Articles by: Debra Vermeer

Celebration of First Profession of two Good Samaritan Sisters

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan celebrated a day of great joy recently when two novices made their First Profession. Debra Vermeer spoke to the young women, both from Kiribati.

Posted on: October 20, 2020

A life-long commitment to the transformative power of education

Patricia Staunton AM is passionate about education, particularly for young girls. Her upbringing and the faith of her parents gave her a respect for social justice, she tells Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: October 20, 2020

Saying thank you ‘with a song in my heart’

When Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley became Vice-Patron of the Good Samaritan Foundation, she penned a song about the work of the Good Sams and their partners, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: August 19, 2020

Phone ban will deprive refugees of a lifeline to the outside world

A move by the Australian Government to introduce legislation allowing the seizure of mobile phones from people held in immigration detention centres is unnecessary and cruel, according to refugee advocates.

Posted on: June 16, 2020

Responding to the call to care for adults and children at risk

For the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, creating a safe environment for all, especially children and adults at risk, is at the heart of who they are, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: June 16, 2020

Search for meaning drives desire to tell Good Sams' good news

Nichol Plumbe looks forward to sharing the stories of the Good Samaritan Sisters, both with an eye to tradition and to innovation for the future.

Posted on: October 16, 2019

Young teacher rides high with compassion

Faith and a strong desire to help young children get the best possible start to life has lead Joffrey Gayaran to become Good Samaritan Kinder School first male teacher, writes...

Posted on: September 18, 2019

Trailblazing 'woman of the Pacific' helping build a stronger future

“I want to see young women having an education, contributing to their societies and to the global stage.”

Posted on: August 20, 2019

Joanna Mead and Sr Lia van Haren SGS

Passing on the baton of history

The Good Sams archives are filled with a treasure trove of stories, as interesting as the stories of the archivists who keep them.

Posted on: July 17, 2019

It’s always been about the kids

Retiring Principal Frank Pitt’s love of teaching young people has been the motivation behind his vocation in Catholic education, now he’s pondering what do to after he leaves school.

Posted on: June 18, 2019

Mother and Child

Substance over style ‘Inn’ supporting mothers

Good Sam’s Inn and Housing ministries, provide significant support to mothers facing difficult times every day, not just on Mother’s Day, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: May 14, 2019

‘Do unto others’ sparks a lifetime of service

An ‘interesting life’ and practical desire to give back has spurred Patricia Purcell’s volunteer service to the community, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: April 16, 2019