In 2024 Damascus College is excited to continue the provision of Catholic education at the St Brendan’s Primary School site in Dunnstown and looks forward to working with the Parish of Bungaree and the Dunnstown community.

Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud said that throughout 2024 the site will be used for a series of learning activities involving all year levels, including Year 7 reflection days, student retreats, staff professional development, exam revision, and lectures. The College will spend the next 12 months designing and planning for an exciting new learning experience for our students, which could possibly be a rural campus where Year 8 or 9 students could go to for a term, for leadership and life skills.

“The St Brendan’s site poses a wonderful opportunity for Damascus to work with our students, staff, and parents, to explore innovative learning experiences for our students, whilst in the interim utilising the site to reimagine year-level retreats and faith formation experiences,” he said.

“The College has committed to explore the opportunities that St Brendan’s offers our community over the next 12 months, before a decision is made on a long-term arrangement and educational opportunities.”

“The site provides an educative, peaceful, and ready-made opportunity that is complimentary to the Damascus bush setting at Mount Clear. The intimate size and location of the property strengthens our inclusive community where every student is named and known, supporting the cognitive, creative, and spiritual development of Damascus students, with access to the Dunnstown church providing a meaningful faith experience, in the Catholic tradition.”

“Damascus College looks forward to working with the Damascus community, the Parish of Bungaree, and the Dunnstown community to build a mutually beneficial partnership that is life-giving and sustainable.”

Executive Director, Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited, Mr Tom Sexton said that it is wonderful that the Dunnstown site will continue to be used for Catholic education in to the future.

“While the community bids farewell to the St Brendan’s Primary School, let us carry forward its legacy and cherish the values instilled since its establishment in 1859. St. Brendan's has been integral to the Dunnstown community, shaping minds and touching hearts for generations,” he said.

“It is the end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of a new one with Damascus College.”

“I gratefully acknowledge the support from generations of local families and the St Brendan's parish community that have enabled the school to endure and prosper for so many years,” he said.

“Thank you for the spirit of learning, compassion and community which has remained unwavering at St Brendan’s, and for the community’s fierce determination to ensure Catholic education survived in the community for over 160 years, a truly incredible community achievement.”

Thanks to St Brendan's Primary School, Dunnstown for the images.