Yesterday marked the final day for the Year 12 students of the class of 2022, and it was a day that marks the next stage in life's journey. I wish the class of 2022 all the very best as they prepare for the exams that lay ahead. For those who have completed VCAL or Non-scored VCE, we wish you well in pursuing employment or further training. May God bless the graduates of 2022, and may you all live extraordinary lives in the light of Christ. It was an exciting day as we were able to have families join us to mark this occasion. It was wonderful to see mums, dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and even a couple of aunts and uncles celebrate this significant milestone. Below is the speech l delivered to our College community as we celebrated the success of our young people.

Today we celebrate the completion of thirteen years of formal education. Today is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. I am incredibly proud of our year 12 students who sit in front of me – young people who have had the tenacity, courage and grit to finish this important milestone in their life. As a Damascus community, l ask that each one of us give a round of applause in congratulations.

These young people have completed their secondary school in a time of great uncertainty, fear and confusion – the COVID pandemic. They have shown that in tough times, the tough get going! They have found internal strength and perseverance to get the job done.

In life, we can only be granted two certainties life and death; what comes in the middle is what we do with our current situation, our family, our friends, our experiences and our reflections, which inform who we become and how we see and live our life. I want each one of you to see your experiences as ones that have shaped, developed and moulded you into the person you are today. You have shown through your COVID experience that challenges can set you back, affect your enthusiasm and spirit, but today you are stronger and more resilient of this experience. Your secondary education has taught you to take risks, sometimes, fall, get up again and adjust your outlook, create a new plan and try again.

You are young people who have shown, lived and embodied the life of our Foundress, Catherine McAuley. A woman of spunk, determination and a deep desire to be in community with others, her family, her community and her God. Catherine McAuley opened her first school in Dublin in 1827. In 1881 the Sisters of Mercy began their pioneering work here in Ballarat, just 54 years after the opening of the first school. We have much to learn from these pioneering women who showed the power of learning, the power of service and the need for humility in leading a full life. A life that recognises the gift and sacredness of the other, the strength of service and learning more about ourselves and our God.

My advice to you today is to remember these values and attributes as you leave the safety of Damascus College and enter into our world.

Power of Learning: Learning is powerful, knowledge is power, but it is what we do with this learning that can create a world that is just and fair. I urge you to keep learning – each day, each hour; we are presented with opportunities to learn, be better people, and make another feel valued and loved.

I would hope that after six years at Damascus, you use your learning to create a better world. I know you are the generation who will provide the answers to the social ills of our world – the social injustice experienced by so many in our country, economic disasters that have been created by greed and the ecological damage caused by reckless behaviour.

Use your learning in whichever sphere you follow to make the difference – think how is my work, my vocation making a better and just world. Am l the plumber who is preoccupied with making mega dollars or the tradesman who ensures the elderly have a fair deal, or the surgeon who treats people in remote communities. Learn each day, but learn how to make a difference in your world, family, and community.

Power of Service: Each one of us has a responsibility to honour the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy. Think how you can be of service to the community, whether it is directing the local theatre group in Ballarat, becoming a Vinnie's supporter or coaching the netball team, ask yourself how am l making my community safe, connected and strong.

Humility: No one likes a know it all! Be gracious, be open and have the courage to admit when you do not have the answers: seek the counsel of your loved ones, your mates and your colleagues. Catherine could not have achieved her vision without bringing others on the journey and Dared to Dream. Do not be a follower; challenge what is going on and the status quo, and do not be afraid to be your own person.

In life, we need to celebrate beginnings and endings. Today your chapter closes at Damascus College – your formal attendance is done. But l know with certainty you will always carry in your heart the Damascus Spirit, the friendships, your peers and your teachers. Stand tall and be proud of who you are and what you have achieved. The road is ahead of you, and we, your College alumni, will have your back as your traverse unknown paths, new journeys and new relationships.

As our final blessing, l would like to read a prayer from our College bookmark. Take this bookmark with you and keep it as a token of life, learning and faith.

I invite our Year 12 students to read the prayer with me.

Feed the hungry

Give drink to the thirsty

Clothe the naked

Visit the imprisoned

Shelter the homeless

Visit the sick

Bury the dead

Forgive all injuries

Convert the sinner

Instruct the ignorant

Comfort the sorrowful

Counsel the doubtful

Bear wrongs patiently

Pray for the living and the dead.

Our Lady of Mercy, Pray for Us.

May you leave our College today with strength and passion of Catherine McAuley.

With every blessing

Teacher Advisor Interviews (Current Year 7-11) October 31st, November 2nd & 3rd.

This Term, our College TA interview will focus on 'Building Connections', essentially the theme used in the Term 1 TA Interviews.

The TA Interviews will realign the expectations in line with the Early Start Program, and for this reason, the first TA Interview at the start of the 2023 year will not occur at the start of the year.

We believe our TA interviews, which connect schools and families, remain important, and we ask you to please prioritise this interview. The Term 4 TA Interviews aim to continue building connections and emphasise the importance of the Early Start program as a critical component of our pastoral obligations in preparing students for the following year.

Through the Term 4 TA interview, students can begin implementing strategies during Early Start to assist their academic, spiritual and social-emotional growth by allowing critical reflection on their current year.

An official TA Interview letter will be sent out by next week.

Until next week….

Steven