It's been a bustling couple of weeks at the College, and I remain deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone in our community. Damascus is a place that celebrates and uplifts each member as we strive to embody the Reign of God in our daily lives. The Kingdom of God is present in our relationships and actions that support one another, urging us to recognise both the face of God and our shared humanity.

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome over 200 families during our Open Night and Open Mornings. It’s always inspiring to showcase the diverse pathways available to our students, the rich faith experiences, and the innovative approaches in learning, faith, and wellbeing. Our staff and students were exceptional ambassadors, providing new families with a warm welcome into the Damascus community. Students spoke passionately and proudly about their College, highlighting their experiences.

On Thursday evening, during the annual VCE Visual Art and Technology Exhibition, the special guest speaker was esteemed past student Justin Weyers, Class of 1997. We were also delighted to welcome Hallie Vermeend, the 2024 Alumni Art Prize Winner from the Class of 2019, who showcased her award-winning submission inspired by the Mercy Values. The student artwork and technology displays were remarkable, reflecting the creativity, energy, and passion of our young people, who exemplify the integrity and individuality nurtured through their studies in Arts and Technology

Yesterday, we bid farewell to our Year 12 students, starting with a celebratory pancake breakfast and culminating in an Assembly with family and friends. A heartfelt thank you to our staff who organised the day, and to the families and friends who joined us in celebrating this significant milestone. This Year 12 cohort is our largest yet, a fact reflected in the attendance of families. I've included an edited version of my speech. Next week, our Year 12 students will begin their VCE exams, and we hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

"I am incredibly proud of our Year 12 students, who began their journey at Damascus in 2019, bright-eyed and wearing oversized uniforms. I also want to recognise the many students who joined us at various points along the way. Each of us started with a mix of nervousness, hope, and joy. As you engaged in learning, made new friends, and found your place, I know you grew more at ease. Today, having navigated the challenges of the pandemic, I see young people brimming with new energy and insights into themselves and the world around them. You embody the values of living in the light of Christ, treating others with respect regardless of their identity, sexuality, or race.

These young individuals have completed their secondary education during a time of great uncertainty brought on by the COVID pandemic. They have displayed remarkable strength and perseverance to reach this point.

Earlier this year, I played the Drew Holcomb song "Find Your People." These students have recognised those who energise them and accept them unconditionally. They’ve showcased the best of Damascus through various events: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, Damascus Day, our meaningful smoking ceremony, and House Day Assemblies. Who could forget the excitement of the Year 12 Retreat or the camaraderie at Head of the Lake? The Athletics Carnival and Swimming Competition, along with the senior boys’ football grand final at Grammar, have also been highlights. Last week, Justin Weyers inspired us to be BOLD, BRAVE, and AUDACIOUS.

I am grateful for the leadership of Lucas Wells and Paris Govan, our College Captains, and Caleb Smith as SRC Leader, along with our exceptional House Captains. Their commitment to fostering student voice and participation has been commendable.

As we navigate a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, including the upcoming US elections and local issues here in Ballarat, it’s clear that we need to cultivate understanding among one another. As we move further into the 21st century, let us learn to embrace authentic relationships, be open to others, and seek new solutions to the challenges we face. I encourage you, as young adults, to listen with the ears of your heart and to appreciate and understand differences. The pandemic has fostered fear and suspicion, but I urge our Year 12s to embody hope, optimism, and genuine care. Now is the time to cherish our close relationships, love our families and friends, and seize every opportunity. Remember to forgive, let go, show compassion, and allow yourself to be vulnerable and loved.

This year, you glorious young people have demonstrated that challenges may set you back, but your motivation, energy, and optimism can bring hope and joy. Today, you stand stronger and more resilient due to the experiences gained throughout your education, which began with your parents. I hope your time at secondary school has taught you to take risks, learn from your mistakes, and embrace new beginnings. In life, the only real guarantee is that the sun will rise each day, offering new opportunities to strive for your best."

As you move forward, remember the Mercy values of:

• Compassion
• Courage
• Service
• Hospitality
• Justice
• Respect

With every blessing,

Steven

Please see following important key dates for Damascus College

Tuesday October 29 - VCE Exams begin

Monday November 4 - Student Free Day

Tuesday November 5 - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Monday November 11 - Year 9 Camp Begins

Lake Mungo Immersion 2025

Damascus College is offering 20 students from the 2025 Years 8, 9 and 10, the opportunity to travel to the remote First Nations homelands of Lake Mungo in New South Wales. This will be a 5-day program where students will be immersed in remote Indigenous culture and history.

Lake Mungo is a sacred cultural land with thousands of years of ancient history. It is a significant world heritage area, and we are excited to offer this opportunity to our students.

The tour company, Red Earth will lead the immersion. They are professional cultural immersion facilitators, who will connect with the Traditional Owners of Country and ensure students gain the full benefits of this extraordinary adventure.

Online Parent Information Session

If you and your child are interested in the immersion and wish to learn more, there will be an opportunity to meet Kelly Petering from Red Earth, online.

Kelly will be presenting an online parent information session on Tuesday 29 October 2024 at 7pm.

Please register and join us online by scanning the QR code attached or by clicking the link below

Damascus College & Red Earth Immersion - Parent Information Evening (humanitix.com)

Year Levels attending: the immersion is open to students in Year 9, 10 and 11 in 2025. (Currently Year 8, 9 and 10 students.)

Date: 13 – 17 October 2025.

Contacts: If you have any enquiries, please contact the College on 5337 2222 and ask to speak to:

Sharon Lehtonen-Assistant Principal Catholic School Culture

Alexander Jameson – First Nations Student Support Officer

Year 10 Retreat: Monday 11 November - Wednesday 13 November

Year 10 students who are not participating in a Work Experience placement will have the opportunity to engage in days of activities as part of their annual Retreat days. The activities will be around the theme of Caring for All of God’s Creation.

Day 1: facilitated by the Youth Mission Team on campus at Damascus College.

Day 2: students will travel to Melbourne for a workshop with The Big Issue magazine that supports homeless and disadvantaged people. The students will then embark on a Big City Search and visit various locations around the city in groups.

Day 3: facilitated by Juliet Talarico who is connected to Young Mercy Links. Juliet will focus on environmental justice and climate change issues. This will be held on campus at Damascus College.

Thursday and Friday, students will be expected to attend school for their usual classes.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for learning , reflection and fun. Students are expected to attend all three days of the Retreat.

Gratitude and Support for Our Year 12 Families and their Students

As your child nears the conclusion of their journey at Damascus College, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for your incredible support over the past six years. This milestone, shared by your child and family alike, marks a significant achievement, one born of patience, hard work, and the love you have shown as they have navigated their school life.

We recognise that this final stretch, leading into exams, can feel both exciting and daunting. However, as always, you are not alone in this process. We want to reassure you that all Year 12 teachers are available to support students undertaking VCE and VCE VM. Our teachers are ready and provide guidance during their allocated times, as per each student's timetable. We ask that you encourage your child to proactively seek help should they feel the need, ensuring they can take full advantage of these resources.

Your Role in Supporting Exam Preparation

We know that families often wonder how best to help their student during the exam and final assessment period, so we have compiled some evidence-based study techniques that can make a significant difference in their preparation:

1. Spaced Repetition: Research consistently shows that long-term retention is best achieved by spacing out study sessions over time. Encourage your student to review material regularly, revisiting key concepts in smaller chunks rather than cramming the night before. This allows the brain time to process and integrate information into long-term memory.
2. Active Recall: Passive reading can give a false sense of mastery, so it is important that students engage with material through active recall. Encourage your student to quiz themselves, write down answers from memory, or explain concepts aloud. This practice helps them retrieve information more efficiently during exams.
3. Practice Exams and Timed Conditions: The most effective way to reduce exam anxiety and improve performance is through practice. Encourage your student to work through past exam papers in timed conditions, not only to simulate the pressure of exam day but to refine their time management skills. This will also help them identify areas that may need further revision.
4. Healthy Habits: During this time, it is important that your student maintains a healthy routine. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and nutritious meals all contribute to cognitive function and overall well-being. Encouraging breaks during study time is equally important sometimes, stepping away can give clarity to a challenging topic when they return.
5. Goal Setting and Structure: A common struggle during exam preparation is a lack of direction. Encourage your student to set clear, achievable goals for each study session, breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps. Whether it is mastering a specific topic or reviewing a chapter, having a focus will make each session more productive and give them a sense of accomplishment.
6. Stress Management and Mindfulness: Exam periods are notorious for causing stress. You can help your child manage this by promoting mindfulness practices, whether through breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a walk to clear their mind. Emotional resilience is a crucial aspect of exam success, and calmness under pressure often leads to better results.
7. Positive Reinforcement: Sometimes the best thing you can offer is reassurance. Remind your child of how far they have come and the hard work they have already put in. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, and help them approach this period with a balanced mindset, one where effort is just as valuable as the outcome.

Wisdom for This Transition

As your student embarks on this final stage, it is important to remember that exams are not the sole determinant of their future. Life’s journey is rich and varied, with success defined by more than academic results. Encourage them to keep perspective, knowing that every experience, whether challenging or triumphant, shapes their growth and resilience.

As the philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This exam period is not just about the knowledge they’ve acquired but also about the life skills they have developed: perseverance, adaptability and self-discipline. These are the traits that will carry them forward, no matter the path they take after Damascus.

Once again, thank you for your dedication and support. You have helped cultivate young adults who will make their mark in the world, and we are honoured to have been part of that journey with you. We look forward to celebrating their achievements together in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, we proudly farewelled our remarkable Year 12 cohort, reflecting on their journey over the past few years. This group has shown incredible resilience, particularly as they navigated the challenges posed by COVID lockdowns and remote learning. Their ability to adapt, remain positive, and continue to thrive speaks volumes about their character. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them and wish them the very best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives—whether it be entering the workforce, travelling, sitting for their final exams, or embracing the new adventures life has to offer.

The occasion was made even more special with parents, grandparents, and families in attendance, many of whom have been with their children through every step of this journey. Their pride was evident as they watched their children and grandchildren take this significant step, marking the close of one chapter and the start of another. These moments of shared celebration strengthen the enduring bond between families and the school, and we are always grateful for their support.

It was also heartening to see familiar faces from previous graduating classes returning to witness their younger siblings’ milestones at Damascus College. This continuity and sense of community are central to the spirit of our school, and reconnecting with our alumni always brings us great joy.

A cherished tradition at Damascus is the signing of the School Flag by each graduating class. Under the four house colours, the Year 12s leave their mark on this symbol of unity and achievement. This year, the Class of 2024’s flag will be proudly displayed in the DEC foyer during their exam period, serving as a visible reminder of their presence and the journey they’ve completed. Once exams are over, the flag will take its rightful place in the John Shannon Centre alongside those of previous graduating classes, a lasting tribute to their time at Damascus. As reunions approach, the Class of 2024 will look forward to seeing their flag again, reconnecting with old friends, and reminiscing about the memories they have made together.

A particularly touching moment came when we spoke with a former student who had returned to watch her youngest brother finish his time at Damascus. This marked the last of their siblings to graduate after 15 years of the family’s involvement with the school. She shared her pride in knowing her brother’s name would soon join hers and her other siblings on the John Shannon Centre wall, continuing a family legacy that will remain a part of the College’s history.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our Year 12s as they step into the world. Their futures are bright, and we eagerly await all they will accomplish!

On Thursday 10 October a selection of Damascus College graduating drama students took to the stage to unveil their solo performances created for their performance exam. This event helped provide an important preview and rehearsal to the main event on Saturday 12th.

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.

As they took to the stage for the last time that night the audience was reminded of how much this extraordinary group of young people have contributed to the artistic and cultural life of our College over the past six years. Well done to all involved.

On Tuesday 8 October, Damascus College hosted an Information Evening for the parents and carers of the 2025 Year 7 students.

The Damascus Events Centre was filled with new families eager to learn more about their children’s upcoming start at Damascus College.

Throughout the evening, families received information on various topics to prepare their Year 7 children’s commencement at Damascus, including College expectations, overview of social and emotional learning, curriculum details, restorative practices, and communication platforms for parents and carers.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to welcoming the 2025 Year 7 cohort in Term 1 next year.

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

Year 9 Camp Information Evening

We are pleased to invite you to an Information Night regarding the upcoming Year 9 Camp.

Date: 23 October 2024

Time: 7.00pm

Location: Online via MS Team (previously sent to Year 9 students.)

We encourage you to join this session to ask any questions you may have about the camp and to receive important information regarding the itinerary, safety measures, and what your child will need to bring. Your participation is highly valued as it ensures that all parents are well-informed and prepared for this exciting event.

Should you have any immediate questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email. We look forward to your attendance.

Paul Briody 

p.briody@damascus.vic.edu.au

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online and on social media. You can help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. You can explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules and boundaries.

Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about online safety.

The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident.

The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe happens online, and where to reach out to for more support.

The fact sheets are available in 19 community languages. They are:

• Student fact sheet (secondary): how secondary students can have a healthy relationship with social media, recognise online exploitation and what to do if something goes wrong online.
• Parent fact sheet (primary): helps parents and carers prepare their child to be safe on social media even if they don’t use it yet, by building good online habits.
• Parent fact sheet (secondary): helps parents and carers support their child to be safe online, recognise signs they need help and know what to do if they have an unsafe online experience.

The government is also launching public consultation on age limits for social media.

You and your children can share your experiences to inform proposed changes via an online survey, before 5 pm on Friday 1 November 2024. For more information on the survey and to take part, refer to Proposed changes to social media age limits on the Engage Victoria website.

If you have any queries about this information, you can contact the department by email: bullystoppers@education.vic.gov.au

Welcome back to Term 4, it’s been wonderful to see Term 4 BAS Sport commence smoothly with 80 students representing the college on a weekly basis. See below the list of sports available, it’s never too late to sign up, so please let me know if you are keen! A huge thank you to the staff who have run training sessions and helped get the season underway with a minimum of fuss.

*Please email Mr. Gavin Webb if you have any questions g.webb@damascus.vic.edu.au

Key Dates – Term 4

The DOBSON onsite uniform shop will be closed Monday 4 November and Tuesday 5 November.

Thank you

For the first time in the 2024-25 rowing season, our Damascus rowers loaded the boat trailer for the season commencing Bendigo regatta. The morning of the regatta started with ringing alarms well before 5 am, and soon after, we were traveling together on the bus. Many students decided to nap during the drive to ensure optimal racing performance, however, we had a few early birds who thought it was appropriate to blast their base-boosted music. We arrived at the regatta and stepped out of the bus into a delightful sunny morning with a slight breeze coming down the course. After rigging the boats and setting up the marquee, it was racing time! Leading our participation in the regatta, were the senior single scullers, junior boy’s quad, intermediate girls double, and senior mixed four who raced in the first bracket. All these crews raced amazing races, highlighting their dedication and commitment during training. It was great to see our connection as a program in cheering for our peers, which continued to be shown throughout the day!

Brackets 2 and 3 of the regatta saw many of our intermediate and junior girl's crews storm down the course. With friendly rivalry and massive support from our marquee on the bank, the crews truly showed what it meant to race with Damascus pride. During this part of the regatta, coaches Harrison Kennet and Paris Goven willingly nominated to cox the boats, and they highlighted that their expertise had not left them. While our crews were racing and relaxing in the sun, we were thankful to have a team of parents and Damascus staff who organised a delicious lunch. The meat and salad rolls, with a refreshing drink from the eski, certainly energized all of our rowers and prepared them for the final races of the day.

The final bracket of the day saw 4 of our crews take to the course. Our junior boys ended the day with their great final race, coming second and exiting the water with a huge smile on each one of their faces. The intermediate girls double and senior girls 4 took to the water for a final time and rowed quality races which were great to spectate and support from the sidelines. The senior and intermediate boys joined together to form a quad, which certainly was fast! Joah Henderson, Oscar Henderson, Will Cattanach and Jasper Bowler's extreme power output and some great coxing from Leuca Henderson plus support from Mr. and Mrs. Henderson on the bank, the quad was able to cross the finish line in first place and win themselves a mug.

After loading up the trailer and getting back on the bus, the trip back on the bus was certainly a quiet one, as all the crew members were tired from their amazing racing efforts throughout the day. We thank all the coaches, parents, staff, bus drivers, and students for making our first regatta of the season a blast. It highlighted many qualities such as determination, teamwork, support, and selflessness which our rowers have developed over the past few months of training.

We look forward to taking it to the opponents at our next regatta!

Go Damascus!

Joah Henderson, Catherine Coad & Meg Mason

Rowing Leadership Group

Year 8 student Archer Sutton recently ventured to Perth to participate in the Hockey National Championships representing the Victorian U14 team.

The team were undefeated in their 11 pool matches against the other states and territories and ended up with a silver medal after being defeated by Western Australia in the grand final.

Well done to Archer, after 12 weeks of training in Melbourne 2-3 times a week, the hard work has certainly paid off.

Please see following information on how to join your local Scout Group ion Mt Clear: