Across the College community, it is great to see so many young people and families making the most of the opportunities that the College has to offer. It has been evident over this past week the enormous diversity of opportunities available. A significant cast and crew of students are rehearsing for the College’s 30th Anniversary production of The Final Hours. We had a substantive cohort of students attend the Head of School Girls Regatta in Geelong from Friday to Sunday. Last Wednesday, we participated in the BAS Swimming carnival, and we were very proud of our students’ representation. Our Student Leaders and SRC were inducted to their roles at the Opening Mass on Friday. The Sustainable Racing Team had opportunities for trainee drivers here at school on Saturday. Last night we celebrated the End of Season Rowing Dinner, with students and families coming together to celebrate a season of hard work and commitment. Principally, all these opportunities exist outside classroom learning, which is the heart of a Damascus education.
Our former students have also recommenced their engagement with the College, and it was wonderful to welcome back the graduates of 1970 to a luncheon here at school on Sunday.
In yesterday’s TA time, we showcased the achievements of the graduates and Unit 3/4 students of 2020 with a video excerpt of the Academic Assembly. It was great to hear our College Captain’s Shaun and Maya’s opening address to the school community. I thank Sarah Boswell, Korina Hegert and Jamison Thomas for their preparation of this resource.
As the seasons begin to change and the end of term rapidly approaches, it is timely that I remind parents/guardians of the importance of supporting the school’s uniform policy. While students should be responsible for presenting themselves for the school day, we look towards parents to reinforce uniform standards.
House Leaders and staff have found that when students are wearing their school uniform correctly, there are less behavioural issues and greater connectedness to their learning environment. When lines start to be blurred, such as wearing incorrect socks, the incorrect hair ribbon, no blazer and incorrect skirt lengths, students may sense a drop in standards and, in turn, expectations of them. This can then infiltrate into the classroom, where students begin to accept standards that are not reflective of their potential learning ability. As we are all aware, when we take short cuts in one area, we generally see repercussions in another.
The uniform is the public façade of how the community see our College. Wearing the uniform with pride confirms Damascus is a learning environment that students are proud to be part of and where personal pride and presentation is valued. Damascus College uniform expectations can be found at https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/enrolment/uniform.
Today is St Patrick’s Day, a day within the Catholic tradition full of fun, friendship and lots of Irish music, dance, literature, drama, food and more.
I found this little Irish blessing to mark the day and celebrate the humble gratitude of the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day.
May there always be work for your hands to do, May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane, May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
It has been a difficult week for members of the Damascus staff team; long term staff member, Deb Glasson lost her loved Mum last Friday, and the celebration of her eternal life will take place tomorrow.
College Counsellor, Jess Wong also lost her Mum unexpectedly on Saturday. We pray for Jess and her family as they grieve her death and celebrate all she is to them.
We pray for all those who need our prayer at this time.
Until next week …
MATT