When the Good Samaritan Foundation’s Scholarship Program was launched in late 2013, one student was awarded a scholarship. A year later, interest in and support of the program has meant that seven more students have received scholarships from the Foundation.
These seven senior secondary students – all from Good Samaritan Education Colleges (five from Sydney, one from Wollongong and one from Melbourne) – were presented their scholarships during a special event last month at St Scholastica’s College, Glebe in Sydney.
Around 100 supporters of the Foundation gathered for the presentation, including award sponsors Tony Carroll representing Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers and Patsy Healy of WN Bull Funerals, principals of Good Samaritan Education Colleges, the Hon Jamie Parker MP, State Member for Balmain, Sister Clare Condon, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, and many Good Samaritan Sisters.
The scholarships will cover (in full or in part) each student’s tuition costs for years 11 and 12 at a Good Samaritan College.
“The Foundation is delighted to offer these scholarships which support the local community and assist families facing particular challenges,” said Catherine Cresswell, the Good Samaritan Foundation’s newly appointed Executive Director.
“The Good Samaritan Foundation is committed to creating more life-changing opportunities for young people facing disadvantage. Good Samaritan Education Scholarships allow students to attend or continue their schooling in the nurturing environment of a Good Samaritan College,” said Catherine.
Sarah Camm of Mater Christi College, Belgrave in Melbourne feels “very privileged” to have been selected for a scholarship.
“The scholarship has provided security for me and my mother particularly in knowing that I can continue to go to a good school… It has taken some financial pressure off my family and meant that they can support me in other ways,” she explained.
For Sarah, attending the scholarship presentation also proved to be beneficial in other ways.
“I had never been to Sydney before,” she said.
“It was great to meet the students from the other Good Samaritan schools and to realise how many people support Good Samaritan Education.
“On another level, spending a couple of days in Sydney for the first time was great. I was lucky enough to have been given some time to explore the city and the harbour. As a passionate musician, it was really exciting to visit the Opera House.”
The scholarship program is one of many initiatives supported by the Good Samaritan Foundation.
The Foundation began in 1999 to provide ongoing finances and resources to support the works and ministries established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Some of the key projects of the Sisters include The Good Samaritan Inn in Melbourne, which provides safe accommodation to women and children escaping domestic violence, Good Samaritan Housing in Brisbane, which provides accommodation for young homeless mums and children, and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
In 2014-15 the Foundation began a new chapter in its life with a new Board of Directors and an Executive Director, as well as the relocation of its offices from Brisbane to Sydney to establish a more national focus.
If you’re interested in supporting the work of the Good Samaritan Foundation, contact Catherine Cresswell, Executive Director, on Ph: (02) 8752 5300.
