Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

We have come to the end of the school year - and what a year it has been! We have achieved so much with the students under very testing circumstances. I am very grateful for the continued support of you, our parents who consistently encouraged us by your determination and commitment to overcome the challenges that we faced. I am hopeful that when we return in 2021 we will be able to engage with our parent community more actively. Hopefully, this will come with the continued easing of restrictions. 

I am also very grateful to our Good Samaritan staff who have really given their all this year. Their commitment to our students is remarkable. We have worked hard to Build Back Better. As a staff, the experiences of this year have been unpacked and examined. We have highlighted our successes and what we have learnt about teaching and learning. The experiences of this year need to assist us in how we recover. We need to refine our work, become more focused and learn from what we have experienced rather than just recover. This is a time of transition - a time when we can change direction and aim to Build Back Better than what we were before.

Now that Christmas is here it is time to rest. Rest is necessary for all of us. For all of us to function we need to rest emotionally, spiritually and physically. It’s time to look for the small good things. The moments of connection with other humans, animals and the environment. Over the Christmas period I encourage you to find those small good things. Saviour the moments that will refuel you and energise you. 

Take time to be silent - time to convalesce. Even though many of us have not been unwell, we need the time to be able to stay well. Like all teachers and principals, my mind tends to never switch off - continually thinking about my work, the students and how we can meet their needs and give them the best education each day. However, like all teachers and principals, I need to look for those small good things, appreciate them and let them energise me to take the next small step.

The holiday break will allow us to switch off and refocus - to come back in 2021 even better. 

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with Hope, Joy, Peace and Love

Toni Sillis

Principal

Thank You to:

• Our Year 6 students whom we farewelled this week from our Good Samaritan community.  May they demonstrate the values of the Good Samaritan as they continue their high school education
• Our Year 6 parents for their support and commitment to Good Samaritan 
• All our families who leave us this year. We wish you every happiness in your moves and hope that fond memories of Good Samaritan will remain with you
• The Good Samaritan staff - you would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated team of teachers and support staff who consistently work to improve their craft
• The Good Samaritan Leadership Team who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to improve the learning environment for the students
• CatholicCare for their partnership in providing support for the social and emotional needs of our students
• Liz Palermo and Lisa Myerscough who have been the heartbeat of the school making sure that processes and procedures have been followed ensuring the smooth running of the school
• Fr Bernard Gordon, Fr Victor Vincent and Bishop Brian who have provided consistent support throughout the year
• Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong, Heads of Service and Education Officers who have provided support and direction to ensure that we offer an environment where student grow in faith and learning

And, of course, a huge thank you to all our Good Samaritan boys and girls who come to school each day Ready to Learn. They are the reason we have such a great community.

Safer Internet Day comes around very early in the new school year. The eSafety Commissioner is encouraging us to start the chat now. Click here to register for a parent webinar at no cost.

This webinar will explore the latest research and is a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online.

Student class placements for the 2021 school year are now complete. 

No further changes will be made.

Students met their teacher in a short 

‘Meet My New Class’ session yesterday morning.

Supporting Student Learning: 

Replenishing Equipment for the New School Year

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.

2 GOLD 

Appointments are now open on Compass for 2021

Thursday 28 January

• Students return (Years 1-6)

• Thursday 28 To Wednesday 3 February Best Start Kindergarten Assesment appointments 

February

• Thursday 4 February Kindergarten begin school fulltime 

• Friday 12 February Years 1-6 Parent Information Evening

• Friday 12 February  Opening School Mass/Liturgy  

• Wednesday 17 February Ash Wednesday

March

• Monday 1 March- Friday 5 March Catholic Schools Week