As we journey through another rich and rewarding term, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the outstanding accomplishments and experiences of our students and staff in recent weeks.

Firstly, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the cast, crew and staff involved in our College musical Oliver! The production was a true triumph - visually stunning, emotionally engaging and a testament to the talent and dedication within our community. Beyond the impressive performances, Oliver! offers meaningful lessons: the importance of compassion, resilience in the face of hardship and the enduring hope of redemption. These timeless themes resonate deeply within our Catholic ethos and invite us to reflect on the dignity of every person, no matter their story.

On Saturday morning, we witnessed another moment of inspiration during the Sustainable Racing Challenge session. Our students showcased not only innovation and teamwork, but also a clear commitment to responsible environmental stewardship - one of the core principles of Catholic social teaching. It was fantastic to see such creative energy channelled into practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

This week, we also welcomed students from our Catholic primary schools for our Secondary Education Experience Days (SEED). It was a wonderful opportunity to share the vibrant life of our college with future learners. These young people experienced the diversity and depth of our curriculum - from the sciences to the arts, technology to humanities - guided by our dedicated teaching staff and student leaders. The energy on campus was palpable and gave us a renewed sense of excitement for the years ahead.

On Friday 8 August, we had the privilege of gathering as a staff community for a special Faith Formation Day to celebrate 30 years of Damascus College. This meaningful occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on our shared heritage by hearing the stories of our founding schools - Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s Technical School and St Martin’s in the Pines. We were fortunate to be joined by staff who once taught at these schools, as well as current staff who are proud Damascus graduates, offering personal insights into the legacy that continues to shape our identity. The community also welcomed Sr Veronica Lawson RSM, who helped unpack the Damascus story and supported our ongoing work of reimagining the College Vision and Mission.

On Monday, I had the pleasure of welcoming John Shannon, the founding Principal of Damascus College, back to the College. Listening to John’s reflections on the early days - the hopes, the strengths and the challenges - was a moment of deep gratitude. He spoke with admiration for the incredible growth of the College and was in awe of the outstanding facilities and learning environment. His visit was a powerful reminder of the journey we have taken as a community, grounded in faith and committed to excellence.

As we celebrate these successes, I would also like to speak directly to our Unit 4 students. With trial exams approaching, now is the time to build consistent study routines and establish a focused revision plan. As netball, football and other sporting finals come to a close, I encourage students to reduce employment hours where possible and to shift their attention toward academic preparation. Balance, self-discipline and support from family and peers will be key in the weeks ahead.

Let us continue to uphold one another in prayer and partnership as we support our young people to flourish - spiritually, academically and personally.

With Every Blessing

Today marks the halfway point of Term 3, and with just four and a half weeks remaining, the pace of school life shows no signs of slowing.

For our Year 12 students, the coming weeks are particularly significant as they complete the final content for Unit 4 and the Vocational Major, while also undertaking their last SACs. I extend my best wishes to our senior students as they continue to work diligently toward the conclusion of their secondary school journey.

Last Friday, the College gathered in the John Shannon Centre for the Xavier House Assembly. Named in honour of Mother Xavier Flood—a woman of courage and commitment—Xavier House continues to reflect her values in its community spirit. The assembly was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the gifts and talents of Xavier House students and to come together as a College. Thank you to House Leader, Karen Hocking, and the Xavier Teacher Advisors for their work in preparing the assembly and highlighting the strengths of the Xavier House community.

Students submitted their subject selections over the last two weeks, and we are working through the blocking processes regarding what subjects are able to be run and those that cannot. It is certainly an exciting time of year when students are able to reflect, plan for and prepare for their future pathways, their journey to their chosen career, or simply stepping outside their comfort zone and having a go at a subject of interest next year.

This week we have been delighted to welcome more than 350 Grade 5 students from our local Catholic feeder primary schools for the Secondary Experience Day. Students enjoyed a College tour, participated in mini classes, and finished with a trivia competition—a fun and engaging day for all involved. SEED visits will continue on Thursday and Friday of this week.

On Monday, it was fantastic to conduct mock interviews with our Year 12 VCE-VM students. These sessions are an important part of preparing our young people for life beyond Damascus, giving them the chance to practice presenting themselves confidently and professionally in a supportive setting. I was so impressed by the way our senior students have been optimising their time in class to refine their interview skills, strengthen their resumes, and build their general communication capabilities. The poise, preparation, and maturity they displayed gave a glimpse of the bright futures that lie ahead. Opportunities like these not only help our students develop practical employability skills but also nurture their self-belief and resilience as they step into the next stage of their journey. We are very proud of the achievements of these young women and men who demonstrated that they are ready to take the leap into life beyond secondary school.

Emergency Management Drill – Shelter in Place

On Friday 5 September, the College will conduct our quarterly Emergency Management Drill. As an education facility - particularly given our beautiful bushland setting - we are required to complete four emergency management drills each year. So far, we have practiced an evacuation (Term 1) and a lockdown (Term 2). This term, we will undertake a Shelter-in-Place Drill during this day, with shorter periods in operation.

A shelter-in-place (SIP) is an emergency response that involves remaining safely inside the school rather than evacuating, as there may be greater risk outside the buildings in certain situations. For this drill, McAuley and Xavier students will shelter in the Damascus Events Centre, while St Martin and Rice students will shelter in Building 5.

We encourage families to speak with their young person about the importance of these drills in helping us prepare for a range of scenarios. Please note that no cars or visitors will be permitted to enter the site during the drill. Further details will come regarding the time. If you have any concerns about how your child may respond, please contact their Teacher Advisor or a member of the Student Growth and Engagement Team.

Looking ahead, our College Open Evening will be held on Wednesday 10 September from 4.30pm to 7.00pm. We look forward to welcoming prospective families for an evening of activities, College tours, information, and experiences. If you know a family considering a Damascus education, please share this invitation with them.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership in the education and wellbeing of your young person.

Chris

Attendance Matters

As we move through the school year, I feel it is pertinent to reflect on the value of school attendance, as regular attendance is one of the most significant factors in student success. It is vital not only for academic achievement but also for fostering a sense of connection with peers and the College community, which is important for mental health. Consistent attendance also helps develop strong organisational and time management skills that support students as they progress into adulthood. Simply ‘showing up’ is a powerful contributor to success in all areas of life.

Academic Success: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with lessons, complete assignments and achieve stronger results in tests. Missing just three days a month can add up to 30 days over the year.

Social Development: Being present in school supports relationship-building with peers and teachers, fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.

Early intervention: Monitoring attendance can help identify students who may be at risk, allowing for timely academic and wellbeing support.

Future Opportunities: Good attendance habits extend into adulthood. Employers value reliability, and university admissions often view attendance records as a sign of a student’s commitment and work ethic.

What happens when students miss school?

Chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of school) can lead to learning gaps, lower grades, and an increased risk of dropping out. Even when absences are excused, it can be difficult for students to catch up. Regular absenteeism also affects educators, limiting their ability to build on key learning concepts and resulting in gaps that continue to widen over time.

How you can help as a parent/carer:

• Set a regular sleep and morning routine to help your student get to school.
• Schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible.
• Communicate with the college if your student is struggling or needs support.
• Reinforce the message that school attendance is a priority.
• Model a strong work ethic and display consistent high attendance at your place of work.

Let’s work together to make attendance a consistent habit that fosters success both now and in the future, because every day counts and every student matters.

Family Educational Sessions at Damascus

As Term Three progresses, we continue our efforts to offer a variety of family educational sessions at the College for all members of our community. Details and registration information for our next forum, which will be a panel style event, are provided below.

We invite you to join us for the Respectful Relationships Parent Forum – a discussion on how our school community can make a positive impact in preventing violence against women by working together. We will be talking about Respectful Relationships, finding out what works and what doesn’t, what is happening at Damascus and how schools and families can work together to support our young people.

Respectful Relationships Parent Forum

• Who: Parents, carers and families of Damascus College students
• When: Thursday, 4 September, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
• Where: Damascus College - Valda Ward Auditorium
• Cost: Free

Bookings are essential: https://forms.office.com/r/aFiyT2V3y2

Yours sincerely,

Gavin Webb

Acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing

Towards the Finishing Line – Setting Up for Success

As our Year 12 students head into the final stages of their secondary schooling, preparation is key to helping them finish strong. The next session in the Damascus College Family Partnership Program, Towards the Finishing Line, will be held on Wednesday 27 August 2025 at 6:00pm in the Damascus Events Centre.

This event is intentionally scheduled ten weeks before the end of classes and the commencement of the VCE exams, giving parents and carers plenty of time to support their students in developing the strategies, structures, and routines that lead to success. It provides an opportunity for students, families, and staff to align on key dates, expectations, and available resources in the lead-up to the exam period.

What You Can Expect

• Guidance from our learning area leaders on:
• VCE and VM exam preparation.
• Creating and maintaining effective study timetables.
• Balancing wellbeing and workload.
• VTAC applications and tertiary pathway planning.
• Key dates and deadlines to keep in mind for assessment submissions, VTAC timelines, and final exam schedules.
• Wellbeing strategies to help students manage stress and maintain motivation in the final term.

Why This Matters

Research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology consistently show that students who plan and prepare well in advance of examinations are more likely to achieve their potential. Structured study routines, combined with strong family support and clear goal-setting, are proven to improve both academic performance and emotional resilience.

In particular:

• Time management skills allow students to distribute their study load evenly, reducing last-minute stress.
• Positive parental engagement offering encouragement, interest, and practical support has been linked to higher motivation and achievement.
• Wellbeing practices such as adequate sleep, regular breaks, and stress-reduction techniques, contribute to better memory retention and focus.

Be Part of the Journey

We encourage all Year 12 families to attend Towards the Finishing Line. By starting early, we can work together to ensure students enter their exams feeling confident, prepared, and supported.

For more details and to register your attendance, please visit:
Damascus College – Family Partnership Program

Mother Xavier Flood holds a special place in the heart of Damascus College. A pioneering Sister of Mercy, she arrived from Ireland in 1872 and later became the first principal of Sacred Heart College in Ballarat East. Known for her grace, dignity and kindness, she was affectionately called “Gran” by a child without a mother. In 1909 she established Sacred Heart as a recognised teacher training institution, later founding Aquinas Training College. Although she passed away during the influenza pandemic in 1919, her compassion and dedication continue to inspire the Xavier House community today.

This year’s Xavier House Assembly was a vibrant celebration of that spirit. The entire College gathered in the John Shannon Centre, with Xavier House Captains Armani Anderson, Elliot Bushell and Marlin Phillips leading the event. Proceedings opened with an Acknowledgement of Country and prayer, followed by a thoughtful report from students who took part in the Indonesian Immersion Trip earlier this year.

The afternoon featured a stunning classical xylophone performance by Charlie Snare, recognition of student successes in Science Week activities, and an energetic Year 12 dance to a mash-up of popular songs. Dance Captains from the whole school production of Oliver shared their passion for the performing arts and encouraged students to get involved in the next production.

A light-hearted “Guess the Clinker” competition brought laughter and smiles, linking to this year’s Damascus Day theme, “Aussie Icons.”

Sporting achievements were also in the spotlight. Teacher Rod Matthews, winner of the prestigious Stawell Gift in 1999, was recognised as students watched footage of his victory. Year 12 student Armani Anderson then shared his own recent experience competing in the Gift for the first time, linking a proud past to a promising future.

The assembly closed on a high note with a rock and roll performance that had the whole school buzzing with energy. As a final treat, Xavier students enjoyed a blue doughnut, ending the afternoon with both pride and joy.

The Xavier House Assembly was a true reflection of what makes Damascus College special—honouring our history, celebrating our talents, and strengthening the sense of community that defines our College

On Friday 15^th August at Damascus College, our Year 9 students were invited into the Mercy Chapel to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. This feast, a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, honours Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation and her faithful “yes” to God, which stands as a model for all believers.

For Catholics, the Assumption is a sign of hope and the promise of eternal life. Mary’s journey reminds us that our lives, too, are called towards God, and that living with faith, humility and love leads us closer to Him. In our College community, Mary’s example echoes through the values we live out each day: compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, service and courage, inspired by our Mercy tradition.

During the liturgy, the quiet of the Mercy Chapel offered a space for reflection and prayer. The light of the sanctuary lamp, burning brightly beside the Tabernacle, reminded students of Christ’s constant presence among us. Just as Mary’s life radiated the light of faith and guided others towards her Son, the lamp’s steady glow calls our community to keep Christ at the centre of our lives. In the heart of Damascus College, this sacred space invites us to pause, to listen, and to walk in the light of Christ, following Mary’s example of trust and discipleship.

To purchase a discounted copy of the Carmen's Road Safety audio book please follow the link and instructions below:

20% discount download for your school: https://awesound.com/a/carmens-legacy-3?code=Damascus - (enter Damascus into the box directly above the ‘Buy now for $8’, where I have provided unlimited downloads of the audiobook at $6.40)

To read more about Carman's Legacy, please follow the link - https://carmen.com.au/

We are pleased to announce that scholarship applications for 2026 are now open.

Scholarships provide an exciting opportunity for students to be recognised and supported in their learning journey. A range of scholarships are available across different areas of student life, including academic achievement, leadership, the arts, sport and community involvement. Each scholarship reflects the College’s commitment to supporting young people to thrive and live out our values of compassion, justice, respect and service.

We encourage students to explore the scholarship opportunities and apply before the closing date. Please note, closing dates for scholarships vary.

For further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the Scholarship page on our website.

Recently, almost 200 Damascus College students embraced the challenge of the Australian Mathematics Competition, one of the world’s largest school-based mathematics competitions. Each year, students from across Australia and South-East Asia put their problem-solving skills to the test in a series of thought-provoking questions designed to stretch their mathematical thinking.

Students from Damascus competed in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions, tackling questions that go beyond the standard curriculum and encourage creative, logical and strategic approaches. Teachers work closely with students to identify those ready to take part, ensuring they feel supported and prepared for the experience.

While results will not be available until early next term, the College community is already proud of the effort, determination and enthusiasm shown by every student who stepped up to participate.

Stepfamilies – through your children’s eyes is 3-hour workshop focusing on the experience of living in a stepfamily through the children’s eyes. It aims to assist parents in developing a greater understanding of what their children need and how they can best support them. It is designed for couples or individuals at any stage of their stepfamily journey. All genders, sexualities ages (18+) and cultural backgrounds are welcome. To register, please scan the QR code in the poster below.,

Please see following, details of the Ballarat Duathlon coming up on Friday 26 September.

Event Details:
Ballarat Duathlon
Friday, 26 September 2025
Victoria Park, Ballarat

You can view full event details here:

https://www.ballarattriclub.com/post/ballarat-duathlon-friday-26th-sept

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at president.ballarattriclub@gmail.com.

Please see following information in relation to the Bunninyong Little Athletics Club and their soon to open registration process.