On Wednesday l had the pleasure to attend my first Damascus Day Celebration. Damascus Day is an important day in the life of the College. It is the day when we celebrate our identity as a Catholic co-educational secondary college. It is a day when we recognise those who had the foresight and who laboured to provide the opportunities and facilities that exist today; the parents, parishioners, priests, religious brothers and sisters that created the buoyant college community that is Damascus College in 2022. And, of course, 2022 marks the 28^th year of our College, being combined from three foundation Colleges. We have much to be proud of when we think of our founding Colleges: Sacred Heart, St Paul’s Technical School and St. Martin’s in the Pines. It is in knowing and respecting our past that we can continue to grow in our next chapter.

As a new member of the community, l was delightfully surprised and bursting with pride as l watched so many of your young people engaged and actively participating in the liturgy. Ably led by Mr Tony Haintz and members of the Faith Team, so many students were able to explore our College theme ‘Abide in God’s love, and you will bear much fruit,’ each student was able to work on an aspect of the vine in RE classes, each Year 7 surrounded the altar during the consecration of the eucharist, our singers sang with joy and pride. Whilst our media students capably filmed our celebration. The Eucharist was led by Father Ed Moloney from the Cathedral. This was a significant day as this was our first full College liturgy where we could be together in over two years. The students were able to use the opportunity to reflect on the past two years and be joyful to be together.

I have included aspects of my first address as College Principal and appropriately on Damascus Day.

As we emerge from the loneliness and isolation of our COVID lockdowns, we need to remind ourselves of Christs’ love and life. A god of heart, humility, compassion and justice. The Sisters of Mercy have left a strong legacy here at Damascus. In my short ten weeks, l have seen how we at Damascus live with an open heart, not to judge, to embrace all that life presents itself with, and be joyful. Your passion for one another and life is what makes our College so vibrant. I challenge each and every one of you to feel and abide in God’s love through authentic and respectful relationships. Surround yourself with people who love unconditionally, accept you for who you are and allow you to live with honesty and integrity. Make sure you have friends and family who are willing to tell you when you’re great and also not so great! You need people to help you recognise when you need to get your priorities right and to be your best.

Today l want you to take away three messages.

Be Brave: Accept your challenges, know your flaws and work with what you have. Do not let any obstacles stand in your way; I know when l need the support of my family and friends. I know myself well enough that when l cannot solve a problem or dilemma, I consult, l talk and l talk – l go to people who may not give me the answers l want to hear. In my heart, l know l have the answers: quiet prayer and stillness helps me make a decision.

Be Strong: Know and trust yourself. You know when something does not feel right, trust your instinct and trust the whisperings of your God. I sometimes try to stand outside myself to see how my behaviour is being perceived by others – Am l proud of how l am treating myself and others?

Be The Best version of yourself each and every day. When l start my day at home and come to work, l wonder have l made someone feel better and stronger about themselves. Do l need to apologise or repair a relationship?

Today l celebrate the gift and privilege of being the Principal of Damascus College – I know l am on the shoulders of great leaders of the past. Past principals and the Sisters of Mercy, whose rich culture is palpable here at Mount Clear.

But we need to remember you, the students and learners at Damascus College, are a gift to one another and to this community. You are our future leaders.

You have a challenge to build and create a better world, to promote respect for each and every individual no matter their race, gender, ability, sexuality or faith.

Each day l am thankful as l have the privilege to laugh, to hear your stories and to be a part of your magnificent life. I have been blessed by your wisdom, your tenacity and your joy for life and one another.

Today l know that you are our future, strong young people who have a strong sense of purpose, always looking out for each other. You have an amazing future in whichever pathway you choose, whether work, TAFE or university. You have an opportunity to abide in God’s love in your service to your community and family. You will carry with you the love of your God and walk gently in the footsteps of your God.

I have felt privileged and humbled by your generous Spirit, welcoming heart and passion for life. I am looking forward to learning more about you, as individuals, as learners and how we can create a Damascus community that celebrates each person’s dignity

I urge you to abide in your god’s love, Walk humbly with your God, your loved ones, and you will ultimately be happy – you will make mistakes, sometimes stumble and even fall. Stand Tall, Stand Proud because you are Damascus, and you are a gift to your family, friends and community.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, our community participated in many wonderful events organised by the SRC and Ms Goonan. One can see through the many photos a memorable time was held by all. We are grateful for the leadership of the SRC and Ms Goonan, and a special mention to our VCAL students who contributed and co-ordinated to the organisation of the festivities.

Last week we had a number of key events, and I thank our students and staff who have made these possible and helped each one of us to live our fullness of life. Our students participated in the Year 7 & 8 Beach Party, a group of Year 11 students engaged in the Winter Sleepout, and we hosted our Music Concert – a night with the movies, whilst BAS sport continued. Students who engage in the fullness of College life have a greater sense of connection and wellbeing. I encourage you to support your child to participate in the fullness of our wonderful community.

One of the great traditions of our Damascus Day is the announcement of our College Captains for the next school year. Our 2021 school captains, Megan O’Beirne and Lewis Clarke, have been wonderful role models and ambassadors for the College. Again this year, there was an extraordinarily talented group of young leaders who expressed interest in this role. I thank all candidates for having the courage to put their hand up to lead – each of their contributions will be invaluable to the future growth of our school community. Today, I congratulate our 2022 Captains elect; Xavier Byrne and Sophie Busuttil. We look forward to Megan and Lewis handing over to Xavier and Sophie throughout Term 4. House Captain selection processes continue this week, and we look forward to celebrating all those who seek that role over the coming weeks.

Our Year 12 students are working through a heavy assessment period. The holiday period provides an opportunity for them to catch their breath and consolidate their learning, and continue revision. Our Unit 4 students have their trial exams. Families and students were sent the schedule earlier this week via email.

I deeply thank you for your welcome and hospitality in my first term as College Principal.

With every blessing

Damascus College students in years 8 through year 10 were immersed in Applied Science with a series of workshops and local industry visits all designed to provide students with inspiration to participate in the Peter Doherty Science Awards (PDSA).

The PDSA encourages scientific thought by inspiring students to solve everyday issues. Students are encouraged to undertake research using the scientific method to ask questions and find answers. Professor Doherty’s intention in initiating this award was to encourage excellence in scientific thought and activity among secondary school students. Students also develop “soft skills” such as teamwork, logical and analytical thinking skills, and communication skills. Around 75 per cent of jobs require STEM skills, and it is the ability to apply these skills that will better prepare them for the future.

In the Art of Science workshop, students experimented using household items to test the effectiveness of different inhibitors on yeast growth and constructed a poster to communicate their findings.

In the Science Communication workshop, Catriona Nguyen-Robertson from Melbourne University and ScienceWorks shared her insider tricks of the trade, methods to overcome nerves and effective ways to communicate STEM.

On industry site visits to Haymes Paints manufacturing and Vitrafy Life Sciences, students saw first-hand how chemical, physical and biomedical science is used to produce high-quality paint products and revolutionise cryogenic cell preservation with cutting-edge technology.

Congratulations Sadie Jones, Haileigh Buttigieg, Zoe Newman, Taya Thiele, Lucy Leviston and Laura McDonald for your participation in the Girls in STEM term 3, we hope you gained a lot from this wonderful experience

On Thursday 8^th September Damascus College drama and music students from a range of year levels participated in a showcase evening with the theme “A Night at the Movies”.

The event featured solo performances from brass, woodwind and vocal students playing favourite themes and music from film and television.

As the audience munched on their lollies and popcorn they were also entertained by the Senior Singers and Kermit singing his very own Rainbow Connection, Year 10 drama students presenting a reiteration of Alice in Wonderland. The event also saw the debut performance of our new band formed at the Music Camp. They delivered an impressive performance of the theme from The Avengers. This new music ensemble features brass, woodwind, strings and percussion students as well as contemporary instruments such as keyboards, drums, bass and guitar.

Congratulations to all of the students who took to the stage. It was reported that the students and staff were very excited and enthused about their performances. The loud applause from the audience indicates they felt the same way. A great night was had by all!

On Sunday 11^th September, our school captain Lewis Clark performed a recital of his own in the ‘Piano for Pleasure’ series.

These are concerts that feature student soloists of Bronislaw Sonzanski as well as other musicians and ensembles across the year. Lewis presented his VCE recital program in preparation for his exam in approximately a months’ time.

This was a 25 minute program of pieces that included works by Bach, Haydn, Grieg and others. Lewis also performed some contemporary jazz standards and works from Australian composers.

Lewis takes every opportunity that he can to build on his performance technique and this concert was an excellent demonstration of his dedication and commitment to music. The audience agreed it was a most enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

We wish Lewis and all of our music and drama students all the best for their upcoming performance exams.

As we return for Term 4, students will transition to the summer uniform. We typically have a two week period where students can wear summer or winter uniform to accommodate for the variability of spring weather in Ballarat. Traditionally, Yr 12’s have been able to wear winter uniform until they finish and while they will be at school until later this year we will allow some flexibility in wearing either the summer or winter uniform until 30^th October. Year 12 students can wear their Hoodie in term 4, except when representing College.

Child Safety

The College’s Student Services Team provides invaluable support to our families and students. The team will be taking a well earned break too. However, the school holiday period can be both rewarding and challenging for all families and therefore we may need additional support. Please find following a list of agencies who may be able to assist: -

• Ballarat Community Health Ballarat Community Health (bchc.org.au) (Offers Mental health and AOD support)
• Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) www.yodaa.org.au 1800 458 685
• Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative Home | Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative | badac.net.au P: 03 5331 5344
• Minus 18 Home | Minus18
• Youth Mental Health Services Ballarat - Access and Triage: 1300 247 647
• CASA Ballarat: 5320 3933
• Butterfly foundation Support for Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues | Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673.

Additional information can be found on the school website, by clicking the following link - Wellbeing Community Supports - Damascus College

Helpful Online & Telephone Support Services

• Orange Door
• Headspace eheadspace.org.au
• Youth Beyondblue youthbeyondblue.com
• ReachOut.com
• Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
• LifeLine 131 114
• Kids Helpline www.kidshelp.com.au 1800 551 800
• Suicide Line www.suicideline.org.au 1300 651 251
• Domestic Violence Crisis Line www.dvrcv.org.au 1800 200 526
• Orygen Youth Health www.oyh.org.au 1800 888 320
• Department of Human Services 1300 650 172
• Eating Disorders www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
• Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) www.yodaa.org.au 1800 458 685

On Thursday September 8, our Junior Boys and Girls Football teams played in the annual McAuley Shield and Cup matches against Mercy Regional College, Camperdown. Students were selected into this team after representing Damascus in the BAS Junior Football competition this year.

The competition gives the students the chance to showcase school pride, belonging and connection and the opportunity to celebrate the Mercy story and spirit of both schools. The competition began in 2015 with girls only and the boys match was introduced in 2018.

After not being able to hold the matches in 2020/2021 due to COVID lockdowns, it was great to be able to get the teams out on the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol this year. Winners in 2019 when the matches were last played were Damascus College in the McAuley Shield and Mercy Regional College in the McAuley Cup.

Results

McAuley Shield: Damascus 6.4 defeated Mercy Regional College 3.2
MVP: #28 Jovie Skewes-Clinton (Damascus)

McAuley Cup: Mercy Regional College 14.8 defeated Damascus College 1.1

MVP winners were awarded with a football and scarf (donated by the Western Bulldogs) and a medal. Winning teams were awarded with a Sherrin football to take back to their respective schools.

Introducing the Student Digest- Monthly Formative Reporting

In Term 4 2021, Damascus completed a survey to gather feedback on how parents use PAM and how Damascus can support parents and guardians with utilising PAM. The survey aimed to identify parent usage and potential limitations based on the data below:

Background information -

• PAM accounts at Damascus: 983
• Active accounts: 902 (91.76%)
• 440 people responded. (48.78% of the active accounts)

Responses were from a reasonable spread from all year levels.

Responses regarding parent usage of PAM:

• 44.44% check PAM at least once a week.
• 9.95% once a month.
• 29.63% of respondents said they check PAM only when prompted (estimate once a term).

The recommendations from the survey suggested opportunities to engage parents in using PAM. As a solution, the College has engaged with SIMON to assist. The result is the activation of the Student Digest. The Student Digest is a snapshot of the main components of PAM concerning Student’s academic and pastoral commitments.

The 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. 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, September 16 and then monthly.

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

On 9^th – 10^th September a group of Year 11 students opted to experience sleeping rough to support the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Collectively the group raised about $600 in sponsorship that will go directly to Vinnies. After some work in appreciating the reasons that lead to homelessness and night prayer, it was on to the experience of the Ballarat night. The morning reflection process was profound and students were pleased to be collected by their families, knowing that they are well looked after and have achieved hours toward their Christian Personal Development Awards Community Service / Action for Mercy and Justice.

– Student Reflections

During the sleep out experience, we found that being on the school grounds brought a sense of security, where, homeless people in our surrounding community would not be able to feel that type of protection. – Grace O, Eden B and Lily K

During this experience, you are more grateful for the things you have such as a bed. While sleeping outside with a sleeping bag I was warm. However, I have realised that some people out on the streets don’t have the opportunity to have these things to keep them warm in Winter. – Carina

After participating in the sleepout, I feel more compassionate to the people doing it rough on the streets during cold nights – Jack M

When the alarms are blaring and you’re told to move, that feeling of ‘where do we go?’ was eye opening. When people sleeping on the streets are told to move, they do not have the same security as we did, yet that feeling was still resonating amongst us, privileged. -Sara A

Sleeping out in the cold and in the rain was confronting but made me much more aware of my privilege. I had the option to sleep rough when I had a warm, dry bed at home, although people who are living on the street do not have this option at all. – Ava S

Although in the safe confinements of the school grounds it was still a very vulnerable experience and to think that people must do it every night on the streets is eye-opening and makes me want to get involved and make a difference to those who aren’t as privileged. – Liana C

On Friday the Damascus College Hands on Learning Program (HoLP) students were supported by members of staff in holding a sausage sizzle at lunchtime.

This Hands on Learning Program (HoLP) focuses on learning by doing that caters to the different ways young people learn, helping to build confidence and capacity, leading to greater engagement and achievement in schools. It develops students social and emotional learning skills to succeed in life, these are:

• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Resilience
• Empathy

Thank you to all the staff who supported these students as they raised over $400 for the Terry Floyd Foundation.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImSupported

Please see following a calendar of events for This Girl Can Ballarat:-

If you would like to take up Little Athletics please see information following:-

On Thursday September 8 students and staff at Damascus College had the opportunity to get involved and learn more about national RU OK? Day.

Andrew Robertson, Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing and members of the Damascus College Counselling services held a workshop during lunch to pass along the 4 steps to having an R U OK? Conversation. R U OK?Day is a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “are you OK?” and support those struggling with life's ups and downs.

Students and staff were reminded, that a conversation could change a life.

Last Wednesday the Ballarat Football Umpires Association held their annual presentation and awards evening.

Damascus College Year 9 student Ned Murnane was awarded the Best Senior Games First Year Boundary Umpire award.

Ned was also allocated the Ballarat Football League Reserves Grand Final game this weekend.

On average Ned runs approximately 14kms a game!

Congratulations Ned, what a wonderful achievement.

Please see following a Walking Home Fundraiser:-

On Friday night the Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to get together outside of school hours and enjoy the junior school beach party!

Matching the theme, students dressed up for the occasion in their colourful beach attire and with their dancing shoes on, ready for a night of fun!