As we wrap up another vibrant and enriching term at Damascus College we have much to celebrate. We took many considered risks and thoughtful educational changes and I have been delighted to see the students and staff flourish at St Brendan’s Campus. It's a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many achievements and experiences that have shaped our community this Term.

I was proud as we officially opened the Xavier Flood Senior Learning Centre—a transformative space designed to empower our senior students with flexible, modern and collaborative learning opportunities. The energy and excitement around the space is palpable, and it marks a significant investment in our students’ futures.

Rehearsals for our upcoming production of Oliver is well underway! Students have been pouring their hearts into every scene and song and we can’t wait to share the final performance with you next term. A huge thank you to our performing arts team and families supporting students behind the scenes.

Next week, a group of students and staff will depart for Indonesia to take part in an exciting cultural immersion experience. The trip will provide valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of Indonesian culture and practise their language skills in real-world settings. I wish them safe travels and a most enjoyable and enriching experience.

As we often remind our students, learning is not just about content—it's about curiosity, openness and growth. Thank you to families who recently participated in the Teacher Advisor Review process. Your input helps us continue to evolve and support every learner’s journey. Attendees provided valuable feedback that has been compiled for consideration in planning for our 2026 timetable.

I warmly congratulate Ash Pillai on his promotion and appointment to Sacred Heart Geelong. Ash has been a cornerstone of our leadership team, contributing greatly to our learning and teaching programs and the College’s strategic thinking. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and passion and we wish him every success in this exciting next chapter. Next week a panel will be interviewing a number of people for this significant role.

The following role changes have been made to ensure coverage during periods of leave:

• Acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing: Gavin Webb. Gavin has stepped into this role whilst Andrew Robertson is on leave.
• Acting Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning: Naomi Olthof. Naomi has stepped into this role until a new appointment has been made.
• Acting VCE Coordinator: Karen Hocking. Karen will step into this role while Caroline Nolan is on leave.
• Acting Learning Area Leader – Mathematics: Alan Lepair. Alan will step into this role while Hamish McCrum is on leave.
• Acting Leader of Curriculum and Assessment: Jen Henderson. Jen has stepped into this role to backfill Naomi Olthof as she takes on the role of Acting Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning.
• Acting Sports Coordinator: Paul Blanchfield. Paul has stepped into this role to backfill Gavin Webb as he takes on the role of Acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing.
• Acting Learning Area Leader – Religious Education: Ashlee Tanner. As has stepped into this role until a new appointment for has been made.

At the end of the term Margaret McIntyre and Annette Hirth conclude their time at the College. We are grateful for their hard work, passion and enthusiasm in RE and French. with us as French teacher

I am delighted to welcome two new staff members, Tam Lloyd-Teese and Margaret Niutta to the College. Tam will commence as Assistant Rowing Coordinator on Monday 23 June and Margaret will begin in Parent Reception on Tuesday 24 June.

We look forward to working with them and wish them all the best in their new roles.

I will be taking Long Service Leave during the first two weeks of next term and during that time Chris Grant will serve as Acting Principal. I’m confident in Chris’s leadership and know the school will continue to thrive in my absence.

As this is our final newsletter for Term 2, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families for your continued support, encouragement, and engagement. I hope the upcoming break offers your family a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect.

Warmest regards,

Steven