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Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
Recently, a Mama Mia post was shared with me that spoke about why many of us don’t quite feel ourselves at the moment. We may be feeling a ‘little over it’ as the restrictions don’t seem to be easing, we are being asked to do things we’ve never had to do before like wear masks or stay away from loved ones. Whilst we all know that we must do these things for the common good of all it doesn’t make it any easier.
What we do know is that there is actually a name for this - it’s called ‘Surge Capacity’. Surge Capacity is a collection of adaptive systems - mental and physical - that humans draw upon for short term survival in acutely stressful situations such as natural disasters. The issue lies in the fact that our surge capacity only allows us to adapt to major disasters if they are temporary. However, with the pandemic, the disaster stretches out indefinitely and the emergency phase has become almost chronic.
So, because this is going on and on and on your surge, capacity is depleted and needs to be renewed. We need to find ways and things we can do that will make us feel better. We need some ‘feel good’ moments. Some of these might include:
- Accepting life is a little different now
- Expecting less from yourself
- Recognising the different aspects of grief
- Look for activities new and old that continue to fulfil you
- Focus on maintaining and strengthening important relationships
- Build regular practices into your life that promote resilience such as better sleep, good nutrition, exercise, prayer, meditation, self-compassion and saying no.
I am most fortunate to have many ‘feel good’ moments that I witness or am a part of at Good Samaritan. The most recent is the series of Dance Move videos that Mrs Jancetic has made with the students. Take 5 minutes to watch The Twist @ GSFM - you can only come away smiling and feeling good!
Until next time, as we journey together with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
To all our Dads, Granddads, Fathers, Grandfathers, Nonnos, Opas, Gramps, Pops, Lolos, Papas…
The Gonski Institute for Education:
The Gonski Institute for Education operates out of the University of NSW faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The core mission of the institute is to address the inequity experienced in education across Australia. In doing this the institute is able to act as a key enabler and powerful voice of change.
One of the recent resources presented by the institute is for Parents and Caregivers. This week focuses on:
Parental beliefs: Why these matter to your child’s education
All parents want the best for their children. But, have you considered how your values and expectations impact on your child’s educational potential?
Parent Contact with School:
Communication between parents and the school is essential to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students. Recently, some students have been messaging parents, via their iPads/watches/phones, to let them know they are unwell or to raise other issues that could wait until they get home.
Parents are asked to remind their child that the adult who cares for them in the school environment is their class teacher. Teachers will always act on a student’s behalf to ensure that parents are contacted when need be throughout the school day. Our school procedure is that the school office staff contact parents in cases of illness or injury.
Evacuation/Lock Down Drills
As part of our regular safety compliance it is important that we carry out evacuationand lock down drills regularly. We will complete an evacuation drill tomorrow. This drill has allowed us to refine our practices in ensuring that the children and staff are safe in the event of an emergency.
Transition to Summer Uniform:
From Monday 7 September, students may wear Summer uniforms between now and the end of the term depending upon the weather and parental discretion. Full Summer uniform is to be worn by all students from the beginning of Term 4.
Tomorrow (Thursday) is expected to be quite warm therefore parents are asked to use their discretion as to which uniform their child/ren wear.
RUOK? Day @ GSFM
We will be acknowledging RUOK? Day on Friday 11 September with a Wear Your Favourite Colour Day. Students will be able to wear mufti clothes of their favourite colour to brighten up the day and to emphasise the importance of making connections with one another and strong relationships.
The Value for this week is:
Generosity
What does Generosity look like:
- Being generous with our time (Stop to listen and acknowledge another’s point of view!)
- Sharing of gifts and talents (How can you help others?)
- Being aware and supportive of those less fortunate.
Term 3 House Cup Mid Term Treat
Last Friday, Vianney House (red house) received a mid-term treat as they are leading the House Cup token points. Our students love to work towards winning the House Cup each term. The winners of the House Cup at the end of the term will receive a special surprise!
In order to manage the physical distancing requirements, parents will continue to make appointments at the uniform shop to purchase uniforms.
This can be done through the Compass.
If you would like to place an order with the uniform shop an order form has been added to the school website under parents/uniform.
Please complete the form and return with payment to the school office.
These orders will be filled on uniform shop days.
Child Protection Week - Virtual Fun Day:
South Coast Child Wellbeing Network (SCCWN) is having a virtual celebration this year for Child protection week.
Schools are invited to join in helping raise awareness of this important week for children and families.
Running from today until 12 pm 15th September 2020, children aged between 3 and 12 can submit a drawing or video. Entry details are on the attached flyer. There are 10 awesome prizes to give away.
- Mufti Clothes Day (Wear Your Favourite Colour Day )
Friday 11 September
- Walk Safely to School Day 2020
Friday 25 September
- Last Day Term 3
Monday 12 October
- First Day-Term 4
Monday 19-23 October
- Book Week Celebrations TBC