The past fortnight has been a celebration of student growth, achievement and pride. We have so much to celebrate at Damascus: a committed staff, energetic learners and a supportive community. We have been oozing with pride and energy the last few weeks and a Mercy Heart that beats strongly with compassion, joy and challenge.

I had the pleasure of attending the Caritas Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Ballarat with our student leaders, as they were commissioned to lead the charge of Project Compassion in our College. Our students need to be reminded of their privilege in our world and their responsibility to be of service to others. "To live by the light of Christ,' is a reminder that as people of faith, we have the mandate to remember our neighbour and to be hospitable to those who need our love and grace. This reflection was beautifully augmented with our Annual Cake Bake Sale, whereby our students were able to raise funds for Project Compassion. The students raised $1160.10.

On the past two Tuesday evenings, some of our staff had the privilege of attending our original school at Sacred Heart on Victoria Street. We were led by the wisdom of Sr Marie Davey and Sr Berenice Kerr and a number of other Mercy Sisters who could share their memories, stories and love of our Mercy Heritage and education.

Staff who were also past students at Sacred Heart were able to recollect many stories and reminisce about the learning experiences provided by our Founding Sisters. Architecturally we were reminded that the Sisters were contemporary educators, as we identified a number of learning spaces with walls that could slide open to allow students to collaborate with others in their cohort; quite astonishing, considering the building was over a hundred years old. I was reminded that our story is built on the shoulders of wise women and Diocesan leaders who were passionate and dedicated educators who were willing to challenge the status quo. This came at a poignant time, as we as a College are working assiduously with Law Architects to design our new Senior Learning Space to house, educate and empower young people in their senior years of learning.

I thank the many families who joined our College Leadership Team, House Leaders, Teacher Advisors and many staff at our school for the Year 7 Information and Welcome barbeque. Together and in partnership, we will support our young people to be their best and to celebrate, challenge and nurture their individuality.

Student voice is a key focus for us at Damascus, and this fortnight it was evident with a number of students leading assemblies, liturgies and meetings with me as the College Principal. Our students have much energy, insights and awareness that needs to be harnessed. I was so proud of our students on the weekend when l attended the Head of the Lake Rowing Regatta at Lake Wendouree. Our student leaders organised their first spit crew jumpers and marched proudly onto the Spit, celebrating and basking in the pride of being a Damascus student. My duties included presenting medals to winning crews at the pontoon. I was constantly distracted by the overwhelming cheer of our students – cajoling and cheering their schoolmates as they entered the finishing line. I am so impressed by our student's perseverance and can-do attitude. It is this attitude and willingness to challenge their personal best that will see them succeed in life in their chosen career or profession. Congratulations to all our rowers for having the tenacity to compete and the discipline needed to commit to rowing.

The Annual Academic Assembly was held on Monday, 20^th February, where we acknowledged and celebrated our College High Achievers. I particularly want to congratulate the following students who received ATARs over 90:

• Fraser Crumpler 99.3
• Xavier Clonan 96.75
• Tristan Clonan 96.4
• Megan O'Beirne 93.4
• Brayden Welsh 91
• Harrison Welsh 90.7

and our VCAL Dux Joshua Matheson.

At this Assembly, we acknowledged our Shining Light Recipients. Past Alumni who are making outstanding contributions to their chosen profession. The following Alumni were recipients of the award, and we celebrate and congratulate them on their achievements:

Dr Yvonne Aitken STEAM Achievement Award

Professor Andrew Ooi STEAM Achievement and Academia/Career Excellence award

Nicole Thornton (nee Warke) STEAM Achievement Award

Dr Samantha Brown Academia/Career Excellence Award

Connor Prunty Young Achiever Award for Community Service

I have provided my speech below for you to read and a copy of the assembly booklet here.

Good afternoon Damascus College.

I welcome our special guests – the Sisters of Mercy, School Advisory Council members, to our many parents, grandparents and other family members.

I welcome our 2022 Year 12 students who have achieved outstanding success in their ATAR scores and VCAL Pathways. Today we will also acknowledge the recipients of the 2023 Shining Light Award to members of our alumni. As a community, we are proud of your achievements and wish to acknowledge your hard work, grit and gifts.

Often we hear the expression, lifelong learners, but l am not sure that we truly understand what this means. To me, lifelong learning is about our personal dispositions, our mindset and our willingness to work hard to be uncomfortable in pursuing our best. Learning should be uncomfortable, and we need to feel pushed.

This morning I would like to acknowledge the parents and grandparents here today who were your first teachers. They taught you to sleep, eat, walk, play, and the difference between right and wrong. They provided you with experiences that challenged you, gave you new insights and helped wire your brain and mindset. It was your parents who opened your eyes to the endless possibilities that life and all its experience offer.

I am sure the recipients of today's Awards have received copious support from their parents, who have cajoled them at midnight when they were having a challenging night trying to balance work, study, SACS and relationships. It was your parent's encouragement and motivation that have undoubtedly helped you succeed. But now, the world is open for you to grab and take hold of. Dream big, take risks, and believe in yourself.

Inspirational men and women who have achieved great things can provide guidance and inspiration on our journey towards success. I want you to think about the role models in your life: whether it's Jacinda Ardern, Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, or it might be your Pop or Nan. They have shown us that with hard work and faith, we can overcome even the most significant challenges. Their success should encourage us to follow our own dreams and pursue them with dedication and enthusiasm.

Today as a College community, we are celebrating the success and achievements of the students of Year 12 2022, your hard work, your grit and your determination. We, as your community, are incredibly proud of your achievements.

Each one of us needs to recognise our gifts, talents and shortcomings. Today, we acknowledge the success of our subject and school duxes. I have an image of these young people on the edge of the diving board. Ready to take the next leap of faith, to plunge into a life journey beyond Damascus to create their own destiny, to create their own future and to stand strong and proud in who they are and what contribution they will make to the world and their chosen career.

Furthermore, today we will be acknowledging the 2023 Shining Light Awards, where we as a community acknowledge the notable achievements of our Damascus College alumni that inspire each one of us today. A Shining Light recipient is someone who has gone above and beyond in their professional field, who has been motivated to set out and accomplish personal goals, and who has excelled in their area of expertise. It is a person with passion and purpose and with dedication and motivation, knowing they too can achieve their dreams. It is apt that in our Academic Assembly, we acknowledge our students who have excelled in their Year 12 studies and past Alumni who are contributing to their chosen profession and field.

As a College with a 140-year history and built on the Mercy Tradition, we are charged to live by the values of Catherine McAuley. I want to revisit these values and challenge each one of us who is part of this Damascus community to live, breathe and enact these each and every day with our friends, family, and colleagues.

Be Compassionate – Do not be a bystander but show compassion to one another. Promote inclusion, acceptance and kindness throughout your day and with your encounters with others.

BE Justice – Stand up for what is right and help those who need you to advocate on their behalf, help them have a voice and then let them speak for themselves.

Be Respectful– We recognise and acknowledge the goodness in everyone and everything. We show respect and recognise we must earn our community's respect through our words, actions and attitudes. We earn respect through our actions and words.

Be Hospitable - Being kind, generous and welcoming to friends, family, and those we know is easy. It takes courage and grit to welcome the stranger. Hospitality is not about food but rather our attitude to those who are different, welcome the stranger and not judge those who are different to ourselves.

Be of Service - Service means using our talents and gifts to help others. Service enriches our classrooms, our school and our broader community.

Be Courageous –To act with courage takes strength, resilience and inner strength; we know when we have to act, but do we have the guts to challenge those with the loudest voices who do not respect others. Courage comes in small acts and big steps.

The Award Recipients here today are people who have worked hard, challenged themselves and been guided by the Mercy Values. I would suggest that their success is not a matter of chance but rather the result of hard work, determination, and perseverance. It takes courage to pursue our dreams, but if we are willing to put in the effort, we can achieve great things. However, we cannot do it alone. It is essential to work in partnership with our God, parents, teachers, and friends, who can support and challenges us along the way.

However, setbacks are an inevitable part of our journey. St Paul, in his conversion through Damascus, faced many setbacks; he was challenged, he experienced personal turmoil, he questioned, and he wrestled with his faith. You, like St Paul, will be faced with hardship, challenge and joy, but you need to turn to your family, friends, colleagues and your God to help you navigate the rocky road of life. It is important to be people of justice and to live in the light of Christ. As individuals who care and advocate for the marginalised, we can create a better world. Never be afraid to be yourself, and always strive to be your best.

In conclusion, success does mean hard work, individuality, and faith. We need the support of our parents, teachers, and friends to achieve our goals. We should never be afraid to dream big, take risks, and be ourselves. We should also strive to be people of social justice and live in the light of Christ. Let us continue to work towards our dreams, and together, we can make the world a better place.

Remember, at the beginning of the year, we listened to Sarah Blasko's song "We Won't Run" the Award Winners today did not run; they challenged the obstacles of Year 12 and are now ready to take on new adventures and enjoy their University choice or life pathway. Courageous people grab life and experiences by the horns, and I congratulate each of the recipients here today for their success and the success of the Damascus community.

Last Wednesday, we celebrated Sr Veronica Lawson’s Diamond Jubilee with a lovely morning tea shared with staff and a small number of guests. Sr Veronica spoke fondly of her time and connection with Damascus College, and I include her speech below.

Anyone who knows me knows that this ever so beautiful school is an extraordinarily important part of my extended family, of my biological family and of my Mercy family.

When Tina sent me the invitation for today’s morning tea, I replied immediately that nothing would get in the way of my being here. This week’s events have simply deepened my appreciation for this place and for all that it represents.

Last evening, Marie led us in a tour of the former SHC. When we came out of the old parlour at the front of the building and walked back towards the chapel, I paused to take a photo of the semi-circular inscription over the statue of the Christ, an inscription that met the eyes of everyone who walked into that building in times past. It reads, “I have loved you with an everlasting love”. These are words that the prophet Jeremiah attributes to the God of Israel. The words inscribed on these walls mean the same thing-“to live by the light of Christ. Be. My. Best.”. The student expressions of gratitude at Monday’s academic awards ceremony were testimony to the fact that that is precisely what happens here, that the love of God and the light of Christ permeate the education offered here. That’s what enables students to be their best, and I am ever so grateful to have been part of it all.

I am still learning and, being your next door neighbour, most of my learning takes place on this little patch of the planet. Not many people can claim to be still at school in their 83rd year, and thanks to your inclusive ways, I can.

Sr Veronica Lawson

On Friday, 10^th March, at 11:30am, we will hold the College Opening Mass with Bishop Paul Bird. We invite families to attend, and I attach an invitation to the community here

We remember teacher David Myers and his family on the passing of his beloved mother. We keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

With every blessing

Tomorrow, students will attend the annual House Swimming carnival which will be held at the Eureka Swimming Pool. Students must wear their PE uniform to school but may wear an appropriate House coloured top, supporting their House. Students will travel by bus to and from the venue; however, to alleviate the pressure on buses, students will have the opportunity to make their own way to Eureka Pool. This will need to be recorded when you complete the PAM permission that will be sent to families shortly. As with every school day, the Swimming Carnival is a compulsory activity for all students and provides an excellent opportunity for students to be their best! Not everyone is a talented swimmer, but there are a diverse range of activities to encourage student participation. We remind families that the College encourages students to be SunSmart for this event, in that they wear a hat and use and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. We would encourage families to reiterate the message with their students on the day.

It is not uncommon for students to pressure parents and guardians not to attend school on sports days, but it is imperative that parents stand firm and point out that community events are an important opportunity to learn and build both team and school spirit. Our focus throughout our sports program across the College is on participation. The team with the greatest level of participation has invariably been recognised as the overall winner at the carnival. Students who do not attend school on Thursday without a legitimate reason will not be eligible to attend college formals or extracurricular activities. In a break from the past two years, we look forward to welcoming our families back to the pool as spectators. We do ask that you sign in and out when visiting. If parents/guardians would like their student to be dismissed from the pool, they must tick the box in the PAM permission form to indicate this; otherwise, students will be brought back to school for regular dismissal.

Next Wednesday, 8^th of March is International Women's Day; it's a global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. We acknowledge that there is still work to be done in achieving equality and safety for women in our global community. We have been fortunate to have so many women work to progress our community and society, and we acknowledge those who came before us, those amongst us and those in the future.

Our young Damascus rowers proudly represented their College in the Head of the Lake regatta on Sunday. Students got off the water proud of their best effort, each acknowledging that they had done their best. Rowing Coordinator, Paul Blanchfield, College Staff Georgia O’Leary, Tamzin Perkins, Claudia Griffin and the exceptional team of Damascus coaches continue to build on a culture of students doing and being their best, which was very evident on Sunday. Congratulations to all Rowers, Coaches, support staff and volunteers for their enormous efforts, not only yesterday but their entire 2022/2023 season to date.

There are a diverse range of excursions to support classroom learning taking place over the next week, and I encourage families to check PAM permissions and take a look at your student's progress while there.

Families are reminded to please be conscious when driving through the College, of students walking, and students on bicycles. Please drive at a steady walking pace.

We extend a prayer of gratitude for all the women in our lives, for their strength, courage and inspiration, and we pray that we can continue to develop as a society with just and safe equality for all.

We are excited to welcome the Live4Life initiative to Damascus College in 2023.

Live4Life is an evidence-based model for improving youth mental health and reducing suicide across rural and regional communities. Live4Life delivers Teen and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training in schools and the wider community. The model of Live4Life is a whole community approach, involving secondary schools working in partnership with community partners to lead conversations about mental health that reduce stigma, and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.

Live4Life Ballarat was created in response to a reported increase from schools and agencies, in depression, anxiety, cyber bullying and self-harm which has led to the need for a coordinated response to address our young people’s mental health.

Ballarat secondary schools and community partners agreed to utilise an evidenced based approach to mental health that focuses on prevention and education.

In 2023, 8 secondary schools will have the Ballarat Live4Life program delivered to Year 8 students:

In 2024, Ballarat Live4Life program will be delivered to Year 8 and 10 students.

Live4Life Ballarat is made up of the following components:

1. Delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid to year 8 and 10 students.
2. Teachers – Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
3. Live4Life Crew - Yr. 9 and 10 Students who volunteer to support the delivery of education sessions and run the launch, mental health promotion activities and celebration events for the year ahead.

Teen Mental Health First Aid for year 8 students

Year 8 students will participate in 3 x 60-minute education sessions within their individual schools. Delivered by Mental Health First Aid licensed Instructors. Further information about the course can be found at https://mhfa.com.au/Teen-further-info#

Damascus has over 10% of staff with full mental health training, while Leader of Student Wellbeing, Hannah Keating and school Councilor Claudia Griffin are training in the delivery of Teen Mental Health first aid for our year 8 and 10 students. The College continues its commitment in delivering evidences based programs

The Liturgical Season of Lent – A time of Reflection

Last Wednesday 22^nd February was Ash Wednesday. This event marked the beginning of Lent. On this day, staff and students gathered in a liturgy to receive the ashes as a symbol of commitment in preparing for the new life we hope to find in God.

Lent is a time of reflection that reminds us of the story of Jesus wandering in the desert for 40 days. It is a time of recognising that all we have is a gift from God and we prepare for the coming of Christ on Easter Sunday.

This season of sacrifice and reflection is also a time to recall that we are part of a global community. Charitable campaigns such as Project Compassion provide an opportunity to reach out to those in need.

In light of this, we hold in our hearts the people in Turkiye who continue to experience the devastation of a recent earthquake. We remember the suffering of the people in Ukraine who live with the constant threat of violence and destruction due to the ongoing war.

Below is an excerpt of Pope Francis’ message for us in this Lenten season:

Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to listen to what Jesus wants to tell them through the Scriptures and through others.

The pope recalled “the command that God the Father addresses to the disciples on Mount Tabor as they contemplate Jesus transfigured. The voice from the cloud says: ‘Listen to him.’”

“The first proposal, then, is very clear: We need to listen to Jesus,” he said. “Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to him as he speaks to us.”

During this liturgical season,” he continued, “the Lord takes us with him to a place apart. While our ordinary commitments compel us to remain in our usual places and our often repetitive and sometimes boring routines, during Lent we are invited to ascend ‘a high mountain’ in the company of Jesus and to live a particular experience of spiritual discipline as God’s holy people.”

Pope Francis said one of the ways Jesus speaks to us is through the Word of God, which we can hear at Mass.

But if one cannot attend Mass during the week, it is a good idea to still read the daily readings of the liturgy, the pope encouraged.

“In addition to the Scriptures, the Lord speaks to us through our brothers and sisters, especially in the faces and the stories of those who are in need,” he added.

Francis’ second suggestion for Lent was to confront the difficulties of ordinary life remembering that Lent is a period that leads to Easter.

“Do not take refuge in a religiosity made up of extraordinary events and dramatic experiences, out of fear of facing reality and its daily struggles, its hardships and contradictions,” the pope said.

“The light that Jesus shows the disciples is an anticipation of Easter glory, and that must be the goal of our own journey, as we follow ‘him alone,’” he said. “Lent leads to Easter: the ‘retreat’ is not an end in itself, but a means of preparing us to experience the Lord’s passion and cross with faith, hope, and love, and thus to arrive at the resurrection.”

A Lenten Prayer

(taken form Morning and Evening Prayer of the Sisters of Mercy)

Jesus, we recognise our own weaknesses,

and we know that only through your mercy

can we be merciful.

In time of trial,

In the midst of our daily work,

whenever we feel doubt or confusion,

enlighten and strengthen us

so that we may do your holy will.

May our deeds of mercy

express your mercy to a suffering world.

We make this prayer with gratitude

for your unfailing goodness to us.

Amen

Opening College Mass

An invitation is extended to parents, carers and families to join with students, staff and special guests from the diocese, to attend the Damascus Opening College Mass.

Bishop Paul Bird will be the celebrant for this special occasion. The Mass will be on Friday 10 March, beginning at 11:30 am. The venue will be the John Shannon Centre at the college.

All are welcome.

At almost half of this term completed, I hope all students are settling into the new year, new classes, new teachers and a renewed sense of achievement. As parents and carers of our students, we would like to continue working in partnership with you throughout the remainder of this year to ensure that our students succeed. We acknowledge that a strong academic foundation and well-developed character strengths are necessary for success. These are interconnected, and one cannot be compromised for the other. These strengths are acquired through mindful practice.

Our Academic and Wellbeing stance for 2023 is for all our students to Be Their Best and this means demonstrating Grit. Parents and students may have heard of Grit mentioned several times this year in recent years in the context of raising students to go on to fulfil and maximise their potential.  Grit, as popularised by Angela Duckworth in her work, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”, is, in effect, the ability to put forth continued effort despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. What drives success is not genius, she suggests, but that combination of passion and long-term perseverance.

Grit is our passion and perseverance towards reaching a long-term goal. Like most valuable skills, this will take practice and dedication. The College will commit to our students achieving Grit by explicitly teaching Social Emotional Learning Skills. In order to achieve Grit, we are challenging our students to commit and produce work consistent with a high standard, reflected by their ability and never below their expected standard.

Homework will be assigned most days and for all subjects unless otherwise stated. Homework and homestudy is extremely important as it allows you to be involved in your child’s learning and reinforces the lessons from the day. Homework and homestudy also assist in developing a learning routine at home and emphasise the development of work and study habits that will assist students throughout their years at the College.

Information sessions started this year with the VCE/VM/VPC Information session on Year 7 Information Evening. It was heartening to witness the strong turnout for these sessions, and we hope to continue to run further sessions focused on building our capabilities to support our students.

Below are the links to the VCE and VM/VPC session recordings. Thank You to Caroline Nolan (VCE Coordinator) and Belinda Dwyer (Applied Learning Leader) for leadership in this area.

Students from Damascus VCE Systems Engineering class recently attended the Ballarat Tech School to develop their skills and understanding in the processes of laser cutting and engraving.

The morning was spent learning about the importance of prototyping/modelling, applying this learning through assembling a ‘grandstand’ for Mars Stadium in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The students were then introduced to the Laserbox laser cutters and began with learning how to use the Laserbox drawing software to create an image and cut an x-slot tree out of cardboard. Students where then given a challenge to use the laser cutters to design and create the strongest cardboard bridge to allow pedestrian access across Creswick Road, which also required the students to apply their engineering knowledge.

In the afternoon, the students further enhanced their skills using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing program which has been used in the classroom, to design and produce a model plywood gear train, utilising the accuracy and efficiency of the laser cutters.

It was a wonderful day, where students can now apply the knowledge and skills they have learnt back in the Damascus classroom, to enhance the outcomes of their systems projects.

Huge thanks to Aaron and the Ballarat Tech School for a fantastic day, that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

On Wednesday morning the staff of Damascus College, along with some special guests from the Sisters of Mercy, Priests of the Diocese, and the Catholic Education Office joined together in the Damascus Events Centre to celebrate Sister Veronica Lawson’s Mercy Diamond Jubilee.

Veronica’s association with Damascus began in in the boarding house of Sacred Heart College in 1955, where she remained until graduating in 1958. After joining the Ballarat East Convent of Mercy Veronica taught at St Martin’s in the Pines until she was asked to step up into the position of Principal upon the illness of then Principal Sr Genevieve McDonald. Veronica led the school for two years from 1977 to 1978. During her time at St Martin’s Veronica held many roles – principal, deputy principal, teacher and boarding house supervisor to name a few.

Veronica was the leader of her congregation for seven years, and in 1988 she became the first woman to be elected to the role of president of the Australian Catholic Biblical Association.

Not just an educator of others, Veronica has never stopped learning herself. She has studied scripture at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem, and at Trinity College in Dublin. She has also lectured in Biblical Studies at ACU and led many Holy Land Biblical Tours while on summer break. She has amassed a global readership with her ongoing weekly commentaries on the Sunday Gospel readings and I urge you to seek these out for yourselves.

Veronica is a passionate warrior for social justice and the environment and a vocal advocate for refugees and asylum seekers. Her connection with Damascus remains strong to this day, having spent time as co-governor she is a frequent and very welcome visitor to the campus.

A font of information, Veronica is one of our go-to people for any questions we have regarding the history of the college and many of its connections.

Congratulations Veronica on the wonderful occasion of your Diamond Jubilee.

Look who’s moving into the neighborhood......

They’re “creepy and they’re kooky” and they’re coming to Damascus this July. Students from all levels of the college will be sought in the coming months to assist our dynamic production team to bring the classic Addams Family, to life in the Colleges latest musical.

The Performing Arts Department is hoping to involve students both on and off the stage. The show will feature a large cast of actors, singers and dancers with plenty of backstage opportunities for crew members, technicians and creative input into the design and creation of costume, makeup and set/prop making to help recreate the hit Broadway musical.

The event will kick off with an information session on Friday 3^rd March designed to give interested students all the stuff they need to know to get involved. This will be followed by Auditions on Friday 10^th March, Wednesday 15^th March and Thursday 16^th March from 3:30pm.

The show season will be July 18th to July 21st and be staged in the College’s Valda Ward Auditorium.

The musical’s plot unfolds when Wednesday Addams brings the sweet, farm boy she has fallen in love with home to meet the family. In one fateful night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations - change.

Packed with humour, a great score, catchy songs, scintillating dance routines and a cavalcade of oddball characters this will the highlight of the Damascus Performing Arts program this year.

Come join the fun as a student cast & crew member, a volunteer or audience member.

Easter is the pivotal event in the Christian Church calendar. Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of this season. The College took part in a liturgy for the distribution of ashes as part of this holy time in the Church calendar. Staff and students gathered in their House Groups and prayed following the PowerPoint liturgy.

Members of the SRC attended their House areas to distribute the ashes. The liturgy was also a launch for Project Compassion, a fund raising initiative that spans the six weeks of Lent each year raising much needed funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

Damascus College welcomed back students from the Class of 2022 on Monday 20 Feb, to celebrate and recognise their efforts and achievements across VCE and VCAL.

Academic Excellence Awards were presented and our VCE and VCAL Dux received a scholarship from the Sisters of Mercy and Federation University, for their hard work, dedication and grit.

The audience heard from VCE Dux Fraser Crumpler and VCAL Dux Joshua Matheson, and both provided some wonderful insight in to how they managed to achieve success whilst at school.

Past students were also awarded Shining Light Awards for their significant contributions to their respective fields and we hope students were inspired and moved by their stories.

We thank our past students, family members and special guests for their attendance and wish the students of the Class of 2022 all the best for their future endeavours.

Damascus College is thrilled to invite past students and staff to the following 2023 Class reunions:

Class of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013.

Reunion groups are named by their final year, which is the year a student did or would have completed Year 12 or equivalent. For example if you left SHC in Year 10 (Form 4) in 1980, your graduating year would have been 1982 - therefore you are part of the Class of 1982.

You can see all the event details and book your ticket at https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/community/alumni/alumni-reunions-events

This year we will also welcome back past students and staff of St Paul's Technical College to celebrate the significant contributions they have made as a foundation school of Damascus College.

Get your ticket at https://www.trybooking.com/CGIKR

Damascus College is hosting a Parent Access Module (PAM) information webinar for our Year 7, and new families to Damascus on Thursday the 9^th of March at 6.00pm.

PAM is an essential part of our schools engagement with families, as it provides the main platform for communication with the College, as well as allowing parents and carers to have visibility over your students curriculum, assessments and academic reports throughout each term. It also provides a single space to upload key medical information, approve attendance at camps and excursions, as well as find key policies and information connected to your child’s learning.

Given the importance of PAM to your student’s learning, it is essential that all our families understand how to navigate the platform effectively in order to be an informed and engaged member of the school community.

The webinar will cover off on:

• Parent Access Module (PAM) Access and logins.
• Family and Student Information
• Calendars and Events
• Student Assessments & Due Dates
• Absentee Notifications
• Permissions for Camps and Excursions
• Booklists, Policies, Handbooks, quick links and other key Damascus information

Families will also be provided the opportunity to ask any questions they may have during the session.

The Information Webinar will be held online via MicroSoft Teams. Click here to join the meeting 10 minutes prior to the event.

If you have any queries regarding this webinar or any questions in regards to your PAM account, please contact Daniel Cook on (03) 5337 2222, or, d.cook@damascus.vic.edu.au.

Please see following your invitation to the Damascus College opening Mass

Opening night of the ‘Next Gen’ exhibition

Last Friday night was a wonderful whirlwind of young artists, proud parents and teachers mixed with awe-inspiring artworks. It was, of course, the official opening of the local annual Next Gen exhibition. Each year the Art Gallery of Ballarat presents this curated event to showcase art and design projects created by Year 12 students across the Central Highlands and South-western Regions. Damascus College was well represented by past student Samantha Dechene and Finn Mauriks with artwork from their Visual Communication Design, Studio Art photography and general Art folios from last year. A big congratulations to these two creative young people. We look forward to seeing your next artistic pursuits!

The Next Gen exhibition is free and runs until April 16^th 2023.

Pictured below: Samantha Dechene poses with her proud mother, Dayna Mollison next to Samantha multi-perspective artwork ‘ Stigma’ commenting on the detrimental effects of addiction. Dayna can be seen in two of the artworks as one of Samantha’s models.

Samantha used various members of her family to model for her photography shoots. Her Uncle, Brad Mollison, is pictured below next to the artwork he posed for.

Finn Mauriks’ drypoint etching artwork ‘Jandamarrah’, referring to the indigenous resistance to colonial expansion during the 1890s, was acquired by Damascus College last year to be part of the permanent collection.

Samantha Dechene also had her Visual Communication Design artwork, titled ‘Eccentric’, selected as part of the Next Gen exhibition. Her brief was to design a bottle and packaging to sell a purfume reflecting the scent of a french rose called ‘Carmagnole’.

Please follow this link to view more artwork from last Year 12 Visual Arts exhibition. https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/2022-Visual-Arts-Virtual-Tour/

The PAM Student Digest is a snapshot of the main components of PAM concerning Student’s academic and pastoral commitments. T

The PAM Student Digest is viewable as a one-page summary to parents/carers, and this will be sent monthly as an email and notification prompt. The summary will include students’ assessment details including due dates, submissions and results, upcoming excursions, academic and pastoral incident letters, attendance and commendations.

The information provided in the Student Digest is not new; parents and carers already have access to all information on PAM, but essentially provide a ‘gentle’ reminder to engage with the platform.

The College will still be providing two reports a year, one for each semester, however, we encourage families to ensure that they are always keeping up to date with their student’s progress through PAM.

It is hoped that the Digest will provide an opportunity for families to take time to discuss student progress, encourage celebration of successes and address areas for growth. As is the case of last year the formative and frequent promulgation of the Student Digest will replace the interim reports at the end of Terms 1 and 3.

The first digest will be released on Friday, March 10 and then monthly.

Should you have queries about any of the information outlined in the email, please contact your students’ Teacher Advisor.

Last week Year 7 students journeyed to Log Cabin Camp, Creswick, for to reflect on their first few weeks at secondary school. The camp provides an opportunity for students to develop and expand their friendships within their House and to develop positive relationships with their teachers.

Of course there is also an opportunity for lots of fun. Activities included initiative games, bush walking, reflective experiences, team building, leadership challenges, giant swing, canoeing, archery and the leap of faith.

On Sunday 19 February Damascus College students Sophie, Paris, Xavier and Lucas Damascus attended the Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, to launch Project Compassion.

Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

As the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency, Caritas Australia works hand in hand with the most marginalised communities in Australia and overseas, to confront the challenges of poverty. Through locally-led programs, we work with all people, with shared hope and compassion, towards a world where all can thrive and reach their full potential.

Through partnerships with local organisations and Church networks, and as a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, we are able to reach where the need is greatest and work together for a just future.

At the Mass on Sunday our students were presented with Project Compassion boxes and candles to promote and support our awareness of the need and our fundraising during lent.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImPartOfSomethingGreater

HPE has had a busy start to 2023. The year 7 students have been participating in athletics during classes to prepare for their first Damascus College Athletics Carnival which is coming up later this term.

Year 8 and 9 students were involved in interactive health workshops facilitated by Elephant Ed. The Year 8 students workshop focused on body image and the influence of the media. Year 9 students discussed sexual health and the importance of respectful relationships. Student feedback of the workshops were very positive with students describing the sessions as ‘fun’, ‘interactive’, and ‘informative’.

Year 10 students have started the year with practical classes of touch rugby as well as learning about the Cardiovascular system.

VCE Unit 1 students are learning about the correct anatomical terms of the body and sports injuries.

VCE Unit 3 students are studying Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics. This has seen students involved in practical experiences such as croquet, golf, and a Biomechanics workshop that combined theory and practice to delve deeper into key concepts.

It’s been a tremendous and exciting start to the year in team St Martin.

Our yr. 12’s had a memorable and centering experience on retreat and are in full swing into their final year at Damascus. Our House Captains Jessica Hodge, Tyler Bumpstead, Julia Primerano and Nick Fletcher are leading the charge with the “right of passage” year 12 Synchronised Swimming exhibition to be held at swimming sports. This should be very entertaining and a great spectacle. All house members are primed to get involved and have a fun day in the many activities available.

Our year seven’s have jumped into the year head first, taking up the challenge of getting out of their comfort zone and become immersed into the life of the College. Their camp experience was a great initiation into Damascus where they could really get to know each-other and what it means to be a part of the St Martin family.

Ruby Townsing was happy to write a brief description of her experience below.

“I thought camp was great! It was a really good opportunity to get to know different teachers and students, and to explore different activities. My favorite parts were going on the trampolines with my friends and ziplining with different people I don't normally hang out with. All in all it was a great time and a great opportunity.”

A huge St Marty shout out to the St Martin SRC and peer mentors who have been amazing in their support of the 2023-year seven’s on camp and during mentoring sessions. You have been a real hit with staff and students in the way you exemplify the St Martin spirit and carry out your duties to the highest level.

Insert PIC1 Ruby PIC 2 PIC 3 Camp

Congratulations to Connor Fletcher newly voted yr7 SRC for 2023 and congratulations to all 20 nominees who put themselves forward for this great leadership opportunity. Connor joins the rest of the St Martin SRC team of Dilana Romeril, Lucy Gravell, Luke Eddy, Charley Gartlan, and House Captain mentioned above, leaving St Martin in extremely capable hands this year.

Our peer mentor team consisting of Gemma Madden, Kylan Jans, Taya Morris, Luke Eddy, Keeley Clark, Savannah Dalby, Laura Bylsma and Axel Durham have left no stone unturned with their running of activities and helping all students feel right at home in their first weeks of high school. You are all amazing and we thank you sincerely for your work and dedication.

The bake sale was held on Thursday 23^rd with a delicious array of goodies showcasing the wonderful cooking (and shopping) abilities of our students and families. Again our SRC and House Captains were hard at work raising funds for Project Compassion in a great team effort from all Houses.

Also a mighty shout out to the St Martin TA’s and staff who are so supportive of all students in giving their time to create these fantastic experiences and nurture students in all ways in helping them be their best. We particularly enjoyed the meet the parents night and look forward to building strong relationships moving forward.

St Martin House Leaders

Dan Jans and Jayde Tangey

Please see below the Rice House Report for Term 1: -

Please see below a pdf link for the CSPV Feb Update: -

CSPV Catholic School Parents Victoria Update February 2023

Please find a link below in relation to the 2023 Collection Notice for Parent and Guardians.

PRF Collection notice for parents