Congratulations to the many students who have quickly entered the energy and joy of the busyness of Term 2. Students have quickly resumed into the complexity and challenge of learning. To be an effective learner one needs to experience a sense of adventure and be open to the unknown. Learning should not be easy; it needs to provide learners with a sense of being uncomfortable and wondering. As educators it is our role to help students navigate new knowledge and to help them develop resilience and confidence. Over the last couple of weeks we have seen students enter this space. Your child(ren) needs parental support to remain organised, on task and to meet the demands of the assessment cycle.
Last night we began our Teacher Advisor Interviews and today we launched our Subject Led Interviews. Thanks to the many families who have made themselves available and met with our teachers to support the needs of our students. The partnership between home and school is a critical one and demonstrates to your child your love and care. At Damascus we welcome open conversations and encourage you to provide teachers and the College Leadership Team with feedback.
Our College theme, this year ‘to live by the light Christ,’ speaks to me of the gift and joy of being fully alive. To be fully alive and in the light of Christ we are people that are open to new experiences and a deep desire to be in community. We are challenged to be our best and to be one percent better, than we were the day before, to be beacons of hope to build on our learnings and our strengths.
The annual Lap of the Lake provided our students with a physical quest – to move outside their comfort zone and to be present with their House, peers and college community. Yesterday the BAS Athletics Carnival at Llanberris Athletics Reserve enabled our students to shine and represent the Damascus community with pride and determination.
The College Arts Program continues to flourish and blossom. On Monday l attended the lunchtime Music Concert held in the Auditorium.I am always in awe of the young people who have the confidence and tenacity to perform to their peers and teachers – being vulnerable to the audience. The Addams Family rehearsals continue with dedication and passion, myself and the community are looking forward to seeing the performance in July.
Our Alumni team have been working tirelessly to bring community together with Alumni celebrations. We are grateful for their work in enhancing our 140 year history and enhancing our unique place in Ballarat. Each family would have received the 2022 College Yearbook, and we thank our student leaders, and staff members Korina Hegert and Anne Griffin for their work in documenting student life at the College.
Over the last fortnight we have had numerous year level masses and are grateful for the parish priests who have brought our faith and Eucharist to life. We wish our Year 10 students well next week as they participate in their retreat experiences and in work experience.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the Mothers and special people in our lives a very Happy Mothers Day for Sunday. May you spoilt and treasured as always.
With every blessing