As we fast approach the end of the school year, my thoughts are with our Year 12 students who have been diligently studying and demonstrating the exceptional young adults they have become. Wednesdays sees their final exam and we wish each and every one well for the next chapter in their life journey.

Not only have our Year 12 students been participating in the exam process. Students from Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 have also been sitting exams in preparation for the upcoming year. It is inspiring to witness the fortitude of these students as they handle the task at hand with decorum and determination. Again we wish these students well and applaud their tenacity.

Saturday 11 November started quite early with a brisk lap (or 2...or 5) around lake Wendouree for many of the Damascus staff who participated in the Peaches run fundraiser. The event raised over $80,000 for mental heath awareness. I was proud to participate and found the morning quite emotional, witnessing our community come together is such force to support our own. Congratulations to those who organised the event and to all who contributed to the 33 laps Damascus College committed to running.

Following Peaches run, members of the Damascus community, staff, students and parents/carers attended services at the Prisoner of War Memorial in Ballarat and the Buninyong RSL Memorial Park for Remembrance Day. We pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the many wars we have experienced.

The evening of Monday 13 November we celebrated our Year 10 and 11 music students who performed a number of renditions of contemporary and classical songs. I was most impressed to see the Year 10 band perform and were charismatic in their cover of the Goanna classic, Solid Rock.

I conclude this edition on a heartbreaking note. This week we said farewell to the mother of two Damascus students, who passed peacefully at Gandarra on November 8. Our deepest sympathies are with Neville, Jessica, Alicia and family during this difficult time. We pray that they find solace in the cherished memories of the legacy Jenny left behind.

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

With every blessing 

Today marks the conclusion of the 2023 Year 12 exams with French and Indonesian completing the timetable. Our Year 12 students have been remarkable young people who have worked tirelessly to reach this point. We will celebrate and acknowledge their Secondary school journey with a Graduation Mass and dinner next Monday evening. The Graduation Mass will be live streamed for families who are unable to attend, a link will be shared with Year 12 families in the coming days.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 is a student free day, with staff finalising reports and preparing for the upcoming Early Start program. Additionally, Tuesday 28 November 2023 is Orientation Day for our 2024 Year 7 students. This is a student free day for all other students, except those who are peer mentors and SRC members.

Our Early Start Program commences on Monday 27 November 2023. Students will progress to the next year level, commence their new pathways subjects and will be in their new core groups. The purpose of the program is to ensure that learning opportunities are optimised to the very last day of the year for all students and that they are getting the best learning experience possible at Damascus.

Student timetables will be available through SIMON and PAM from the end of the day on Friday 24 November 2023. It is important to note the days students have PE to ensure they are appropriately equipped for their classes.

New staff who have been engaged for the 2024 school have been asked to attend for the Early Start Program. Where this has not been possible, existing staff (particularly Year 7 teachers) have been called upon to ensure that students begin Early Start with consistent and quality teaching prior to transitioning to their 2024 teachers.

Construction of the new Senior Learning Centre is progressing well and on track as we lead into the end of the year. Footings have been dug with a significant concrete pour expected in the coming days. It is exciting to see the progress to date.

Process of the Retreat

A retreat is very different from a camp. At the end of November, our Year 11 students will embark on their Year Level Retreat and return as the newly commissioned senior students at Damascus College. A retreat is part of each student’s personal spiritual development and constitutes a part of the broader Faith Development Program at Damascus College.

Students and staff are asked to involve themselves in whole group, small group, individual activities, reflection, and prayer.

At times they will be asked to observe stillness and quietness.

They will be given time to:

• think and reflect
• question
• talk and discuss
• have fun
• be alone
• be together as a Year Level

Encouraged and taught by Pope Francis, retreats and prayerful experiences help us to learn and then to teach others in our College community, ways of being in a Catholic school. This is practiced so that those in Christian faith can go deeper into their faith and those who are not in faith are recognised and welcomed to be present in ways that are respectful, and right for them, as we seek to construct meaning together.

Above all, it encourages and allows time for each individual to be open, receptive, respectful and joyful.

Retreats are an opportunity to experience God, at whatever point we may be in our spiritual journey, and gives us tools to a living spirituality.

All students are invited to participate in retreats and reflection days throughout the year. The aim being that all are enriched by sharing this time together in year levels and that they come to know that they are truly blessed.

Over the last few weeks, I have been working with Student Growth and Engagement, Staff and House Leaders constructing core groups for the commencement of early start. This is quite a challenging task as a team of individuals prepare students to work in an environment that will allow them to flourish in a new classroom setting. Without doubt, the development of these groups can potentially cause worry and anxiety for some as they leave an environment where they feel comfortable, often with close friends, into a new classroom where the security that was once around them appears to be lost.

There are several reasons why Damascus College generates new core groups at the commencement of each academic year. Timetabling is one of the key reasons, especially in navigating electives and language choices. At Damascus, we believe that changing core groups can also be beneficial for social and emotional development which has been proven to enhance learning outcomes in individuals. The capacity to adjust to change and mix with a new group enables students to build confidence, develop resilience, enhance communication and broadens their social network. The development of these skills is paramount in adapting to the world which our students will enter.

While we acknowledge that changing core groups is challenging for some students, we do look for the support of our parents/carers to assist with the implementation of these changes. If there is negativity in your household about these changes, I would encourage you to carefully explore the concerns of your student. It does nothing to simply cut off the conversation with ‘get over it’. Work through the concerns pointing out the benefits of what a new group can offer. Point out individual character strengths that will enable your student to be more confident in the move. Speak with your student’s TA, not expressing a desire for change but rather as an avenue for support.

There are some circumstances where intervention may be necessary, however dealing with manageable change in a supportive environment has the potential to provide social and emotional growth and equip students with lifelong learning skills.

I look forward to meeting my 2024 classes as early start commences. An exciting (and nervous) time where I too will have to demonstrate some of the above-mentioned skills.

Early Start Programme: 27 November 2023 to 6 December 2023

We are excited to bring you information about the upcoming 2024 Early Start Programme, scheduled to run from 27 November 2023 to 6 December 2023. This initiative aligns with our commitment to learner agency and the ongoing development of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) capabilities. Below is a comprehensive overview of the program, its rationale, benefits and essential details.

Rationale: A Focus on Continuous Learning and Connectedness

In our Strategic Directions document, the focus for 2022 to 2025 is on learners' agency for life at school and beyond, emphasising SEL capabilities. The Early Start Programme aligns with this direction by promoting continuity of learning, optimising valuable learning time, increasing organizational efficiency and fostering stronger student-teacher relationships.

Benefits of the Early Start Programme:

1. Improving Continuity of Learning: The program aims to enhance the connection between what students learn in one calendar year and the subsequent year, creating a seamless flow of knowledge.
3. Optimising Valuable Learning Time: Recognising challenges in the first semester, the program reallocates time to subsequent semesters, providing more effective learning opportunities.
5. Increasing Organisational Efficiency: By avoiding the complexities of running multiple timetables during transitions, the program streamlines organisational processes, reducing stress on both students and staff.
7. Promoting Connectedness: Early Start facilitates the building of positive student-teacher relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging and encouraging cooperative participation.

Communication Plan: Connecting with Families and Students

For Families:

• An email outlining the rationale and required resources will be sent to all parents.
• Multiple newsletter articles will be published to announce and update on the program.
• College social media platforms will be utilised for program announcements.
• The Events calendar on the College website will be updated to keep families informed.

For Students:

• Reminders during Teacher Advisory mornings leading up to Early Start.
• Emails to all students and messages on the Student Bulletin just before the changeover.

Task Types: Designing for Early Start

Tasks will be designed specifically for Early Start with an introductory unit delivered for each subject, linking to further learning in the subsequent term. Learning Areas will discuss and design appropriate tasks, ensuring all official assessment tasks and class work are recorded on SIMON.

Holiday Homework: Balancing Rest and Preparation

Tasks are designed to balance the need for rest with the preparation for the new calendar year. Requirements vary by year level, ensuring students can enjoy their holidays while being adequately prepared for the upcoming academic term.

Class Resources and Booklist Processes: Streamlining Access to Learning Tools

Efforts have been made to work with suppliers to ensure access to necessary learning tools. A special booklist for English texts will be generated, with texts collected by families before Early Start Week. The remainder of the booklist for 2024 will proceed as usual.

Costs on Families and Change Over of Devices: Minimizing Impact

Costs to families will be limited to VCE Texts and English novels (Years 8-10) and workbooks for each subject. Students moving into Year 10 will change devices during Early Start, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

Assessment and Reporting: Managing Expectations

While not every class is expected to complete an assessment task during Early Start, the opportunity exists, particularly for senior students. Any completed tasks will be recorded on PAM.

We are confident that the 2024 Early Start Programme will contribute positively to the learning journey of our students, fostering a sense of continuity, connectedness, and academic preparedness. Thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to Year 9 students Ella Lavery, Megan Robinson, Lucy Gravell, Lucy Jones and Isabella Brown-Kenyon who this year participated in the Girls in STEM showcase at the Ballarat Tech School.

Throughout the year the students were challenged to work in mixed school teams, under time pressure to achieve outcomes and make new connections. It has been rewarding to see them grow in confidence and develop their networking skills alongside their appreciation for the application of STEM learning.

In Term 4, students witnessed an awesome display and demonstration of drone piloting from The Australian Army Drone Racing Team, before embarking on three rotating workshops where drones were used for defence surveillance, wind turbine inspections, and indoor drone racing. Students listened to a presentation on how drones are used to collect and analyse imagery and develop powerful data sets for researching seal colonies on tiny Bass Straight islands.

The final activity of the program saw students constructing VEX robots, built bridges, and flew drones in mock rescue missions. Some were successful, others not, but in true Girls in STEM character all endeavours were celebrated and recognised as they recognised together the growth and learning that comes from difficult challenges.

All students received participation certificates for their efforts, well done.

Year 10 student Haileigh Buttigieg was the student leader at this year’s Girls in STEM showcase at The Ballarat Tech School.

Haileigh showed exemplary leadership skills during the program, as she has been a member of a small select group of six students from different schools forming the inaugural Girls in STEAM Student Leaders. Over the last two years Haileigh’s active involvement in the program has been more than 20 days.

Haileigh and the Student Leaders are an inspiration to their peers and a demonstration to the broader community that young women are here to make their mark in the world of STEM.

Congratulations Haileigh and we look forward to following your STEM journey as you move through VCE and into your future career.

SCIENCE AT DAMASCUS

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Year 7 Science students had the opportunity to visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park to extend our classroom learning about classification and ecosystems. Students completed a task that required them to identify the scientific name, diet, classification and conservation status of animals at the park.

Year 9 Food and Consumer Science

This semester, the Year 9 STEM unit ‘Food and Consumer Science’ has introduced students to an area of study that connects Science and Food Technology and allows a practical application of science techniques to the manufacture of products used and consumed by the general public. Students have been experiencing a balance between practical and theory; with students researching, developing and analysing their own new products. At lunchtime on Monday, they launched their product in the courtyard where the student body were able to sample their product and provide feedback on factors such as taste, texture, colour and smell. This year we had some amazing products ranging from Pasta Chips, Protein Biscoff Ice cream, Tropical Fruit Sorbet, and Human and Dog Biscuits.

RACI International Chemistry Quiz

Congratulations to the following students who obtained certificates in the 2023 International Chemistry Quiz. The quiz comprised of 30 multiple choice questions which were designed to promote chemistry and extend their chemistry skills with questions at their year level and beyond.

Year 9: Credit: Lachlan Reus

Year 10: Credit: Marlin Phillips, Charlie Snare, Will Gavin

Year 10: Distinction: Axel Durham, Joachim Henderson, Blake Powell

Year 11: Credit: Emily Crumpler, Willam Hollitt, Laura McDonald

Year 11: Distinction: Lucas Wells, Zoe Newman

Year 11: High Distinction: Lucy Leviston

Year 12: Credit: Liya Rose Benny, Drew Davis, Elarin Johnson

Year 12: High Distinction: Sienna Caldow, Jacob Gravell, Brianna White

Work experience at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)

After making connections during the ‘Girls in Stem’ program last year, Year 10 student, Haileigh Buttiggieg, completed her work experience at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). She had the opportunity to help with research on finding a receptor, that can be put into T-Cells, that find a specific target in Cancer Tumour Cells, and attack. She enjoyed walking through Peter Mac, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and having lunch with Miku, the team leader of Immunology. Haileigh says that she enjoyed, and was very lucky and honoured to meet Professor and Australian Order winner, Misty Jenkins and her amazing Team and found them very friendly and welcoming. Learning and meeting so many extraordinary people through this opportunity was definitely one of her all-time highlights and she would most definitely suggest this experience to anyone that loves science and helping people.

From the garden

In our photos, we take a glimpse into the vibrant world of our Year 9 Horticulture students to witness all they have achieved this term. From the cozy confines of the Mud Brick House, students have been bringing their summer garden design ideas to life. Quick-growing radishes make for a tasty snack while waiting for corn season, while the beetroot planted as part of the 'growing summer veggies' assignment needs to be thinned. The November-planted tomatoes, lovingly watered by students, will soon stand tall with the help of teepee stakes created by the students. There is a lot to celebrate in the garden this term, amazing work by these budding horticulturists!

Hats off to the Damascus College students cast in the independent film, 'Piggy,' directed by internationally acclaimed film-maker Matt Norman.

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students for landing four of the five lead teenage roles

- Inez Demirceviren, who has been cast in the pivotal lead role of Sarah, known as "PIGGY."

- Charlie Norman, entrusted with the portrayal of the character "Mitch."

- Declan Eden, undertaking the crucial role of "Matthew."

- Lucy Leviston, breathing life into the character "Jessica."

With Izzy Farrah joining the ensemble cast as well.

'Piggy' is a thought-provoking and impactful film that tackles the sensitive topic of youth mental health and bullying.

This film boasts the involvement of some of Australia's leading talents in both cast and crew. This remarkable opportunity gives these students the privilege of collaborating with highly skilled adult professionals, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journeys.

More information on this independent film can be found at: https://piggyfilm.com/

Well done to Inez, Charlie, Declan, Lucy and Izzy.

(If you know of other Damascus performing art achievements, please send through to info@damascus.vic.edu.au)

Virtual VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition 2023

At the beginning of this term, our talented Year 12 Visual Arts and Technology students poured their hearts and souls into creating an exceptional showcase of their artistic and technical skills, and we are excited to announce that the results of their hard work are now available for you to view online! We are thrilled to present the Virtual VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition.

The exhibition features a diverse range of works, each piece a reflection of the dedication, passion, and talent of our Year 12 students, who have poured countless hours into creating these extraordinary works.

We invite all parents and members of our school community to explore the Virtual VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition. To do so, simply click on the link provided below:

https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/2023-Visual-Arts-Virtual-Tour/

This virtual exhibition not only allows you to admire the students' work from the comfort of your own home but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the depth of their creativity and the themes that have inspired them. Your support and encouragement means the world to these young artists, so please take a moment to explore their incredible creations.

We believe that arts and technology are an essential part of education, offering students a platform to explore their talents, express themselves, and connect with the world in unique ways. We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and their achievements, and we hope you will join us in celebrating their artistic accomplishments.

Conveyance Allowance – Last Claim for 2023 – Families who have not yet submitted their claim for this year please note the cut-off date to claim Conveyance for 2023 is 23^rd November.

To be eligible for a conveyance allowance, individual students will be assessed under the following criteria:

1. Attend a school/campus located outside the metropolitan conveyance allowance boundary
2. Attend the closest appropriate school/campus at which admission is permissible
3. For students attending specialist schools, this will be determined by the specialist school’s Designated Transport Area (DTA) in which the student resides
4. For students attending government schools, this will be the closest school/campus appropriate to the age and gender of the student (e.g. primary, secondary, single sex)
5. For students attending non-government schools, this will be the closest school/campus of the recognised denomination for conveyance allowance purposes.
6. Reside 4.8km or more from the school/campus (shortest practicable route calculated by the school attended at the time of application from the student’s home to the school/campus)
7. Be of school age (between five and 18-years-old at the time of application), and a resident of Victoria
8. Be enrolled and travelling to school three or more days per week.

Students’ circumstances can change during their school years (e.g. moving residence or changing schools/campuses). Change of circumstances affects eligibility and a new application must be submitted with each change of circumstance.

Private car
A private car conveyance allowance is not available if the journey could have been made using a public transport service or free school bus.

• Where there is more than one student in the vehicle, there are two rates claimable: ‘furthermost’ and ‘additional.’
• Where there is more than one student in a vehicle, and they attend different schools, the amount claimable is based on the distance travelled to school by each student. That is each student must be the subject of a separate application and the student attending the furthermost school is identified as the ‘furthermost’ student; each of the other students must be claimed as ‘additional’.
• Rates are calculated according to the distance (measured in kilometres) from home to the campus attended using the Department’s standard measurement method; for details of the rates claimable, refer to Appendix 1 Conveyance Allowance Rates
• It is assumed that all students from the same family will travel in one car therefore only one family member may claim furthermost student allowance.

Pro-rata adjustment of reimbursement (time fraction)

Where students change school, transport mode and/or address that affect the payment of conveyance allowance, pro-rata payments are made, having regard to the number of days of actual attendance. It is the responsibility of each school to report any mid-semester student changes and the required pro-rata adjustments that are required.

Late payments
Late (past year) applications cannot be accepted or paid.

Any inquiries relating to this allowance or to any bus travel matter may be directed to Tracey Williams at the College office Phone: 5337 2236.

Damascus College students this year have the exciting opportunity to partner with The Ballarat Courier to create an online platform for young people to publish their work, as part of the 'Emerging' program.

As part of this unique program, Year 11 student Benjamin Watts has written a remembrance dedicated to his grandfather, and the sacrifices he made to protect our country at the Vietnam War. Ben is thankful for the numerous lessons he has taught him, the way he carries himself and how he always manages to make his day a little bit brighter. His grandfather is one of the bravest people he knows!

Congratulation’s Ben. We look forward to reading more from you.

https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/8418814/emerging-2023-damascus-students-tribute-to-grandfather/?cs=37334

Harmony in Success: A Crescendo of Achievement in Our Instrumental Program

At the heart of our school's vibrant cultural tapestry lies the instrumental program, a beacon of musical excellence that continues to resonate with unparalleled success, perhaps most evident during our live lunch performances, where the stage comes alive with the talents of our dedicated students.

Our instrumental program stands as a testament to the commitment of our students and the tireless efforts of our dedicated music educators. From strings to percussion, and everything in between, the diversity within our program reflects a commitment to inclusivity and a celebration of musical variety.

The recent live lunch performances were a true showcase of the instrumental program's triumphs. Each student took to the stage with confidence and skill, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of excellent. The audience was treated to a symphony of sounds that ranged from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits, showcasing the breadth of our students' musical proficiency. The live lunch performances serve as a resounding reminder that the impact of our instrumental program extends far beyond the notes played – it enriches our school community and adds a vibrant layer to our cultural landscape.

It's not just about the flawless execution of musical pieces; it's about the sense of community fostered within our instrumental program. The camaraderie among the students, the support from the educators, and the enthusiasm from the audience create an environment where musical expression flourishes.

In celebrating the achievements of our instrumental program, we look forward to more crescendos of success and the continued harmonies that define our school's musical journey.

One last opportunity to see our students in action is coming up on November the 27^th, at our “Damascus Christmas Concert”. As we applaud the dedication of our students and the guidance of our educators, we invite you to witness the culmination of their progress at this upcoming concert. This festive event promises an enchanting evening filled with holiday spirit, providing a final opportunity to experience the musical journey our students have undertaken this year, and to see the Damascus ensembles perform live. Starting at 5pm with a picnic on the lawn, with games and fun for children and family, followed by the Christmas Concert in the DEC starting at 7pm. Save the date, gather your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable celebration of community, talent, and festive cheer. Your presence will add to the magic of the evening as we come together to appreciate the harmonious achievements of our students and create lasting memories. See you there!

Bravo to all the students whose passion for music transforms each live performance into an unforgettable symphony of achievement!

Please see following information in relation to the Ballarat Run for a Cause: -

Please see information following in relation to the Buninyong Little Athletics Club: -