball Trials as members of the Wollongong Diocesan team. They competed in a very tough field of athletes and showed great determination and skill. Well done, boys, for giving it your all!

Community Sport

Last weekend Taylah O and Evelyn B attended the state Oz tag tournament in Penrith representing Wollongong. The team came away with 2nd in the state which is a fabulous achievement. Both of them played their hearts out. Congratulations girls!

Carla Olima

PE Teacher

We are excited to introduce our new Wellbeing Café! This space is a wonderful addition alongside the new Sticky Beak Tuckshop, and is a dedicated outdoor space designed to support student wellbeing. This cosy and inviting area provides a quiet (er!) retreat where children can relax, connect with friends, and engage in passive play outside, in a safe and welcoming environment. 

At Good Samaritan we are committed to the cycle of care and providing opportunities for students to feel safe, seen and heard. The Wellbeing Cafe is one of many initiatives we hope to launch this year to put student wellbeing at the forefront of our positive behaviors for learning framework and holistic approach.

By offering a space where students can take a break, self-regulate, and enjoy calm, social interactions, we are promoting a sense of belonging and emotional security..as well as fun!

A big thank you to the P&F for supporting and funding the greenery and new furniture. 

Here is what the kids have to say:

“ I love the decorations and how cozy it is, the plants are really nice too” Tess Year 5

“I like how it gives you the option whether or not you would like to go over the road or stay” Katie Year 5

“I like how you get to CHILLAX” - Ryan Year 3

I love the fact we now have a space to be alone or with friends and you can do quiet activities, it’s just a space to sit and chat to friends” - Year 3 girls. 

Leonie Vazey 

Wellbeing Leader