2024 has seen many students take advantage of the Wednesday afterschool maths tutoring in the library, though some of them left it until they had an imminent assessment task. Those who came most weeks and worked consistently received the most benefit. Perhaps something for students to consider for 2025.

A special mention must go to Isabeau Turner who topped Damascus College for her performance (measured against her year level across Oceania) in the Australian Mathematics Competition held earlier this semester. A wonderful achievement. The following students also received Distinctions:

Congratulations to these students and to all the others who put themselves forward to take part in this competition and other Maths Games days this year. Regardless of whether you received a Distinction, Credit, Proficiency or Certificate of Participation, well done. It takes courage to put yourself forward. Keep focusing on your effort, this is what you can control. Your ability in mathematics is not fixed but will grow or diminish depending on the amount of work you do.

Please be aware not to purchase maths textbooks second hand regardless of year level. The move from the digital package to digital and hardcopy has added just $10 to the cost at Years 7 to 10 and $20 at VCE level, (we purchase a digital and print package which cannot be separated, buying the books separately would cost approximately $90.) This has been worth the change purely for the increased amount of time students have been on task, and the teacher being more able to assist students rather than spending their time redirecting students to the appropriate website. If students have finished a VCE subject, we have asked them to consider donating their VCE textbooks back to the maths faculty so that some students in the following year will be able to have a lighter school bag (give them to your maths teacher or drop them into room 2206). At Years 7 to 10, we will be moving to a new edition which will comply with the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0 from VCAA. (Very Cross Authoritative Authority).

Finally, a big thank you to all those in the school community who assisted me in some way following my accident in August. Leadership allowed me back when I looked quite confronting and accommodated my requests to make things manageable. Many teachers have covered classes for me, especially in the first couple of weeks, done my yard duties and driven me to and from school for months. Students were also supportive and I thank them for all their cards and gifts. The support has been overwhelming, thank you.

I wish all those who are part of the Damascus community a safe and happy Christmas. If travelling, drive carefully, car accidents are not fun.

Hamish McCrum