From the Principal
23 June By Mr. Matthew Byrne, Principal
As I write this last newsletter for the term, I reflect on the changing times in which we live. This semester we have welcomed 225 new students to our community, nearly 10 new staff, we have been into lockdown twice, and out of it again, we have had planned activities cancelled or postponed, and limitations on our gatherings and movement imposed. Adapting to change is an important skill in modern times. Helping young people to deal with change will be one of the attributes that will enable them to thrive in the world; regardless of whether the uncertainties of these modern times persist, change will be inevitable.
In 2021 our Damascus theme comes from the first chapter of the Book of Joshua. “Be strong and courageous; for God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9). Throughout this semester and these changing times, our theme has proved an appropriate pillar for us to lean into – both a reassurance and a comfort. A loving God, walking with us through change and challenge. I am reminded of the poem ‘Footprints In The Sand’ (Footprints in the Sand Poem | Beautiful Poem from Only the Bible.com), which I think is a beautiful extension of our theme. If your young people are feeling lonely or vulnerable, you might share the Footprints poem with them as a reminder of the loving presence of God. It is easier to be strong and courageous when we know we are not alone!
While on change, there is significant change amongst our staff team as we approach the end of term. We farewell our faithful Business Manager, Paul Jans, as he transitions to the Assistant Director’s role at Catholic Education Ballarat. Paul has brought a deep faith and educational commitment to the betterment of this community for the past 13.5 years, and that is evident in the resources and environment available at Damascus College. On behalf of the College community, I thank Paul and his wife Michelle and their family for the contribution that they have made to Damascus College. We look forward to continuing to work with Paul through his new role with Catholic Education Ballarat.
We also farewell Marcus Probert from our counselling team. These past two years, Marcus has been a wonderful asset in supporting young people with psychological and wellbeing services. Marcus is moving out to his own practice, and we wish him every success in the future.
Isabelle Miller and Ashleigh Brown will commence parental leave from the end of term as they each excitedly await the joy of new birth. We wish both Ash and Issy well for this exciting next phase of life.
A number of staff are taking Long Service Leave, and we wish Angela Hoban well for Term 3. Deputy Principal Chris Grant is also taking Term 3 as Long Service Leave. Barbara Perry is also taking Long Service Leave for six weeks, and Jennifer Henderson will have Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of next term. We wish all these long-term staff well for a refreshing break.
Ashwin Pillai will move into the Deputy Principal’s role, and Alysoun Smalley and Sarah Mcknight move into the Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching role. As I outlined in last week’s newsletter, we have welcomed a range of staff to accommodate these changes.
Yesterday we gathered as a school community to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart. This feast celebrates the decision of the Sisters of Mercy to commence Catholic education here in Ballarat 140 years ago. Damascus College builds on the foundations of their first school, Sacred Heart College, and we are fortunate to have such strong foundations. Cathy Prunty planned and facilitated our liturgy yesterday, and I acknowledge with gratitude her work. Cathy concludes her time preparing liturgies this term, and I thank her for her care and commitment.
Owing to the most recent lockdown and the delay in a number of student assessments, reports will not be available to families until the start of next term. Families can continue to monitor student feedback on tasks through the Parent Access Module (PAM).
Our intermediate boys played Ballarat Grammar for the “premiership” in seconds football on Tuesday afternoon. The students went down by 20 points but put up a gallant effort. Thank you to Brett Stone, Hamish Walsh, Shaun O’Loughlin and Pat Dillon for their support of these students this term.
The cast of “Spelling Bee” have been working incredibly hard over the past three months, and they have a busy time coming up over the holidays. I congratulate them on their commitment and thank the team supporting them; Nicole Burness, Andrew Seeary, Kristiana Withers, Maria Russell, and Chiara Angeli.
Congratulations to Year 12 Student Meg Graham who has been selected to captain the State Team in the U18 Victorian Ultimate Frisbee team - an amazing effort and we wish you all the very best. Read more about Meg's achievement here.
This Friday, as the last day of term, we will see school finish at 2.17 pm. Students have a casual day for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Students are asked to bring $5, if it is within your families means, to support the “Vinnies” Winter Appeal to support the homeless and at-need families. If your student has PE, Wood, Metal, Science or Food – please ensure that they wear appropriate clothing, notably closed footwear, for practical classes.
Looking ahead, Term 3 will commence with regular classes on Monday, 12th July.
Office hours over the holidays will be Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm.
As we remember the Sisters of Mercy, we remember Sister Luke Kenna, who died on Sunday morning. Sr Luke was the second last Ballarat Sister to work at Damascus College. Staff have reflected this week on what a caring advocate Luke was for the most vulnerable students and her wonderful sense of fun and wit. The celebration of Sr Luke’s life will take place this Friday.
We also keep staff member, Belinda Dwyer and her family in our prayers. Belinda lost her loved grandfather last weekend. May he, Sr Luke and all those who have died rest in eternal peace.
Thank you for the privilege of working with the wonderful young people that make up the Damascus community this semester and for your family support of our College. If you are travelling over the holidays, do so safely.
Until next term …. God Bless
MATT