From the Principal
27 March By Steven Mifsud, Principal
As the term concludes and we enter the Easter period, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that we have achieved and all that we hope to gain through our relationships with one another and the Holy Spirit. As people of faith, the Easter story reminds us that we are people of Hope. I encourage families to seek the time to reconnect and rebuild relationships as a family. Families play a pivotal role in developing resilience and strength. In fact, families are considered a protective factor for young people to grow as successful and happy people. The holidays are the perfect time to take stock, sit, and be still with one another. Holy Week provides the time to listen and 'be' with our families.
Next week we will bear witness to the fruit of Drama and Arts students who will perform the 'Final Hours' for our school community. I thank Andrew Seeary, Marcus Ryan and others who have supported our students in producing this challenging and thought-provoking piece. It is important for us to remember as Catholics that the Resurrection story challenges each of us to create the Kingdom of God in the here and now, in our relationships, and our willingness to challenge the status quo in our unconditional love for one another and the marginalised.
Term One has been a successful term, and our students have successfully transitioned into the challenges of a new academic year. I have been so impressed to see our learners take on the adventure of learning, relationships and study from the Swimming Carnival, House Athletics, various year-level camps and a commitment to study routines. The rhythm of a new year allows us to form new habits and start afresh. Our young people continue to embrace the richness of Damascus life. We must remember that a person can only grow when we work with our challenges and face the day with energy and optimism.
We continue to thank the many students who wear the uniform with pride. The uniform has certainly given our students many choices and options. This is a reminder that in Term 2, the College blazer is compulsory and must be worn to and from school as the outer garment. I encourage families to check the length of their student's winter skirts and trousers. A reminder that students are permitted to wear a pair of small sleepers or studs. As we support our students to fully integrate back into the community after extensive periods of lockdown, l ask that families support the College uniform regulations, especially with the wearing of jewellery. In Term 2, teachers will confiscate jewellery that is worn to school.
Thank you to the many students who have respected and adhered to the mobile phone policy. As a community, we have noticed more chatter and noise at recess and lunch as students have lots of conversation and banter. However, we have also noticed that some students have returned to using their phones at recess and lunch, this is not permitted, and phones will be confiscated.
Damascus is a school that implements the principles of Restorative Justice as a framework for dealing with conflict. The restorative approach attempts to work with students by teaching what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, supporting young people when they get it wrong, and offering another chance to 'get it right.' It accepts that all of us err, but forgiveness, compassion and cooperation can rebuild relationships that have been affected. In a school community, behaviour that transgresses school policies and expectations is an understandable part of maturing for various reasons; children and adolescents (and sometimes adults) will test the boundaries and act in ways contrary to the stated or implied expectations. This is where we begin to implement restorative conversations. Next week the College staff will begin to work with MacKillop Family Services on the rollout of the ReLate Program. This program will support our staff to work with students with a deeper awareness of the challenges young people face and how our response needs to be guided by genuine care, love, openness and challenge.
As part of the Teacher Advisor lesson this week, the College launched our new flagpoles whereby we have installed three flags: Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. This is a historical moment where we as a College community recognise our relationship with First Nations people and the many students and families of Indigenous people we have educated. I would like to thank – Ashleigh Kanoa, who wrote to the College reminding us that we did not acknowledge Indigenous People by not flying the flag. She has highlighted that we can always challenge the status quo, and at Damascus, we are people who will speak up and fight for what is right.
As the term concludes, we have a number of staff changes. I thank the following people for their service to Damascus College and the depth and commitment they have provided the entire community for many years.
Mr Peter Sartori: Peter has been on staff for the past 32 years and is currently taking some well-earned Long Service Leave. Peter has served the community as a Maths, Science, TA Leader, Physics Teacher and in a number of Leadership roles: VCE Co-ordinator and Daily Organisation.
Mrs Tina Munro: Tina has been the Principal's Executive Assistant for the past thirteen years; she has provided invaluable support to the College Principals, members of the Leadership Team and staff who seek Tina's gentle wisdom and compassionate heart.
Mrs Catherine Newman: Catherine has worked as the College's Compliance Officer and has supported the College's transition from a Mercy School to a Diocesan College. Catherine has ensured that the College meets its legal and risk obligations.
Mr Chris Beggs: Chris has been a Learning Support Officer for the past two years and has worked tirelessly with many students.
Recently many members of our community will have found the deaths of young people difficult to comprehend. I have included Headspace and Kids Helpline documents outlining processes to support young people experiencing grief. Help seeking support is available for families.
Headstart
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/after-exposure-to-traumatic-event/
Kids Helpline
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents
We remember Erin Marshall (staff) as her beloved mum passed away this week. We keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
With every blessing for Easter
Steven Mifsud