Welcome back to Term 4, I hope you have had a restful break and had an opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather and the many sporting finals that have occurred over the past fortnight. There is so much we can learn from the finals in sport and the skills we teach through social and emotional learning. Our students can learn perseverance, organisation, resilience and calculated risk taking. Players who participated in the finals over the weekend demonstrated that a commitment to our passion and craft leads to improvement, through tenacity and hard work and even grit, we can achieve many goals. But not being the ultimate premiers does not mean failure. Getting to the premiership is success.

In many ways the AFL Grand Final comes at an opportune time for our senior students, it demonstrates that through hard work, commitment and habits so much can be achieved. Creating regular routines and rituals enables one to perform to their optimum. As we enter the final term, l ask that you work with our learners to provide routine, nourishment and a steady study routine to enable all students to achieve their goals. It only takes six weeks to improve performance. If we all start today, we will be ready for our examinations and assessment cycles.

Next week we will begin to formally acknowledge our Year 12 students who conclude their 13 years of education and their six years at Damascus College. We are incredibly proud of our students and their ability to face challenges, work hard and to reflect on their learning. Our final Year 12 assembly will occur on Wednesday 18 October 2023 and an invitation has been sent out to our Year 12 families.

On Tuesday 17 October we look forward to opening our College for Prospective Families. We have planned an exciting evening where our families will be able to hear from members of the College Leadership Team, to view key learning areas of the College through student lead tours, student wellbeing practices and faith experiences. I encourage you invite prospective families to register for the evening by visiting our website.

I wish to farewell:

• Ash Brown who will commence parental leave in the next few weeks, we wish Ash and her family well for the safe arrival of their second child. We are thankful for Ash’s contribution to the College in our Re-engagement Program, Pride Group and as an excellent classroom practitioner.
• Jason Carey will be finishing this week in the Marketing and Alumni Team, we thank Jason for his contributions to our social media space.

I wish to welcome:

• Geraldine Ewing who will take on Ash Brown’s classes for Term 4.
• Jas Beaumont who has replaced Trish Rowe.
• Misty Duncan who is joining us for Term 4 as a school counsellor.
• Linda Skidmore who has joined us a Assistant Rowing Coordinator for the 2023/2024 rowing season.
• Emma Coulter in Accounts Payable
• Eloise McGuifford as Learning Support Officer
• Megan O’Beirne - Performing Arts Administrator
• Jess Jones - Education Administration Officer

We pray for the Jans Family for the recent passing of Josephina Jans, mother-in-law to – Michelle (First Aid Officer) and Dominque (Maths Intervention) and mother to Paul Jans former Business Leader.

Welcome to Term 4. It was fantastic to see our Students and Staff return for the final term of the year on Monday, along with the milder weather that the change in conditions bring.

In the final week of Term 3, we celebrated 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. It was a lovely Mass and celebration throughout the day, and I thank and acknowledge the work of the Faith and Catholic Identity Team, the Wellbeing Team along with the Student Representative Council, the Performing Arts Team along with the Choir, and the IT and Maintenance Team; each for their fantastic efforts of supporting the coordination and running of the day. One significant highlight of the day was to announce our College Captains for 2024, along with our 2024 House Student leaders. I congratulate Paris Govan and Lucas Wells as College Captains for 2024, along with each of the elected House leaders, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.

In further exciting news, the building compound has been set up for our new Senior Learning Centre, which will be positioned between Building 7 and Building 2. Work is commencing onsite today with a number of trades beginning. The main entrance for trades, trucks and deliveries for the building project is Leckie Grove, and whilst the entrance into the building compound does take them through the access to the Blue Courts, we are however working very closely with the Builders to manage student safety and access to the relevant areas. The exit point for trucks from the compound is behind the Damascus Events Centre and exiting via the temporary crossover created near the uniform shop towards the bus loop. It is important to note that this crossover is not for Parent or Staff traffic, so I please ask that you continue to use the main entry and exit points.

Tuesday 10 October 2023 will see a high number of trucks enter and exit the College for the removal of soil for the foundations. Traffic management will be in place for this. My intention will be to provide an update to our families through this newsletter of the status of the building project over the course of its duration, particularly any important changes or disruptions that may be occurring. It is certainly an exciting time for the College and I look forward to sharing these updates with you.

We welcome the following Staff to the College in Term 4:

Jasmine Beaumont: Jas will be joining us at the beginning of term four in Humanities and English. Jas will be taking over from Lynette Kelly, who has supported us over the last 6 weeks at the College. We welcome Jasmine and thank Lynette for her service to the College.

Eloise McGifford: Eloise will join the Learning Support Officer’s team for the remainder of the year.

Emma Coulter: Emma joins the Finance team as an Accounts Payable Officer. Following Emma’s commencement, Maree Lawlor moves full time into Learning and Teaching Administration. We sincerely thank Maree for her service in the College’s Finance team.

In the coming weeks we will welcome back Adrian Newman and Brendan Bawden who will return during Term 4 from Long Service Leave.

Students and families are reminded that Term 4 is summer uniform and students are expected to be in their full summer uniform – sport uniform included on days where students have PE. A two week transition period is permitted as the weather fluctuates to more warmer days. Your support with your young person wearing the full College uniform appropriately is appreciated.

For families seeking a 2025 enrolment at Damascus College, our Open Night will take place on Tuesday 17 October 2023 from 4:30pm. More information can be found here.

Our Year 12 cohort now enter a very important time in their final year of school and in their lives. In their final month as students attending our College, we pray that they find the calmness and confidence to focus on completing their VCE exam preparation and VCAL concluding requirements, and that their resilience and strength will support them to achieve that which they are capable of. We pray that their Year 12 experience will be the pathway to their desired future and that it will continue to help them grow, achieve and serve.

I wish everyone well as we begin Term 4.

Chris

Coming together as Community

Term 3 ended with the celebration of the Mass. Term 4 will begin with a focus on the Year 12 Graduation and Mass. Celebrating the Mass is a very important part of our identity at Damascus College. The Mass brings us together as community and it is a joy and delight watching so many students participate in many ways to make each mass a true celebration in the Catholic tradition.

Thank you to each and every student and staff member who gave up their valuable time to contribute to the Damascus Day Mass.  It is wonderful to see the many talents of our students and staff on a day such as this.  There were many students who sang, read, took part in a procession, played the drums, provided lighting, or made a lantern. This all contributed to making it a special event for the whole school community.

We look forward to working with Year 12 students as they plan their final Eucharistic celebration.

Santa Maria AINARO

Prior to COVID-19, Damascus College raised money to contribute to an infrastructure project at the Santa Maria AINARO (I-NAH-RO) school in East Timor. Damascus was able to support the school in building a fence. As the project is now complete, Fr Eugenio from Santa Maria, would like to personally thank Damascus College for contributing the financial resources to assist with their fence building project. He expressed how overjoyed he is at the difference it is making.  It has enabled the people to come together and grow produce to benefit the local community.

Here is a gallery of photos that Fr Eugenio has shared with us showing the start of the project and the now completed fence.

A warm welcome back to everyone. As parents and carers of our students, we would like to work in partnership with you during this important Term for all our students. Below are essential announcements regarding assessments and the upcoming TA interview.

Year 12 (and Unit 4 students)

In our continued collective effort to support our current students enrolled in Unit 3 and 4 subjects, Damascus College Teachers have been running VCE Revision Workshops, Trial Exams and Revision Lecture Series. Most of these occur during class time; however, some do occur after school or on weekends. We would appreciate it if you could engage in conversation with your student by encouraging them to attend these after-hour trial exams or workshops.

The after-hour trial exams not only emulate the environment but also allow for last-minute feedback, which is critical just before the exams. Please discuss these opportunities with your student.

Year 7 - 11 Final Assessments

Year 7 to 11 students will move into official assessments over the next few weeks. These official assessments include exams, diagnostic tests and final assessment tasks. If conducted, exams will take place during class time and follow a dedicated timetable. Caroline Nolan (VCE Coordinator) will send correspondence relating to Year 11 exams, and I will provide details of 7-10 exams.

The exams for Years 7-10 will take place from 6 November 2023 to 10 November 2023. Year 11 exams will occur from 15 November 2023 to 21 November 2023. Students will receive their exam information and timetable next week.

Teachers will officially begin the revision process for exams from around week 3 of Term 2; please check on PAM and through the monthly Student Digest for exam dates and final assessment tasks for your student’s subjects.

Trying to complete all tasks and prepare for tests/exams can be anxiety-inducing for some students, especially coming out of remote learning.

Students in Years 7-10 will also be sitting diagnostic tests which will take place on 23 and 24 November 2023. These are the Progressive Achievement Test Maths, Reading and Spelling (PAT R/M). Progressive Achievement Testing (Years 7-10) focuses on assessing and monitoring student growth over time. It is underpinned by an understanding that students of the same age and in the same school year can be at very different points in their learning and development.

These assessments provide valuable information to teaching staff:

• about students’ current learning needs and introduce new strategies that will assist in their academic development;
• affirms students’ achievements, particularly in relation to their Victorian Curriculum level.

More information on PAT R/M can be obtained from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

The PAT R/M are not tests we expect your child to study for.

We encourage all students to participate in this test; however, conversations regarding non-participation may be a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with Matthew Hallowell, Leader of Student Growth and Engagement. Arrangements will be made to assist students with additional needs if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.

Early Start and Early Start Booklist

Early start will occur from 27 November 2023 to 5 December 2023. During these scheduled days, students will participate in their 2024 classes. Next week, communication regarding the Early Start novels will be sent out to families. Students who have been selected to participate in the Year 10 Hands on Learning Program (HoLP) and VCE VM students will not need to purchase novels. It is expected that all VCE students will purchase their novels in readiness for Early Start.

Teacher Advisor (TA) Interviews

We wanted to remind you about some important changes to our TA and Subject Interview schedule. In our ongoing efforts to enhance attendance and engagement in TA Interviews and Subject Interviews, we have adjusted our approach.

For the year 2024, we will be focusing on TA Interviews in Term 1, followed by Subject Interviews in Term 2. In Term 3, we will combine both TA and Subject Interviews to provide a comprehensive discussion of your student’s progress and goals.

Please note that there will no longer be TA interviews in Term 4 2023.

We want to emphasise the importance of open communication between families, Teacher Advisors, and subject teachers. This continued collaboration strengthens the relationships between teachers, students, and parents/carers and ensures the best possible support for your student’s education.

Wow wasn’t it terrific to enjoy some beautiful spring weather over the school holiday period. I hope all families got an opportunity to spend some time with the young people in their life. The incidental conversations that can take place during a walk, sitting outside and getting a milkshake/coffee at the local café can be priceless. I have often referenced the importance of being in the moment or totally present when it comes to interacting with your student. Hopefully the gorgeous spring weather will continue with the addition of some much-needed rain for our local farmers.

I wanted to draw your attention to a free webinar that is being offered to parents/families/adults on Empowering Parents in the Vaping Conversation. Vaping is becoming a concerning health issue for the young people in our society and it is important that we all share responsibility in empowering students to make better choices when it comes to looking after their health. Details of this event are provided below. There are 3 options available allowing for some flexibility in a suitable date.

I wish you all a happy, safe and healthy Term 4.

LANGUAGES

Students at Damascus College are fortunate to be able to choose between two languages, French and Indonesian, as both are regional languages of significance to Australia, historically being the respective lingua franca among our Pacific and Far East Asian neighbours.

Over the next two newsletters, I will include a piece about each language. In this edition, the reasons for learning French are explored. This will be followed by a piece in the next edition that is focussed on Indonesian. We are also thinking especially about our graduating Year 12 French and Indonesian students who at the moment are facing their final Oral followed by Written VCE exams. We wish them all the best in these exams.

So, here are five reasons to learn French, and to keep learning it…

1. Spoken in many, many countries

French and English are the only two languages in the world that are spoken in several countries on all continents. In total, approximately 115 million people speak French either as their mother tongue or as an official language. In Europe, people speak French as a mother tongue in the following nations: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco and Switzerland. In Africa, French is an official language in 20 countries. It is at the same time the second language and the teaching language in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). On the North American continent, French is mainly spoken in the West Indies and Quebec, Canada. In Asia and Oceania, approximately two million French speakers live in Vietnam, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Comoros. According to the international organisation La Francophonie, an estimated 90 million people study French in the world. In most European countries, and even in the world, French is the second foreign language to be taught after English.

2. The international language of cooking, fashion, theatre, the visual arts, dance and architecture.

A knowledge of French offers access to great works of literature, as well as films and songs, in their original French version. French also used to be the international language of diplomacy and international relations until the middle of the twentieth century. Today, French is still one of the key languages of international organisations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, the World Trade Organisation, the Red Cross, the International Olympic Committee or FIFA.

3. France is the world’s leading tourist destination.

Annually, more than 70 million people visit France. A little French makes it so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France (from the mild climate of the Côte d’Azur to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps via the rugged coastline of Brittany) and offers insights into French culture, mentality and way of life. French also comes in handy when travelling to Africa, Belgium, Canada, Monaco, Switzerland, the Seychelles and other places.

4. An ability to speak French and English is an advantage on the international job market.

A knowledge of French opens the doors of French companies in France and other French-speaking parts of the world. It also opens doors in non French-speaking countries: as the world’s fifth biggest economy and number-three destination for foreign investment, France is a key economic partner of many countries.

5. Nearly half of the English vocabulary results from French and from Latin.

You already know many French words : parfum, sport, musique, parlement, théâtre, information, collection, université, littérature, restaurant, danse, couleur, liberté, etc. If you learn French, you will be able to learn other languages more easily. Languages such as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or Romanian will be easier to learn, as these languages are all derived from Latin. Finally, many foreigners think that French is a beautiful language! It is often said that French is the language of romance and of love, and Paris isn’t called Paris la Romantique for nothing!

Finn Augustin

Source: Alliance Française (2023)

Term three is always special to the Religious Education (RE) team thanks to one big event – Damascus Day!

This year’s Damascus Day mass saw students celebrating Damascus’ motto, ‘To Live By The Light of Christ’ To that end, Year 12 students took the time to create lanterns to pass on to our Year 7 cohort. These lanterns were colourful and joyous, containing notes outlining the hopes and wishes of the senior student for the junior. These lanterns were carried into the service by our twelves, indicative of our Christian aspiration not only to walk in the light but to be the light for those around us. It was with great joy that the Year 7s received their lanterns, and we pray for them as they continue their Damascus journey.

Classes have been as busy as ever. Our Year 7s have been learning about the life of Saint Paul, and contemplating how his messages to the early Christians can be recontextualised to bring hope to our lives. Year 8s have been learning about the kinds of texts in the bible, and how stories are used to convey deep meaning by studying patriarchs of the Old Testament. Year 9s explored moral and ethical decision making. In Year 10, we explored the role of the disciples and saints and looked at contemporary role models.

Health & Physical Education (HPE) at Damascus in Term 4 will see students move to continue their electives for Semester 2. Year 10 Energy for Exercise students are studying how each energy system contributes to performance in physical activity, Year 10 Australian and Global Health are looking at health trends within Australia, and Year 10 PE Core is exploring functional anatomy.

The rotation of Year 7 classes have now completed their swimming units and are moving into striking skills. Students have begun practising skills in cricket and softball. Year 8 classes are continuing with Netball and Volleyball practicals while Year 9 students are participating in Fitness theory and practical classes. Electives of Strength and Conditioning, Footy Codes or Hoops and Nets are continuing for Year 9 students.

Physical Education students attended a VO2 Max Lab at Federation University. The lab enabled a student from each class to complete the test and get a value of their VO2 Max. After the test was completed the University lecturer took students through the meaning of the results and how to utilise the data.

VCE Unit 3/4 Physical Education and Health and Human Development students are now in the exam revision stage of the year. Students have worked extremely hard to complete the course content and are now working tirelessly by attending extra morning sessions and exam seminars to give themselves the best chance of achieving their best in the final exam.

Damascus senior building project is forging ahead

The first sod will soon be turned, as Damascus College forges ahead in delivering the college master plan, with the development of a new Senior Learning Precinct.

The Senior Learning Precinct will be a new contemporary three storey building designed to support and enhance the learning needs of Damascus senior students.

With vistas to our natural bush site, and to greater Ballarat and surrounds, the building will provide twenty-three well-appointed classrooms, student services, open independent learning areas and gathering spaces, as well as modern amenities catering for the broad needs of staff and students. Designed to reflect an adult learning space the new building positions Damascus students to engage in their future pathway.

Damascus has worked closely with Law Architects to develop this new and innovative addition to the campus, that is sympathetic to the unique bush setting of the site, and of the original works of the Sisters of Mercy.

An open feature internal staircase produces a light filled connection between the upper levels of the building, and the accompanying tiered seating, provides for lecture style addresses for students in preparing them for further education. The inclusion of an operable glass wall to the lower level, opens up an indoor-outdoor space for students, and creates a natural amphitheatre, increasing outdoor engagement opportunities for the College.

The inclusion of eco-friendly materials in the build, and an expansion to the college’s array of solar, helps highlight the continued focus for the college on sustainable operating practices, and continues the evolution of the Mount Clear site, since the consolidation of campuses.

This new facility will sit alongside the current Sacred Heart Building located at the back of campus, nestled in between the site of the former St Martin’s in the Pines boarding house. Adjoining the Genevieve McDonald Science wing and Building 7 via a raised walkway, the design will ensure a continued connection of the building to the rest of the campus.

Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud said that as part of our commitment to being a ‘future-focussed thinking’ college, this building provides a modern, innovative, and contemporary learning environment for the senior students at the College.

“In developing the holistic learner, the building is designed to encourage further capacity for independent study, collaborative working spaces, and additional areas for groups to gather in connecting our community,” he said.

“Being able to provide the best possible support to our students, in leading them towards their chosen future vocations, this new facility looks to bring together the key functions of careers guidance and VCE and VCE-VM coordination into a connected and collaborative student services precinct.”

Damascus College is excited to announce that AW Nicholson, has been awarded the building contract, and will commence works on site in the middle of September this year. AW Nicholson are a local company with a strong reputation for the delivery of high-quality large-scale projects.

AW Nicholson Director, Stephen Allen said that they are delighted to once again, partner with Damascus College and deliver this modern and contemporary senior learning building for the college, DOBCEL and Law Architects.

“The natural topography of the campus presents unique challenges in both design and construction and despite this, Law Architects have been able to achieve a design outcome which is sympathetic to the site. We look forward to successfully delivering this outcome for the students and the broader college community,” he said.

College Principal, Steven Mifsud said that in terms of timeline, the building will be brought online for use, in early 2025.

“Damascus is thrilled to work in partnership with AW Nicholson, a trusted local construction company that is family owned. We look forward to delivering this amazing building for our growing community to be their best.”

Each year the ADF sponsors these awards which are available to students in year 10 and year 12. The award recognizes students who show strong leadership, the ability to work in a team by communicating and co-operating with others, who show respect for school values and get involved with both their school and community.

The winners receive a certificate and prize of $250 for a year 10 student and $550 for a year 12 student. The prizes will be distributed during a term 4 school assembly.

Damascus College congratulates our two Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award winners for 2023 Haileigh Buttigieg Year 10 and Rohan Shillito Year 12.

Attending school on a regular basis is vital for all students in Year 7 to Year 12 so that they can access all they need to learn throughout their six years of secondary schooling. This attendance is related to curriculum in that if the students have a high absence rate, their immersion in the curriculum is severely reduced.

Please read the information below with regards to absence rates and consider the number of days your student has absent from school.

In the ‘good old days’ it used to be hard to get a day off school. Now it seems to be easy, maybe too easy?

The wider school community, parents and students need to fully understand the impact of missing too many school days.

If a student has a day off, once a fortnight, this would add up to 20 days, or four weeks in a school year (there are approximately 40 weeks in a school year). 20 days is the same as missing a tenth of a school year.

This would be equal to missing a year of schooling up to Year 10.

A key message that needs to be embraced by schools, parents, and the wider community is that “It’s Not OK to be Away”. The ‘fallout’ of poor attendance is very real. These students will be at risk of not achieving their potential and therefore limit their life choices. Also, other real consequences are:

• Social isolation

• Gaps in their learning of knowledge and basic concepts

• May feel insecure in the school environment

• More likely to leave school early

• Could lead to school refusal further in their education

• May place themselves at risk of harm while absent

• Could get too easily involved in socially unacceptable and/or illegal activities

When you consider the above, schools, parents and the wider community need to work in partnership with each other to ensure students enjoy school success and as a consequence more enriching life choices. We appreciate that there are times when students are ill or when family holidays need to be taken during the school term, but we are outlining the importance of those other times that absences occur.

Some Benefits of Regular School Attendance

For Students:

• The development of skills and attitudes such as self-discipline, punctuality, and being organised will optimise life choices

• Regular attendance leads to making friends and learning how to maintain relationships over a length of time

• Regular attendance leads to learning social skills necessary to live and work with others

• The more students attend, the more they will learn and the more they will like school.

For the Community:

• Young people are the next generation of community leaders and community citizens

• Community agencies can work in partnership with schools towards the shared goal of developing future community leaders and citizens

• Young people who attend school regularly are more likely to be safe

• The more students attend, the more they learn and the more likely they are to make a positive contribution to society.

How many days of school has your student missed this semester?

0-6
This is within normal range. A child with this attendance rate is able to take full advantage of the teaching and learning opportunities available to them.

7-10
This attendance rate is below average. A child with this attendance rate could miss over one year of schooling between prep and Year 10

11-20
This is a poor attendance rate. A child with this attendance rate days could miss out on up to two years of schooling between prep and Year 10

20+
This is a very poor attendance rate. A child with this attendance rate could miss over two and one half years of schooling between prep and Year 10

Remember:

• Students need to attend school regularly to make the most of educational opportunities.

• There is a direct link between school attendance and achievement later in life.

• Poor patterns of attendance in the early years lead to poor patterns of attendance throughout the school years.

• Poor attendance makes it difficult for children to form positive relationships with their peers.

The Ballarat Foundation are once again putting on Run for a Cause which raises funds for the Ballarat Christmas Appeal.

We would be very appreciative it if you could help us promote the event by putting the attached flyer into the community news or sports section of your newsletter.

We are also encouraging schools to set up a school team and participate in the run or walk together. If your school would like to enter a team, please let me know and we can help set this up for you. If you would like to know further information about Run for a Cause, click the below link.

https://www.ballaratfoundation.org.au/page/118/run-for-a-cause

The event raises money for the Ballarat Christmas Appeal and all funds raised stay in our local area. If you would like to know further information about the Ballarat Christmas Appeal, click the following link.

https://www.ballaratfoundation.org.au/campaign/12/ballarat-christmas-appeal

Thank you so much for your support. The Ballarat Foundation aims to create a better Ballarat (and surrounds) for everyone in our wonderful community.