A heartfelt congratulations to our incredible students and staff who have embraced their learning with passion and energy! Your dedication and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all. It is through your commitment that we continue to see such growth and success across all year levels. Learning requires grit and hard work, as we embed our Instructional model we are committed to supporting our learners in developing habits of perseverance, tenacity and endurance. The academic year is rich, and challenging and our senior students need to create schedules and work routines that will enable them to reach their goal and aspirations.

On Friday afternoon, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 from 2024 students with the 2024 Academic Awards for students who excelled in their subject areas either through VCE or VCE VM. These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, and their hard work is truly deserving of recognition. Well done to all award recipients!

Many of you will know the name Stan Grant. He is a proud Wiradjuri man, a prominent journalist, and a passionate advocate for Indigenous voices. In his powerful writings and speeches, Grant often speaks about the complexities of identity—how it’s influenced by history, culture, and the environments in which we grow. He tells us that our identity is deeply connected to the stories we tell ourselves, the ones we inherit, and the ones we choose to embrace.

Stan Grant’s journey is a reminder that identity is not a simple or static thing—it is fluid, evolving, and at times, challenging. But it is in those challenges that our true selves are often revealed. What resonates here for me, is the notion that the stories we tell ourselves: are we promoting stories that advocate strength and integrity or are we challenging ourselves to be open to new experiences. Sometimes we can keep telling ourselves stories that keep us locked in a timeframe or period of time. Each day is a new day for us to encounter and embrace our humanity.

Grant speaks about the importance of connecting with the past, understanding where you come from, and grounding yourself in your heritage and values. For all of us, no matter where we come from or who we are, understanding our identity gives us clarity and purpose. It is the foundation upon which we can build meaningful relationships, find direction in life, and ultimately lead others. Our Catholic Tradition, personal sense of spirituality will guide, strengthen and provide wisdom. Dig into spirituality in moments of fear, joy and even elation.

Our Year 7 students have had a wonderful alternate week, building House Spirit, creating important bonds and establishing themselves as Damascus learners. Camp at Creswick, Reflection Day at our St Brendan's Campus, and PAT testing are designed to create opportunities for our Year 7 students to familiarise themselves with one another and this wonderful community.

A special thanks to the many families who have supported their young people in recent weeks by attending our VCE/VM Information Night and/or Year Level Information Nights. Your involvement plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between school and home, helping our students achieve their best. I encourage you to reach out to your student’s Teacher Advisor (ta) or subject teacher if you have any concerns or wish to discuss your child’s wellbeing and learning. You are able to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher through the Parent Access Module (pam) or via email.

This week we commenced interviewing our prospective Year 7 students for 2026. The interviews are a privilege to conduct as we hear why Damascus College is the school of choice for our families, but we too hear of the dreams and aspirations of our young people and their family. We will interview three hundred families and offers will be posted at the end of this term.

A reminder that this Saturday is the St Paul’s Reunion, here we’ll come together to celebrate the success of our alumni and community, commencing at 2.00pm in the Damascus Events Centre (DEC) for more information please reach out to Korina Hegert k.hegert@damascus.vic.edu.au

This Sunday is the annual Head of Lake rowing regatta held at Lake Wendouree. The regatta commences at 8.20am with the arrival of our supporter crews, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony at 8.40am before the first race at 9.00am. I wish our rowers well and success in the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and a Ballarat tradition. Go Team DMac.

I warmly welcome our College community to our Mass for new beginnings on Wednesday 5 March 2025 commencing at 12.00pm. If you would like to attend please rsvp to principal@damascus.vic.edu.au.

With every blessing

Steven

On Friday last week, we conducted the Academic Assembly for 2024 VCE/VM and Unit 3/4 students in the Damascus Events Centre. Senior VCE and VCE/VM students who achieved outstanding results in both programs were recognised and celebrated in front of the Year 11 and 12 Students. We congratulate all Graduating students from our class of 2024 on their individual achievements and successes.

The annual House Swimming carnival will be held on Thursday 27 February, at the Eureka Swimming Pool. Students must wear their PE uniform to school but may wear an appropriate House coloured top, supporting their House. Students will be transported by bus to and from the venue, and are expected to attend TA in the morning, and return to the John Shannon Centre (JSC) at the conclusion of the day for announcements, before making their way home in the usual means. As with every school day, the Swimming Carnival is a compulsory activity for all students and provides an excellent opportunity for students to be their best! Not everyone is a talented swimmer, but there are a diverse range of activities to encourage student participation. We remind families that the College encourages students to be SunSmart for this event, in that they wear a hat and use and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. When not swimming, all students should be wearing their PE top to protect them from the sun. We would encourage families to reiterate the message with their students on the day.

It is not uncommon for students to pressure parents/carers not to attend school on sports days, but it is imperative to stand firm and point out that community events are an important opportunity to learn and build both team and school spirit. Our focus throughout our sports program across the College is on participation. The team with the greatest level of participation has invariably been recognised as the overall winner at the carnival. Students who do not attend school on Thursday without a legitimate reason may not be eligible to attend college formals or extracurricular activities. We look forward to welcoming our families to the pool as spectators. We do ask that you sign in and out when visiting. As mentioned above, students will be brought back to school for regular dismissal.

Damascus rowers will represent the College in the Head of the Lake regatta on Sunday. Rowing Coordinator Paul Blanchfield, Assistant Rowing Coordinator Linda Skidmore, College Staff member Claudia Griffin and the exceptional team of Damascus coaches continue to build on a culture of students doing and being their best. Congratulations to all Rowers, Coaches, support staff and volunteers for their enormous efforts for the entire 2023/2024 season to date.

We pray for all those who need our prayer at this time.

Chris

Every Day Counts: Supporting Regular School Attendance at Damascus College

At Damascus College, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the best opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. One of the most critical factors in a student’s success is regular attendance. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly achieve better academic outcomes, develop stronger social connections, and build positive lifelong habits.

As part of our commitment to student wellbeing, Damascus College will be following the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) attendance processes and policies. These policies outline clear expectations around school attendance, ensuring that students remain engaged in their learning and receive the support they need if attendance becomes a challenge.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is defined as attending 95% or more of the time - this means missing fewer than 10 days in a school year. When students miss between 10 - 19 days per year, they are considered “at risk,” and those who miss 20 or more days per year fall into the category of chronic absenteeism. Missing even one day per fortnight can significantly impact learning outcomes and social development.

Every day counts. Missing school regularly - even for reasons that may seem minor - can lead to gaps in knowledge, difficulty catching up, and increased anxiety about returning to the classroom. Attendance is not just about being physically present; it is about building consistency, routine, and a sense of belonging.

Understanding Approved and Not Approved Absences

While we acknowledge that some absences are unavoidable, it is important for families to understand what constitutes an approved absence. These include:

• Medical or dental appointments (where possible, these should be scheduled outside school hours)
• Bereavement/Funeral attendance
• Sorry Business (cultural obligations related to the passing of a family member or community member)
• School Refusal provided that a plan is in place with the Damascus College Wellbeing Team
• Cultural Observances
• Family Holidays must be approved in advance, with a learning plan put in place

Absences that are not approved include:

• Leisure or social activities (e.g., shopping trips, staying home for birthdays)

• Absences not sought out in advance
• No explanation provided

How We Can Support Your Child

We understand that for some students, attending school can be challenging. Whether due to anxiety, health conditions, or other personal circumstances, our Wellbeing Team is here to help. If your child is struggling to attend school, we encourage you to reach out to their House Leader as soon as possible. Together, we can create a supportive plan to help them re-engage with their learning.

Additional Support and Resources

For families seeking additional support, the following resources are available:

• School TV – A resource providing expert information, strategies, and guidance on managing school refusal and supporting student wellbeing.

• Brave Program - An interactive, evidence-based program designed to help young people overcome anxiety and improve mental wellbeing.
• HeadSpace Ballarat - A youth mental health service providing support for young people experiencing challenges with school attendance and wellbeing.
• Ballarat Community Health: Head2Health - A mental health service offering access to psychological support, counselling, and referral pathways.
• The Orange Door - A free service supporting children, young people, and families experiencing family violence and wellbeing concerns.
• Tuning Into Teens - Later in the year, Damascus College will be running the Tuning Into Teens program, which supports parents in developing emotional intelligence in their adolescents. This evidence-based program helps parents build strong relationships with their teenagers, improve communication, and support emotional resilience.

By working together - students, families, and school staff - we can ensure that every student at Damascus College has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Let’s make every school day count!

Swimming Sports Thursday 27 February 2025

Next Thursday all students will be transported to and from the Eureka pool for our annual swimming sports. Please note that this is a compulsory event for all students. There are many activities for students to engage in that take place outside the water.

We would like to remind all parents/carers that when students are not in the water, they are expected to be appropriately covered. This includes wearing a rash vest, t-shirt, or other suitable clothing over swimwear to ensure sun protection and maintain school expectations of modesty.

We welcome parent’s attendance at the swimming sports on Thursday. We remind parents that to ensure the safety of our students appropriate ID will be required to enter the pool

International Women’s Day 2025

Parents and carers are invited to attend a breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day. This year the theme is ‘March Forward’.

Date: Thursday 6 March 2025

Time: 7.00am

Venue: Damascus Event Centre (DEC)

Along with breakfast you will be treated to a panel of speakers who will look at issues around respect, equity and equality and how we continue on the path of creating positive change.

Deb Harris from CoRe will join us to lead the panel who will share their diverse experiences.

The speakers for the event are:

• Carly Myers (OAM) - Gender and Disability Advisor
• Dee Angelina Micevski - Gender Equality in Sport (lead)
• Deb Clark – Koorie Education Coordinator, singer and songwriter

A flyer outlining further information and a booking link via Trybooking will be sent to families, or you click on the link below to register for the event.

https://www.trybooking.com/CZFUS

Year 7 Reflection Day

We welcome new staff member and Retreats Leader, Ashlee Tanner, to the Catholic Team.

Ashlee, supported by the College House Leaders, provided a series of reflection days that encouraged the students to explore what it means to be a student at Damascus College.

Students were asked to think about what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Another big question was to think deeply about their authentic self, so they begin to realise who they are becoming. Hearing from House Leaders and guests from the College alumni and archives, students were invited to walk in the footsteps of those who have walked before us.

The different House groups then made murals where every participant placed their hand print on a canvas. The message is that we leave our mark to show that we are all on our journey walking hand in hand toward being our best.

The day concluded with students creating a walking rosary. In this time of quiet reflection students were invited to think about how they can embody elements of inclusivity and respect in our daily lives.

Building a Positive Classroom Climate: Entry and Exit Routines in 60-Minute Lessons

As we embark on the 2025 academic year, Damascus College continues it’s commitment to fostering an engaging and structured learning environment. With the introduction of 60-minute lessons, establishing strong classroom Entry and Exit Routines is more critical than ever in setting the tone for success and maximising instructional time. These routines are not just about transitions; they serve as key strategies to enhance student engagement, behaviour management, and learning outcomes.

Why Entry and Exit Routines Matter

Research underscores the significance of well-structured classroom routines in promoting a positive learning climate. According to Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction (2012), students benefit from structured lesson introductions and closure, as these provide clarity and support cognitive load management. Chris Thomas’ ‘Teach Like a Champion’ (2010) also highlights the power of entry and exit routines in reinforcing expectations, reducing wasted time, and creating a culture of consistency.

At Damascus, our focus on Entry and Exit Routines aligns with these findings. The Engage and Evaluate phases of the 5Es Instructional Model underpin these routines, ensuring students begin with purpose and reflect meaningfully on their learning.

Best Practices for Entry Routines

To optimise learning from the first minute of each lesson, Entry Routines should include:

• Clear Learning Intentions: Display and discuss lesson objectives to provide students with clarity.
• Do Now Tasks: Engaging, low-stakes activities that settle students into learning mode quickly.
• Structured Transitions: Predictable routines that minimise disruptions and maintain focus.

Best Practices for Exit Routines

Effective Exit Routines ensure that lessons conclude with reflection and consolidation:

• Student Reflection: A quick summary activity, such as a ‘3-2-1’ (three takeaways, two questions, one connection).
• Explicit Review: Revisiting the lesson’s objectives to reinforce key concepts.
• Organised Dismissal: Ensuring students leave in an orderly manner with clear expectations for the next lesson.

Refining the 60-Minute Timetable: Seeking Feedback

With the new 60-minute lesson structure, we acknowledge that staff and students will experience an adjustment period. Over the next week, we will be collecting feedback from both teachers, students and families to assess how the new timetable is impacting learning, lesson flow, and student engagement.

Key questions for reflection:

• Are students maintaining engagement throughout the 60-minute period?
• How effective are transition times between lessons?
• What refinements can we implement to improve lesson pacing?

We encourage staff and families to share their insights through feedback forms that will be distributed at the end of Week 5. These reflections will help refine our approach, ensuring that the timetable best serves our students' learning needs.

St Brendan’s Program: Preparing for a Transformative Term 2 Launch

Meanwhile, significant progress is being made in finalising the St Brendan’s Program, a pioneering initiative for our Year 8 students. Led by Karen Goonan and her dedicated team, the program is set to launch in Term 2 and will provide students with an immersive, community-engaged learning experience focused on personal development.

Rooted in the Mercy values of stewardship, leadership, and service, the

St Brendan’s Program will:

• Engage students in reflective and project-based learning.
• Strengthen ties between Damascus College and the Dunnstown community.
• Provide hands-on experiences in environmental stewardship, research, and creative expression.

Karen and her team are finalising the program details to ensure a smooth rollout. Feedback from staff and community members has been invaluable, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we move closer to the launch date.

Moving Forward Together

The start of the year is always an opportunity to set the tone for success, and Entry and Exit Routines will play a pivotal role in fostering a structured, engaging, and reflective learning environment. Coupled with the new 60-minute timetable and the upcoming launch of the St Brendan’s Program, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for Damascus College.

As always, we value the input of our staff, students, and families. Please take the time to reflect on the changes, provide feedback, and collaborate with your colleagues to ensure we continue to refine and improve our practices for the benefit of all learners.

Together, we move forward in Living in the Light of Christ.

Ashwin Pillai

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Welcome… Bienvenue… Selamat datang… 2025!

French and Indonesian are the two foreign languages offered here at Damascus College. Students currently learning French or Indonesian as core subjects at Years 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to continue these studies as an elective at Year 9, and beyond. Students who have chosen to further their studies have gone on to achieve great success all the way to VCE Year 12 level. We congratulate the following alumni who recently graduated VCE with languages studies in 2024:

Indonesian: James Gorman, Madison Rosenhart, Jonah Skewes-Clinton, Alex Turner and Benjamin Watt.

French (VSL): Emily Crumpler, Tara Orchard, Aidan Robb and Sienna Webb.

Looking towards the future, we especially welcome the newest cohort of students at our college, namely the Year 7s of 2025 and we acknowledge the teams who are teaching them, namely: Kirsten Phyland, Brendan Bawden and Amanda Tait (Indonesian); Lucas Groud, Andreea Szabo and Tim O’Sullivan (French).

We welcome Ms. Szabo to our college for the first time, and we welcome Margaret McIntyre back. Also, Mr. O’Sullivan and Ms. Tait, although not new to the college, have just joined the languages department in 2025; Welcome to you both!

As internationally recognised official UNESCO languages, both French and Indonesian have played significant roles in the history and development of our geographical region, namely The Asia-Pacific. In 2025, Damascus College itself takes to the international stage, with study tours for both languages taking place. Thank you to each of the families who are supporting the touring students to engage authentically with their target language ‘in-country’, and for their support of our international program. The staff have worked incredibly hard to plan these tours; so, I thank Brendan Bawden for his organising of the upcoming Indonesian study tour (July); and from the bottom of my heart, I thank Min Myers and Le Anne Smith for their immense support at the end of 2024 in helping me to organise the French study tour (March-April).

A perennial concern expressed by language learners is how to maintain language proficiency away from school. In country experiences are best, but what if you can’t be in the country? In this edition, I include some handy tips relating to this question; and with some careful planning out of class environments can present great opportunities for every language learner to continue the journey of acquisition in their target language.

Maintaining target language proficiency outside the classroom

There are a variety of exciting activities that families can enjoy together, while simultaneously enhancing language skills. These engaging activities help make language learning a fun and interactive experience, encouraging students to practise their language skills in real-life contexts. Outputs from these activities - for example, videos or scrapbooks - may also serve as useful stimulus material when students return to class.

The following activities are suggestions specially for holiday periods, and they are not intended to be onerous. It is important that students also have a break and the chance to recharge their batteries. Furthermore, these activities work whether students are travelling or staying at home. Insist on using the target language (rather than English) whenever possible:

1. Explore nature with scavenger hunts
2. These are a great way to engage students in hands-on learning while enjoying the great outdoors. Teachers, too can help by creating scavenger hunt word lists tailored to different language proficiency levels, incorporating vocabulary, grammar concepts or cultural references. Families can work together to find and collect items, while students can practise describing their findings and what they see in their target language.
4. Cook traditional dishes

Food is a universal language that brings people together. As a family, explore the culinary traditions of the target language by cooking traditional dishes. Students can also research recipes online, watch cooking videos in the target language and visit ethnic grocery stores to gather authentic ingredients. Cooking not only provides an opportunity to practise the language but also offers a deeper understanding of the target culture’s culinary heritage.

1. Create language learning scrapbooks

“Nothing” or “Not much” can be common answers when students are asked what they did for their holidays. So, why not help them to document their adventures in a language learning scrapbook. Learners can write or record descriptions of their experiences, add pictures and include mementos from their trips. As appropriate, scrapbooks may also be created in digital form using web-based platforms instead of a physical book. What’s important is the production of language. This activity not only enhances core language skills but also encourages creativity and reflection. Students can also share their scrapbooks with their classmates for peer assessment and to provide inspiration for future classroom activities.

1. Movie Nights

There’s a wealth of multi-language entertainment content that’s now easily available on digital platforms such as Netflix or Spotify. Try and watch the movie or program as a family in its target language instead of the dubbed version. Hopefully everyone is able to follow the plot by reading the subtitles. Then, as a challenge or an extension activity, students may try watching the production again in its target language but this time, without subtitles.

1. Virtual language activities

Students can easily connect with other language learners or native speakers from across the world through virtual language websites or language learning communities. These solutions provide opportunities for them to have video calls and exchange messages, enabling them to practise listening, speaking and writing skills in their target language. Online platforms, such as language forums and video conferencing tools, make these interactions cheap and easy to undertake. Care should, of course, be taken to ensure the student is using these sites appropriately and safely. But this activity can certainly promote intercultural understanding and open up opportunities for lifelong friendships.

1. Visit cultural festivals or events when travelling

If students are visiting a country where their target language is spoken, then encourage them to make the most of their stay. Suggest that they practise their skills at every opportunity, particularly by talking with native speakers. Visiting local cultural festivals and events also offers the chance to build understanding and to practise their target language in authentic contexts.

1. Use online resources

We’re sure that most students will have their mobile phone or tablet close by during the holidays, so leverage those technologies as an intentional tool for language development. Ensure that students have access to their normal language learning apps and resources. Some students might even value extension activities to brush up on key concepts, grammar or vocabulary during holidays.

Conclusion

Out of class time and holidays provide an ideal opportunity for language learners to explore their target language in a natural and immersive way, whereby students can not only strengthen their language proficiency but also develop a deeper appreciation for the language and culture they are studying. It’s vital that students and families see these activities as enjoyable educational experiences that extend their learning beyond their classrooms. So, let’s make the most of their time outside of class to embark on language learning adventures that will create lasting memories and foster language development. Learning should be a joyful and immersive experience, and by supporting these activities, we can ensure that students continue to grow and thrive in their respective journeys in language acquisition.

Finn Augustin, Learning area leader - Languages

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – Nelson Mandela

As we begin another dynamic and exciting year in Technology at Damascus College, it's important to recognise the vital role Technology subjects play in supporting both the learning and wellbeing of our students.

Through our Woodwork, Metalwork, Textiles, Food, Electronics and IT curriculum, students gain essential technical skills while also developing creativity, problem-solving abilities, and personal growth. These subjects contribute significantly to a well-rounded education, preparing students to be innovative, confident, and resourceful as they face future challenges.

Beyond the classroom, creativity continues to flourish at Damascus. Our lunchtime clubs provide students with a valuable chance to explore new interests and expand their skills. Whether you're a new Year 7 student eager to get hands-on or a more experienced creator, all students are welcome to join the Technology clubs, led by our passionate teachers.

Textiles Club

Thursdays – Break 1 & 2, Room 5101

The Textiles Club is a vibrant creative hub for students passionate about sewing, fabric design, and textile arts. No matter your skill level, this club will help you elevate your abilities, embark on unique projects, and collaborate with fellow enthusiasts who share your love for this area. From creating garments to designing accessories, you’ll always find exciting challenges to take on.

Makerspace Club

Wednesdays – Break 1 & 2, Room 5120

The Makerspace Club is the ultimate destination for students who revel in hands-on experiences and innovative materials. Focusing on cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, students harness a variety of resources to design and create their own distinctive products. Makerspace is your creative playground, equipped with tools and resources that empower you to experiment and turn your ideas into reality.

Both clubs provide students with not just the opportunity to enhance their skills but also to connect with peers who share similar creative passions. So, why not seize the chance to make something extraordinary? Whether you choose Makerspace on Wednesday or Textiles on Thursday, there’s always an exciting adventure waiting for you during break times!

Welcome back to the 2025 school year. A friendly reminder to all Damascus families, to please download the College App that is available via the Apple AppStore or Android Play Store by clicking the below link:

https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/news-events/college-app

From Term 1 this year, a new patch is being released on the App allowing the College to communicate to families more specifically eg. by Year level, TA, Class, House etc, as well as the usual formal all school communications it is currently used for.

To ensure a smooth transition, during Term 1, 2025 the College will continue to send formal parent communications via the app, email and SMS. However, starting Term 2, 2025, all formal College communications will be exclusively through the app. All families are kindly asked to download the College App, asap.

PAM can be accessed as a link via the App and will remain the main communication tool for ‘day-to-day’ notifications including individual student progress updates, reporting, excursion approvals, absences etc. Please note that your PAM login details are to be used to login to the Damascus College App.

We thank you for your support in this transition.

The City of Ballarat Immunisation Nurses will visit Damascus on Thursday 27 March to Immunise Year 7 students for the HPV and Boostrix vaccine.

To have your child participate in this program you will need to provide consent by following the online link. You will need to have your mobile phone with you to proceed. The link will also provide you with more information about the program and the vaccines.

https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=de1b98a2-dae4-ef11-9342-6045bd3e9252&Year7 The link will expire at 3pm on Wed 26^th March 2025. Please note that Damascus College is no longer providing the hard copy cards and all Year 7 families will need to complete the link.

All Immunisation's provided will be uploaded to Medicare with 48 hours and you will be able to access the updated record on MYGOV.

If you have any questions please call City of Ballarat Immunisation on 5320 5720 or email: immunisation@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Please see following (and attached) the information on how to access and use the online ordering system via QuickCliq for the Damascus College Canteen - please note that for new families, the cut off time for same day ordering is 8.45am:

QC Parent Flyer Email

Congratulations to past student Taya Thiele (Class of 2024) for being selected to perform in Top Class Drama, as part of the VCE Season of Excellence in 2025.

Taya will be performing their 2024 Drama solo ‘The Lorax,’ in March at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The Damascus community were lucky enough, to have enjoyed this same performance at the 2024 Damascus College Awards & Achievement Evening.

This is a significant achievement, and wonderful recognition for Taya and their considerable gifts, and is affirming for the Performing Arts Drama program at Damascus, as Top Class is a concert series presented by The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) that showcases outstanding performing arts students from around Victoria. It is quite the honour to be selected.

Good luck to Taya on the upcoming performance.