As Term 1 draws to a close, Damascus College reflects with gratitude on a rich and purposeful beginning to the year. It has been a term marked not only by activity and achievement, but by a deep and visible commitment to our Catholic identity. Across classrooms, liturgies, camps, reflection days and community events, the values of the Gospel and the Mercy tradition have been lived with authenticity, shaping both the experiences of our students and the culture of our College.
Our year began with the 2026 Opening Mass, a significant moment of gathering as a faith community. Centred on the Mercy value of Hospitality, this celebration invited all members of Damascus to consider how we welcome, include and honour the dignity of others in our daily lives. This message has continued to resonate throughout the term, not simply as an idea, but as a call to action in the way students and staff engage with one another.
Formation experiences have been a key feature of Term 1, with students across year levels engaging in camps, reflection days and retreats that foster both personal growth and spiritual development. These experiences provide an important space for students to step away from the pace of everyday school life and reflect more deeply on their identity, relationships and purpose.
Our Year 11 Reflection Day offered a powerful opportunity for students to explore spirituality through the lens of Indigenous perspectives, engaging in meaningful dialogue and learning from First Nations voices. This experience encouraged students to listen, reflect and grow in their understanding of culture, connection to land and the importance of respect and reconciliation.
Similarly, our Year 8 Reflection Day provided students with a meaningful opportunity to explore what it means to be part of a healthy, faith-filled community. Through a range of activities and shared experiences, students reflected on themes of belonging, respect, service and responsibility, considering how their everyday actions contribute to the culture of the College. The day encouraged students to recognise the importance of inclusion, care for others and the role each individual plays in shaping a positive and supportive environment .
Alongside these experiences, camps and other formation opportunities across the College have strengthened relationships, built resilience and fostered a strong sense of connection among students. These moments, often away from the classroom, are vital in shaping well-rounded young people who are confident, reflective and aware of their place within a broader community.
The Lenten season has been a central thread throughout the term, providing a time for reflection, renewal and recommitment. Our Ash Wednesday liturgies marked the beginning of this journey, inviting students into a quieter, more reflective space to consider the deeper meaning of faith. The reverence shown by students during these liturgies was a clear indication of their capacity to engage meaningfully with these moments.
This journey continued through to our Easter liturgies, where the story of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection was brought to life within our community. These celebrations were significant not only in their religious meaning, but in the way students participated with respect, understanding and a growing sense of ownership of their faith. They provided an opportunity for the entire College to gather, to pause, and to recognise the hope and renewal that sits at the heart of the Easter story.
A defining aspect of Term 1 has been the way our students have embraced the call to live their faith through action. Through Project Compassion, the Damascus community has raised over $6,600 in support of Caritas Australia, contributing to initiatives that provide essential resources such as clean water, education and healthcare to communities in need. This remarkable effort reflects a strong sense of social justice and a willingness to stand in solidarity with others.
Beyond fundraising, students have engaged in powerful experiential learning opportunities that bring these issues to life. The Youth Ministry Walk for Water, for example, challenged students to physically experience the reality faced by many around the world who must travel long distances to access clean water. Such experiences deepen understanding and empathy, helping students to connect their learning with real-world challenges and inspiring a commitment to making a difference.
Community initiatives such as the Project Compassion Bake Sale further highlighted the generosity and spirit of the Damascus community. These events are not only successful in what they raise, but in what they represent—a collective commitment to compassion, service and the dignity of all people.
Throughout the term, students have approached their learning and involvement in College life with enthusiasm and a positive mindset. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the arts, or through community events, students have demonstrated a willingness to participate, to challenge themselves and to contribute to a vibrant College culture.
Events such as the International Women’s Day Breakfast brought the community together in celebration and reflection, highlighting the importance of equality, leadership and the contribution of women within our society. Likewise, whole-school events such as the Athletics Carnival provided opportunities for students to connect, show House spirit and take pride in representing their community . These shared experiences play an important role in building a strong sense of belonging and identity within the College.
At the heart of all that has been achieved this term is the dedication and commitment of our staff. Their work in planning and leading liturgies, facilitating reflection days, supporting camps and guiding students in their learning ensures that each experience is meaningful and purposeful. Staff play a critical role not only in delivering these opportunities, but in modelling the values that define Damascus College. Their care, professionalism and commitment to the holistic development of each student are deeply appreciated.
As we reflect on Term 1, there is much to celebrate. It has been a term grounded in faith, enriched by meaningful experiences and strengthened by the collective efforts of our community. The way in which students and staff have embraced the opportunities before them speaks to the strength of Damascus College as a Catholic learning community.
We give thanks for all that has been and look forward with hope to the continued growth, connection and faith-filled journey that lies ahead.
Chris