It has been a busy fortnight at the College. We have had many celebrations that helped us to embrace the College theme and motto for this year, ‘to live by the light of Christ.’ Our Annual Father’s Day / Male Mentor Breakfast was a wonderful success where we were able to participate in prayer and to reflect on the scripture about the meaning of unconditional love. I thank the many fathers, step dads, and male mentors who made themselves available for their children to share a meal together, to break bread and to be truly present to their child. It is these moments that our young people remember and these events that create family stories and narratives.

Masculinity in the 21^st century has evolved and shaped and there is no one way to be a dad, male figure, step dad or role model, our children need a male who is compassionate, gentle and modelling respectful relationships – help your children see the face of our God in your behaviours, actions and interactions with others. Father’s Day is a gift and acknowledgement that to have a child is a gift that needs to be treasured and valued. Nothing is more important than our relationships with our children and families.

Community and individuality was celebrated at our Annual Music Camp at Rutherford Park. Our students had the opportunity to celebrate their passion and talents. I was impressed on the Monday evening to see our students enjoy their love of music and to be open to perform and embrace the others.

Well done to our BAS Lap of Lake participants who competed at Lake Wendouree, the determination and focus of the participants was inspiring. You can read further about this event here.

This term our VM students have done a wonderful job at re-opening and instituting our DMAC Coffee Van – congratulations to these students who serve our community with energy, passion and flair. I am grateful for their presence in the van each Tuesday and Thursday. Public speaking and debating has been a flurry this term, congratulations to those who participated in the Frayne Festival at Mount Lilydale Mercy College and also the Year 7’s and Year 8’s who participated in the Royal South Street Society debating semi finals. Additional articles on these events can be read here and here.

Our Chess team have also demonstrated sportsmanship and strategic thinking with their recent successes at the Northern Alliance Chess Competition. Additional information about these successes can be read here.

This weekend l am looking forward to meeting our St Paul’s Alumni. St Paul’s Technical College was established in 1948 in Lydiard Street and then moved to Victoria Street to educate young men seeking a trades education. I am looking forward hearing the stories about the campus and our pioneering technology education. St Pauls’ is pivotal in our story as a school of risk taking and innovation, it has formed part of our DNA - to be educators who move outside of their comfort zone, seeking new forms of learning and education.

In 1995 St Paul’s along with Sacred Heart College and St Martin’s in the Pines were amalgamated to form Damascus College. The reunion on Saturday 9 September is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the significant contribution that St Paul’s students and staff have made to the school we have today. On this note, we are currently working with Laws Architects to reimagine and future proof our Arts /Technology learning spaces.

This week our Year 11 students have been preparing their leadership speeches and delivering these to their cohort. I have been able to read and watch their speeches. I admire our students who are emerging as the future leaders of our society with this new competence of dealing with and responding to regular and unplanned change. Our students are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process at the College and we endeavor to work with our students to build a strong student focused learning environment.

Our Year 12 students are working through a heavy assessment period. The holiday period provides an opportunity for them to catch their breath and consolidate their learning and continue revision. Our Unit 4 students will soon have their trial exams. Families and students were sent the schedule earlier this term via email.

This is our last newsletter for the term, we wish our families a safe and restful holiday.

With every blessing

As the term draws to a conclusion, we look forward next week to Damascus Day. A day that we celebrate the rich history of the College, acknowledging our founders, the significant people involved in, and the path that they took, to make Damascus College the rich and vibrant community that it is today.

One of the great traditions of our Damascus Day is the announcement of our College Captains for the next school year. Our 2023 school captains, Sophie Bussutil and Xavier Byrne, have been wonderful role models and ambassadors for the College. Again, this year, an extraordinarily talented group of young leaders expressed interest in this role, and I congratulate all candidates for having the courage to put their hand up to lead – each of their contributions will be invaluable to the future growth of our school community.

We look forward to Sophie and Xavier handing over to our new College captains throughout Term 4. House Captain selection processes is occurring this week, with results for both School Captains and House captains being announced on Damascus Day.

As you would be aware, the College is embarking on the build of a new Senior learning centre, which will be positioned between Building 7, and Building 2. Throughout the term break, the building site will be fenced off to maintain a clear a safe boundary away from the new building. With this occurring, it does close off an area of the school from recreation space during recess and lunch. Student access to the Blue Courts, Mud Brick House and Horticulture space will still be available, but carefully managed.

It was fantastic to welcome Fathers and special people to our annual Fathers Day breakfast last week. It was an enjoyable morning with almost 300 members of our community in attendance. I congratulate the Faith team, along with the Marketing and Development team for their coordination and management of the event.

With one week to go, I wish everyone a fantastic and enjoyable Term break – fingers crossed for some warmer weather.

Chris

Our Catholic Identity

Next Wednesday the College will celebrate Damascus Day. The celebration of the Eucharist will be central to the day. Students are currently preparing symbols, actions and music to bring a special meaning to the liturgy. This reminds us of the richness of the tradition and our purpose as a school in the Catholic tradition.

Expressions of faith underpin our culture. This is supported by curriculum and visible and meaningful actions highlighting social justice. The religious dimension of the school is it’s identity and mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In very explicit ways, the religious dimension ensures thorough integration of identity and mission into the whole of the educational experience of every learner.

In this way the school lives out a Catholic worldview and finds the face of God in others and makes faith, hope, and love the foundation for action.

All members of a school community have a role to play in strengthening the many ways the whole of school life is enlivened by Catholic faith.

‘No matter how good its reputation for teaching in other areas, the Catholic school only deserves the title ‘Catholic’ when the school’s Catholic identity and mission is continually nurtured and strengthened. The special character of the Catholic school and the underlying reason for its existence, the reason parents should prefer it, is precisely the quality of the identity and mission which is integrated into the overall education of the students.’ (Congregation for Catholic Education)

The religious dimension supports students to grow in virtue and to embrace a sense of self and the world through the experience of a distinctively Catholic education.

In gratitude, we pray,

We are thankful for our Catholic school communities in the Diocese of Ballarat.
We pray that we may walk ‘the way of the gospel’ together,
as we accompany each other in our learning and growing.
May the Holy Spirit guide us and give us new eyes, new ears and open hearts,
helping us to bring God’s love to all we encounter.
Mary, mother of the living gospel, pray for us.
We ask this prayer through Jesus our Lord and teacher,
Amen.

Last Thursday, I was lucky enough to be one of the 300 that attended the Damascus College Liturgy and Father’s Day Breakfast. I want to acknowledge the work that several Damascus staff put in to run this event. It was wonderful to see the many Dads, Grandfathers and significant males that were able to share some time with the young people in their life.

I am a father to 3 adult boys and, despite their age, continue to navigate the complexities of being a father. I write recognising that over the last 28 years as a Dad I have made some blinders, got things wrong and at times have not been as patient as I could have been. Nevertheless, I have a great relationship with my boys and could not be prouder of watching their journey unfold in front of me. While I declare I am no expert when it comes to fatherhood, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the advice that professionals have provided me that appear to have worked!

Be present in the lives of the young people that you support. This isn’t as simple as turning up and watching your child play sport, attending a parent teacher interview or celebrating a birthday. Being present is about being totally engaged in the moment and observing the growth and gratitude of what it means to shape one’s life. It is about acknowledging that at this moment nothing is more important than what you are observing. You are not only physically present, but emotionally connected.

Practice emotional authenticity by acknowledging your full range of emotions – no matter what society says is ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. It’s okay for men to be competitive and it’s okay for men to cry. Expressing (not denying) our feelings is the key to emotional authenticity. Furthermore, being open, compassionate, and accountable doesn’t just help us learn and evolve – it helps us break free from societal pressures and stereotypes so we can be role models for young males as well.

Teach the power of holistic care. Research shows men who regularly check in, ask for help, meditate, eat well, exercise, read books and care for their skin – in other words, men who practice holistic self-care – spend 44% more time caring for others and share household chores more equally.

Being a good listener without judgement allows young people to feel legitimised in their thoughts and opinions. Learn how not to interrupt, allowing yourself to walk in the feet of your child by developing an empathetic understanding of where they are at. Then allow some time to reflect rather than have a reflex reaction.

I wish all Dads, Grandparents, and significant males all the best as they support the young people around them. “You’ve got this.”

Last week Damascus College Year 9 student, Luke Gallagher represented Damascus and Team Victoria in the School Sports Australia Championships, in Sydney at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Luke competed in the 15-year-old age category, with five individual events and two relays. His individual events were the 50 metre Freestyle, 50 and 100 metre Breaststroke and 50 and 100 metre Butterfly.

Congratulations to Luke on such a great achievement.

Last Wednesday saw the final event in the BAS cross-country season, with several Damascus College students participating in the BAS ‘Lap of the lake’ held at Lake Wendouree.

Every Damascus student involved did an amazing job, running in either the 4km for junior runners, or the 6km for the intermediate and senior runners. Big effort by Year 9 student Oaklee Burge, who came 3rd in his age group.

Congratulations to all involved, and for representing Damascus with such pride.

On Wednesday 23 August Damascus College students were treated to a live lunchtime concert in the Valda Ward Auditorium. Congratulations to our talented instrumental students on their performances this week!

Flynn Moroney performed ‘Adrienne and Adrianne’ on the bass guitar, Jakobi Bunn-Minchinton performed ‘Portrait of a Blank Slate’, William Geurth performed ‘L’Arabesque’ on the piano and Oscar Howlett performed ‘The Adventures of Raindance Maggie’ on the bass guitar.

Live Lunchtimes are an opportunity for students to perform and showcase their progress throughout the term. Thank you to our performers and thank you to everyone in the audience.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Last week, each of the Damascus College Year 8 student core groups had the pleasure of spending the day at either Napoleons Memorial Hall or at Buninyong Football and Netball Club, as a class reflecting on the theme: Relationships.

At the reflection days, students engaged in a variety of games, a Life Auction (where students can purchase qualities rather than physical items) and wrote some positive affirmations for people within their core group to consider the importance of forming positive relationships with others.

At the conclusion of the days, a couple of students quoted: “Overall, it was a great time that gives you time to reflect on the semester that has passed,” and “it was great fun.”

On Tuesday 22 August, Year 7 and 8 students participated in the Royal South Street Society debating semi finals.

Both teams lost their debates (to Loreto and Grammar Year 8s) but, the adjudicator was impressed with the quality of both debates and all debaters should be proud of themselves.

Congratulations to the following students:

Yr 7 Tess Fletcher, Ari Jones and Ella Gordon (Isabeau Turner was unable to attend)

Topic: That there should be permanent restrictions on water in Victoria

Yr 8 Bronte Jarvis, Yolanda Jones, Emily Meade and Isabella Coleman

Topics: Yr 8 That the car is a greater cost than benefit to society

On Friday 25th August, four Year 11 Damascus College debaters embarked on a journey to Mount Lilydale Mercy College for the 2023 Frayne Speech Festival to engage in debates against students from fellow Mercy schools.

The day kicked off with the students taking on the affirmative side of the first debate, arguing that political parties should be required to present candidates from underrepresented groups.

After a short break it was time for the second debate where the students found themselves on the negative side of the argument that the rise of AI should be regretted, with Damascus emerging victorious in this debate.

Throughout the day, the students found themselves immersed in the art of debating, receiving invaluable feedback from judges, and then improving their craft. It was a day of growth, learning, and a wonderful experience for the students involved.

This term Damascus celebrates Damascus Day, on Wednesday 13 September.

To celebrate the formation of Damascus College, and to raise funds for a worthy cause, students have this year organised a Dunk Tank from 1-3pm, to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease, to help beat the beast!

In the past Damascus College has raised over $2,000, this year's target is $3,000.

It would be great for the community to get behind this worthy cause and support Damascus in reaching the goal to Fight MND.

Donations (over $2) will be tax deductible.

Donations can be made at: https://hub.fightmnd.org.au/fundraise.../damascus-college

As book week came to a close at Damascus College the highly anticipated Book Week Quiz took place in the St Martins Resource Centre at lunchtime.

After a lively competition, and some very tricky questions related to the 2023 theme of “Read, Grow” Inspire” it was the Blue Pelican team who took the victory. Congratulations to all of the participants and sincere thanks to the staff who made this such a wonderful event.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Recently at Damascus College the Pride Committee led us for Wear It Purple Day which strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ allies, friends, family and colleagues.

Students and staff were invited to drop by the Rainbow Stall at lunchtime in the courtyard for information, flyers and other giveaways. They also had the opportunity to just have a chat with staff and/or fellow students present. There was also an opportunity to add their own empowering message for the 2023 theme "Write Your Story" to motivate LGBTQIA+ youth.

Wear It Purple Day is an annual awareness day at the end of August. The event was created to help support LGBTQIA+ youth with a day of celebration, activities, and wearing purple so that rainbow youth no longer felt alone.

Today’s message by students and staff was clear and simple “Everybody has the right to be proud of who they are.”

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImSupported

On Wednesday 23 August, journalists from The Ballarat Courier visited Damascus College, as part of the Emerging program.

This program involves secondary school students participating in a program exposing them to the career of journalism and photography. Students will gain experience in creating content for online platforms, working towards deadlines, writing, storytelling and honing their video and photography skills.

Year 10 student Layla Muir, and Year 8 student Ruby Lethlean, enjoyed hearing the information from visiting journalists, and are looking forward to participating in the program throughout the rest of the year.

This week saw Damascus students compete at the annual ‘Periodic Table Challenge’ held in the Science domain for Science Week.

This challenge consisted of two parts. Part 1 - reciting the elements in order and part and Part 2 - Filling in the periodic table with symbols and names of the elements.

Congratulations to Ruby Lethlean who won the Junior division (year 7-9) with a perfect score of 236/236.

Congratulations to Axel Durham who won the Senior division (year 10-12) with an incredible score of 235/236. Year 10 students, Marlin Phillips came in second with 226/236 and Angus Kasbach third with 197/236.

Well done to all involved.

On Tuesday 22 August, students at Damascus College embarked on conversations about a new Master Plan for the college, with Law Architects.

The College has been working with Laws for a number of years and the community consultation engaged both staff and students, with the aim to future proof the College for a changing world.

The new batch of Damascus College Junior Rowers started their Learn to Row journey last night with their very first on water session at Lake Wendouree!

The conditions were cool and misty but that didn’t stop the group from learning all they could about their new sport, from riggers to oars and bows to sterns we had a fantastic start to this seasons training.

The Year 7 & 8 group will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout term 3, the students are bussed from school up to the Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club for their sessions that run from 4:00pm until 6:00pm.

If you are in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 and would like to try rowing please contact Paul Blanchfield, Damascus College Rowing Coordinator. p.blanchfield@damascus.vic.edu.au

You can start rowing this term or next, once winter footy & netball have finished for the year.

Year 7 student Isabeau Turner, and Year 8 student Braxton Donovan, participated in the state finals this week for the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

As part of the state finals round, they competed against students from around Victoria, where they were judged on a range of 30 words for spelling and time taken.

Some of the words they had to spell were: pasteurised, truculent, antithesis, nefarious, misogynist, cruet, chlorophyll, calumny, vanadium, commodious, quoth and nomenclature. No mean feat!

The next step for Isabeau and Braxton is National Finals, and we wish them both the best of luck.

As I write our Year 12 students are rapidly finishing their coursework. In Humanities, there have been 2 Business Management classes, one Geography, one Revolutions and one Legal Studies class. It has been a wonderful 2023 for this cohort. They have blended hard work in their studies while still being a social group of 17 and 18 year old’s. I know the classes I have taught have worked particularly hard but also no the importance of maintaining a good balance of other work, social and sport activities to get the best out of themselves. Good luck for your last term work and exams.

During this term the majority of Year 8 students completed the National History Challenge. The theme being “Continuity and Change”. Hannah Muirhead coordinated the challenge with myself and Leighanne de Zoete-Spiero assessing according to the National Criteria. This year we had a wonderful variety of presentations. Braxton Donovan’s Minecraft Castles were fabulous. We also had a number of dioramas. Chelsea Buttigieg had a fashion diorama, while Aoife Lewis and Ivey Storey created a Fashion Magazine. Claire Fraser created a Model Tank.

A picture of Ruby Lethlean’s “influenza through time” has been included. A website on Pandemics by Bella Dwyer and Millie Baldwin. There was the development of the phone through the ages – using tin cans and string – by Jemima Rowland. The bombing of Hiroshima was an interesting presentation. Posters of the Olympics from various classes, Amalia, Dilana, Emma and Emily. A poster on Chernobyl by Sam Langhorne and Logan Pepplinkhouse. There was even a Hitler podcast by Finn, Axton, Hamish and Riley from Mrs Crebbin’s class. Well done to one and all in Year 8.

A big Congratulations to all those that received Humanities Academic Awards for last semester. Well done for all your hard work.

And remember, Lord Byron once said, “The best prophet of the future is the past”.

Recently 1st year Certificate III Sport and Recreation students and Year 12 VCE VM students completed their First Aid Qualifications. The students worked diligently with the trainer from IVET to obtain this important qualification, which ensures they are completing the correct units of competencies as well as being active participants in the wider community.

On Thursday 17th August students completing their Certificate II in Animal Studies, part of the Highlands LLEN VET cluster, were able to gain firsthand experience with a range of animals including snakes, birds, lizards, and a crocodile.

Students were able to learn about their natural habitats, how to care for them in captivity and in the wild, and to ensure essential conservation and advocacy knowledge continues to be promoted. Our students represented themselves in a professional and compassionate manner.

This term the Damascus College Justice Action Group (JAG) will be creating personal care packages to be donated to Vinnies and distributed to those in need within the Ballarat region. Catholic Social Teaching informs us that every human has dignity and that their social status does not negate the respect we all deserve. We are standing in solidarity with our Ballarat Community.

To help with the creation of these packs we are seeking donations from families. JAG encourages students to bring in any new and unopened toiletries and place them in our collection boxes. Students will find collection points located in the SMRC near the printer and at student reception. These will be in place until the 8th of September for your contributions.

JAG will be constructing the packs on Damascus Day (13th of September) and welcomes students to come and assist.

On Wednesday 30 August, the Ballarat Football and Netball League (BFNL) held the Robert Allan Medal Awards Night for junior football and netball players.

The following Damascus College students received awards:

Tessa Wilson (Y 7) - 13 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest winner

Emerson Vallance (Y 9) - U15 Football Best & Fairest– The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy joint winner

Ethan Kuchel - U15 Senior Robert Allan Medal winner

Congratulations to these students.

Congratulations to the following Damascus students for their part in the Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts (BCMA) Little Shop of Horrors musical, to be played at the Gay E Gough Theatre, Mt Clear on Sat 23-Sun 24 September.

• Isabella Silvey (Y 8) as Audrey

• Brandon Miller (Y 11) as Skip Skip

• Charlie McGinniss (Y 10) as Mr Mushnik

• Macey McQuie (Y 9) as Street Bum

• Nikita Goossens (Y 8) as the Interviewer

• Wren Burnett (Y 8) as Customer #1

Little Shop of Horrors is a horror comedy rock musical, that follows a lonely florist shop worker who raises a plant with a gruelling appetite for blood. It will be a terrific journey with romance, dancing, singing, dentists and a talking plant!

Well done to these students. Tickets available via the QR code: -

Last Monday 28^th and Tuesday 29^th August music students at Damascus were once again able to embark on our very successful annual Music Camp. The camp involved all students that learn brass, woodwind, percussion, and strings and those that are a part of the String Ensemble, Concert Band and Junior and Senior Singers, an approximate number of 45 students from years 7 – 12.

Our Music Camp is designed to give students the opportunity to enrich their musical learning by working with students who have similar interests and commitments, further building their confidence and self-esteem as well as building on their social and emotional learning (SEL) through the experience of making music as a group. Our school captain of 2022, Lewis Clark quite openly stated in his address to the school that the inaugural camp at which he participated was one of his most memorable experiences at Damascus.

Music camps allow us to have concentrated and uninterrupted time to work with each other in our respective ensembles. It was exciting to see young band players on instruments such as saxophone, clarinet and Euphonium become more and more confident as they played through charts such as Raiders March from the Indiana Jones movie. The string ensemble perfected works such as Don’t Stop Believin’ and A Thousand Years which became crowd pleasers at our Wednesday lunchtime concert. The singers embarked on Let it Grow as a combined piece as well as some African pieces and had previously worked on a jazz a capella number and a highlight piece from La La Land – Another Day of Sun. Of course all the hard work was also complimented with some fun activities like musical bingo in the evening, a little Karaoke, board games and some great chill out time over meals and breaks. The highlight for me is always watching students across year levels collaborate, problem solve and team build together to make music but more importantly to build friendships and networks within their music community at Damascus.

Students going on a camp to play their instruments and work in groups is by far the most advantageous opportunity to grow their skills not only in music but in their brain development to excel in all their other subjects. This is strongly backed by educational neuroscientific evidence and missing school to go on music camp is not going to disadvantage their learning at school but will only enhance it. It is timely that in The Age the following article was published just this weekend, showing the outcomes of a research study done in a Sydney public school that has just been completed. The study enabled all students to have 15 minutes of music tuition a day. The results are exciting and have been life changing for all of these students. The NSW government and Education Department are now considering how music learning becomes a daily part of each student’s learning at school as well as part of the National Curriculum.

St Marys North Public school transformed by music into ‘happiest place on Earth’ (theage.com.au)

All of the students involved in camp should be extremely proud of the way in which they worked so very hard and built such great camaraderie amongst themselves. Their intensive work will and has already shown positive results, many of which they would like to show you at our end of year concert coming up in November. We hope you will be able to come along and celebrate the joy of music and these student’s wonderful achievements.

It was wonderful to welcome around 300 attendees to the annual Father's Day Liturgy & Breakfast, in the Damascus Events Centre.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful liturgy, followed by a sumptuous hot buffet breakfast, and barista made coffee.

Damascus wishes all the significant men in our community, a wonderful day on Sunday, as we each take a moment to be thankful, and to celebrate Father's Day.

On Monday the 4th of September Damascus college participated in the Northern Alliance Chess Competition, hosted at Penleigh Essedon Grammar (PEGS). With over 110 participants the standard was high!

The event was a successful day for Damascus with over 9 participants, ranging from year 7, through to year 11. Joshua Lane was our most successful participant winning five out of seven games. This ensures Josh’s qualification for state championship. Poppy was our most successful female participant winning 4 games out of 7 and also qualifies her for state championships.

The Damascus chess team did the college exceptionally proud, finishing 4th out of 12 schools. We look forward to their continued endeavour and effort.

Over the last 6 weeks, students have enthusiastically participated in class and extra-curricular activities offered by the Science Learning Area.

National Tree Day - After many days of rain, we were fortunate to have the sun come out just a few hours in advance of the event, and a great day it was indeed! With 50 locally native species planted by students at lunch time, the Horticulture class then moved in to plant the remaining 50 after lunch. It was great to see so many students actively and voluntarily involved in such a positive activity; good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for our souls. Well done to everyone involved!

Carley Young, VCE Physics teacher, and 3 VCE students attended the Girls in Physics Breakfast event, run by VicPhysics, at the SMB Fed Uni campus on Friday 25^th August, 2023. Attendees were supplied a very delicious buffet style breakfast, coffee, tea and good conversation with students from other Ballarat schools and STEM industry professionals. The morning stated off with a tower building exercise using pipe-cleaners, in which the teacher table came a close second.

The main address was that of an Astro Physicist, Dr Taissa Danilovich from Monash university, who showed us some amazing pictures and images from different telescopes both on land and from space. She talked about molecules in space and the life cycle of stars. There was an opportunity and the conclusion of the event for students to do a personality-style test to see which possible STEM careers would suit their personalities into the future.

The morning was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and those who can, will return next year.

Year 11 and 12 Physics students saw the application of physics concepts when the went to the Regent to watch the Oppenheimer Movie.

Students had the opportunity to compete at the annual ‘Periodic Table Challenge’ held during Science Week.

This challenge consisted of two parts. Part 1 - reciting the elements in order and part and Part 2 - Filling in the periodic table with symbols and names of the elements.

Congratulations to Ruby Lethlean who won the Junior division (year 7-9) with a perfect score of 236/236, for the second year.

Congratulations to Axel Durham who won the Senior division (year 10-12) with an incredible score of 235/236. Year 10 students Marlin Phillips came in second with 226/236 and Angus Kasbach third with 197/236.

Chemistry students participated in the RACI International Chemistry quiz and are now eagerly waiting for their results.

Year 12 Chemistry students visited Ecolinc to engage in experiments to complement and extend the concepts studied in their course.

In early August, 31 Year 10 students took part in the Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) held at Federation University. SEC is a nationwide Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors to inspire students to consider a future career in science and engineering.

Thank you to Natalie Ventra and Stephanie for organising this opportunity for our Year 10 students.

Damascus College placed third overall on the day but took out first place in the prestigious bridge-building challenge thanks to the teamwork, skill and talents of Charlie Snare, Jack Sproull, Liam O’Beirne and Kara Johnson. Congratulations to all participants.

As part of Science this term, Year 9 students studied body systems, where they focused on the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems. During this course of work, students have conducted a dissection of the eye and watched a dissection of the brain. Conducting dissections has allowed students to see structures in real life and also begin to understand the ethics involved in to using educational tools that were once living.

Damascus College was thrilled to welcome grade 4 students from Emmaus Catholic Primary School, St Alipius Parish School, and St Francis Xavier Primary School (SFX) on Tuesday for the annual Maths Games Day.

Visitors were welcomed by participating select Year 8 and 9 students, who also acted as team helpers throughout the event. Upon entering the Damascus Events Centre the teams took their seats, put their thinking caps on and started working their way through the activities. Points were awarded for each activity, with the Damascus student helpers offering guidance and help, but never providing the answer.

The hard work going on inside the Centre was rewarded with delicious morning tea and that was served by a delegation of Damascus College students.

At the end of an amazing day of competition and camaraderie college leader Sarah Boswell, leader of Marketing and development was on hand to present the winners with their certificates and prizes. The SFX Einsteins Two with 160 points placed 3^rd, SFX-Black with 163 points were 2^nd but with 164 points it was the Emmaus Maths Minions who snatched first place. Congratulations to all the students who participated, it was a very tightly run competition and a great day of team work and learning.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

On Friday 11^th August the Damascus College Year 12 VCE VM students participated in a day of volunteering at various organisations in Ballarat and surrounds.

Students were working on obtaining their Certificate II in Active Volunteering and being active participants in our local Communities.

The organisations and services included: The Salvation Army Australia, Vinnies Australia, Mount Clear Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Black Hill Primary School, Ballan Op Shop, Buninyong Golf Club, Recranked and the Ballarat Specialist School.

Well done to all of our students who actively participated, engaged and stopped to appreciate all that they have. Your kindness and compassion can be an inspiration to us all.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImPartOfSomethingGreater

On Tuesday 5^th September, the Damascus College 1^st and 2^nd year students completing their Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology were able to showcase their amazing talents at a Ballarat Fashion Show.

The dazzling event saw Damascus students shine and take to the runway with some assistance from volunteers. The students’ skills included design, creating their own pieces, upcycling, styling and event management.

It was a night to celebrate the achievements of Kani Ben, Ava Dalziel, Vivien Joson, Isabella Munro and Nyajima Reath. Congratulations to you all, we are very proud of this significant accomplishment, we can’t wait to see what you design next.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #FindMyCalling

Dobsons Uniform Shop Buy Early Sale

Commences Monday 2^nd October 2023 until Thursday 30^th November 2023

Teens and Beyond – Free Workshop for Families (Association for Children with Disability)

This three-part workshop is unique in that it brings together all the resources and information that families need to support their teenager now and into the future: financial support, NDIS information, post-school options and how to support their child’s mental health and well-being.

All workshops are led by our professional facilitators who are parents of young people with disability and who have personal experience of navigating the teenage years.

Topics include:
- Financial support
- Getting the right NDIS support for your teen
- School and post-school options
- Wellbeing: friendships, communication, behaviour support and good mental health

Workshop dates:
- Monday 16, 23 & 30 October 7:00pm
- Tuesday 17, 24 & 31 October 10:00am
- Wednesday 18, 25 October & 1 November 7:00pm
- Thursday 19, 26 October & 2 November 10:00am

Looking for a great summer outdoor sport for your child to get involved with, then tennis at Mt Prospect is for you.

Played across both Term 4 and Term 1 at the same location in Creswick on natural grass courts, tennis provides your child a great chance to be physically active in a safe, multi-gendered sport. To find out more, please contact

Junior Director - Casey Preston

0417 379 525 or kckenzi@hotmail.com, or visit www.mtprospecttennis.com.au