Hello to all and welcome back to the 2025 school year. It has been wonderful to see students return to campus, eager to commence the school year and make the most of the opportunities presented to them, be it in or out of the classroom.

As well as BAS Sport on a weekly basis (commences week 3, all after school hours) we have our annual Swimming and Athletics carnivals in Term 1, BAS Swimming, BAS Tennis Singles Championships, BAS Golf and the esteemed Head of The Lake (key dates are listed below). From my experience, I know that students who participate in extra-curricular activities establish a greater connection at the college with peers and staff. The development of school spirit, which starts by taking pride in your performance and experiencing the highs of winning and losing together teaches resilience and grit. These attributes correlate with your studies and your personal life. So, my challenge to you all is to sign up to a Term 1 after school sport and enter into as many events as you can for the Swimming and Athletics carnival.

The morning notices will be full of sport information (key dates, meeting times etc.) over the coming days and it is vital that you regularly check your emails and the school App for the most up to date sport information. Once team lists are established, MS Teams will be the main form of communication on a weekly basis (more information to come). After you have signed up for a sport a PAM permission will be sent out to you parent/guardian, this must be approved before you can play BAS school sport.

January Rowing camp

In January, the annual rowing camp was held at Pax Hill Scout Camp. I would like to thank Paul Blanchfield, Linda Skidmore, Claudia Griffin, coaches and parents for all their help and organisation prior to and on the camp. The crews are looking strong and have already competed in some regattas in the lead up to the Head of the Lake, which is on Sunday Feb 23. All rowers should be congratulated on their efforts thus far, we are now reaching the business end of the season, continue to train hard and enjoy pushing each other to succeed.

BAS Sport – Term 1

The majority of Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS) Term 1 sport commences in week three. Students need to ensure that they listen to the morning messages and attend meetings so that they are organised know where they need to be. Always communicate with your coaches if you are unavailable or for general inquiries, generally this will be via MS Teams.

There are plenty of opportunities for all year levels and abilities. After school sport is a great way for Year 7’s to meet new friends, get to know staff and participate in a sport they may never have played before.

*Venues and coaches to be confirmed.

* Number of teams per sport is dependent on level of interest.

* Some sports may not run due to lack of numbers.

Swimming

The Damascus Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday, February 27 at the Eureka Pool. All students are to attend school as normal in the morning and will be bussed down with staff. In preparation for this, an extended TA and short House Assembly (TBC) will be held on Friday February 7, where students will be able to sign up for events. The BAS Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre at 11:30am. Any inquiries regarding swimming please do not hesitate to contact Ellie Meade, Patty Dillon or myself via email or drop down to the gym and say hello.

Athletics

The Damascus Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at Llanberis. An extended TA and House Assembly will be on Friday March 7 to sign up for events. Please note that the BAS Athletics Carnival is at Llanberis on Tuesday, May 6, Term 2 (more information to come).

Term 1 Key Dates

Damascus Sport Uniform

Students need to ensure they are in the correct uniform to participate. Students should check with their coach as to what is required. Also, remember to wear sunscreen at all times if competing outside and bring your own drink bottle.

I wish all students and coaches the best in 2025. Always play the game in the right spirit, wear the correct uniform, respect the umpires, staff in charge and the facilities. You all have an opportunity to add to your school experience by being the best you can be, both in and out of the classroom

Please do not hesitate to contact myself (g.webb@damascus.vic.edu.au) or Sport and PE Administrators, Ellie Meade (e.meade@damascus.vic.edu.au) & Patty Dillon (p.dillon@damascus.vic.edu.au) at the College with any questions.

Regards,

Gavin Webb

Sports Coordinator