Communio Calling

For Communio Calling's final episode for 2025 join host Gabrielle Sinclair in conversation with GSE students who attended the International Benedictine Youth Congress (IBYC). An initiative of the International Commission for Benedictine Education (ICBE), the congress took place at Sant'Anselmo, Rome, from 19-21 September. Six students from Rosebank College represented the Australian-Pacific region at IBYC, together they share their reflections on their experience, walking in the footsteps of St Benedict, and connecting with the global Benedictine community. 

To honour Scholastica Gibbons, co-founder of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, on the anniversary of her death (October 15) this episode is a treasure trove of rich conversation on the life and legacy of Mother Scholastica.Host Gabrielle Sinclair welcomes Joanna Mead, Paul O’Shea, and Fran Vella, who together share fresh insights and personal reflections on Scholastica’s journey - from family in Ireland, her arrival in Australia, and her collaboration with John Bede Polding to establish the first order of religious sisters founded on Australian soil. Together we consider Scholastica’s motivations, formative years, and the challenges she managed while remaining grounded in service. Her inspiring legacy continues to enliven our Good Samaritan communities today.

In this episode of Communio Calling, we bring you our first keynote presentation from the Triennial Conference, Weaving Educational Baskets: Centering Indigenous Knowledges in Leadership, Learning and Systems, presented by Kelly Humphrey. Kelly Humphrey is a proud Gomeroi woman, and the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at Australian Catholic University. With degrees in Education and Theology, she’s dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in achieving their futures. Kelly’s research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leaders reflects her commitment to advancing their educational leadership. She’s lived in rural and regional areas, engaging with communities and being responsive to their needs. Kelly’s presentation explores Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing, through the Basket Weaving as an Aboriginal Methodology and Theoretical Framework (2023). This framework of basket weaving are not only theoretical tools but also invites educators and system leaders to reflect deeply on their practice and purpose.   

Hear from our Prophetic Voices 2025 students at the Triennial Conference, ‘Ever Ancient Ever New’—now available in the latest Communio Calling episode.This year’s topics:• Mental Health: Stewarding Supportive Communities• Access to Education for All: Rural, Remote, and Vulnerable CommunitiesStudents answered audience questions and shared honest reflections. Listen in to discover their perspective.

In June, GSE Staff Immersion participants journeyed to Timor-Leste, taking part in the first staff immersion since 2019. The group included staff from our GSE schools, the Good Samaritan Schools Network (GSSN) and, GSE. The 8-day immersion saw participants learn about the country's rich history and witness the impact of the work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, particularly the work of Sister Rita Hayes sgs.In this episode, host Gabrielle Sinclair is joined by participants Megan Goodwin from St Mary Star of the Sea College, Eliza Johns from Mater Christi College, and Adrian Peachey from St Scholastica's College. Together, they reflect on their journey and share their experience, learnings, and relationships they formed.