A heartfelt congratulations to our incredible students and staff who have embraced their learning with passion and energy! Your dedication and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all. It is through your commitment that we continue to see such growth and success across all year levels. Learning requires grit and hard work, as we embed our Instructional model we are committed to supporting our learners in developing habits of perseverance, tenacity and endurance. The academic year is rich, and challenging and our senior students need to create schedules and work routines that will enable them to reach their goal and aspirations.
On Friday afternoon, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 from 2024 students with the 2024 Academic Awards for students who excelled in their subject areas either through VCE or VCE VM. These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, and their hard work is truly deserving of recognition. Well done to all award recipients!
Many of you will know the name Stan Grant. He is a proud Wiradjuri man, a prominent journalist, and a passionate advocate for Indigenous voices. In his powerful writings and speeches, Grant often speaks about the complexities of identity—how it’s influenced by history, culture, and the environments in which we grow. He tells us that our identity is deeply connected to the stories we tell ourselves, the ones we inherit, and the ones we choose to embrace.
Stan Grant’s journey is a reminder that identity is not a simple or static thing—it is fluid, evolving, and at times, challenging. But it is in those challenges that our true selves are often revealed. What resonates here for me, is the notion that the stories we tell ourselves: are we promoting stories that advocate strength and integrity or are we challenging ourselves to be open to new experiences. Sometimes we can keep telling ourselves stories that keep us locked in a timeframe or period of time. Each day is a new day for us to encounter and embrace our humanity.
Grant speaks about the importance of connecting with the past, understanding where you come from, and grounding yourself in your heritage and values. For all of us, no matter where we come from or who we are, understanding our identity gives us clarity and purpose. It is the foundation upon which we can build meaningful relationships, find direction in life, and ultimately lead others. Our Catholic Tradition, personal sense of spirituality will guide, strengthen and provide wisdom. Dig into spirituality in moments of fear, joy and even elation.
Our Year 7 students have had a wonderful alternate week, building House Spirit, creating important bonds and establishing themselves as Damascus learners. Camp at Creswick, Reflection Day at our St Brendan's Campus, and PAT testing are designed to create opportunities for our Year 7 students to familiarise themselves with one another and this wonderful community.
A special thanks to the many families who have supported their young people in recent weeks by attending our VCE/VM Information Night and/or Year Level Information Nights. Your involvement plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between school and home, helping our students achieve their best. I encourage you to reach out to your student’s Teacher Advisor (ta) or subject teacher if you have any concerns or wish to discuss your child’s wellbeing and learning. You are able to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher through the Parent Access Module (pam) or via email.
This week we commenced interviewing our prospective Year 7 students for 2026. The interviews are a privilege to conduct as we hear why Damascus College is the school of choice for our families, but we too hear of the dreams and aspirations of our young people and their family. We will interview three hundred families and offers will be posted at the end of this term.
A reminder that this Saturday is the St Paul’s Reunion, here we’ll come together to celebrate the success of our alumni and community, commencing at 2.00pm in the Damascus Events Centre (DEC) for more information please reach out to Korina Hegert k.hegert@damascus.vic.edu.au
This Sunday is the annual Head of Lake rowing regatta held at Lake Wendouree. The regatta commences at 8.20am with the arrival of our supporter crews, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony at 8.40am before the first race at 9.00am. I wish our rowers well and success in the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and a Ballarat tradition. Go Team DMac.
I warmly welcome our College community to our Mass for new beginnings on Wednesday 5 March 2025 commencing at 12.00pm. If you would like to attend please rsvp to principal@damascus.vic.edu.au.
With every blessing
Steven