It has been a busy fortnight in the College calendar and l thank the many staff, students and families who have participated in the fullness of college life. Damascus is a busy and engaging community, there are many opportunities for students to pursue their own gifts and talents and l encourage all our students to challenge themselves and participate in a new and unknown activity. Research informs us that the busiest students are the most successful and greatly improve personal learning outcomes.

Last week l attended the Horizons VCE Exhibition – a celebration of the work of our VCE Arts and Technology students. I was so impressed by the calibre of student work and the richness of our student’s ability to express themselves and their individuality. I would like to thank Naomi Olthoff Arts Learning Area Leader and Tamzin Perkins Technology Area Leader who led our staff and teams with energy and creativity. I would like to thank all our teachers in the Arts and Technology Departments who work assiduously with our students to develop their ingenuity and creativity. The work displayed last week was testament of the many years of skill development along with careful and planned teaching.

I was able to visit our BAS Sports students on Wednesday afternoon, here l saw our junior students participate in friendly game of tennis, building skills, developing confidence and harnessing new skills. The BAS program relies heavily on the skills of Hamish Walsh and the many teachers who coach our teams and as a community we are grateful for their skills and time. Thank you.

The Sustainable Racing Team participated in a practice run for the B2B program last Thursday, riding between Ararat and Ballarat. With the weather causing challenges, the students demonstrated determination and perseverance, proving with hard work and planning, success can be achieved.

On Tuesday night the College celebrated its first Inaugural Open Night. We had three information sessions in the Damascus Events Centre and families were then invited on a tour, each led by one of our magnificent student leaders. I am so proud to see our students lead and speak with such confidence and passion about their College. I would also like to thank all our staff who worked to ensure the evening was a success and that the community could recognise the depth and calibre of our learning environment. The College has worked so hard to build an environment that models how we can be our best.

Wednesday we had our final Year 12 Assembly and gave thanks and acknowledged our Year 12 students. We are incredibly proud of these students who modelled tenacity, energy and passion during their final year. The students entertained and nourished our community and we wish them well in their upcoming exams and completion of Assessment Tasks and outcomes. We look forward to hearing of their success and their ability to give so graciously back to the community. I have included my farewell speech for those who maybe interested in reading.

Next week our Year 10 students are involved in Work Experience and Retreat Days or a Melbourne Experience we wish our students well as they journey on these important events. Students not participating in work experience are expected to attend all scheduled activities either at the College or on excursions. As we enter the final term l encourage all our students to complete their necessary assessment tasks and to finish their learning which exemplifies how they have been their best.

After much reflection the Teacher Advisor (TA) Interviews for Term 4 will not be occurring. I encourage all families to contact their students subject teacher or TA if they have any concerns. All families will have the opportunity to meet with their students TA to set learning goals early Term 1, 2024

With every blessing

Speech

Today we celebrate the completion of thirteen years of formal education. Today is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. I am incredibly proud of our year 12 students who started here at Damascus in 2018, bright eyed, excited and wearing oversized uniforms. I imagine you entered the College with excitement, fear and apprehension, but l know as you engaged in your learning, made new friends, found your way around this beautiful College and enjoyed the Year 7 Camp you felt right at home. Today after surviving and thriving post the pandemic, l see young people with new energy, new understandings of themselves and awareness of how quickly our world can change. I am see a group of young people who know how to have fun, be respectful to accept others no matter their identity, sexuality or race.

These young people sitting in front of me – have had the tenacity, courage and grit to finish this important milestone in their life; completing year 12 opens so many pathways – so many more training opportunities, apprenticeships and university pathways. These people have lived our mantra to be your best! As a Damascus community l ask that each one of us give a round of applause in congratulations.

These young people have completed their secondary school in a time of great uncertainty, fear and confusion – the COVID pandemic. They have shown that in tough times, the tough get going! They have found internal strength and perseverance to get the job done. At the beginning of the year l played the Sarah Basko song: I won’t run! These students have not run, they have been strong, determined and gutsy. They have modelled to our community everything that is wonderful about being at Damascus – BAS Rowing – who cannot forget the Head of the Lake and the energy of the chanting! The Athletics Carnival and Swimming Competition where they led their Houses with gusto and passion, the raising of the Aboriginal and Tores Island Flags, The Final Hours, International Women’s Day and our guest speaker for NAIDOC week, Year 11 & 12 Formal, The Addams Family and Damascus Day our Senior Arts/Technology Exhibition last week, the VM Breakfast club, these students took every opportunity and embraced learning and challenge with curiosity and genuine interest. Very little would rattle these young people because they were determined to bring the Damascus community together.

I am grateful for the leadership of Xavier Byrne, Sophie Busutill College Captains and Jess Hodge as SRC Leader supported by our House Captains. These students were determined to model student voice and participation.

The recent political activities – our referendum, the war in Russia and Ukraine and the recent turmoil in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel highlights the preciousness of human life and the vulnerability of relationships. Listen with the ear of your heart, do not judge, do not listen with preconceived ideas – be truly present to the other.

The conflict in our world, the lack of understanding between people highlights the need to celebrate and embrace our close relationships, to love our family, love our friends and embrace each and every opportunity. Forgive, forget, be compassionate and allow yourself to be vulnerable and to be loved.

This year these glorious young people have shown that challenges might set you back, effect your enthusiasm and spirit, but your own motivation, energy and optimism brings hope and joy. Today you are stronger and more resilient for the experience of your education that began with your parents at birth. What your secondary education has taught you is to take risks, sometimes, fall, get up again and to adjust your outlook, create a new plans and try again.

You are young people who have shown, lived and embodied the life of our Foundress Catherine McAuley. A woman of courage, determination and a deep desire to be in community with others, her family, her community and her God. Catherine McAuley opened her first school in Dublin in 1827, in 1881 the Sisters of Mercy began their pioneering work here in Ballarat, just 54 years after the opening of the first school. We have much to learn from these pioneering women who showed the power of an open mind, the power of service and the need to be courageous in leading a full life. A life that recognises the gift and sacredness of the other, the strength of service and learning more about ourselves and our God.

Recently some of you may have read about past Damascus students Sr Karon Donnellon RSM who has been elected to Institute Leader and Sr Elizabeth Moloney, to Institue Vicar, of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG). It is wonderful to see their hard work, passion, leadership and dedication being recognised as they lead the Sisters of Mercy for the next four years. I am wondering what would they have thought as they sat at their Year 12 Graduation. I believe that the young people in front of me will be leaders, pioneers and adventurous adults who challenge society and our community to become an even better place. A place of genuine inclusion, welcome and hospitality. I can see these young people as future political leaders, union delegates, premiers and prime ministers, CEO’s and leaders in their homes and community.

My advice to you today is remember these values and attributes as you leave the safety of Damascus College and enter into our world.

Power of an Open Mind: The mantra at the College be my best, challenges us to push ourselves outside our comfort zone, to extend our thinking and to remain open to new possibilities. Do not let your life be limited by your thinking and self perception or the perception of others. You can do anything with hard work, perseverance and reflective thinking. I urge you to keep learning with an open mind– each day, each hour, we are presented with opportunities to extend our thinking, to be better people.

The Power of Service: Each one of us has a responsibility to honour the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy. Think how you can be of service to the community whether it is coaching the local sporting team in Ballarat, becoming a Vinnies volunteer or a mentor for a young person ask yourself how am l making my community safe, connected and strong.

Be courageous: Be gracious, be open and have the courage to admit when you do not have the answers and you are wrong: seek the counsel of your loved one’s, your mates and your colleagues. Catherine McAuley could not have achieved her vision without bringing others on the journey, and Dared to Dream. The courage to dream and to be your own person.

In life we need to celebrate beginnings and endings. Today your chapter closes at Damascus College – your formal attendance is done. But l know with certainty you will always carry in your heart the Damascus Spirit, the friendships, your peers and your teachers. Stand Tall and be so proud of who you are and what you have achieved. The road is ahead of you and we, your College alumni will have your back as your traverse unknown paths, new journeys and new relationships.

As our final blessing l would like read a prayer from our College bookmark. Take this bookmark with you and keep it as a token of life learning and faith.

I invite our Year 12 students to read the prayer with me.

Feed the hungry

Give drink to the thirsty

Clothe the naked

Visit the imprisoned

Shelter the homeless

Visit the sick

Bury the dead

Forgive all injuries

Convert the sinner

Instruct the ignorant

Comfort the sorrowful

Counsel the doubtful

Bear wrongs patiently

Pray for the living and the dead.

Our Lady of Mercy, Pray for Us.

May you leave our College today with the strength and passion of Catherine McAuley.

With every blessing

Last night we welcomed over 350 attendees to our College for Open Night. In a changed and revamped format from years before, a wealth of activities were on offer throughout the evening for families to experience the fantastic opportunities available at the College. The majority of Staff were onsite to engage with families about their area of speciality. We were excited this year to have almost 200 Student volunteers support College tours and interactive activities for families to experience. The College will be open from 9.00am to 11.00am tomorrow (19 October 2023) for Open Morning for any families who could not make it to Open Night, or would like to see the College in action during a normal school day. Please register here.

The lead up to the Year 12 Final Day is always a tense one. You hope and pray that the College’s Senior Students show the respect and dignity to other Students and College property, that they have continued to display over their time. You also hope that silly decisions don’t ruin great relationships with the Staff that have supported them throughout their journey. I am delighted to say how proud we are of all our current Year 12 Students, and how they represented themselves over these days and, particularly, today on the final day of their secondary schooling. From their entrance to the College this morning, to the way they engaged in celebration before TA, to then presenting themselves with esteem and absolute regard as they conclude their final day – well done.

To Students who finish with us today, VCE VM or Students not sitting the exams, we wish you well for your chosen pathway ahead. For VCE Students sitting exams, we wish you all the best as you begin your examination period. Please don’t forget that your Year 12 Teachers are still here to assist you in the lead up to your exams.

A big congratulations needs to go to the Parents and Carers of our Year 12 Students. Thankyou for your support over the journey with the College, and for your continual engagement through TA Interviews, information evenings or family discussions. We are honoured to work with you and your young person and congratulate you on getting to this point. For families who’s connection to the College draws to a close for your youngest Student…thankyou. Thankyou for your support and partnering with us in your Student’s education. We look forward to celebrating with you, and all families, at the upcoming Graduation Ceremony in November.

Ron Matthews Shield

Today at the Year 12 Final Assembly I had the privilege of announcing the Ron Matthews Shield. Ron was a staff member of Damascus College in the early years of the College. Prior to that, he taught at Sacred Heart College. Ron was a great community member and gave a great deal to the Students under his care. Ron was always looking for what would be in the best interests of the Students to take them into the future. In the early years of Damascus, Ron was diagnosed with cancer and sadly lost his battle in June 2001. To sustain his memory as a much loved and respected friend, teacher and member of our community, the Ron Matthews Shield was established to give Students the incentive to strive to do their best in various areas of school life in a spirit of friendly competition. Our points towards this year’s shield began in Term 4 of 2022, so the Year 12’s can share in the announcement at their Final Assembly.

I congratulate our Senior Arts and Technology Students on the exhibition displayed last week at the Damascus Events Centre. The quality of Student work in Art, Media Studies, Visual Communication, Photography and Technology was excellent. Congratulations and thankyou to the Arts and Tech Teams for facilitating this.

We keep in our prayers our graduating Students and their families.

Last Thursday I had the privilege of accompanying the Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) on their practice run for Broken Hill to Ballarat (B2B). Despite some atrocious weather, at times, the team was able to complete a practice ride from Ararat to Ballarat without any setbacks. I want to acknowledge the work of Alan Strange and Rachael Beardall who were able to guide the students in working independently throughout the day. Alan and Rachael had the confidence in the students to work together, discuss, evaluate the situation and then implement a plan. It was awesome to watch the team operate with unconditional respect of one another.

A highlight for me was when students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary school in Ararat left their classroom and watched our crew getting ready for their practice run. The Grade 1 students had many questions that our students were able to respond to. Yet another incidental example of the broad learning that takes place in this program.

Damascus College Uniform in 2024

At Damascus College we are proud of our students and how they present within the College and broader community. Wearing the uniform correctly and appropriately is a continued focus for us at Damascus College. The College uniform helps to establish a sense of pride and belonging to our community. Students are expected to wear the complete uniform whilst at the College, travelling to and from the College and when attending College functions, unless otherwise directed.

Over the last two years the School Representative Council (SRC) have encouraged leadership to consider aspects of the current uniform which they believe requires some consideration and review. As a leadership team we are aware that there needs to be consistency and longevity in any uniform policy, however we are respectful to adjustments that may need to be made that reflect a changing and contemporary society. We offer the opportunity for our community to provide some feedback which will allow the leadership team to consider appropriate change to our uniform. We would ask that you complete this survey Damascus College Uniform by Monday 30 October 2023.

Following this, a Uniform Committee consisting of Leadership, Parents/Carers and Students will unpack the survey results and consider the appropriateness of change.

Sustainability in Schools

This week, Damascus College hosted the Sustainability in Schools Ballarat network meeting organised by ResourceSmart. It was an opportunity to learn about innovative projects in other schools and gain insights and information from presenters who are working on various projects across Ballarat.

In particular, there was an inspiring presentation from Adam Slater from Zero Plastics who has developed a way to recycle plastic into amazing products such as notebook covers, planters and sunglasses frames using only milk bottle top lids. Adam was able to share interesting tips including this fun fact - it takes 111 lids to make a clipboard.

We also heard from Ellen Burns from the Hidden Orchard. Ellen shared her experience of starting up a volunteer project that serves the community by harvesting fruit that can then be distributed to families. They also run pruning workshops and kitchen groups that assists unemployed people in gaining skills in cooking.

The City of Ballarat was also represented and shared information on some of their exciting initiatives, including a fruit tree planting for public places program.

Damascus College is an active member of ResourceSmart and we look forward to continuing that association and growing our ideas for a more sustainable future.

Year 12 Graduation

All year 12’s gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral this week to prepare for their final Eucharistic celebration. Once again, it was a delight having the students come together for the planning and preparation and enthusiastically volunteering to take on roles to make this a very special expression of faith.

As we gather to celebrate the incredible journey of our Year 12 Students, it's a momentous occasion to reflect upon the six years they've spent here at Damascus College. Throughout this time, our College has strived to shape well-rounded individuals, fostering their growth in line with our cherished Damascus attributes. Today, we proudly acknowledge the transformation these Students have undergone as they prepare to complete their last outcomes in both VCE and VCE VM as they embark on their journey towards their final exams.

Embracing the Damascus Attributes

At Damascus College, we have always upheld the values outlined in our Damascus attributes, guiding our Students toward becoming whole, compassionate individuals. These attributes serve as pillars of our educational philosophy and define the kind of graduates we aim to produce:

1. Gospel Focus in the Mercy Tradition: Our Students are encouraged to live with a sense of joy and wonder, recognizing life and the world as precious gifts. They commit to upholding human dignity, the common good, sustainability, justice, and peace, showing a creative and constructive acceptance of hardship in the spirit of Christian freedom and hope.
2. Self-awareness and Emotional Wellbeing: Our Students develop self-awareness, respect the uniqueness of every individual and appreciate human diversity. They cultivate flexibility, resilience and the ability to give and accept constructive feedback. They act with integrity, foster inclusiveness, demonstrate empathy and take responsibility for their actions.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students are equipped with knowledge and skills that enable them to apply their learning reflectively, creatively, critically and practically in diverse contexts. This preparation empowers them to lead ethically, work autonomously and collaborate effectively when responding to future challenges.
4. Cultural Awareness: Damascus College Students are encouraged to understand, respect and embrace the cultures and traditions of First Nations people and multicultural Australia, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity.
5. Global Citizenship: Our Students recognise their role and responsibility in the wider world. They actively engage in their communities, working collaboratively to create a more peaceful, sustainable and just planet.

Motivation for the Final Stretch

As our Year 12s approach the final leg of their educational journey, it's essential to consider the role of motivation in their success. As Dan Pink wisely said "The science shows that the secret to high performance isn’t our biological drive, but our deep-seated desire to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world.” This wisdom serves as a reminder that motivation comes from within and, as our students pursue their last outcomes and exams, their intrinsic motivation will be a powerful force driving their success.

The Pride of Personal Growth

We cannot overlook the remarkable personal growth our Year 12 Students have undergone during their time at Damascus College. Their journey has not only been about academic achievement but also the development of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. These skills, including confidence, resilience, perseverance, organisation and engaging in respectful relationships, are the foundation for success in all aspects of life. Witnessing the growth in these areas fills us with immense pride.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our Year 12 Students, we also look to the future. They are not just the torchbearers of their own dreams, but they also inspire our Students from Years 7-11. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the values that Damascus College holds dear. We are confident that they will continue to shine as they embark on their next chapter, serving as beacons of hope and inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the incredible journey they've undertaken. The values of the Damascus attributes have been woven into their lives, making them compassionate, purpose-driven individuals. Let their journey inspire all our Students and may their futures be filled with success, happiness and the realisation of their dreams.

Despite horrendous weather on Thursday 12^th October the SRT team safely completed a B2B (Broken Hill to Ballarat) practice run from Ararat to Ballarat in around 5 hours. Our students (6 riders + 8 crew) rode 120km in our newly refurbished ‘B2B’ aero trike. It was a challenging day given the conditions but our students rose to the occasion magnificently! Great initiative was shown when unexpected situations arose and the comradery between all was just a joy to be a part of. We even had a spontaneous visit from very interested Grade 1 & 2 students in Ararat while preparing for departure!

It's been a long and at times frustrating journey in getting the ‘B2B’ trip off the ground and although the 5-day event is to happen in May next year, yesterday was a practice and systems check day to give the students the exposure to a road type experience that we have not done for 14 years. Typical road speeds our students were achieving were around 50-70 km/h in our carbon fibre aero trike designed and built entirely here at Damascus College by the SRT crew. For comparison most average bike riders would travel at 18-25km/h on a similar journey. Big smiles all around when we returned to our SRT Hub, and a great sense of achievement shared by all.

We can’t wait now for next years full journey of B2B when we will be raising money for the Fiona Elsey Foundation in memory of Connor Prunty and will be live broadcasting the entire event to our community. Roll on May 2024!!

Alan Strange and Rachael Beardall

On Friday our Year 11 Specialist Mathematics students were making use of the portable whiteboards in the St Martin’s Resource Centre to do some peer-teaching with La Trobe University pre-service teacher Hiroto Hoashi.

The Specialist Mathematics course is an extension of the Mathematical Methods course which provides a study of simple elementary functions of a single real variable, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. Students who wants to study Mathematics, Engineering, Algorithmics or Analytics at a tertiary level, are encouraged to study Specialist Mathematics.

It was wonderful to see our students so engaged, and collaborative learning taking place.

The new season of Damascus College Rowing is off to a flying start.

The first 2 weeks of the new season have seen Damascus students, in years 7 through 11 rowing on the lake, training on the ergo machines and lifting weights in the gym. This season is shaping up to be a fantastic experience for all rowers and coxes with many rewarding challenges to come.

If you're interested in Rowing, please contact Paul Blanchfield, Damascus College Rowing Coordinator.

Monday 9 October was the opening of the VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition, which is exhibiting works by talented Art Making & Exhibiting, VCD, Media, Product Design & Technology and Systems Engineering Damascus students.

Year 12 Damascus students poured their hearts and souls into creating breathtaking works that explore a wide range of themes, styles, and mediums. From stunning paintings to mind-bending digital art and everything in between, these young artists have left the community in awe of their creativity and dedication.

The exhibition is not only a showcase of artistic prowess but also a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of supporting emerging artists.

The audience was also fortunate to welcome back past student Luke Butler, Class of 2005, who is a highly sought-after communications and marketing expert with extensive knowledge in advertising, public relations and media, to open the exhibition.

Huge congratulations to all the Year 12 students who contributed their incredible work to the VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition. Your work has left a lasting impression on the Damascus community!

As the time draws near for our Year 12 students to leave Damascus College we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of students who undertook Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements in Semester 2.

Structured workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to integrate on-the-job experience with secondary study as part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

We have been delighted with the feedback from workplaces. Our students have developed and exhibited exemplary work ethics, compassion, and professionalism and demonstrated their commitment to being their best.

We wish our Year 12 students all the very best in their final weeks and the very best for the exciting journey that lies ahead as they embark on their next chapter. Congratulations class of 2023

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImSupported

Recently, Year 7 Student Isabeau Turner (as pictured below) competed in the Royal South Street Prepare Speech Competition.

Her amazing speech, as seen below, placed third which is an incredible result.

We are very proud of you Isabeau!

The Importance of Queer Inclusivity in Education

I would like to begin by saying that America has faced much controversy recently with new legislation in many states prohibiting schools from using a curriculum or discussing topics of gender identity or sexual orientation. Opponents have called this the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ movement. This is not a campaign we want to see in Australia. I firmly believe that queer inclusivity, and LGBTQIA+ representation and pride is an important aspect of education – and this is what I will be talking about today. Our queer youth need safe spaces, representation, and a world that is diverse and open-minded. It is unquestionable that now, more than ever, we need to understand the importance of queer inclusivity in education.

Firstly, this is important because queer youth can see themselves represented in their schools and communities. If they see and are taught about people like them, it is telling them that it is okay to be who they are. It empowers them. If we don’t speak about it, if we act like the topic of being queer is taboo, or if it is inappropriate or dirty, then it is like trying to erase a generation of LGBTQIA+ youth. In Australia, approximately 11% of people identify as being queer. But what does queer actually mean? As per the Cambridge dictionary, queer is defined as having or relating to a gender identity or a sexuality that does not fit society’s traditional ideas about gender or sexuality. Please note the phrase society’s traditional ideas. We live in a world where being heterosexual and cisgender is the default, but by representing LGBTQIA+ people in our education systems, we could show every sexuality and gender identity as being valid.

In this world, many queer youth are in danger and in need of a safe space in their schools, something which, sadly, many may not have at home. In fact, a United States survey by the Trevor Project found that only 1 in 3 queer youth found their home to be LGBTQIA+ affirming. Being in an inclusive school can provide queer youth with access to mental health and counselling services that they might not be able to find elsewhere, which could greatly benefit them, and even save lives. The Trevor Project also found that, in 2021, 42% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considered suicide. They also found that nearly half of queer youth wanted counselling from a mental health professional but did not or could not receive it. Making schools positive places for queer inclusivity could supply more LGBTQIA+ young people with the counselling and support that they need, and make safer, more welcoming spaces for them.

As well as reducing harm, diversity in education can also increase understanding. As I stated previously, being heterosexual and cisgender is regarded as the default, as ingrained in us from a young age by pop culture, the media, and people around us. This means that kids who are different from society’s ‘normal’ get targeted by bullies in schools. In fact, a study by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that 80% of homophobic bullying occurs in schools, and various studies by the GLSEN found that 82% of queer students had problems during the previous year with physical and verbal harassment due to their sexual orientation. To counteract this negativity, I believe that queer inclusivity in education is important because it stresses our differences but celebrates and values our diversity, making a generation of kids who are kinder, more inclusive, and more accepting towards queer people.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that we must include queer and LGBTQIA+ topics in education – to represent queer people, to make sure that they have safe and supportive spaces, and to promote diversity and open-mindedness. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” If we have LGBTQIA+ inclusive education, we can change the world for queer people.

Thank you.

Damascus College Year 11 student Brodie Murnane has won the bronze medal for his age group at the Chess State finals.

Brodie won six out of eight games in this competition involving the best 300 players in secondary schools from across Victoria.

Congratulations Brodie on an outstanding result.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

Recently, our year 12 Drama students celebrated their final performance final showcase for the year. The last time this class had been on stage was earlier this year as a collective in their VCE Drama ensemble ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. This three night season which premiered on the 24th of May was a credit to the talents of the students undertaking the study of senior drama this year.

On Thursday some of these same students took to the stage to unveil their solo performances created for their upcoming performance exam. This event helped provide an important preview and rehearsal to the main event next Friday afternoon.

The solo performance is one of the most active and challenging of exams. On direct show is the individual themselves. Such is the nature of performance and why nights such as this are so important to our student’s development. The task requires students to create an original performance based on prescribed characters and stimulus. This is assessed in a live performance by a panel of external examiners using set criteria. Through extensive research, improvisation, scriptwriting and rehearsal the finished product is formed.

The evening comprised of a range of characters including Rumpleteaser from ‘Cats’, the inept Lawyer from ‘The Castle’, an attendant from the court of Henry the 8th and a backstage crew member determined that the show must go on.

As they took to the stage for the last time it was fitting to recognize how much this extraordinary group of young people have contributed to the artistic and cultural life of our College over the past six years. They will be greatly missed.

ANDREW SEEARY -Performing Arts Coordinator—Drama

Damascus College are currently working with Headspace Ballarat to facilitate Community Impressions Focus Groups.

We are inviting students, staff, parents, and caregivers to collaborate with us in focus groups aimed at collecting community perspectives on youth suicide.

Together, we can explore avenues to enhance safety and create a more supportive environment within our community.

More information on the survey can be found via the QR code in the Permission form attached below, or here.

We will be conducting the Student session during TA on Tuesday 24^th October 2023.

If your student would like to participate, we ask that you sign the Permission form attached and email it to Claudia Griffin (Coordinator Student Counselling Services); c.griffin@damascus.vic.edu.au

We will be running the Parent and Carers session 6.00pm-7.00pm on Wednesday 25^th October 2023, at the College.

If you are available at this time and would like to register your own interest, please email Claudia Griffin with your name, any dietary requirements and any questions that you may have.

Thank you for taking the time to support the College and raise awareness on the importance of Youth Mental Health.

School Flyer Wellbeing Youth Suicide Prevention Project

Permission for Students to engaged in project

Please see following information on an eSafety presentation around online safety:-

Interested in playing basketball? If so, please see the information following: -