As we journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the importance of reflection, growth, and renewal. This season invites us to pause, examine our relationships and consider how we can support one another – both within our school community and at home. Lent challenges us to slow down and be intentional in our actions, extending to the ways we nurture our students’ learning and personal development.

At Damascus, our focus remains on providing a structured engaging and faith filled learning environment where all students can grow and be challenged. Clear classroom norms and high expectations create a space where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. Our teachers actively creating routines that support academic success, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I hope you are also noticing positive changes at home that promote calm and clarity in your students learning experience.

Last Friday members of the Leadership and school leaders participated in a workshop with Christopher Thomas from Powered Leadership titled ‘Leading Pedagogical Learning’. The workshop focused on creating optimal learning environments that both support and challenge students to grow. Staff members will participate in the workshop during Term 2, ensuring a consistent and enriched approach to student development.

Learning beyond the classroom

Education is not confined to school – it is a continuous journey that extends into the home. The habits student establish outside the classroom significantly impact their academic progress. We encourage families to create routines that reinforce values of discipline, organisation and perseverance.

How Can Families Support Learning at Home?

To help your student succeed, consider implementing the following habits:

Consistent Study Time: Encourage a daily routine where students review their notes, complete homework, and read independently.
Technology Boundaries: Set limits on screen time and create tech-free zones to encourage focus and meaningful conversations.
Encourage Reflection: Just as Lent encourages self-examination, ask your student about their day—what they learned, what challenged them, and how they overcame obstacles.
Model a Growth Mindset: Mistakes are opportunities to learn. Reinforce the idea that effort and perseverance lead to success.
Healthy Routines: Ensure your student gets enough sleep, eats well, and takes breaks to recharge.

By working together—teachers, students, and families—we can help our students establish habits that will serve them well, not only in their education but in all areas of life.

As we continue this Lenten season, let us embrace the opportunity to reflect and grow as a community. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting our students on their journey of learning and self-discovery.

The annual NAPLAN assessments commenced at the College last week for students in Years 7 and 9. These assessments form an important part of the educational journey for students across Australia and provide a snapshot in relation to each student’s progress in key Literacy and Numeracy skills. I hope that our students navigated the tests as well as possible this week and next.

Last week, a group of Damascus Year 11 students, through our partnership with Community of Respect and Equality (CORE), engaged with members of the National Rugby League (NRL) team, Melbourne Storm at St Patrick’s College in a workshop raising awareness around the issue of gendered based violence. The workshop is an NRL initiative and is designed to increase awareness around this serious issue and practical advice on how everyone can contribute to preventing it.

This is an example of our partnership with community organisations and being a member of CORE alliance will provide students and staff at the College access to a range of activities, workshops and resources to assist in developing a safe and respectful community for all.   

Yesterday l had the privilege to attend our first Youth Ministry Workshop with residents from Mercy Health. I was so proud of our young people’s connection to the elderly, their authentic conversation and their desire to understand the other. Intergenerational learning and relationships are so important for our young people to be able grow and learn more about themselves and to witness the face of God in the other. I look forward to watching this program evolve, an example of our partnership with Mercy Health and Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

Congratulation to our rowers who experienced much success over the weekend, to our Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) who had a great day competing in the Victorian HPV series and to all of our students who participated in extra-curricular activities over the past fortnight.

With every blessing