This weekend, we as a faith community commenced the season of Advent, a period of patiently waiting for the birth of Christ. However in the busyness of our lives and the need to complete so many tasks and meet friends and family, we can forget the need and tradition of moments of contemplation, reflection, gentle stillness and gratitude. I urge each of one of you to find the time to sit and be still and acknowledge the many wonderful people and experiences in your life. Be awake to the presence of our God who lives not only with us, through us, but amongst us.
Advent is an invitation for Christians to be still and notice, to be still and to be aware. In this time of noticing there may be an opportunity to see God moments unfold before our very eyes. Possibility for the Emmanuel “God with us” being revealed. Moments of when God is consistently being birthed. Advent is an opportunity for Christians to experience a dawn time like the scene by the waters edge in the early morn.
It is challenging to think we have completed another academic school year and l am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a community. Our young people have worked with energy and enthusiasm and have participated in the breadth of learning in the classroom, in the grounds and in the broader community. As a community we have been enriched by the gift of one another and the strength that comes from being open to learning new ideas and ways of being.
Our College theme, Living Mercy, has been central in our work as we continue to see and experience Christ’s merciful heart. We have been people of Mercy as we continue to work for the marginalised, build right relationships and contribute to a sustainable world. Last week l visited the Year 12 Retreat at Mount Eliza and l was reminded of the joy and fear of young people who entered their final year of secondary education. One of the activities l witnessed asked the students what was one thing they could do to leave an impact on the Damascus community. I was taken back by the insights and ideas of our students. It was notion the hospitality, welcome and inclusion. I kept hearing the question “how do we make our younger people feel welcome and included?”. Living Mercy does not have to be grand gestures, but rather it can be behaviours that model hospitality, welcome and inclusion. Our students wanted to see the face of their neighbour.
Yesterday we welcomed over 230 new year 7 students for 2025. I am grateful for the work of staff who organised a wonderful program to immerse our young people into the life of our College. Our student leaders were gracious and attentive hosts ensuring no one felt excluded and alone. I am excited about our journey ahead with School Captains Joachim Henderson, Milan Pilmore and our student House Leaders who are modelling service and hope.
I am grateful for the professionalism and commitment of our staff who have not only worked on ensuring that their teaching and learning programs were engaging and rigorous but they too were involved in reflection of the School Improvement Plan, planning for St Brendan’s Year 8 Program, developing new curricula and subjects for 2025, the array of curricula and co-curricla events, but always placing the care and learning of our young people at the centre. We are blessed to have such a committed staff.
In the past fortnight we have been a community full of celebrations, adventure, performance and sporting endeavours. I congratulate our SRT team for their achievements at the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough event and our talented music students for the entertaining Christmas concert. I also wish our rowing squad success in their final regatta this weekend at Carrum. I have no doubt we will have more successes to celebrate on their return
This year we have a number of staff who are retiring or commencing new positions in 2025. I would like to thank the following staff for their commitment, professionalism and unique gifts as they enter a new chapter in their life. Martin Ryan (retiring after 40 years of service to Catholic Education), Sue Ellen Jirik, Alysoun Smalley, Holly de Jong, Marcus Ryan, Jazz Beaumont, Ash Brown, Angela Carr, Alycia Morrow, Lou Campana, Pierce Smith and Kiki Amelia.
Judy Vanderkley will be on leave for Term 1, 2025 with a transition into retirement.
Thursday evening will come alive as we host our annual awards evening. I look forward to celebrating the well-earned achievements of our students. The evening is always a highlight of my year, witnessing the growth and successes of our students.
The 2025 College year commences on Thursday January 30 with the first day of our new Year 7 students and the return of our VCE unit 3/4 students. The whole of school will return on Friday 31 January.
Tom Sexton, Executive Director of DOBCEL along with Terry Harney, DOBCEL Board Chair have released an update regarding the DOBCEL Strategy 2035. I invite you to read the update here.
As we step away for a well-deserved break, we carry with us the lessons learned, memories created and the bonds formed over the year. I am thankful for the Damascus community, as we continue build a stronger community where all are celebrated and see the face of their God.
May the Christmas Season bring renewed hope, joy and love.