This week’s gospel story invites us to reflect on the potential goodness of everyone. It continues last week’s focus on the saving power of faith. Just four Greek words make up the most telling sentence in the story: “And he was Samaritan!” A new element has entered into the narrative: faith is not the sole preserve of the Jewish people. A despised half-Jew can have faith; faith buried deep within and actively at work like the life in the mustard seed.

Jesus is approached by ten lepers in a village in border territory. All have been excluded from participation in village life on account of their chronic skin disease. All beg for inclusion: “mercy us” is their plea. All follow the prescription of the Law of Moses to show themselves to the priests (Leviticus 13-14). All are declared “clean”. In other words, they have been “mercied”, freed from the power of illness and restored to community life. Only one turns back, praises God in the marketplace, falls at Jesus’ feet and thanks him. Readers do not know to this point whether the village and its inhabitants are Galilean or Samaritan. They only know that the village is situated in the region between Galilee and Samaria. Now the shocking truth is revealed: one is a Samaritan, doubly marginalised as a “foreigner” or “stranger”, and it is this one alone that gives thanks to Jesus and honour to God. This one alone receives the now familiar affirmation: “your faith has saved you”. Jesus tells the Samaritan to rise up and continue on his way on his journey of faith. The other nine are healed, presumably because they too, have some limited faith. They have nonetheless forgotten the source of their healing and abandoned the journey to life.

One measure of our faith is our capacity to acknowledge and to celebrate the source of our well-being when life is good, and we have no felt need for healing. A more telling measure is our capacity to say a simple word of thanks to all those who mediate to us the goodness of a compassionate and merciful God, whatever our circumstances. We might also take time this week to focus on and give thanks for the wonderful diversity of life in our world, diversity within the other-than-human as well as within the human community. The challenge for each of us is to recognise the gift and spirit of one another. Who may l treat as the leper, how can l be more inclusive and a person of hospitality.

So this week, we pray for our Year 12s as they approach their final week of classes after 13 years of formal schooling. Our students have been attending many revision lectures and participating in formal classes provided by their teachers. I congratulate the many students who have had the tenacity and courage to attend these revision workshops and seek important feedback.

As l had mentioned to our VCE students last week, we are on the last legs of their marathon – we are entering the MCG for our lap of honour. I urge our students to use this adrenaline and anxiety as a source of strength and growth. This morning l attended our Year 12 English Café led by Michael Bennett and our hardworking English team. I was so impressed by the energy of our students and the collegial nature of the group. I encourage our students to keep going; the finishing line is near! As a community, we are so proud to see our VCAL students completing their tasks and ensuring they too are ready for the next journey.

Yesterday afternoon l attended the House Assemblies, where each student was named, known and celebrated by their House. This is an important ritual, as it modelled the strength of community and deep relationships with our students with their peers, Teacher Advisors and their House Leaders. Thank you to our TAs and House Leaders who helped our students affirm and celebrate one another.

Last week l had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 Drama Performance, whereby our students studying Unit 4 Drama had to present their interpretation and response to a prescribed text. I was in awe of these young people’s ability to refine, challenge and present their own interpretations. I congratulate the students and wish them well when they present to the VCAA assessors this Friday. I thank Andrew Seeary for his work in this space.

The Annual Art Exhibition showcasing the work of senior students in Art, Photography, Media, Visual Communication and Wood opened yesterday evening. It was great to see so many parents and the broader community witness the portfolios and pieces developed by our students. This event provided another opportunity to witness the remarkable talent of the young people of the Damascus College community. Thank you to the Visual Arts and Technology staff for the work they put into bringing this event together.

The final day of classes for the Year 12 cohort of 2022 will take place next Wednesday, 19^th October. There will be a whole school assembly for parents and family members in the John Shannon Centre from 11:30am. Please be conscious of the pressures of parking next Wednesday and allow adequate time to move to the stadium.

The completion of Year 12 can be a time of significant anxiety for families and school staff. Students have been made aware that any damage to property, the character of any individual or the reputation of the College will result in seeking another venue for their final exams and exclude them from the graduation ceremonies. I believe that staff have worked well in consultation with our senior students regarding accepted forms of celebration, including a breakfast on the final day of classes, the whole school assembly and the Graduation Mass and Dinner. It is the Year 12 student celebration, and I would ask parents to talk with students at other levels to ensure that they act appropriately and present formally for this last assembly.

Today also marks the 20^th Anniversary of the Bali bombings, and remembrance services are being held to commemorate this anniversary across the country and in Bali. We remember all that were and continue to be impacted by this event.

This week was the 10^th Anniversary of the misogyny speech delivered by our First Female Prime Minister Julia Gillard. It is a reminder that we have a responsibility to call out sexist behaviour, behaviour that is not respectful of the other. At Damascus, we work with our students to develop respectful relationships that support the dignity of each person.

I also remind families that next Tuesday, 18th October is the second and final of our information evenings for families seeking to enrol students for Year 7 in 2024. The evening commences at 6:30pm in the Damascus Event Centre.

This week the College has participated in the Ballarat SEED project, whereby we have invited Grade 5 students from our parish schools to visit Damascus for a morning session. Thanks to our wonderful student ambassadors who promoted their College with authenticity and a genuine love. We thank Kirsten Phyland for her work in leading these activities.

This year the College is trialling a change to our TA interviews in term 4. We would like families to attend these interviews to plan for 2023. As the College has undergone much change, the TA interviews will not be scheduled in Term 1, enabling our staff to participate in professional learning that will help our College reset in our post-COVID worlds.

TA Interviews will be held on Monday 31^st October from 9:00pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday 2^nd November from 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Thursday 3^rd November from 3:30pm – 4:30pm

With every blessing

Steven

Damascus College students have been very busy over the school holidays. Luke Gallagher Year 8 and Liam Orton Year 9 competed at the National Country swimming championships in Darwin over four days. The outdoor meet was challenged by high temperatures and humidity and monsoonal rains, but the atmosphere from the swimmers from all across the country was fantastic to see.

Both Luke and Liam achieved some amazing results and we congratulate them on their success.

Luke competed in eight events and qualified for seven finals. He achieved bronze medals in the 200 breaststroke and 100 butterfly, and a silver in the 50 butterfly. Liam raced two personal bets in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle.

Not only did they both demonstrate their athletic abilities, they also showed wonderful sportsmanship and encouragement for all of the other swimmers involved. Well done to Luke and Liam, we are very proud of your success.

#DamascusCollege #DamascusPride #BeMyBest #ImReadyToTakeOnAnything

RAP Group – Meeting Three

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. They also provide an opportunity for communities, workplaces, and schools to articulate their own structured response in acknowledging their commitment to reconciliation.

The meeting began with the Acknowledgement of Country and a prayer from the Kimberley.

ABORIGINAL OUR FATHER

You are our Father, You live in heaven,

We talk to You. Father You are good.

We believe your Word, Father,

We are Your children, give us bread today.

We have done wrong, we are sorry,

Teach us, Father, all about Your Word.

Others have done wrong to us,

And we are sorry for them, Father, today.

Stop us from doing wrong, Father,

Save us all from the evil one.

This was most appropriate as the college hosted visitor from Kimberley Calling in the week before the meeting. Kimberley Calling are seeking teachers, open to the experience of learning, living and serving in the Catholic school communities of the Kimberley, who will inspire and engage each student of the Broome Diocese through the provision of a quality Catholic education.

201 people responded to the RAP survey (44 staff, 103 Students, 54 Community members) that was sent out across the community following RAP Meeting 2. The survey results provide some excellent base data about our reconciliation journey and certainly point the direct for actions that will form the final element of the RAP. The committee are not looking at framework for goals for action. We are using the three elements of the range: RELATIONSHIPS; RESPECT; OPPORTUNITIES. Goals are written in ach of the range elements for IN THE CLASSROOM; AROUND THE SCHOOL; WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. This makes a total of nine areas for consideration.

Committee members are Kyeema Brown; Shu Brown; Aaron Clarke; Jacob Gravell; Claudia Griffin; Tony Haintz; Ashleigh Kanoa; Erin Kanoa; Jon Kanoa; Justin Marson; Samara McLeod; Jeanette Morris; Andy Robertson; Paul Ryan

The committee is still very keen to have more members. Please contact Andy Robertson a.robertson@damascus.vic.edu.au or Tony Haintz t.haintz@damascus.vic.edu.au if you are interested in the RAP group.

Monday 10^th October 2022 was World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. It’s an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health to raise public awareness of mental health issues worldwide. At Damascus, we continue to demonstrate our commitment educating our students on the importance of good mental health, through our Social an Emotional Learning Program in TA classes, as well as through our Health and Physical Education classes.

There are many ways that you can support yourself and those around you, to achieve and maintain good mental health; whether it’s through connecting with people, staying active, eating well, getting a good night’s sleep or doing something that brings you joy! When needed, additional supports are always there.

Our Student Counselling Services team are available to support students, families and staff to achieve good mental health, academic success, and positive social and emotional wellbeing. More information on Ballarat community services can also be found under the Learning Programs - Student Wellbeing tab on our school website.

Last week our year 12 Drama students celebrated their final performance showcase for the year. The last time this class had been on stage was earlier this year as a collective in their VCE Drama ensemble ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. This three night season which premiered on the 18th of May was a credit to the talents of the students undertaking the study of senior drama this year.

Last Thursday these same students took to the stage to unveil their solo performances created for their upcoming performance exam. This event helped provide an important preview and rehearsal before the main this upcoming Friday.

The solo performance is one of the most active and challenging of exams. On direct show is the individual themselves. Such is the nature of performance and why nights such as this are so important to our student’s development. The task requires students to create an original performance based on prescribed characters and stimulus. This is assessed in a live performance by a panel of external examiners using set criteria. Through extensive research, improvisation, scriptwriting and rehearsal the finished product is formed.

The evening comprised of a range of characters including a shady detective, a remorseful Sweeney Todd, a female magician, and a range of characters from the film ‘The Great Race’.

As they took to the stage for the last time during this event I was reminded of how much this extraordinary group of young people have contributed to the artistic and cultural life of our College over the past six years. I will miss them greatly.

Andrew Seeary, Performing Arts Coordinator— Drama

As part of Year 10 Business/Accounting subject, students are currently playing the ASX school share market game. Year 10 students Lucy Leviston and Nathaniel Cook, have consistently been ranking within the top syndicates in Victoria and across Australia.

Lucy is currently placed 23rd out of approximately 18,000 syndicates (which could mean around 50,000 students playing the game), and she is ranked 6th in Victoria.

Nathaniel is currently ranked 23rd in Victoria.

Of course, there is some luck involved in this game, especially when you invest in real-time stock over a period of only 10 weeks, but it is fair to say that some research and intuition is also heavily involved.

Huge congratulations to Lucy and Nathanial for their dedication, strategy and choices to date, we look forward to seeing how you progress when the game finish in late October.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Mason Sutton, as he was recently selected for the U13 Victorian State Hockey Team.

He recently returned from the National Championships in Tasmania, and his team won the tournament, making them the U13 Boys National Champions!

The Victorian team played 11 games of hockey over the week, winning nine and drawing two, well done to all the students involved in this team.

Well done Mason, what a fantastic effort.

On Friday 16th September Damascus College year 12 student Jacob Gamble graduated from BGT Jobs & Training Ballarat with a School Based Apprenticeship (SBAT) in Landscaping. Jacob completed this over the course of this year in lieu of a Vocational education and training (VET) subject.

Damascus College couldn’t be prouder of Jacob’s achievements.

We would also like to acknowledge some of the amazing staff that have assisted Jacob over the years; including Laura Quick, Kara Linayao and Gayle Haintz.

Congratulations Jacob!!

ADF Long Tan award winners

Each year the ADF sponsors the Long Tan awards for students in year 10 and year 12. The winners receive a certificate and prize of $250 for a year 10 student and $550 for a year 12 student. There are 2 categories of awards:

Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award

Awarded to a student who shows strong leadership, the ability to work in a team by communicating and co-operating with others, who shows respect for school values and gets involved with both their school and community.

Congratulations to our two award winners:

Macy Donaldson Year 10

Shannon Craggill Year 12

Long Tan Future Innovators Award

Awarded to a student who shows a high level of innovation and motivation in the STEM learning area (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) – either within the classroom or in extra-curricular activities.

Congratulations to our two award winners:

Lucas Wells Year 10

Harrison Mikus Year 12