Good Samaritan Catholic College

Infobox Secondary school
name = Good Samaritan Catholic College

motto = "Journey With Compassion"
established = 1999
type = Catholic/Semi-Private Secondary
affiliations =
founder =
principal = Mr. John Lo Casio
chairman =
enrolment = approx. 1050 (2007)
grades = 7–12
colours = White and Maroon with Black Blazers
campus = Urban
city = Hinchinbrook, New South Wales in Sydney
state = NSW
country = Australia
website = http://www.goodsamaritan.nsw.edu.au/

Good Samaritan Catholic College is a secondary high school located Hinchinbrook, Sydney. The College was officially blessed and Opened on Sunday, 12th September 1999 by Bishop David Cremin, and designed as a co-educational college, as demand for an additional catholic secondary school continually increased in the hinchinbrook and liverpool region. Since the opening in 1999, the school has grown from 99 Year 7 students the opening day, to a diverse group of year 7-12 consisting of approximately 1050 students. Good Samaritan, or more commonly known as 'Good Sam' or 'GSCC', is one of the newest high schools in the NSW state and has grown to be an impressive representative at Sydney inter-school competitions in the academic, junior and senior sporting championships, and creative and performing arts tournaments.

The College was designed to be built in 5 stages. The building program was finalised on the 22nd September 2006. It comprises Administration/Staff Areas, General Learning Areas, a Science Block, Library, a Performing Arts Complex, Basketball/Tennis Courts and Technology & Applied Studies facilities.

Students come from the surrounding Parishes of Hoxton Park/Hinchinbrook, Austral, Lurnea and Sadlier/Miller. Feeder schools include St Therese Sadlier/Miller, St Francis Xavier, Lurnea, Good Shepherd Hoxton Park and St Catherine of Siena Prestons. The college population is made up of many different backgrounds, 75% of the population being from language backgrounds other than English.

Mission Statement

Our name Good Samaritan Catholic College and our motto "Journeying with bum fluff" offer us a challenge and mandate to live the good news of the Gospel in the context of our times.We acknowledge that each person is on a life-long journey which is a continuous process that reaches beyond schooling. We are called to enrich and empower each student to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will give us an appreciation of the fullness of life.

We acknowledge the individuality of all members of our community and value the gifts they bring with them to our shared journey. All members of our community are encouraged to explore their potential and to strive for personal excellence.

Compassion is an integral part of our journey. The call to journey with compassion is a Gospel imperative which demands each one of us a spirit of service, a sense of justice and a search for truth. It acknowledges the dignity of every member of our community and calls each one of us to act with courage and integrity.

The Good Samaritan Catholic College community is committed to quality education. Our challenge is to make a positive contribution to the transformation of society by encouraging independent and creative thinkers to search out new ways of dealing with our rapidly changing world. As a community truly journeying with compassion, we will come to better understand the Gospel message, to grow as individuals and to help each other build the Kingdom of God.

The Crest

In "Journeying with Compassion", we live the Gospel message of Good Samaritan Catholic College. Our context in this journey is threefold:

We live in the Land of the Southern Cross. Therefore, we are able to journey with our neighbours who come from so many backgrounds; the Australian Aboriginal peoples as well as peoples from every country in the world. Within a context of such diversity we rightly pray, 'let us be one' (John 17:21)

Our second context is The Journey of the Cross. Our baptism calls us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in all the circumstances of our daily living and learning. As a faith community, we believe not only in the power of the Cross, but also in the victory of the resurrection which awaits us all.

The hands reaching out provide our third context. They call to mind the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) in which the good samaritan who chose to be "moved with compassion", acted as a real neighbour to the traveller who was left for dead. We always journey with others, and often with people who need a helping hand. Our situation at Good Samaritan Catholic College as a faith community, places us in a position to reach out to all, especially those within our community.

The 6 House Partons

The foundational story of Good Samaritan Catholic College is the story of the “Good Samaritan”.

The theme of this story is summarized in the College motto “Journeying with Compassion”. Through the ages, both in Australia and in the wider world community there are countless examples of inspired women and men who have chosen to live out their journeys with compassion. The essence of this story has been demonstrated over and over again through vision, leadership, a passion for justice, a commitment to education, a love of our land Australia, a desire to build a church grounded in the spirit of the Gospel and unfailing hope in the future.

In 2000 six House Patrons were chosen: They were significant Catholics who journeyed with compassion in the context of their own times and who used their different gifts to work towards making the Kingdom come. The House Patrons provide us with a snapshot of the Church’s history. Three are male and three female. Two House patrons chose to found educational orders, two worked for social justice and two contributed to the building of the Church in Australia.

The six House Patrons are Caroline Chisholm, St Vincent de Paul, St John Baptist de La Salle, Blessed Mary MacKillop, St Angela Merici and Bishop John Bede Polding. CAROLINE CHISHOLM (GOLD)

In 1839 in Australia, Caroline Chisholm set up structures to accommodate and employ young people in the colonies. She had an idea of what this small colony could become and she worked tirelessly to build the future of this country.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL (RED)

In 1581 in France, St Vincent de Paul provided food and shelter for the homeless, the alcoholics, the outcast and the hungry. He had a commitment to social justice, which he demonstrated in practical ways to answer the needs of the people he saw around him.

ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (ROYAL BLUE)

In 1680 in France, John Baptist de La Salle began an order of Brothers to educate those in need. As founder of the order he has popularised a visionary and revolutionary approach to education, catering for the needs of those around him and demonstrating the courage to begin a new order in education.

BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP (ORANGE)

In 1866 in Australia, Mary MacKillop responded to the needs of her community, working to provide education for all. She had an appreciation of this young nation, Australia, and found new ways to educate and to be a member of a religious congregation in an Australian context.

ST ANGELA MERICI (GREEN)

In 1535 in Brescia, Italy, Angela Merici began a religious order to educate and inspire the young. As leader of that congregation, Angela Merici offered inspiration, service and conviction in the founding of the first teaching order of women.

BISHOP JOHN BEDE POLDING (PURPLE)

In 1835 John Bede Polding was appointed first Bishop of Sydney. His plan built the foundations of our Australian Catholic Church based always on the hope of what could be achieved with faith, love and passion.

Notable School Events

Good Samaritan Day - is the annual school day usually hosted at the end of term 3. The day compresses of a liturgy in the morning either in school grounds or at Mt. Prichard Church, an events afternoon which changes annually, and a school concert which compresses of 15-20 music, dance, and drama performances from all grades.

Walkathon – is the school ‘walk marathon’ which includes a 12km hike to raise money for the needy in the local community.

Swimming/Athletics Carnivals – is the school competitions between the 6 houses of GSCC in both the swimming pool and on the tracks. These 2 events are hosted annually

Beach Day – The school celebrates the end of each year by hosting a beach day. It usually takes place along the shores of Wollongong on the last day of term 4.