From the Acting Principal
Acting Principal Update
23 July By Chris Grant, Deputy Principal
As we begin Term 3 at Damascus College, I extend a warm welcome back to all our families. I hope the recent break provided your household with a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some time together away from the usual routines of school life.
Term 3 marks an important point in the academic year – a time of focus, growth, and renewed momentum. For our students, it presents a valuable opportunity to build on the progress they’ve already made, to set new goals, and to engage deeply in their learning. For our staff, it is a time to consolidate, innovate, and continue working in partnership with families to support each student’s journey.
I would also like to acknowledge that while some members of our community had the chance to take time away over the break, others continued to work behind the scenes to support the smooth operation of the College. We’re grateful for their dedication and the care they bring to our shared mission.
At Damascus, we are guided by our Mercy values and a deep commitment to providing a rich, purposeful education grounded in compassion, inclusion, and high expectations. As always, we look forward to working closely with you – our families – as we support each young person to grow in character, learning, and faith.
Announcement – Assistant Principal of Learning & Teaching
We are pleased to announce the appointment of the new Assistant Principal of Learning & Teaching at Damascus College.
This key leadership position plays a vital role in shaping the teaching and learning culture of our College and directly supports the growth and development of staff and students alike.
Following a rigorous selection process and a very strong field of applicants, we are confident that we have appointed a leader who will guide us with clarity, collaboration, and vision.
In making this appointment, we were especially mindful of the qualities needed to lead this area in the current context – someone who brings not only a strong educational skill set and demonstrated leadership, but also the ability to drive our Five-Year Teaching and Learning Plan and support the delivery of our School Improvement priorities.
The successful candidate has contributed significantly to Damascus College over several years, having served as both a Learning Area Leader and, more recently, as Leader of Teaching & Learning. Through these roles, they have demonstrated a deep commitment to student outcomes, supported staff with care and professionalism, and led with both purpose and humility.
It is with great pleasure that I announce that the new Assistant Principal of Learning & Teaching is Naomi Olthof.
We congratulate Naomi on this appointment and look forward to the leadership and insight she will bring to this important role in the years ahead.
Next Tuesday evening, beginning at 5.45pm, Damascus College will provide a range of opportunities for families to come in and gain more information regarding the subject selection process for 2026. Quite extensive information is available on the College website here. The opportunities provided allow you to seek more information about your student's respective course in 2026 or to speak with teachers in the learning area that your student is considering, gaining a specialised insight into specific subjects or courses. For more information on the evening and opportunities to book, please click the following link – https://www.trybooking.com/DDGTH
Here at school, the lead-up to the production of Oliver has been very busy with rehearsals and set construction. The staff, cast, and crew worked solidly over the holidays under the guidance of our committed Performing Arts teachers, and I am sure that while these students and staff are experiencing some weariness from their efforts, the gifts that they will bring forth from opening night next Wednesday will be truly amazing!
I acknowledge the enormous effort of Nicole Burness, Andrew Seeary, Bella Harper, Graeme Strachan, Toola Strachan, and all those supporting them and the Damascus students in the lead-up to the performance in a fortnight. Excitingly, all tickets sold out very quickly, and there is great anticipation for the upcoming performances. I wish everyone well for what will be an exciting week of performances.
The Senior School Formal will take place next Friday, 1 August, from 7.00pm to 10.30pm in the Damascus Events Centre. This is a social opportunity that Damascus College facilitates for our community's Year 11 and 12 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that we reiterate that normal school rules apply.
It is an alcohol, drug- and smoke-free event; any student suspected of having consumed alcohol will not be let in. There are no pass-outs throughout the evening. Year 12 students are permitted to bring a guest on the condition that they arrive with the Damascus College student and that the guest abides by Damascus College rules.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. It is a social activity, and hair and make-up appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is away on Friday will not be able to attend the formal.
We share with the community two recent losses that have touched our Damascus College family.
Firstly, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Tracey Williams, a member of our Finance team, on the passing of her beloved mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tracey and her family as they navigate this time of grief and remembrance.
We also share the sad news of the passing of Greg Wright late last week. Greg was a member of the Damascus College staff from June 2023 to March 2024, working in our Maintenance Team. He was diagnosed with ALS, a form of motor neurone disease, approximately three months ago. Greg was a kind and committed member of our community during his time with us, and he will be remembered fondly.
We hold both families in our thoughts and prayers and extend our deepest sympathies. May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
A reminder that Steven (College Principal) has taken some well deserved Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of this term and we look forward to welcoming him back in Week 3.
Wishing you and your family a positive and fulfilling Term 3.
From Assistant Principals
Student Wellbeing Update
23 July By Gavin Webb, Acting Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing
Welcome back to Term 3
After a well-deserved break it has been wonderful to see all students and staff return to the college for Term 3. The corridors, classrooms and yard have been a hive of activity with much social chatter about holiday activities and what is in store in term 3. Once the initial excitement subsides the “routine” of school does set in, so this is a timely reminder about the importance of establishing and sticking to a routine. Parts of a weekly routine include the timing and length of your sleep, time and duration allocated to study, a healthy diet and balancing social activities and down time with part time work and sporting endeavours. As a parent/carer I would strongly encourage you to initiate a conversation with your teenager and ask about what their weekly routine is going to look like in the coming months. Sharing ideas and ensuring your child is fully involved in this process is crucial in giving them a greater chance of sticking to the routine and experiencing success in all facets of their week and life. It is also important to remember as a parent/carer that you must remain flexible and adapt to what is currently happening in your household and what priorities other family members may have at certain times.
Senior Formal (Year 11/12)
It is with much excitement and anticipation that we are all looking forward to the 2025 Senior Formal, which is to be held in the Damascus Events Centre, on Friday 1 August at 7:00pm, with the night concluding at 10:30pm. Formal communication has gone out to families via PAM, please ensure you have RSVP’d by 28 July. Only Year 12 students are permitted to bring a plus one. Any plus one request must be submitted in advance and then approved by college staff.
This event has no Pass Outs, and no student admission after 8:30pm without prior discussions with your House Leader. There will be supervision by college staff and external security throughout the evening.
Parents/carers are required to drop off and collect their own child at the start and end of the evening. Upon entry to the event, students will be ticked off, as per the official student list (PAM generated)
The dress code is formal. The student organising committee will be arranging various activities throughout the evening. Upon entry, students will receive a soft drink/water coupon. Additional soft drink will also be available for purchase during the evening, and the College will provide catering.
Tickets are $25.00 and cover the costs of catering and other incidentals. They will be available to be purchased via TryBooking (link has been communicated). Online payments must be made by Friday 25 July 2025. Tickets are non-refundable.
Please note If students are absent from school on the day of the formal, they will not be permitted to attend.
We look forward to celebrating a memorable night with our Senior cohort.
Tuning into Teens
In Term 3 the “Tuning into Teens” program will return, see dates below. This is an adult space to discuss adolescent development and build a greater connection with your teen. This is a safe, supportive and caring environment where your experiences will be drawn on and you will be invited to interact with fellow parents and staff, particularly regarding the area of emotional awareness and coaching. All sessions begin at 6:00pm and conclude by 7:30pm, light supper will be provided.
Monday 4 August – The foundations of emotion coaching & adolescent teen development
Monday 11 August – Building connection and showing empathy
Emotion coaching; sadness and fear
Monday 18 August – Emotion coaching; anger and conflict
Monday 25 August – Emotion coaching; rejection, program review
RSVP: Toni Schiltz (College Counsellor) t.schiltz@damascus.vic.edu.au
We look forward to your attendance and strengthening the relationship between school, home and families.
Teacher Advisor Interviews
Term 3 Teacher Advisor interviews will be held in week 3 on the following nights.
Tuesday 5 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
Wednesday 6 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
Thursday 7 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
This is a great opportunity to discuss subject selections for 2026, possible future career options and a general check in about how school is going. Please ensure bookings are completed via PAM ASAP.
Yours sincerely
Gavin Webb
Acting Assistant Principal - Wellbeing
From Assistant Principals
Learning and Teaching Update
23 July By Naomi Olthof, Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
An Exciting Term Ahead: Supporting Student Pathways and Academic Growth
It is with great enthusiasm that I step into the role of Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching at Damascus College. I’m genuinely excited to partner with our families to support the academic journey and growth of every student in our community. Working together – staff, students, and families – we can shape pathways that are both inspiring and purposeful.
As we begin Term 3, we enter one of the most exciting and pivotal times in the school year: subject selection and pathway planning for 2026. This is a critical stage where students begin making decisions that will shape their learning experiences and future directions. I look forward to walking alongside you and your student throughout this process.
Pathways and Subject Selection
Families of students in Years 8 to 11 should have received information about the upcoming Pathways and Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday 29 July, 5:30pm – 8:00pm at Damascus College.
The evening includes:
- A Subject Expo with Learning Area leaders
- VCE and VCE-VM Q&A Workshops
- Access to the Careers Station for pathway advice
We encourage all families to review the Pathways Booklets on the College website in preparation.
TA Interviews – Subject Selection Support
As part of the subject selection process, families are invited to attend Teacher Advisor (TA) interviews from 5 – 7 August. These 15-minute meetings are a key opportunity to discuss:
- Your student’s learning goals
- Subject preferences for 2026
- Future aspirations and career pathways
TA interviews are informed by the Student Pathways Planning Survey, completed by students in Term 2. We kindly ask that you review your student’s responses ahead of time and ensure the survey has been completed or updated as necessary. These responses help support meaningful and informed conversations.
Following the interview, students entering VCE, VCE-VM, or VET will proceed to the SMRC to enter their subject preferences for 2026, with the support of our Careers Team available on-site.
This is such an exciting time for our students, and we recognise that choosing future subjects can be both inspiring and overwhelming. Your involvement as parents and carers makes a real difference - not just in the decisions your student makes now, but in the confidence with which they step into their future.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to working more closely with you in the weeks ahead and hope to see you at both the Expo and TA interviews as we help your student build a bright, informed future.
Meet Anna Power - bringing creativity and warmth to her role as Liturgy Coordinator
23 July
At the heart of Damascus College’s vibrant Catholic culture is Anna Power, our Liturgy Coordinator whose warmth, creativity, and deep faith have already made a meaningful impression since she joined the College in early 2025.
Anna’s role at Damascus is a natural extension of her life’s journey, one deeply rooted in Catholic faith and a passion for children’s ministry and youth education. She is part of the Catholic Culture team and works closely with students in Youth Ministry and Religious Education classes, bringing both experience and genuine care to every interaction.
Prior to joining Damascus College, Anna’s career spanned multiple roles and countries. With a background in speech and drama, she has taught elocution and led youth ministry retreats in both Australia and Canada. Her time overseas also included earning a Diploma in Sacred Studies from a Catholic Bible college in Canada, an experience that has helped shape her spiritual and educational philosophy.
For Anna, the best part of working at Damascus College is the students. “They’re open, enthusiastic, talented, just great all around,” she says. That joy in working with young people is evident in her contributions to school life and her efforts to make liturgy meaningful and accessible.
Working in a faith-based environment is particularly important to Anna. “My Catholic faith is a cornerstone of my life, it is part of everything I do,” she shares. “To be able to work in a Catholic school where I can share that in a real and tangible way is a blessing.”
As Liturgy Coordinator, Anna leads the preparation and coordination of school liturgies. From intimate prayer gatherings to large-scale celebrations such as Damascus Day and Mother’s Day. Drawing on her lived faith and creative background, she is looking forward to collaborating more with other departments across the school, including Music, Art, and Drama, to bring future events to life.
One of her most cherished liturgies this year was the Way of the Cross at Easter. “It was simple but powerful. The students were reverent and brave. There was a really special atmosphere in the room—quiet, respectful, and moving,” she recalls.
To Anna, liturgy plays a vital role in shaping the culture of Damascus College. “Life is loud and fast,” she says. “Prayer grounds us. It reminds us that we’re with God and with each other. In a Catholic college, prayer isn’t just tradition, it’s essential. It’s something we want our students to experience deeply and take with them throughout their lives.”
Student involvement is central to Anna’s approach. “I love liturgies to be student-led. When we give young people roles and trust them, they rise to the occasion. It gives them ownership and pride in their work and allows them to achieve their best.”
Anna also brings creativity into liturgies, especially those that aren’t Eucharistic celebrations. Her background in drama comes in handy here and helps with incorporating poetry or skits to spark reflection and allow students and staff to connect more deeply.
When asked how her work aligns with the values of Damascus College, Anna is clear: “It’s about always returning to prayer and grounding ourselves in Christ and each other. That’s at the heart of what we do.”
For Anna, this year's College theme of Respect is most visible in how people treat one another. “Respect means making choices that consider others, not just yourself. It’s about putting others’ needs before your own, in big and small ways, and hoping they do the same for you.”
Outside of school, Anna’s life is just as vibrant, she is a member of the St Aloysius parish and the proud mother of seven children, ranging from 4 to 19 years old. It’s a fact that often surprises her colleagues and students, who may not realize just how much wisdom and patience she brings from her home life into her professional one.
Her personal inspiration comes from the lives of saints—role models whose virtues and struggles guide her work. “They remind me to look for the unique dignity in every person,” she says. That perspective influences everything she does, from the way she plans liturgies to how she interacts with students.
Anna’s advice for current and future students is heartfelt and empowering: “Be brave. Don’t be timid when it comes to making the decisions in life that really matter. Back yourself. And always—always—leave room for God in everything you do.”
College Information & Events
Student Growth and Engagement Team
23 July
As we get into term 3 and TA interviews are about to commence, we wish to remind families of the process for addressing academic concerns for your student.
If you have concerns about your student’s learning, please reach out to their Teacher Advisor. The Teacher Advisor can assist with in-class strategies and, if needed, students will be referred to the Student Growth and Engagement Team. This may lead to diagnostic screening and tailored interventions being implemented. Where appropriate, referrals to Catholic Education Ballarat may be made for further support.
The Student Growth and Engagement team also recommends ensuring that your student’s vision and hearing is not impeding their ability to learn. If these haven’t been tested in the last 12 months, we would encourage you to do so. There are several optometrists in Ballarat who Bulk Bill, and a referral from your GP can reduce the cost of a hearing test with an audiologist. These reports are required before any further assessments by our team.
If your child has received a new diagnosis throughout Term 2 or over the mid-year break, please contact the relevant Coordinator promptly to establish a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for your student. Early communication ensures we can provide proactive and effective support. The College is currently actively addressing social-emotional concerns, such as anxiety.
For students already supported under the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD), resources will continue to be allocated under the NCCD. Damascus College will continue to make reasonable adjustments, where needed, to assist students with a disability in accessing and participating in education free from discrimination and on the same basis as other students in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. For more information, please refer to the attached NCCD information sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians.
The Student Growth and Engagement team looks forward to working with you, your student, their teachers and Learning Support Officers (LSOs) to ensure the appropriate supports are in place for their learning and wellbeing.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant Student Growth and Engagement Coordinator.
- Laura Kimm (Transition and Year 7) – l.kimm@damascus.vic.edu.au
- Sarah Lofts (Year 8) – s.lofts@damascus.vic.edu.au
- Patricia Brown (Year 9) – p.brown@damascus.vic.edu.au
- Catherine Richardson (Year 10) – c.richardson@damascus.vic.edu.au
- Rachel Wallbank (Year 11-12) – r.wallbank@damascus.vic.edu.au
- Matthew Hallowell (Student Growth & Engagement Team Leader) – m.hallowell@damascus.vic.edu.au
On behalf of the entire SGE Team
Matt Hallowell
College Information & Events
Tuning into Teens
23 July
Please see following information on the College Tuning into Teens sessions:
St Brendan's
St Brendan's Update Term 2 Week 10
23 July
ACTION HABITS
By Archie Leech & Harry Long
Action Habits has been one of the new activities of the St Brendan’s Program. An action habit is a specific skill or task that a student wants to learn or master. Action habits give students a chance to try something new or out of their normal learning range or skill set. While multiple students can have the same action habit, we have been encouraged to choose something different from our peers. Action habits can be, but are not limited to, football skills, drawing, juggling, basketball shooting, typing, knot tying or building, etc…
Our action habits were recorded over the term to measure our improvement. Improvement was checked by the student performing the skill — either by how long they could do the skill, how well they could do it, or how much their score out of 10 improved from start to finish.
Each student had to complete a sheet before doing their action habits. This included explaining how they were going to do their skill/s, how they would record their progress, and what their goals were by the end of the term.
Action habits have been a regular part of the St Brendan’s program. The skills students have learned could become lifelong habits that might be used in everyday life, or they could help students improve in sports. Action habits have been one of the parts of St Brendan’s that has made our time different from a regular school term — and it was something that many students enjoyed.
Fitness Sessions at Dunnstown
By Leni Romein, Keesha Robertson, Imi Corcoran, and Annabelle Lethlean
As part of the St Brendan’s program, on Mondays and Thursdays, we walk down to the footy-netball ground to do fitness sessions that last for 1 hour and 10 minutes. This includes a 10 minute walk there and a 10 minute walk back.
We play a variety of games, including Chuck the Chicken – a team game that uses a rubber chicken and lots of mad running around. We also play a game that involves bean bags. You go head to head with another team and try to throw the bean bag into a bucket. The team that gets the most bean bags in the bucket wins and moves into a championship round. The games are really fun and much better than just running laps.
In two of our fitness sessions, the boys and girls split up. The girls played netball while the boys played footy. When we played netball, we had a round-robin with three teams. The team that wasn’t playing stood on the side and practised shooting goals. We swapped roles and positions regularly. Before we started, we did netball warm-ups with Mrs Goonan.
The beep test activities were less popular. We were put into teams of around four and had to take turns running. If you didn’t reach the end line before the beep, you had one more chance. If you missed twice in a row, you were out. It was very team-based and encouraged us to support each other.
Our fitness sessions have been fun, challenging and have taught us many things.
FITNESS at St. Brendan’s
By Flynn Sullivan and Patrick Lewis
In Week 6 on Thursday we played a game of footy with two 20-minute halves and teams of 16. The match-up was Red v Blue and the score was Red 7.3.45 defeated Blue 6.4.40.
The game was played at the Dunnstown Recreation Reserve, which is a five minute walk from St Brendan’s, up Old Melbourne Road.
Jobe Blazko kicked three goals for Team Blue at Full Forward while Ash Norris kicked three for Red. Ray Clarke dominated the midfield for Blue and Levi Dunn, Team Red’s Centre Half Forward, kicked two goals.
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During Week 8 we played a zone game with teams of nine in which the goal was to cross a line guarded by the other team. Blue had to cross the Red team’s zone to the other side and Red had to cross Blue’s zone.
If you got tagged in the other team’s zone, you had to stay there unless you got rescued by someone else on your team. Then both of you would have to return to your zone together.
We played multiple games with four teams – Blue, Red, Yellow and Green. Blue won most of the games. Fast runners dominated the wings and there were safeties in case people got past the front line.
Butter making
By Annie O’Kelly and Alannah Gillett
We made butter recently. First, we got a jar with a lid and filled it halfway with fresh cream. Then we shook the jar for about 50 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, it turned into whipped cream. By 40 minutes, it started to curdle and separate from the liquid. At the 50-minute mark, it had become a solid ball with buttermilk around it. The consistency was semi-soft, slimy to touch, and yellow in colour. The mixture smelled like sour milk.
The final step was to take the butter out of the jar and place it in iced water. We rolled it into a ball to squeeze out all the excess buttermilk. Then we wrapped it in Glad Wrap and let it rest on the bench for five minutes.
Ms McMahon made some fresh scones in the morning. We had the butter on the scones, and it was delicious. There were also different jams to choose from.
It was interesting to learn how butter is made. A hundred years ago, this was how people made their butter, and it would have been very time-consuming. We’re glad we can just buy it at the supermarket now.
Chair making
By Darcy Cross and Lucas Stout
A few weeks ago, at St Brendan’s we made flatpack chairs out of cardboard. It was a difficult task, but we still finished it in the time we had.
We had two sessions to do this task. Each session was around an hour long. The way we made our chairs was by putting cardboard together. Each chair had to be a flatpack, which meant it had to fold down flat and be stored easily.
There was a test after we finished making our chairs. We had to put a brick on them to see if they would hold the weight. In the test, we had sixty seconds to put our chairs together.
Overall, chair making was a fun task and we enjoyed it. Our chair was successful. It held the weight of the brick. In this task we learned that it is hard to make a chair out of cardboard that can hold a brick.
ST BRENDAN’S WOOD SHED
Designed, Built and Written By Matthew Nairn & Ray Clark
These last few weeks we have been designing and finally starting to build a wood shed, to store the fire wood and the wood chopping wood so it doesn’t get wet. It took us some time to finally start building but, with Paul’s help, we have pretty much finished the structure for the shed.
We have concreted two of the posts into the ground and finished the wood cutting for the structure. Tomorrow we will concrete the other two posts in and screw all the framing on for the sides. Then we will need to get some tin for the roof and the walls and also possibly some pallets for the flooring. We may even build our own flooring for the base with some left-over wood, if there is any.
At the end of the building process, we will put all the wood in from the pile and the wood for the wood chopping. We may even add solar power. By the end of the term we should be all done.
Lambs
By Kotah Lewis and Sienna Pearse
On Friday, we had 4-week-old lambs come to St Brendan’s. There were 3 lambs and their names were Tiny Tim, Wonder and Bryan.
In our action habit groups, we were able to go over and feed them. We experienced bottle feeding, letting them eat from our hands and we were also able to hold them.
The owners were Freddy’s parents. They were very excited to show us their lambs. They saved the lambs from a farm that couldn’t take care of them due to the drought. If they had been left there they would have died. The lambs got kept inside a pen, in front of the wood fire to keep them warm and safe.
Overall the experience with the lambs was one of our highlights throughout the Dunnstown program. It was something different but definitely fun. The lambs were an unusual yet enjoyable moment that most people will remember.
