The month of November is the month of Remembrance in the Catholic Tradition and we begin the month with All Saints Day on Friday 1 November. All Souls Day, observed on Saturday 2 November, is part of a three-day tradition that begins with Halloween and culminates in All Saints Day. Last week l was struck by the acceptance of Halloween rituals in Ballarat, l was reminded each time l entered a supermarket or walked down Sturt Street. I was wondering how can the significance of Halloween be understood on our Catholic Tradition. While Halloween is often celebrated with costumes and the American notion of ‘trick or treat’, it is rooted in the deeper meaning of “All Hallows’ Eve,” the night before we honour saints who have lived lives of faith and virtue. But on this day we remember close family and friends who are saintly in our eyes, they may not be revered like the Saints of the Church, but they are people of hope, love and humility who share in God’s Kingdom.

On All Souls Day, we pause to remember and pray for the souls of our loved ones who have passed. We remember those we have loved who have filled a special place in our lives, in our homes and in our family’s journey. We prayer for those departed but we ask those who have died to prayer for us. This day emphasises the communion, of people of the past, present and future. We share with those who came before us, reinforcing our belief that the living and deceased remain connected through faith, love, and prayer.

This year at Damascus many families’ have experienced grief, loss and uncertainty and today we continue to prayer for strength and courage to support those who have died and support one another.

Students are currently in the middle of a very heavy assessment period. I encourage families to engage with the Parent Access Module (PAM) to support your student in fulfilling the learning demands of their respective subjects and to affirm students endeavors. There are many exams taking place currently and this does cause anxiety. Keep reminding students that our exams are an opportunity to learn and refine technique. It is important to keep looking for growth for students and to take a growth mindset in seeing the opportunities that they present.

Next week the College offers diverse learning opportunities to students of Year 9 and 10 with the Year 9 camp to the Strathbogie Ranges and the Year 10 week of work experience or retreats. I would like to remind our families that participation in camps and retreats is compulsory for all students and contact needs to be made with the relevant teacher organisers, if your child is unable to attend. If your student is experiencing anxieties or concerns about any of these experiences, please know, the College goes to great lengths to ensure appropriate adjustments are made to enable students to access this important learning. Please liaise with us if there are concerns. It is not helpful to anyone for students to ‘just stay home’ – as adults we often have our own concerns about experience which we are unfamiliar, so please talk to us about the planning that is in place to enable students to attend.

I look forward to hearing the stories from our staff and students upon their return. I would like to thank the many staff who have generously given of their time and who have sacrificed their own family time to be with our students.

Our Unit 3 students continue to participate in the VCAA examinations and l am in awe watching our students enter the examinations with confidence, comradery and a sense of excitement. We continue to support and prayer for our young people.

Tonight the College will host all our Year 7 families as we prepare for the St Brendan’s Experience for Year 8 2025. I would like to thank the team of dedicated staff who have worked enthusiastically to prepare the program which will commence in Term 2 for three of our Year 8 classes. By the end of 2025 each Year 8 will spend a term at St Brendan’s – supporting them to be lifelong learners, open to new experiences and challenged to be their best in a new environment.

We remember all those who need our prayers at this time. 

With every blessing,

Steven

Please see following important key dates for Damascus College

Monday November 11 - Year 9 Camp Begins

Monday December 2 - Early Start Commences

Tuesday December 3 - Year 7 2024 Orientation Day

Friday December 6 - Last Day of Term 4 - Normal Finish Time of 3.18pm

Next week, Year 10 students who are not participating in a Work Experience placement, will have the opportunity to engage in a three-day retreat. The activities will be around the theme of Caring for All of God’s Creation.

Day one will be facilitated by the Youth Mission Team and will be held at Damascus College. They will be exploring the issue of Social Justice.

On day two, students will travel to Melbourne for a workshop and presentation with The Big Issue magazine that supports homeless and disadvantaged people. They will hear directly from people who have experienced homelessness, and learn about their stories and struggles, and also be inspired by the hope and possibility that initiatives such as The Big Issue can bring. They will see how people really can make a difference in the lives of others, and impact the world, and expand on their learnings of Social Justice from day one. The students will then embark on a 'Big City Search' and visit various locations around the city in groups. They have been tasked to find both landmarks and ad hoc things regarding employment, homelessness and marginalisation.

Day three will be back at Damascus College – the students will do workshops with Juliet Talarico who is connected to Young Mercy Links. Juliet will focus on Environmental Justice and climate change issues, a concept embedded in Damascus culture. Despite being only seven kilometres from the heart of Ballarat CBD, the College campus encompasses 22 hectares of land, much of which is natural bushland. Students are able to walk the Murnong Trail – an 800-meter looped walking trail, created with the help of a Sustainability Grant the College received in 2014. It was created in consultation with a Wadawurring representative, and students have been involved in planting shrubs and trees around the Trail. The College setting is a wonderful place to explore these themes.

The retreat will be a wonderful, eye-opening opportunity for learning, reflection and fun.

Xavier House Triumphs in the Ron Mathews Shield
We are thrilled to announce that Xavier House has emerged as the winner of this year’s prestigious Ron Mathews Shield—an incredible milestone as it marks the first victory for Xavier House since Damascus College became a single-campus institution. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our Xavier students, who have fully embraced College life through their consistent engagement and support for one another.

The Ron Mathews Shield celebrates student participation across all facets of Damascus life, including major sports carnivals, BAS sports competitions, community volunteering, and various academic pursuits. Each activity allows students to earn valuable points for their house, building camaraderie and a deep sense of school pride. Special recognition goes to House Leader Karen Hocking, whose steady guidance has been instrumental, along with House Captains Emily Crumpler, Madeline Coffey, Caleb Smith, and Campbell White, who led by example with their enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you to every student in Xavier House who took part, from the athletes and academic achievers to the volunteers and community-minded participants. This victory is a testament to your hard work, resilience, and unity. Let’s celebrate this wonderful achievement and look forward to more great moments in the coming year.

Year 9 Camp – Adventure Awaits!

Our Year 9 students are eagerly preparing for next week’s highly anticipated camp at Charnwood, Lima South, where they’ll embark on a truly memorable adventure. This camp experience is designed not just for fun, but also to build character, foster teamwork, and encourage resilience through engaging outdoor activities.

Students will participate in a range of challenges, including hiking through scenic landscapes, canoeing on open water, mountain biking on rugged trails, and even abseiling down cliffs. Each activity pushes students to step outside their comfort zones and builds both physical and mental strength. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and self-confidence.

Year 9 camp has long been remembered by our alumni as a highlight of their Damascus journey. Graduates frequently recall the strong friendships formed, the personal growth achieved, and the joyful memories made. We hope this year’s camp will be just as impactful and enjoyable for our students and staff, and we wish everyone attending a safe, exciting, and enriching week.

Social Media Awareness – A Reminder for Our Community

As part of our commitment to maintaining a respectful and responsible online presence, Damascus College has become aware that some students have created social media accounts using the school logo without authorization. We kindly ask that these accounts be removed in order to preserve our school’s identity and ensure that the Damascus College logo is used in accordance with our values and guidelines.

To support a safe and positive digital environment, we also encourage parents and guardians to take an active role in their young people’s online activities. Checking which accounts students are using and reviewing what they are posting can go a long way toward ensuring a responsible and respectful presence on social media. By helping students understand the importance of digital responsibility, we can foster an online community that reflects the values of respect, kindness, and accountability that we uphold at Damascus.

End of Semester 2: Important Updates for Families

As we near the conclusion of the school year, we want to ensure that families are well-informed about the upcoming assessments, exams, and reporting for students in Years 7 to 11. This is an important time for students to showcase their growth, prepare for future studies, and build confidence in their academic journey.

Assessments and Feedback
All in-class assessment tasks for Semester 2 will be completed by Friday 22 November. Shortly after, you’ll be able to access your child’s results and feedback on PAM. These assessments not only evaluate students' learning progress but also provide valuable insights to help them develop critical skills for their future studies.

Examination Schedule for Years 9 and 10
Students in Years 9 and 10 will have exams scheduled in Maths, English, Science, and Humanities, while exams in other subjects will take place during class time. The main exam period runs from Monday 25 November to Wednesday 27 November. We will send the full exam timetable to families soon so that you and your child can plan and prepare.

Support for Students with Diverse Needs
To ensure all students can perform to their best abilities, those with diverse learning needs will receive accommodations as outlined in their Personal Learning Plans. These may include extra time, rest breaks, or assistive devices. Leaders from the Student Growth and Engagement Team will email students about the available provisions, so please remind your child to check their emails regularly. Students who receive special provisions will meet at a designated location before each exam, where a supervising teacher will escort them to their exam venue.

PAT Testing for Years 7–10
PAT Testing will be conducted for all students in Years 7 to 10 from Friday, 29th November to Monday, 2nd December. This annual assessment provides valuable data on each student’s literacy and numeracy skills, helping teachers understand and address individual learning needs. Here are a few reminders:

• Preparation: PAT Testing does not require study, as it assesses general skills rather than specific content.
• Device Readiness: Please make sure your child’s computer is fully charged the night before the test.
• Room and Timing Information: Students will receive details via email, so encourage them to check their emails regularly for updates.

Information for Year 11 Students
Year 11 exams will be held at the Damascus Events Centre unless otherwise specified. Students are expected to be on campus for all exams and should sign in and out at the office if they need to leave during the school day. Those with special provisions will meet in front of the DEC before each exam, where they will be escorted to their designated venue by a supervising teacher.

Tips for Effective Revision
Creating a positive study environment at home can make a real difference during this time. Here are some ways you can support your child’s revision:

• Establish a Routine: A structured routine with regular breaks can help your child stay focused and organised.
• Minimize Distractions: Setting up a quiet, distraction-free study area can boost concentration.
• Engage in Discussions: Talking about their studies and asking questions can enhance understanding and confidence.

To help students stay on track, revision week will begin the week before exams. In addition to in-class revision, students should dedicate time at home to review notes, textbooks, and any additional materials provided by teachers.

Semester 2 Reports
Semester 2 reports will be available on PAM from Friday 6 December. These reports will provide a comprehensive assessment of your child’s progress, including their performance in both exams and in-class assessment tasks.

Staying Connected
If you have questions or concerns about the assessment period, please feel free to reach out to your child’s subject teacher or Teacher Advisor. PAM will also be regularly updated with important information.

We appreciate your support in creating a positive learning environment for your child. Wishing all our students the very best for their assessments and encouraging them to approach this time with confidence and a growth mindset.

Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.

If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma. Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.

Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Know the risks. Get prepared. Stay safe.

Learn more at https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/grampians-public-health-unit/thunderstorm-asthma/

A group of Year 7 and 8 students participated in a debating training day on Friday 25 October, organised by the Debaters Association of Victoria.

Organisers of the event delivered a mock debate and training sessions, then students competed in two debates against Ballarat Grammar, Loreto College, St Patrick's College and Sacred Heart College. This unique experience enabled students to fine tune their skills and take part in two debates against competing schools.

The topics debated included: ‘That we should ban advertisements that target children,’ and ‘That technology has been harmful to learning at school,’ which would have brought some rich conversation on both the affirmative and negative teams, of each debate.

Well done to those involved.

The Art and Technology Exhibition was a remarkable success. At the official opening we heard from Principal Steven Mifsud, guest speaker and alumni Justin Weyers, and an inspiring reflection from Year 12 students Ella Turpie and Nicholas Shillington who shared their Art/Technology journeys at Damascus. Over the six days, many staff and students visited the exhibition, and we hope our talented Year 12s have motivated countless students along the way.

Earlier this term, two TV screens were installed in the Art/Technology foyer and the junior Technology Foyer, enhancing our Learning Areas with a vibrant display of student work, relevant curriculum, and Technology expectations. The pride radiating from students when they see their work on display is truly heartening.

Late term 3, Unit 4 System Engineering students had an enriching day at the Tech School, gaining valuable expert advice to enhance their folios and productions.

As Technology staff finalise the exciting teaching activities for 2024 and plan a dynamic curriculum for 2025, we wish all students the best of luck with their upcoming exams. Especially for Product Design and Technology on Friday, 8th November, and Systems Engineering and Food Studies on Monday, 18th November.

Matt Allan

Please see following information related to Information Session on Foster Carers with CAFS: