From Assistant Principals
23 July By Gavin Webb, Acting Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing
Welcome back to Term 3
After a well-deserved break it has been wonderful to see all students and staff return to the college for Term 3. The corridors, classrooms and yard have been a hive of activity with much social chatter about holiday activities and what is in store in term 3. Once the initial excitement subsides the “routine” of school does set in, so this is a timely reminder about the importance of establishing and sticking to a routine. Parts of a weekly routine include the timing and length of your sleep, time and duration allocated to study, a healthy diet and balancing social activities and down time with part time work and sporting endeavours. As a parent/carer I would strongly encourage you to initiate a conversation with your teenager and ask about what their weekly routine is going to look like in the coming months. Sharing ideas and ensuring your child is fully involved in this process is crucial in giving them a greater chance of sticking to the routine and experiencing success in all facets of their week and life. It is also important to remember as a parent/carer that you must remain flexible and adapt to what is currently happening in your household and what priorities other family members may have at certain times.
Senior Formal (Year 11/12)
It is with much excitement and anticipation that we are all looking forward to the 2025 Senior Formal, which is to be held in the Damascus Events Centre, on Friday 1 August at 7:00pm, with the night concluding at 10:30pm. Formal communication has gone out to families via PAM, please ensure you have RSVP’d by 28 July. Only Year 12 students are permitted to bring a plus one. Any plus one request must be submitted in advance and then approved by college staff.
This event has no Pass Outs, and no student admission after 8:30pm without prior discussions with your House Leader. There will be supervision by college staff and external security throughout the evening.
Parents/carers are required to drop off and collect their own child at the start and end of the evening. Upon entry to the event, students will be ticked off, as per the official student list (PAM generated)
The dress code is formal. The student organising committee will be arranging various activities throughout the evening. Upon entry, students will receive a soft drink/water coupon. Additional soft drink will also be available for purchase during the evening, and the College will provide catering.
Tickets are $25.00 and cover the costs of catering and other incidentals. They will be available to be purchased via TryBooking (link has been communicated). Online payments must be made by Friday 25 July 2025. Tickets are non-refundable.
Please note If students are absent from school on the day of the formal, they will not be permitted to attend.
We look forward to celebrating a memorable night with our Senior cohort.
Tuning into Teens
In Term 3 the “Tuning into Teens” program will return, see dates below. This is an adult space to discuss adolescent development and build a greater connection with your teen. This is a safe, supportive and caring environment where your experiences will be drawn on and you will be invited to interact with fellow parents and staff, particularly regarding the area of emotional awareness and coaching. All sessions begin at 6:00pm and conclude by 7:30pm, light supper will be provided.
Monday 4 August – The foundations of emotion coaching & adolescent teen development
Monday 11 August – Building connection and showing empathy
Emotion coaching; sadness and fear
Monday 18 August – Emotion coaching; anger and conflict
Monday 25 August – Emotion coaching; rejection, program review
RSVP: Toni Schiltz (College Counsellor) t.schiltz@damascus.vic.edu.au
We look forward to your attendance and strengthening the relationship between school, home and families.
Teacher Advisor Interviews
Term 3 Teacher Advisor interviews will be held in week 3 on the following nights.
Tuesday 5 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
Wednesday 6 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
Thursday 7 August, 3:45 – 6:30pm.
This is a great opportunity to discuss subject selections for 2026, possible future career options and a general check in about how school is going. Please ensure bookings are completed via PAM ASAP.
Yours sincerely
Gavin Webb
Acting Assistant Principal - Wellbeing