Over the past fortnight we continued to witness the gifts and talents of many of our students and staff. Last week, our Performing Arts students showcased their skills in performance – acting, song and dance. The Addams Family was testament of our young people’s ability to work collaboratively and to work towards a final product. The performances of the cast were exemplary, students were able to bring life to characters, interpreting the written scripts and bring their own personal interpretation the character and performance. Congratulations to each of the students who performed with enthusiasm, authenticity and pride.

The production would not have been possible without the tireless effort, co-ordination and passion of our staff. We are indebted to the work and leadership of Maria Russell, Andrew Seeary, Marcus Ryan, Alex Crowe and Nicole Burness. These staff have worked with our students for the past six months to create a spectacular show. It would be amiss not acknowledge that this show was running parallel to the rehearsals of The Final Hours. The teaching staff managed, directed and led two artistic pieces simultaneously. I also would like to congratulate the cast and crew, who too, were also balancing the two pieces. Importantly this demonstrated our students’ abilities to employ their social and emotional skills; resilience, perseverance and confidence. I would like to reiterate that students who are fully engaged in the life of the College are able to achieve excellent outcomes and deeply connect to their school, peers and staff. I encourage each parent to support their student to find their passion, to take informed risks and to participate in activities that give them energy and joy.

As a piece the Addams Family highlighted that each family has its own values, beliefs and behaviours. One can learn so much from this piece where one observes the challenges of living in family and community. Through the characters in the Addams Family we learn more about unconditional positive regard, clear communication and challenging one another to be our best.

As we enter the second semester of learning, l encourage all our students to challenge themselves to be their best and to enable others to be their best. As a community of learners we have a responsibility to contribute to a positive learning environment whereby learning is purposeful and life giving. I thank the many families who have attended the Teacher Advisor and Subject Interviews this week. Our staff have worked hard to provide feedback and direction to our learners. Each one of us learns each and everyday, however we need to reflect on our performance and challenge ourselves to be even better. We are privileged to be able to send our young people to such a well resourced, professional learning community; this needs to be respected and valued.

Our Annual Careers and Subject Expo was held last week. I thank Ash Pillai (Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning), Caroline Nolan (VCE Leader) and Belinda Dwyer (VM Leader) who led workshops on the Senior Pathways Program at Damascus. The sessions were informative and educative and the team highlighted the many pathways available to our students. I also thank our Learning Leaders and Subject Teachers who chose to come to our College in the evening to educate our community about the value of their subject and its relevance to future pathways, this not only happened in the evening, but the Damascus Events Centre was open each lunchtime last week enabling our students to have deeper conversations with their teachers.

Learning provides many challenges and opportunities to explore the world in which we live. The changing nature of work and rapidly changing technology we will see our students explore and participate in at least six career choices in their lifetime. As adults and educators we need to support our students to develop a broad set of transferable skills – we need to challenge our thinking about work and recognise that the there is not one set pathway that they will need to follow.

Students will need to be agile, flexible and open to new experiences. Whilst our focus over the past few weeks has been on Senior Pathways we need to remember that the learning dispositions and skills are forming in years 7–10 and began at home as toddlers. Therefore a deep respect for learning should be a goal each day. We need to promote an openness to learning and to try new things, even when we are uncomfortable or apathetic. Our students have many learning opportunities that need to be embraced, valued and celebrated. It is crucial that our students do not box themselves into a particular pathway or trajectory – learning should stretch us.

With every blessing

School Improvement Surveys

The School Improvement Surveys are key tools that provide the College with data from staff, students, and parents/carers to assist in understanding how well our College is operating. The information provides an insight into the College climate and culture at a particular time. It is a window into how we are understanding our operations with focuses on organisational climate, teaching climate and student behaviour and wellbeing. It is coordinated through the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited, using a third-party company, Insight SRC, as the survey provider.

Randomly selected parents/carers and all students are asked to complete the survey, with a closing date of Friday 4 August 2023. All staff members will also be completing the survey by this time.

Supporting our Damascus College Be.My.Best focus, the School Improvement Student Survey measures five different socio-emotional learning (SEL) for students. These include Emotional Wellbeing, Teacher Relationships, Engagement in Learning, Faith-Based Behaviours and Student Relationships. It is important, however, to consider these socio-emotional outcomes in conjunction with academic achievement data, such as NAPLAN results and other assessment regimes at the College.

The School Improvement Surveys are valuable tools and decision-making aids, particularly when used in conjunction with other information about your school’s performance.

Parents/carers who have been randomly selected have been contacted by email with details of how to complete the anonymous survey. We thank you in advance for a speedy turn around.

As an added incentive to complete the survey, the College is offering families who take a screenshot of the final ‘thankyou’ page of the survey and send it through to our Office Manager, Dan Cook, at d.cook@damascus.vic.edu.au, the chance to go in the draw to win a $100 wine and cheese hamper.

Advanced Notice – Junior School Formal

The Junior School formal, originally scheduled for Friday 4 August 2023, has now been moved to Friday 25 August 2023, to be held in the Damascus Events Centre from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. A Try Booking link for tickets will be sent out next week to families.

A Sustainable future - Care for Our Home

Pope Francis wrote an Encyclical (letter) called Laudato Si (Praise be to You) in 2015. The subtitle is ‘Care for Our Home.’ Its focus is the natural environment, and in particular the relationship between God, humans and the earth. The pope reflects on human behaviour, consumerism and development that threatens precious ecosystems.

The encyclical calls for all the world’s people to act as one and make changes to protect the earth and its resources. As we see the effects of climate change impacting people around the world, the encyclical is worthwhile reading as it calls us all to act in some way.

Sustainability Group

At Damascus College, we are blessed with a beautiful bush setting. The flora and fauna are only a few steps from the buildings that house the busyness of a school engaged in educating youth. The youth are the future stewards of the earth, and so the Damascus Sustainability Group continues to work on several projects that promote understanding and action for a better future.

The group is currently Working with ResourceSmart to build knowledge and create some initiatives around recycling and biodiversity.

Tree Planting

This week, on 28 July, we will see students plant trees on the Damascus property as part of National Tree Day. The tree planting is to engage students in an activity to connect them with nature whilst highlighting the magnificent bushland backdrop that we have here.

What greater classroom can there be!

Canticle of the Creatures

Laudato Si, written by Pope Francis, draws on St Francis of Assisi’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the Canticle of the Creatures. It is believed, St Francis wrote the Canticle in 1224 to the Creator for all the wonders of creation.

We pray,

Most High, all-powerful,
good Lord,
yours is the praise,
the glory and the honor and every blessing.

To you alone, Most High,
do they belong,
and no one is worthy
to speak your name.

Praised be you, my Lord
with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom
you bring us light.

And he is lovely, shining
with great splendor,
for he heralds you, Most High.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Moon and Stars.
In heaven you have formed them,
lightsome and precious and fair.

And praised be you, my Lord,
through Brother Wind, through
air and cloud, through calm
and every weather by which
you sustain your creatures.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Water,
so very useful and humble,
precious and chaste.

Praised be you, my Lord
through Brother Fire,
by whom you light up
the night, and he is
handsome and merry,
robust and strong.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains us and directs us
bringing forth all kinds of fruits
and colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be you, my Lord
through those who forgive
for your love
and who bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those
who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High,
they will be crowned.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death
from whom no living being
can escape.

How dreadful for those
who die in mortal sin!
How blessed are those she
finds in your most holy will
for the second death
can do them no harm.

O praise and bless my Lord,
thank him and serve him
humbly but grandly!

Childhood Passes with Flashbulb Suddenness: A Heartfelt Journey Through "The School"

In the bustling world of our newsletter, where we delve into various topics and share informative content, it's not every day that we find ourselves offering book reviews. But, once in a while, we stumble upon a literary gem that strikes a chord so deep within us that we cannot resist sharing our thoughts and emotions. This article is one such special occasion.

Every now and then, a book enters our lives that leaves an indelible mark, a story so powerful and moving that it demands a response.

How do we truly convey the depth of passion we have for our work? How do we reveal that being a teacher is not just a 9-5 office job but a calling that shapes lives and nurtures young minds? Brendan James Murray, a dedicated teacher at a government school in Victoria, has found a powerful answer to these questions in his compelling memoir, "The School”.

"Childhood passes with flashbulb suddenness", and as we journey through Murray's remarkable tale, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, witnessing the lives of both teachers and students intertwine in the most profound ways.

Murray's 10+ years of experience in teaching Year 12 Literature in Victoria, the highest English subject offered, has given him an intimate understanding of the challenges teenagers face. His passion for teaching, evident in his devotion to middle school students as well, has won the hearts of his pupils, even leading to a heart-warming call from his favourite author, Peter Carey, organised by his class.

"The School" may be classified as a memoir, but Murray's writing style weaves the students' stories into a grand tapestry, transporting us beyond the confines of the classroom and into the lives of these remarkable young souls. The narrative pulls at our heartstrings as we walk alongside Kelvin, a 14-year-old boy battling stage 4 cancer, feeling every injection that pierces his fragile body. We witness Connor's transformation from class clown to advocate for the underprivileged, and we share Wambui's journey of trauma from her homeland to Murray's classroom. These are just glimpses of the countless wonderful characters who grace Murray's classrooms throughout the year, whom teachers everywhere will find relatable and familiar.

Through these captivating tales, Murray raises vital questions about our young learners. He makes a convincing argument against the current form of NAPLAN and highlights the undue importance placed on student ATAR scores. His persuasive writing skills shine brightly as he takes on these issues with grace and eloquence.

Yet, what strikes us most is the absence of self-pity in Murray's narrative. Despite the long hours he dedicates to his job, he never places himself on a pedestal, remaining humble and focused on his students—attributes I see every day in our educators at Damascus College.

Murray's prose is profoundly moving, and it is evident that his words flow from the heart, fuelled by personal experiences and a genuine love for his students. Throughout "The School," he sheds light on the extraordinary lives our students lead - lives they should not have to bear the weight of - and reminds us, as educators, of our role in helping them navigate through these challenging years.

As parents and educators, we understand the importance of nurturing and guiding our children through their formative years. It serves as a poignant reminder that our students are exceptional beings, each with a unique story to tell. Their journey through childhood passes in the blink of an eye, and it is our privilege and duty to stand beside them, offering support, understanding, and love.

"The School" is a powerful tribute to all teachers and the profound impact they have on their students. Through Murray's eyes, we witness the warmth, love, and care that he shares with his students - a love that resonates deeply with all educators that I know and also to those who read this heart-warming memoir. It offers a glimpse into the world of teachers - their challenges, joys and unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. As educators, it encourages us to reflect on our practice, embrace our students' uniqueness and foster an environment where they can thrive and grow.

In conclusion, "The School" is a beautifully written journey that invites us to laugh, cry and ultimately appreciate the power of education in transforming lives. Brendan James Murray's storytelling prowess captures the essence of what it truly means to be a teacher and the profound impact teachers have on their students.

So, parents and educators, immerse yourselves in this touching memoir and let "The School" remind you why teaching is not just a job - it's a lifelong commitment to guiding, inspiring and cherishing the next generation.

It was terrific to see over 80 members of our Damascus College community attend the Middle School Health and Wellbeing Forum last week. The interactions between the College and parents/carers confirmed some of the challenges and opportunities we have in supporting the wellbeing of young people. There were a number of key takeaways that I would like to share with you all on how we can be vigilant for caring for young people.

Wellbeing is a community responsibility. It is something that parents/carers, sporting clubs, community clubs, schools and workplaces all can be involved in. It was noted that Damascus College has a structured response in supporting the wellbeing of our students, however parents/carers and community resources are key supports that are available.

I draw your attention to our guest speaker from Headspace who provided the following key points on how parents and carers can support their student. He noted the following:

• One of the most effective ways family and friends can support young people to look after their mental health is to model healthy habits.
• Check in with yourself. Be aware of our own bias, are you feeling regulated?
• Set the scene. Mental health conversations can be tricky and uncomfortable, think about the best location.
• Be prepared to listen. Not all problems need us to fix them.
• Starting the conversation. Be mindful. Young people can sense judgment.

Louise Heap from Grampians Health provided these key tips:

• Good communication
• Persistence
• Clear and consistent boundaries
• Role-modelling
• Routine and predictability
• Eat together
• Sleep hygiene

Many thanks to Headspace Ballarat and Grampians Health for contributing to this forum.

Uniform Review

Throughout this term Damascus College will be undertaking a review of the school uniform. The review will have a focus on seasonal flexibility, comfort, warmth and inclusivity of all students. If you are interested in becoming a member of this committee, please email me at a.robertson@damascus.vic.edu.au by Monday, 31 July 2023. The committee will include students, parents/carers and staff.

Kind regards,

Andy Robertson

Science Pracs

This semester we welcomed Russel Dyer and Georgia Nicht to our fabulous Science team. Both Georgia and Russel teach across various year levels in year 7-10 Science.

Our students have embraced new units in year 7, 8 and 9 science and Year 10 students have begun science electives in their areas of interest. Below are photos of Students in action in some of their Science practical classes and in the Horticulture elective. We also see Year 11 Physics students applying their knowledge of Motion prac….recording their position against time and graphing their distance, displacement and velocity on graphs.

Horticulture News - Russel Dyer

The last four weeks of Horticulture have been busy! They say that winter is the low season for gardeners, but we’ve found more than enough to do:

• Students have learned the Science of pruning and then pruned the apple, pear, lemon and mandarin trees, as well as the raspberries and roses, to maximise flower and fruit growth come springtime.
• In the last week of last term, students researched native edible plants that will grow in cold climate, and then we used the suggested species to plant out a native edible garden outside of the Mud Brick Hut.
• We have started weeding the garden beds in preparation for spring planting and have done lots of mulching to prevent further weed growth.
• Students planted four Manzanillo olive trees on the west side of the Horticulture Garden, in the hope that we can eventually produce our own ‘Damascus’ brand olive oil or table olives.

In the coming weeks we will start propagating summer veggies seeds, and do some work and research around growing endemic plants for reforestation.

Up Coming events in Science

Tree Planting Day – Friday 28^th July, 2023.

Students and staff are invited to come along and, with members of the Horticulture class, plant a tree or 2 or 3 along the remembrance Walk at lunchtime on Friday 28^th July, 2023.

Science and Engineering opportunity for Year 10 students.

Damascus College has entered a team of 30 Year 10 students to participate in ‘The Science and Engineering Challenge’ which is held in order to engage students in fun and challenging group-based problem solving activities involving the skills and thought processes used by scientists and engineers. Students will have the opportunity to compete against 7 other schools from the Ballarat area. Hands-on activities include designing an earthquake proof tower, building a hovercraft or bridge, providing electricity to a city or creating an environmentally friendly house. They will work together in teams of four students to design, construct and tests ideas and present the outcomes of your work against the other 7 schools. The Science and Engineering challenge at Fed Uni on Wednesday 2^nd August 2023.

2024 National Youth Science Forum for Year 11 students. Entries close 30th July
Introducing the 2024 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program a nine-day residential program in January 2024.
The NYSF Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields.
The NYSF Year 12 Program runs two summer sessions. Participants stay at university colleges and have the opportunity to become immersed in science and technology through a range of activities, including:

• participating in tours of science and technology facilities,
• learning about cutting-edge research, university, training and STEM career pathways,
• mixing with other like-minded students from all over Australia, and
• participating in social and team-building activities.

Delivered by youth for youth, past participants return each year to participate in the Student Staff Leadership Program and help run the program.

2024 dates and locations

• The Australian National University, Canberra (5-13 January 2024)
• The University of Queensland, Brisbane (12-20 January 2024

Financial support
If required, students are encouraged to first contact a local Rotary Club in their area for funding. You can also apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship if eligible.
The program fee for the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2024 is $2850. There is a $65 application fee.
The program fee covers all meals, accommodation, and participation in events during the program. Participants must make their own way to and from Canberra or Brisbane.

Here's a Facebook post about the event.

Applications are now open here and close on 30th July. Check the link for more details.

For more information you can download the PDF below: -

2024 NYSF Application Poster A4

Imagine This! is this years Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts show, with many talented Damascus College students getting involved, its going to be a fabulous show, on Sat 12-13 August at the Gay Gough Theatre, Mt Clear.

Well done to Elijah Van Raaphorst (Y 7), Josephine McGinniss (Y 7), Archie Jones (Y 9), Dana Reynolds (Y 9), and Izzy Farrah (Y 11).

This musical theatre review is a collection of musical numbers and scenes, that will challenge all cast members, and will also demonstrate their exciting skills and abilities.

Well done to Elijah, Josephine, Archie, Dana and Izzy.

When: Saturday 12th August 7pm

Sunday 13th August 2.00pm

Where: Gay Gough Theatre Mt Clear

Tickets $18 - $30: https://events.humanitix.com/imagine-this-bcma

Over the past several weeks, the year nine students have been engaging in a program called ‘Catch The Wave’. This was a program designed to introduce us to the Youth Ministry program, a Religious Education elective offered in Years 10 and 11. Over the course of this curriculum, we participated in several different classes and activities that introduced us to ‘Catch The Wave’ including a year-level reflection day. During classes, we looked at different activities and we reflected not just on impression of religion but reflection of ourselves as individuals and where we stood with our faith and our own self-reflection. We took part in many different ice-breakers and watched many videos about the different ways that religion can change a life.

Then on Friday the 14^th of July the whole year level engaged in Year nine reflection day. This was a wonderful day spent in the Damascus Events Centre where we participated in different games and challenges set for us by the Gen Bryant Ministries team. The GB team is a team of people who travel the world exploring their faith and helping others explore their own. We were lucky enough to have them to join us and to lead the day. We also had the privilege of listening to the story and music of a famous rapper, Sir Auggie. We listened to music and then we had the challenge of making our own rap in small groups and then challenging another group for a bit of friendly competition.

The Year 9 Introduction to Youth Ministry Program has really influenced me to look more deeply into my own beliefs and religion. This course has really encouraged me to reflect on myself and helped me to feel comfortable with my own beliefs and to grow within them. This hands-on experience has helped me learn how to reflect and grow into my religion at my own pace.

On Monday 24 July, the Year 12 VCE VM students ran an 'Amazing Race' for the Year 11 VCE VM students.

As part of this activity, students used key transferrable employability skills such as teamwork, organisation, communication, IT and learning to effectively plan and implement each activity ensuring inclusivity.

This exciting and fun initiative gave students the opportunity to utilise and expand their skillset.

Last week Damascus College students were given the opportunity to attend the Subject Selection Expo to learn more about the various courses and pathways available to them as they look forward to next year. Each learning area at the College had a booth where students could speak with staff and collect important information to take with them.

Students were able to find out about VCE, VCE-VM (Vocational major), VPC, VET subjects, Year 10 electives, subjects on offer in 2024 and accelerated programs.

The Subject Selection Expo kicked off with an evening session that was open to students and families, and then continued throughout the week each day at lunchtime from 1pm to 1.30pm. Student’s who attended this special event could talk to the experts so that they can make informed choices regarding their subject selections for 2024.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

HPE at Damascus in Term 3 has seen a number of students move into new electives for Semester 2. Year 10 students have chosen between Energy for Exercise, Australian and Global Health or PE Core. Energy for Exercise students have started exploring the link between sport science and performance and have examined what impact intensity has in relation to heart rate. In Australian and Global Health students are investigating the health status and studied the current trends. PE Core students are participating in hockey and lacrosse for practical lessons and anatomy terminology and functions in theory classes.

The rotation of Year 7 classes continues as 7.2, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.7 commence their swimming unit whilst Year 8 classes begin Netball and Volleyball practicals. Year 9 students are participating in Fitness theory and practical classes with many students also studying their new elective of either Strength and Conditioning, Footy Codes or Hoops and Nets.

VCE Physical Education and Health and Human Development students progress to Unit 2 and Unit 4 studies. Unit 4 students are heading towards the finish line and are working extremely hard with many students attending the regular study sessions offered for each subject.

As part of the Performing Arts events program, every year Damascus College presents a dramatic play or musical, and this year we are excited to present the musical The Addams Family.

This musical captures the essence of the original cartoon – love and beauty are seamless, and strong than anything opposing it. The original musical opened on Broadway in April 2010 with a successful run of 722 shows followed by a national tour.

The production commenced on Wednesday 19th of July and after 5 shows in the Valda Ward Auditorium, wrapped up on Saturday evening to a once again, sold out audience.

Mr Andrew Seeary, Performing Arts Coordinator, Drama and Production Director said that the show is a perfect match for Damascus College.

“It’s quirky, inventive and funny and leans into the notion of family and all of its shapes and size, trials and tribulations, joys and triumphs,” he said.

“The Addams Family is not only fun and upbeat, but at its core is very sweet and sentimental. It’s a story about growing up, letting go, following dreams, hurting and healing. What could be better show for this moment?”

The show featured a large cast of actors, singers and dancers from all year levels within the College and will be supported by a hard-working team of staff and students behind the scenes to help recreate the hit Broadway musical.

The musical’s plot unfolds when Wednesday Addams brings the sweet, farm boy she has fallen in love with home to meet the family. In one fateful night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations - change.

Packed with humour, a great score, catchy songs, scintillating dance routines and a cavalcade of oddball characters this was the highlight of the Damascus Performing Arts program this year.

At the end of Term 2, Year 7 students were involved in the creation and presentation of a debate. The students were in charge of planning a debate in groups of 4 on a worldwide issue. A few other students were picked to be a Chairperson and Timekeeper. If they were a Chairperson, they also had to produce a script that they used during the debate.

I'm Ruby Townsing and I was one of the few Chairpersons for this 2023 Year 7 debate. I really enjoyed the job of being a Chairperson because I got to conduct the debate and explain the rules of the debate. I also got to say who was in the debate and I got to call on people to speak. It was very fun and I would do it again.

By Ruby Townsing.

Towards the end of Term 2, Year 7 students were involved in creating and presenting a debate about a topic of their choice. This involved researching our topic of choice, scripting arguments for each member of the group and then presenting to the rest of the class. During this unit students learnt some valuable skills such as; gaining more confidence in public speaking and in the classroom; developing better critical thinking skills; and being able to express our opinions in a safe classroom environment.

By Polly Dawson.

A huge congratulations to Damascus College Year 11 student Jarrod Joyce on winning the Junior International Tennis Federation Doubles J60 Title on the Gold Coast with his doubles partner Marcus Shoeman.

The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors gives players aged 18 and under the opportunity to travel the world and develop their talent.

Featuring over 800 tournaments in 140 countries, the Tour sees players compete across six levels of tournament – from J500 through to J300, J200, J100, J60 and J30. The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors provides a launch pad for the best players to go on and achieve success in the professional game.

The top eight juniors at the end of the year go head-to-head at the prestigious season-ending ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals. The ITF also runs two flagship international junior team competitions – the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals (14 & under) and the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge and Davis Cup Juniors Finals (16 and under).

Well done Jarrod on your victory.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Please see following information on a fundraiser for Delacombe Primary School and to book a table or tickets please follow this link https://www.trybooking.com/CJZDB