As we enter week five of the term, we are reminded of the busyness and fullness of life at Damascus College. A community that values relationships, community and partnerships. It has been wonderful to see so many of our students engage in the learning experiences provided here at the College. As we move towards the middle of our term, l encourage families to touch base with your children to see how they are managing their learning tasks and balancing the many upcoming assessments.
This week, there will be no scheduled classes on Friday and Monday in response to our Circuit Breaker Weekend that was proposed by the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited. This provides students and their families an opportunity to regroup, reassess and reflect on the past six months. It is an opportunity to take a breath, slow down, and recalibrate. I have been speaking to our staff about 2022 being the year to recalibrate to find the new normal and to reset as we move out of the pandemic. I encourage you and your family to recalibrate and to find the gift of one another over this long weekend. I urge you to find time to share a meal together or to do an activity that reconnects you as a family.
Our Indonesian Study Tour 2023 Information Night was held on Tuesday evening, and we welcomed many families and their students to the College to hear about the upcoming trip. Learning and studying a second language is important for our young people as we live in a multicultural, multilingual world. Our learners can only be enriched when they explore and learn about other countries. Importantly, knowing our closest neighbour, Indonesia, promotes greater tolerance, acceptance and world peace.
On the same evening, l had the pleasure of meeting our upcoming rowing teams and families at the Rowing Information Night. At this evening, I spoke of the inclusive nature of our Damascus community and that we are all here 'to be our best.' Rowing, like many sports, relies on each individual player being in unison with their mates on the boat. Each person plays a pivotal role in getting to the winning line. Sport models and teaches our young people the benefits of collaboration and teamwork, essential life skills into adulthood. We, too, discussed that 'we are all made in the Image and likeness of our God,' and therefore, we need to respect one another, celebrate our strengths and challenge our shortcomings in a respectful and dignified manner.
Some of you may know that l grew up in the outer western suburbs of Melbourne – St Albans, and my primary school years were formed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. These women contributed to my faith formation and the Australian Catholic Church. For me, it was a privilege to be educated by these strong, humble women who challenged the status quo and believed in an education for all young people. I have tried to emulate what I learnt from the support I received during that time in my leadership of this community. There was a pervading spirit of energy, mutual care, and value of hard work. Mary MacKillop was a woman who carried out her ministry here in Victoria and SA and supported Australians in need. She provided the support to Australians that Catherine McAuley did in Ireland and that our local Sisters of Mercy continue today. On Monday, we celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We remember those who have gone before us and who established the foundations for the faith-based education systems that exist in this country. For us, that is the Sisters of Mercy. We extend a prayer of gratitude for the religious and lay people who built up our education, health and social justice systems to advance human care and dignity.
This weekend's gospel urged us to be ready for the presence of our God. I challenge each and everyone to see your God in your daily interactions, observations and life. Notice that moment in your day when you have felt the presence of your God, where you have felt the wonder and awe of something greater than yourself. Did you see the face of God in your children, your partner or in colleagues.
Catholic School Parents Australia 2022 Parent Survey Now Live
Have your say on what matters regarding the wellbeing and learning of your child. Click on the download button below for further information.
CSPA 2022 Parent Survey Flyer
For example, has COVID-19 or your partnership with the school affected your child's wellbeing and learning?
If you are a parent or carer with a child in a Catholic school, CSPA would love to hear from you.
Click on the survey link below and share your feedback to assist CSPA in reporting to the Federal Government and Catholic education.
Your feedback will remain anonymous.
Please click here to access the CSPA Parent Survey.
With every blessing
Steven