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Good Counsel College was formed in 1975 as a result of the merger of the girls' school (Sacred Heart) conducted by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and the boys' school conducted by the Marist Brothers. It is a parish school maintained by the parish of Innisfail and South Johnstone / Mourilyan, however it acts as a regional school for students as far south as Tully and Mission Beach, in the west to Millaa Millaa and in the north to Babinda. The Catholic Education Office for the Diocese of Cairns also provides supervision of and support for the College.
 * Charism – the on glowing Light for the Journey **
 * Situational Analysis of the Good Samaritan Charism at Good Counsel College, Innisfail **

The name ' Good Counsel ' refers to the good advice that Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave to the servants at the wedding feast of Cana, when Jesus turned the pitchers of water into wine at the request of his mother (John 2: 1-11). The 'good counsel' which Mary gave the servants was to do whatever he (Jesus) tells you to do. This remains fine advice for all members of our school community. We need to be open to the word of Christ and respond accordingly. The development of the Good Samaritan Sisters charism within the College will assist in providing a well-rounded and rich Catholic education for all students. Over the years there has been a steady decline in the concentration upon the mission of the founding orders in Catholic education (Green, 2000). John Paul II outlined however that ‘all spiritual works lead to and from Jesus.’ With 2009 seeing a new Principal appointed to the College, the emphasis is on developing the Good Samaritan Charism within the College, in order to recapture the spirit of our founders. The laity have also been asked to take up the challenge in our schools to maintain the appropriate knowledge, prominence and celebration of the Founding charisms of their school. McDonald, 2009).

It is anticipated that the College will assist our students to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge to live as free and moral people in a complex world. (G.C.C. Mission Statement, 2009). Faithful to the Mission of the Church, Good Counsel College educates students to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge to live as free and moral people in a complex world. Within our community we encourage, by word and example, sensitivity to diversity, the growth of spirituality, a sense of self worth and respect for others, and the striving to give of one's best.

Charism is “a living passion for whatever dimensions of the life of Christ is missing”. (Green, 2000). Charism is one way of interpreting the gospel in relation to this need. As Marachel (2000) suggests, Charism provides the educational community with a story to enter; language to speak; a group to which to belong; a way to pray; work to undertake; and a face of God to see. The key elements of the Good Samaritan Charism are prayer in order to commune with God; Work (combining both prayer and work); Hospitality; Stewardship in care for all things; and Peace – sought and pursued.

Archbishop John Bede Polding called the Good Samaritan Sisters to a life of prayer, simplicity, humility, obedience, community, hospitality and service of others, of gentleness and compassion. The Sisters make hospitality a special focus, offering their homes and hearts as places of welcome. They attempt to imitate the Benedictine practice described by Joan Chittister OSB where // everyone is received as Christ. Everyone receives a warm answer, on the phone, at the door, in the office. Every guest is received with the same warmth and the same care, the same dignity and the same attention (2005). //The call to give oneself in loving service continues to find contemporary expression in diverse and challenging ways. Traditional ministries of education and social welfare have expanded in response to societal and environmental needs and according to the unique, inherent gifts of each one of us. In interpreting the approaches to developing a charism within Good Counsel College, one based upon the Benedictine Good Samaritan tradition as outlined by Mary McDonald (2009) will be used as the point of reference.

LFJ