As we journey through another rich and rewarding term, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the outstanding accomplishments and experiences of our students and staff in recent weeks.
Firstly, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the cast, crew and staff involved in our College musical Oliver!
The production was a true triumph - visually stunning, emotionally engaging and a testament to the talent and dedication within our community. Beyond the impressive performances, Oliver!
offers meaningful lessons: the importance of compassion, resilience in the face of hardship and the enduring hope of redemption. These timeless themes resonate deeply within our Catholic ethos and invite us to reflect on the dignity of every person, no matter their story.
On Saturday morning, we witnessed another moment of inspiration during the Sustainable Racing Challenge session. Our students showcased not only innovation and teamwork, but also a clear commitment to responsible environmental stewardship - one of the core principles of Catholic social teaching. It was fantastic to see such creative energy channelled into practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
This week, we also welcomed students from our Catholic primary schools for our Secondary Education Experience Days (SEED). It was a wonderful opportunity to share the vibrant life of our college with future learners. These young people experienced the diversity and depth of our curriculum - from the sciences to the arts, technology to humanities - guided by our dedicated teaching staff and student leaders. The energy on campus was palpable and gave us a renewed sense of excitement for the years ahead.
On Friday 8 August, we had the privilege of gathering as a staff community for a special Faith Formation Day to celebrate 30 years of Damascus College. This meaningful occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on our shared heritage by hearing the stories of our founding schools - Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s Technical School and St Martin’s in the Pines. We were fortunate to be joined by staff who once taught at these schools, as well as current staff who are proud Damascus graduates, offering personal insights into the legacy that continues to shape our identity. The community also welcomed Sr Veronica Lawson RSM, who helped unpack the Damascus story and supported our ongoing work of reimagining the College Vision and Mission.
On Monday, I had the pleasure of welcoming John Shannon, the founding Principal of Damascus College, back to the College. Listening to John’s reflections on the early days - the hopes, the strengths and the challenges - was a moment of deep gratitude. He spoke with admiration for the incredible growth of the College and was in awe of the outstanding facilities and learning environment. His visit was a powerful reminder of the journey we have taken as a community, grounded in faith and committed to excellence.
As we celebrate these successes, I would also like to speak directly to our Unit 4 students. With trial exams approaching, now is the time to build consistent study routines and establish a focused revision plan. As netball, football and other sporting finals come to a close, I encourage students to reduce employment hours where possible and to shift their attention toward academic preparation. Balance, self-discipline and support from family and peers will be key in the weeks ahead.
Let us continue to uphold one another in prayer and partnership as we support our young people to flourish - spiritually, academically and personally.
With Every Blessing