It has been a busy fortnight at the College. We have had many celebrations that helped us to embrace the College theme ‘Living Mercy.’ Our Annual Father’s Day / Male Mentor Breakfast was a wonderful success where we were able to participate in prayer and to reflect on the scripture about the meaning of unconditional love. I thank the many fathers, stepdads, and male mentors who made themselves available for their children to share a meal together, to break bread and to be truly present to their child. It is these moments that our young people remember and these events that create family stories and narratives.

Masculinity in the 21^st century has evolved and shaped and there is no one way to be a dad, male figure, stepdad or role model, our children need a male who is compassionate, gentle and modelling respectful relationships – help your children see the face of our God in your behaviours, actions and interactions with others. Father’s Day is a gift and acknowledgement that to have a child is a gift that needs to be treasured and valued. Nothing is more important than our relationships with our children and families. In a world experiencing violence and conflict our homes need to be places of safety, love and respect.

Student Voice is an integral part of our growing community. Interviews and elections of student leaders for 2025 have been occurring. I had the pleasure of listening to our speeches from potential candidates for School Captains. I was so humbled by the student’s vision and passion for Damascus College. I have been able to read and watch their speeches. I admire our students who are emerging as the future leaders of our society with this new competence of dealing with and responding to regular and unplanned change. Our students are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process at the College and we endeavour to work with them to build a strong student focussed learning environment. I am confident that student voice and advocacy will continue to flourish under our new leaders. I look forward to announcing the successful team at the upcoming Damascus Day Liturgy. Families are invited to join us for Eucharist at 10.30am in the John Shannon Centre on Tuesday 17 September. If you are able to attend please RSVP Katrina McGearey my EA via email k.mcgearey@damascus.vic.edu.au.

Our Unit 4 students are working through a heavy assessment period. The holiday period provides an opportunity for them to catch their breath and consolidate their learning and continue revision. Our Unit 4 students will soon have their trial exams and revision lectures. Families and students were sent the schedule earlier this week via email. I ask families to support their young people during this important time of their final year.

This afternoon l had the pleasure of attending the College Production of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. I am continually in awe of our student skills, talents and passion. Thank you to Andrew Seeary and the cast and supporting crew. The team bring great joy and insights to our community.

This Thursday 12 September is R u Ok Day. R U Ok Day is a National Day where the community is encourage to come together, raise awareness about the importance of checking in on each others mental health and wellbeing. The College used the message of R U OK Day as an ongoing educational tool, teaching students that supporting one another should be an everyday practice. If you, or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of the services available and listed on the R U OK website.

This week welcomed Brenda Brady to the College as VASS/VCE Administration Officer who comes to us from St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill. Next week we welcome Nicolette Williams to her role as Daily Organiser, as Kirsten Dent moves into her role as People and Culture Advisor. Dan Jans St Martin’s House Leader will be on leave next term and we look forward to welcoming him back in 2025. Ms Jayde Tangey has kindly stepped into the role of House Leader. Next term, we welcome back Andy Robertson, Naomi Olthoff and Marty Ryan. I am currently interviewing for Year 10 Leader for term 4. The Leadership Team is busily recruiting and discerning for 2025 and will be shortly able to make announcements.

Ealy this year the College participated in the School Improvement Framework and this week we received our Validation Report. The College should be proud of our achievements in the past five years and the review has supported our continual focussed growth and the embedment of excellence practice. I have attached the summary report below.

External Validation and Review Report Damascus College Mt Clear 2024

This is our last newsletter for the term, we wish our families a safe and restful holiday.

With every Blessing