Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
Semester One is racing to an end and what a semester it’s been! We have moved through cycles of normal, new normal, not normal and it seems like everything in between. We have kept students' learning at the centre of our work whilst also recognising the importance of their emotional wellbeing. Out of all that we have done, the children have done even better.
They have risen to the occasion in a way that, I don’t believe, any of us really expected. They have coped extremely well with remote learning, learning at school for some of the time and returning to face to face with confidence. They have demonstrated a sense of responsibility in making sure that they are ready to learn at the beginning of every session. I also feel that they have an overall new found respect for their teachers, their friends and their school.
Reflecting on what we have gone through, and continue to go through, as a community, a state and country, brings us renewed gratitude for what we have. I recently heard a quote from Br David Steindl-Rast, an American Benedictan monk who said:
It is not joy that makes us grateful;
it is gratitude that makes us joyful.
This semester has brought so much to be joyful for. As I look around our school, I see the delight in the faces of our children as they come into the playground; I hear the friendships that are created during play; I see the work that our staff do to make sure that learning occurs each and every day; I hear the conversations of teachers who care deeply about the emotional wellbeing of our students and their colleagues; I work with parents who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the partnership between home and school - each of us recognising the responsibility we have to support children in their learning, wellbeing and faith development.
This semester has also seen the enrolment process for Kindergarten 2021. I know that I am in a very privileged position to be able to have the conversation with parents about why they have chosen Good Samaritan - a Catholic school - for their child’s education. I am reminded of what Jesus told the disciples when I think about the welcoming community of Good Samaritan. Jesus said,
‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.’ Mt 10:40
Why am I taken by this quote? Because it is the sense of a welcoming community that has come through in many of the conversations I have had with our new parents and those who are enrolling siblings. Welcome was so wonderfully shown by our students last week in recognition of Refugee Week. We are brought to the fullness of life, to a real spiritual joy, when we demonstrate gratitude for all that we have. If you didn’t catch the video, take a couple of minutes to watch it here.
Our Year 5 students have led the way in ‘Knit4Need’ with many stitches being cast on across the playground. One student said to me, ‘It’s so good that we are able to help others by doing this.’
How grateful I am to have students recognise that what they have can be shared with another in need.
Until next term, enjoy the break with your children as we journey together with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
To all our parents who have made themselves available this week for parent teacher phone calls. Your time to discuss the learning of your child is much appreciated. Thanks also to our teachers for their preparedness and commitment in making the calls.
Fun & Games Mufti Day:
Students will be able to wear ‘Mufti’ - casual clothes on Friday 3 July. Please ensure that they wear appropriate clothing for the weather on the day. Footwear must be enclosed eg: joggers as the students will be participating in outdoor activities and enclosed footwear keeps toes safe!
School Assemblies:
From the beginning of Term 3 our weekly school assembly will be held on Friday afternoons at 2:30pm. Students will assemble under the shade sails.
The school assembly will include:
- School Prayer
- Acknowledgement of Country
- National Anthem
- Principal’s Message
- School Messages
- Principal Awards (on designated dates)
- School Song
Parents will be invited to attend the assembly each week following the lifting of the gathering restriction for adults on school sites.
Term 3 School Supplies:
As we approach the upcoming holidays parents are asked to ensure that their child’s pencil case and school supplies are replenished. Having everything at their fingertips each day aids in the learning process allowing children to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about not having the equipment to complete the task.
As we approach Semester 2 it is important that the students continue to wear the full school uniform. It may be a good idea to check your child’s uniform, including school hat, school shoes and joggers, to make sure that they will all ‘last the distance’ and that they satisfy the uniform policy until the end of the year.
This is particularly important for Year 6 students.
Principal’s Awards:
Parents will now receive an email advising that their child will be receiving a Principal’s Award. This email also includes an invitation to the school assembly. Next term, we will begin assemblies each Friday afternoon at 2:30pm. However, parents are unable to attend assemblies due to the current COVID-19 restrictions that will remain in place at the beginning of Term 3. The students will continue to be awarded and will receive the awards with their peers.
Being Safe Online During the Break:
The school holidays can be a time when children have a higher level of frequency with, and access to, technology than when the school term is in session. The eSafety Comminssioner’s website has an enormous amount of resources designed to help students and parents manage their online activity.
Follow this link to the eSafety Kids page that explores 10 Tips to keep children safe online.
Take time to enjoy during the holidays. Here is a tip for those days when you have run out of ideas.
For the kids:
God Made a Beautiful World for Me!
Make *binoculars* out of two empty toilet paper rolls. Glue or tape together. Punch holes on outside edges of each roll at one end to thread in yarn to make necklace. Let children decorate binoculars with markers and stickers. Take with you on a walk to look at God’s beautiful world!
For the Adults:
Ripples:: Ripples
Have a peaceful and safe break!
Natalie Shelley
Religious Education Co Ordinator
The Value for this week is:
Gratitude:
I can demonstrate GRATITUDE by:
- Being thankful for the little things in life
- Showing gratitude for God’s Creation
- Saying thank you to a friend or teacher
- Canteen will only be open on Wednesdays Thursdays & Fridays until further notice
- Canteen will be open for breakfast from 8.20am Wednesdays,Thurdays & Fridays Term 3
Tuesday 4 August 2020
Full winter uniform to be worn
