This week the Easter Christian holiday flows into the secular ANZAC celebration. Both holidays are built upon tragedy, yet both speak to us as people of hope. We do not celebrate Easter because Christ died; we celebrate it because of Christ's triumph over death. Equally, we do not commemorate ANZAC day for the human sacrifice, rather for the celebration of the human spirit in times of adversity – hope!

The resurrection of Christ is central to the identity of Damascus College. To see young men and women so reverently engaged in telling this story was a source of great pride for all who were privileged enough to take part. I thank Andrew Seeary for bringing these gifts out of the young people of this community and for the extraordinary support offered by Nicole Burness, Adrian Newman and Maria Russell. There were many staff, parental and past student volunteers without whom the event could not have run, and I thank them all for their part. I particularly acknowledge Robert James (past student), Sophie Finch (past parent), Megan O'Beirne (Assistant Stage Manager), Jennifer Montgomery, Tony Haintz, Daniel Cook and the many other staff that were involved. Congratulations to all!

There have been significant crossover works undertaken between the Administration building and the Damascus Events Centre over the holidays and continuing this week. However, the road is open to traffic and work around the edges will continue over this first week of term.

It is quite exciting that this year, we can welcome members of our community onsite to College activities and functions, albeit in a limited and COVID safe capacity. In particular, this Term, we have three engagements that I encourage you to consider.

1. Mothers Day Mass and Breakfast – This event is taking place on Thursday, 6th May, from 7:30am. Numbers are limited due to COVID guidelines; however, there are still a small number of tickets available. More information about the event can be found here.
   
   
2. Bright Futures Breakfast - You are invited to attend our annual fundraising breakfast on Thursday 3rd June from 7:00am to 8:45am in the Damascus Events Centre. This year's special guest speaker is Jocelyn Bignold (OAM), CEO McAuley Community Services for Women. Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/BQGKK
   
   
3. Guest Speaker – The annual guest speaker for 2021 is Luke Kennedy, a motivational speaker and mental health advocate. There will be a three-pronged approach of Luke speaking with students, staff and our community, taking place on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th June 2021. Members of our community are invited to attend our Parent and Community session on Wednesday 23^rd June from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Damascus Events Centre. Bookings can be made to this free event through https://www.trybooking.com/BQQUE

If you are an existing family that has received an offer for an enrolment place for Year 7 for 2022, I remind you that the final day for acceptances is this Friday, 23rd April.

Students are required to be in full Winter uniform on Monday, 3^rd May – this means long pants for boys, Winter skirts and tights or long pants for girls and track pants with the PE uniform for both. 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 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 item of uniform 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.

Much has been mentioned about masks over the past year, both in and out of school. With further COVID restrictions relaxing over the Holiday break, masks are no longer mandatory in indoor spaces and the broader community. However, we must always carry a face mask with us at all times when we leave home if you are over the age of 12 unless we have a lawful reason not to. Masks must be worn on Public transport, including bus transport to and from school and any off-campus excursion or activity. To an extent, we have been able to provide bus travellers who have not had a mask with one to be able to enter the bus and make their way home. This is not a sustainable solution moving forward, and we ask that families ensure that students carry a face mask with them at all times, and in particular, bus travellers have a personal supply of masks on hand to be used each time they travel.

If you have a student in Year 10 who has work experience coming up and the paperwork has not been returned to the College, could you please attend to this as a matter of urgency. 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.

Next Friday evening (30^th April), the Senior School formal will take place from 7:00pm to 11:00pm in the John Shannon Centre. This event is a social opportunity that the Damascus College staff facilitates for the Year 11 and 12 students of our community. It has always been a very positive event on our calendar, but it is important that I reiterate that normal school rules apply. It is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event; any student suspected of having consumed alcohol or drugs 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. It is a social activity and hair, and makeup appointments are not more important than school on Friday. Any student who is absent from school on Friday without a valid reason will not be able to attend the formal. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the evening, please contact your House Leader. Students are encouraged to bring a plate to share.

We congratulate staff member Tamzin Perkins and her partner Liam on the safe arrival of their beautiful daughter Penelope Rose Stewart.

We keep the sisters in our thoughts and prayers on the passing of Sr Monica Butler last Thursday morning. Monica was born in Birchip, rural Victoria, and spent most of her religious life involved in education in rural areas of the Ballarat Diocese. Monica had been a Primary school teacher since 1951 in various locations, including Birchip, Ballarat East, Edenhope, Mortlake, Penshurst, Whycheproof, Timboon and Sebastopol. She was also Principal at Dunnstown, Ballarat East, Donald, Manangatang and Mortlake. Monica's funeral was held yesterday at St Alipius, Ballarat East. May she rest peacefully after a life well-lived.

We also extend our condolences to our College Co-governor, Sr Berenice Kerr, on the passing of her sister, Gwen, and James Holak (Year 11) and his family on the passing of James' paternal grandfather yesterday.

Welcome back to Term 2, until next week …

Chris

Last year, Damascus successfully applied for a Landcare grant supported by Bushman Water Tanks. The funds from this grant are being put towards the installation of a greenhouse for the propagation of murnong and other indigenous plants on the Damascus site.

Last week, construction and installation of the greenhouse was completed by the Year 10 HOLP students. As you can see from the photos, the greenhouse is now sits proudly in the horticulture space alongside a cold frame which was also constructed by HOLP students.

Cyclone Seroja has caused widespread damage to Timor Leste with significant damage to buildings, homes, and infrastructure such as roads in the Ainaro District. As at April 10th the cyclone caused 42 deaths across the Country, 10 of these deaths were in the Ainaro District.

Communication from the Ainaro District has been limited due to infrastructure damage; however, our local contacts report that the District is desperate for relief and recovery aid as landslides and heavy rain has blocked and swept away roads into the District.

The District is also threatened with a new COVID_19 outbreak.

Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee (BFACC) and other Ballarat organisations including Ryder-Cheshire and Teachers for Timor are working to raise money for immediate relief in the Ainaro district as well at the Klibur Domin Health Facility in Tibar near Dili.

The clean up has begun. There is much to do and our Timorese neighbours need your assistance to rebuild their lives and to keep safe and healthy.

There are two ways to help.

Support the Film Night
There is fundraiser planned, a Film Night on 6th May. Contact Tony Haintz (T.Haintz@damascus.vic.edu.au) or through the College Office 53372222 for tickets that must be paid for by Thursday 29th April. Get a group together and get cash to Tony asap. Trailer link: https://youtu.be/FXn0ryXxfak

Donate directly on the Go Fund Me Page

The Ballarat Friends of Ainaro have created a page with a plan to raise $15000 https://www.gofundme.com/f/ainaro-cyclone-relief?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

On Monday we welcomed back past student, Molly McDonald, Class of 2018, as she spoke with Year 11 and 12 students about her passion for the Edmund Rice Camps program.

Molly invited students to consider joining this program that supports fun-filled experiences for children and families in an environment of acceptance, trust and mutual growth. Edmund Rice Camps Victoria (ercvic.com)

Congratulations to Xavier House for taking out the win in the 2021 Athletics Carnival, it's been a whole 10 years since they last tasted an Athletics victory.

Well done to the Age Group Champions for 2021 - excellent effort!

The Damascus SRC Bake Sale was held on Thursday 31 March. All houses put on a fantastic spread of delicious goodies which were enjoyed by students and staff alike. In among the flurry of sugary treats, a few ‘star bakers’ nabbed prestigious awards including Peoples Choice – Quinn Moore, Cutest Cupcakes – Lucy Baldwin, DMAC Pride – Haileigh Buttigieg, Best Brownies – Olivia Stevens and House Pride – Jessica Hodge.

The money raised today is a whole school contribution toward Project Compassion organised by Caritas Australia to fund a huge range of initiatives including education, sanitation and community supports where they are much needed around the world. Together, all houses raised $769.30 which is an outstanding effort by the bakers, the SRC and everyone who was able to enjoy a treat!

Catholic School Parents Victoria invites parents of children in Catholic schools to:

CSPV Connect Webinar Series 2021

Saturday 24th April, 10:30am-12pm

CSPV proudly presents a free webinar for parents of children in primary and secondary Catholic schools

Supporting parents of children with anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

Are you struggling to support your young child or teenager with anxiety?

CSPV provides this opportunity for you to learn from leading anxiety speaker and educator Dr Jodi Richardson. Jodi is the best-selling co-author of Anxious Kids and a regular media commentator on issues related to anxiety, wellbeing and parenting.

This free 90 minute Webinar will provide you with strategies to know how to respond, how you can help, when to seek professional help and much more.

Click here to register now

Click here to download a flyer for your newsletter

The Damascus Community is warmly invited to our annual Mother's Day Liturgy & Breakfast.

The annual Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast will be held on Thursday 6 May, 7.30am. The liturgy will be held in the JSC, followed by a sit-down buffet breakfast in the DEC.

Due to COVID numbers will be limited. Staff and their children, mothers and grandmothers are warmly invited to attend. This is a wonderful event, so if you would like to attend please book a ticket by Tuesday 4 May.

Book your free tickets here