Welcome to the beginning of an exciting new academic year, 2025. This year we welcomed 230 Year 7 students, and 27 new students commencing in other year levels, 20 new staff members from administration, Learning Support, teaching and maintenance along with each of our returning students, staff and community members, as we embark on another journey of learning, growth and faith. I trust your summer break was a time of rest and connection for your families and hope that you are returning refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

This year is an exciting chapter in the history of Damascus, as we officially turn 30 years old. Our College is built on a rich legacy from the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers. 30 years ago our three founding schools Sacred Heart, St Paul’s Technical School and St Martin’s in the Pines amalgamated to form Damascus College. In 1995 the three schools became one – and we are proud of our rich tradition, a legacy we uphold today. The formation of Damascus College started a new chapter in our community, and our College is known as Ballarat’s first Catholic co-educational secondary school. The leaders at the time were determined to build a community based on challenging learning, aspiration, service, and the celebration of our faith.

The leaders wanted to ensure Ballarat had a school where young people could learn in an environment that promoted integrity, strength of character, and respect for each individual. The dream was to provide a place where young people could seek out their own pathway and reach their own potential. Damascus students are now in careers or pathways that enable them to use their gifts and talents each day. To give of themselves to our community.

So this year we are excited that together, we will celebrate our 30^th anniversary. Throughout this year there will be opportunities for our students and staff to learn about our rich history, to celebrate, and for us all to be enriched and inspired by what has gone before us.

This year’s College theme of respect is pivotal as not only Ballarat, the state, the country and even the world is lacking understanding and acceptance of any difference, this year l am wanting our College community and family to be beacons of respect and understanding. To accept one another, to be mindful of how we speak and to think what it means to live by the light of Christ.

The world that is thirsting for respect, understanding and compassion. The world needs young people to show us how to live, how to embrace difference and to believe in the other.

Let us be people who can accept people who are different, who may have different religious beliefs or whose values challenge our thinking. Our world has much to offer, but we are not listening or hearing one another’s voice. This year as we live and embody the Mercy value of respect – let us be a family who understand that each of us is made in the image of our God.

This year will be a year of transition as we move to a new timetable consisting of five, one-hour periods each day. We believe that the extended class periods will allow for deeper engagement with learning materials, enabling students time to explore topics in greater depth and participate in more meaningful activities. The revised timetable is designed to reduce disruption and fatigue as the day processes, supporting increased focus and energy levels. This new structure will enhance the overall learning experience and support the academic, social and emotional growth of our students. At Damascus College our focus is on building relationships that elevate learning, this can only occur with greater time in the classroom. As always, we welcome your feedback as we navigate this exciting new chapter together.

In addition, this year we are particularly excited to launch our new Year 8 program, to be based at the St Brendan’s campus in Dunnstown. Year 8 students will participate in a term of tailor-made programs designed to support and encourage the personal development of each student.

The Damascus College School Advisory Council (SAC) is actively seeking new members to contribute to the continued growth and development of the College. If you are interested in supporting and advising the College Principal and are available to attend approximately six evening meetings per year, we invite you to submit your expression of interest by emailing principal@damascus.vic.edu.au no later than Wednesday 26 February 2025.

I wish to acknowledge the work of outgoing Chair Lucy O’Beirne who contributed to both the previous College Board and current SAC. Lucy was a faithful servant, supporting the College for over eleven years and offered insights and contributed to the many ideas and brought forward many parent thoughts to the team. I would also like to thank Sister Marie Davey, who, after countless years of support and connection with the College has decided to step down from her position on the SAC this year.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the following staff who have resigned from the College and for their loyal and committed service to our students and their families:

Ivanka Saric, Adrian Newman, Kara Linayo, Shona Maxwell and Michelle Botheras

Please join me in welcoming the following new staff to our College Community: Isabella Harper, Andreea Szabo, Kevin Robillard, Naomi Ciezki, Cameron Veal, Fiona Mackenzie, Ashlee Tanner, Chris Davies, Graeme Strachan, Danielle Pratt, Tracey Keogh, Angela Olwyn, Ellie Meade, Pete O’Loughlan, Grace Milne, Dean Romeril, Colin Grant, Wendy Jordan-Pelz and Olivia Walson.

I keep in our thoughts and prayers the many families who are experiencing grief and loss in particular the following staff members who have recently lost loved ones, Karen Goonan, Stephanie Kerwan, Deb Kennedy and Andrew Seeary.

I would like to formal invite all our community members to our Opening College Mass: New Beginnings: Opening Mass and Commencement of Lent on Wednesday 5 March. More details to provided in upcoming weeks.

with every blessing
Steven Mifsud

Prayers of Intercession

Let us bring our prayers before God, and make known our intentions for those in need.

That the Church may grow in times of adversity

Loving God, we pray...

Loving God, Hear our prayer.

That those called to a vocation to share God’s word will respond willingly and persevere with strength and gentleness.

Loving God, we pray...

Loving God, Hear our Prayer

That those who make their living on the sea will keep safe and be responsible stewards of God’s creation.

Loving God, we pray…

Loving God, Hear our Prayer

That those who have died in Christ will enter eternal life. We particularly remember the families of Deb Kennedy, Steph Kerwan, Karen Goonan and Andrew Seeary who are grieving the loss of loved ones at this time. We also remember the family and friends of Samantha Murphy whose anniversary of her disappearance occurs at this time. May you, Loving God, hold them all close to Your heart.

Loving God, we pray…

Loving God, Hear our Prayer

I welcome all those who are new to our community and congratulate you on your efforts over recent days to make a positive start at Damascus. Our opening College assembly held on Friday was a fantastic start to our 2025 school year, with a reminder of what it means to Be our Best in all that we do.

We are delighted with the calibre and commitment of the staff who have joined Damascus College over the past 12 months, and our 2025 school year, and we are confident they will be great additions to our College community.

We welcome;

• Isabella Harper​
• Andrea Szabo​
• Kevin Robillard
• Naomi Ciezki​
• Cameron Veal​
• Fiona Mackenzie
• Wendy Jordan-Pelz​
• Oscar Watson​
• Ashlee Tanner​
• Chris Davies​
• Graeme Strachan​
• Danielle Pratt​
• Colin Grant​
• Olivia Walson​
• Tracey Keogh​
• Angela Olwyn​
• Ellie Meade​
• Peter O’Loughlan​
• Grace Milne​
• Dean Romeril​
• Margaret McIntyre​
• Sharon Roth

Naturally, the return of the school year brings with it higher levels of routine for school families following the more casual summer months. It does take a week for students to get back into routine. I cannot understate the value of plenty of sleep, a healthy diet and exercise to fuel good learning and assist your student/s in establishing sound routines from the start of the year. If there have been any concerns over the initial days of your student’s schooling, please talk with your Teacher Advisor, and they will support you to try and navigate solutions.

To support Year 7 Students in their start at Damascus, Year 7 students will be dismissed from class at 3.10pm each day until Friday 14 February, to allow them to get to their lockers and the buses before the rest of the students leave class.

Student Photos were held last Monday, with catch up photos scheduled for this Friday, 7 February for any students who missed out on their individual or sibling photos. Can I please remind families of the importance of students being in their correct College uniform (not sports). Hair should be tied back if it reaches the shoulders; students should have clean shaven faces. The only permissible jewellery includes a watch and two sleepers or plain studs in each earlobe, and one clear nose stud. Facial or tongue piercings are also prohibited. Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the College Uniform expectations, as per our website, or the Damascus College Student Diary 2025, page 10.

The ongoing safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is the primary focus of care and decision making at Damascus College. Particular attention is paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability. Protecting young people from abuse is critical for Damascus College. Our Child Safe and Safeguarding Children and Young People policies and procedures can be seen on the College website here. Families are encouraged to engage with our policies and procedures and ask questions or suggest improvements. In partnership with our families, Damascus College ensures children and young people are engaged and active participants in decision-making processes, particularly those that impact their safety. This means that the views of staff, children, young people and families are taken seriously, and their concerns are addressed in a just and timely manner. For further information, please contact the College’s Child Protection Officer’s, Hannah Keating, Andrew Robertson, or myself on 03 5337 2222 or visit Child Safety on the Damascus Website here for more information.

If you are a current family who has a child in Grade 6 this year and are seeking a Year 7 placement in 2026, please complete your enrolment form before Thursday 6 February, 2025, as the demand for places is high. More information about enrolments and School tours can be found here.

Can I please remind Families that if your student(s) has an appointment, needs picking up prior to the end of the day or has a holiday coming up, that you contact the Front Office with this information in advance. This can be done via phone, PAM, or the App. Students are unable to leave class without prior notification to the office.

On a personal note, I am excited to be back at Damascus College after spending the past six months in Broome as Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning at St Mary’s College. It has been great reconnecting with colleagues and students, and I look forward to the year ahead.

We are excited about 2025 and the educational journey, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you.

Chris

As we settle into the 2025 school year, it has been wonderful to see the College come to life with the presence and energy of our young people. Having been back on campus for two weeks, the sense of community and engagement is already evident.

At our opening assembly, I spoke about the pride we take in our school—something that begins with the way we present ourselves, including the wearing of the appropriate school uniform. We appreciate the support of parents and carers in upholding the standards that make our College a place of excellence and respect. The College has been actively listening to feedback from parents and students regarding our uniform, leading to key changes implemented for the start of this year. These adjustments reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and inclusivity to ensure the best possible experience for our students.

Parents of students in Years 8–10 can expect to receive correspondence in the coming days regarding our online information sessions for 2025. These sessions, led by our Year Level Coordinators, will provide valuable insights into what lies ahead for our students, as well as the expectations we have to support them in becoming the best versions of themselves.

We strongly encourage you to tune into these 30-minute presentations to gain clarity on the semester ahead and to connect with your child’s Year Level Coordinator. Your engagement in these sessions will help ensure a smooth and successful year for your child.

Term 1 offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. Our data consistently shows that students who engage in the holistic school program achieve better outcomes—academically, socially, and emotionally. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their school experience.

We look forward to a positive and successful year ahead.

Andy

Welcome back everyone. I hope your break was filled with many blessings. I look forward to hearing some holiday stories and adventures.

We begin the year with the Central Zone Diocesan Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The address is 3 Lyons St, Ballarat Central. All staff are expected to attend. The Mass will begin at 8:45am. It will be busy around the Cathedral so it is advisable to arrive early and be seated well before 8:45. This year we will be seated on the Sanctuary. For new staff, I will be at the steps of the Cathedral from 8:15 to meet you as you arrive and show you where our allocated seats will be.

This year the College theme is Living Mercy-Respect. The Catholic Culture team look forward to working with you and our students in exploring this theme.

We are currently preparing for some big events that will be highlights for our college community. Bishop Paul Bird will officiate at the Opening and Blessing of the new building and for the first time, Damascus College will be hosting the combined Catholic schools event for Sorry Day.

This year we will be setting up our Community Pantry to support our neighbours in need. We have received a grant through the PAVCSS Sr Brigid Arthur Social Justice Award to begin this project. This will be an exciting opportunity for parents, staff and students to be involved in a project that unites us as people living our Christian mission to help and support others. I look forward to your input and support in setting up this exciting venture.

Thank you from Vinnies

We support Vinnies every year. In winter we supply personal care packs and at Christmas time we purchase vouchers to support families. Below is a message from Helen Smith from St Vincent de Paul responding to our Christmas Drive where we were able to purchase 80 cinema vouchers to give to families to help make Christmas special.

Thank you for your generosity. We will continue to do this in 2025.

‘Trust you had an enjoyable Christmas/New Year break and that 2025 will be a very happy year for you and all at Damascus.

I am writing to ask you to convey our thanks to your school community and especially to the JAG group for their wonderful contribution to our Christmas Appeal.

The vouchers you provided have been very well received. It has been an absolute delight to have been able to give them and experience the joy such an unexpected gift brought.’

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025

On Monday, the College Captains, Milan Pilmore and Joachim Henderson, represented Damascus College at the 2025 flag raising event at St Peter’s Anglican Church for World Interfaith Harmony Week. Bishop Paul Bird was in attendance along with other faith leaders, religious, representatives of many faiths, and the Ballarat mayor.

Senior students from a number of Ballarat schools were also there to present a perspective on interfaith harmony. Milan and Joachim presented a talk on the importance of interfaith dialogue and reflected on what the youth of Ballarat can do to promote interfaith harmony.

Below is the reflection Milan and Joachim presented so beautifully to the gathering:

Good morning, guests, and friends. It is a great privilege to be here this morning at this significant event. Faith has brought us all together and unites us in a common cause. Gathering in the spirit of unity reminds us that we share more similarities than we do differences, and it is in seeking to understand one another that we can be the inspiration to create change in our troubled world.

As young people, occasions such as this, give us a sense of hope. Today is a celebration of the good in humanity and the joy that comes from knowing there are so many of us who yearn for the same thing, and that is peace and unity.

Our College, Damascus College, is a school in the Catholic Tradition. We have a story and rituals that reach back thousands of years. Teachings within the tradition tell us that we are best able to understand and live the teachings of Christ when we seek to understand the other.

Interfaith dialogue and its role in promoting understanding, helps us to understand our own perspective more deeply, more broadly and more authentically, in the context of a changing world.

In a world of religious diversity, Pope Francis reminds us that "dialogue is not about compromising our beliefs, but about seeking understanding, respect, and peace." Dialogue as a way to build bridges, promote peace, and recognize the dignity of every human being created in the image of God.

We see in the Gospel that Jesus often engaged with people outside His immediate religious and cultural community such as the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:7-26). Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of listening, understanding, and finding common ground. So, seeking interfaith harmony is not a new idea, it’s just that humanity can be slow to catch on.

Sadly, many conflicts and tensions continue to arise from misunderstandings or misconceptions about other faiths. Through dialogue, we learn to see beyond stereotypes and understand the real beliefs and values of others. As Pope John Paul II once said, “Dialogue leads to truth and truth leads to peace.”

The big question is how do we do this?

When we work together on social issues such as poverty, education, and environmental stewardship, we reflect the love of God in action.

Differences in theology, historical tensions, and political influences can be obstacles and perhaps barriers we need to move beyond.

Our call as young people of today, is to change this narrative and persevere because peace is worth it. Seeking to understand our neighbour is worth it.

So, what can we do as young people in Ballarat to promote interfaith dialogue in our daily lives? These are the things that have come to mind:

• Be open to learning
• Make time to engage in respectful conversation
• Work in collaboration for the common good

May we all be ambassadors in the mission of peace and understanding.

Partnering with Families for Student Success

As we embark on the next chapter at Damascus College, I am thrilled to share some key developments that will shape an exciting and transformative year ahead. Our commitment to fostering student success through collaboration, innovation, and consistency remains at the heart of everything we do.

One of the significant changes we are introducing in 2025 is the transition to 60-minute timetables. This adjustment allows us to deepen student engagement, provide greater opportunities for active learning, and better align with our College's Instructional Model. By increasing the time available for each lesson, teachers can deliver richer, more focused instruction while students have the chance to apply and consolidate their learning through meaningful activities. The new structure also includes intentional transition times to ensure smooth movement between classes, promoting a sense of calm and order across the school day.

This transition is also complemented by the launch of the St Brendan's Program at Dunnstown, a unique initiative that reflects our mission of "Living in the Light of Christ." The program is designed to empower students to connect with their community, develop leadership and stewardship skills, and engage in innovative, future-focused learning. The legacy of St Brendan’s Primary School inspires this program, and we are excited about the transformative opportunities it offers to our Year 8 students as they learn and grow in a new and dynamic setting.

Underpinning these initiatives is the explicitness of our College Instructional Model, which focuses on consistency and predictability in both classroom behaviour and student learning. At Damascus College, we recognise the power of clear routines and high expectations. Our teaching staff uses evidence-based strategies, including the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate, Evaluate), to ensure that learning is purposeful, interactive, and rigorous. This model supports academic excellence and fosters positive learning behaviours that equip students for success in all aspects of their lives.

As always, we recognise that the strongest foundation for student achievement comes from the partnership between school and home. We encourage you to engage in teacher advisor interviews, attend workshops and information evenings, and establish effective routines at home to support your child's learning journey. Together, we can ensure that every student feels empowered to meet their potential and thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to innovate and strengthen our learning environment. I look forward to working with you this year to celebrate growth, embrace challenges, and achieve shared success.

Welcome back to the 2025 school year. A friendly reminder to all Damascus families, to please download the College App that is available via the Apple AppStore or Android Play Store by clicking the below link:

https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/news-events/college-app

From Term 1 this year, a new patch is being released on the App allowing the College to communicate to families more specifically eg. by Year level, TA, Class, House etc, as well as the usual formal all school communications it is currently used for.

To ensure a smooth transition, during Term 1, 2025 the College will continue to send formal parent communications via the app, email and SMS. However, starting Term 2, 2025, all formal College communications will be exclusively through the app. All families are kindly asked to download the College App, asap.

PAM can be accessed as a link via the App and will remain the main communication tool for ‘day-to-day’ notifications including individual student progress updates, reporting, excursion approvals, absences etc. Please note that your PAM login details are to be used to login to the Damascus College App.

We thank you for your support in this transition.

School Advisory Council Membership

The Damascus College School Advisory Council (SAC) is actively seeking new members to contribute to the continued growth and development of the College. If you possess a genuine interest in playing a pivotal role and are available to attend approximately six evening meetings per year, we invite you to submit your expression of interest by emailing principal@damascus.vic.edu.au no later than Wednesday 26 February 2025. If you would like additional information regarding the SAC, please contact Katrina on 5327 2217.

The Science department is off to a fantastic start this year, settling in well and embracing the energy of a new school year. We’re especially excited to welcome our new staff members and Year 7 students as they begin their journey into the fascinating world of Science.

There are plenty of exciting opportunities ahead for our students, from hands-on experiments to engaging extracurricular activities and special events designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. Keep an eye out for upcoming STEM challenges, guest speakers, and field trips that will make Science come alive beyond the classroom!

In this edition, we’re thrilled to share Hailey’s incredible adventure at the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane over the holidays. Read on to hear about her experience and the amazing scientific opportunities she explored!

This summer holidays I attended the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane! I stayed 9 days at King’s College at the University of Queensland. This was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever taken on. I was particularly interested in the science and medical aspects of the program but there was also maths, technology, and engineering opportunities. I left Melbourne on the 15^th of January and was back on the 23^rd of January. I missed home but I was very sad when I left and missed the program and my new friends once I got home. The program was jam packed with stem visits, networking opportunities, lectures, and everything in between. I really enjoyed being involved in diagnosing diabetes, being in the microbiology lab, and having a look at a physics classroom and their materials. I loved learning about what scientists are doing in Antarctica, and meeting people that are marine biologists and also neurologist that study how fish perceive colour. These were some ultimate highlights. I made so many friends that I’m still talking to after the program and organising to meet all again who are all very like-minded. From only knowing myself who is aspiring to be a neurologist I met two other girls from Mildura and Tasmania who also want to take that path. This was so much fun but along with learning we got a raging disco and epic concert/talent show. I am thankful to all my sponsors, Ballarat East Rotary, Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Beaufort Apex Club, Zonta (thank you to AO and Prof. Misty Jenkins for recommending), and my supporters Ballarat Tech School- Girls in Stem with Kirstyn Hall, and of course my amazing family. They are truly the people who allowed me to have this experience. The amazing Kirstyn Hall (coordinator of girls in stem) at the Ballarat Tech School introduced me to this program when I was a Girls in STEM leader, and I am very thankful for it. Although the program has ended, my NYSF journey has not. NYSF has stem hubs all around Australia, I am an alumni (have the badge/pin as evidence), and I will apply for Staffies (program volunteer). I will now be applying for the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). I recommend this program to anyone as not only do you learn but you will build connections. You never know who you’ll cross paths with in the future!

Feel free to ask me any questions if you think you’d like to attend the program your year 12 year!

By Haileigh Buttigieg.

Hello to all and welcome back to the 2025 school year. It has been wonderful to see students return to campus, eager to commence the school year and make the most of the opportunities presented to them, be it in or out of the classroom.

As well as BAS Sport on a weekly basis (commences week 3, all after school hours) we have our annual Swimming and Athletics carnivals in Term 1, BAS Swimming, BAS Tennis Singles Championships, BAS Golf and the esteemed Head of The Lake (key dates are listed below). From my experience, I know that students who participate in extra-curricular activities establish a greater connection at the college with peers and staff. The development of school spirit, which starts by taking pride in your performance and experiencing the highs of winning and losing together teaches resilience and grit. These attributes correlate with your studies and your personal life. So, my challenge to you all is to sign up to a Term 1 after school sport and enter into as many events as you can for the Swimming and Athletics carnival.

The morning notices will be full of sport information (key dates, meeting times etc.) over the coming days and it is vital that you regularly check your emails and the school App for the most up to date sport information. Once team lists are established, MS Teams will be the main form of communication on a weekly basis (more information to come). After you have signed up for a sport a PAM permission will be sent out to you parent/guardian, this must be approved before you can play BAS school sport.

January Rowing camp

In January, the annual rowing camp was held at Pax Hill Scout Camp. I would like to thank Paul Blanchfield, Linda Skidmore, Claudia Griffin, coaches and parents for all their help and organisation prior to and on the camp. The crews are looking strong and have already competed in some regattas in the lead up to the Head of the Lake, which is on Sunday Feb 23. All rowers should be congratulated on their efforts thus far, we are now reaching the business end of the season, continue to train hard and enjoy pushing each other to succeed.

BAS Sport – Term 1

The majority of Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS) Term 1 sport commences in week three. Students need to ensure that they listen to the morning messages and attend meetings so that they are organised know where they need to be. Always communicate with your coaches if you are unavailable or for general inquiries, generally this will be via MS Teams.

There are plenty of opportunities for all year levels and abilities. After school sport is a great way for Year 7’s to meet new friends, get to know staff and participate in a sport they may never have played before.

*Venues and coaches to be confirmed.

* Number of teams per sport is dependent on level of interest.

* Some sports may not run due to lack of numbers.

Swimming

The Damascus Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday, February 27 at the Eureka Pool. All students are to attend school as normal in the morning and will be bussed down with staff. In preparation for this, an extended TA and short House Assembly (TBC) will be held on Friday February 7, where students will be able to sign up for events. The BAS Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre at 11:30am. Any inquiries regarding swimming please do not hesitate to contact Ellie Meade, Patty Dillon or myself via email or drop down to the gym and say hello.

Athletics

The Damascus Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at Llanberis. An extended TA and House Assembly will be on Friday March 7 to sign up for events. Please note that the BAS Athletics Carnival is at Llanberis on Tuesday, May 6, Term 2 (more information to come).

Term 1 Key Dates

Damascus Sport Uniform

Students need to ensure they are in the correct uniform to participate. Students should check with their coach as to what is required. Also, remember to wear sunscreen at all times if competing outside and bring your own drink bottle.

I wish all students and coaches the best in 2025. Always play the game in the right spirit, wear the correct uniform, respect the umpires, staff in charge and the facilities. You all have an opportunity to add to your school experience by being the best you can be, both in and out of the classroom

Please do not hesitate to contact myself (g.webb@damascus.vic.edu.au) or Sport and PE Administrators, Ellie Meade (e.meade@damascus.vic.edu.au) & Patty Dillon (p.dillon@damascus.vic.edu.au) at the College with any questions.

Regards,

Gavin Webb

Sports Coordinator

Dobsons Uniform Shop located at Damascus College will be closed on a Monday and Tuesday for a period of six weeks, starting from Monday 10 February. Please note that Dobsons remain open Wednesday to Friday with normal trading hours (8.30am – 11.30am and 1pm – 4pm).

If families need to purchase uniform on these two days, you can do this online via the two links below:

https://dobsons.com.au/schools/damascus-college/

https://www.noone.com.au/school/damascus-college/shop

Damascus currently has two uniform outlets, and Noone’s which is located in Armstrong Street North, Ballarat is still open on a Monday/Tuesday for face-to-face fittings and purchases.

Choir of Hard Knocks and Combined Schools Concert

The extremely famous and award-winning Choir of Hard Knocks https://choirofhardknocks.org.au/ is coming to Ballarat!! They are performing at the St. Patrick's College Performing Arts Centre at 2.00pm on Sunday 2^nd March. This is a joint fundraiser between The Choir of Hard Knocks and local cycling group Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts https://jimmyallsorts2025.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home who are raising funds for cancer research at Australia's one and only regional cancer research facility The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute https://fecri.org.au/

A combined Ballarat primary schools' choir will also perform including a finale with the Choir of Hard Knocks! This is an experience not to be missed!!

This event is The Choir of Hard Knocks first regional event since before COVID!

For more information see the attached flyer.

Tickets available through the QR code on the flyer or via

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335380

Children under 16 free, Concession $15, Adults $20

We’re upgrading Ballarat Station to improve accessibility, safety, and connectivity for all public transport users, while considering the heritage of the station. The team at the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) is delivering this work. We’re building an accessible pedestrian overpass, with a passenger lift and stairs on each platform. We’re also improving access to the existing northern station entrance with a new ramp, stairs, and automatic sliding door.

We are writing to inform you that as part of project works, from Thursday 30 January to the end of construction in 2026 we’ll close the Ballarat Station bus interchange and relocate the bus pick-up and drop-off bays to Lydiard Street North, with the pick-up to the south of the rail line.

More information can be found in our latest Ballarat Station Upgrade works notice.

We would appreciate you passing this information onto your school community.

If you would like any additional information about these works in the form of posters, signage or flyers or would like to arrange a meeting with members of the project team, please respond via reply email or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

We also recently released final designs for the new accessible pedestrian overpass, lifts, stairs and upgraded northern entrance which can be found online in our latest community newsletter.

More information about the project can be found on the project website.

If you have any questions, you can contact us on 1800 105 105 or by email at contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Kind regards,

The LXRP Ballarat Station Upgrade Team

Please see following information on a talk in relation to Timor Leste - this is ideal for those who have visited before or those who would like to know more about this wonderful place at the heart of the Damascus College community: