‘In the world you will have trouble, but be

brave: I have conquered the world’ (Jn 16:33)

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we continue to work our way through this time of adjustment in our own, and wider, community I am struck by the way in which staff and parents have worked together in understanding the position of each other. I have also watched our children who continue to be the light that brightens the path for us as we become uncertain or ask questions about the unprecedented events brought about by COVID-19. 

I always think it is amazing how scripture can speak to us in these times where we are challenged in the regular day to day routines that we have established for ourselves. This period of challenge can bring feelings of fear, frustration, confusion and disappointment. It is also a period where we need to be conscious that we are gathering strength, resting to be able to think clearly and make reasonable decisions and above all to be people of hope and optimism.

Recently, the Gospel spoke exactly of that - the Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we can be sustained through suffering because our faith in what Jesus has planned for us will ultimately bring us great joy.

As we watch the media and witness the incredible scenes of people preparing for the unknown it is important that we take time to also think of those experiences that bring us great joy and happiness because it is this that will sustain us when we are not sure as to what the future holds. Being prepared with a heart full of hope and gladness is just as important as being prepared with a pantry stocked with all that we need.

As we continue on the journey together this week let us be reminded that our life can be filled with voices that fill our minds and hearts with hope or with despair. It is up to us to seek out that which brings light into our lives. I am in the most fortunate position of working with children who shine that light before me each and every day leading me to a place of true love, care and service of our community. 

Challenge yourself to consciously make space to be able to listen and reflect so that you are filled with hope and recognise the relationship you have with Jesus at this time.

I leave you this week with this prayer:

Jesus,

You continue to be willing to serve us even though we have persecuted you, rejected you and been indifferent towards you. Teach us what inner strength looks like in loving us, despite our own failings. Help us to accept the grace of your Divine Love and help us to extend it to others in the same spirit it was offered.

Amen 

As we journey, together, with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal

Dogs on School Playground

It has been reported that parents/carers may not be aware that bringing dogs or other animals onto the school playground is prohibited. Whilst it is understood that dogs play a major part in the life of children and families, there are many children and adults who suffer allergies or a fear of dogs. If you must bring a dog to the school when dropping off or collecting your child, please wait outside the school grounds at the McGrath St gate and instruct your child to go on the walkers line at dismissal. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Enrolling Now for Kindergarten 2021!

Enrolment applications are currently being accepted for Kindergarten 2021 at Good Samaritan.

CANCELLATION:

Harmony Day Prayer on the 20 March 2020 unfortunality has had to be postponed to a later date.

LENT

Last weekend we celebrated the Third Sunday of Lent. Over the course of the next week, be attentive to the things that distract you, particularly in times of quiet and prayer, and consciously offer them to Jesus.

How are your Lenten promises progressing?

During Lent we continue to think about the projects of Caritas and Project Compassion. Our weekly stories from the Caritas website provide students with an understanding of how their money helps people in countries world-wide. If you would like to view or revisit these stories log on to https://lent.caritas.org.au/# and follow the link to ‘Stories.”

The Value for this week is: 

Forgiveness

We can show forgiveness by:

• Being a peacemaker
• Resolving differences in constructive and non-violent ways
• Being gracious in accepting an apology

School Attendance and Absences

It is most important that students attend school unless there exists a genuine reason for absence. It is also most important that students attend school for the full school day. Whilst the first 10 minutes of school or the last 20 minutes of the school day may seem unimportant to parents, it is during these times that students are instructed of the essential routines and guides of the school day that help to create productive learning environments. As parents, you are urged to ensure your child/ren arrive at school on time and stay for the complete school day every day of the week. 

Below is an outline of the processes Good Samaritan will use to follow up extended absences from school. 

As a systemic primary school within the Wollongong Diocese, Good Samaritan adheres to the School Attendance Guidelines and Procedures of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. As such, the following process will be used to support the regular attendance of students at school.

Step 1: 3 - 4 days absent

• Phone call to parents (if required ).
• Follow up with letter to parents if absences continue - arrange meeting with parents to discuss.
• Review situation for the following week. 

Step 2: 7 - 14 days absent

• Regular phone call to parents re attendance.
• Registered letter to parents re attendance.
• Referral to school counselor/Family Support.
• Meeting with school Principal.
• Head of School Services to be informed. 

Step 3: 14 - 21 days absent

• Inform Head of School Services.
• Regular contact to parents.
• School informs Catholic Education Office.
• Meeting with school Principal and Head of School Service (Action Plan agreed on and review date set).
• Registered letter to parents. 

Step 4: 22+ days absent

• Head of School Service with Principal to determine Action Plan. 

Step 5: Above 30 days absent 

• Report ‘education neglect’ (i.e., habitual absence or not enrolled) to Family and Community Services (FACS) Child Protection Helpline.
• Letter to parents from Head of School Services advising that the system has reported to Family and Community Services (FACS) or if not enrolled, also reported to Department of Education and Training (DET). If there are any concerns for the child’s wellbeing, normal child protection procedures apply - this can be made any time during the above procedure.

• Congratulations to Kobi for making the Diocese of Wollongong team for Rugby League (11 Years)  We wish him every success for the MacKillop trials.       

• Congratulations to all of the boys and girls who trialed for the Diocesan football (soccer) team and Diocesan netball team.The standard of play was incredibly high.

• Best wishes to Mikayla and Sienna who now travel to the NSW McKillop trials in Goulburn and Georgia who will compete in the NSW MacKillop trials in Canberra, all as part of Diocese of Wollongong teams. Well done to all who participated.

Last week the P&F Annual General Meeting  was held in the school Library. It was wonderful to welcome  some new parents to the meeting. During the general meeting all positions were declared vacant, nominations were put forward and positions were accepted for the 2020 school year.

My thanks is extended to those who have worked tirelessly within the P&F and I am most grateful to those who accepted positions this year.

Congratulations to the following parents who will form the P&F Executive:

President: Mrs Erin Bradley

Vice President: Mrs Casey joshua

Secretary: Ms Kelly Dale 

Treasurer: Ms Deborah Chard