Congratulations to the many students who have quickly entered the energy and joy of the busyness of Term 2. Students have quickly resumed into the complexity and challenge of learning. To be an effective learner one needs to experience a sense of adventure and be open to the unknown. Learning should not be easy; it needs to provide learners with a sense of being uncomfortable and wondering. As educators it is our role to help students navigate new knowledge and to help them develop resilience and confidence. Over the last couple of weeks we have seen students enter this space. Your child(ren) needs parental support to remain organised, on task and to meet the demands of the assessment cycle.

Last night we began our Teacher Advisor Interviews and today we launched our Subject Led Interviews. Thanks to the many families who have made themselves available and met with our teachers to support the needs of our students. The partnership between home and school is a critical one and demonstrates to your child your love and care. At Damascus we welcome open conversations and encourage you to provide teachers and the College Leadership Team with feedback.

Our College theme, this year ‘to live by the light Christ,’ speaks to me of the gift and joy of being fully alive. To be fully alive and in the light of Christ we are people that are open to new experiences and a deep desire to be in community. We are challenged to be our best and to be one percent better, than we were the day before, to be beacons of hope to build on our learnings and our strengths.

The annual Lap of the Lake provided our students with a physical quest – to move outside their comfort zone and to be present with their House, peers and college community. Yesterday the BAS Athletics Carnival at Llanberris Athletics Reserve enabled our students to shine and represent the Damascus community with pride and determination.

The College Arts Program continues to flourish and blossom. On Monday l attended the lunchtime Music Concert held in the Auditorium.I am always in awe of the young people who have the confidence and tenacity to perform to their peers and teachers – being vulnerable to the audience. The Addams Family rehearsals continue with dedication and passion, myself and the community are looking forward to seeing the performance in July.

Our Alumni team have been working tirelessly to bring community together with Alumni celebrations. We are grateful for their work in enhancing our 140 year history and enhancing our unique place in Ballarat. Each family would have received the 2022 College Yearbook, and we thank our student leaders, and staff members Korina Hegert and Anne Griffin for their work in documenting student life at the College.

Over the last fortnight we have had numerous year level masses and are grateful for the parish priests who have brought our faith and Eucharist to life. We wish our Year 10 students well next week as they participate in their retreat experiences and in work experience.

I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the Mothers and special people in our lives a very Happy Mothers Day for Sunday. May you spoilt and treasured as always.

With every blessing

As we move towards Mother's day on Sunday, we pray this week for our Mum's and the significant women in our lives. We offer a prayer of gratitude and ask that God bless and care for Mums and all women!

We pray for our mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to

our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness

to care for their families and themselves with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us;

May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated from their children

because of war, poverty, or conflict;

May they feel the loving embrace of our God

We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us

with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who

are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish

us with their love.

Amen

We will gather tomorrow morning for the Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast beginning in the JSC at 7.00am, then following, in the DEC for a lovely breakfast. I thank in advance Cathy Prunty, Sharon Lehtonen and the Liturgy team, along with Sarah Boswell and the Development team for facilitating this special and very popular event.

We have a very busy couple of weeks coming up at the College; next week Year 9 students will be attending their outdoor adventure camp near Benalla, Year 10 students are engaged in Work Experience or their retreat and CPDA learning opportunities, and the following week sees Year 8 Students attending camp down in Anglesea. The diversity of learning and the strength of engagement in these activities is always wonderful to witness.

If you have a child in Year 10 who has work experience next term and the paperwork has not been returned to the College, could you please attend to this as soon as possible.

Students are now required to be in full Winter uniform (as of Monday, 8th May) – this means long pants, Winter skirts and tights and track pants with the PE uniform. It is not uncommon for students to have grown, which requires skirts and pants to be let down. Skirts should be knee-length. Following up on uniform infringements takes valuable school resources away from the core business of learning and teaching and creates awkward and unnecessary conversations with students and families. Please ensure all students come to school each day in the correct school uniform.

Parents may also be pressured to purchase a rain jacket. This uniform item was introduced to cover the expensive blazer as students walk to and from school or as they wait at rural bus stops. Students are allowed to wear the rain jacket in terms 2 and 3 at lunchtime and recess while outside as another layer and to encourage student activity. The rain jacket is not to be worn in class. It does remain an optional item of uniform.

The Senior School formal will take place this Friday 12th May, from 7:00pm to 10:30pm in the Damascus Events Centre. This is a social opportunity that Damascus College facilitates for our community's Year 11 and 12 students. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that we reiterate that normal school rules apply. It is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event; any student suspected of having consumed alcohol will not be let in. There are no pass-outs through the evening. Year 12 students are permitted to bring a guest on the condition that they arrive with the Damascus College student and that the guest abides by Damascus College rules. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. It is a social activity, and hair and make-up appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is away on Friday will not be able to attend the formal. I must reinforce my encouragement that parents support one another by not condoning after parties. If you say no to requests from your child, you're actually supporting other Damascus parents who are going to receive the same pressure from their student. Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share.

Well done to our BAS Athletics Carnival competitors who represented the College with absolute distinction at yesterday's carnival. I thank Rod Mathews & Hamish Walsh for their organisation of the event, along with the HPE team for their support of our students throughout the day.

Chris

Spiritual and Personal Development – Year 10

Retreat Days:

Day 1 – 15 May

Day 2 – 16 May

Next week Year 10 students will embark on an extraordinary week of activities contributing to their Christian and personal development. Some students will be heading out on work experience and others will experience a retreat with a difference.

For those on retreat we will welcome Gen Bryant to Damascus College for the first time. Gen is a musician, composer and team builder who has devoted her talent to bringing the Gospel messages of hope and love and justice to young people. Gen and her team of musicians have contributed to the spiritual development of youth across Australia for many years. She was a key performer at the last Australian Catholic Youth Festival and has a strong following of young people who are choosing to explore their faith. The team bring messages of joy and hope through engagement and fun.

We look forward to bringing this experience to our Year 10 students.

Day 2 of the retreat will be a trip to Melbourne to explore the internal workings of the magazine ‘The Big Issue’. The Big Issue underpins a social enterprise that provides solutions to help homeless, disadvantaged, and marginalised people to positively change their lives.

Damascus College has long supported this not-for-profit organisation and offers this experience to students to deepen their understanding of social inequity. Through knowledge, compassion, and action we can change for the better the lives of others.

After the retreat the students not participating in work experience will resume classes for the remainder of the week.

Mother’s Day

We look forward to welcoming many mothers for the Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast this Thursday at 7am.

We wish all mothers and nurturers a blessed day on Sunday.

Over the coming weeks students in year 8 and 9 will be engaged in their education through the school camp experience. Year 8 students take part in a three day/ two night adventure experience at Anglesea while our year 9 students enjoy a four night/ five day hiking and camping experience in commencing at Charnwood (near Benella). I am grateful for the work camp Coordinator Paul Briody has put in place preparing for these camps and for the many staff who have taken time away from from their family to support these programs.

Over the last couple of years there has been a concerning volume of students who have been reluctant to take part in these compulsory experiences. Granted camping out for some of us clearly puts us outside our comfort zone. Being subject to the elements, spending time away from family, mixing with others who we do not know and attempting activities that challenge us can make us feel uncomfortable and even vulnerable. However there are clear benefits in putting ourselves in the zone of being uncomfortable. Comfort can lead to self-absorption, boredom, and discontent. You can either be comfortable and stagnate or stretch yourself  —  become uncomfortable  —  and grow.

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Psychologist and author of Better Than Perfect, says ‘people who regularly seek out fresh experiences tend to be more creative and emotionally resilient than those who remain stuck in routine.’ Essentially when challenged, you are asked to become more than you were. That means creating new perspectives, acquiring new skills and pushing boundaries.

Our Damascus College community has been on a journey in developing Social and Emotional Learning Skills acknowledging that growth in these competencies leads to improved levels of wellbeing and learning outcomes. Camping activities go well beyond the experience. Camping provides students opportunities to become resilient, to persevere (I will get that camping bivvy set up, I can stand up on that surf board), to demonstrate confidence, to be organised and to engage in positive relationships with those around us. Students will return from camp demonstrating the acquisition of new skills.

I look forward to hearing of the many stories of student growth over the coming weeks.

The Unbreakable Bond: Why Teacher-Student-Parent Relationships are now more important than ever.

As a society, we have seen our fair share of difficult and challenging times. We have endured natural disasters, economic downturns, pandemics, and other crises that have tested our strength and resilience. During these times, it is easy to feel lost and alone, but there is one group of people who remain steadfast and reliable in our lives – our parents.

Parents play a crucial role in our lives, particularly during challenging times. They are our first teachers, our biggest supporters, and our unwavering champions. They are there to guide us through life's ups and downs, to encourage us when we falter, and to celebrate with us when we succeed.

However, being a parent in difficult times can be emotionally draining and challenging. There are times when we don't know what to do, how to support our children, or how to help them overcome the obstacles they face. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's okay to ask for help. We need to lean on our support systems, whether it be family, friends, or professionals. Seeking help does not make us weak; it makes us stronger and more equipped to support our children. This is where the powerful relationship between teacher-student-parent is important.

But the teacher-student-parent relationship is not just about academics. It's about creating a sense of belonging and community. It's about building trust and mutual respect. It's about fostering empathy and understanding.

During challenging times, this relationship becomes even more critical. Students may be experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. They may be struggling with the impacts of distance learning, social isolation, or family issues. Teachers and parents need to work together to provide a sense of stability and support, to help students feel seen, heard, and valued.

The teacher / student /parent relationship is vital to a student's success, particularly during challenging times. It requires trust, collaboration, and empathy. It requires a shared commitment to the well-being and growth of each student. It requires a willingness to see the potential in every student and to support them in achieving their goals.

Brene Brown, a renowned researcher and storyteller, once said, "Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." This is precisely what the teacher-student-parent relationship should strive to achieve.

Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly" is a powerful book that provides valuable insights and practical tools for building stronger relationships between students, teachers, and parents. Brown's central message is that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a source of courage and strength. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, we can cultivate deeper connections and foster a more supportive and compassionate community.

One of the key takeaways from "Daring Greatly" is the importance of open and honest communication. As Brown writes, "We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known." By sharing our struggles and vulnerabilities with others, we can build trust and deepen our connections, which can be especially valuable in times of stress or uncertainty. This is particularly important in the context of parent-teacher relationships, where misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. By being open and honest with each other, parents and teachers can work together to support students and create a more positive learning environment.

Another valuable aspect of "Daring Greatly" is the emphasis on empathy and compassion. Brown writes, "Empathy is not feeling for people, it's feeling with people." By putting ourselves in others' shoes and showing kindness and understanding, we can build bridges and find common ground, even in challenging situations. This is especially important in the context of student-teacher relationships, where students may be struggling with academic or personal issues. By practicing empathy and compassion, teachers can create a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment, which can in turn lead to better academic outcomes for students.

Finally, "Daring Greatly" offers practical tools and strategies for cultivating resilience and coping with setbacks. Brown writes, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change." By embracing our imperfections and learning from our failures, we can build confidence and resilience, which can be especially important for students as they navigate the challenges of school and life. Teachers and parents can also benefit from this mindset, as it can help them to model resilience and perseverance for their students.

Overall, I highly recommend "Daring Greatly" for anyone interested in building stronger relationships and fostering a more compassionate and supportive community. Brown's insights and strategies are invaluable for students, teachers, and parents alike, and can help us all to cultivate deeper connections, show more empathy and compassion, and navigate the challenges of life with greater courage and resilience.

When teachers and parents work together, they can create a supportive environment for students to thrive in. They can collaborate to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses, set achievable goals, and provide constructive feedback. They can work together to address any issues or challenges a student may be facing, both inside and outside the classroom.

As we continue to face difficult and challenging times, let us remember the power of this unbreakable bond between teacher-student-parent. Let us work together to create a supportive environment for our students to thrive in. Let us ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Because when we do, we create a better world for all of us

Take the opportunity to see this amazing bio pic around the life of John Farnham and at the same time help raise money for the Relay for Life team.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please email djsisters0203@gmail.com.

This week we are excited to spend five minutes with Year 12 student Pyper Smith, to hear his aspirations for university after high school.

“Next year I would like to go to university to gain new skills in the field of music and to strengthen the skills I already have.

I would like to study at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music; however I am also interested in either Monash University or Victoria University to do a Bachelor of Music, and then eventually a teaching degree somewhere else.

I don’t honestly know why I want to study music; it just feels right that I continue with my passion of playing piano.

I am really looking forward to enjoying the facilities at university and refining my skills on a grand piano.

After university, I would like to either be a music teacher, a piano teacher/tutor or piano technician.”

Thanks for your time, Pyper, and good luck with achieving your musical aspirations.

On Sunday 30 March Isabeau Turner (Year 7) and Bronte Jarvis (Year 8 ) participated in Rostrum’s ‘Voice of Youth’ public speaking competition.

In this annual competition, students gave six-minute speeches on a topic of their choosing. Isabeau argued convincingly that we should change the date of Australia Day, in her speech on ‘a change worth making’.

Bronte discussed how things are not always as they seem, highlighting the debacles on the set of The Wizard of Oz (1939) in her speech on the theme ‘behind the lens’.

Bronte was successful and came runner-up on the day! We wish her luck as she prepares to compete at the state final in June.

Congratulations to both Bronte and Isabeau on their participation.

This week we are thrilled to spend five minutes with Year 12 student Kaitlyn Handreck, to hear her aspirations for university after high school.

“I am looking forward to going to university next year to study a Bachelor of Commerce. University is the perfect opportunity for me to continue with tertiary education after high school.

I am hoping to get into Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, to study a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting, and a minor in International Business and Project Management.

My favourite thing about accounting is being able to work with numbers and using processes to balance accounts. Also, being able to talk to different people every day is something I would love to do as a job.

When I go to university, I am looking forward to having a bit of extra independence that comes with moving out of home. As I am looking at going to Geelong, it is far enough away from Ballarat to feel independent, but also close enough that I can come back home whenever I need to.

After university, I am hoping to get CPA qualifications to become a professional accountant, but I haven’t quite decided my preferred style of accounting – maybe a bit of everything… tax, financial accounting, project management – but I know that Accounting is the career that I want to pursue.”

Thanks for your time, Kaitlyn, and good luck with achieving your Commerce and Accounting aspirations.

On Monday, Damascus College students and staff were treated to a live lunchtime musical concert in the Valda Ward Auditorium.

Six students from our instrumental program were given the opportunity to perform and show off their impressive musical talents. The seats were packed with students and staff who turned up to support the performers and enjoy the occasion.

The program for the concert included some amazing performances that involved vocals, piano, clarinet, saxophone, violin, and flute.

We look forward to the next concert in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to all the students who took part and the staff who supported them.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

It has been a very busy start to the year across the Performing Arts Department and there has been no shortage of fervent activity on either side of ‘The Wall’ in our building. Within the first weeks of the year the Music Department was rehearsing all of their ensembles including our Junior and Senior Singing groups, String Ensemble, African Drummers, Rock Band and the Jazz Ensemble. With our younger students beginning the reformation of our Concert Band it is exciting to see many students deciding to take up a woodwind or brass instrument to begin it’s emergence once again at Damascus.

Our African Drummers were invited to play at the launch of Harmony Day, a national day of recognition and awareness of our many muliticultural communities in Australia. The performance was a real credit to their teamwork as an ensemble, professionalism and focus in performance and to Stella Savy, their director for preparing them for the day. Mayor Des Hudson was particularly impressed by the student performance and all in attendance expressed their sincere gratitude for Damascus’ involvement.

This year we welcome Ligia Lupoiou to the department as our Coordinator of Co Curricula Performance and piano tutor as part of the Instrumental Music Program. In our growing enrolments of nearing on 90 students who are learning a musical instrument at Damascus, and the reflection of this in the increase in Ensemble participation, it has been necessary to engage further support to ensure the program is running at it’s optimum and every opportunity for performance is being taken. Ligia has hit the ground running in both her organisation, enthusiasm and energy in wanting to see the further growth and development within this area of the department and we are excited to have her on board.

Within the music curriculum students at junior levels have been busy being introduced to aspects of rhythm and pitch. Year 8’s also explored the music of Indonesian Gamelan which included students composing their own piece using a pentatonic scale. Some fantastic works were produced across this unit of study. Year 9 music students have been working through an exploration of the decades of popular music from the 1950’s – 1990s and have been busy learning to work as a class band to prepare a performance of songs from these great years in an end of semester performance.

The year 11 and 12’s have also been extremely busy in their VCE studies preparing musical works on their chosen instrument, participating in ensembles and further developing their aural and written skills in music. In March these students attended the VCE Top Class Performance at the Recital Centre at Southbank. This allows VCE Music students the opportunity to witness the performances of some of the highest achievers in the Music Study from the previous year. It also allows them to ‘take notes’ about what makes these performances excellent so as to hopefully incorporate these observations into their end of year exam performances. The day also includes a visit to the Australian Music Vault and a Melbourne ‘lunch’. Who can argue with a day of great music and good food! Its fantastic to see so many of our students engaging in music at Damascus and we look forward to seeing even more join us in our experiences as the year progresses.

Each Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30pm maths teachers provide additional support for students in the library. Whether students are struggling with Year 7 maths or trying to turn an A into an A+ in Year 12 Specialist maths, or anywhere in between, they are encouraged to take advantage of this offer. The more mathematics questions that students complete, the more their mathematical ability improves. Their maths ability is not fixed at its current level. The extra assistance can help them to get more questions done in less time. Some students use this time to get assistance from teachers for a large part of the time. Other students use this time to complete their maths homework, rarely asking for assistance, but are using the structured time to help them develop good homework habits. Both of these approaches are encouraged. We have room for more students, no booking is required.

Last week we had 140 students from Years 7 to 12 take part in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition, a one-hour problem solving test. I commend them for participating and eagerly await their results. There will be other competitions and opportunities, particularly the Australian Maths Competition in August.

On Friday Damascus College Year 9 Health & Physical Education students studying Footy Codes were taken on an excursion to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and to Marvel Stadium.

Students undertake Footy Codes as it combines practical classes and analyses performance during theory. Students also choose this subject if they are interested in the different football codes and how to improve performance through physical training, game sense, analysis, and recovery.

The excursion began at the MCG with a tour of the facility and the sports museum before heading to a match at Marvel between Brisbane and Carlton.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

During term 1, we welcomed our Year 7 students to Science classes at Damascus College. They have taken the role of a Young Scientist - learning, observing, recording, asking questions and finding answers. They enthusiastically performed experiments in which they learnt to use Scientific equipment, took measurements carefully and accurately, and worked co-operatively with others during practical and group work. They very proudly obtained their Bunsen Burner License. Have a look at the photos of our year scientists at work.

Our Year 8 Esteem students, Year 12 Biology and Year 12 Physics students have been on excursion!

Over the last few weeks Year 8 class groups have enjoyed attending the Ballarat Tech School to immerse themselves in STEM activities. These visits have allowed students to transfer their classroom learning to real life scenarios. With the expert assistance of the Ballarat Tech School staff, students were able to use software design suites and laser cutters to produce a cookie cutter that could create a tessellating pattern in the dough. Students then worked collaboratively to bake their cookies in the Tech School kitchen. The end product looked great and tasted delicious!

These visits have allowed students to transfer their classroom learning to real life scenarios. With the expert assistance of the Ballarat Tech School staff, students were able to use software design suites and laser cutters to produce a cookie cutter that could create a tessellating pattern in the dough. Students then worked collaboratively to bake their cookies in the Tech School kitchen. The end product looked great and tasted delicious!

Year 12 Biology students attended Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh to prepare for their Unit 3 Outcome. As you can see from the photos, they were emersed in using technology that manipulated DNA and tested for Genetic Modification.

4 VCE Physics students and 2 staff members ventured down at the wee hours to have a whirl of a time at the Luna Park Physics day, along with hundreds of other VCE Physics students across Victoria.

Students were quick to get onto their first ride, Pharaoh’s Curse, and experienced going upside down many, many times, along with many, many screams. This was the start of an exciting day of circular motion both in the horizontal and vertical. The students agreed that their favourite ride was the Enterprise, but also enjoyed the Dodgem cars and anything which made their stomachs feel like it was in their throats. The Twin Dragon was the least popular due to a throwing up incident….

Overall, students praised the opportunity to put their knowledge into a real-life practical experiences paired with a really fun day out. Which proves that Physics really is great fun!!!!!

Many thanks to our trusty bus driver, Mr. Lepair, who did an amazing job driving and navigating through Melbourne traffic…..and for the Maccas stop on the way home!

To consolidate their understanding of the brain, Year 11 Psychology students made a model of the brain using various materials available at home.

In year 9 Horticulture this Semester, students have successfully grown a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes, beans, sweet corn and the broccoli is coming along nicely. Some students have also had a good harvest in their own gardens at home.

Additionally, students have enjoyed the fruits of the 2022 class plantings. We’ve harvested some enormous potatoes, broad beans, elephant garlic, Australian purple garlic and admired the blooms of the sunflowers around the mud brick hut. After some heavy pruning last year, the raspberry patch and red currents responded with an abundant flush of fruit over the Summer holidays.

The introduction of two new closed compost bins have been a happy success. The red wrigglers have found their way in, and the worms are a great indication that the compost is healthy. The closed system also means our previous compost tenants (the rodents) have relocated and are no longer damaging our crops. The compost is collected regularly from the staff room, closing the loop on a waste stream while replenishing the nutrients in the soil of our raised beds.

In class students have been learning about plant anatomy and propagation and are about to plant some native seed they’ve collected from around the college grounds. I’m thrilled to report that 19 gum trees planted on National Tree Day are now peaking above their tree guards and the 25 blackwood seedlings that were grown from seed, are thriving and sprouting their mature leaves.

Kayla Robson

Science & Horticulture Teacher

The Year 7s have showcased their creativity, teamwork, and sense of humour. This semester, Year 7 Drama students have been working on a Physical Comedy unit. Students have explored comedy through a range of techniques such as mime, imitation and parody and learned how to use expressive skills to create different characters.

In the first Assessment Task students collaborated to create a twist on a classic fairy tale. The students undertook a series of planning and rehearsing workshops before their final performance in front of the class. Some of the fairy tales performed included: Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. The students rose to the occasion and demonstrated their enthusiasm for the performing arts. Below are some of the Year 7 students dressed in costumes for their performances.

Bravo Year 7s!

On Friday 28 April Year 11 and 12 VCE/VM students were treated to a special presentation by Homicide Detective Charlie Bezzina, on the importance of decision making.

Daryl Floyd from the Terry Floyd Foundation, that assist disadvantaged youth, also attended today, and thanked students for the fundraising undertaken that enabled Damascus to donate more than $400 to the foundation.

Detective Bezzina spoke about the need for the students before him to make the right decisions, and to think about the consequences of those decisions, on themselves and others that are closest to them.

He shared valuable advice for students to seek advice and guidance if they are unsure with a situation, so that they don’t end up making the wrong decision.

The students enjoyed hearing about his experiences and stories as a Homicide Detective, the things he has seen on the job, and the lessons he has learnt along the way. This sharing of his journey allowed students to relate to him and his advice in a practical way.

There were important reminders throughout the speech for students to be accountable, to be a leader, to build a positive reputation, to set goals, to support others, to not submit to peer pressure and to treat everyone with respect, which are all important attributes to be successful in life.

As part of a Year 9 Humanities unit - Making a Nation Australia up to 1914, the following students, Finn Dickson, Megan Robinson and Isabella Brown- Kenyon worked on the research topic of the Eureka Rebellion. All students in the group were encouraged to be creative with their presentations. The photo’s demonstrate part of the student presentation and what the students did. This included a diorama which took approximately 4-5 hours to complete, a wonderful poster and an oral presentation and worksheet. The students all had an excellent understanding of the topic and were able to educate and inform their peers well. The photo’s come from a display in the Library currently.

It should be noted that in the same period there was a student presentation on the topic of the First Fleet and a wonderful 3 and a half minute video on the whole history of Australia from 1788-2023 from one student. It was you tube quality. The previous lesson 3 groups of students designed and ran games for their peers. It is wonderful to see student creativity in their learning.

Mr. Wayne Forster- 9 (4) Humanities Teacher

On Sunday Damascus College had the privilege of welcoming back the Class of 1973 for their 50 year reunion.

Guests joined us here on campus for an incredible celebration of their time here as students. Lots and lots of stories were shared, connections made, and friendships were rekindled. They had such a great time that they have already decided to get together again next year. So anyone from the Class of 1973 please “Save the Date” – Saturday 4 May, 2024.

This reunion was an opportunity for the College to show them our appreciation for the contributions that they have made. They are, after all, in part, the foundation on which our school has flourished and grown and for that we sincerely thank them.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #TogetherWeAreDamascus

Breakfast club returns on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in 2109 (Please note Breakfast Club will not run on Thursday 11^th May due to the Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast) between 8.20am-8.45am.

Donations of juice boxes, cereals, long life milk and spreads are welcomed and can be placed in the collection box in the front office.

On Monday, 1^st May, the Damascus College Year 12 Revolutions students re-enacted the US Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Posing as America’s founding fathers, they debated the composition of the new US Constitution, their positions on slavery and which protections to include in the Bill of Rights. Sequestered in the College Board Room they debated ‘in secret’ to come to an agreement. This is part of their study of the consequences of revolution and how key players sought to consolidate power in the foundling nation of America.

Congratulations to all the students involved, and to the Humanities Department for providing a creative learning experience.

To recap a competitive and exciting Damascus College Athletics Carnival at Llanberris Reserve, we have compiled a little video to show off the fun had by all. It was a fantastic sporting event and great to see everyone involved. Congratulations again to Xavier House, the overall winner on the day after another close sporting competition. We are looking forward to next year’s carnival.

On Thursday 27 April, students and staff enjoyed the annual ‘Lap of the Lake’ at beautiful Lake Wendouree.

Early rainfall brought a dubious looking start to the day, but thankfully the sun came out, which made for a great day for students and staff to enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and they absolutely had a lot of fun in the process.

This was the first ‘Lap of the Lake’ for well over half the student (and staff) population, so it was fantastic to get it back up and running again.

Holy Mary

Holy Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus,
Hear this prayer for the mothers and nurturers in our lives.
Take their hand as we hold them in our hearts and minds.

Let the strength you have known as a mother, fill their bodies.

Let the devotion you feel for our Lord, fill their hearts.

Let the grace that surrounds you, fill their spirit.

Holy Mary may your divine presence in every mother’s life, today and every day, bring them joy and peace forever.

We offer our gratitude for the love, warmth, and guidance we have been gifted from the nurturers in our lives.

Amen.

Please see following information on the 2023 STEAM Careers Expo at Damascus College: -

Please find following the link for the March 2023 edition of “Our Diocesan Community

https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ODC-March-2023-website.pdf

Kind. Caring. Nurturing. Strong. Protective. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when we hear the word “Mum”.With Mother’s Day coming up, we are sharing something to make honouring the mother figures in your life - and that of your community - especially meaningful this year: a donation from our Gifts of Mercy catalogue! These will help make a profound difference for children and mothers around the world.One of the best ways you can help support children is by supporting the mothers who care for them. That’s why we work to provide vulnerable mothers and families with the resources and tools necessary to help their children build better, brighter futures – and it’s supporters like you and your students who help us make that possible.To celebrate the incredible love and support of mothers everywhere, we’re inviting you, your community and your students to make a $10 Mother’s Day Tribute Gift in honour of a mum or special maternal figure in your life.

All you have to do is simply choose a card from our new Mother's Day Gift Card range and in a few clicks you will be giving a lasting gift to people in need on behalf of a loved one. A gift that lasts a lifetime!

We would love for you to spread the idea through your school newsletters, with any Mother's Day Gift Stalls planned, or through your social justice captains and their fundraising plans with the attached flyer.When you buy a Gift of Mercy for someone special, we’ll send a personalised digital e-card to you to send to your loved one - straight to your inbox - letting them know the incredible impact your gift will have for women and children in need across the projects we work with on their behalf.

Your donation will help provide maternal health and infant care in Timor-Leste, educate Indigenous girls and young mums in Australia and PNG, empower survivors of human trafficking in The Philippines or help women gain financial independence in PNG.It will help give life-saving protein to malnourished children. It will help educate, nurture and protect children in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and The Philippines.So please click here to honour a mum in your life and help women and children around the world have a brighter future. Or simply paste this QR Code into your school newsletters or websites:

Your support will help create lasting change for the women and children who need it most – change that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for being a part of our Mercy community.

Join a panel of professionals to ask your questions about how to support LGBTIQA+ young people!

Panellists include:

Rhian Davies - Parents of Gender Diverse Children

Conner Lewry - Ballarat Community Health Peer Navigation Support Officer

Trish Neil - Clinical Psychologist

Details:

Wednesday 17th May

7:30pm - 8:30pm

- 15mins acknowledgement of Country and Introductions

- 45min Q&A

It is essential to register your details for this event at https://form.jotform.com/headspaceballarat/parentQA

For more information about the event please contact info@headspaceballarat.org.au or 5304 4777