In recent weeks the Ballarat community has experienced much grief and pain, I understand that this is a distressing time for many in our school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy Family and those impacted by the tragic events.

As a faith community we continue turn to our God for guidance and love. We are living in times of much uncertainty and ambiguity. Let us travel gently with one another, remembering we are all made in the image and likeness of our God. May we hold one another with compassion and listen with deep yearning to seek understanding.

I encourage any family who feels they or their children would benefit from our College support services to contact their student’s Teacher Advisor, House Leader or Counselling Team on 5337 2222.

Recently our community participated in the Annual Swimming Carnival which provided our students with an opportunity ‘to just be,’ to live in community and to be with their peers in the joys, competitiveness and fun of a swimming carnival. I congratulate the many, many students who participated who had the courage, the sense of fun and team spirit to compete in the Carnival. Congratulations to all Houses but in particular a huge shout out and congratulations to the students of St Martins’s and House Captains, Lucy Leviston, Ella Turpie, Zoe Newman and Macy Donaldson along with House Leader Dan Jans who led with passion and gusto.

Damascus College has played host to 11 students and a teacher from St Benoit in France. The students emersed themselves in our local culture and were welcomed and by supported by our students who demonstrated our Mercy values of hospitality, service, courage and respect whilst participating in various learning activities.

On Friday 8 March we took part in the celebrations of International Women’s Day. Hosting a breakfast for our community with speakers Sister Veronica Lawson and alumni and Julie White who spoke about their life experiences and values. I for one was left feeling inspired, with a renewed sense of focus. Our students were also involved, attending an interactive talk with past student Ebony O’Doherty-Bowmen. Ebony spoke about her experiences moving from school into an apprenticeship. Our students were engaged and energised by Ebony’s story, a most impressive and inspiring young lady.

NAPLAN testing commences this week. Students in Years 7 and 9 will participate in the program, which will assess students' ability in the domains of literacy, reading, writing and language. Parents and carers can access additional information regarding NAPLAN, what’s involved and the purpose here.

Tuesday 19 March 2024 is the annual Damascus College Athletics Carnival. The Athletics Carnival, like the Swimming Carnival is an opportunity for students to celebrate their talents, participate and support each other as well as celebrate in their House groups. Like any weekday, the Athletics Carnival is compulsory school day for all students. We appreciate that competing is athletics events isn’t for every student and so have scheduled a diverse range of activities to engage all.

The Damascus College School Advisory Council (SAC) is actively seeking new members to contribute to the continued growth and development of the College. If you possess a genuine interest in playing a pivotal role and are available to attend approximately six evening meetings per year, we invite you to submit your expression of interest by emailing principal@damascus.vic.edu.au no later than Friday, March 22, 2024.

With every blessing