Celebrating a Fantastic Term at Damascus College

As we reach the end of a dynamic and rewarding term, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible hard work, dedication and achievements of our students and staff. This term has been a testament to the commitment of our school community in fostering a culture of learning, growth, and support.

A special congratulations to our Senior Boys' Rowing team, who proudly represented Damascus College at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania. Their dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship were truly commendable, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. Additionally, we applaud all students who competed in Ballarat Associated School (BAS) sport this term, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and a strong sense of school spirit.

As we look ahead, excitement is building for our students involved in the Final Hours Production, who will be dedicating part of their holiday break to rehearsals. Their passion and commitment to the performing arts are inspiring and we eagerly anticipate their performance.

This past weekend, we had the privilege of farewelling our students traveling to France, where they will visit our sister school, St Benoît in Angers. This enriching experience will allow them to immerse themselves in French culture, strengthen their language skills, and build lasting international connections. We also celebrated a wonderful school reunion, reflecting on the rich history and enduring spirit of Damascus College. It was a joy to reconnect with past students and celebrate the strong bonds within our school community.

What a fantastic day of energy, teamwork and sportsmanship demonstrated at our Athletics Carnival yesterday! Congratulations to all students who participated, giving their best efforts in every race, jump, and throw. It was especially inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our junior students, who brought incredible spirit and determination to the competition. A huge thank you to our Student House Leaders, whose passion and leadership motivated their teams throughout the day. Your commitment to fostering a supportive and encouraging environment truly made the event a success.

As we move from the excitement of the carnival, we now turn our hearts towards The Way of the Cross this Friday. This will be a special opportunity for our community to come together in faith, reflecting on the final hours of Jesus' journey to the cross. It is a time to pause, pray, and remember His sacrifice with reverence and gratitude.

We welcome new School Advisory Council (SAC) members Kerrie Franc and Jason Fletcher. I look forward to the contributions and insights they will bring to our meetings.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we remind families that Subject Teacher Interviews have been scheduled for Week 2, providing an important opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to discuss progress and learning goals. Additionally, in Week 1, our staff will engage in professional learning, focusing on Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments and Teach Like a Champion. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the learning culture at Damascus College and enhancing student outcomes.

It is anticipated that the College will be able to move into the Senior Learning Centre in the first week of Term 2, staff professional learning and the move of one evening of subject interviews should enable a smoother transition for our learning community.

As we enter the Easter season, may all our families be enveloped by the hope and joy that this time of renewal brings. We wish everyone a restful and rejuvenating break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

We look forward to welcoming our students for the start of Term 2 on Monday 28 April.

With every blessing

Term 1 will conclude on Friday 4 April at 2.20pm. As per yesterday’s communication to families, we welcome the news that CDC (town) busses have reverted their decision and will pick up students at the early finish time of approximately 2.25pm. Supervision that was offered to CDC bus students, will now not be required. The PAM activity advertising this has now been deleted.

As we conclude Term one, and begin next term with Subject Teacher Interviews, I’d like to highlight the importance of partnering with families in a child’s education. Some of the benefits include;

1. Holistic Development: Families provide insights into a child's background, interests, strengths, and weaknesses that can inform educators' approaches to teaching and support. Understanding a child's home environment helps create a more holistic educational experience.

2. Consistency: When families and educators work together, they can ensure that the messages and expectations for the child are consistent across home and school environments. Consistency is key for a child's understanding and adherence to rules, routines, and academic expectations.

3. Supporting Learning: Families can reinforce learning outside the classroom by engaging in activities that complement what is taught in school. Whether it's reading together, discussing current events, or exploring educational outings, family involvement enhances and reinforces academic concepts.

4. Emotional Support: Children thrive when they feel supported emotionally. Families provide a nurturing environment that can bolster a child's confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, which are crucial for academic success.

5. Problem-solving and Collaboration: When challenges arise, whether academic, behavioural, or social, partnering with families allows educators to work collaboratively with parents or guardians to address these issues effectively. This collaboration fosters problem-solving skills and models positive conflict resolution for the child.

6. Cultural Understanding: Every family brings its own cultural background and values into the educational equation. Understanding and respecting these differences enriches the educational experience for both the child and the school community.

7. Parental Involvement: Research consistently shows that parental involvement in a child's education correlates with higher academic achievement, better attendance, and improved behavior. When parents are actively engaged in their child's schooling, it sends a powerful message about the value of education.

8. Building Trust and Rapport: Collaborating with families builds trust and rapport between educators and parents, creating a supportive network focused on the child's well-being and success.

Overall, partnering with families in a child's education fosters a strong support system that enhances the child's learning, emotional well-being, and overall development. It's a collaborative effort that benefits everyone involved.

I encourage families to log onto PAM and ensure that you are up to date with your student’s progress in their respective studies. Holidays may provide an opportunity to catch up on work that has been missed or to create a summary of first term learnings. Year 12 students are now one-third of the way through their learning program, so a comprehensive revision of content to date will be important. If you have any queries regarding assessment tasks or classroom learning, I encourage you to make contact with your child’s teacher.

Subject Teacher Interviews provide a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, to receive clarity around any questions that you may have. Subject Teacher Interviews will be held on the following days, beginning Monday 28 April.

• Monday 28 April - 3.45pm to 6.30pm (Virtual bookings only)
• Tuesday 29 April - 3.45pm to 6.30pm (Virtual bookings only)
• Thursday 1 May - 3.45pm to 6.30pm (Virtual bookings only)

Bookings will open Thursday 3 April at 9.00am and I encourage families to book in to see your subject teacher.

I have made mention in multiple articles of the last 12-15 months of the anticipation and excitement of see the new Senior Learning Centre being built. We are almost there, and we expect to take occupancy and begin classes in the new building from the beginning of Term 2.

The majority of classes in the current building 2, will move rooms to the new building.

I wish everyone well for a blessed Easter and a safe and happy holiday.

Chris

Hydration Hike

Project Compassion

The student activities for project Compassion have continued this term with classes actively supporting the cause of this year’s theme to ‘unite against poverty’. Here is an example of how one class generated a fundraiser and increased their understanding of the challenging circumstances of others.

Hydration Hike

One of the year 10 Youth ministry classes had been looking at the issue of access to clean water in various parts of the world. In class we looked at stories of how far people travel to access clean water and the work that Caritas is doing in many parts of the world. We decided to do a ‘Hydration Hike’ and raise some money for Project Compassion - Caritas’ main source of fundraising.

After a couple of laps of the Murrnong trail with buckets of water, the students recognised that it was not easy to collect water. The group asked for sponsors and were surprised by the generosity of staff at the school, reinforcing for them how important the work of Caritas is and the genuine commitment of many in the school to support Caritas.

The students raised approximately $500 for Project Compassion.

Easter Liturgy

On Friday all students will participate in an Eater Liturgy. A small group of students will present an encounter of the ‘Way of the Cross’. The students will act out each station of the cross and then freeze in a Tableau as a contemporary reading will connect the biblical story to present day experiences.

This is an important event for students and reminds us all that the death and resurrection in fundamental to our Christian belief and lives within us everyday.

May the blessings of Easter be with each and every one of you.

Damascus College Leaders Champion Respectful Relationships

Damascus College proudly participated in a recent Respectful Relationships seminar, with College Captains Milan and Joachim representing our school. This event brought together student leaders from Catholic primary and secondary schools to foster a culture of respect, equality, and positive relationships within our communities.

A key focus of the seminar was the mentorship provided by Year 12 students to Grade 6 students. Milan, Joachim, and their peers played an integral role in guiding and supporting the younger students, helping them navigate discussions on building healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence. Milan and Joachim were able to articulate how students can engage in conversations and actions that allow for a safe and inclusive environment where students and staff feel safe.

The Respectful Relationships program is a statewide initiative that supports schools and early childhood settings in promoting and modelling respectful attitudes and behaviours. By engaging in this program, Damascus College is reinforcing its commitment to shaping an environment that values respect, inclusivity, and equality. At the present time the College continues to review its academic programs to ensure students are provided with a curriculum that reflect the goals of Respectful Relationships Education.

In addition to the College’s commitment to Respectful Relationships, we are also aligned to the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Alliance. This initiative strengthens our ongoing work in fostering safe and respectful communities in the Grampians region. Through meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts, our student leaders are driving positive change, ensuring that respect and equality remain at the heart of our school culture.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a peaceful and reverent Easter Break.

Best wishes,

Andy

The Year 8 students have had a fantastic first term of learning in Humanities, culminating in a model-making assessment for the Landscapes and Landforms unit of study. Students have explored a number of landscapes such as deserts, rainforests, coasts, and mountains, which have inspired them to complete a final in-depth report that focuses on one landform.

In addition to writing a detailed outline of the features of their chosen landform, students were tasked with making a creative model too, one that would highlight unique elements and important geological processes. Students were encouraged to consider the pros and cons of different model types and were able to choose from a wide range of options, including, dioramas, sculptures, cut-outs and drawings, textured maps, cakes, and biscuits, just to name a few. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and enriching task that resulted in some wonderful creations!

At Damascus College, our Archives serve as more than just a repository of records and heritage items—they are a vital resource that connects our current students and staff with the rich history that has shaped our school community over the past 140 years. This history includes not only Damascus College itself but also our three foundation schools: Sacred Heart College, St Martin’s in the Pines, and St Paul’s Technical College.

Recently, some of our Year 7 Religious Education classes have had the opportunity to visit the Archives Gallery, located on the lower ground floor of the Damascus Events Centre. During these class visits, students learnt more about and explored the history of our foundation schools through historical displays, vintage school uniforms, and engaging, hands-on activities. This immersive experience allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy of those who came before them and the journey that has shaped our college and made us who we are today.

As we celebrate 30 years of Damascus College in 2025—it is more important than ever to reflect on and celebrate our history. Built upon a legacy dating back to 1881, our school community continues to be shaped by the Mercy values, traditions, and stories of the past. Opportunities like these visits to the Archives Gallery ensure that our students develop a strong connection to their school’s history and a sense of pride in being part of the Damascus story.

Damascus Sport Report – Week 10, Term 1, 2025

As Term 1 draws to a conclusion I would like to congratulate the 110 students who have participated in BAS after school sport on a weekly basis. For the year 7’s it has been a time of establishing friendships and forming a strong connection and identity with the college and potentially playing a brand new sport. For returning students it may have provided an opportunity to build on your skills and knowledge from previous years, as well as extend your leadership skills both on and off the field/court.

Term 1 has also seen many other sporting events such as our Swimming and Athletics Carnival, BAS Tennis and Golf Championships, Head of The Lake and BAS Swimming held. It has been wonderful to see our students take up these opportunities and really challenge themselves against strong opposition. Taking on these opportunities requires a growth mind set, an approach which I would strongly encourage many more of you to take on with all aspects of college life.

An MS Form has been sent to all students offering the Term 2 BAS Sport opportunities, please see below what is available. Once lists are finalised more information will be sent out via MS Teams, email, the morning messages and PAM notifications.

BAS Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday, March 18 the annual BAS Swimming Carnival was held at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre. Our 45-member squad represented the college with pride and distinction with a large number “placing” across the day. A huge thanks to the staff for all their efforts on the day in managing the squad and fulfilling roles such as timing, entering results etc. A small number of students will get the opportunity to represent BAS at the annual VSAC meet, which is held at MSAC in May, more information to come.

BAS Golf

On Tuesday, March 18 the annual BAS Golf Championships were held at Midlands Golf Club. The following students represented the college; Oscar Burke (7), Angus McDonald (7), Tom Sheridan (10), Rex Hodge (10), Liam Turner (10), Edward Lane (11). All students acquitted themselves well in the 18-hole event.

Athletics

The Damascus Athletics Carnival was held on Tuesday, April 1 at Llanberis. As results come to hand, they will be published.

Term 2 Key Dates

Damascus Sport Uniform

Students need to ensure they are in the correct uniform to participate. Students should check with their coach as to what is required.

I wish all students and coaches the best in 2025. Always play the game in the right spirit, wear the correct uniform, respect the umpires, staff in charge and the facilities. You all have an opportunity to add to your school experience by being the best you can be, both in and out of the classroom.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself (g.webb@damascus.vic.edu.au) or Sport and PE Administrators, Patty Dillon (p.dillon@damascus.vic.edu.au) and Ellie Meade (e.meade@damascus.vic.edu.au) at the College with any questions.

Year 10 Immunisations

The City of Ballarat Immunisation Nurses will visit Damascus College on Wednesday 25^th June 2025 to Immunise Year 10 students for the Meningococcal ACWY 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=7d45f9c9-e4e4-ef11-9341-000d3a7954b1&Year10 The link will expire at 3pm on Tuesday 24th June 2025.

All Immunisations 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

Year 7 Immunisation Catch Ups

If your child missed out on the Year 7 Immunisations recently held, the Immunisation Nurses will return on Wednesday 25^th June 2025. Please follow the link to consent to these;

https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=63792949-f20d-f011-998a-000d3ae192d6&Year7

The link will expire at 3pm on Tuesday 24th June 2025.

All Immunisations 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

The Dobson's Uniform shop on site at Damascus is now operating Monday - Friday 8.30am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

Please see following information in relation to the Brown Hill Netball Club and its need for players:

Please see following information in relation to a BADAC Carer Information session: