Welcome to our Term 3 edition of The Road – Digital. While this edition reaches you a little later than planned, it provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many achievements, experiences and connections that have enriched our Damascus community.

As I reflect on the term, I am reminded that the life of Damascus College is shaped not only by what we achieve, but by who we are becoming together. Our Catholic identity calls us to be people of hope and welcome, recognising the dignity of every person and encouraging each young person to discover their God-given gifts and talents.

Throughout Term 3, our students demonstrated these qualities in so many ways. Five sold-out performances of Animal Farm, achievements in Senior Football, Royal South Street and the Frayne Competition, and the many opportunities for learning beyond the classroom are wonderful examples of their creativity, perseverance and commitment. Our Cape York Immersion also provided nineteen students with an important opportunity to listen, learn and deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures and reconciliation.

The strength of our community was equally evident through Grandparents and Grandfriends Day, our Father's Day Liturgy and Breakfast, and the many celebrations that brought students, families and staff together. We also welcomed twenty new students across Years 7 to 11 during the semester, a reminder that our College continues to grow through the stories, experiences and perspectives of those who join us.

One of the great privileges of my role is spending time in our classrooms and learning spaces. It is in these everyday moments, watching students engage with their learning, seeing staff encourage and challenge them, and witnessing the kindness students extend to one another, that I am reminded of what makes Damascus special.

During Term 3, I had the privilege of undertaking Enrichment Leave, including a pilgrimage through Greece and Türkiye, walking in the footsteps of St Paul. Alongside the Mercy Pilgrimage undertaken by Gavan, Jen and Naomi in Dublin, these experiences remind us of the importance of our Catholic heritage and the continuing invitation to live our College Vision:

Inspired by Christ's Mercy, a welcoming community, transforming self, others and the world.

I have shared a separate reflection on my pilgrimage and its significance for our journey as a contemporary Catholic learning community.

Read Walking in the Footsteps of St Paul: A Journey of Faith, Conversion and Hope

My Enrichment Leave also provided an opportunity for Christopher Grant to step into the role of Acting Principal, supported by our College Leadership Team. I sincerely thank Chris for embracing this opportunity and acknowledge the collective leadership, collaboration and commitment of the team throughout this period. It is through working together, sharing our gifts and supporting one another that we continue to strengthen our College.

As you enjoy this edition, I hope you share my pride in our students and gratitude for the staff, families and wider community who contribute so generously to their learning and growth.

With every blessing,

Steven Mifsud

Principal

In August, Damascus College educator Katrina McMahon was recognised at the City of Ballarat’s 2026 Ballarat Environmental Stewardship Awards, taking out the Community Education and Engagement category.

Katrina was recognised for her leadership in developing the Environment and Lifestyle Project within the College’s St Brendan’s Program, an alternative Year 8 learning experience that takes students beyond the traditional classroom and into the environment and wider community.

A founding member of the St Brendan’s working party, Katrina has been instrumental in shaping the environmental component of the program over the past three years, developing curriculum, sourcing resources and creating hands-on learning opportunities centred on environmental stewardship, sustainability and community connection.

Students learn through practical experiences including biodiversity walks on Mt Warrenheip, citizen science, carbon sequestration, water quality monitoring and caring for an aquaponics system housing approximately 30 rainbow trout. They also learn about circular economy principles through initiatives such as the program’s ‘War on Waste’ activities and food-waste recycling.

Through Katrina’s connection with Friends of Canadian Corridor, students have participated in the Urban Ripple Program, contributing to local environmental restoration by planting more than 1,000 trees to date. Katrina has also introduced students to the importance of restoring native species through the propagation of Murnong daisies, a critically endangered plant that is found on our Mt Clear campus.

The impact of the program extends well beyond environmental education. Students have responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to learn outdoors and through authentic experiences, developing a strong sense of purpose, connection and belonging. The broader St Brendan’s Program has also helped re-engage some students who had previously refused to attend school, providing meaningful opportunities to reconnect with education and build confidence.

One student reflected on their experience: “I enjoyed E and L a lot especially planting my own plant and learning the difference of being alone and feeling lonely. Once again, thank you so much!”

Katrina’s award recognises her passion and dedication to creating meaningful environmental learning experiences, while also celebrating the collective commitment of the St Brendan’s team to empowering students to become compassionate, engaged learners who positively impact the world.

Congratulations Katrina, and the whole St Brendan’s team, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for inspiring our students to care for their environment, connect with their community and recognise the difference they can make.

From moments of quiet reflection to an afternoon bursting with colour, music and laughter, Damascus Day 2026 brought our students and staff together to celebrate the faith, history and community spirit at the heart of our College.

This year's celebrations were a wonderful reminder that our Damascus identity is shaped not only by the traditions we honour, but by the way we welcome, support and celebrate one another.

Living Our Mercy Heritage

Our community gathered on the lawn for a Smoking Ceremony before entering the John Shannon Centre for our Damascus Day Mass, which began with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Centred on the theme Mercy Hospitality, the Mass invited us to consider what it truly means to make room for others. More than simply extending a welcome, Mercy Hospitality challenges us to notice those who may feel excluded, overlooked or on the margins, and to respond with compassion, dignity and action.

The Gospel reading from Luke 17:11–19, recounting Jesus healing ten people with leprosy, offered a powerful reminder of Christ's compassion for those who were marginalised. It challenged each of us to consider how we can make that same compassion visible in our everyday lives.

Acting Principal Christopher Grant reflected on the rich history of our College, tracing our story beyond the establishment of Damascus College more than 30 years ago to 1881, when the Sisters of Mercy established Sacred Heart College in Ballarat.

That enduring Mercy heritage continues to guide our community through our College Vision:

Inspired by Christ's Mercy, a welcoming community, transforming self, others and the world.

Our students contributed beautifully through prayer, readings, music and ministry, supported by our Catholic Culture Team. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Justin Driscoll for presiding over the Mass.

A Blast from the Past!

The afternoon brought a wonderful change of pace as students and staff embraced this year's Blast from the Past theme, transforming the College into a colourful celebration of music, memories and fun.

From karaoke and classic games to inflatables, challenges, face painting and plenty of treats, there was no shortage of opportunities to get involved.

The real highlight was seeing students enjoying the day together, stepping outside their usual routines, having a go at something different and sharing plenty of laughs with friends.

Making an afternoon like this happen takes considerable planning, creativity and teamwork. Our Student Representative Council members, Vocational Major students, House Ambassadors and Student Life Leader played an important role in bringing the celebrations to life, with wonderful support from staff across the College.

Their efforts helped create an afternoon filled with energy, friendship and new memories.

One Community, Many Ways to Celebrate

From the reverence of our Mass to the excitement of the afternoon festivities, Damascus Day reflected the many dimensions of College life.

It was a day to honour the faith and Mercy traditions on which our College was founded, celebrate the people who make our community what it is today, and recognise the importance of creating a place where everyone feels they belong.

Mercy Hospitality is not simply a theme for one celebration. It is an invitation to carry Christ's mercy into our everyday interactions, to make room for others and to contribute to a community where every person is welcomed and valued.

Damascus Day 2026 gave us much to celebrate, and plenty of wonderful memories to carry forward.

During my recent Enrichment Leave, I had the privilege of travelling through Greece and Türkiye, walking in the footsteps of St Paul and exploring places that shaped the early Christian communities.

Our pilgrimage took us to Ancient Corinth, where we celebrated the Eucharist; the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora; Thessaloniki and Ancient Philippi; the islands of Patmos and Samos; Kuşadası and Ephesus; Çanakkale and Gallipoli; and finally Istanbul. Each destination offered an opportunity to reflect on the history of our faith and what it means to live as followers of Christ in today's world.

A call to transformation

Travelling these ancient roads reminded me that St Paul's message was not always welcomed. His ministry challenged established beliefs and called people to a conversion of both head and heart: to see the world differently, recognise the dignity of others and embrace the transformative power of Christ's life, death and Resurrection.

Two thousand years later, this call remains just as relevant. In a world yearning for belonging, compassion and connection, we are called to be people of hope and justice, ensuring that every person is welcomed, respected and valued.

The courage of faith

I was particularly moved by our time in Philippi, where we reflected on the story of Lydia, one of the earliest recorded converts to Christianity in Europe. A woman of faith and courage, Lydia welcomed Paul's message, and she and her household were baptised.

Her story reminds us that the Gospel takes root through openness, hospitality and the courage to respond to God's invitation. Lydia's encounter with Paul also reminds us that the work of the Church is not simply to proclaim a message, but to create opportunities for people to encounter Christ and be transformed by that experience.

Throughout the pilgrimage, we also reflected on the significance of the cross and Resurrection. Our faith acknowledges that suffering, rejection and adversity are part of the human experience, but they do not have the final word. The Resurrection offers the enduring promise of renewal, hope and new life, inviting us to become people who bring life and encouragement to others.

Finding stillness and reflection

On Patmos, visiting the Monastery of St John the Theologian and the cave traditionally associated with St John was a particularly profound experience.

Surrounded by sacred art and a sense of stillness, I was reminded of the importance of prayer and contemplation. In the busyness of our daily lives, we need moments to reflect, listen for God's presence and consider how we are called to live.

These moments invite us to look beyond the distractions of everyday life, to recognise God at work within ourselves and in those around us, and to become more attentive to the needs of others.

Remembering sacrifice at Gallipoli

Our visit to Gallipoli was deeply moving. Standing on this historic ground provided an opportunity to honour those who served our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their stories remind us of the profound cost of conflict and the courage of those who served in the hope of a better future. They also call us to reflect on the freedoms and democratic principles we enjoy today, and our responsibility to protect them.

As a Catholic learning community, we are reminded that peace, justice and respect for the dignity of every person must never be taken for granted. We have a responsibility to nurture these values in our young people, encouraging them to become compassionate citizens who seek dialogue over division and work towards a more just and peaceful world.

Living our Damascus Vision

This pilgrimage has deepened my appreciation of our new Damascus College Vision:

Inspired by Christ's Mercy, a welcoming community, transforming self, others and the world.

I am incredibly proud of this Vision and how beautifully it captures the spirit of St Paul's ministry and the enduring call of the Gospel.

Like Paul, we are invited to allow our encounter with Christ to transform our hearts and minds, to build communities of welcome and belonging, and to act with courage and conviction in the world around us.

At Damascus, this is lived out not only through prayer and liturgy, but through the everyday relationships and interactions that shape our College. It is evident in the way we listen, the respect we extend, the compassion we show and the justice we pursue.

Our vocation as a contemporary Catholic school is to open our doors wide, celebrate diversity and recognise the God-given gifts and talents of every individual. It is to create a community where everyone is known, welcomed and encouraged to discover their purpose and fulfil their potential.

As we continue our own journey as a Damascus community, may we remain committed to living our Vision, recognising that faith calls us beyond ourselves to build a community where every person belongs, every gift is valued and every life has the opportunity to flourish.

Steven Mifsud
Principal

From 31 August to 4 September, Damascus College celebrated Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, providing an opportunity to recognise and thank our wonderful Learning Support Officers (LSOs) for the important contribution they make to our students and wider College community.

At Damascus, LSOs play a vital role in supporting, encouraging and empowering our students each day. Working alongside teachers and other members of our Student Growth and Engagement team, they provide individualised support that helps students engage in their learning, build confidence and develop greater independence.

The role of an LSO is diverse and extends well beyond the classroom. Whether supporting students to access their learning, providing encouragement and reassurance, helping students develop organisational and study skills, or assisting them to navigate the challenges of their school day, our LSOs are there to provide practical and personal support when it is needed.

Their work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is significant. Through their patience, care, compassion and dedication, LSOs build positive relationships with students and help create an environment where every young person feels supported, valued and able to participate in school life.

Our LSOs also work closely with teachers to support students' individual learning needs. Their knowledge of students and their understanding of the strategies that help them to learn and participate effectively make them an invaluable part of the broader educational team.

At Damascus College, we recognise that student wellbeing, inclusion and learning are strengthened when students are surrounded by a team of people who understand, encourage and support them. Our LSOs are an important part of that team.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week provided a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and contribution of our LSOs and to say a heartfelt thank you for everything they do. We are incredibly grateful for the difference they make to the lives and learning of our young people, and to the wider Damascus College community.

Thank you to our wonderful LSOs for the care, commitment and support they provide to our students every day.

Damascus College's 2026 production of George Orwell's Animal Farm was a resounding success, with five sold-out performances showcasing the extraordinary talent, creativity and dedication of our students.

From powerful performances and striking costumes to the intricate work of lighting, sound and stage management, the production demonstrated the strength of Performing Arts at Damascus and the remarkable collaboration required to bring a theatrical production to life.

This year's production held special significance, marking 27 years since Animal Farm was first staged at Damascus College in 1999. Its return brought the College's Performing Arts journey full circle, celebrating a tradition of ambitious storytelling and theatrical excellence.

Adapted for the stage and directed by Andrew Seeary, this year's production was especially significant as it marked his final production at Damascus College. Over many years, Andrew has made a significant contribution to the College's Performing Arts program, bringing his creativity, theatrical experience and passion for the stage to countless productions. We extend our sincere thanks to Andrew for his dedication and the important role he has played in the College's rich theatrical history.

The return of Animal Farm, 27 years after its original production, was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this journey and the enduring tradition of Performing Arts at Damascus. We shared more about Andrew's contribution and the history of the production in our Term 2 edition of The Road – Digital.

Read the feature: Animal Farm – A Full-Circle Celebration of Theatre and Legacy

While audiences experienced the finished production on stage, its success was built on countless hours of rehearsals, preparation and teamwork. Every student involved, whether performing, working backstage or supporting the technical elements, played an important role in bringing the story to life.

Our sincere congratulations go to the entire cast and crew for their commitment, professionalism and outstanding performances. We also thank the staff, families and volunteers whose encouragement and support helped make the production possible.

With five sold-out shows and an enthusiastic response from audiences, Animal Farm was another wonderful celebration of the creativity, confidence and community spirit that define Performing Arts at Damascus College.

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!

In August, 19 students and three staff embarked on an unforgettable eight-day Cape York Immersion experience with Red Earth. From the early morning start and long journey north, students were challenged to step outside the familiar and immerse themselves in Country, culture, community and the natural environment.

The group’s first destination was Panamuunji, where they were warmly welcomed by Elders Auntie Elaine and Uncle Tim through a smoking ceremony. After more than 15 hours of travel, the students set up camp - disposed of a snake! - and listened to stories around the campfire before settling in for their first night.

Much of the experience centered around learning directly from Traditional Owners and community members. Uncle Tim shared stories and knowledge passed down through generations, including the importance of language and its connection to culture and Country. Students explored the surrounding bush, learning about traditional uses of plants, hunting practices and the environment.

Auntie Elaine introduced students to the local language, while time spent painting and playing with local children provided opportunities to connect with the community. Around the campfire, students also learnt about songlines and the deep connections between Country, animals and Aboriginal culture.

Visits to the Hope Vale Art Centre provided another opportunity to learn about local history and culture. Students explored artworks created by local artists and heard stories of family and the impacts of the Stolen Generations. These experiences encouraged students to listen, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the region.

The immersion was certainly not without its challenges. Rain, wet clothes, early mornings, long bus journeys, difficult terrain and plenty of mud became part of everyday life!

Travelling to Buru, students crossed river rapids before completing a challenging five-kilometre hike through changing landscapes, from Australian bushland into rainforest. On arrival, they worked together to establish camp, while also dealing with the unexpected challenge of their trailer becoming bogged in the mud.

The following day brought another memorable hike to Meg Falls with members of Uncle Eddie’s family. Students learned about bush tucker and traditional knowledge along the way before experiencing separate men’s and women’s cultural activities. The day finished with swimming, games and time together at the falls.

One of the strongest themes to emerge from the students’ reflections was the importance of relationships. Throughout the trip, students formed connections with Elders, community members, local children and one another.

Whether playing with children at Panamuunji and Hope Vale, listening to stories around the campfire or spending time with Uncle Eddie’s family at Buru, students were welcomed into communities and encouraged to listen, learn and share.

Saying goodbye was difficult, with many students reflecting on how quickly strong connections had formed. The handmade gifts given to the group by Uncle Eddie provided a special reminder of the generosity and relationships experienced during their time on Country.

After leaving Buru, the group travelled back towards Cairns for another major highlight of the trip, a visit out to the Great Barrier Reef.

Students snorkelled at two reef locations, explored the marine environment and learned about the cultural significance of the reef from Aboriginal cultural leader Redgie. They also heard from a marine biologist and enjoyed the opportunity to observe the incredible marine life surrounding them.

The day finished with an unexpected highlight, as students spotted humpback whales in the distance on their journey back to shore.

Across eight days, our students experienced far more than a trip to Cape York. They were challenged physically, immersed in culture, introduced to new environments and communities, and encouraged to work together and support one another.

Their reflections capture the experience beautifully, describing it as “exhausting, unique, surreal, informative, adventurous, exhilarating” and “unforgettable.”

The Cape York Immersion was a powerful opportunity for our students to learn through experience; to listen, connect, challenge themselves and develop a deeper appreciation for Country, culture and community.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced the challenges, showed respect for the communities they visited and made the most of every opportunity. The memories, friendships and learning from this experience will undoubtedly stay with them for many years to come.

This term, we celebrated McAuley Day with a wonderful student-led House Assembly, providing an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Students reflected on Catherine’s commitment to education, service, compassion and hospitality, and the enduring impact of her vision within our Mercy tradition.

A highlight of the celebration was recognising the many achievements of our McAuley students across academic, cultural, sporting and community pursuits. We also enjoyed four student musical performances, which showcased the talent, creativity and confidence of our young people.

McAuley Day provided an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the importance of belonging, using opportunities well and making a positive difference in the lives of others. These values remain central to our Mercy identity and continue Catherine McAuley’s legacy within our community.

A special acknowledgement goes to our McAuley House Captains and SRC members, who put considerable time and effort into planning and delivering the assembly. Their leadership, teamwork and enthusiasm resulted in a wonderful celebration that truly demonstrated the values of McAuley House. We thank them for creating an assembly that was both meaningful and enjoyable for our community.

Term 3 has been a highly successful term for Sport at Damascus College, with strong student participation across BAS competitions, interschool events and representative opportunities. Throughout the term, students have demonstrated commitment, teamwork, sportsmanship and pride in representing the College.

Students have also continued to develop their leadership skills through officiating, coaching and participation across a wide range of sports.

BAS Sport Competitions

BAS sport commenced in Week 2, with students competing across a range of sports including basketball, football, soccer, table tennis, netball, squash, racquetball, chess and athletics.

Basketball

There has been strong participation in basketball throughout Term 3 across Year 7, Year 8, Intermediate and Senior competitions.

A highlight was the success of the Senior Boys Basketball 2nds, who defeated Mt Clear in the BAS Grand Final to become BAS 2nds Boys Basketball Premiers. Congratulations to all players on their efforts throughout the season, and to coach Ryan Leaney for his contribution to the team's success.

Thank you also to Nikki Hexter, Glenn Jessup, Nikita Lowe and Lachie Reus for coaching the Year 7 and Year 8 basketball teams.

Football

The Senior Boys Football 2nds had another wonderful season, defeating St Patrick's College by six points in the BAS Grand Final. The victory secured back-to-back BAS premierships, an outstanding achievement for the team.

Congratulations to the players and coaches Hamish Walsh and Hamish McCrum for their leadership throughout the season. A special mention also goes to Adrian Lane for his contribution to the team.

Netball

Congratulations to the Senior Girls 4ths Netball team, who competed in the BAS Grand Final against Ballarat Grammar.

Although narrowly defeated in the Grand Final, the team demonstrated excellent teamwork and determination throughout the season. Thank you to coach Tim O'Sullivan for his commitment and support of the team.

Athletics

The BAS Road Relay at Victoria Park provided another opportunity for students to represent Damascus. Congratulations to the Intermediate Boys A and Senior Boys B teams, who both recorded victories in their respective races.

Students also represented Damascus at the BAS Cross Country at Victoria Park, competing against schools from across the Ballarat region. Well done to all students who competed, with special congratulations to Archie Grant, who finished 3rd in the Intermediate Boys 4km, and Lucy Jones, who finished 3rd in the Senior Girls 5km.

The BAS Lap of the Lake provided another opportunity for students to compete in a long-distance running event, with 35 Damascus students from Years 7–12 participating. Congratulations to Perrie Grant, who finished 3rd in the Intermediate Boys, and Lucy Jones, who finished 3rd in the Senior Girls.

A special thank you to Rod Mathews for his time and effort in organising and supporting all our running teams.

Chess

Students across the year levels represented Damascus at the BAS Chess Tournament at St Patrick's College. The students performed strongly and successfully qualified for the Chess Victoria State Final, which will be held in Melbourne in Term 4.

We wish the team all the best for the State Final!

Special thanks to Caroline Nolan, Morgan Colgrave and Lucas Groud for supporting the students.

Racquetball and Squash

Damascus had teams competing across three racquetball divisions this term.

The Division 1 team placed third behind Mount Clear and Ballarat Grammar. The team featured premier players Darcie Blaber, Ethan Ellis, Eadie Blaber and Harley Shannon.

Damascus was successful in Division 2, with the team comprising Neve Rogers, Charlotte Rieniets and Luca Probert, with players from other teams filling in as required.

The third team was a duo comprising Bella Evangelista and Keegan Vella.

In squash, Darcie Blaber was the Damascus student who competed. Darcie was mostly undefeated throughout the competition and narrowly missed out on making the finals.

Huge thanks to Finn Augustin for his support of the various teams throughout the term.

Table Tennis

Congratulations to the Damascus College Red D Grade team, who finished top of their group to become premiers.

Thank you to Jen Montgomery and Narelle Dixon for assisting and supporting the students.

Interschool Events

Term 3 also provided students with a number of opportunities to compete beyond the regular BAS competition program. These events allowed students to represent Damascus against schools from across Victoria and to experience competition in a range of sporting environments.

Netball Victoria Schools Competition

Damascus students competed at the Netball Victoria Schools Competition in Parkville. The event provided valuable experience competing outside the Ballarat region against schools from across Victoria.

Thank you to Kirsten Phyland, Lexie, Jayde and Matt Walker, who accompanied and coached the teams at this event.

South-West Zone Regional Schools Clay Target Championship

Four Damascus students attended the South-West Zone Regional Schools Clay Target Championship in Noorat.

The students shot very well in glorious weather, representing the College with great success and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the event.

Congratulations and well done to all the students who attended. A special thank you to Brent Evans and Matt Taylor for supporting the students on the day.

Mt Alexander Chess Challenge

Nine Damascus students participated in the Mt Alexander Chess Challenge in Castlemaine.

Ethan Harris finished 3rd overall, while Damascus College placed 4th out of 13 schools.

McAuley Cup/Shield

During the final week of term, the Junior Girls and Boys Football teams played in the annual McAuley Cup/Shield games against Mercy Regional College.

Held at Marty Busch Reserve, the girls' team was victorious, defeating Mercy 8.4 (52) to 2.3 (15). Matilda Carter was awarded Best on Ground for her outstanding performance.

Unfortunately, the boys' team was defeated by Mercy 19.16 (130) to 4.3 (27).

Thank you to Kristen Roth and Lois Stiles for coaching the girls, Glenn Jessup and Martin Porter for coaching the boys, and to Dan Jans, Pat Dillon and the students who assisted on the day.

Celebrating Student Sporting Success Beyond School

We would also like to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the following students for their sporting accomplishments outside of school.

• Tessa Wilson – selected for the GWV Rebels Girls squad.
• Oscar Henderson – selected for the GWV Rebels Boys squad.
• Tilly Gordon – captained the U15/16 Girls Greater Ballarat Squad at the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships in June.
• Darcie Blaber – turned pro and played in the 2026 Ballarat International Open Squash Championships in August.
• Makayla Wright – won the Prue Douglass Best and Fairest in 17&U Senior Netball and the 17&U Netball MVP award at the BFNL Junior Presentation Night.
• Scarlette Jones – runner-up in the 17&U Netball Best & Fairest at the CHNL Junior Presentation Night.
• Bohdi Harris – won the U15 Football Best and Fairest at the CHFL Junior Presentation Night.
• Ryan Geddes – won the Hockey Ballarat Division 1 Men’s Best and Fairest and was a member of the Westvic team that won the U16 Hockey Victoria Pennant NW (second grade) premiership.
• Mitchell Stevens – was a member of the Westvic team that won the U16 Hockey Victoria Pennant NW (second grade) premiership.
• Daniel Ryan – umpired the Hockey Ballarat Division 1 Men’s Grand Final and the U16 Hockey Victoria Shield (top grade) Grand Final. He was also recently presented with the Hockey Victoria "Most Promising Junior Umpire" award.
• Will Kearns, Nate Thorne and Jonty Ward – selected in the GWV Rebels squad to play in the Vline Cup Carnival, held from 21–23 September in Gippsland.
• Noah Blysma – awarded Best Junior Umpire and Best Development First Year Field Umpire at the Ballarat Football Umpire Awards.
• Archie Bennett – won the BFNL Umpires Best on Ground award in the U18.5 BFNL Football Grand Final.
• Luka Bridges – sang the National Anthem before the BFNL Senior Football Grand Final and the A Grade Netball Grand Final.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students both on and off the field. Their success reflects the dedication, commitment and passion they bring to their chosen sports.

If you know of a Damascus student who has experienced success in a local sporting competition, been selected in a regional or state team, or achieved a significant sporting milestone outside of school, please let the Sport Department know. We would love the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

Sport Department Contacts

Sarah Van Deur
Sports Coordinator
s.vandeur@damascus.vic.edu.au

Patrick Dillon
Sports Administrator
P.Dillon@damascus.vic.edu.au

(Photos below provided)

Sometimes, it is the simplest moments that mean the most. A word of encouragement, a shared laugh, a helping hand or simply being there when it matters.

These were the connections celebrated at Damascus College's Father's Day Liturgy and Breakfast on Thursday 3 September, when more than 300 students and their fathers, grandfathers, carers and significant men gathered for a special morning of faith, gratitude and togetherness.

The Damascus Events Centre was filled with familiar faces and warm conversations as families came together to recognise the important role these men play in the lives of our young people.

The morning's student-led liturgy, centred on the theme The Love of the Father, invited everyone to reflect on the many ways love is expressed through everyday actions. Through prayer, music and personal reflections, our students reminded us that being a positive influence in someone's life doesn't always require grand gestures.

Year 12 student Billy O'Kelly captured this beautifully in his reflection, speaking about the little things that often become our most treasured memories and the lasting impact of having someone who is always there.

Principal Steven Mifsud also shared a message about the importance of presence in the lives of young people, acknowledging the encouragement, guidance and quiet acts of love that help them grow in confidence and character.

Following the liturgy, families enjoyed breakfast together, with plenty of opportunities to catch up, share stories and simply enjoy one another's company.

Behind the scenes, students and staff helped create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, from preparing the space and leading the liturgy to greeting guests and serving breakfast. Their generosity and hospitality reflected the strong sense of community that makes occasions like this so special.

To the fathers, grandfathers, carers, mentors and significant men in our Damascus community, thank you for the many ways you show up, offer encouragement and help shape the lives of our young people.

It was a wonderful morning, not simply because of the number of people who attended, but because of what their presence represented.

Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is our time.