Damascus News - Term 1 Week 10
From the Principal
06 April By Mr. Christopher Grant, Interim Principal
For our community, Easter is the key celebration within our calendar. Holy Week is the final week of Lent and a time where we recall the events leading to Jesus’ death and resurrection. On Sunday, we will celebrate the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds worshipping him and laying down palm leaves before him. On Easter Thursday, we recall that Jesus was arrested and tried. Jesus shared his Last Supper with his disciples. Jesus was crucified on Friday. He was buried the same day and arose three days later, on Easter Sunday. Our Assistant Principal of Catholic School Culture, Mr Tony Haintz, has written an article about the Passion that leads to Easter and has included Mass times for this year's Holy Week. These details can be found here.
Tomorrow we move into the John Shannon Centre for our Easter Liturgy. It is poignant that it is for Easter that we come back together as an entire school community for prayer and reflection. Additionally, we take this opportunity to farewell a small number of staff who will be leaving us at the end of this term;
Nicole Saleta, who has supported us in Science as a Lab Technician, makes the move to Bacchus Marsh Grammar in a full-time Lab Tech role; Damian Foster, who has been part of the ICT team, and has made the move to the Catholic Education Office – DOBCEL; Learning Support Officer Vicki Williams takes on a new role at Mt Clear College in Student Counselling; Joel Cassidy returns to full-time study to finish off his Music Teaching degree, and finally, Matthew Byrne our Principal of 13 years is finishing up at Damascus College at the end of this week to take up the role of Deputy Director of Catholic Education at Catholic Education Ballarat. Further details of Matt’s time at Damascus and farewell can be found here. We wish our outgoing staff all the best in their next journey ahead.
Assistant Principal of Student Wellbeing, Mr Andrew Robertson, is taking some well deserved Long Service Leave for Term 2. Ms Hannah Keating and Mr Daniel Jans will be filling in as Co-Acting Assistant Principals of Student Wellbeing, along with their current interim role of Assistant Head of Xavier and St Martin Houses, respectively. We wish Andy all the best during this time and look forward to welcoming him back in Term 3.
The College community is currently working together to support Project Compassion, the Catholic aid agency of the Catholic Church. Families are encouraged to support this fundraising activity by equipping students to make a donation on the casual dress day this Friday. Students will work six shortened lessons on Friday before a 2:18pm dismissal.
Term 2 will commence on Tuesday, 26th April.
I remind families that there will be changes to our Mobile Phone policy at the College, beginning in Term 2. Mobile phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely in student lockers without use during the entire school day.
Our collective aim in enacting this policy is to provide;
Students have been encouraged to talk with their parents/guardians about these upcoming changes. To enable a smooth transition to the new policy, we kindly ask for your support at home in encouraging students to make appropriate adjustments and choices. Families are invited to view the new Mobile Phone policy here.
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. For any student who has not yet secured a place, there will be an expectation of attendance at school for the entire week to undertake virtual work experience opportunities. However, the preference is for all students to source and complete a work placement.
This is just a reminder that Year 7 immunisations will occur in the first week back of term on Wednesday morning, 27th April. Remi, our therapy dog, will be available to support our students throughout the morning. All Year 7 students are to return their immunisation cards to the College, whether they are being immunised or not.
Students will be able to wear Summer or Winter uniform (but not a mixture of both) for the first two weeks of next term. Can I ask families to please get out their Winter uniform now and attend to it if there needs to be some alterations made. As parents, daughters will say to you that no one else has their skirt to knee length – please hold firm in supporting the College requirement and ensuring that it is the required length to avoid unnecessary and embarrassing follow up! There is also a pant option if students are uncomfortable with the skirt or an appropriate length.
You may also be pressured to purchase a rain jacket. This item of uniform was introduced to cover the expensive blazer as students walk to and from school or as they wait at bus stops. It is an optional item of uniform.
Holidays should be holidays, but 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.
It is quite an exciting time that we can welcome back families onsite to our Mothers Day Liturgy and Breakfast. This event takes place on Thursday, 5th May, from 7:15am. Numbers are limited; however, there are still a small number of tickets available. More information about the event can be found here, and a link to book tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/BYQHO.
We keep the Sisters in our thoughts and prayers as Sr Tricia Vagg of Community South B died peacefully at St John of God Hospital, Ballarat, on Monday. We remember Tricia’s ministry contributions over the years as a dedicated teacher, principal and pastoral worker in Ballarat and the Western District in Victoria. Tricia, a fine woman of Mercy, is now gently held in the loving embrace of her God. May she rest in peace.
I wish everyone well for a blessed Easter and a safe and happy holiday.
Unit next term…Chris
Student Achievement
06 April
On Tuesday evening in the DEC the College held the End of Season Rowing Dinner. This is a great opportunity for students, staff and families to come together to celebrate the time and commitment of all the rowers, coaches and parents. Rowing captains Morgan McCann and Joshua Matheson showed great leadership and spoke well on the night. All senior rowers were presented with a Rowing Badge that they can wear with pride on their college blazer. These were gifted to the students by Brad Beutel (coach) and will be given to rowers each year in their first year of Senior Rowing.
This year we presented for the first time, the Damascus College Senior Rowing Fellowship. This will be presented annually to a Year 12 senior rower who has rowed for four seasons and excels in all areas of rowing, including behaviour, attendance, attitude, aptitude, on water performance in training and racing and 2000m ergo testing results. The winner of the fellowship receives $800 to cover the cost of one year’s rowing fees. The benefactor of this fellowship is Brad Beutel and inaugural Damascus College Senior Rowing Fellowship was presented to Joshua Matheson. Josh’s attitude to training and support of his fellow crew mates throughout the whole season has been inspirational. He is the only male year 12 rower at Damascus this season and has remained focused on his and his crews goals while leading by example both on and off the water. Congratulations Josh on receiving this award – the smile says it all!
Other award winners for the night included:
Squad |
Award |
Student |
Junior Boys |
Winner |
Joachim Henderson |
Runner-Up |
Mason Trewin |
|
Intermediate Boys |
Winner |
Harrison Kennett |
Runner-Up |
Samuel Henwood |
|
Senior Boys |
Winner |
Joshua Matheson |
Runner-Up |
Cooper Reid |
|
Junior Girls |
Winner |
Matilda Watt |
Runner-Up |
Jovie Skewes-Clinton |
|
Intermediate Girls |
Winner |
Charley Gartlan |
Runner-Up |
Laura Douglas |
|
Senior Girls |
Winner |
Daisy Simpson-Kerr |
Runner-Up |
Morgan McCann |
|
Coxswain of the Year |
Winner |
Ruby Lane |
Runner-Up |
Annie Glover |
|
Coach of the Year |
Winner |
Bailey Wilson |
Senior Rowing Fellowship |
Winner |
Joshua Matheson |
College Information & Events
06 April
This Sunday is the story of the Passion of Jesus according to Luke. Already Luke has shown that in his narrative, Jesus’ death and resurrection were to be his exodus, his journey to freedom as well as the liberation of those who would follow. At the transfiguration scene Luke describes a moment where Moses, Elijah, and Jesus appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (9:31) It is Jesus’ new beginning and ours.
In describing Luke’s passion Rev. Dr. Judith Jones says:
Jesus leads his followers on the journey to freedom. As the embodiment of God’s reign, Jesus gives himself in service to others, using his authority to heal, save, and free. The religious and secular leaders exercise a starkly different authority, the power of darkness that dominates, imprisons, and kills. The whole story emphasizes the dramatic contrast between the kingdom of God and the authorities of this world.
May our Easter be a festival of the light that breaks through, of darkness overcome and of injustice righted.
The local Church celebration around this ancient story are attached. May your week be holy.
The regular Palm Sunday rally will once more occur in Melbourne if you happen to be in the city. Poster attached.
Walk for Justice for Refugees
Sunday 10 April 2.00pm
State Library Swanston Street
Find out more on Facebook
06 April
A small group of students represented Damascus College with pride in the BAS Golf Championships on the afternoon of Tuesday 29 March at the Midlands Golf Course.
Congratulations to Keira O’Beirne who played in the 9 hole junior girls competition, winning with a score of 49 and to Rex Hodge, runner up in the junior boys 9 hole competition with a score of 42.
Year 7: Rex Hodge – 2nd (9 holes), Thomas Sheridan – 8th and Xavier Hanrahan – 9th (18 holes)
Year 8: Keira O’Beirne – 1st (9 holes)
Year 9: Jacob Hanrahan – 4th and Jack Sproull – 12th (18 holes)
Year 10: James Gorman – 9th (18 holes)
Well done to all students, top effort!
06 April
Please see below three documents that are for the review of Students and Families in relation to the changes coming Term 2.
If you have any questions please reach out to the College and speak with Dan Jan and or Hannah Keating.
Student Achievement
06 April
Congratulations to Year 8 student Samuel Handreck, as he participated in the CFA State Championships last weekend.
These Championships are based on practical firefighting activities, building fitness, team skills and capabilities while utilising hoses, hydrants and other equipment.
Samuel won a silver medal 🥈 and represented Ballarat (Miners Rest Fire Brigade) well.
Great job Samuel
Student Achievement
06 April
Recently, Damascus students proudly represented the College, joining together with students from across the region, participating in industry-based STEM activities to strengthen female participation in STEM-related studies and career pathways.
The Ballarat Tech School joined together with industry partners, as students worked through the development and improvement of systems and products.
In the first two days of the program the girls were presented with the challenge to create a new Mars Bar. As you can see the results and their advertising campaigns were impressive.
Students involved were Year 10 students Zoe Newman, Paris Govan, Taya Thiele, Lucy Leviston, Laura McDonald, Year 9 student Haileigh Buttigieg and Year 8 student Sadie Jones.
Keep STEMMING on ladies!
Student Achievement
06 April
When the Queen's Baton came to Ballarat on Sunday 20 March, the Ballarat YCW Harrier's, Wendouree Eureka Harrier's and Ballarat Little Athletics were given the opportunity to participate with local legend, Steve Monaghetti.
Year 12 Damascus students Samuel Blood and Andrew Wills and Year 9 student Shona Wills had the unique opportunity to run alongside Steve at Lake Wendouree, as the baton bearer.
It was an amazing experience for all involved, and now as a community, we hope to welcome the Commonwealth Games to Ballarat in 2026.
College Information & Events
06 April
Damascus College wishes to invite students, staff and the significant women in their life to attend our annual Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast, on Thursday 5 May 2021 at 7.20am.
Please book your ticket online by Monday 2 May, at https://www.trybooking.com/BYQHO
Please note that numbers will be limited, so book your ticket/s today. If you are bringing your Damascus student to the breakfast, please ensure you book them a ticket too.
Thanks in advance and we look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day over a lovely liturgy and buffet-breakfast.
06 April
College Information & Events
06 April
Damascus College is excited to be hosting 10 reunions this year, including the rescheduled ones from 2021.
If you graduated from Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s Technical College, St Martin’s in the Pines or Damascus College, in years ending in a 1 or a 2, then good news you can attend your reunion in April and May this year.
Upcoming Reunions (in event date order):
To find out more and to book your ticket please go to: https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/community/alumni/alumni-reunions-events
College Information & Events
02 February
Below are the criteria used to determine a stud ent’s eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
To be eligible for the fund, a parent or carer of a student attending a registered Government or non-government Victorian primary or secondary school must:
For the list of eligible financially-means tested cards refer to the CSEF Policy:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/policy
Parents who receive a Carer Allowance on behalf of a child, or any other benefit or allowance not income tested by Centrelink, are not eligible for the CSEF unless they also comply with the above.
For the purposes of CSEF, students may be eligible for assistance if they attend a Victorian registered primary or secondary school. CSEF is not payable to students attending pre-scho ol, kindergarten, home schooled, or TAFE.
A special consideration category exists for
For more information, see https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/guidance/eligibility
For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/carer concession card being validated successfully with Centrelink on the first day of either term one (31 January 2022) or term two (26 April 2022).
The CSEF is an annual payment to the school to be used towards camps, sports and/or excursion expenses for the ben efit of the eligible stud ent.
The CSEF is paid directly to your child’s school and will be allocated by the school towards camps, sports and/or excursion costs for your child.
For ungraded students, the rate payable is determined by the student’s date of birth. For more information, see: www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx
Make sure that the Surname, First Name, and Customer Reference Number (CRN) details match those on your concession card. You will also need to provide your concession card to the school.
If you are claiming as a temporary Foster Parent or a Veteran Affairs Pensioner, you will need to provide a copy of documentation confirming your status as a temporary Foster Parent or provide your Veterans Affairs Pensioner Gold card to the school.
If you are seeking special consideration, mark this in the form and provide a copy of the relevant documentation.
2. Complete the STUDENT/S DETAILS section for students at this school.
3. Sign and date the form and return it to the school office as soon as possible. The CSEF program for 2022 closes on the 24 June 2022.
Forms are available through the front office or online Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) application form (education.vic.gov.au)
College Information & Events
02 February
Conveyance Allowance
To be eligible for a conveyance allowance, individual students will be assessed under the following criteria:
Students’ circumstances can change during their school years (e.g. moving residence or changing schools/campuses). Change of circumstances affects eligibility and a new application must be submitted with each change of circumstance.
Private car
A private car conveyance allowance is not available if the journey could have been made using a public transport service or free school bus.
Where students change school, transport mode and/or address that affect the payment of conveyance allowance, pro-rata payments are made, having regard to the number of days of actual attendance. It is the responsibility of each school to report any mid-semester student changes and the required pro-rata adjustments that are required.
Late payments
Late (past year) applications cannot be accepted or paid.
Any inquiries relating to this allowance or to any bus travel matter may be directed to Tracey Williams at the College office Phone: 5337 2222.
** FAMILIES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A NEW CLAIM FORM EACH YEAR** FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
Steven is an innovative and passionate leader and his leadership style is one that is highly relational and visible. His personal educational vision is to work in relationship and in partnership with all members of the community to create a faith learning dynamic that celebrates, affirms, and challenges people to achieve personal excellence.
Damascus College wishes to thank Mr Christopher Grant, Interim Principal for the leadership he has given to the College, since the departure of Mr Matthew Byrne at the end of Term 1 2022.
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