From the Principal
25 May By Mr. Chris Grant, Interim Principal
On Monday, the Damascus College community received the sad news of the death of a long-serving staff member, Mr Jeffrey Simpson. The Damascus community is deeply saddened by Jeff's death and offers his family sincere sympathy, support and prayers at this difficult time. Jeff has been an incredibly talented teacher at Damascus for the last 27 years. He was a generous, skilled and passionate teacher and was a member of the Technology team. Throughout his time at Damascus, he taught Wood, Metal, Electronics and Systems Engineering.
His engagement with young people was truly extraordinary. Jeff loved his teaching and the educational journey of young people. Jeff was a passionate Geelong Cats supporter and used this as a bridge in building relationships with those around him. Jeff was a true character and had an extraordinary capacity to engage all through story and humour, he was quick-witted, and his sense of fun endeared him to all. Jeff was an Australian Defence Force ex-serving member and had great respect for the ANZAC tradition and Remembrance Day. Amongst the student and staff community, he took great pride in instilling a sense of tradition and respect for those who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
At such a difficult time of grief and sadness, as a Catholic school community, we turn to our faith for solace and strength. Our prayers continue to be with Jeff's family and friends, and we ask that the community keeps them in their thoughts and prayers.
I sincerely thank families and members of our community for the messages of love and admiration that we have received for Jeff. Simmo was a mate, mentor and friend to many here at the College and will be forever missed.
Nurturing God, our world is hurting and broken. We are grieving the death of a teacher, mentor and colleague. Our sadness and loss are now placed before you, O God. Grant us courage to comfort those affected and to share prayers of sadness. May your Spirit cover us with your peace and mercy. You are our refuge and our strength and our ever-present consolation in these demanding times. Amen.
Below is an information sheet on supporting Adolescents and grief that I encourage you to read.
I thank our families for your understanding of the need to move to Independent Learning yesterday for Years 7-9 and for the cancellation of TA Interviews. We acknowledge that the Teacher Advisor program is one of the key mechanisms that we use to partner with families in educating young people; however, we felt that it was not appropriate that we continue with this round of interviews. I encourage families to reach out to their TA via email to connect at an appropriate time.
On Monday, our community received the news that Mr Steven Mifsud has been appointed as Principal of Damascus College and will commence his new role at the commencement of Term 3, 2022. I have been in contact with Steven to congratulate him on this new appointment and to pass on that we look forward to welcoming him to the Damascus Community beginning in Term 3. The announcement to families can be found below:-
Damascus College Community announcement
Our College is certainly feeling the effects of COVID-19 and Influenza on our students and staff. Our ability to cover classes is tight, and we continue to do our best to provide onsite learning each day to all students. Whilst not to alarm, there may be further occurrences that necessitate the need to move to independent or remote learning for some year levels at a particular time. We will provide as much notice and advance communication as possible in the event that this occurs.
As a proactive measure, all students and staff will be encouraged to wear masks whilst indoors. This is not mandatory; however, we know from previous experience that the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Flu is to wear an appropriate protective mask.
Well done to our BAS Athletics Carnival competitors who represented the College with absolute distinction at yesterday's carnival. I thank Nikki Hexter and Rod Mathews for their organisation and Rod Matthews and the HPE team for their support of our students throughout the day.
I also congratulate Andrew Seeary, Nicole Burness and the cast and crew of 7 Deadly Sins on their performances last week. It was a fantastic showcase of our Year 12 Drama students' talents, and I thank all students, families and staff who attended.
Catholic Education Week
This week is Catholic Education Week, and our theme comes from the book of Mark.
"Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation." – Mark 16:15
Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the reality of this identity, to dialogue with the Catholic faith tradition and the world in which we live to interpret and proclaim the good news. Our communities are beautiful places that can and do enrich the mystery of Christ's identity and enable his way to be continually raised up in and by the community. "Go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole of creation" is an urgent invitation to our community to comprehend the meaning of Jesus' life to grasp what this looks like in following and enacting God's dream for the world. We pray that our communities inspire from within to be people of peace, hope and love in these times of displacement, anxiety and concern for Earth as our common home: to realise each unique community's intimate connection in proclaiming who Jesus is and what it means to follow in the light of the gospel for these times.
We are hosting the DOBCEL Leadership Dinner this Friday in the Damascus Events Centre, where all schools in the diocese come together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of staff who have 30 Years of Service to Catholic Education. Being recognised for Damascus College is Wayne Forster. Wayne began his teaching career at St Paul's College in 1993 and then at Damascus College in 1995, where he has been ever since. A fantastic achievement Wayne!
Next Friday evening, 3rd June, the Middle School Formal will take place from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. This is a social opportunity Damascus College facilitates for our Year 9 and 10 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that I reiterate that normal school rules apply. It is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event; any student who is suspected of having consumed alcohol will not be permitted to attend. There are no pass-outs through the evening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. It is a social activity, and hair and make-up appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is away on Friday will not be able to attend the formal. I must reinforce my encouragement that parents support one another by not condoning after parties. If you say no to requests from your child, you're actually supporting other Damascus parents who are going to receive the same pressure from their student. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share.
National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week 2022
National Sorry Day (Thursday 26th May) acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture. National Reconciliation Week (27/05/2022 to 3/06/2022) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Tomorrow in TA, students will read a poem and reflect on what ‘Sorry Day’ is about and the impact that it has on so many.
Almighty and loving God,
you who created ALL people in your image.
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again
so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession
of land, language, lore, culture, and family kinship that
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.
We live in faith that all people will rise
from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones,
through the separation of children from their families.
We are sorry and ask God's forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless, and inflicted and heal their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us
as we continue our journey of healing
to create a future that is just and equitable.
Lord, you are our hope.
Amen.
Go gently…Chris