Welcome to Term 3 everyone,

Our 2021 theme; "Be strong and courageous; for God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.' remains very relevant to the Damascus community in these changing times. Within this newsletter, I point to many different aspects of opportunity and change, and I am really heartened by our team's work to support the development of holistic development and social-emotional learning opportunities provided to equip our young people to thrive in our changing world. The constant reminder of the presence of our loving God as we navigate growth and change brings comfort and sustenance.

Tomorrow night Damascus College provides a range of opportunities for families to come in and gain more information regarding the subject selection process for 2022. Quite extensive information is available on the College website at Learning & Teaching - Pathways - Damascus College. The opportunities provided allow you to seek more information about your student's respective course in 2022 or to speak with teachers in the learning area that your student is considering to gain a specialised insight into specific subjects or courses. For more information on the evening and opportunities to book, please look here.

Here at school, the lead up to next week's production of "Spelling Bee" was frenetic with rehearsals and set construction. The staff, cast and crew worked solidly over the holidays under the guidance of our committed Performing Arts teachers, and I am sure that while these students and staff are experiencing some weariness from their efforts, the gifts that they will bring forth from opening night next Wednesday will be truly amazing! I acknowledge the enormous effort of Nicole Burness, Maria Russell, Andrew Seeary and all those supporting them and the Damascus students in the lead up to the performance next week. Under the current restrictions, we are hopeful of being able to open up increased tickets. More information on ticket availability can be found here. I wish everyone well for what will be an exciting week of performances.

The Damascus community contributed $2674.75 to the Vinnies Winter Appeal as a result of our casual day at the end of term 2 – I thank and support students, staff and families for this response to the Christian calling to assist those who are in need!

Tomorrow afternoon our distance runners will compete in the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS) Road Relay. This is the first distance running event of the season, and we wish our team well. I acknowledge with gratitude the work of Rod Mathews, Nikki Hexter and Gavan Walsh in the lead up to this event and wish our students the very best.

Term 3 sports commence week 2. All students who have signed up to a sport have been added to a MS Teams channel relevant to their sport. They are reminded to check into MS Teams on a daily basis and continue to monitor the daily messages for any details regarding training sessions and game information. Parents can also check the daily messages on PAM and the Damascus Facebook page for the weekly BAS Afterschool sport overview. For further information and FAQ’s regarding the BAS Afterschool Sports Program, please head to the Damascus College website.

There are a number of staff comings and goings as we begin a new term. I extend a warm welcome to those new staff joining Damascus College this term; Jen Casey, Sarah Ruddick, Min Myers, Carley Young, Leighanne de Zoete-Spiero, and Leanne Perks. We are excited to welcome back Laura Kimm and Catherine Newman from parental leave. Laura takes up the Assistant House Leader role within McAuley House. We also welcome student teachers Georgia O'Leary and Taneisha Sampson to the College for the next eight weeks. Angela Hoban, Chris Grant and Jennifer Henderson have taken some well deserved Long Service Leave. Our leadership team has changed, with Alysoun Smalley and Sarah McKnight stepping into the Assistant Principal role of Learning and Teaching and Ashwin Pillai assuming the Deputy Principal role.

Unfortunately as per DET guidelines, school sport must continue with NO SPECTATORS as we are limited to the minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity. This is especially important for the Road Relay event which is happening on the afternoon of Thursday July 15.

We keep staff member Matt Allan and his family in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers from an accident that occurred over the holiday period. Matt is making excellent progress; however, he will be some time in recovery, and the College is supporting his classes through this period.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Marson to the role of Leader of Business Services at Damascus College. Justin has been in the role of Finance Manager at the College in 2021. Along with his experience at Damascus College, he has nine years experience as Senior Accountant at Ballarat City Council and seven years as Senior Accountant at WHK (now Findex). Justin's professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce and Management and a Post Graduate CPA qualification since 2008.

Justin was a director on the Board of Damascus College from 2018 to 2021, where he served as Deputy Chair in 2019-20. He also has nine years of experience on the Damascus College Finance and Risk subcommittee, serving as a sub-committee chair. Justin understands the College's governance and strategy platform.

Justin is married to Jaci, and they have children Elliott, Adelle and Anna. I congratulate Justin on his appointment to our Leadership Team, which commenced on Monday.

The College will now seek to appoint a Finance Manager.

We are aware that some Damascus families are isolating as a result of the Ballan Tier 1 exposure sites. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they face the challenges and uncertainty of this time.

Many Damascus families have experienced enormous grief over recent weeks. Imogen (Yr 9) and Madison (Yr 7) Rosenhart and their family are mourning the passing of their loved great grandfather. Milly (Yr 7) and Emerson (Yr 7) Vallance and their family are grieving the passing of their loved grandfather. Our staff team have had a very difficult time with Cathy Prunty (Staff) losing her Dad over the break. Sharon Hayes (Staff) also lost her Dad. Joanne Lawrence (Staff) lost her mother in law, and Alysoun Smalley (Staff) and Sara (Yr 10) lost Sara's grandmother. Each of these families have grieved the passing of their loved family member and celebrated their life with great affection. We pray that each of these loved ones are embraced eternally by our loving God.

In the cycle of life, we congratulate staff member, Tom Inverarity and his wife Emma and son Max on the expansion of their family with the safe arrival of baby, Ava Jane! We also congratulate staff member Alan Strange on the safe arrival of his grandson, Finn!

Coming up over Term 3 are many and varied ways where we will work to enable students to Be.My.Best.!

We have Rice and Xavier Day, TA interviews, The GAT, a ski trip, Yr 11 retreats, Yr 12 VCAL Camp, the rescheduled formal, Year 9's Social Dilemma, Bright Futures Breakfast, BAS Running Season, GAT, Rowing, and the Fathers' Day Mass and Breakfast. Damascus Day later in the term always provides a great opportunity to celebrate our community.

It is an exciting time – have a great term!!

Until next week …