From the Principal

Mary: A Model of Faith, Service and Compassion

The Solemnity of the Assumption and the Good Samaritan Community

As we recently celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are invited to reflect on the extraordinary example Mary gives to us as people of faith and, particularly, as members of the Good Samaritan Catholic College community.

The Assumption celebrates our belief that Mary was taken into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. It is a feast of hope: Mary stands as a sign of what is possible when a life is centred on God, faith, love and service. Pope Leo XIV has described Mary as an icon of hope for the Church and reminded us that her life calls us to choose how and for whom we will live.

Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Mary's story is that her response to God was not passive. Following the Annunciation, Mary "arose and went" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She carried Jesus within her and immediately went to serve another person. Pope Francis reflected that Mary's journey to Elizabeth represents the pattern of her whole life: she continually moved towards others in service.

At Good Samaritan Catholic College, our motto "Journeying with Compassion" calls us to live this same way. We are called to be people who recognise the dignity of every person and are prepared to ask the simple but transformative question: "How can I help?"

Mary's example can be seen through each of our six College values:

• LOVE – Mary shows us a love that is generous and self-giving. We can live this value by treating every person with dignity, kindness and respect.

  
  

• JUSTICE – Mary's Magnificat celebrates a God who lifts up the humble and cares for those who are vulnerable. We are called to stand for fairness and speak up when others are treated unjustly.

  
  

• MERCY – Mary continually points us towards the mercy and love of God. We can demonstrate mercy through forgiveness, patience and giving others opportunities to begin again.

  
  

• COMPASSION – Mary travelled to Elizabeth because she recognised that her cousin needed support. Like the Good Samaritan, she teaches us to notice the needs of others and respond.

  
  

• NURTURE – Mary nurtured Jesus and supported Him throughout His life. At our College, nurturing means creating an environment where every student can grow academically, spiritually, emotionally and personally.

  
  

• SERVICE – Mary described herself as the "handmaid of the Lord." Her greatness was found not in status or power, but in her willingness to serve. Pope Francis has highlighted this connection between Mary, service to neighbour and praise of God.

The Assumption therefore gives us an important message for our College community. We are people on a journey. We journey through school, through our relationships, through challenges and celebrations, and ultimately towards God.

Mary shows us how to make that journey with faith, humility, courage and a willingness to serve.

The Good Samaritan shows us how to make that journey with our eyes open to those around us and our hearts ready to respond.

Together, these two powerful examples remind us that being Catholic is not simply about what we believe. It is about how we live.

May our Blessed Mother Mary continue to inspire our students, staff and families to become people of hope who bring Christ to others through their words and actions. May we continue to live our College values and ensure that the spirit of the Good Samaritan is visible in our classrooms, playgrounds, homes, parish and wider community.

May we, like Mary, always be willing to arise and go, to notice, to serve, to nurture and to love.

And may we never forget that every journey with another person provides an opportunity to see the face of Christ and ask: "How can I help?"

Prayer

Loving God,

We thank You for the example of Mary,a woman of faith, hope, courage and service.

Help us to follow her example by saying yes to You,by caring for others,and by bringing hope wherever we go.

May we live the values of Love, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Nurture and Service.

Like Mary and the Good Samaritan, help us to notice those in need,to stop, to listen and to respond with generous hearts.

May we continue to Journey with Compassion,bringing the love of Christ to everyone we meet.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Amen.

Year Meeting Presentations - Respect for Others

I recently delivered a very serious presentation to all Year 7 to 11 students during our Year Meetings in Week 4 of this term, below is a summary of my presentation and I ask parents/carers to have a discussion with your sons and daughters regarding the importance of Respect for Others, which is based on our College's Four R's of respect:

Outstanding Good Samaritan Students and Outstanding Good Samaritan People

Below are great examples of students demonstrating "Being the Good Samaritan" between Weeks 1 and 5 of Term 3.

Good Samaritan Catholic College recently hosted an inspiring SCS 10:10 Project Youth Night! Students from several Sydney Catholic Schools gathered to connect, share their faith and explore what it means to live life to the full.

The night featured a powerful keynote address by Tomasz Juszczak from Donum Ministries who challenged our young people to reflect deeply on their purpose, identity and modern faith, with the atmosphere beautifully elevated by praise and worship music from All Saints Youth. Students also experienced a peaceful period of Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation for personal prayer and renewal.

A wonderful highlight was the student-led podcast booth, which gave our young people a creative and modern space to jump on the microphone and share their unique perspectives on faith.

Thank you to the SCS 10:10 Project team, our dedicated staff, and all the visiting schools who made this memorable night such a wonderful success!

We were very proud to celebrate a Syriac Catholic Mass in our College Chapel for the very first time. This was a special and enriching experience for our students. We extend our sincere thanks to Monsignor Lenard (Youhanna) Ina and Fr Majid Al-Hanna for leading this beautiful celebration. We look forward to continuing this initiative next term.

It has been an exhilarating finish to the Term 2 SCS Representative Sport Competition. Congratulations to the GSCC Intermediate Girls Netball team on winning the SCS Interschool Sport Conference Final! The team played exceptionally well throughout the competition and should be incredibly proud of this outstanding achievement.

Well done also to our Junior and Intermediate Boys Soccer teams. While they were not victorious in their Grand Finals, they demonstrated outstanding resilience and teamwork, which are qualities that truly reflect the spirit of GSCC.

Thank you to all participating schools for a series of fantastic matches and for showcasing such impressive talent, dedication and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Our Year 12 students recently sat their Trial HSC Examinations. This is an important milestone in their final year, and a reflection of the dedication and effort you have shown throughout your studies. We continue to pray that they stay focused, believe in their preparation, and approach each exam with confidence. We are proud of all you have achieved so far and wish you every continued success!

Our Year 8 students recently took part in a vibrant Italian Incursion! From sharpening their conversational Italian and tasting authentic pizza and gelato to engaging in traditional games and cultural activities, they fully embraced lo spirito italiano. Grazie mille to our amazing teachers and organisers who brought this incredible day together!

Just before their Trial HSC Examinations, our Year 12 Studies of Religion students had a valuable and enriching learning experience at the Central Synagogue in Bondi. Through a guided tour of the Synagogue, students deepened their understanding of Judaism and its lived traditions in a meaningful and engaging way. A highlight of the visit was hearing the powerful testimony of a Holocaust survivor, providing a profound opportunity for reflection and connection with living history. Students also participated in a lecture on Jewish marriage, gaining valuable insights to support their HSC studies and develop a deeper appreciation of the beliefs and practices that shape Jewish life. It was a memorable day of learning, reflection and interfaith understanding.

Congratulations to the GSCC Chess Club on achieving Overall School Champions, securing 1st place at the recent Sydney Chess Academy Interschool Chess Challenge! A special congratulations to Jaeven in Year 7, who delivered an exceptional performance to become the undefeated Individual Champion of the Secondary Division. Competing against students up to six years his senior, Jaeven's achievement is a remarkable testament to his talent and skill. Well done to all members of the GSCC Chess Club on this outstanding success!

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:

• 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.

Standing Principal Newsletter Items

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