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Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,
Over the last week we have seen the seasons change and the weather start to get warmer. As this time of year comes around it is important that we take time to take notice of what is happening around us. Nature is beginning to change her face – days become longer, ducklings follow the mother duck into the pond and buds begin to appear on the blossom trees. These changes in the season remind us of the joyful and eternal cycle of life. We all know that Spring is the time of regrowth: the time when we prepare for the long much warmer days of Summer. This time of regrowth can naturally occur within our children. The children can make us acutely aware of what is important and how we can connect with the people and the natural world around us. Recently, there were two students in sick bay. One was feeling apprehensive about his day while the other reached out in friendship. The two continued to chat allowing the other to feel comfortable. When they were asked how they were going the second boy said, ‘He’s not feeling great about his day. So I’m listening. My dad told me that a problem shared is a problem halved.’
I wonder how often we allow ourselves to think about halving the problems of those around us? Do we, in the ‘busyness’ of our day, overlook the people around us who may be looking to halve their problems? How often do we allow ourselves to really be grateful for the seasons as they change throughout the year? How often do we allow ourselves to really be grateful for the people around us and their actions that make our lives just that little bit easier?
As always, the students of Good Samaritan are evidence of people who want to make a difference to others. Just yesterday, some girls were explaining a problem they were having on the playground when another girl came over and offered an apology that was gratefully accepted by the whole group. Whilst it may not have appeared significant at the time what the girls were actually doing was recognising the face of Jesus in the other. They were willing to listen and forgive – they were willing to make a change and make things better for each other.
St Paul says: ‘In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ towards you.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:8) As we give thanks for this time of year, as we show our appreciation towards the people around us, we build up an attitude of gratitude. At Good Samaritan, we try to consistently build a positive environment that allows the children to recognise the good around them, to be grateful for all they have and for all they do.
As we continue to hear about children of the world who are displaced, who fear for their safety and who are hungry for the opportunity to be grateful we find ourselves in a position to express our gratitude for the fortunes and blessings that are bestowed upon ourselves and our families.
As we journey together with Jesus,
Toni Sillis
Principal
Keeping Safe Online:
Keeping our children safe online can be a consistent challenge as social media platforms change rapidly with the type of content that is posted. Parents and carers of Good Samaritan are always encouraged to keep the conversation going with their children about what they are accessing online.
It is vitally important that children recognise when they have seen or viewed something that makes them feel uncomfortable. It is also important that they know how to describe their feelings. This may include specific vocabulary that the children need to come to know and understand.
Below is a chart that may assist you when talking to your child about their feelings. It is important to also express your feelings when you see something that is good, or inappropriate, on the internet.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is a great resource for parents and educators. Click here to go to the ‘Big Issues for Parents’. One of the big issues is Unwanted Contact.
Communication regarding the recent media reports of inappropriate social media content that is currently circulating has been sent to parents via Compass today. Please take some time to read through this. A duplicate copy can be accessed below.
Child Protection Week:
This week is Child Protection Week. It is the opportunity that we take to recognise all that is done to ensure that our communities are places of respect and safety for all children and young people. Pope Francis reminds us: ‘how, dear children … with open, generous hearts can change the world.’
Below is a poster that could be a good discussion point with your child. Children and young people have the right to always feel safe and be safe.
RUOK? Day @ GSFM
We will be acknowledging RUOK? Day with our students this 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.
Transition to Summer Uniform:
From this week, 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.
Thank You:
To our P&F who supported the purchase of the safety pads that have recently been installed around the posts of the shade sails and the COLA. Our parent community’s generosity is very much appreciated.
School Attendance & 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 Community Services (CS) Child Protection Helpline.
- Letter to parents from Head of School Services advising that the system has reported to Community Services (CS) or if not enrolled, also reported to Department of Education and Communities (DEC). 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.
The Value for this week is:
Forgiveness
What does Forgiveness look like:
- Being a peacemaker
- Resolving differences in constructive ways
- Being gracious in accepting an apology
- Future focused - not holding a ‘grudge’.
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.
Friday 11 September
- 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 CelebrationsTBC