‘To live by the Light of Christ,’ our College theme for 2024 has been ably embraced, engaged and enlivened in semester one. I am grateful for our community’s willingness and energy to live and be models of contemporary Catholics, people on a journey of faith walking with one another. We have much to recognise and celebrate as we reflect on our work this semester. I have seen and heard our students engage in learning, challenge one another and strive to be their best.

The Damascus story is one of conversion, one of communal support and one that demands the support of all members of the community to become the best possible person and to see the face of our God in one another. I am sure in the past six months, you have experienced the diverse tapestry of belonging to a large secondary College. You will have seen the gifts of your child and possibly been disappointed by some of their behaviours and actions, however the Damascus story is one of Hope and nourishment that comes from being in community and to be beacons of unconditional positive regard.

Our students have much to be proud of, as they have finished their assessments, participated in examinations and extended themselves in the learning and teaching program and the co-curricula life of our College. I am so proud to hear of our students’ achievements whether in class, in their learning, on the sporting field, performance spaces or technology arena. Damascus students this semester have embraced ‘be my best,’ by being beacons of hope and grace.

Last week l attended the Year 9 and 10 Social here at the Damascus Events Centre and l was chuffed by our students energy and zest for life. I was able to witness first hand the gift of co-education and of respectful relationships. The students were able to come to the event with a plate of food, respect one another and to be genuinely present therefore living by the light of Christ. On that Friday, l was able to participate in the Annual Dancing with the Stars competition in the JSC, l was taken aback by our students sense of community, fun and humility; these are beautiful qualities that need to be nurtured and recognised. Our world needs more people who know how to have a sense of adventure, respect and risk taking. I saw young people take part in classical ballroom dancing with new fervour and humour. Damascus students know how to be; to be people of good will and joy.

As the term concludes l am grateful for the commitment and dedication of our staff. Our team here at Damascus work for the benefit of each student and community member – promoting learning, faith and wellbeing enabling each young person to be their best. I thank the staff for their hardwork and generous spirit and sense of community.

This week l received the resignation from Maddie Fry. Maddie has been accepted into the Victorian Police Force as a recruit. We thank Maddie for her learning and teaching support in VCE and VASS administration Maddie will finish with Damascus during the Term 2 school holiday period.

Farewell and good luck to Tony Van der Ploeg who will commence retirement on Friday 23 June. We thank you Tony for your continual work in supporting the upkeep of the college grounds, painting works and COVID 19 infection control measures over the past three years.

We also wish Michelle Tapera who will commence a new position with Federation University, specifically supporting young people in their apprenticeships. Michelle will be on leave from the Term 3 school holiday period, for the remainder of the 2023 school.

We thank Maria, Andrew and the team for their work in rehearsing and planning the College musical, The Addams Family. I know we are all looking forward to our sensational production and are excited to see our students perform and shine on the stage.

This week a group of our students will be heading off to Indonesia for our Biannual Study Tour. I would like to thank Brendan Bawden for his work in organising, co-ordinating and navigating this space. The itinerary is certainly jam packed. We thank Brendan, Anna and Kirsten for travelling with myself and our students.

May you find time for yourself and family during the upcoming break. I look forward to seeing you at the start of semester 2.

With every blessing.