From the Principal

Living as Pilgrims of Hope: Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical and Our Mission at Good Samaritan Catholic College

On 15 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence). Published on the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, the document is not simply about artificial intelligence. Rather, it is a profound reflection on what it means to be truly human, reminding us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inherent dignity that no technology, ideology, or social system can diminish.

The Holy Father acknowledges that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can achieve remarkable things and bring enormous benefits to society. However, he also warns that technology must always remain at the service of the human person and the common good. Human beings are far more than information or data. We are capable of love, compassion, forgiveness, creativity, moral responsibility, and relationships with God and one another, qualities that no machine can ever replace.

A Call to Build a More Human World

At the heart of Magnifica Humanitas is a simple but powerful question, What kind of world are we building?

Pope Leo XIV challenges us to choose between building a society driven by power, efficiency, and self-interest, or one founded on truth, justice, human dignity, solidarity, and peace. He reminds us that progress should never come at the expense of people and that every innovation should be judged by whether it helps humanity flourish.

The encyclical is particularly relevant for young people. Today's students are growing up in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, social media, and constant digital connection. Pope Leo encourages us to use these gifts wisely—to seek truth rather than misinformation, to build authentic relationships rather than superficial connections, and to ensure that technology always strengthens rather than replaces our humanity.

Living Magnifica Humanitas at Good Samaritan Catholic College

The message of Magnifica Humanitas resonates deeply with the mission of our College.

Our College motto, "Journeying with Compassion," reminds us that education is about far more than academic success. It is about forming exceptional Good Samaritan People and exceptional Good Samaritan Students who recognise the dignity of every person and respond with generosity and love.

The encyclical also echoes the message of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan saw a wounded stranger and chose not to walk past. He stopped. He noticed. He acted. He gave his time, his resources, and his compassion to restore another person's dignity. This is precisely what Pope Leo XIV calls us to do in today's world.

In an age where technology can sometimes distance us from one another, we are challenged to become people who truly see others—not merely as usernames, statistics, or problems to solve, but as brothers and sisters created by God.

How Can We Live out the message of Magnifica Humanitas?

Pope Leo XIV's message invites each of us to:

• Put people before technology.

• Use artificial intelligence and digital tools ethically and responsibly.

• Protect the dignity of every human person.

• Build genuine relationships through kindness, respect, and compassion.

• Seek truth and reject misinformation.

• Serve others with humility and generosity.

• Become builders of peace within our families, school, parish, and wider community.

Prayer – Living as Good Samaritans

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of Jesus, who teaches us through the parable of the Good Samaritan to love our neighbour with compassion and generosity.

As we reflect on the message of Pope Leo XIV in Magnifica Humanitas, help us to always recognise the dignity of every person and to use our gifts and talents in the service of others.

Bless our Good Samaritan Catholic College community. May we live our values of Love, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Nurture, and Service, and always have the courage to ask, "How can I help?"

May we bring hope where there is despair, kindness where there is hurt, and the light of Christ to everyone we meet.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Outstanding Good Samaritan Students and Outstanding Good Samaritan People

Below are great examples of students demonstrating "Being the Good Samaritan" between Weeks 5 and 10 of Term 2.

Our Year 7 cohort had an inspiring reflection day at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, which was centred on being the Good Samaritan. Guided by their dedicated RE teachers, the students participated in various activities, including learning more about the great opportunities that exist at the College to build upon their faith. The day concluded with a beautiful prayer service, leaving our newest high school students feeling deeply connected to God, themselves, and each other.

A big congratulations to Lucas of Year 9 on earning his place in the NSWCCC 16 Years & Under Basketball Team – a tremendous accomplishment!

This selection reflects the hard work and commitment he has put into his sport. We’re proud of Lucas' achievement and look forward to seeing him compete at the next level!

We are thrilled to recognise Leilani of Year 9 on being selected to be part of the NSWCCC 15 Years & Under Netball Team – an outstanding achievement!

Leilani's selection is a reflection of the consistency and determination she brings to her sport. We’re excited to see Leilani take this next step and wish her a fantastic experience in the upcoming competition!

Our Year 7 students are having a great time at the Great Aussie Bush Camp! The excitement has been non-stop, with students soaring on the giant swing, taking on the leap of faith, and teaming up to conquer the orienteering challenge.

Congratulations to Christine, Carla and Kaelyn, who were recently awarded scholarships from the Liverpool Catholic Club.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Liverpool Catholic Club for generously supporting our 2025 HSC students across Arts, Vocational and Trade Training, as well as the College Dux. We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students!

We are proud to celebrate the selection of two of our Year 11 students for the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program – a wonderful initiative delivered in partnership with Sydney Catholic Schools and Australian Catholic University.

This program provides students with a valuable head start on their teaching careers, allowing them to complete university-level units while still at school.

Congratulations to Tayla and Joshua on their successful selection and commitment to this exciting journey. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in the future!

A number of our students recently competed in the SCS Chess Gala Day at St Anthony of Padua Catholic College, joining around 150 participants from across Sydney Catholic Schools.

Our 23 tournament representatives showcased great focus and sportsmanship across multiple rounds of strategic matches. It was a fantastic day of chess, filled with close games and excellent strategic play.

Congratulations to all our players for representing the College so well, and thank you to the organisers for hosting such a successful event!

A number of our talented students recently represented the College at the Sydney Catholic Schools Drama Eisteddfod at Southern Cross College, Burwood.

Students demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and strong performance skills across Improvisation, Scripted Performance and Self-Devised sections. It was wonderful to see their dedication to the dramatic arts and their support of one another throughout the day.

Congratulations to all students involved for their outstanding efforts and commitment! We also extend our thanks to staff for their organisation, guidance and encouragement, which made this experience possible.

The College recently celebrated Wellbeing Week 2026! This year, our community focused on gratitude, connection and spiritual renewal. From sharing what we are thankful for to coming together as a school community, it was a week filled with joy and reflection. Thank you to all students and staff who shared their wonderful moments of gratitude, positive energy and connection that made Wellbeing Week such an uplifting and unforgettable experience for everyone.

What a wonderful afternoon of connection and school spirit where students and staff wore green and gold to cheer on the Socceroos in their FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay! The school was alive with absolute energy as everyone gathered to enjoy the game and celebrate our community. Along with the football excitement, it was also a great opportunity to support a good cause, with donations raised for the Catholic Education Foundation.

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.

On the Move Road Safety for Parents/Carers

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