Welcome back to Term 4, I hope you have had a restful break and had an opportunity to enjoy 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.

Last night we welcomed our Year 7 families for 2025. In welcoming new families we are reminded of the rich legacy and history we have in the Ballarat community. At Damascus we constantly strive to build open and trusting relationships with one another to ‘live in the light of Christ.’ As people of hope and joy our faith tradition reminds us to be people who are building the Kingdom of God, today and every day. To be people of faith we are constantly seeking ways to be the best version of ourselves and to celebrate the diversity of one another. We are incredibly privileged to be part of a wonderful school that has a rich history formed from our founding schools Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s Technical School and St Martin’s in the Pines. This year we are thrilled to be working on our new initiative an alternate Year 8 Program at St Brendan’s Dunnstown. We as a community are constantly evolving for us to be leaders in contemporary learning.

As families of secondary school students, life is lived at a fast pace and for the parents of our Year 12 students it seems only yesterday they were starting them on their Damascus journey and here they are with only 10 school days of that journey remaining. In schools we are victims of the calendar; 8 weeks to holidays, 6 weeks to holidays... We must always take care to enjoy the moment and the journey and not wish the gift that our adolescent children are away, for they are gone too quickly as it is.

I’d like thank VCE Coordinator Caroline Nolan and Brenda Brady for their facilitation of the VCE trial exam period over the holidays. These trial exams provide a genuine opportunity for senior student to experience the exam conditions while gaining invaluable feedback on their revision and progress to date. I would like to thank the many staff who marked the papers and provided invaluable feedback. I encourage our students to analyse the feedback and seek ways to improve their work in preparation for the final exams. I would like to acknowledge Belinda Dwyer, VM Leader who has worked tirelessly with our VM students to ensure they have completed their six years of education. I am incredibly proud of the multiple learning pathways we provide our students.

I am pleased to announce the Stephanie MacDonald will be Acting Year 10 Co-ordinator for this term, we wish Stephanie well as she leads with her energy and wisdom.

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 Tuesday 22 October 2024 and an invitation has been sent out to our Year 12 families.

On Tuesday 15 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.

Please see following important key dates for Damascus College

Tuesday October 15 - Open Evening

Tuesday October 22 - Year 12s Final Day

Monday November 4 - Student Free Day

Tuesday November 5 - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Planting Seeds in Spring

Now daylight saving is here, we can with great optimism start to think about sunny weather and blue skies, hopefully sooner rather than later. This is also a reminder that Spring is a time of planting, nurturing and growth.

At our recent Damascus Day Mass, Year 7 students were presented with a packet of sunflower seeds to take home and plant. The seeds were presented to the Year 7s by the outgoing Year 12 students. This gesture was a symbol of the growth and continuity of our college community.

Our students are reminded that, in their time at the College, they are here to learn and embody what it means to live by the light of Christ. The seeds were presented to the youngest of our school community with the following message to inform their journey:

‘Seeds for you to grow and nurture as you flourish in the light of Christ.’

God’s Spring Prayer

Spring signifies a deeper and greater appreciation for new life, transformation, rebirth, renewal, growth, new beginnings, hope, restorations, promises, progress, and cleansing. A new sun is rising. Life is waking up in the warm sunlight and our spirit feels ready to make a fresh start. This is the time of year for coming alive with new ideas, inspiration and excitement about trying new things. Spring symbolizes God's promise of eternal life. It is a warm reminder of Christ's love for us all.

Blessed are You, Creator of seasons.

Welcome Back to Term 4

Welcome to the final term of the academic year. We trust that you and your students had a restful break and are prepared to embrace the exciting challenges and opportunities that Term 4 presents. This term is always a dynamic and engaging period, filled with various activities, final assessments, exams, camp and retreat opportunities and Early Start. We encourage Parents to support their students in maintaining their learning focus, seeking assistance when needed, and fully utilizing the resources available to them at the College. Please remember that classroom teachers, Teacher Advisors, and support staff are here to assist every step of the way.

For our Year 12 students, this term is particularly significant as they prepare to complete their secondary education. We understand that this can be a stressful period, but it is also a time of great achievement and anticipation for the future. We are here to support them through their final exams and beyond.

Year 12s Finishing
The Year 12 celebrations have officially commenced with House Farewells today. It was a day filled with tears, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia as students and staff came together to reflect on their journey. These assemblies have been a heartfelt reminder of the strong bonds formed over the years.

During the House Farewells, each house gathered to honour their Year 12 students. The events were marked by emotional speeches from both students and teachers, sharing memories and expressing gratitude. There were moments of joy as students reminisced about their achievements and the friendships they have built. The atmosphere was electric with a mix of excitement for the future and a touch of sadness as this chapter comes to a close.

The farewells were meticulously organised by House Leaders and led by a collaborative effort involving House Leaders, current and incoming House Captains, and Teacher Advisors. This collective effort ensured that each event was unique and memorable. The farewell assemblies were not just about saying goodbye but also about celebrating the journey and the growth of each student.

As we approach the final days, it is crucial for both VCE and VM students to finish the year on a positive note. We encourage you to support your children in doing the right thing, staying focused on their studies, and maintaining the high standards they have set for themselves. It is important for students to remember that they are representatives of our college, and their actions reflect on our entire community.

We want to highlight the importance of safe partying as students celebrate the end of their school journey. We urge them to make responsible choices. Parents, please talk to your children about looking out for one another, staying safe, and ensuring that their celebrations are enjoyable and respectful. The final day for Year 12 students will be held on Tuesday 22 October. Let’s make these last moments memorable and meaningful.

Next week, during their excel period, Year 12 students will attend the presentation “Whole New World” by Sonya Karras. Sonya Karras, a professional speaker and creator of the Whole New World program, has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and has worked with young people for many years. Her presentations cover a range of important topics, including:

• Drinking and Driving: Laws for P and L platers, stopping a friend from drinking and driving, and assessing intoxication before getting into a car.
• Alcohol Awareness: Standard drinks, how alcohol is processed, dangers of fast consumption, and harm minimisation.
• Legal Issues: Laws for underage possession and drinking in public, fines for fake IDs, and underage fines.
• Safety and Security: Dressing appropriately, security powers and use of force, and drink spiking.
• Health and Emergency: Intoxication and binge drinking, recovery position, calling an ambulance, and getting home safely.

For more information, parents can visit Whole New World - Parents.

For parents of students completing their exams, we recommend watching School TV’s special report on Year 12 exam stress. Your role is crucial in helping your children navigate this busy period. Your encouragement and support can greatly impact their ability to manage their workload and maintain a positive outlook. Please ensure that your children balance their study time with adequate rest and relaxation.
SPECIAL REPORT: Year 12 Exam Stress | Damascus College - Mount Clear

Student Leadership 2025
We are pleased to announce the student leadership positions for the upcoming year. Congratulations to all the newly elected leaders:

House Leaders will be guiding the process of electing the 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC) in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing the new leaders step up and make a positive impact on our school community.

Empowering Excellence: Preparing Year 12 Students for Success

As we approach the end of the academic year, our Year 12 students are at a decisive moment in their educational journey. This time is not only about completing their study requirements but also about meeting the necessary outcomes and preparing themselves for the final exams. With dedication and focus, students can empower themselves to excel in the coming weeks.

Completing Study Requirements

For many Year 12 students, the last few weeks are a race against the clock to complete all study tasks and assignments. These final tasks are essential for meeting course outcomes and ensuring students are in the best possible position to succeed. Teachers and students have been working closely to ensure that all assessments, SACs, and coursework are completed to a high standard. It is important for students to stay organised, manage their time effectively, and prioritise any remaining tasks.

At this stage, support is readily available from teachers and students are encouraged to seek guidance whenever needed. Open communication with their teachers can help students clarify any final uncertainties about content or deadlines, ensuring they stay on track to meet all required outcomes.

Meeting Academic Outcomes

Meeting academic outcomes is not just about getting through the content—it’s about demonstrating understanding and mastery of key concepts. Year 12 students need to reflect on the learning goals they have worked towards throughout the year, making sure they have solidified their knowledge and can apply it in different contexts.

Students should be reviewing their feedback from earlier assessments, identifying areas for improvement, and revising key concepts in preparation for their exams. This is a critical time to reinforce learning and make final adjustments to meet the outcomes of their subjects.

Preparing for Exams

For those students sitting exams, the importance of preparation cannot be overstated. Exam readiness involves not only mastering the content but also practising exam techniques. Engaging in timed practice exams, reviewing past papers, and becoming familiar with the exam format are all effective strategies to reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

Students should focus on balancing their study sessions with adequate rest, ensuring that they are mentally and physically prepared for the exam period. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness, regular breaks, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are crucial during this time. A healthy body and a clear mind are just as important as academic preparation.

The Path Ahead

As Year 12 students approach the final leg of their secondary education, it is important to remember that this is a time of great potential and opportunity. By staying focused, completing their study requirements, meeting their outcomes, and preparing diligently for their exams, students are positioning themselves for success.

Empowering excellence is about more than just getting through these final weeks; it’s about embracing the challenge, taking ownership of the learning process, and setting the foundation for future success. We wish all of our Year 12 students the best as they approach their final assessments and exams and prepare to take the next steps in their academic and personal journeys.

Our Junior Football squads took on Mercy Regional College, Camperdown, in the Annual battle for the McAuley Cup and Shield today at Sebastopol Football Club.

The Girl’s kicked of proceedings with a resounding win against a less experienced opponent, final scores Damascus 14. 8. 92 def Mercy 1. 1. 7.

Tessa Wilson was awarded the Best On Ground Medal with a dominant display in the midfield and she finished off her around the ground work with four goals.

Alice Glover was also quite prominent in front of goal with six majors.

The Boy’s came up against a much taller and stronger opponent but battled right until the end. Mercy kicked with a strong breeze in the last quarter to prevail in a close one.

Final scores Mercy 6. 6. 42 defeated Damascus 5. 4. 34.

All students displayed great teamwork, respect for the opposition and the umpires, as well as the senior students who helped officiate and assist on the day. They all should be proud of their efforts with a lot of fun had.

A huge thank you to the staff who coached and assisted on the day – Shaun O’Loughlin, Gerard Macklin, Hamish Walsh, Dani Skewes, Pat Dillon & Paul Blanchfield.

We look forward to travelling to Camperdown for the 2025 clash.

Year 10 Geography visited Sovereign Hill on Thursday 5^th September. They were investigating the impact of colonialisation and the goldrush on Ballarat’s environment. Andrew from Sovereign Hill explained how the land and its resources were used first by our Indigenous people. Then he explained the impacts of immigration and the goldrush on Ballarat and its surrounding environments.

The Year 10 students found out that Ballarat would have been hot and dusty in summer and very muddy in winter. The impact of thousands of prospectors meant that there was a mad rush to get gold and that Ballarat was changed forever.

The Art and Technology departments are excited to invite you to the opening of our VCE Visual Arts & Technology Exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our senior students. The exhibition will officially open Thursday the 17th October at 6pm in the Damascus Events Centre, where light refreshments will be served.

The exhibition will continue until the 23rd of October, offering you a chance to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and achievements of our VCE Visual Arts and Technology students. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!

Damascus College is excited to announce the 2025 student leadership team.

Congratulations to the 2025 College Captains Milan Pilmore and Joachim Henderson, who will proudly and diligently lead Damascus throughout next year.

Congratulations to the 2025 House Captains:

• Matilda Jones (McAuley House)

• India Ellis (McAuley House)

• Serae Hendrix (McAuley House)

• James Gunn (McAuley House)

• Luke Eddy (St Martin House)

• Anna Hodge (St Martin House)

• Kylan Jans (St Martin House)

• Henry Sexton (St Martin House)

• Ruby Byrne (Rice House)

• Angus Kasbach (Rice House)

• Ruby Lavery (Rice House)

• Bridie Orchard (Rice House)

• Armani Anderson (Xavier House)

• Elliot Bushell (Xavier House)

• Laura Stone (Xavier House)

• Marlin Phillips (Xavier House)

The College is excited to see all the wonderful initiatives these young leaders will bring to Damascus in 2025.

On Wednesday 11 September, Damascus College was delighted to host Grade 5 students and staff from St James, St Francis Xavier, and Emmaus for an exclusive preview of our production, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.

The energy and enthusiasm of the students truly brought the fairy tales to life with their lively participation and engagement adding an extra layer of excitement to the storytelling. It was great to see certain characters sparking lots of laughter and imaginative re-enactments from the students at the end of the show.

Thank you to all the primary schools for joining us for a fun-filled morning and experiencing the incredible performance delivered by our talented cast and crew.

At Damascus College, fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment is at the heart of our educational philosophy. Recently, our Year 8 students had the privilege of attending a special presentation by the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) Cultural Team, an experience that beautifully complemented their studies and broadened their understanding of Indigenous culture and history.

The presentation featured Tristain Harris, a Noongar man from just outside Perth, WA, and Daen Haby, a proud Gunditjmara woman from the Warrnambool area. Both are integral members of the BADAC Cultural Team, dedicated to spreading cultural knowledge throughout the Ballarat region. Their visit was particularly timely, as it tied into the Year 8 curriculum, which included the study of "Crow Country" last term. This book explores significant themes such as Indigenous connections to Country, the role of Indigenous soldiers in WWI, and the pervasive issue of racism in society.

Tristain, known for his exceptional didgeridoo skills, captivated the students with his musical talent and shared insights into his cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Daen engaged the students with her deep knowledge and passion for her Gunditjmara roots, offering a personal perspective that enriched the students' understanding of the topics discussed in "Crow Country."

This event exemplifies Damascus College's commitment to providing students with diverse learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, nurturing a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and history.

The Damascus College community is invited to a College Trivia Night on Friday 25 October, 6pm – 10pm.

This free event will be hosted by Shane Murphy and will be held at the Damascus Events Centre.

Damascus current parents, staff and members of the wider community are invited to join us for a trivia night, it promises to be a night full of fun activity, with raffles, games, and prizes to be won on the night.

Drinks at bar prices and BYO food. Any proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of a new College rowing boat.

Book your spot today at: https://www.trybooking.com/CVRJX

Please see following information in relation to a free Men's Health Seminar: