From the Deputy Principal
14 February By Chris Grant, Deputy Principal
Yesterday, we conducted the Academic Assembly for 2023 VCAL and Unit 3/4 students in the Damascus Events Centre. Senior VCE and VCAL students who achieved outstanding results in both programs were recognised and celebrated in front of the College community. We congratulate all Graduating students from our class of 2023 on their individual achievements and successes.
Today (Wednesday, 15 February 2024) is Ash Wednesday, and globally, the Catholic community are being marked with ashes from the Earth as a sign of humility. From Ash Wednesday, Lent is the 46 days that follow until the blessed celebration of Easter, the zenith of belief for Christian people.
Here at Damascus College, we look to the period of Lent to support the fundraising activity for Project Compassion across the College. The College has a wonderful reputation as supporters of social justice. Project Compassion is the annual appeal for Caritas Australia, which is the Catholic Church’s International Aid Organisation. The community’s support of Project Compassion throughout Lent has been very generous over recent years, and we hope to continue that in 2024.
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. We encourage our students to reflect on how they can give time, talents or treasure over this period.
Time in prayer or personal reflection about their relationship with God
Talents; the sharing of their personal gifts or talents to benefit others
Treasure; charity or almsgiving to support those in need
At home, you may like to engage in the conversation about how this Lent as a family, you may be able to give Time, Treasure or Talents.
Catchup student photos were held on Friday, 9 February 2024. If your student has not had their photo taken, please contact MSP Photography directly on 5333 5577 to arrange a time at the studio for your student’s photo to be taken.
The annual House Swimming carnival will be held on Thursday, 29 February 2024 at the Eureka Swimming Pool. Students must wear their PE uniform to school but may wear an appropriate House coloured top, supporting their House. Students will be transported by bus to and from the venue, are expected to attend TA in the morning and return to the John Shannon Centre (JSC) at the conclusion of the day for announcements, before making their way home in the usual means. As with every school day, the Swimming Carnival is a compulsory activity for all students and provides an excellent opportunity for students to Be.Their.Best! Not everyone is a talented swimmer, but there are a diverse range of activities to encourage student participation. We remind families that the College encourages students to be Sun Smart for this event, in that they wear a hat and use and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. We would encourage families to reiterate this message with their students on the day.
It is not uncommon for students to pressure parents and carers not to attend school on sports days, but it is imperative that parents/carers stand firm and point out that community events are an important opportunity to learn and build both team and school spirit. Our focus throughout our sports program across the College is on participation. The team with the greatest level of participation has invariably been recognised as the overall winner at the carnival. Students who do not attend school on Thursday, 29 February 2024 without a legitimate reason may not be eligible to attend College formals or extracurricular activities. We look forward to welcoming our families to the pool as spectators. We do ask that you sign in and out when visiting. As mentioned above, students will be brought back to school for regular dismissal.