Next Monday beginning at 11.30am (20/02/23), we are conducting the Academic Assembly for 2022 VCAL and Unit 3/4 students in the John Shannon Centre. Senior VCE and VCAL students who achieved outstanding results in both programs will be recognised and celebrated in front of the College community. We congratulate all Graduating students from our class of 2022 on their individual achievements and successes.

Next Wednesday, 22^nd of February is Ash Wednesday, and globally, the Catholic community are being marked with ashes from the earth as a sign of humility. From Ash Wednesday, Lent is the forty days that follow until the blessed celebration of Easter, the zenith of belief for Christian people.

Here at Damascus College, we look to the period of Lent to support the fundraising activity for Project Compassion across the College. Damascus has a wonderful reputation as supporters of social justice. Project Compassion is the annual appeal for Caritas Australia, which is the Catholic Church’s international aid organisation. The community’s support of Project Compassion throughout Lent has been very generous over recent years, and we hope to continue that in 2023.

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. We encourage our students to reflect on how they can give Time, Talents or Treasure over this period. Time in prayer or personal reflection about their relationship with God, Talents; the sharing of their personal gifts or talents to benefit others; finally, Treasure; charity or almsgiving to support those in need. At home, you may like to engage in the conversation about how this Lent as a family, you may be able to give Time, Treasure or Talents.

Catchup student photos will run on Wednesday, 1^st of March, for any students who could not attend the first photo session at the beginning of the year. Students must be in summer uniform with blazers, and they will be called to the Damascus Event Centre at the beginning of the day.

The annual House Swimming carnival will be held on Thursday 2^nd of March, at the Eureka Swimming Pool. Students must wear their PE uniform to school but may wear an appropriate House coloured top, supporting their House. Students will travel by bus to and from the venue; however, to alleviate the pressure on buses, students will have the opportunity to make their own way to Eureka Pool. This will need to be recorded when you complete the PAM permission that will be sent to families shortly. As with every school day, the Swimming Carnival is a compulsory activity for all students and provides an excellent opportunity for students to be their best! Not everyone is a talented swimmer, but there are a diverse range of activities to encourage student participation. We remind families that the College encourages students to be SunSmart for this event, in that they wear a hat and use and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. We would encourage families to reiterate the message with their students on the day.

It is not uncommon for students to pressure parents and guardians not to attend school on sports days, but it is imperative that parents stand firm and point out that community events are an important opportunity to learn and build both team and school spirit. Our focus throughout our sports program across the College is on participation. The team with the greatest level of participation has invariably been recognised as the overall winner at the carnival. Students who do not attend school on Thursday without a legitimate reason will not be eligible to attend college formals or extracurricular activities. In a break from the past two years, we look forward to welcoming our families back to the pool as spectators. We do ask that you sign in and out when visiting. If parents/guardians would like their student to be dismissed from the pool, they must tick the box in the PAM permission form to indicate this; otherwise, students will be brought back to school for regular dismissal.

Families are reminded to please be conscious when driving through the College, of students walking, and students on bicycles. Please drive at a steady walking pace.