Good Samaritan celebrates first graduating class

Good Samaritan Catholic College inaugural Captains Tai Hibberd and Poppy Tindal  with Principal Greg Myers and Golden Heart award-winner Kade Venables.

Good Samaritan Catholic College Bli Bli  marked a historic milestone recently (15 November) when its foundation year 7 students graduated from year 12. 

To honour their legacy, the College community gathered to witness the students make a final walk through a guard of honour, formed by the entire student body. 

Foundation Principal Greg Myers, who will also retire this year, said six years ago the College opened its doors and “after years of growth and tradition-building, we bid farewell to our foundation cohort”. 

“Our foundation students have set the bar high, especially in public speaking and community spirit. They’ve been the role models of our school,” he said. 

“Their legacy includes initiating new traditions, such as the Golden Heart Award, created by the College Captains to honour the Year 12 student who best embodies the values of Good Samaritan.” 

This year Kade Venables was awarded the Golden Heart award. Mr Myers said the foundation student and House Captain showed exemplary commitment through his participation in outreach programs, school initiatives, sporting teams, and his kindness toward others. 

“Kade like all our foundation students have always been leaders at our College,” he said. 

“As the oldest students since the school first opened in 2019, the foundation class has been instrumental in shaping the culture and setting the standards for future cohorts.  

“Their positive contributions have left a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of the young people they’ve all become.  

“We hope they carry forward the values of their education, becoming the best versions of themselves.”

Foundation Principal saying goodbye

Greg Myers, who has been with Good Samaritan Catholic College since its inception, will also be finishing his role at the end of 2024, making this graduation especially poignant.  

Under his leadership, the school has grown from a College of 172 students and 27 staff to nearly 1200 students and 140 staff members in 2024, while fostering a supportive and vibrant environment for all. 

Greg said that to end his education career alongside the foundation students was “truly a full-circle moment”.  

“Watching them grow from Year 7 students into confident, compassionate young adults has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he said.  “It’s a bittersweet farewell, but I know they are ready to take on the world, and I couldn’t be prouder of the legacy they leave behind.”  

• For more information about Good Samaritan Catholic College Bli Bli visit www.goodsamaritan.qld.edu.au.