As we move through Term 1, we acknowledge the season of Lent, a significant time in the Christian tradition. Today we celebrated our College Opening Mass - A mass for new beginnings. Lent is a period of reflection, renewal, and preparation - a time to consider how we can grow as individuals and as a community. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions, show kindness, and support one another in our daily lives. These values align closely with our school’s mission to live in the light of Christ.
The past few weeks have been filled with remarkable sporting achievements. Our Swimming Carnival was a fantastic showcase of house spirit, determination, and teamwork. Congratulations to all students who participated, especially those who will now represent our school at higher levels of competition. Congratulations to St Martin’s house, taking first place with 1079 points. Individual student results are listed within our sports report.
We also witnessed outstanding performances in the Tennis Tournament, where skill and sportsmanship were on full display. And, of course, the excitement of the Head of the Lake never disappoint - our rowers demonstrated incredible dedication and resilience in this iconic event. I am grateful for the many who supported our change of date to ensure student safety. I am always so proud of our students, but this year our Support Crew embodied the pride and joy of being a Damascus student. In addition to the Head of the Lake regatta our rowers picked up their oars and headed to Nagambie on the weekend for another regatta. I congratulate the rowers on their successes and dedication to the sport.
Sport plays a vital role in the life of our school, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance, discipline, and teamwork - qualities that extend well beyond the playing field.
Recently, we have been engaging with the powerful ideas explored by Stan Grant in The Stories We Tell Ourselves. His reflections on identity, history, and belonging challenge us to think critically about our own stories and the world around us. Encouraging people to engage with diverse perspectives helps build empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to their learning. At Damascus we are constantly providing opportunities for our students to embrace difference and celebrate the individuality of all.
Year 8 students participated in an engaging workshop exploring the role of women in society. Through discussions and activities, students reflected on how they can show respect, challenge stereotypes, and embrace differences in their daily lives.
Celebrating Strength and Diversity: International Women’s Day Breakfast
Tomorow morning, members of our school community will come together to celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring breakfast event. Students, staff, and special guests will gather to honor the achievements of women and reflect on the importance of respect, equality, and embracing diversity.
This year, we are privileged to welcome three incredible guest speakers:
- Carly Myers, Gender and Disability Advisor, who will share insights on the challenges and triumphs of women with disabilities, encouraging us all to foster inclusivity.
- Deborah Clark, Koorie Education Coordinator, exploring the vital role of First Nations women in leadership and education, highlighting the power of cultural knowledge and resilience.
- Dee Micevski, with stories of perseverance, strength, and the importance of uplifting one another.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to teaching and learning. Our goal is to provide every student with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to achieve their best. Whether through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, or extracurricular activities, we celebrate the unique gifts and talents of our students.
As we continue to embed our Instructional Model this will ensure that classroom routines are clear, consistent, and effective, creating an environment where students can thrive. By setting high expectations and fostering a culture of respect and engagement, we help students build the skills they need for success.
For our Vocational Major students, the camp was an invaluable experience, reinforcing the importance of self-development, teamwork, and goal setting. The theme, mantra “Be My Best” perfectly captured the mindset we encourage in all students—whether pursuing university, apprenticeships, or careers in the workforce. We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity to grow and prepare for their future pathways.
As we continue through this busy term, we encourage all students to take inspiration from the season of Lent—reflect on their goals, support one another, and embrace challenges with a positive mindset. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in personal growth, every student has the potential to achieve something remarkable.
Thank you to our staff, families, and wider school community for your ongoing support in making our school a place where every student can thrive.
The IWD event provides a meaningful reminder that equality is everyone’s responsibility, and by working together, we can create a more inclusive and respectful future for all.
A big thank you to our guest speakers, staff, and students for making this event such a success!
This week we farewell teacher Rebecca Anderson. Rebecca has been with us for the past 12 years and will be sadly missed. We wish her well in her next adventure.