Xavier House Triumphs in the Ron Matthews Shield
We are thrilled to announce that Xavier House has emerged as the winner of this year’s prestigious Ron Matthews Shield—an incredible milestone as it marks the first victory for Xavier House since Damascus College became a single-campus institution. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our Xavier students, who have fully embraced College life through their consistent engagement and support for one another.

The Ron Matthews Shield celebrates student participation across all facets of Damascus life, including major sports carnivals, BAS sports competitions, community volunteering, and various academic pursuits. Each activity allows students to earn valuable points for their house, building camaraderie and a deep sense of school pride. Special recognition goes to House Leader Karen Hocking, whose steady guidance has been instrumental, along with House Captains Emily Crumpler, Madeline Coffey, Caleb Smith, and Campbell White, who led by example with their enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you to every student in Xavier House who took part, from the athletes and academic achievers to the volunteers and community-minded participants. This victory is a testament to your hard work, resilience, and unity. Let’s celebrate this wonderful achievement and look forward to more great moments in the coming year.

Year 9 Camp – Adventure Awaits!

Our Year 9 students are eagerly preparing for next week’s highly anticipated camp at Charnwood, Lima South, where they’ll embark on a truly memorable adventure. This camp experience is designed not just for fun, but also to build character, foster teamwork, and encourage resilience through engaging outdoor activities.

Students will participate in a range of challenges, including hiking through scenic landscapes, canoeing on open water, mountain biking on rugged trails, and even abseiling down cliffs. Each activity pushes students to step outside their comfort zones and builds both physical and mental strength. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and self-confidence.

Year 9 camp has long been remembered by our alumni as a highlight of their Damascus journey. Graduates frequently recall the strong friendships formed, the personal growth achieved, and the joyful memories made. We hope this year’s camp will be just as impactful and enjoyable for our students and staff, and we wish everyone attending a safe, exciting, and enriching week.

Social Media Awareness – A Reminder for Our Community

As part of our commitment to maintaining a respectful and responsible online presence, Damascus College has become aware that some students have created social media accounts using the school logo without authorization. We kindly ask that these accounts be removed in order to preserve our school’s identity and ensure that the Damascus College logo is used in accordance with our values and guidelines.

To support a safe and positive digital environment, we also encourage parents and guardians to take an active role in their young people’s online activities. Checking which accounts students are using and reviewing what they are posting can go a long way toward ensuring a responsible and respectful presence on social media. By helping students understand the importance of digital responsibility, we can foster an online community that reflects the values of respect, kindness, and accountability that we uphold at Damascus.