On Monday 23 May, the Damascus College community received the sad news of the death of a long-serving staff member, Mr Jeffrey Simpson.

The Damascus community is deeply saddened by Jeff’s death and offers his family sincere sympathy, support and prayers at this difficult time.

Jeff has been an incredibly talented teacher at Damascus for the last 27 years. He was a generous, skilled and passionate teacher and member of the Technology team. Throughout his time at Damascus, he taught Wood, Metal, Electronics and Systems Engineering.

His engagement of young people was truly extraordinary. Jeff loved his teaching and the educational journey of young people. Jeff was a passionate Geelong Cats supporter and used this as bridge in building relationships with those around him. Jeff was a true character and had an extraordinary capacity to engage all through story and humour, he was quick-witted and his sense of fun endeared him to all.

Jeff was an Australian Defence Force returned personnel and had great respect for the ANZAC tradition and Remembrance Day. Amongst the student and staff community, he took great pride in instilling a sense of tradition and respect for those who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Jeff’s Teacher Advisor group and the students he taught regularly continue to be supported through this tough and tragic time.

The College has assisted Jeff’s family in any way possible throughout this difficult time. Damascus College will conduct a memorial service to remember Jeff towards the end of Term 2, to express our love for him as well as an extraordinary sense of loss within the community.

At such a difficult time of grief and sadness, as a Catholic school community, we turn to our faith for solace and strength. Our prayers continue to be with Jeff’s family and friends, and we ask that the community keeps them in their thoughts and prayers.