As we fast approach the end of the school year, my thoughts are with our Year 12 students who have been diligently studying and demonstrating the exceptional young adults they have become. Wednesdays sees their final exam and we wish each and every one well for the next chapter in their life journey.
Not only have our Year 12 students been participating in the exam process. Students from Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 have also been sitting exams in preparation for the upcoming year. It is inspiring to witness the fortitude of these students as they handle the task at hand with decorum and determination. Again we wish these students well and applaud their tenacity.
Saturday 11 November started quite early with a brisk lap (or 2...or 5) around lake Wendouree for many of the Damascus staff who participated in the Peaches run fundraiser. The event raised over $80,000 for mental heath awareness. I was proud to participate and found the morning quite emotional, witnessing our community come together is such force to support our own. Congratulations to those who organised the event and to all who contributed to the 33 laps Damascus College committed to running.
Following Peaches run, members of the Damascus community, staff, students and parents/carers attended services at the Prisoner of War Memorial in Ballarat and the Buninyong RSL Memorial Park for Remembrance Day. We pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the many wars we have experienced.
The evening of Monday 13 November we celebrated our Year 10 and 11 music students who performed a number of renditions of contemporary and classical songs. I was most impressed to see the Year 10 band perform and were charismatic in their cover of the Goanna classic, Solid Rock.
I conclude this edition on a heartbreaking note. This week we said farewell to the mother of two Damascus students, who passed peacefully at Gandarra on November 8. Our deepest sympathies are with Neville, Jessica, Alicia and family during this difficult time. We pray that they find solace in the cherished memories of the legacy Jenny left behind.
We remember all those who need our prayers at this time. 
With every blessing