We had an excellent kickoff to our Early Start week activities allowing students, families, and staff to start the pre 2024 year off right. I wanted to provide some more details around these valuable transitional events.
Our Year 7 Orientation day on Tuesday was a special experience welcoming the graduating class of 2023 to our Damascus community. It was such a pleasure to meet over 230 incoming students and their families as they begin their secondary school journey. The day provided the opportunity for Year 7 students to meet their new Teacher Advisors who will mentor them throughout their entire five years at the College. Students also got acquainted with their Year 7 Level Coordinators, SRC and Peer Mentors, who will support their year cohort specifically. In addition to forming these crucial connections, the Year 7s got to dive into some introductory sessions across a variety of subjects, including English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Health & PE, and Arts & Technology. Getting exposure to secondary-level content and expectations across the curriculum helped ease the transition out of primary school. Based on the engagement and smiles we saw, the incoming Year 7s are in for a fantastic 2024!
While the Year 7s oriented to secondary school life, all Damascus students utilised Early Start week from Years 8-12 to meet their new teachers for 2024. Having this dedicated time to meet their teacher, ask questions, understand expectations, and set individual academic goals kickstarted a strong teacher-student partnerships in all subject areas. Some students even utilised Early Start week as an opportunity to make any needed adjustments to their subject elective choices for the 2024 year.
As we look ahead at 2024, there are a few important housekeeping items for families. Booklists are now available as of Wednesday 29 November outlining all required texts, materials, and online resource subscriptions needed for the year. Families have until the first week of January to source and purchase these items through Campion. I encourage ordering early to ensure availability of all items. Please note that senior students have some specific digital resources like Edrolo that require purchase by following special instructions that were mailed home.
In academics, many students completed initial benchmark testing like PAT assessments during Early Start week. Teachers will analyse these baseline literacy and numeracy results to then provide differentiated instruction and support aligned to each student’s unique needs. Additional make-up PAT testing will continue this week for any students who may have missed the initial testing period.
In closing, Early Start week was a fantastic springboard into what will be an incredible 2024 school year. Thank you for your partnership as we work together to support the students of Damascus College in being their best. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have now or through the school year.