From the Principal
Living Life to the Full (John 10:10)
At our last College Assembly, I focused on the real meaning behind living life to the full based on John 10:10.
Choosing What Gives Life
In a world where young people are surrounded by social media, influencers, notifications, gaming, advertising and constant streams of information, what does it mean to truly live “life to the full”?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us a powerful answer:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”John 10:10
For our students at Good Samaritan Catholic College, this message is particularly important. Jesus reminds us that our value does not come from the number of likes we receive, our follower count, the brands we wear, the phone we have, or the image we create online. Our lives have enormous value because we are created and loved by God.
Who Is Influencing You?
Social media can be a wonderful tool. It can connect us with friends and family, help us learn, provide opportunities for creativity and keep us connected with our communities. However, we need to be careful that the tool does not begin to control the person using it. Our students were encouraged to consider an important question: “Who is influencing me?”
Influencers are often very successful at capturing our attention and encouraging us to buy, watch, follow or believe something. Their online lives, however, are often carefully edited. We see the highlights, but not necessarily the mistakes, disappointments, struggles and ordinary moments that are part of every human life.
When we compare our real life with someone else's highlight reel, we can easily begin to think that our own lives are not good enough.
The Gospel offers us a very different message. Jesus does not tell us that we need to be perfect, popular or constantly admired. He invites us to discover the deeper meaning and purpose of our lives.
Real Success
Our society can sometimes suggest that success means having more – more money, more followers, more possessions, more likes, more status or more attention. The Gospel gives us a different understanding of success. Real success is becoming the person God created us to be.
It is being a loyal friend, forgiving others, working hard when nobody is watching, standing up for someone who is excluded, helping someone who is struggling and using our gifts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
This connects deeply with our identity as a Good Samaritan community. Our motto, “Journeying with Compassion,” reminds us that success is not simply about what we achieve; it is also about who we become while achieving it.
Being the Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan noticed someone in need. He could have walked past. He could have decided that someone else would help. Instead, he stopped, noticed, cared and acted. What might that look like in our College community today? It might mean noticing the student who is sitting alone. It might mean including someone who has been left out of a group chat. It might mean supporting someone who is struggling or refusing to join in when someone else is being laughed at online. It means looking up from our screens and noticing the people around us. Our students are always challenged to remember the question: “How can I help?”
Sometimes, the most important person in our “feed” isn't someone with thousands or millions of followers. It is the person sitting right next to us.
Choosing What Gives Life
Students were encouraged to pause and ask themselves some simple questions:
Am I choosing this, or is it choosing me?
Am I comparing my real life with someone else's carefully edited version?
Would I say this online if the person were standing directly in front of me?
Do I really need this, or have I simply been persuaded to want it?
These questions encourage us to use technology rather than allowing technology to use us. Jesus' invitation to “life to the full” is not a promise that life will always be easy. There will be challenges, failures and disappointments. However, Jesus reminds us that our lives have meaning and purpose, and that we do not have to face life's challenges alone.
As members of the Good Samaritan community, we belong to one another, most importantly, we belong to God. We should never allow an algorithm to tell us who we are, an influencer to determine our worth, or the number of likes we receive to measure our value. We are people created in the image and likeness of God.
As we continue Journeying with Compassion, may we choose friendships that make us better, experiences that create memories, faith that gives us purpose, kindness that strengthens others and service that makes a difference. That is how we become exceptional Good Samaritan People and that is how we begin to live the life Jesus promises:
Life to the Full.
Prayer – Life to the Full
Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of life and for Jesus’ promise, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Help us to remember that our worth is not measured by likes, followers, possessions or popularity, but by Your love for us.
Give us wisdom to use social media responsibly and courage to be ourselves rather than comparing ourselves with others.
Like the Good Samaritan, help us to look beyond ourselves, notice those in need, and ask:
“How can I help?”
May we live our values of Love, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Nurture and Service, and continue to Journey with Compassion.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Year Meeting Presentations - Respect for Yourself
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 your sons and daughters demonstrating Respecting for Themselves, which is based on our College's Four R's of respect:
As Catholics, we believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. God has given each of us the precious gift of life, and our worth does not depend on our appearance, the clothes we wear, the phone we own, our popularity, followers or likes on social media. Our true value comes from God.
Respecting ourselves means looking after our body, mind and soul. This includes taking pride in our College uniform and grooming, eating well, being active, getting enough sleep and developing positive study habits. It also means being mindful of social media and recognising when our online habits may be affecting our wellbeing.
Importantly, we were reminded that we also need to nourish our souls. We do this through prayer, kindness, gratitude and showing respect for others. Taking time to be with our families, putting our phones aside, listening to others and helping those in need are all ways we strengthen our relationships and grow as people.
This is at the heart of our Good Samaritan mission. Just as the Good Samaritan stopped to care for another person, we are called to look beyond ourselves and ask:
“How can I help?”
Respect for yourself is about recognising that you are created, valued and loved by God, while also using your life to care for others.
Look after yourself. Look after others. Nourish your soul.
This is how we continue to Journey with Compassion.
Outstanding Good Samaritan Students and Outstanding Good Samaritan People
Below are great examples of students demonstrating "Being the Good Samaritan" between Weeks 5 to 10 of Term 3.
Following the completion of their Trial HSC examinations, our Year 12 students took part in a Reflection Day. It provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on their journey so far.
Throughout the morning, students engaged in a variety of activities including affirmation writing, podcast conversations sharing memories and insights from their time at Good Samaritan, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Lectio Divina, learning about the life and witness of St Carlo Acutis, and a creative reflection on the significance of the Cross in their faith.
After enjoying a BBQ lunch together, the cohort gathered at Good Shepherd Catholic Church for Mass, celebrated by Fr Simon. It was a day of faith, gratitude and community as our Year 12 students look ahead to the final chapter of their school journey.
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Good Samaritan Day 2026 was another vibrant celebration of our College spirit, faith and community!
The morning kicked off with whole-school trivia, followed by a reverent Mass organised by Mr. Bradbury and led by Fr. Simon, with music coordinated by our CAPA team.
Fortunately, the weather worked in our favour - the carnival stalls organised by our students and staff were a resounding success, creating a fantastic atmosphere across the College. The afternoon concert brought the day to an unforgettable close, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent of many of our students and staff. The winning house of the House Cup was also announced - well done to all students from DePaul House!
A sincere thank you to our Special Events & Media Team, whose behind-the-scenes expertise and dedication ensured the entire day ran seamlessly!
The WorldSkills competitions were recently held at our St Joseph Trades Skills Centre. It showcased students, trainers, and teachers working together to create authentic workplace learning experiences and high-quality competitions. Students demonstrated enterprise, initiative, problem-solving, self-management, and a willingness to learn in real-world scenarios. During National Skills Week and its theme, “Life Changing Skills,” it is a timely reminder of the opportunities VET provides and the impact these experiences have on future pathways. Our St Joseph Trades Skills Centre develops these life-changing skills every day, and we congratulate everyone involved in supporting students to achieve their best.
The 2026 Sydney Catholic Schools 10:10 Conference was recently held at Good Samaritan Catholic College, bringing together Year 10 students from across Sydney Catholic Schools for a day of faith, reflection and connection. The conference created a vibrant opportunity for students to “live life to the full” through music, prayer and inspiring conversation. Throughout the day, students engaged in group discussions exploring relationships and decision-making, participated in communal prayer, and were offered the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Keynote speakers Fr Sheldon Burke and Sofia Mifsud delivered powerful and engaging presentations, encouraging students to reflect on their values, choices and call to live with purpose. The day was enriched by uplifting music, praise and worship led by Chris Keryakos, All Saints Youth, and Koe Evangelista and his talented band, creating an atmosphere of faith and community. The conference provided a meaningful experience that inspired students to deepen their faith and embrace the opportunities and challenges of their journeys with confidence and hope.
Our Father’s Day Mass was a wonderful occasion, bringing together fathers, grandfathers, carers and families from across our College community. Guests enjoyed a warm afternoon of celebration, including a special afternoon tea and the opportunity to share in this meaningful liturgy with their children.
In this edition of GSCC Insight, we hear from a number of students as they reflect on the important role their fathers and father figures play in their lives. Through heartfelt words of appreciation and gratitude, our students acknowledge the guidance, support and encouragement they receive from these significant role models.
The College extends its warmest wishes to all fathers and father figures for a happy and blessed Father’s Day!
We proudly congratulate Lavin of Year 12, recipient of the 2026 Archbishop of Sydney Award for Student Excellence. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Lavin's dedication to learning, leadership, service and commitment to the values of our College community. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved achievement.
We also acknowledge Dumiana, who represented our College as the citation reader, presenting Lavin's achievements with confidence and poise.
A special thank you to our College Captains, Emilia and Daniel, who served as student hosts alongside Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Sydney Catholic Schools Executive Director Danielle Cronin during the ceremony. Their leadership and professionalism were a wonderful reflection of our College.
Congratulations once again to Lavin on this outstanding achievement. Your success is a source of great pride for our College and an inspiration to our community.
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.
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.
Applications for Leave for students completing their HSC Course will be automatically denied unless there is evidence of a serious/critical emergency situation.
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
