Edited sentence: Damascus College cherishes and celebrates the diverse range of students that choose to be part of the school community.Damascus College has supported independent study habits that enable our students to confidently take their place in the world of tertiary study and professional life.Many of our students have been recognised for their fine contributions to the cultural life at local, state and national levels.Our Pastoral Care program and corresponding House and Homeroom structure has ensured that our students and their families are well supported within the school community.Our Religious Education program, retreats and promotion of issues of social justice, have ensured that we foster students who are spiritually aware and who can also respond to the needs of humanity beyond their own boundaries.Our specialised Year Seven program, Smart Moves, VCE, VET and VCAL programs have ensured that every student is provided with a choice of pathways to support their unique development.Our students come from feeder primary schools in the wider Ballarat region.Our students have achieved notable success in the trades and technology areas of work.Over the last 10 years we have welcomed highly motivated, academically gifted students who thirst for knowledge and challenge.The College provides relevant and up to date curriculum in a rapidly, changing world.The ability to blend achievement with celebration, to cherish the unique qualities each individual brings to the community, to experience a sense of enjoyment and fun in our school community are all cherished values at Damascus College.We also welcome into our community those students who seek to make a fresh start in life by transferring to Damascus College.We are proud of the friendly, open, and genuine young people in our midst.We have welcomed musical, sporting, artistic and theatrical students whose skill, talents and hard work have added to the unique culture of Damascus College.We have welcomed students who struggle academically and have worked tirelessly to enable them to develop literacy, numeracy, social skills and strategies to confidently take their place in the world of work.We have welcomed the technically minded young people and are proud of the many students who strive for apprenticeships and qualifications.We have welcomed young people, whose talents and skills shine in all sorts of ways beyond the constraints of classrooms, all wanting to make the most of their gifts and seeking opportunities for participation and success in life