Damascus College is excited to announce the College VCE Dux for 2023 is Sara Abu Asbeh Smalley, and the VCE/VM Dux is Jack Mattinson.

Sara scored an ATAR of 97.3 when results were released today, this year she studied the following VCE subjects English, French, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Religion in Society, and in 2022 she studied Legal Studies.

111 Damascus students completed VCE in 2023, with 21 students completing VCE/VM, and 12 students completing VPC/VCAL Intermediate studies.

Five students received an ATAR in the high 90’s (4.5%), interestingly, those same five students also received the VCE Baccalaureate, and 17 (15%) students received an ATAR in the 80’s. 21 students scored a subject study score of 40 or above in a study.

Our College Dux Sara, received a study score of 50 for English, which is a challenging feat accomplished by only a few.

Sara said that she hopes to study a Bachelor of Laws at Monash University or a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Politics, at University of Melbourne.

“I am blown away, and am a little in shock. I did not see this coming at all. I received an email with my study scores at 6.30am and then my ATAR at 7am, and I was in disbelief,” she said.

“I do want to thank Mr Michael Bennett, English Learning Area Leader, as he has helped me immensely by running before school classes and numerous practice exams on Saturdays.”

“My highlight of my time at Damascus is becoming dux, as right now I have forgotten how to breathe. After 13 years of schooling, I just can’t believe this is happening. I remember starting school in Year 7 where I wanted to do Science subjects, but soon learnt this was not my strength. So, I changed paths and studied Humanities and Art subjects, which I really enjoy. I love to write, as it is a form of self-expression, and feels very natural to me.”

“I plan on moving to Melbourne and hope to receive a scholarship to assist with my move to the big city, to see what life offers.”

Our VCE/VM Dux, Jack has been an exemplary student and has scored well on the following transferable employability skills: Communication, Teamwork, Initiative and Enterprise, Technology, Problem-Solving, Planning and Organising and Self-Management.

Jack is a conscientious and incredibly hard-working student and has recently secured a Learning Support Officer position, at Damascus College for 2024.

Jack said that he hopes to chase his dream of becoming a secondary teacher by completing the FAST program at Federation University in 2024, and then a teaching degree in 2025.

“I am a bit shocked, and wasn’t expecting this, but am very grateful,” he said.

Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud said that he is proud of the achievements of our high achievers and acknowledges the partnership with family, students and all staff at Damascus.

“Importantly these students have worked hard, combined excellent co-curricular activities with study. These students have lived the College mantra to be my best,” he said.

Damascus College had five students that scored an ATAR of 90+. This included:

• Sara Abu Asbeh - 97.3
• Josephine Bantick - 94.8
• Sophie Busuttil - 92.6
• Audrey Merlin - 92.1
• Daisy Simpson-Kerr - 92.05

Josephine Bantick scored an ATAR of 94.8, and in 2024 is taking a gap year, where she intends on working to pay of her recently purchased car. In 2025 she hopes to study a Bachelor of Psychological Science, at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds campus. Josephine hopes to become a Psychologist.

Sophie Busuttil scored an ATAR of 92.6, and in 2024 hopes to study a Bachelor of Education (P-12) at Victoria University or ACU Melbourne campus. Sophie hopes to become a teacher.

Audrey Merlin (absent from picture) scored an ATAR of 92.1, and in 2024 she hopes to study a Bachelor of Nursing at ACU Melbourne campus. Audrey hopes to become a nurse.

Daisy Simpson-Kerr scored an ATAR of 92.05 and in 2024 she hopes to purchase a course in Sports Science, Nutrition or Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. Daisy hopes to become a Sports Psychologist.

Congratulations to all Damascus College students, for their significant achievements throughout 2023.