Beginning this Monday is National Reconciliation Week (NRW). It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in all Australians’ hearts, minds, and actions as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part, we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Before many of our meetings or gatherings, we acknowledge the country where we live, learn and work.

We acknowledge all the country in which we minister in Catholic education in this Diocese. Those of us in Ballarat are in Wudawurrung country, and all of us are located in culturally significant lands.

We acknowledge our first people who have nurtured and cared for Country for tens of thousands of years, and we acknowledge that they have managed to survive and thrive, demonstrating their strength, resilience, and adaptability.

We also acknowledge their elders as custodians of this land that was taken from them without consent, without compensation, without treaty, but not without resistance.

We commit to the work of truth-telling and reconciliation in our nation.

We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Our College is certainly feeling the effects of COVID-19 and Influenza on our students and staff. Our ability to cover classes is tight, and we continue to do our best to provide onsite learning each day to all students. Can I encourage families that if your young person is not well, please keep your student/students home until they are symptom-free – COVID or the flu - for everyone's safety.

Next Friday evening, 31^st May, the Middle School Formal will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. This is a social opportunity Damascus College facilitates for our Year 9 and 10 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that I reiterate that normal school rules apply. It is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event; any student who is suspected of having consumed alcohol will not be permitted to attend. There are no pass-outs through the evening. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. It is a social activity, and hair and make-up appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is away on Friday will not be able to attend the formal. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share.

Today, 23/5/2024 is the 2^nd anniversary of our colleague Jeff Simpson’s passing. For those who don’t know Jeff or had the absolute privilege of meeting Simmo, he was a long-term staff member and a valued member of our community. We pray for Jeff’s family and all those in our community experiencing grief and loss. We offer our condolences to all those going through hardship, that we may or may not be aware of.

Dear God, hold all those who grieve and suffer close to your heart. Comfort them and equip me with peace and with strength. Guide me, Loving God, our comforter, and our friend. AMEN

Chris