Last night we welcomed over 350 attendees to our College for Open Night. In a changed and revamped format from years before, a wealth of activities were on offer throughout the evening for families to experience the fantastic opportunities available at the College. The majority of Staff were onsite to engage with families about their area of speciality. We were excited this year to have almost 200 Student volunteers support College tours and interactive activities for families to experience. The College will be open from 9.00am to 11.00am tomorrow (19 October 2023) for Open Morning for any families who could not make it to Open Night, or would like to see the College in action during a normal school day. Please register here.
The lead up to the Year 12 Final Day is always a tense one. You hope and pray that the College’s Senior Students show the respect and dignity to other Students and College property, that they have continued to display over their time. You also hope that silly decisions don’t ruin great relationships with the Staff that have supported them throughout their journey. I am delighted to say how proud we are of all our current Year 12 Students, and how they represented themselves over these days and, particularly, today on the final day of their secondary schooling. From their entrance to the College this morning, to the way they engaged in celebration before TA, to then presenting themselves with esteem and absolute regard as they conclude their final day – well done.
To Students who finish with us today, VCE VM or Students not sitting the exams, we wish you well for your chosen pathway ahead. For VCE Students sitting exams, we wish you all the best as you begin your examination period. Please don’t forget that your Year 12 Teachers are still here to assist you in the lead up to your exams.
A big congratulations needs to go to the Parents and Carers of our Year 12 Students. Thankyou for your support over the journey with the College, and for your continual engagement through TA Interviews, information evenings or family discussions. We are honoured to work with you and your young person and congratulate you on getting to this point. For families who’s connection to the College draws to a close for your youngest Student…thankyou. Thankyou for your support and partnering with us in your Student’s education. We look forward to celebrating with you, and all families, at the upcoming Graduation Ceremony in November.
Ron Matthews Shield
Today at the Year 12 Final Assembly I had the privilege of announcing the Ron Matthews Shield. Ron was a staff member of Damascus College in the early years of the College. Prior to that, he taught at Sacred Heart College. Ron was a great community member and gave a great deal to the Students under his care. Ron was always looking for what would be in the best interests of the Students to take them into the future. In the early years of Damascus, Ron was diagnosed with cancer and sadly lost his battle in June 2001. To sustain his memory as a much loved and respected friend, teacher and member of our community, the Ron Matthews Shield was established to give Students the incentive to strive to do their best in various areas of school life in a spirit of friendly competition. Our points towards this year’s shield began in Term 4 of 2022, so the Year 12’s can share in the announcement at their Final Assembly.
I congratulate our Senior Arts and Technology Students on the exhibition displayed last week at the Damascus Events Centre. The quality of Student work in Art, Media Studies, Visual Communication, Photography and Technology was excellent. Congratulations and thankyou to the Arts and Tech Teams for facilitating this.
We keep in our prayers our graduating Students and their families.