Welcome to the Good Samaritan Campus, where education extends beyond the classroom. Our unique approach is epitomised by the transformative two-week iD9 Country Experience, designed to cultivate a holistic learning environment. Here, students not only acquire academic knowledge but also develop virtues such as service, independence, resilience, and compassion. The program instills essential life and work skills while fostering an awareness of the origins of our food and fiber. Embracing a growth mindset, students are prepared to navigate the complexities of our ever-changing, globalized world. At the Good Samaritan Campus, we believe in shaping well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute positively to society with a profound sense of purpose and understanding.
Location and Acknowledgment of Country
The Good Samaritan Campus is located in Coragulac, 11 km northwest of Colac and approximately two hours drive from Thomas Carr College. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land where we work, play and live, the Gulidjan and Gadubanud people. We acknowledge their spiritual and cultural belonging and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge their trials, hardships and losses and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
This land is rich with their stories, songlines and dreaming spanning tens of thousands of years. We will continue to walk with respect and listen deeply to the ways of this natural world, with love in our hearts and understanding in our minds. We send our strength and love to First Nations Peoples across this land, standing beside them as an ally and friend. May their culture be strong and may we all walk together in harmony, with the land, sea and sky.
Our students immerse themselves in learning across three key domains: community engagement, whole farm planning, and outdoor education. The timeless message of the Good Samaritan’s Parable (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a guiding principle for our Country Experience. We strive to create an environment that is safe, compassionate, structured, challenging, and engaging for all learners. The Berry Street Education Model unites us as a school community, emphasising our collective dedication to the well-being and success of each student. This comprehensive approach recognises the indispensable role of a positive and supportive learning environment in fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, aiming to cultivate environmental stewardship through extensive field studies that empower students to become citizen scientists. These studies equip them with the skills to address the challenges posed by our changing climate. Our outdoor education program, designed to be both challenging and safe, fosters qualities such as curiosity, confidence, tenacity, and compassion.
Rooted in our Catholic Faith and Mission, students partake in shared prayer and attend masses celebrated by the local Parish Priest, Fr Michael O’Toole. Through these experiences, students aim to develop into reflective, passionate, and enthusiastic learners. The Good Samaritan Campus provides a transformative experience where students engage in personal learning, ensuring a seamless transition to the Senior School and beyond.
Campus Facilities
The Campus accommodates 28 students in private rooms accommodation from two through to six student bunk beds. The premises has two communal dining rooms, a commercial kitchen and a communal bathroom, a student recreation room, a classroom, staff room, storage shed and staff residences. A sports oval onsite and a basketball half court is available to students during free time and before or after classes.
Contact
A developing sense of independence is an important goal of a student’s time at the Good Samaritan Campus. Communication is important, and parents are able contact their child on the Campus Manager’s phone. Mobile devices are not permitted at the Good Samaritan Campus.
Manager: Good Samaritan Campus – Vanessa Tait
Outdoor Education and Humanities Teacher – Chris Wilson
Outdoor Education and Humanities Teacher – Cate McCullagh
Outdoor Assistants – Emily Bourke and Sandy Maxwell
Chef – Phillipa La Franchi
Enquires can be directed to: vanessa.tait@thomascarr.vic.edu.au, or to the Campus Manager on 0427 277 218.
Student Needs in an Emergency
There are medical facilities available at Colac Area Health in Colac, 11 km away. CFA fire stations are located in Coragulac and Colac and a regional police station is in Colac. The Good Samaritan Campus has an Emergency Management Plan covering procedures for emergencies, including bushfires. Each new group of students is briefed on emergency procedures, including evacuation.
Overview of the iD9 Country Experience
