Mr. Steven Mifsud - Principal
It has been a busy first week here at Damascus; our students, parents and staff have been involved in a plethora of activity that continues to develop the whole person – learners, leaders, people of faith and young people who can find their own wellbeing. Last week l had the pleasure to attend the Year 9 Retreat Day, which was thoroughly organised by our Ministry team. We had the privilege of having Father Galea work with our students and explore concepts of challenge, facing our struggles and working within a community environment to seek guidance and support. The place of prayer and quiet contemplation was also reinforced.
This week’s gospel reading was from Luke’s gospel – the story of Mary and Martha, and that was fitting that the Year 9 Retreat happened to be on the same week. Mary and Martha are wonderful examples of the role of women in the ministry within the Church. Both women approach their ministry from two very different lenses. One character is filled with anxiety and worry, whilst Mary just needs to listen to the word of Jesus. The challenge for each of us is to identify when we are called to silence and contemplative action or to frantically serve and be the house of welcome. Each role is pivotal in our growth as a community and at the heart of respectful relationships. The text also challenges our notions of the role of women within the Church and how we can be judgemental and disparaging of the other. As a community, we are reminded to reflect on our relationships with women and one another. Am I remaining open and welcoming to the other. Is my behaviour promoting respectful relationships with all people – women and men. Sometimes we need to remind one another what respectful relationships look like and feel like.
On Tuesday night, we had our successful Pathways and Careers Night for our students in Years 10 -12, and l thank the many families who were able to attend to hear the wisdom and advice of our staff. Damascus College prides itself on being a College that provides worthwhile pathways for all students. To Be My Best means that we are able to find a pathway that celebrates our gifts, talents and skills. The Pathways and Career’s Information evening outlined the many choices for our students. I encourage families to meet with their child’s Teacher Advisor to plan, reflect and discern the best pathway for our young people. At Damascus, we work in partnership with our families; therefore, we look forward to seeing you next week to plan the next few years together.
Today we welcomed our primary schools to the matinee performance of Clue. The energy and passion was exuding from our young people on the stage, and the young students loved to have the experience of seeing a live performance. We wish our performers the very best in the upcoming week.
COVID Update
We have received advice from Catholic Education Ballarat that it is strongly recommended by the Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, with face masks mandatory for those aged 8 and over who are household contacts and attending school. This is because wearing masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In practice, this means that the Victorian Government is recommending that, through to the end of winter, students aged 8 and over and staff will wear masks when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask.
Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. This recommendation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.
We understand that parents and carers will play an important role in supporting this expectation. A short letter is available, signed by each of the three school sectors (Catholic, government and independent), that explains this is a consistent recommendation across all schools in Victoria this winter. Your support is requested to ensure this letter is distributed to parents and carers. The letter to parents and carers on face masks is available below:-
Letter to parents 15 July 2022
Also, the period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements has been reduced to 4 weeks. Previously, this period was 12 weeks.
This means that students that have recovered from COVID-19 are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine again if they are re-exposed to a case within 4 weeks of ending the isolation period.
After 4 weeks, the relevant advice must be followed depending on the type of contact.
Additionally, where a student who is a household contact wishes to attend school (and not isolate for 7 days), they must:
I would also like to remind families that Wednesday 27th July is the full TA Interview day, and students will not be required to attend school on that day for their usual classes.
With every blessing
Steven
Elevate Education are once again offering their Free Parent Webinars for Term 3.
The first of which is on Wednesday July 27th from 6.30pm and it will be centered around 'How to Help Motivate your Child'
To secure your spot, please click here.
The Damascus College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has begun. A RAP is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation with the first nations people of our nation. Gathering in the board room at the College in the evening of Thursday 14th July, the group of students, community members and staff, acknowledged the local elders of Wadawurrung country, the land on which the College exists, before sharing a prayer for NAIDOC week.
Members shared their hopes for the RAP and their immediate interest and expertise in the process. We were fortunate to have members who were very familiar with the need for and the process of RAPs. An overview the RAP Framework at the Narragunnawali Website was presented. The Narragunnawali platform exists to register and extend on existing initiatives or to begin a new journey. The committee worked through the four elements of the site: RAP Working Group; Vision; Reflection Survey; Actions.
The members of the group are keen for others interested in the process to join us. Contact Tony Haintz t.haintz@damascus.vic.edu.au or Andrew Robertson a.robertson@damascus.vic.edu.au to indicate your interest. The group plans to meet monthly to push ahead towards making plans that support the college on this significant journey.
Please find following some student reflections on the year 9 Reflection Day
On Friday they 15th of July all the year 9 students went into the DEC to participate in year 9 Reflection Day. The day was led by the youth ministry teachers and Father Rob Galea. We started off with some icebreakers to have some fun and then we were introduced to Father Rob. Father Rob is a priest that grew up in Malta and had a pretty rough childhood, but he got through it with religion. Speaking to Jesus was a big part of his turn around and after that he decided to start telling everyone about his story. He told us about his time when he was a kid and would sing songs to us about it, then after he told us that we had a mass where he was the priest and he showed us what the things mean during the mass. One thing that I enjoyed was his singing. My favourite part of the story was the story about when he stole a hat and his friends beat up the guy that he stole the hat from, it was just interesting to see how hard and dangerous his life was. One thing that surprised me was that he had such a rough childhood and to turn it all around was such an inspiring thing. The reflection day has helped me to see how much of a good life I have and how lucky I am to live how I live.
By Cooper Russell
Year nine Reflection Ray was held on Friday the 15th of June in the DEC. The day was primarily led by Father Rob Galea. My favourite story of Fr Robs was his stories revolving around his younger years and the struggles he went through. This was my favourite story as it was one that I could relate to the most. The thing that I enjoyed most about the day was listening and learning about Fr Rob’s journey. The thing that surprised me the most was how Fr Rob managed to turn his life around with the help of Jesus and God. The Reflection Day has helped me to understand the relationship that some people can have with God.
By Leila Haddad
Last Friday the 15th of July all of year 9 went to the DEC. It was our Reflection Day. The day was led by Fr Rob Galea and his band. Fr Rob Galea was born in Malta and moved to Australia. He is a priest, musician and author. He came to Damascus to tell us about his story from when his was a gang member at the age of 15 to becoming a priest now in Australia. His stories were a bit full on but not too bad. Fr Rob Galea sang songs throughout the day and his music wasn’t that bad. The thing I enjoyed about the day was the games such as heads or tails and this or that. The thing that surprised be the most was how full on his life is now travelling all over the world. The Reflection Day made me think that there is always someone to help or talk to.
By James Gunn
Last Tuesday, our Year 12 Legal Studies class headed to Melbourne for an excursion at Government House and Parliament House. At Government House they learned more about the role and work of Linda Dessau (our first female Governor) and toured around exploring the architecture and history of the building. The class then went to Parliament House where they had a tour and took part in a role play which enabled them to experience first-hand the procedures and protocols involved in passing a political bill.
The day was both engaging and informative, with students being provided the opportunity to learn more about our Victorian government and the political system in Australia.
Today, Wednesday 20 July, the Damascus College Performing Arts team, kick off this year's production of Clue.
Here is a sneaky peak of the dress rehearsals - the show looks like it is going to be packed full of laughs, intrigue and a truly wonderful display of student talent and creativity.
Limited tickets are still available at: https://www.trybooking.com/BZHFR
