Welcome to the beginning of an exciting new academic year, 2025. This year we welcomed 230 Year 7 students, and 27 new students commencing in other year levels, 20 new staff members from administration, Learning Support, teaching and maintenance along with each of our returning students, staff and community members, as we embark on another journey of learning, growth and faith. I trust your summer break was a time of rest and connection for your families and hope that you are returning refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

This year is an exciting chapter in the history of Damascus, as we officially turn 30 years old. Our College is built on a rich legacy from the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers. 30 years ago our three founding schools Sacred Heart, St Paul’s Technical School and St Martin’s in the Pines amalgamated to form Damascus College. In 1995 the three schools became one – and we are proud of our rich tradition, a legacy we uphold today. The formation of Damascus College started a new chapter in our community, and our College is known as Ballarat’s first Catholic co-educational secondary school. The leaders at the time were determined to build a community based on challenging learning, aspiration, service, and the celebration of our faith.

The leaders wanted to ensure Ballarat had a school where young people could learn in an environment that promoted integrity, strength of character, and respect for each individual. The dream was to provide a place where young people could seek out their own pathway and reach their own potential. Damascus students are now in careers or pathways that enable them to use their gifts and talents each day. To give of themselves to our community.

So this year we are excited that together, we will celebrate our 30^th anniversary. Throughout this year there will be opportunities for our students and staff to learn about our rich history, to celebrate, and for us all to be enriched and inspired by what has gone before us.

This year’s College theme of respect is pivotal as not only Ballarat, the state, the country and even the world is lacking understanding and acceptance of any difference, this year l am wanting our College community and family to be beacons of respect and understanding. To accept one another, to be mindful of how we speak and to think what it means to live by the light of Christ.

The world that is thirsting for respect, understanding and compassion. The world needs young people to show us how to live, how to embrace difference and to believe in the other.

Let us be people who can accept people who are different, who may have different religious beliefs or whose values challenge our thinking. Our world has much to offer, but we are not listening or hearing one another’s voice. This year as we live and embody the Mercy value of respect – let us be a family who understand that each of us is made in the image of our God.

This year will be a year of transition as we move to a new timetable consisting of five, one-hour periods each day. We believe that the extended class periods will allow for deeper engagement with learning materials, enabling students time to explore topics in greater depth and participate in more meaningful activities. The revised timetable is designed to reduce disruption and fatigue as the day processes, supporting increased focus and energy levels. This new structure will enhance the overall learning experience and support the academic, social and emotional growth of our students. At Damascus College our focus is on building relationships that elevate learning, this can only occur with greater time in the classroom. As always, we welcome your feedback as we navigate this exciting new chapter together.

In addition, this year we are particularly excited to launch our new Year 8 program, to be based at the St Brendan’s campus in Dunnstown. Year 8 students will participate in a term of tailor-made programs designed to support and encourage the personal development of each student.

The Damascus College School Advisory Council (SAC) is actively seeking new members to contribute to the continued growth and development of the College. If you are interested in supporting and advising the College Principal and are available to attend approximately six evening meetings per year, we invite you to submit your expression of interest by emailing principal@damascus.vic.edu.au no later than Wednesday 26 February 2025.

I wish to acknowledge the work of outgoing Chair Lucy O’Beirne who contributed to both the previous College Board and current SAC. Lucy was a faithful servant, supporting the College for over eleven years and offered insights and contributed to the many ideas and brought forward many parent thoughts to the team. I would also like to thank Sister Marie Davey, who, after countless years of support and connection with the College has decided to step down from her position on the SAC this year.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the following staff who have resigned from the College and for their loyal and committed service to our students and their families:

Ivanka Saric, Adrian Newman, Kara Linayo, Shona Maxwell and Michelle Botheras

Please join me in welcoming the following new staff to our College Community: Isabella Harper, Andreea Szabo, Kevin Robillard, Naomi Ciezki, Cameron Veal, Fiona Mackenzie, Ashlee Tanner, Chris Davies, Graeme Strachan, Danielle Pratt, Tracey Keogh, Angela Olwyn, Ellie Meade, Pete O’Loughlan, Grace Milne, Dean Romeril, Colin Grant, Wendy Jordan-Pelz and Olivia Walson.

I keep in our thoughts and prayers the many families who are experiencing grief and loss in particular the following staff members who have recently lost loved ones, Karen Goonan, Stephanie Kerwan, Deb Kennedy and Andrew Seeary.

I would like to formal invite all our community members to our Opening College Mass: New Beginnings: Opening Mass and Commencement of Lent on Wednesday 5 March. More details to provided in upcoming weeks.

with every blessing
Steven Mifsud

Prayers of Intercession

Let us bring our prayers before God, and make known our intentions for those in need.

That the Church may grow in times of adversity

Loving God, we pray...

Loving God, Hear our prayer.

That those called to a vocation to share God’s word will respond willingly and persevere with strength and gentleness.

Loving God, we pray...

Loving God, Hear our Prayer

That those who make their living on the sea will keep safe and be responsible stewards of God’s creation.

Loving God, we pray…

Loving God, Hear our Prayer

That those who have died in Christ will enter eternal life. We particularly remember the families of Deb Kennedy, Steph Kerwan, Karen Goonan and Andrew Seeary who are grieving the loss of loved ones at this time. We also remember the family and friends of Samantha Murphy whose anniversary of her disappearance occurs at this time. May you, Loving God, hold them all close to Your heart.

Loving God, we pray…

Loving God, Hear our Prayer