As we move into the final days of term 1, we are in the unique time of Holy Week. Our students who are performing or are the crew for the Final Hours commenced their first performance last night, and their representation of the scripture was fantastic. Tomorrow we move into the John Shannon Centre just before we move off to holidays for our Easter Liturgy. It is poignant that it is for Easter that we come back together as an entire school community for prayer and reflection.
The school community is currently working together to support Project Compassion, the Catholic Aide Agency of the Catholic Church. Families are encouraged to support this fundraising activity by equipping students to make a donation on a casual dress day this Friday. Students will work six shortened lessons tomorrow before a 2:17pm dismissal.
Concurrently, Year 9 student Dylan Pengelly is beginning his campaign to raise funds in the spirit of our tradition to support research into Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Dylan is taking part in The May 50K challenge, and he will be leaving his limits behind to raise funds for life-changing research into MS! Sadly, MS is commonly diagnosed in the prime of life between just 20 - 40 years old. Dylan is seeking support to leave MS where it belongs, behind us. Research is the key to changing the future of MS, and Dylan has accepted The May 50K challenge to change lives and is looking for support to do so. Support can be offered through https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/dylanpengelly.
Term 2 will commence on Monday, 19th April.
If you have a child in Year 10 who has work experience next term and the paperwork has not been returned to the College, could you please attend to this as soon as possible.
Students will be able to wear Summer or Winter uniform (but not a mixture of both) for the first two weeks of next term. Can I ask families to please get out their Winter uniform now and attend to it if there need to be some alterations made. As parents, daughters will say to you that no-one else has their skirt to knee length – please hold firm in supporting the College requirement and ensuring that it is the required length to avoid unnecessary and embarrassing follow up! There is also a pant option if students are uncomfortable with the skirt or an appropriate length.
You may also be pressured to purchase a rain jacket. This item of uniform was introduced to cover the expensive blazer as students walk to and from school or as they wait at bus stops. It is an optional item of uniform.
Holidays should be holidays, but I encourage families to log onto PAM and ensure that you are up to date with your student’s progress in their respective studies. Holidays may provide an opportunity to catch up on work that has been missed or to create a summary of first term learnings. Year 12 students are now one-third of the way through their learning program, and so a comprehensive revision of content to date will be important.
Last Friday, after a wet week, we had a great day for the Damascus House Athletics Carnival. There was a great level of engagement by students, and staff worked hard to provide these opportunities for participation. Results and age-group champions will be announced at tomorrow’s assembly. There was a significant number of records broken last Friday, and I congratulate students on their achievements. Thank you also to Sports Coordinator Nikki Hexter for an enormous effort across Term 1 with various carnivals conducted.
We welcome Chiara Angeli to the staff team this week. Chiara was College Captain of 2016, and she is joining the college as the Performing Arts Support Officer. Chiara’s support comes at an important time with two productions and a swathe of musical opportunities underway!
I have been sitting with this little prayer this week; it is helping me in a time when there is so much going on in our world. It may have some meaning for you too.
Risen Jesus, when all the world seems so chaotic,
keep our hopes alive.
Help us to remember that after crucifixion
comes the resurrection,
that after the darkness comes the dawn,
and after the bitterness of defeat comes a new beginning.
Keep our hopes alive so that we may be ready.
Amen.
Easter Reflections | The Billabong
I am taking leave for the first week of next term, and the College will be well led by Chris Grant and the Leadership Team. I wish everyone well for a blessed Easter and look forward to catching up next term…
MATT