top of page

From the Principal



Pentecost: Living the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Good Samaritan

As we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost in the Catholic Church, we are reminded that this is often called the “birthday of the Church.” Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, filling them with courage, wisdom and faith so they could go out and share the message of Jesus with the world.


In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear that the disciples were gathered together in fear and uncertainty when suddenly “a noise like a strong driving wind” filled the room and “tongues as of fire” rested on each of them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ordinary people were transformed into courageous disciples who spread hope, peace and love to others.


For us at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Pentecost is not simply a story from long ago. It is a reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen each one of us today — in our classrooms, playgrounds, homes and wider community. The Holy Spirit gives us special gifts that help us live as people of faith and service. These Gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

  • Wisdom – helping us make good choices and see life through God’s eyes.

  • Understanding – helping us show empathy and compassion to others.

  • Right Judgement (Counsel) – helping us choose what is right, even when it is difficult.

  • Courage (Fortitude) – helping us stand up for truth, justice and kindness.

  • Knowledge – helping us recognise God’s presence in the world around us.

  • Reverence (Piety) – helping us deepen our relationship with God through prayer and service.

  • Wonder and Awe (Fear of the Lord) – helping us appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and the dignity of every person.


At Good Samaritan Catholic College, we see these gifts lived out every day. We see wisdom when students make positive choices and support one another in their learning. We see courage when students stand up for someone who may feel excluded or vulnerable. We see reverence and compassion when our community gathers in prayer, supports charities, and serves those in need.


Pentecost also reminds us that we are called to be people of action. Like the Good Samaritan in the Gospel, we are challenged to notice those around us who may need care, encouragement or friendship. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be people who bring hope and healing into our families, school and society.

In a world that can sometimes feel divided by conflict, loneliness and uncertainty, Pentecost calls us to be people of unity and peace. As a Catholic learning community, may we continue to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit so that we may grow in faith, compassion and service to others.


Let us pray that the Spirit of Pentecost continues to guide all members of our College community so that together we may truly live our College motto and values each day.


Pentecost Prayer for the Good Samaritan Community

Loving God,

On the feast of Pentecost, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit.Just as the Spirit filled the hearts of the Apostles with courage, wisdom and hope,

may the same Spirit guide our community at Good Samaritan Catholic College.

Fill our students with wisdom to make good choices, understanding to care for others,and courage to stand up for what is right.

Bless our teachers and staff as they guide and nurture each young person with compassion, patience and faith.

Strengthen our parents and families so that together we may build a community that reflects the love of Jesus Christ.

May the Holy Spirit inspire us to live as Good Samaritans each day by showing kindness to those in need, bringing peace where there is conflict and sharing hope with all we meet.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.


Outstanding Good Samaritan Students and Outstanding Good Samaritan People


Below are great examples of students demonstrating "Being the Good Samaritan" during the beginning of Term 2.


The 2026 Good Samaritan Catholic College Athletics Carnival was a fantastic celebration of competition and school spirit. The day was filled with energy as students gave their all across various track and field events. The excitement reached its peak with the thrilling relay races at the end of the day, bringing everyone together for a high-speed finish. Congratulations to all the participants for making this year's carnival a memorable success!


Reflection, and Remembrance, our College community gathered for a moving Easter Mass and ANZAC Ceremony to reflect on faith and sacrifice. It was an exceptionally significant morning as we were joined by the family of beloved GSCC community member, Kevin Maguire, to unveil a special plaque in his honour. A veteran of the Korean War who served in the Australian Defence Force Army, Kevin’s legacy of service remains a source of inspiration for our school. As we observe ANZAC Day today, we hold his family in our thoughts and honour all who have served. Lest we forget.



Huge congratulations to Morris and Dylan for being selected for the NSWCCC U15 Volleyball team, and to Eden (Year 12) for making the NSWCCC Opens Boys team! This is a fantastic achievement for all three athletes, and we are incredibly proud to see their hard work and talent recognised at such a high level. Best of luck to the boys as they represent our school community on the court!


Congratulations to all students honoured at the recent Good Samaritan Catholic College Assembly. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and your commitment to the College.

Our College Captains, Emily and Daniel, recently had the honour of attending a special luncheon with Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP alongside other student leaders from across the Archdiocese.

It was a great opportunity for them to share ideas, reflect on their leadership journey, and represent our College with pride. We are grateful for their commitment to serving our community with integrity and compassion.


Congratulations to our Year 11 Legal Studies Mock Trial team who have been successful in the first two rounds of the UNSW Mock Trial competition. Well done to these students! We are looking forward to the third round later in the term.


A huge congratulations to all students who participated in the SCS Dance Eisteddfod over the past two days. Their commitment, resilience and passion for dance were on full display!



Congratulations to everyone who represented the College at the SCS Conference 4 Table Tennis Gala Day - you showed fantastic sportsmanship and did us proud! 

Our girls relay performed brilliantly with 3 teams making the finals. At the end of the day, our Senior Girls A team were crowned Conference 4 Champions, while our Senior Girls B and Intermediate Girls A teams both finished 4th after very close games. An outstanding effort all round!


We’re excited to launch our brand-new Stage 5 elective subject, Football Studies, in partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers. This dynamic program provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and passion for the world game, both on and off the field. From practical training and game analysis to teamwork and collaboration, students will gain valuable insights into many aspects of the sport.


The GSCC Choir represented our school with excellence at the SCS Eisteddfod, delivering an outstanding performance that truly showcased their talent and dedication.

A huge congratulations to all our choir members, and thank you to those who continue to support and guide them. You’ve made our community incredibly proud!


Staff Professional Learning Days


For future planning for all families, Staff Professional Learning Days for the remainder of 2026 are on the following days and dates:


  • Monday 20th July

  • Monday 3rd August

  • Friday 25th September

  • Monday 12th October

  • Friday 20th November


Please contact the College if you require supervision for your child/ren on any of these dates.


College Uniform Expectations Reminders


Our College Uniform represents our values as a Catholic community and as such we have high expectations of all students who are responsible for what they wear and how they are groomed.  


Our staff are expected to challenge any student that is not in the correct uniform or groomed to our expectations.  Our Year Coordinators and Assistant Year Coordinators, together with Pastoral Teachers and all other leaders in the College are continually monitoring uniform and grooming.  


We make no apology for this approach, and as per the enrolment contract all parents/carers of this community agreed to uphold and support our College Uniform and Grooming rules and expectations throughout the entirety of their child's enrolment.   

Any student that is unsuitably attired or groomed and refuses or cannot have the issue rectified, will be sent home immediately.

Traffic and Parking Safety

We remind all members of our community regarding the importance of maintaining road safety in and around our College at all times.


The following are important reminders for both parents/carers and students:

  • All drivers are to adhere to the sign posted speed limits within the school grounds

  • When picking up or dropping off students in the College Bus Bay, please move the car to the furthest spot to allow as many cars access the area for pick-up or drop off as possible and avoid any traffic queues at the front gate of the school and subsequently affecting traffic on Hoxton Park Road.

  • No student is to be dropped off on the median strip or middle of any road or street. This is very dangerous and places at risk the lives of students and other drivers.

  • Respecting all road and parking laws both on the roads near the school, local streets and the parking areas in local shopping centres around the vicinity of the College.

  • Respecting the local neighbouring homes and not parking in front of driveways, on the grass areas in front of homes, leaving any litter and ensuring noise is kept to a minimum.

  • Students are to respect and follow all pedestrian road rules when using all forms of crossings in and outside the College site.


The local NSW Police Force has been briefed to carry out regular checks during morning and/or afternoon peak times to ensure drivers and pedestrians are following all road and parking laws and rules.


We encourage parents/carers to speak to their children about maintaining safe behaviour when making their way to and from the College. To assist you, please find the link below, that provides a suite of educational resources.


​

Morning Attendance Reminders


We also remind students that once they are dropped off in the morning inside the College grounds, they are to remain on the College grounds and are not permitted to leave the College grounds to visit the local shops. If students are found to be leaving the College grounds once dropped off inside the College grounds in the morning before school, will be dealt with in accordance with consequences for truancy.


We thank all parents/carers and students in advance for ensuring the road safety of everyone in our community and ensuring that students remain on College grounds once dropped off before school.


Important Reminders Regarding Attendance and Applications for Leave Reminders


Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) make very clear that “school attendance plays a critical role in enhancing the lives of students in schools. Every day of attendance adds to a student’s academic achievement and success at school, and conversely every absence, can impact their learning and progress.”. Studies are clear about the importance of attending school to ensure your sons and daughters progress and grow in their learning.


In NSW, all children from six years of age are legally required to attend school. After students complete Year 10, and until they turn 17 years of age, they must remain enrolled in school, be engaged full time in approved education, training, employment, or a combination of the two. This is a legal responsibility of all parents/carers.


Responsibilities of Parents/Carers with Student Attendance


As per the SCS Attendance Policy, parents/carers of students enrolled at an SCS school are required to:


  • Ensure their child attends school each day unless exempt or absent for an approved reason.

  • Explain the absence of a student as soon as possible and within seven (7) school days from the first day of absence, otherwise the school will record the absence as an unexplained absence.

  • Provide a medical certificate where a student’s frequent, recurring or long term absence is explained as being due to illness.

  • Apply in advance for planned student leave

  • Work in partnership with the school and SCS to address any issues impacting on a student’s attendance.


At Good Samaritan Catholic College, we work in partnership with parents/carers to ensure your sons and daughters attend school each day. When attendance becomes an issue, this partnership is critical to ensure that the student’s learning and wellbeing are at the forefront of the response.


We ask that parents/carers work with our College in ensuring that you support the importance of daily school attendance, especially when you may be challenged by your sons and daughters who may ask for a “day off” or a “break from school”. Allowing this will affect their learning as you can see below:


1 day absent = 5 hours of learning missed

5 days absent = 25 hours of learning missed

10 days absent = 50 hours of learning missed

20 days absent = 100 hours of learning missed

30 days absent = 150 hours of learning missed

40 days absent = 200 hours of learning missed or the equivalent of a whole two (2) years of a HSC course.


Application for Extended Leave Procedures (Five (5) Days or More)


I have noticed a high rate of applications for extended leave recently, mostly for overseas or domestic family holidays. As you would be aware, the College does not encourage student breaks during school time, but I understand that at times, this cannot be avoided in situations where there may be a legitimate family emergency or an international learning or sporting experience. As stated earlier, I must stress however, that any absence can have a negative impact on students’ performance and, in turn, can affect their academic results.


I encourage parents/carers to avoid requesting extended leave during school terms (except in cases of extreme emergencies) and instead plan/arrange these trips during school vacation periods to avoid your son/daughter missing learning time and in some cases assessment tasks/exams and risk receiving zero marks.


  • Parents/carers must complete and submit the Application for Extended Leave (A1) form together with the school based (yellow) Application for Extended Leave of 5 days or more prior to commencing leave.

  • Both forms must be submitted with a minimum of four (4) weeks in advance of the first date of the requested extended leave. If the form is submitted late, this will result in the leave request being declined.

  • Travel documentation, such as travel itinerary or e-tickets, must be attached to the application.

  • We will not accept a reason for travel during the school term if it is not in the best interest of the student, academic or otherwise.

  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they are accessing work missed and complete any work/assessment that has been required by teachers by the time they return to school or in some cases during their leave.

  • If the application is accepted, the code Leave (‘L’) is used. A copy of the certificate (C1) is attached to the application form (A1) and a letter is sent to parents/carers confirming the acceptance of the application.

  • If the application is declined, the code ‘A’ for unjustified absence is used. A copy of the certificate (D1) is attached to the application form (A1) and a letter is sent to parents/carers confirming the application being declined.


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College Office or your son/daughter’s Year Coordinator.


Inspirational Quote from Pope Leo XIV



bottom of page