Benefits of Co‑curricular and Extra‑curricular Participation
At San Damiano College, we are committed to educating the whole young person, spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Our co‑curricular and extra‑curricular programs play a vital role in enriching student life and supporting this holistic approach to learning.
Participation beyond the classroom encourages students to discover their interests, develop confidence, and embrace new challenges in a supportive and engaging environment. Through a wide range of sporting, cultural and interest‑based activities, students are inspired to “give everything a go” and participate with enthusiasm.
Co‑curricular involvement fosters positive relationships, teamwork and leadership, helping students to develop a strong sense of belonging within the College community. These shared experiences promote personal growth while strengthening connection to peers, staff and the wider school community.
Importantly, co‑curricular experiences reflect and reinforce the College’s Franciscan values of Community, Respect, Resilience and Service, which underpin all aspects of student life at San Damiano College. By engaging in opportunities beyond the classroom, students build perseverance, responsibility and confidence, developing skills and character that support their growth as learners and young people.
Participation in co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activities empowers students to develop their talents, broaden their experiences, and contribute positively to College life, supporting them to flourish both now and into the future.
Co‑curricular and Extra‑curricular Opportunities
San Damiano College offers a broad range of co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activities designed to support student engagement, personal growth and connection beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate with enthusiasm and explore opportunities that reflect their interests, strengths and passions.
Sport and Representative Pathways
Students have access to a variety of sporting opportunities, including participation in SECA competitions and representative sport pathways. Key sporting events include Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics, as well as interschool competitions that may include:
Volleyball, Touch Football, Soccer, Basketball, Netball (girls), Tennis, Rugby League (boys), Indoor Soccer, Chess, AFL, Theatre Sports and E‑Sports. Please refer to our Sports page for further information.
These opportunities support physical wellbeing, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship.
Mathematics Support
San Damiano College offers a range of co‑curricular mathematics support opportunities designed to assist Years 7–10 students in strengthening their understanding of key mathematical concepts, building confidence, and consolidating classroom learning.
Math Helper
Math Helper is a weekly mathematics support program led by Mr Michael Allen. Students are provided with the opportunity to ask questions, review classwork and receive individual guidance in a supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to bring their current mathematics work and questions, allowing support to be tailored to individual learning needs.
When: Wednesday afternoons, 3:15pm – 4:15pm
This program is ideal for students seeking additional clarification, confidence and consolidation in mathematics.
After‑School Mathematics Tutorial
The College also offers an after‑school Mathematics Tutorial led by Ms Sandra Pettifer, providing further support for students who would benefit from extra assistance.
This session allows students to work through current class content, ask questions and receive focused guidance in a small, supportive setting.
When: Monday afternoons, 3:15pm – 4:15pm
Together, these mathematics support opportunities ensure students have access to additional help beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop confidence, understanding and positive learning habits.
Music Activities
San Damiano College offers a range of co‑curricular music opportunities that encourage creativity, confidence, and community participation.
Del Canto – Aspire Program
Del Canto is the College singing group, led by Ms Lisa Pierce, and forms part of the Aspire Program. This ensemble is open to all students, with new members welcome to request entry at any time. Inclusion requires a short audition and a commitment to rehearse one lesson per week, as well as meeting the Aspire Program requirements.
Del Canto students regularly perform at key College events throughout the year, including the Mother’s Day Breakfast, Father’s Day BBQ, ANZAC Day Ceremony, College liturgies, Awards Evening, and Year 12 Graduation, providing students with valuable performance experience and a strong sense of belonging.
Lunch‑Time Music Studio
The Music Studio is open to all students during first break every Monday. This welcoming space is available to all students across the College, not just those enrolled in classroom music and provides access to College music equipment. The studio offers students an opportunity to explore instruments, practise skills, and engage with music in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
Dance
San Damiano College offers an energetic and inclusive co‑curricular Dance Program, led by Mr William Chen. This program runs twice a week during lunch break and provides students with the opportunity to explore movement, rhythm and self‑expression while building confidence, coordination and teamwork.
Students learn a range of contemporary dance styles, including K‑POP and Hip‑Hop, and are encouraged to develop both technical skills and creative flair in a supportive and engaging environment. The Dance Program is open to students of all experience levels and provides a fun, active way to connect with others and express creativity.