We warmly welcome all members of the Damascus community, as we commence the start of Academic Term. I trust your Easter was one that provided you and your family with the opportunity to reflect, enjoy the time to be with one another and friends. We are people of the resurrection living in the light, always searching for hope, joy and love. We are the people of Christ, one body, with many parts.

Please join me in welcoming Amanda Tait, Kirsten Roth, Margaret McIntyre, Anita Lidgett, Sarah van Deur, Zach Jans and Charlie Brown to the Damascus team. This term we also wish Gavan Walsh well as he embarks on a period of Long Service Leave.

I thank the many families who joined us for our Easter Liturgy last term, like so many of you at this time, I needed a time to connect with our community, to seek support and comfort that can be found in prayer and community. I, too, am deeply troubled by the recent news that focus on the suffering and violence that families in our community are expressing. I urge each one of us to challenge stereotypes about gender and assumptions about power, we need to be people that are respectful. Behind that news is the embedded widespread presence of coercive control in so many homes and places of work. The vast majority of the victims of violence are women, mostly women who have been bullied by their partners. We need to call out inappropriate and disrespectful, behaviour. Our society has to find ways of educating men to treat women as equals and ways of empowering women in such situations to take the authority that is rightly theirs without triggering violence. Such education is a life-long enterprise that takes place in homes, in schools and in society across the globe.

This past fortnight the College has played host to seven Indonesian guests, Dr. Niknik Mediyawati, M.Pd. M.Hum., Dr. Ariani Selviana Pardosi, M.Pd., Siti Amaliyah, M.Pd., Randi Ramliyana, M.Pd., Friska Melani, M.Si., Choirul Asari, M.Pd. And Tashya Bellerina Agatha, S.Ikom. Our guests are from sister school in Indonesia. It has been lovely for us to reciprocate the hospitality our students and staff experienced last year when we visited Jakarta. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of Brendan Bawden who has led, coordinated and embraced this vital trip. The guests have participated in many Indonesian classes and were able to meet students’ of whom they tutor fortnightly online. In today’s interconnected world, embracing diversity is not just a choice but a necessity. As we strive to prepare our students for the realities of a globalized society, hosting individuals from different religious and cultural backgrounds provides them with invaluable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

This week we celebrated St Martins feast day. Students of St Martins house attended school in a flurry of green, demonstrating strong house spirit. We met as a College for a whole school assembly where students from St Martin’s showcased their diverse talents and fostered a sense of belonging and pride.

Congratulations to all students (and staff) who participated in the school lap of the lake last week. It’s fabulous to see so many students enthusiastically running around the lake, activley engaging in physical activity and promoting their wellbeing.

A reminder to all that Friday 26 April 2024 is a student free day. Staff of Damascus College will be participating in a day of professional learning. We continue to embed the Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (RELaTE) Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (ReLATE) is a research and trauma-informed education model that provides a blueprint for schools to create supportive environments for teaching and improved student learning and wellbeing. We are into our second year of the program.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education week – In the light of Christ. this is an opportunity for us to celebrate our Catholic identity.

Subject teacher interviews commence next week and will be offered both online and face to face. These interviews provide opportunities to directly engage with teachers and gain comprehensive understanding of a students performance in specific subjects. Teachers can provide personalised feedback, highlight areas of excellence and offer constructive advice to address any challenges the student may be facing. If you haven’t already done so, please access PAM to make appointments.

With every blessing

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope the Easter break, has provided some much-needed time to rest and re-energise for the busy term ahead.

If you have a student in Year 10 who has work experience this term and the paperwork has not been returned to the College, could you please attend to this as soon as possible.

Students are required to be in full Winter uniform on Monday 29 April – this means long pants, Winter skirts and tights and track pants with the PE uniform. It is not uncommon for students to have grown, which requires skirts and pants to be let down. Skirts should be knee-length. Following up on uniform infringements takes valuable school resources away from the core business of learning and teaching and creates awkward and unnecessary conversations with students and families. Please ensure all students come to school each day in the correct school uniform.

You may also be pressured to purchase a rain jacket. This uniform item was introduced to cover the expensive blazer as students walk to and from school or as they wait at rural bus stops. Students are allowed to wear the rain jacket in terms 2 and 3 at lunchtime and recess while outside as another layer and to encourage student activity. The rain jacket is not to be worn in class. It does remain an optional item of uniform.

Subject Teacher Interviews are beginning Monday 29 April; families are encouraged to book in interview times with their child’s teacher’s to discuss their progress in class. Interviews will run as follows:

• Monday 29 April - 3.40pm to 6.30pm (Virtual or Onsite)
• Tuesday 30 April - 3.40pm to 6.30pm (Virtual or Onsite)
• Thursday 2 May - 1.00pm to 8.00pm (Virtual)

Please note, Thursday 2 May is a student free day as staff will be conducting interviews.

Next week is Catholic Education Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the reality of this identity, to dialogue with the Catholic faith tradition and the world in which we live to interpret and proclaim the good news. Our communities are beautiful places that can and do enrich the mystery of Christ's identity and enable his way to be continually raised up in and by the community. We pray that our communities inspire from within to be people of peace, hope and love in these times of displacement, anxiety and concern for Earth as our common home - to realise each unique community's intimate connection in proclaiming who Jesus is and what it means to follow in the light of the gospel for these times.

We are hosting the DOBCEL Leadership Dinner next Friday in the Damascus Events Centre, where all schools in the diocese come together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of staff who have 30 Years of Service to Catholic Education, along with significant leadership and service awards.

On the evening of Friday 10 May, the Senior School formal will take place from 7:00pm to 10:30pm in the Damascus Events Centre. This is a social opportunity that Damascus College facilitates for our community's Year 11 and 12 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that we reiterate that normal school rules apply. It is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free (including vape) event; any student suspected of having consumed alcohol will not be let in. There are no pass-outs through the evening. Year 12 students are permitted to bring a guest on the condition that they arrive with the Damascus College student and that the guest abides by Damascus College rules. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. It is a social activity, and hair and make-up appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is away on Friday will not be able to attend the formal. I must reinforce my encouragement that parents support one another by not condoning after parties. If you say no to requests from your child, you're actually supporting other Damascus parents who are going to receive the same pressure from their student. Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share.

The new Senior Learning Centre continues to take shape, rising further from its foundations. The next significant milestone in the build occurs on Wednesday 8 May whereby the Level 2 concrete floor will be poured. Exciting times!

Welcome back to Term 2.

Chris

The Important Role of Family Discussions in Fostering Engaged Citizens- An ANZAC Day lesson

• Families play an important role in developing students into engaged, critically thinking citizens through discussions that build on classroom lessons.
• The Victorian Curriculum emphasises analysing sources, considering multiple perspectives, and forming substantiated interpretations over rote learning.
• Anzac Day serves as an ideal catalyst for families to have interdisciplinary conversations spanning history, ethics, and persuasive communication.
• Respectful dialogue around complex issues nurtures invaluable skills for navigating an increasingly complex world.

As Anzac Day approaches each year, it provides a powerful reminder of the formative influence families can have in shaping young Australians into engaged, critically thinking citizens. While the education system lays an important foundation by exploring the nation's history through events like Gallipoli, substantive dialogue within the home environment is equally vital for students to develop nuanced perspectives and invaluable analytical abilities.

The Australian Curriculum emphasises skills that go beyond mere memorisation of historical facts about World War I and the Anzac legacy. Its rationale highlights the importance of students learning to "ask relevant questions; critically analyse and interpret sources; consider contexts; respect and explain different perspectives; develop and substantiate interpretations, and communicate effectively." However, experts agree that for students to truly internalise these competencies, thoughtful discussions must take place within the family setting.

Dr. Debra Bateman, a curriculum advisor and former teacher, stresses that "School is just one piece of the learning puzzle. By engaging their children in open discussions about history and current events, parents nurture vital cognitive skills like evaluating evidence, considering multiple viewpoints, and formulating logical arguments." (Bateman, Sage Journals, 2021) The context of Anzac Day provides rich opportunities for such enriching discourse within households.

Families can build upon the curriculum by examining how various media outlets portray Anzac Day commemorations and analysing the underlying motivations and perspectives behind the narratives presented. Additionally, the ethical complexities surrounding wartime can spark invaluable interdisciplinary conversations that bridge subjects like Religious Education and English.

In Religious Education classes at Damascus College, scripture passages are used to form parallels like Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9), which states: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Discussing how such principles relate to military conflicts encourages moral reasoning and empathy. English courses, meanwhile, provide opportunities to deconstruct famous rhetorical works like the Anzac war correspondent accounts or Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's 1934 words honouring the Anzacs: "There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets...After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." Examining the persuasive techniques authors utilise allows families to explore how language shapes perspectives on consequential issues.

Moreover, drawing parallels between past and current conflicts can deepen students' geopolitical awareness. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East provides a relevant case study for families to analyse through the Anzac lens. They might explore how World War I's dissolution of the Ottoman Empire helped catalyse today's power struggles in the region. Or they could compare the motivations and human toll of Australia's deployment to Afghanistan and other areas with those of the Gallipoli campaign. Discussing ethically ambiguous elements like civilian casualties allows youth to wrestle with the moral complexities of warfare.

Fundamentally, the interdisciplinary nature of Anzac Day highlights why conversations must extend beyond the classroom and into homes across the nation. As scholars Alison Bedford and Naomi Barnes affirm, "The skills taught in history that investigate how events are globally linked, are preparing students to have dispositions useful for cybersecurity, including tracking and analysing big data." (Bedford & Barnes, The Conversation, 2019) In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, nurturing discernment regarding information sources is pivotal.

On this Anzac Day, as we honour the sacrifices of service members past and present, it is a pivotal moment for Australian families to engage in substantive dialogue. By broaching complex historical and ethical topics with open minds, we prepare the next generation to uphold democracy's sacred tenets of reason, justice and truth. The future of our nation depends on amalgamating school and family lessons into multi-faceted, critical understanding.

Sources:

Bateman, D. (2021). "Engaged Learning and Democracy." Sage Journals.

Bedford, A. & Barnes, N. (2019). "The truth: what our students really learn about Anzac Day." The Conversation.

ANZAC Remembrance 2024

We will remember them…

As Anzac Day comes around, we reflect on the Anzac spirit and the loss and heartache associated with war. The horror of war exposes the best and worst in humanity. When we look at current world events, it is not hard to see that our world is in need of compassion and peace. The lessons hoped to be gained from the suffering of two world wars and other conflicts and atrocities, have not been learned.

More than ever, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the simplicity of Jesus’ words ‘to love one another’ are the words of hope we need to cling to and act out in our everyday lives.

More than ever, as Christian people we need to hold those affected by war and conflict in our hearts.

More than ever, as Christian people, we need to pray for those who are affected by acts of violence, those close to us and those across the seas.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place. While in the Sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Unheard, amid the guns below.
We are the dead, Short days ago
We lived, felt dawns, saw sunsets glow;
Loved and were loved – but now we lie
In Flanders Field

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the St Martin Feast day celebrations. In what was an absolute dynamic assembly that included a RAP dedicated to the work of St Martin De Porres. The RAP which was aptly performed by Ted Scully was able to inform his audience that St Martin was the patron saint of mixed-race people, black people, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, all those seeking racial harmony, and animals. I congratulate Ted on giving us such an entertaining and active outline of the life of St Martin. In addition to Ted I congratulate the many performers that were able to express their talents in front of 1300 people. Certainly something that I admire.

It was pleasing to hear our Sports Coordinator, Mr Gavin Webb speak of the many co-curricular activities that students can be involved in. Many of these opportunities are running at lunchtime providing a place of interest for likeminded students. These clubs provide a terrific opportunity for students to be involved in a wide range of activities ranging from the Justice Action Group, Drama Club, Green Group, Pride Club and the Koorie Club. The St Martin House assembly highlighted the upcoming push up challenge. This activity is aimed at creating an increase awareness of the importance of mental health and how physical activity can assist in a positive mindset. What a wonderful opportunity to enter this challenge as a family.

I remind parents and carers that beginning next week all students should be wearing their winter uniform. An outline of uniform requirements is available on the College website.

Andy

Congratulations to all our talented athletes who represented Damascus College at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Adelaide last week!

Lucy Bennett showcased her skills in the U/14 girls Hammer Throw final, securing a commendable 7th place.

Oaklee Burge gave his all in the U/17 boys 800m heats, although he narrowly missed out on making it to the final.

Lucy Jones demonstrated her endurance and speed, qualifying for the U/17 girls 800m final and finishing 7th. She also impressed in the U/17 girls 1500m final, achieving a fantastic 5th place.

Archie Grant showed his determination in both the U/14 boys 800m heats and the final of the U/14 boys 1500m, finishing 7th and setting another season best time.

Armani Anderson exhibited her sprinting prowess in the U/18 girls 100m heats, ultimately securing an impressive 2nd place in the final.

We are immensely proud of all our athletes for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances.

If you know of other Damascus College students sporting achievements please email info@damascus.vic.edu.au

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Exciting times! In the last week of Term 1, we shot a new Be My Best commercial which will air later this year on multiple mediums promoting Open Night with a focus on Year 7 2026 enrolments, which are now open.

The campaign will highlight how a Damascus education enables each student to be their best, to follow their passions, and achieve their chosen career path, supported and nurtured by a strong partnership of families and Damascus staff.

Big thanks to students and staff of Damascus College that got involved with the filming.

Stay tuned!

Damascus College is excited to be hosting seven teachers and lecturers from Jakarta in Indonesia, led Dr Ibu Niknik Mediyawati.

These international visitors have a long-standing relationship with Damascus through the College study tours to Indonesia, where students and staff have stayed at their facility (Kampung Bloombank) in Jakarta for cultural and language immersions.

The group are thrilled to finally visit Damascus in person and experience everything the College, Ballarat, the beach, and Melbourne have to offer. They have been taking face to face classes with many of the students they had previously met in an online teaching format. They have loved what Damascus offers students and the wider community, and the kangaroos even played their part, on an early morning walk into the bush.

All visitors are highly skilled in education and are presenting at the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers Association (VILTA) annual conference in Melbourne at the end of next week.

Damascus thanks them for taking time out of their busy schedules to be part of the community and share such wonderful language and cultural experiences.

On Saturday 20 April Damascus College welcomed back the esteemed Sacred Heart College/St Martin’s in the Pines Class of 1974 for a momentous occasion—their 50-year reunion. Hosted by Principal Steven Mifsud, the event brought together more than 20 past students, spanning decades of shared memories and experiences.

Held in the Damascus Events Centre, boasting panoramic views of the picturesque Damascus campus nestled amidst breathtaking nature and bushland, the reunion was a celebration of cherished friendships, lifelong connections, and the enduring spirit of the Damascus community. From 11 AM in the morning until 2 PM in the afternoon, the event unfolded, offering ample time for reminiscing and reconnection.

The formalities of the gathering were led by current school captains Paris Govan and Lucas Wells, who warmly welcomed the alumni in attendance. With genuine admiration, they showcased the bright and wonderful achievements of the current students, acknowledging the invaluable legacy left behind by the Class of 1974 and the more than 140 years of history that Damascus College proudly embodies.

Principal Steven Mifsud also took the opportunity to address the gathered alumni, sharing heartfelt words of appreciation for their enduring support and contributions to the school community. His words resonated deeply, underscoring the profound impact that the Class of 1974 had on shaping the ethos and values of Damascus College.

A highlight of the formal proceedings was a special video presentation, offering a nostalgic journey through the rich history of Damascus College. As images flickered across the screen, memories were stirred, and laughter and shared anecdotes filled the room, bridging the gap between past and present.

Among the distinguished guests was past staff member Sr. Veronica Lawson, representing the Sisters of Mercy—the guiding force behind the school's ethos of compassion and service. Sr. Veronica delivered a heartfelt message from a notable member of the Class of 1974, Karon Donnellon, who, though unable to attend in person, sent her regards from Dublin, Ireland, where she now serves as the head of ISMAPNG. Karon's message resonated deeply with her classmates, serving as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of their collective journey.

Following the formalities, guests were treated to a delightful lunch, allowing for leisurely conversations and the rekindling of old friendships. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as memories were shared and anecdotes swapped, weaving together the threads of their shared past as they took in the archives display.

A campus tour provided the perfect opportunity for guests to revisit familiar locations, from the hallowed halls of the former boarding house to the iconic statue of St. Martin de Porres. As they traced their steps through the school grounds, a sense of nostalgia mingled with pride, reinforcing the enduring connection they held to their alma mater.

Throughout the gathering, one sentiment echoed resoundingly—the profound impact of their Damascus College experience. Their reunion served as a poignant reminder of the role they played in shaping the school's legacy, laying the foundation upon which future generations would build. Their presence was a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the power of shared memories to unite across time and distance.

As the afternoon drew to a close, there was a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and revel in the enduring bonds that had stood the test of time. The Class of 1974 departed, their hearts filled with nostalgia and their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they would forever remain an integral part of the Damascus College family.

In celebrating their 50-year reunion, the Class of 1974 not only honoured their past but also paved the way for future generations to carry forth the torch of excellence, compassion, and camaraderie. Their legacy will continue to inspire and uplift, serving as a beacon of light for generations to come.

On Thursday, April 18, the Damascus community made its way to Lake Wendouree to participate in the annual Lap of The Lake. On a cool but great day for running the Junior’s started proceedings from near the Forest Street roundabout to run 4km.

The Intermediate and Senior’s completed a full lap (6km), with the start/finish line at Loreto. It was wonderful to see a large number of staff modelling a healthy lifestyle by running or walking the lake with our students. This demonstrates that regular daily exercise is achievable and is an important lifetime habit to establish.

Results were as follows for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections as well as the respective Year Level Champions. The results will form the basis of BAS Cross Country Season in Term 3.

Year Level Winners

Do you have an interest in drama, performing, or acting? Want to meet new people? Want to try something different? Then the Damascus Drama Club could be for you.

Supported by a team of passionate and experienced staff, the club caters for a variety of students from junior to senior levels with differing ranges of experience and interests.

Running three to four times a week during lunch times, the club offers a range of experiences to extend knowledge in the areas of creative group collaboration, improvisation, play building and scriptwriting.

Students can work on projects that are both student and teacher driven with the opportunity to perform their work in lunchtime concerts and evening showcases. Year 7 students are initially offered entry into their own drama club session on a Monday which aims to create a supportive space to have creative fun, learn skills and develop new friends.

The College’s auditorium offers a safe space where individuals can both learn and grow as performers. No experience is necessary just a love and passion for performing. Below is the Drama Club schedule:

• Monday: Year 7 Theatre Games & Skills/Impro/Script

• Tuesdays: Class work Rehearsals Time

• Wednesdays: Year 8, 9 Script 'In the Night Forest'

• Thursdays: School Production

• Fridays: Seniors Impro (Year 10, 11,12)/Theatre Sports

Today, the French language students at Damascus College were treated to a special event—the "French Film Immersion Day." It was a joyous occasion during which they immersed themselves in the vibrant culture through a relevant French film and indulged in delectable pastries from Le Peche Gourmand.

Our goal was to breathe life into the French language, showing our students that it's more than just a subject; it's a dynamic and flavourful culture waiting to be explored. Through such experiences and the rich conversations about life in France, we hope to instil a newfound passion for learning French at Damascus.

We eagerly anticipate offering more enriching opportunities like today's throughout the upcoming year.

A big thumb up for Top Design and Top Screen

During the final week of Term 1, the Visual Arts staff embarked on an excursion with VCE Visual Communication Design and Media students to Melbourne Museum to listen to a curriculum forum and immerse themselves in the exhibitions of Top Design.

The Top Design exhibition showcased diverse works spanning various VCE disciplines such as Media, Product Design, Systems Engineering, Theatre Studies, and Visual Communication Design. It proved especially valuable for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their upcoming SATs. They peruse exemplary developmental folios and gain insight into the meticulous process behind creating a final design. Many explored the entire collection, taking photographs, and discussing work that they found inspiring.

Following this, Media students ventured to ACMI to experience Top Screens, part of the VCE Season of Excellence. This unique showcase offered students a glimpse into the creative processes of Victoria's emerging filmmakers as it showcased some of the best movies and animation produced last year in VCE Media.

Meanwhile, our VCD students continued on to NGV International to participate in an interactive guided tour of groundbreaking designs featured in the Triennial exhibition. One of the most notable featured AI robotic dogs creating original artwork, reacting to their environment, and demonstrating behaviours we associate with higher thinking. Our Year 11 VCD students will incorporate this experience into their own design concepts, delving into human-centred design.

Top Design is running SATURDAY 23 MARCH TO SUNDAY 14 JULY 2024

9AM TO 5PM in the Mind and Body Gallery at the Melbourne Muesum

Entry included with Museum entry

This year, Damascus College is excited to announce that eight students from Year 8 and 9 will participate in Ballarat Tech School's Boys in STEM and Girls in STEM programs. Students from 10 local and regional schools also participate in these special programs.

These programs offer our students opportunities to expand their STEM knowledge and explore potential future study and career paths. They recently convened for the first two days at the end of Term 1, engaging in STEM activities, experiences, and industry-focused challenges.

Students and their families were invited to a welcome evening at Ballarat Tech School to kickstart the programs. Our students conducted personalized tours and shared their initial experiences with their families.

Damascus College is proud to provide our students such a valuable learning opportunity.

At the end of Term 1, Damascus College Year 10 to 12 students studying Indonesian, had the privilege of attending the Educational Screening of "Surga di bawah Langit" (Heaven under the Sky) at ACMI Fed Square as part of the 18th Indonesian Film Festival.

The film screening provided our students with a unique opportunity to explore themes aligned with our curriculum while enjoying the educational value of cinema, as emphasized by the festival organizers.

In addition to the film screening, our students were immersed in Indonesian culture through a traditional dance workshop. Damascus students Alex, Madison, and Archie learned basic moves of the "Tarian Kembang Kipas," a traditional Betawi dance from the Jakarta region. Such cultural experiences play a pivotal role in broadening perspectives and fostering appreciation for diverse traditions and art forms.

At Damascus College, we're committed to providing our students with diverse learning opportunities that enrich their educational journey and promote cultural understanding.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Please see information following in relation to the Hepburn Shire Young Mayors Program: -