Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

At Good Samaritan we regularly reflect on what we are doing in order to create a consistent environment for student learning. Over the last 12 months we have been reviewing the opportunities  that students have in gaining rewards and awards. The following information is aimed to inform you of the types of recognition levels that exist within the school and how some of these operate. 

The Positive Behaviours 4 Learning (PB4L) framework outlines classroom, non-classroom and whole school setting expectations, support and management. 

Reward systems within the classroom and across the school consider the recognition levels of the reward. These include:

Free & Frequent:

• easy for the teacher or school support officer to  deliver in every lesson eg: positive verbal feedback,  thumbs up, smile, high five, stamps, stickers, raffle tickets

Intermittent but definite:

• awarded by the teacher occasionally eg: student of the week/month,  privileges, ‘Good News’ card home, special seat, special hat, time with a friend, VIP passes

Strong and Long Term:

• month, term or year long types of recognition students can work for eg: end of year award, special occasion, class lunch

In addition, there are 3 types of awards that students may receive in their classrooms. These include:

All For One

• Whole group / class works for one reward

One for All

• Individual students need to contribute to a group reward

To Each His/Her Own

• Each student works for an individual reward 

Good Samaritan students have the opportunity to receive rewards and awards including:

• Merit
• Value
• Principal
• Good Samaritan Award
• Year 6 Farewell Awards
• Year 6 Leadership Participation
  

The Principal Award has a slight restructure. The reason for this is to highlight the significance of this award throughout primary school. The first Principal’s award is presented after 10 merit/values awards have been given. The second Principal’s award is presented after 20 merit/values awards have been received. Upon receiving 30 merit/values awards a GSFM Medallion is presented. This restructure is effective immediately. Students who are eligible for a Principal’s Award will receive it at designated assemblies across the term. Parents will receive a Compass notification to attend the assembly, if possible, to watch their child receive the award.

It is important to note that every child has the opportunity to receive a GSFM medallion over the course of their time in primary school, however not every child will  receive a medallion.

The reward and award structure of Good Samaritan is embodied in our motto of Moved to Compassion. This structure reflects this vision towards which the school consistently strives.

It is through the motto that students are continually encouraged to strive to do their best therefore deeply embedding the ongoing spiritual, academic and social interactions students have each day whilst at school.

As we journey through the next week, together, with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal

Parent Reminder: End of Day Routines

Parents and carers are asked to pick up their child/ren at the end of the assembly. Many students are leaving the grounds before assembly has concluded. This sends a mixed message to the children that the end of day gathering is not important. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Enrolling for Kindergarten 2021:

Good Samaritan is beginning to accept enrolments for Kindergarten 2021. We will be holding an Open day on Saturday 7 March 10:00am-12noon. 

Student Leadership 2020:

The process for the nomination and selection of the Good Samaritan Student Representative Council (SRC) was completed yesterday with the presentation of student leader badges. Congratulations is extended to our ten Year 6 student who will form the SRC this year:

Tom McRobert                 Sienna Hampson

Eamon Grbevski              Georgia LoSurdo

Nate Pope                        Deanna Smede

Cruz Davkovski                Lucy Ucles

Corey Byers                     Sama Sabbar

In addition to the SRC, each Year 6 student is a House Captain. House Captains are asked to uphold the core values of the person after whom their house is named. We congratulate the leaders of:

Ingham

This House is named after Bishop Emeritus Peter Ingham whose core values include: 

• Service 
• Compassion 
• Love                                                                     
• Mercy

MacKillop

This House is named after St Mary of the Cross Mackillop whose core values include:

• Love
• Justice
• Compassion                                                  
• Dignity

Vianney

This House is named after St John Vianney whose core values include:

• Faith
• Friendship                                                                                 
  
• Care
• Love of God

Xavier

This House is named after St Francis Xavier whose core values include:

• Serving others
• Being inclusive                                                       
  
• Being peacemakers

We look forward to working with the SRC and House Leaders as we progress through the 2020 school year.

Thank You:

Thank you to all those parents who, last week, were able to attend the Parent Information Sessions.  Gratitude is also expressed to the teachers for the planning, preparation and presentation that went into each of the sessions.

Instagram - A Parent’s Guide

Last week’s  newsletter highlighted many aspects of online behaviour and activity. This week a comprehensive parent’s guide to Instagram is provided. Whilst quite a lengthy document the points are important for all parents to consider when the children are wanting to access social media platforms.

The Value for this week is: 

                                           Inclusion

• • • • • Being a welcoming class member
        • Including others in games and activities
        • Accepting others’ differences and cultures

 Year 6 have unpacked what inclusion looks like and will be presenting this throughout the week at morning assemblies.

Travelling on the Buses:

Transport NSW has a complete set of Guidelines for managing school students behaviour on buses. These guidelines unpack the Code of Conduct responsibilities of students, parents and school principals in relation to bus behaviour. The guidelines also indicate the consequences for a breach of the Code of Conduct. 

For your information, the following is taken from section 2 of the Guidelines - Student Code of Conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ON BUSES:

It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes: 

Behaviour on buses: 

• Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language 
• Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted 
• No eating or drinking (other than water) — unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission 
• Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers 
• Do not touch, push or shove other people 
• Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver. This includes photographing, making lewd or suggestive comments, acting in a manner or participating in activities that may be deemed inappropriate or of a sexual nature. 
• Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency 
• Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers. 

Parent Action: If your child/ren  catches a bus to or from school please familiarise yourself with these guidelines and speak to your child/ren about their responsibilities on the buses.

Band

The Good Samaritan Band program is provided by Mr Andy Yule of Yule Music.                                                                                                       

Click here to find out more about Yule Music.

The programme is going to be available for years 3 -6 inclusive. 

Each child who registers with the programme will receive weekly instrumental tutoring AND band tutoring.

Our band will be given regular termly performing opportunities. 

Vacancies still  exist to be a member of the Good Samaritan Band!

 When is the next P&F meeting?

The P&F Annual General Meeting will be held on

Wednesday 11 March at 7pm 

in the School Library. Entry is via the St John Vianney Parish carpark. 

All are welcome.

Mark your calender!

• Friday 26 February: Ash Wednesday Mass 10am.
• Friday 28 February: Clean up Australia day ( bring gloves)
• Monday 2 March: Catholic Schools Week -Whole School Liturgy.
• Thursday 5 March: South Coast Swimming Trials.
• Saturday 7 March: Good Samaritan Primary School Open Day. .
• Tuesday 10 March: Year 3 attending Parish Mass 9.30am.
• Tuesday 17 March: Year 2 attending Parish Mass 9.30am. 
• Tuesday 24 March: Year 1 attending Parish Mass 9.30am.
• Tuesday 31 March: Year 6 & Kindergarten attending Parish Mass 9.30am.
• Friday 3 April: Pupil Free Day ( staff spiritualy day)
• Thursday 9 April: School Photos 
• Monday 27 April: Pupil Free Day (staff developent day)
• Thursday 7 May: Mothers's Day Liturgy and Morning Tea 
• Friday 4 September: Father's DAy Breakfast BBQ and Prayer 
• Friday 6 November: Granparent's & Great Friends Day,Liturgy & Open Day.