In a vibrant display of house pride and community spirit, Damascus College came alive today as students and staff gathered in the John Shannon Centre to celebrate House St Martin. Principal Steven Mifsud stood shoulder to shoulder with the school community, adding his presence to the sea of green attire worn by enthusiastic St Martin House students, a visual testament to their pride and unity.
Throughout the assembly, the core values of Service, Participation, Trust, Diligence, and Truth, which form the foundation of St Martin House, were prominently on display. Guided by the leadership of the Year 12 St Martin House Captains, the program unfolded with a rich tapestry of talent and accomplishment.
The assembly began with a warm embrace of cultural exchange as Year 11 students Luke Eddy and Kylan Jans, who embarked on the Indonesian Immersion Trip last year, extended a heartfelt welcome to our Indonesian visitors.
This gesture of hospitality and inclusivity set the tone for the rest of the event.
Adding a touch of creativity and nostalgia, Year 11 student Ted Sculley, affectionately known as "Sculleywag," took the stage with his spirited rendition of the St Martin de Porres House Founder rap, delighting the audience with his infectious energy and pride in St Martin House heritage.
A highlight of the assembly was the recognition of St Martin House members' achievements and successes. From triumphs in swimming sports to individual feats of excellence at the Athletics carnival and beyond, the collective accomplishments of our students were celebrated with gusto. Year 12 student Jarrod Joyce's remarkable journey and dominance in tennis, culminating in his sixth consecutive Ballarat Associated Schools singles tennis crown, resonated deeply with the audience. His story of perseverance and dedication, including the invaluable opportunity to train with world number one Novak Djokovic, served as an inspiration to all.
Entertainment took centre stage, captivating hearts and minds with a kaleidoscope of talent. From Izzy Farrah's soul-stirring rendition of "Let It Be" by the Beatles to the infectious energy of the Year 12 cohort's dance routine, each performance left an indelible mark. Isabella Fensling's enchanting saxophone rendition of "Singing in the Rain," Freddy Gibson's heartfelt rendition of "Electricity" from Billy Elliott, and Jacob Hanrahan, Kylan Jans, and Henry Sexton's spirited rendition of "I’m Still Standing" by Elton John added to the vibrant tapestry of talent.
In a poignant moment, the assembly underscored the importance of mental health awareness, as Haileigh Buttigieg announced the Push-Up Challenge to support initiatives promoting well-being within our community.
As the event drew to a close, the assembly concluded on a note of unity and celebration, with Anna Hodge and Makenzie Jarvis's soulful rendition of Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge” echoing sentiments of gratitude and togetherness.
Congratulations echoed throughout the John Shannon Centre as House St Martin basked in the glow of collective achievement. It was indeed an extraordinary all-school assembly, a testament to the unwavering spirit of unity, talent, and excellence that defines Damascus College.