It has been an exciting couple of weeks to see our students return to the College after being on CPDA, Work Experience and Year 9 Camp. This return to face-to-face is an excellent opportunity to reset and reconnect with our wonderful Damascus community. Tomorrow, we see the launch of the Early Start Program, which will see each of our students study in their new academic program for 2023. It is an opportunity to reflect, reset and set goals for 2023; our students need to use this experience to engage in the fullness of the learning program.

Whilst the pandemic has challenged many of us, l am constantly reminded of the need to have an optimistic and hope-filled outlook. As adults, carers and role models for our young people, we need to challenge and support them to take responsible risks and move out of their comfort zone. We can no longer use COVID and the lockdowns as excuses for poor behaviour. Each positive or negative experience is an opportunity for growth. The only constant in life is change, and that in life, we will always be faced with challenges. We cannot foresee or plan everything; sometimes, we have to adapt and accept that it is not always what we imagine.

A catholic education is one of empowerment and growth, but young people sometimes need to be challenged to accept the gift of learning. Education is a partnership with family, school and the young person. As we enter the new academic year, challenge yourself to engage in your child’s learning program – set goals, check PAM and understand your student’s learning program.

Throughout the past two years, nature has shown us how to adapt and be resilient. Recently l came across a possum living in our rose bush in the front yard, it was battered and bruised, but it found a new home and a new purpose. As we enter the final term, the home stretch, we ask that you work with your student to help them find hope and optimism in this challenging time. We are here to work with you to promote growth and to allow all our students to flourish.

Know how to deal with cyberbullying

This week, our Wellbeing leaders have spoken to our Year 9 and 10 students about the need for continued respectful relationships and to be people of respect and hope. In particular, we emphasised the impact of cyberbullying and posting derogatory comments.

Cyberbullying happens when someone uses digital technology to harass, humiliate, intimidate or threaten another person. Cyberbullying can happen in online classrooms, on chat and messaging services, via social media, text messages, emails and message boards, or online forums.

Social exclusion is also a form of cyberbullying. It includes being left out of online conversations, virtual parties, games with friends, or other get-togethers — not cool, right? — and while face-to-face contact is restricted, it may feel particularly bad. We all want to feel connected and know there’s someone we can talk to.

Extra time spent online increases the risk of being exposed to cyberbullying, which can impact our mental health and wellbeing. But cyberbullying is often an extension of the bullying that happens at school. So there’s a chance that heading back to face-to-face classes will be unsettling or upsetting if there’s a risk of dealing with a rise in negative behaviour.

So, what can you do if you encounter cyberbullying or see people being excluded from online group activities?

• Take action – know how to report cyberbullying if you or someone you know is experiencing it.
• Be an upstander, not a bystander – don’t let cyberbullying slide. It’s OK to call it out.
• Speak with your friends regularly and check in to see how they are going.
• Check-in with a teammate or friend from outside your school if you haven’t heard from them in a while. You may like to invite them to a weekly video chat with your friends.

Today we celebrated the life of Connor Prunty, former student and son of Cathy Prunty, who passed away from illness. We keep Cathy, Mark, Bridget and Thomas in our prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto Connor, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Our Lady of Mercy Amen

We pray for our brother, Connor. May he be welcomed by His God and have eternal peace.

With every blessing

Steven