As we move through Early Start, I commend our students and staff on their learning and teaching endeavours as they commence this new program of work. Starting a new learning program at this time of year is a genuine challenge, but one that all members of our community have been up for, and it positions us positively for 2022. I acknowledge that for families, young people may be unsettled by change, but continue to talk to your young person about how learning should continually extend them and that sometimes this feels uncomfortable until you become familiar with the change. The intended benefits of the Early Start program are:

• To improve the continuity of learning from one calendar year to the next

• To optimise valuable learning time

• To increase organisational efficiency

• To promote connectedness through the fostering and building of student/teacher relationship

Over recent years, we have also found that an unintended bonus has been that students enter into their summer holiday with reduced anxiety about the next calendar year at school. Students report that they appreciate having an awareness of their class context, teachers and peer relationships before the end of the year. This appears to be a really significant factor in student retention from one year to the next. Today is the midpoint of the Early Start cycle, and students will complete another week of classes prior to the end of the year.

Yesterday morning we had an early start of a different kind as we came together for the Bright Futures Breakfast with keynote speaker Jocelyn Bignold OAM. Jocelyn shared wonderful insights into the work of McAuley Services for Women and the important role they play within the Victorian community. I thank Jocelyn for being with us and our Marketing and Development team of Sarah Boswell, Korina Hegert, Jamison Thomas and Natasha Adam for their efforts to get this event off the ground finally.

We had a lovely evening at the Graduation of the class of 2021 last Thursday afternoon. I thank Tony Haintz for his work planning and executing the event with the student working party. To everyone who had a role in supporting our Year 12’s finish with style, especially our families – thank you.

Our Performing Arts Team has had a week of performances and activities planned in the amphitheatre and music areas to inspire students to take up or continue with instrumental music. Each day there have been lively performances, and I thank Performing Arts Leader Maria Russell and all who have supported her for their efforts to make this available to students.

The Damascus Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) team also has a big week ahead with a camp in Dimboola from this Friday. I thank SRT Leader Alan Strange and support staff member Rachel Beardall for their work to keep the program viable through our periods of in and out of lockdown. Students continue to love to use their hands and heads, and bodies developing competitive race vehicles, and I wish them a great weekend

This weekend, our junior and intermediate rowers are scheduled to compete at Carrum, so we wish them well for the first regatta for many students.

From Monday, 29th November to Wednesday, 1st December 2022, Year 10 students will be required to hand back their Microsoft Surface device. To allow time for processing, a roster has been developed for students. Students will need to hand back their device on the given day during their nominated classes. A device hand-back letter was issued to parents early in Term 4, and a reminder was sent to students.

Next Tuesday, 30^th November, is Orientation Day for our 2022 Year 7 students. This is a student-free day for all other students except those who are peer mentors and SRC members.

Later next week, we will also conduct a casual clothes day, raising funds for Vinnies Christmas appeal. This year the funds raised by the College will go towards vouchers from local food providers to enable vulnerable families to enjoy Christmas lunch together. We have had a great response from students to our Catholic Missions fundraiser, and we hope that we are able to provide support for Vinnies to help those in need again next week.

Thursday 2^nd will be the final day of the Early Start program, and on Friday 3^rd, we will conduct our Awards Assembly for the whole school community, which will be available for families to watch via a youtube link concurrently or later that day. As with every day of school, this last day is a day when we want the entire student population involved in bringing 2021 to a close. Our Ball Games activities will be conducted in a similar format to 2020. Students will also take part in a year level assembly through the course of the day in the Damascus Events Centre to bring the year to a close. Students are encouraged to wear PE uniform next Friday, given the active nature of the Day. Also a reminder that students finish at normal time on the last day of Term 4 at 3.18pm.

At home, we are preparing to put up the Christmas tree, and Christmas lights are beginning to emerge on homes throughout Ballarat. Christmas lights speak to the energy and brightness of the festive season for me. This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, and we are encouraged through the Gospel to remain alert. The lights of Christmas mirror the Light of Christ, which is central to the Damascus community. As we move into this season of joyful waiting for the Christ child, we are encouraged to remain alert to the presence of God in our lives. For me, as we move from one school year to the next, that presence is in the achievement of our community, and it is the light of achievement and gratitude which shines.

Until next week…

MATT