The Damascus College Principal, Mr Matthew Byrne has 1.5 weeks left at Damascus, before moving on to his new role as Deputy Director of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL).

Matthew started his career as a teacher in 1991 in Swan Hill at St Mary Mackillop College and was appointed to the Deputy Principal’s role at Mercy Regional College Camperdown in 1997.

In 2008 Matthew was a member of the leadership team at St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary College in Echuca and commenced employment at Damascus College in 2009 as Senior Campus Coordinator. Later that same year he took on Co-Principal responsibilities where he led the Senior campus in Mt Clear and Sr Marie Davey led the Junior Campus in Victoria Street. In 2011, when the two Damascus campuses consolidated on the one Mt Clear location, Matthew was appointed the Principal.

As principal, the leadership Matthew offered through the subsequent 13 years was outstanding. He was able to bring a positive sense of what a Catholic school is called to be, to the daily workings and long-term plans of the College. A strong partnership with Sr Marie Davey throughout the early years of Matt’s principalship, was instrumental in this success. This is work continued by the existing leadership team of the College.

Matt said that he will miss being an active member of the Damascus community, and deeply values the relationships formed with students, staff and families over his time in leadership at the College.

“It has been a great privilege to be given the opportunity to lead a community where Christian identity is explicit in the education, action and relationships of all community members,” he said.

“The extraordinary beauty of the Damascus College site extends to the people and work of those associated with the College. I am very proud to have been a part of the journey that has seen the College become a school of choice within the greater Ballarat region.”

“I thank the members of the Damascus community for their belief, support and trust over these past 13 years and I remain invested in the future growth of the College and the journey of those who have attended our community.”

The Damascus community wishes to thank Matthew for his tireless commitment and contributions to developing Damascus College into the school it is today. His compassionate and kind leadership style has been a beacon for the students, staff, and families within the community, that he loves so dearly.

The Diocese of Ballarat will benefit greatly, as Matthew will now be able to share his considerable gifts and talents beyond the Damascus grounds, to the wider Victorian regions ranging from the Murray to the Sea.