Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan

The events last week in Christchurch have brought a great sadness to our world. As I watch and read about what occurred I can’t help but think about our children and how they may be processing what they are seeing and hearing. I wonder what our children must be trying to understand when we talk about our Catholic faith as one of love, hope and trust as the world is so deeply affected by extreme racism and fanaticism.

Faith, no matter what type, must be grounded in hope. Faith must be accompanied by prayer. Faith must be what takes us into the future with confidence that the tragedy of Christchurch will make us stronger in our belief that love and goodness must triumph over hate and wickedness. The 2019 message from our Director of Schools, Peter Turner, takes a whole new meaning this week.

There have been some thoughtful posts on social media over the weekend that may help us, as adults, reflect on what has occured. The Abbey at Jamberoo posted:

… In the midst of this darkness, we continue to offer light,

in the midst of terror, we keep walking in peace,

in the midst of despair, we always hold out hope.

God who journeys with us and knows the depths of our sorrow, hear our prayers this day and come to the aid of your people. Amen

Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest who heads the Centre for Action & Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico wrote:

“We have the capacity to grow beyond tribalism and nationalism into a new identity, one that holds space for everyone to belong and be loved.” As we hold the families of the victims in our hearts, Valarie Kaur suggests that we “Love as sustained practical care. Love as courage.”

Bishop Brian invited all in our Catholic communities to join together with the Illawarra People for Peace in an ecumenical peace vigil last Monday evening. This demonstrates the importance of us always recognising that faith of any type, that any religion can be seen as love, hope and trust in action.

Whilst our adult understanding and reflection can takes us to a deeper part of our own faith, our children may not yet be ready to understand such events in this way. Some helpful tips for talking to your child about the victims of Christchurch and the events that occurred are:

• Give  your children as much information as they ask for. But answer the question asked, don't offer too much information.

• Stay aware of things they might see or hear. Remind them to ask you questions, if they hear information they do not understand.

• Tell children they're safe and that people are helping keep them safe.

• Don't shy away from telling them people have been hurt and killed.

• Remember to talk about feelings as much as facts.

• Find a space to process their own feelings, if they're struggling they should get help.

• Remember their reactions may be delayed.

And remember to let them know that they can pray for the victims and their families.

Regards,

 

Toni Sillis

Principal

Replacement Fencing:

The commencement of work to replace the white fence that separates the school from the church will take place the week beginning 25 March.

Parent Action: Be aware of the trades people being on the site during this time. When the fencing is complete access to the school during the school day will only be through the administration building.

NAPLAN Testing 2019 Organisation:

This year NAPLAN goes online. It is no longer a pen and paper test. Students in Years 3&5 will sit the ‘Omnibus Test’ on Wednesday 3 April. This test is a practice test aimed to support the students sitting for the test and also to ensure that the school is well prepared to administer the test.

Parent Action: Ensure that your Year 3 or Year 5 child is at school to complete the Omnibus Test.

2020 Kindergarten Enrolments:

Last week we conducted an open afternoon and morning for prospective new students to Good Samaritan. We welcomed new families who are considering Good Samaritan as the school for their child. Enrolments are still being accepted with the interview process beginning early in Term 2.

Parent Action: If you have a sibling ready for Kindergarten in 2020 submit your enrolment asap. Also, let friends and family know that enrolments are now being taken for Kindergarten 2020.

Afternoon Dismissal:

Beginning next week, (Monday 25 March) the students will be asked to line up for dismissal facing the flag poles as they do for morning assembly. This will help to focus all students on our afternoon prayer and ensure that they are safely sitting in the correct area for dismissal.

Parent Action: There will be no change for parents in terms of where you need to stand or sit during this period. Please do not call your child from the line or approach them prior to dismissal.

This weeks value is forgiveness

* Being a peacemaker

* Resolving differences in constructive and non-violent ways

* Gracious in accepting an apology

SPB4L: Our Focus for this week is: Being dismissed from eating areas at Recess & Lunch
What can our students do to support this focus?	What can our teachers do to support this focus?	What can our parents & carers do to support this focus?
Wait for the second bell to ring after eating time and wait for the teacher’s instructions before moving. Walk to your play area after all of your rubbish has been put into the correct bin and your lunchbox is put away.	Teachers can be out on duty on time by the second bell. Teachers dismiss students by grade to make sure eating areas are left clean and tidy.	Wait for children to be dismissed in the afternoon before collecting them from lines. After the first bell in the morning, stop playing and walk children to their class line.

The Principal awards will be handed out next Friday 29 March at the morning assembly.

This is due to the School Cross Country Carnival this Friday.

Cross Country:

Friday 22 March

GSFM Mass & Award Presentation:

Tuesday 2 April

Confirmation:

Students who are eligible to participate in the sacrament of Confirmation this year (Year 6) will be confirmed on the weekend of 7 June. Please be advised that this is the June Long Weekend

Mark your calendar!

               STUDENT FREE DAY 

         Monday 13 May

Students will not attend school on this day

Staff will be working with the Mathematics curriculum

STUDENT FREE DAY

Monday 16 September

Students will not attend school on this day

Staff will be on a Spiritual Formation Retreat & off site on this day

Parent Action: Mark your calendar with these important dates.

The uniform shop opening times are as follows:

Monday       8.30am - 9.30am

Thursday     2.15pm - 3.15pm

Positive partnerships - 2 day Autism workshop for parents and carers

NSW Health are offering Go4Fun at Albion Park Flip Out & North Wollongong Flip Out in term 2, 2019.

Go4Fun is a FREE healthy lifestyle program for children aged 7-13 years who are above a healthy weight. Children attend the program for one term with their parents/carers and are involved in games based physical activity as well as games and learning on healthy eating and being physically active.

Parents can register by phoning 1800 780 900 or online at www.go4fun.com.au