It’s hard to think that we are now in the latter part of the term, working towards the end of term, and importantly, the end of content for our Year 12 students. Final SAC’s will be occurring over the next three weeks and I wish our senior students well as they work toward the end of their High School journey.
The Junior School formal will be held this Friday 25 August 2023, in the Damascus Events Centre from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a social opportunity Damascus College facilitates for our Year 7 and 8 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that I reiterate that normal school rules apply. This is a smoke, drug, alcohol and vape free event and if students are found in possession or have consumed any of the above, parents will be called to collect their child immediately. There are no pass-outs through the evening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share. A Try Booking link for tickets has been sent out to Year 7 & 8 families and remains open until 9.00am on Thursday 24 August 2023.
The senior student leadership journey will commence next Tuesday for our Year 11 students during lesson 5. I encourage families to talk with their Year 11 student about the privilege of leadership, the contribution they may be able to make next year and the possibility of making an application for student leadership.
Next Tuesday will also see us run our quarterly emergency management drill. As an education facility, and in particular our location in the beautiful bush setting, we are required to run 4 emergency management drills per year. So far we have completed evacuation (term 1) and Lockdown (term 2). This term we will be completing a Shelter-in-Place, which will occur during TA Period 4, at 12.30pm on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
Shelter-in-Place (SIP) refers to both a process and a location. It is an emergency response option that allows everyone to remain inside the school on the basis that an evacuation might reasonably expose people to a greater level of danger, should they attempt to evacuate the facility.
In this instance, all students will be sheltering in either the Damascus Events Centre (McAuley & Xavier Houses) or Building 5 (St Martin and Rice Houses) for a short period of time for the drill to occur. It may be advisable that you speak with your young person about the importance of these drills in readiness for next Tuesday. Please note that no cars or visitors will be permitted to enter the site during this time (12.30pm to 12.50pm on 29/08/23). If you have any concerns about your child’s possible reaction to this event, please speak with your Teacher Advisor or the Student Growth and Engagement Team.
Can I please remind families of the importance of wearing the correct College uniform. Appearing a lot over the winter months, has been hoodies worn underneath the PE jumper. This is not a piece of uniform and should not be worn. Please discourage your young person from wearing a hoodie to school. Year 12 students may continue to wear their Year 12 Damascus College Hoodie each Friday.
Chris