This weekend, we as a faith community commenced the season of Advent, a period of patiently waiting for the birth of Christ. However in the busyness of our lives and the need to complete so many tasks and meet friends and family, we can forget the need and tradition of moments of contemplation, reflection, gentle stillness and gratitude. I urge each of one of you to find the time to sit and be still and acknowledge the many wonderful people and experiences in your life. Be awake to the presence of our God who lives not only with us, through us, but amongst us.

Advent is an invitation for Christians to be still and notice, to be still and to be aware. In this time of noticing there may be an opportunity to see God moments unfold before our very eyes. Possibility for the Emmanuel “God with us” being revealed. Moments of when God is consistently being birthed. Advent is an opportunity for Christians to experience a dawn time like the scene by the waters edge in the early morn.

It is challenging to think we have completed another academic school year and l am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a community. Our young people have worked with energy and enthusiasm and have participated in the breadth of learning in the classroom, in the grounds and in the broader community. As a community we have been enriched by the gift of one another and the strength that comes from being open to learning new ideas and ways of being.

Our College theme, Living Mercy, has been central in our work as we continue to see and experience Christ’s merciful heart. We have been people of Mercy as we continue to work for the marginalised, build right relationships and contribute to a sustainable world. Last week l visited the Year 12 Retreat at Mount Eliza and l was reminded of the joy and fear of young people who entered their final year of secondary education. One of the activities l witnessed asked the students what was one thing they could do to leave an impact on the Damascus community. I was taken back by the insights and ideas of our students. It was notion the hospitality, welcome and inclusion. I kept hearing the question “how do we make our younger people feel welcome and included?”. Living Mercy does not have to be grand gestures, but rather it can be behaviours that model hospitality, welcome and inclusion. Our students wanted to see the face of their neighbour.

Yesterday we welcomed over 230 new year 7 students for 2025. I am grateful for the work of staff who organised a wonderful program to immerse our young people into the life of our College. Our student leaders were gracious and attentive hosts ensuring no one felt excluded and alone. I am excited about our journey ahead with School Captains Joachim Henderson, Milan Pilmore and our student House Leaders who are modelling service and hope.

I am grateful for the professionalism and commitment of our staff who have not only worked on ensuring that their teaching and learning programs were engaging and rigorous but they too were involved in reflection of the School Improvement Plan, planning for St Brendan’s Year 8 Program, developing new curricula and subjects for 2025, the array of curricula and co-curricla events, but always placing the care and learning of our young people at the centre. We are blessed to have such a committed staff.

In the past fortnight we have been a community full of celebrations, adventure, performance and sporting endeavours. I congratulate our SRT team for their achievements at the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough event and our talented music students for the entertaining Christmas concert. I also wish our rowing squad success in their final regatta this weekend at Carrum. I have no doubt we will have more successes to celebrate on their return

This year we have a number of staff who are retiring or commencing new positions in 2025. I would like to thank the following staff for their commitment, professionalism and unique gifts as they enter a new chapter in their life. Martin Ryan (retiring after 40 years of service to Catholic Education), Sue Ellen Jirik, Alysoun Smalley, Holly de Jong, Marcus Ryan, Jazz Beaumont, Ash Brown, Angela Carr, Alycia Morrow, Lou Campana, Pierce Smith and Kiki Amelia.

Judy Vanderkley will be on leave for Term 1, 2025 with a transition into retirement.

Thursday evening will come alive as we host our annual awards evening. I look forward to celebrating the well-earned achievements of our students. The evening is always a highlight of my year, witnessing the growth and successes of our students.

The 2025 College year commences on Thursday January 30 with the first day of our new Year 7 students and the return of our VCE unit 3/4 students. The whole of school will return on Friday 31 January.

Tom Sexton, Executive Director of DOBCEL along with Terry Harney, DOBCEL Board Chair have released an update regarding the DOBCEL Strategy 2035. I invite you to read the update here.

As we step away for a well-deserved break, we carry with us the lessons learned, memories created and the bonds formed over the year. I am thankful for the Damascus community, as we continue build a stronger community where all are celebrated and see the face of their God.

May the Christmas Season bring renewed hope, joy and love.

Please see following important key dates for Damascus College

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

Transitioning to new classes can be an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking experience. It’s completely natural for students to feel a mix of emotions as they adjust to new teachers, classmates, and routines. These feelings are an important part of growth, and we encourage students to approach these changes with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Supporting Your Child Through Transition

Parents and guardians play a key role in helping students navigate this time of change. Here are some tips to support your child:

• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let them know that feeling uncertain or nervous is normal and part of the process of adapting to something new.
• Focus on the Opportunities: Remind them of the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and create fresh goals for the year ahead.
• Encourage Connections: Suggest ways they can introduce themselves to new classmates or participate in group activities.
• Reflect on Your Own Experiences: Share stories of times you experienced change and how it helped you grow.
• Help Them Stay Organised: Encourage routines and strategies that will help them feel prepared and confident in their new classes.

End-of-Year Celebration: Friday Activities

Our final day for students is this Friday, and we have a fantastic day planned to wrap up the year. Students will begin with their usual Period 1 classes before gathering for House Assemblies during Period 2.

Following this, students will participate in Year Level rotations of trivia and ball games. These activities not only provide a fun way to end the term but also contribute points towards the Ron Matthews Shield for 2025. Attendance is expected, and we encourage all students to join in, as these activities embody the spirit of teamwork and school pride that we value so highly.

As students say goodbye to 2024, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on their achievements, celebrate their progress, and set new goals for 2025. We encourage families to have a conversation about the highlights of the year and the lessons learned—both of which will help shape a positive outlook for the future.

Wishing You a Safe and Joyful Holiday Break

As the school year comes to a close, we want to thank our families for their support throughout 2024. We hope you enjoy a restful and happy Christmas and summer break, whether you’re spending time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, or simply relaxing at home.

For students who may find this period challenging, we remind families that mental health support is available. If your child needs assistance over the holidays, please visit the following link for helpful resources: https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/uploads/Documents/Poster-Where-can-you-go-for-support-in-Ballarat-1.pdf

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025. Warm wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season!

Retreat and Commissioning at Camp Manyung 2024

The Year 12 Retreat is complete, and the school now has the newly commissioned Year 12 students as leaders of the student body.

The students spent three days on Retreat, in a beach setting in Mt Eliza. The focus was on the students looking at themselves as young adults and imagining how they can make a difference in the world.

The first activity was based on a story about the infinite nature of love. The students really enjoyed make their folders to hold affirmations that others had written about them.

It was also an opportunity for students to think about their relationships with one another, their teachers, family, and how they could connect with others through writing or receiving affirmations.

Receiving their folders with notes and affirmations inside was a highlight at the end of the retreat.

We also took time to look at our values for 2025. Living Mercy for the Year 12 students is about Courage and Service.

As the new Year 12, the aim is for them to see themselves as leaders in the school and to think about how they can be agents of change. They were asked to think about what they are passionate about and then think about how to take action. They were encouraged to take up the challenge and live life to full.

Another highlight was an activity developed and led by the students. The idea was to give up past habits by forging a new path forward. The students wrote a message on a paper plate and then threw them into a fire to symbolize letting go of the things holding them back. It was quite spectacular to witness.

The time at the beach was also time to relax and have fun. The activities run by the YMCA provided fun and challenge as the students rotated through their activities. Whilst the weather didn’t permit swimming in the ocean, the students certainly enjoyed the beach activities, the sand, and the beautiful sunset that only a beach environment can provide.

Early Start 2025: A Successful Launch into the New School Year

We had an excellent start to our Early Start week, setting the stage for 2025 with enthusiasm and focus. I’d like to share some details about these important transitional events and updates for our Damascus College community.

Orientation Day: Welcoming the Class of 2025

On Tuesday, we welcomed our incoming Year 7 students, and the graduating class of 2025, to the Damascus community during their Orientation Day. It was wonderful to meet over 234 new students and their families as they embarked on their secondary school journey.

The day provided an opportunity for students to meet their Teacher Advisors and College Student Leaders, who will guide and mentor them throughout their six years at Damascus College. They also connected with their Year Level Coordinators, SRC representatives, and Peer Mentors, who will provide year-level-specific support.

In addition to building these crucial relationships, the Year 7s participated in introductory sessions across a variety of subjects, including English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Health & PE, and Arts & Technology. These sessions gave students a taste of secondary-level content and expectations, helping to ease their transition from primary school. The energy and smiles we saw throughout the day suggest a fantastic 2025 ahead for our new Year 7 cohort.

Early Start Week for Years 8–12

While our Year 7s were finding their footing, all Damascus students in Years 8–12 embraced Early Start week by diving into their 2025 classes. This time allowed students to meet their new teachers, ask questions, clarify expectations, and begin setting individual academic goals.

For our senior students, this week marked the beginning of Unit 3 and 4 classes, setting a strong foundation for success in the year ahead. Students also adjusted subject elective choices as needed to ensure alignment with their academic goals. Additionally, this week introduced our new 60-minute lessons, which are designed to enhance focus and engagement across all subject areas.

Booklists and Digital Subscriptions

Booklists will be released by the end of the week, outlining all required texts, materials, and online resources for 2025. Families are reminded that all digital subscriptions are now embedded in the College fee structure, simplifying the process for accessing these important resources. Please check your emails for additional details, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Benchmark Testing and Academic Preparation

Throughout Early Start week, many students completed initial benchmark assessments, such as PAT tests, to establish literacy and numeracy baselines. Teachers will use this data to provide differentiated instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Make-up PAT testing will be available for any students who missed the initial testing.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Early Start week has been a fantastic springboard into what promises to be an exciting and successful 2025 school year. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting the students of Damascus College as they strive to reach their full potential. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to another outstanding year ahead!

Within Performing Arts at Damascus College, it is in the environment of live theatre that the young performer is ultimately tested and rewarded. It is the beginning or the extension of performer confidence and experience. It is for this reason that events like this week’s Drama Showcase are so important.

The College’s regular program of showcases serve the specific purpose of publicly recognising and applauding the achievements of students within the department. This kind of event is different from a School Production in that it provides greater opportunity to display a wide range of students and their talents.

The selected work within last night’s public presentation was sourced from semester two performance tasks set within the classroom and from the College’s Drama Club program which operates at lunchtimes. On viewing these the Drama team felt that some of these pieces showed great potential and deserved a wider viewing than simply their classmates.

On display was a range of scripted pieces from Year 7-9 students, a Year 10 ensemble performance based on the issue of the living conditions and displacement of Australia's indigenous people, and three original solo performance pieces by Year 11, Unit 2 students.

The appreciative audience attending provided these talented students a wonderful opportunity to gain performance experience and hone their craft. Well done to all of these amazing students

Last weekend the Damascus College Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) competed in our 23rd Energy Breakthrough event in Maryborough.

This is a very challenging 24-hour event, which was built on by the extremes of weather, 38 degrees on Friday, dust storms, then 10 hours of drizzle, all while the group camped in the open, but rest assured, this was not enough to dampen the spirts of the 23 strong student team or our marvellous volunteers.

Damascus entered three teams, two hybrid pedal-electric and one pure electric vehicle, that were all completely designed and built by the Damascus SRT community.

Throughout the event the team were outstanding in the way they managed complex tasks including setting up pits, fixing trikes, preparing delicious meals, managing the campsite and meeting all of the requirements of the event management.

2024 Results:

• Senior Hybrid (Cheezy Dibbles): 559 kms, overall Hybrid runner up and Display and Presentation category winner

• Junior Hybrid (B2B): 681 kms 3rd in class

• All electric (Bumble Bee 6): 725 kms

Special thanks to the many staff, parents, volunteers, and sponsors that helped to make this experience such a success. It will be one that the students will hold dear for many years to come.

Thanks to sponsors Bikes on Latrobe, Peaches Fruit Market, Wilsons Fruit, Sinclair Meats, Bendigo Bank, R & J Batteries, Peter Reid, Peter Leighton, and Oliver Christenson.

Well done to the Sustainable Racing Team!

Dobsons Uniform Shop – Extended Summer Trading Hours

The Uniform Shop will close at the end of trade Friday 6^th December.

The Uniform Shop will reopen on Wednesday 15^th January 2025.

We will thereafter be open every weekday until School commences 10am – 3pm.

Damascus College extends it’s congratulations to year 10 student, Millie Baker, who has been accepted into the 2025 Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program.

Professor Kwong Lee Dow is a former University Vice-Chancellor. He was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 1984 and in 2012 was made an Officer of the Order. He has received various awards for his achievements and leadership, and the University of Melbourne continues his work in education with this program.

This program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high-achieving secondary school students in achieving their personal best. It offers students a chance to immerse themselves in the academic enrichment events held through the University of Melbourne in their VCE years, alongside other high achieving high school students.

Millie’s acceptance into this prestigious program comes from the hard work she has put in towards her studies over the past four years to achieve academic success.

Damascus College is proud of Millie for her achievements. Well done!

Student Special Awards 2024

Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen to receive these special awards, which recognize their significant contributions to Damascus College in a variety of different areas. These recipients will be recognized and formally receive their awards at the Damascus College Awards and Achievements evening on Thursday December 5^th at Federation University Mt Helen campus.

Social Justice Awards

The chosen students will have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to social justice at various levels (global, national, local area, environmental within the College community) and will have shown leadership in engaging others with justice issues.

Leadership Awards

The chosen students will have demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability, can communicate in a clear way and works to bring others into the process. They are willing to listen to other points of view and incorporate them where necessary, but are also self-starters who can act independently where necessary to achieve workable solutions to problems.

Performing Arts Awards

The chosen students will have actively participated in extra-curricular performing arts activities undertaken for Damascus College such as drama club, performance at masses and assemblies and school plays or musicals. They show enthusiasm for performing arts, encourage other students in the area and are willing to provide assistance back stage with activities such as set building, stage hand or production assistant.

Jo Reilly Award

This award has been developed in memory of former staff member, Jo Reilly, and recognizes a student from year 7 to 9 who has demonstrated the qualities that Jo herself espoused during her life. These qualities are a sense of justice and compassion, generosity with time to help others, an adventurous spirit and a strong work ethic, commitment to Christian values, gentle in nature and humble about their achievements.

Congratulation to Ruby Lethlean, Year 9 student, on being chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Jo Reilly Award.

2024 Art Awards

Each year the Art Department chooses two pieces of art work to purchase on behalf of the school, that will then remain on display around the school for future years.

Congratulations to the following students whose art work has been chosen for the 2024 Junior and Senior Art Acquisition Awards.

Junior Art Acquisition Award

Riley Murphy “Murph and his cruiser”

Artist Statement:

The reason I did this design is because I really like land cruisers, I also incorporated a footy as my head and north Ballarat because that’s the team I play footy for. For the background I also used mud tracks and a footy oval because their some of my favourite hobbies.

Senior Art Acquisition Award

Ava McLeod “The Abyss”

Artist Statement:

The piece titled "The Abyss" explores the theme of fear through storytelling. This is conveyed by depicting the story of a person getting lost in a forest, which taps into common fears and the irrational nature of being alone. The artwork is designed in the style of a picture storybook, reflecting research into cautionary folk tales. The torch symbolizes the character's will to persist through their troubles, with the torch gradually fading in the final frame to signify their escape. The gold frames are used to evoke the "Golden Book" bedtime stories, further emphasizing the storytelling nature of the artwork.

School Immunisations

If your child missed School Immunisations throughout the year the City of Ballarat will be conducting extra clinics before the end of the year.

Appointments are FREE and are located at either our Girrabanya Centre, 11B Steinfeld Street, Ballarat or Lucas Hub, Cnr Eleanor Drive & Coltman Plaza, Lucas.

Bookings can be made using the link below or by calling City of Ballarat Family & Childrens Services on 5320 5720.

CIRV/Community/PrivacyCollection

2024 has seen many students take advantage of the Wednesday afterschool maths tutoring in the library, though some of them left it until they had an imminent assessment task. Those who came most weeks and worked consistently received the most benefit. Perhaps something for students to consider for 2025.

A special mention must go to Isabeau Turner who topped Damascus College for her performance (measured against her year level across Oceania) in the Australian Mathematics Competition held earlier this semester. A wonderful achievement. The following students also received Distinctions:

Congratulations to these students and to all the others who put themselves forward to take part in this competition and other Maths Games days this year. Regardless of whether you received a Distinction, Credit, Proficiency or Certificate of Participation, well done. It takes courage to put yourself forward. Keep focusing on your effort, this is what you can control. Your ability in mathematics is not fixed but will grow or diminish depending on the amount of work you do.

Please be aware not to purchase maths textbooks second hand regardless of year level. The move from the digital package to digital and hardcopy has added just $10 to the cost at Years 7 to 10 and $20 at VCE level, (we purchase a digital and print package which cannot be separated, buying the books separately would cost approximately $90.) This has been worth the change purely for the increased amount of time students have been on task, and the teacher being more able to assist students rather than spending their time redirecting students to the appropriate website. If students have finished a VCE subject, we have asked them to consider donating their VCE textbooks back to the maths faculty so that some students in the following year will be able to have a lighter school bag (give them to your maths teacher or drop them into room 2206). At Years 7 to 10, we will be moving to a new edition which will comply with the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0 from VCAA. (Very Cross Authoritative Authority).

Finally, a big thank you to all those in the school community who assisted me in some way following my accident in August. Leadership allowed me back when I looked quite confronting and accommodated my requests to make things manageable. Many teachers have covered classes for me, especially in the first couple of weeks, done my yard duties and driven me to and from school for months. Students were also supportive and I thank them for all their cards and gifts. The support has been overwhelming, thank you.

I wish all those who are part of the Damascus community a safe and happy Christmas. If travelling, drive carefully, car accidents are not fun.

Hamish McCrum

As we conclude another dynamic and successful year for the Technology Learning Area, it is truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm among students as they embark on Early Start and their 2025 studies.

The growth in our Technology program has led to the addition of four new staff members over the past year, reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities for students. In the classroom, students have been actively engaged in collaborating to design and produce a variety of products, not only for their own use but also for specific end-users within the school community, including creating costumes for the school production and developing a new workstation for the administration building.

Beyond classroom activities, students have embraced enriching experiences through several excursions, notably securing 3rd place in the inaugural BAS Culinary Competition.

Furthermore, our students and teachers have successfully partnered with local Kindergartens and Primary Schools, and we are dedicated to continuing these valuable collaborations into 2025.

Technology teaching staff are already preparing for the upcoming Technology Curriculum, viewing 2025 as an important familiarisation year ahead of the implementation of the Vic Curriculum 2.0 in 2026. We remain focused on creating impactful classroom learning that aligns with our core values, emphasising social-emotional learning and essential life skills that will support students in their post-secondary pursuits.

I encourage all students and families to enjoy a well-deserved break, spending quality time together. Before long, we will be back at Damascus, ready to embrace an exciting 2025 school year!

Please see information following if you would like to know more around becoming a Foster Carer:

Remembering Victims and Survivors of Family Violence

This ecumenical service offers an opportunity to remember and mourn those who have been killed as a result of domestic violence, to stand in solidarity with victim survivors and to reflect and commit ourselves to addressing the causes of violence in our communities. 

The service will be held on Tuesday December 10th at St Alipius Church, Ballarat East at 5.00pm. 

December 10th is the UN Human Rights Day, concluding the 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). This ecumenical service will name the dimensions and dynamics of the serious problem of violence in our society. We will name the God present in and through all our efforts to create lives free from violence. We will seek to hold the light for those who are in dark places and for those whose lives are emerging from darkness.  Joce Bignold, CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women will be the guest speaker.

All members of the community are invited to gather for this service.

We’re thrilled to announce that registrations for Summer Camp 2025 are now open! Your child may be familiar with our school programs, but the adventure and excitement does not stop there. Our Cave Hill Creek Summer Camp program offers more than twelve exciting activities – including archery, raft building and we’ve added a thrilling new vertical challenge.

Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to kick those post school camp blues by bringing along a friend or sibling and exploring everything Cave Hill Creek has to offer!

Our program, designed for children aged 8-14, is filled with activities they already love, plus some exciting new additions!

Camp Dates for 2025:

· Camp #31: Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10

· Camp #32: Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17

· Camp #33: Monday, January 20 – Friday, January 24

Pricing:

· Single child: $1,099

· 2nd sibling: $879

· 3rd+ sibling: $769

We’re also introducing a new program for teens aged 14-15! Our Summer Camp-Out program offers an exciting opportunity for teens to challenge themselves with new adventures like hiking, exploring, and expanding their outdoor skills.

Summer Camp-Out Dates:

· Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17, 2025 (Spots are filling fast!)

· Pricing: $1,549 per participant

We’d love to see students of Damascus return to Cave Hill Creek for another thrilling adventure. To reserve a spot, click here.