The Road April 2018

GUEST SPEAKER EVENT - GRIT
This year’s annual Guest Speaker was Luke McKenna, educator, author
and founder of Unleashing Personal Potential.
On Wednesday 14 and 15 March Luke spoke to the whole student
population, staff and parent community on the topic ‘Thriving with Grit.’
Students learnt how to thrive with grit, in particular they completed the
top process of evidence based goal setting, they learnt to FOCUS (follow
one course until successful), created a healthy habit loop (cue, routine,
reward) and investigated famous failures (stories of JK Rowling, Einstein,
Disney etc).
At the staff and parent session, through research and real-life examples,
Luke shared some essential keys to building resilient young people, as
well as explained some key ideas for helping all of us stick with things
that matter. This included mastery through deliberate practice; setting
targets; forming health habits; overcoming obstacles; and seeking
continuous improvement, learning and growth, with grit.
Parents were equipped with some tools and strategies for implementing
in their own homes, in order to help their children thrive. It was a highly
engaging, thought provoking, relevant, practical and fun session.
We thank Luke, Peter and Hogan of Unleashing Personal Potential for the
time they spent with our Damascus community and we trust students,
staff and parents benefited from each presentation.
DAMASCUS FRIENDS OF THE BUSH
On Monday 3 March 2018 almost 40 guests including Sisters of Mercy,
Mercy Affiliates, Damascus College Alumni and community members
attended the Murnong Trail walk.
The event was organised by Mercy Associates Ursula Diamond-Keith and
Helen Smith with the support of Damascus staff members David Neate
and Korina Hegert.
The Damascus College Friends of the Bush group will have opportunities
throughout the year to assist the College with its various sustainability
activities especially as they relate to maintaining and caring for the
Commemorative Walk and Murnong Trail areas of the campus. If you are
interested in learning more or joining the Damascus Friends of the Bush
group please contact Korina Hegert at the College.
The afternoon offered attendees the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful
natural bushland setting of Damascus College. Attendees could choose
to stroll along the Commemorative Walk and the Murnong Trail, an
excursion led by Ursula and David, or remain indoors and attend a very
informative lecture given by Helen.
The groups came together to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the
College Board room overlooking the grounds with some indigenous
flavours and foods to be sampled.
The event concluded with a school tour with a special visit to the St
Martin’s Resource Centre to see the restored iconic statue of St Martin
De Porres.
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