The past fortnight has provided an opportunity for many young people to embrace the fullness of life, live in community, and be beacons of respectful relationships. As Ballarat's only Catholic Co-educational College, we have modelled how young people can work together, collaborate, learn, play and challenge one another to grow in their individuality and self. As a co-educational community, we provide experiences and learning opportunities for young people to simply 'be', grow in themselves, and live by the light of Christ.

Our House Swimming Carnival allowed our students to participate, compete and enjoy belonging to their House. Our Year 12 students led House spirit with wild and energised chants, synchronised swimming and a commitment to creating connections and lifelong friendships. I thank Hamish Walsh and the many teachers who supported the day through the planning, organisation and execution of the day. Young people swam, played water sports, cheered and cajoled one another together and recognised each person's talents at the event. We congratulate those students who were the recipients of their age championship.

McAuley House embraced the Sarah Blazko song, We Won't Run, by winning the House Swimming Carnival this year. Congratulations to McAuley House Captains: Abby Harrington, Felix Moore, Gemma Read and Sienna Cooke and House Leaders Karen Goonan and Mitch Jolly, who worked collectively to bring the cup home. Well done!

The Final Hours has been an integral part of our College community for many years. This is a re-enactment of the Passion. Our students have worked tirelessly under the direction of Mr Andrew Seeary; the cast, crew and Andrew have bought a College tradition to life. The Final Hours is a beautiful expression of our faith and connects with our students and families in a deeper and more profound manner. These opportunities model to our students how to find their place in the world and to find their 'tribe' in a creative and safe manner.

Last week the College community celebrated International Women's Day – staff attended a breakfast with Audrey Brown, former Director of Catholic Education Ballarat. Audrey spoke to us about trusting oneself, ignoring the voice of doubt whispering in our ear, and surrounding ourselves with people who will challenge, accept and embrace who we are as people. At lunchtime, our students participated in a student-led forum hosted by Jessica Hodge and Kaitlyn Handreck from Year 12. Our special guest was former student Hannah Cashmore, class of 2018, a café owner and entrepreneur. Hannah shared her story, her fears and her success. I was incredibly proud of our students who had to pre-order their tickets through Trybooking. This event was a testament to the joys of co-education as the Audi was a full house with students keen to hear the success of their Alumni; young men and women keen to learn from one another.

Last week we had our first School Advisory Council meeting led by Tim O'Farell, Secondary Educational Consultant from Catholic Education Ballarat. Tim worked with our team to understand the role of the School Advisory Council and how the team can support me as College Principal and the College in its growth. The College SAC members are:

• Emily Clarke
• Fr Marcello Colsante
• Sr Marie Davey
• Brett Holloway
• Cassie Lindsey
• Samara Mcleaod
• Lisa Mitchell
• Lucy O'Beirne
• Marcus Probert

Over the past fortnight, members of the College Leadership Team and different leaders within the community interviewed over 280 Year 6 students seeking a place at Damascus College in 2024. It was affirming to hear the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our young people, who were oozing with excitement at the prospect of being part of our faith-filled learning community. I thank Erin Marshall, our College Registrar, who orchestrated the three days with professionalism and pride. Our student ambassadors, Alice Lepair, Luke Jans, Anna Hodge, Lucy Gravell, Luke Eddy, Archie Staley, Lucas Wells, Nellie Tolliday, Helena Debrincat and Emily Meade, represented our College with pride and enthusiasm. Thank you to the many staff who supported the College in this important process – we demonstrated that we are a community built on partnerships.

It was great to formally launch the 2023 school year last Friday with our Opening School Mass. It was a celebration of who we are as a community. Students were both reverent, joy-filled and respectful, and they celebrated Eucharist.  I also thank the parents, grandparents, School Advisory Council members and Sisters of Mercy who were able to be with us on Friday.   I want to particularly thank Bishop Paul Bird for celebrating our Mass and taking the time to be with us. I thank our Catholic Culture Team, Angela Carr, Sharon Lehtonen, and Sally Murphy.

In this fortnight's newsletter, Mr Ashwin Pillai will inform the community of a trial of our TA Interviews in Term 2. Many of you may remember last year, l interviewed all staff in groups of five, student leaders and conducted a Q&A with our parents. A common thread throughout the consultations was our community's desire to trial a combination of TA Interviews and Subject Teacher meetings. Next term, we are trialling a different model of TA and subject interviews. On the two afternoons, Tuesday 9^th May and Thursday 11^th May, however, on the full day, Wednesday 10^th May, families will be able to meet with specific subject teachers. Our Teacher Advisor Program is an integral component to our Damascus community; however, all stakeholders believed an opportunity to meet with subject teachers would enhance our learning culture and provide important feedback to our learners and their families. I wish to restate that this is a trial.

With every blessing