Year 12, Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness and the HSC Showcase

As we go to print for this edition of The Good Samaritan, our Year 12 students return from the Trial HSC exams. I want to acknowledge the effort, persistence, and resilience they have shown throughout this demanding period. Trials are often described as a “practice run,” but for many students they feel like the real thing. It is natural that some results may not be what students had hoped for. What matters most now, however, is not the mark on the page but how they use the feedback to grow. Every piece of feedback is a step forward – an opportunity to identify strengths, address gaps, and refine strategies for the HSC ahead.

This year group holds a special place in our community. They were the very first cohort to begin our school’s G.E.M. program when they arrived in Year 7. The principles of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness – inspired by Hugh van Cuylenburg’s Resilience Project work – remain as relevant today as they were then. As they navigate the final weeks of their school journey, I encourage our Year 12 students to carry these values with them: to be grateful for the support around them, to show empathy for others, especially their peers who may be feeling the same pressures, and to approach each challenge with mindfulness and balance. 

For those of our Year 12s who have completed a HSC subject with a Major Project we are excited to celebrate these projects at our upcoming HSC Major Project Showcase on Friday 29th August 6-8pm in the Good Samaritan Hall. The evening will consist of an exhibition and performances of major projects from the HSC Creative & Performing Arts and TAS faculties, and catering from our TAS department. We are incredibly proud of Year 12 and look forward to walking alongside them as they take their final steps toward graduation. 

Upcoming Careers Breakfast

You may have noticed in recent Announcements and Socials our next BPC Careers Breakfast event will be held on the 4th September, with the focus: Working in the Community. All are welcome.

This leads me to point out that it is no surprise that BPC graduates are highly sought after in the community. Whether pursuing tertiary studies, apprenticeships, traineeships or entering the workforce, our former students are recognised for their commitment, capability and character. The reputation of our College goes before them, opening doors and building trust.

This is why it is so important that we continue to uphold the high standards of learning, behaviour and integrity that BPC is known for. Every student contributes to our shared reputation, and every achievement adds to the story of pride we hold as a community.

All families with children enrolled at the College have signed a Statement of Understanding. This highlights the expectation that students will demonstrate politeness, tolerance, cooperation, and self-discipline, while also taking pride in their uniform and appearance – not just at school but also when travelling to and from the College or representing BPC in the wider community. These qualities help sustain the strong reputation our graduates enjoy.

At times, we ask parents and carers to partner with us by reinforcing these expectations – encouraging responsibility, guiding decision-making, and reminding students that their actions reflect not only on themselves but on their peers and the College as a whole. Together, we can help our young people grow into graduates who carry the values of BPC with pride.

Angela McEnearney

Acting Assistant Principal