From Assistant Principals
23 July By Naomi Olthof, Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
An Exciting Term Ahead: Supporting Student Pathways and Academic Growth
It is with great enthusiasm that I step into the role of Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching at Damascus College. I’m genuinely excited to partner with our families to support the academic journey and growth of every student in our community. Working together – staff, students, and families – we can shape pathways that are both inspiring and purposeful.
As we begin Term 3, we enter one of the most exciting and pivotal times in the school year: subject selection and pathway planning for 2026. This is a critical stage where students begin making decisions that will shape their learning experiences and future directions. I look forward to walking alongside you and your student throughout this process.
Families of students in Years 8 to 11 should have received information about the upcoming Pathways and Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday 29 July, 5:30pm – 8:00pm at Damascus College.
The evening includes:
We encourage all families to review the Pathways Booklets on the College website in preparation.
TA Interviews – Subject Selection Support
As part of the subject selection process, families are invited to attend Teacher Advisor (TA) interviews from 5 – 7 August. These 15-minute meetings are a key opportunity to discuss:
TA interviews are informed by the Student Pathways Planning Survey, completed by students in Term 2. We kindly ask that you review your student’s responses ahead of time and ensure the survey has been completed or updated as necessary. These responses help support meaningful and informed conversations.
Following the interview, students entering VCE, VCE-VM, or VET will proceed to the SMRC to enter their subject preferences for 2026, with the support of our Careers Team available on-site.
This is such an exciting time for our students, and we recognise that choosing future subjects can be both inspiring and overwhelming. Your involvement as parents and carers makes a real difference - not just in the decisions your student makes now, but in the confidence with which they step into their future.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to working more closely with you in the weeks ahead and hope to see you at both the Expo and TA interviews as we help your student build a bright, informed future.