From the Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

As the extended summer break beckons, all students had the opportunity this week to reflect on our School cybersafety Code of Conduct and Discipline Code. On Thursday, all Luminary groups read through the relevant pages in the student diary and signed off to say that they had read and understood them. It was a timely reminder of the expectations around phone use in particular. A reminder that if your daughter experiences any kind of negative messaging on social media, you can report it to the esafety commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/cyberbullying

Without the structure and expectations of School, the holidays often present a challenge to young people in regulating their phone use and access to social media. As a family, there are steps that you can take to help regulate your daughters’ phone use and ensure the holidays are balanced and enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:

Establish Clear Rules and Expectations

Set specific guidelines for phone use, such as no devices during meals, family time, or after a certain hour in the evening.
Collaborate with your child to create these rules, ensuring they feel involved and understand the rationale behind them.

Create a Daily Tech Schedule

Designate phone-free times, such as mornings for chores, reading, or outdoor activities, and limited periods for entertainment or social media.
Use phone features like screen time tracking or parental controls to enforce these limits automatically.

Encourage Alternative Activities

Offer engaging alternatives like sports, board games, craft projects, or family outings to reduce reliance on screens.
Encourage social interaction and keep them active.

Lead by Example

Model healthy phone habits by limiting your own screen time, particularly during family interactions or shared activities.
Make phone-free zones in your home, such as the space where you eat or bedrooms, and stick to these rules as a family.

I hope that all our students get a much needed opportunity to switch off from school, get a good rest and enjoy quality family time. Wishing all our families a happy and healthy Christmas.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Class of 2024 at Speech Night on Thursday 5 December. Please can I ask for the support of parents in ensuring that the uniform guidelines are followed, and in particular that false eyelashes and false nails are removed before the event. Hair should be a natural colour and tied back.

Students should also have one small plain stud or sleeper in the lobe of each ear, Year 10 to Year 12 students should have sheer stockings, all students should have polished shoes and a blazer.

– Fiona Pow
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral