From the Principal
- Pablo Grana
- Jun 29
- 10 min read
Pentecost
As we journey through the liturgical year, we recently celebrated one of the most significant feasts in the life of the Church—Pentecost. Often referred to as the "birthday of the Church," Pentecost marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, transforming them from fearful followers into courageous proclaimers of the Gospel (Acts 2:1–4). This moment of divine empowerment is not only a pivotal event in salvation history but also a living reality for us today.
The name "Pentecost" comes from the Greek word meaning "fiftieth," as it occurs 50 days after Easter. For the Apostles, it was a fulfillment of Christ's promise to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who would guide and strengthen them. It was the beginning of their mission to spread the Good News to all nations—an enduring mission that we, as members of the Church, are called to continue.
Pope Leo XIII, who had a profound devotion to the Holy Spirit, once wrote:
“We ought to pray to and invoke the Holy Spirit, for each one of us greatly needs His protection and His help. The more a man is deficient in wisdom, weak in strength, borne down with trouble, prone to sin, so much the more should he fly to Him who is the never-ceasing fount of light, strength, consolation, and holiness.”
(Divinum Illud Munus, 1897)
This message resonates deeply in our modern world. Amid the noise, uncertainty, and fast-paced nature of our lives, Pentecost reminds us that we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is with us—guiding, comforting, and equipping us to be people of faith, hope, and love. For parents especially, the Spirit offers wisdom in raising children, strength in facing challenges, and peace in the everyday busyness of life.
As a family, consider ways you can be more open to the Holy Spirit: through daily prayer, moments of quiet reflection, acts of kindness, or simply asking the Spirit for guidance in your decisions.
In doing so, you participate in the very mission the Apostles began over two thousand years ago.
May the Spirit of Pentecost continue to renew our hearts and homes.
Outstanding Good Samaritan People and Students
Below are great examples of outstanding Good Samaritan People and Students from Week 5 to Week 10 of Term 2:
Our talented dancers truly excelled at the recent SCS Dance Eisteddfod, taking home an incredible set of results across Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Cultural categories. Highlights included 1st place in Lyrical and Jazz, plus additional placings in Jazz (3rd), Hip Hop (2nd), and Cultural (4th). Our students impressed with their energy, talent, and professionalism throughout the event. A special thank you to Mrs Georgieff, Mrs Tomic and all the staff and choreographers who helped make this event such a huge success!
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A number of our students recently assisted with the landscaping for the new monument to St Joseph the Worker at the St Joseph Trades Skills Centre. Thank you to Mr Gatto for planning and overseeing the project. The statue of St Joseph the Worker has been installed, as we prepare to celebrate the St Joseph Trade Skills Centre’s 10th Anniversary.
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Congratulations to our Drama Stars. A number of our Year 7 and 8 students represented Good Samaritan Catholic College at the SCS Drama Eisteddfod, showcasing fantastic energy, creativity and professionalism. Below are the results:
1st Place in Self-Devised Ensemble – Jimai, Maryan, Camilla and Violet (Yr 7) with a quirky take on Romeo and Juliet.
Highly Commended – Ella (Yr 7), Serena, Ridhi, Jessica and Indira (Yr 8) with a fresh twist on Cinderella.
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Our talented Year 12 Hospitality class recently hosted their final service period task - a beautifully prepared dinner for family and staff. The students showcased their skills in planning, cooking and front-of-house service, where they delivered a professional and enjoyable dining experience. It was a fantastic evening that highlighted their hard work, teamwork and passion for the hospitality industry.
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Ten Sydney Catholic Schools students competed on the national stage at WorldSkills Australia in Brisbane, on June 12 to 14. Two of the students in the team of 10 (20% of the team) were from Good Samaritan CAtholic College, Phoenix Ouk (Automotive) and Carla Loria (Cookery).
We are very proud of Carla and Phoenix' achievements at this national competition and congratulate them for representing Catholic Schools NSW and Sydney Catholic Schools. They demonstrated on a national level. what VET is all about—precision, passion, and purpose.
Staff Professional Learning Day - Monday 21st July 2025
There will be no classes on Monday 21st July as Good Samaritan Catholic College staff will participate in a Staff Professional Day, this also includes staff of the Specialist Support Classes. Please contact the College office If your child/ren require supervision on the day.
Future Calendar Planning - Staff Professional Learning Days for the Remainder of 2025
For future planning for all families, Staff Professional Learning Days for the remainder of 2025 are on the following days and dates:
Monday 4th August
Friday 26th September
Monday 13th October
Friday 21st November
Please contact the College if you require supervision for your child/ren on any of these dates.
Notice of Australian Government - Non Government School Census - Friday 1st August 2025
On Friday 1st August 2025, the Australian Government requires all non-government schools to complete a yearly Census. Please find below the following links to important documents that explain what data will be collected, including SCS Policies:
Also please find the following document linked that is related to students who are part of NCCD:
NCCD Parent Fact Sheet - (For this fact sheet in other languages, please click on this link)
Important Reminder: 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 remind all parents/carers that once their sons/daughters are dropped off in the morning inside the College grounds, they are to remain on the College grounds and are not permitted to leave to visit the local shops.
Our Duty of Care Obligations require that all students, once on College grounds, remain on College grounds until the end of the day.
If students are found to be leaving the College grounds once dropped off before school, this will be followed up with in accordance with consequences for truancy.
If students wish to access the shops before school, we advise parents/carers to drop them off safely outside of the College grounds.
We thank all parents/carers and students in advance for 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
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.
Online Safety At Home
We ask parents/carers to keep a close eye on their sons/daughters to ensure they are safely using the internet. We also encourage all students to communicate any unsafe or threatening online behaviour to their parents/carers immediately. Parents/Carers are then advised to contact Police and/or the eSafety Commissioner if there are any serious concerns regarding online behaviour.
For more information, please visit the eSafety Commissioners Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Inspirational Quote from Pope Leo XIV
