What an incredible Royal South Street Eisteddfod season it has been for Damascus College students, with a large contingent proudly representing the College across debating and music events.

Our debaters enjoyed an outstanding season, with our biggest debating group yet taking part. Four teams, featuring students from Years 7–11, competed throughout the Eisteddfod, demonstrating fantastic teamwork, preparation, confidence and commitment as they planned arguments, delivered speeches and rebutted their opposition.

All four Damascus teams performed strongly in the heats, with our Year 9/10 and Senior teams progressing through to the Grand Finals, where they represented the College with pride. While neither team came away with the win on the night, reaching the Grand Final in two divisions is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students. A special congratulations goes to year 10 student Beau Turner, who was awarded Runner-Up for Best Senior Speaker, an outstanding individual achievement.

Alongside debating, Damascus students proudly took to the stage across vocal, choral and instrumental sections of the Eisteddfod. Students represented the College through our ensembles and music program, while others took the initiative to enter solo and group sections independently. Across the season, our musicians achieved some wonderful results, including several placings and awards.

But Royal South Street is about much more than results. For many of our students, it was an opportunity to challenge themselves, share their talents, learn from experienced adjudicators and grow in confidence. Our performers ranged from experienced musicians to students stepping onto a competition stage for the very first time, and it was wonderful to see them embrace the opportunity and support one another along the way.

We are incredibly proud of every student who participated in the Royal South Street Eisteddfod and of the way they represented Damascus College throughout the competition. Congratulations to all our debaters, speakers, performers, placegetters and award recipients, and to the staff who have encouraged, coached, rehearsed and championed our students along the way.

What a wonderful Royal South Street season!