Last week, Damascus College welcomed Catholic primary schools from Ballarat and the surrounding region to our campus for the SEED Visits. This program is an opportunity for Grade 5 students to experience what it is like to be a secondary student at Damascus. It is a unique chance for them to immerse themselves in our learning environment, meet staff and students, and gain a genuine sense of what their high school journey at Damascus could look like.
The visiting Grade 5 students experienced a broad range of subjects across the day, with lessons that included Science experiments, Language classes, Food Technology and Physical Education, among many others. These engaging activities not only sparked curiosity but also highlighted the breadth of learning opportunities available at Damascus.
They also enjoyed moments of fun and connection, including sharing morning tea and lunch together, with games adding to the sense of community and enjoyment. The program highlights the leadership and hospitality of our Student Ambassadors, who led the visiting students on a campus tour, and our Year 7 students, who rose to the challenge as guides and mentors, modelling what it means to be part of the Damascus community.
Principal Steven Mifsud spoke about the importance of Catholic education in nurturing both learning and faith, and stressed the value of beginning and completing the full six years of secondary schooling within one community. “No one wants to see students switching schools midway through their journey,” he explained, noting that stability, belonging and growth are all fostered when students remain with the school they start at. Through SEED, Grade 5 students gain a glimpse into what a day in the life of a Damascus student is really like, moving between classrooms, exploring specialist subjects, and sharing meals together, all experiences that build excitement, confidence and connection to their future school.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the schools who attended, the staff and students who supported their groups, and to the Damascus students and staff who made the week such a success.