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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,
As part of our commitment to a school wide culture of quality learning and continuous improvement teachers regularly meet to:
- review student data and plan sequences of lessons that are built around high expectations of students and a commitment to excellence.
- ensure students are maintaining individual growth and ensure targeted interventions are in place to support this.
At Good Samaritan, we promote high academic standards and place an unrelenting focus on quality learning. I have been pleased to be part of these collaborative meetings with teachers and look forward to tracking student progress throughout the year.
It was wonderful to witness the sense of community and faith in action during our Friday assembly last week. Kindergarten “Stole the show”, with the beautiful hymn “This little light of mine” Mrs Hennessy and student leaders then led us in a talk that demonstrated to students how a resource as simple as water, is not something all children have access to. This linked beautifully to the season of Lent and the notion of giving and supporting those in need.
Finally, it has been wonderful to touch base and meet many of you at our events throughout the term. It has been heartwarming to hear of the stories of families and children. Thank you for the sense of welcome that I have received, it speaks volumes of the community.
Staffing News:
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
Office hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am–1:00pm)
Year 6 Enrolments for Confirmation
In collaboration with St Brigid’s and Good Samaritan Parish Schools, we invite all parents and children in our Parish to be part of the Lumen Christi Parish Sacramental program for 2025.
Receiving the Sacraments is a very blessed time in our journey of faith, and it is the means by which baptised children can complete their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church. They are community events, which remind us of the role of the parish community in the development of our life of faith, hope, and love.
Our Catholic Schools and Parish are here to help you as parents in your vocation to make known the light and love of God to your children.
Enrolments have now opened for Confirmation 2025 and will close on Friday 11th April 2025.
Project Compassion Lenten Prayer
God of our journey
we are all pilgrims of hope
brought together by your love
and your wish that we may all be one.
We pray that in this year of Jubilee
when we are called to greater justice
and care for our common home
that we may Unite Against Poverty.
May we work in unity for the freedom of the oppressed
and the renewal of creation.
May our compassionate minds and generous hearts
help bring about a world where all can live in peace.
May our Lenten pilgrimage of fasting, almsgiving and prayer
bring us closer to your loving heart.
We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen
HOPE FOR THE ILLAWARRA INTER CHURCH EVENTS
Bishop Brian Mascord invites Catholics in the Diocese of Wollongong, particularly those
in the Illawarra Region, to attend Hope for the Illawarra, an Ecumenical Event
celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope. Events will be held at the WIN Entertainment Centre
Fri 28 Mar - An Evening for Youth (7pm)
Sat 29 Mar - A Morning Event for Children (11am)
Sat 29 Mar - Dr Michael Youssef (7pm)
For more information go to:
www.hopefortheillawarra.com.au/about-1
or contact jude.hennessy@dow.org.au / P: 4222 2407
CARITAS AUSTRALIA- Project Compassion
Project Compassion fundraising activities provide opportunities for students to see that their contributions can make a difference to the lives of others.
At GSFM, we will be participating in four fundraising initiatives for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, throughout Lent.
- Project Compassion donation boxes in each classroom. The ‘mission cup’ will be awarded to the class who raises the most funds in this way each week.
- Hot Cross Bun sale after Easter Hat Parade - Please complete Compass event on how many hot cross buns you would like to purchase.
- The Big Water Walk - Friday April 4
Your generous support of these activities will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education, and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges. Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.
Thank You To The Greenfeld Family
A big thank you to the Greenfeld family who have kindly offered to donate a lolly bag to each student in the winning class for Project Compassion. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Natalie Shelly
REC
PB4L - Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
At Good Samaritan, we are committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment through Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L). This whole-school framework helps us create clear expectations and structures that promote respect, responsibility, and positive relationships.
One key element of PB4L is our Classroom Agreed Practices. These are developed in partnership with students to ensure they understand and take ownership of the expectations in their learning environment. By co-constructing these practices, we provide consistency across classrooms, helping students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.
PB4L also includes clear processes for addressing behaviour. When students make positive choices, they are acknowledged and encouraged. If challenges arise, we guide students to reflect on their actions and take responsibility. As part of this, families will be notified if a student receives three LOW behaviour notifications within a two-week period. This communication ensures we can work together to support students in making positive changes.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing these high expectations at home. By working together, we can help all students develop the skills they need to succeed in their learning and relationships.
NAPLAN Update
Over the past week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students have completed all four NAPLAN assessments. A few students will be completing make-up tests in the coming days.
A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers for their preparation and support, ensuring a smooth experience for all students throughout the sessions.
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)
World Autism Understanding Day
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We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community. As we celebrate World Autism Understanding Day on Wednesday 2 April students are invited to wear something blue on this day - ‘touch of blue’ with their school uniform. Students will be learning about Autism and the importance of embracing differences. Through discussions and activities, they will develop an understanding that Autism is a unique way of experiencing the world and that no two Autistic people are the same. Our focus is on kindness, respect, and ensuring everyone feels included—both in the classroom and on the playground. Together, we celebrate the strengths and diversity that make our school a welcoming place for all.
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Catherine Hailstone
Assistant Principal
Cross country, Thursday 20 March: Reminders
Venue: Kembla Joggers, Darkes Rd, Kembla Grange NSW
(If you need help finding the venue, type Kembla Joggers Clubhouse or Australian Motorlife Museum, Darkes Road, Kembla Grange into your maps).
Transport: Bus from school. Children will need to be at school by 8:45am.
Children going home with parents at the conclusion of the carnival must be signed out with class teachers.
Children can wear their house colour t-shirt with their PE uniform. Students are not to be wearing short bike pants, if you are a competitive runner you may wear mid length bike shorts for your race then put your school shorts on.
Please ensure your child has their hat, sunscreen, water bottles and bring recess and lunch. They may also like to bring a towel or picnic rug to sit on.
Thank you to the parents who have volunteered. Please meet Mrs Olima at the venue on Thursday morning. Please bring a camp chair or picnic rug. A coffee van will be available.
Students are not permitted to be in the adjoining playground throughout the day.
Please see the running order of the day. These times are subject to change and are an approximate time only.
* 11 and 12 years Competitive = 3km * Yr 3 - 6 non competitive run = 1km
* 8/9 and 10 years Competitive = 2km * Kinder, Yr 1, Yr 2 fun run = 1km
** Children who are turning 8 in year 2 and running competitively will run with the 8/9 year age group and then return to Year 2 for the rotations.
South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival
Despite the rain, all competitors had a great day at the South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival held on Tuesday at Corrimal Pool.
A big congratulations to the following students who represented our school;
Angus B, Thomas B, Kage B, Knox B, Bradley C, Evie E, Gus L, Ellie M, Aiden M, Leo P, Parker P, Zara P, Madeleine S, Maya S, Ruby S, Juliette S, Emily T, Piper T, Ashton WM, Chase WM, Levi WM.
Thanks to Mrs Corby for taking our team!
GSFM had a very successful day in the pool with all swimmers trying their very best and representing our school with pride.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who placed in the top 4, who progressed to the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials held on Friday March 7, at Corrimal Pool.
Angus B, Levi WM, Knox B, Bradley C
3rd - Junior Boys 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay
Parker P
2nd - Boys 8yrs 50m Freestyle
Levi WM
3rd - Boys 9yrs 50m Freestyle
Angus B
1st - Boys 10yrs 50m Freestyle
1st - Boys Junior 50m Backstroke
1st - Boys Junior 50m Breaststroke
2nd - Boys Junior 50m Butterfly
Chase WM
2nd - Boys Senior Multiclass 50m Freestyle
2nd - Boys Senior Multiclass 50m Backstroke
2nd - Boys Senior Multiclass 50m Butterfly
2nd - Boys Senior Multiclass 50m Breaststroke
Ellie M
4th - Girls Junior 50m Backstroke
Kage B
2nd - Boys Senior 50m Backstroke
3rd - Boys Senior 50m Breastroke
4th - Boys Senior 200m Medley
Congratulations to Angus B, who received equal 1st Junior Boy Champion, and Chase WM, who received 2nd Senior Boy Multiclass Champion, Kage B who received 3rd Senior Boy Age Champion.
Overall GSFM was 5th overall out of 17 schools. Our boys came 3rd overall!
Diocesan Swimming Selection Trial
The Diocesan Selections trials were held on Friday 7 March. The top 4 swimmers from the South Coast Carnival and the top 4 swimmers from the West Region Carnival come together for selection in the Wollongong Diocesan Swim team. From each event, the top two swimmers are selected as part of the Wollongong team and go on to swim at the MacKillop Trials in April.
Well done to our swimmers on their fantastic results:
Junior boys relay 5th - Angus B, Levi WM, Knox B, Bradley C
Parker P - 2nd 8 years 50m Freestyle
Levi WM - 3rd 9 years 50m Freestyle
Angus B - 1st 10 years 50 Freestyle, 1st Junior Backstroke, 2nd Junior Butterfly, 1st Junior Breaststroke
Kage B - 5th Senior Backstroke, 6th Senior Breaststroke, 8th 200m Medley
Congratulations to Angus B, Parker P, and Chase WM, who will attend the Mackillop swimming trials as part of the Wollongong Diocesan team.
Wollongong Netball Trials
Congratulations to Maya S for her selection in the Wollongong Diocesan Netball team. Maya will travel to Canberra in May for the Mackillop Netball trials. Good luck Maya! A big shout out also to Zoe B. Zoe played exceptionally well making the possible and probables team and just missed selection. Well done Zoe!
Carla Olima
PE Teacher
Garden Club is Blooming..But We Need Your Help!
Our Garden Club has truly blossomed, with over 100 eager students joining in to dig, plant, and nurture our school’s green spaces! It has been amazing to see their enthusiasm as they care for our gardens, work together, and take pride in watching their plants grow.
Gardening is more than just planting seeds—it’s planting happiness! Research shows that time spent in nature boosts children’s wellbeing, reduces stress, and improves focus and behaviour. The hands-on experience of tending to a garden encourages patience, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment, making it a perfect way for our students to learn and grow in more ways than one.
With so many enthusiastic little green thumbs, we now need more gardening space! If you or someone you know would be willing to donate used or new planter boxes or materials to help us expand, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please contact info@dow.catholic.edu.au if you can help in any way.
Thank you for helping us cultivate a love for nature in our students!
Leonie Vazey
Wellbeing Leader
NEWS FROM P&F:
It’s That Time of Year Again – Easter Raffle!
Our P&F Easter Raffle is here, and we are excited to announce that we are accepting donations of Easter eggs for our annual raffle! Please drop off your donations at the school office by April 1st.
The raffle will be drawn on Thursday, April 10th after our School Easter Hat Parade. Raffle tickets are being sent home today, priced at $1 per ticket.
All money raised will go to our P&F fundraising events such as Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Grandparents Day.
In addition to the raffle, on Thursday, April 10th, we will be selling delicious Hot Cross Buns for morning tea. We invite all families to join us and enjoy a treat with their child/ren.
All money raised from the hot cross bun sales will go to Caritas.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fun and festive Easter celebration!
IDO Expo: A Networking Opportunity for NDIS Participants
The Illawarra Disability Options (IDO) Expo provides an opportunity for families of NDIS participants to familiarise themselves with local disability service providers and registered training organisations. This annual event is of particular relevance to students with disability planning post school pathways.
When: Thursday 3 April 2025 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.
Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here .
As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.
Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire.
PIANOS:
If you are interested in either of the piano's below please contact the office.
2025 PARENTS DATE CALENDER:
BOOK CLUB:
VOLUNTEERS:
| Thursday | 20 March 2025 |
GSFM Cross Country Kembla Joggers |
| Friday | 21 March 2025 |
Harmony Day Students invited to wear culture outfit or something orange |
| Monday | 24 March 2025 |
Feast of the Annunciation |
| Monday | 24 March 2025 |
Year 6 Camp- The Tops Stanwell Tops |
| Tuesday | 25 March 2025 |
Year 6 Camp - The Tops Stawell Park |
| Monday | 31 March 2025 |
P&F Meeting 6pm in School Libary |
| Tuesday | 2 April 2025 |
Austism Awareness Day- Children to wear Blue |
| Friday | 5 April 2025 |
The Big Water Walk |
| Wednesday | 9 April 2025 |
Whole School Liturgy |
| Thursday | 10 April 2025 |
Last Day of Term Good Samaritan Awards Liturgy Mini Vinnies Easter Hat Parade/Easter Hat Raffle - 1:30pm Purchase Hot Cross Buns $2 |