FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS
Welcome back to Term 3! This is such a lovely time of year on campus, with a renewed sense of energy and many exciting events planned in the weeks ahead. It has been wonderful to see students settling back into routine and ready to engage with their learning.
This week, I took the opportunity to meet with students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to revisit the College Code of Conduct and reflect on the importance of understanding and upholding the standards and expectations outlined. I also gently reminded students of the College’s uniform and jewellery expectations, grounding this in the rich history of our Mercy tradition. I reminded students that wearing the uniform with pride honours the values of dignity, simplicity, and service that Catherine McAuley instilled in the Sisters of Mercy. In this session, I also ensured students were well informed about the role of the College’s Student Safety Officers, our commitment to Respectful Relationships, and the Anti-Bullying Policy, including how to report concerns or disputes and where to seek support if needed.
Given the fast pace of AI-generated content and our ever-changing digital world, I also took the opportunity to highlight with the students some growing concerns currently circulating in the digital space. We spent time unpacking the emerging risks associated with AI-generated deepfake technology and discussing the real-world implications of digital choices. We also examined Queensland law in relation to the sharing of intimate images without consent, ensuring students understand both the legal and personal impact of such actions. I will repeat this important session with our Year 7, 8 and 9 students in the coming weeks.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of an important parent session the College is hosting next Thursday evening, which will shed light on some of the current concerns and emerging trends facing young people today. Caitlin Humphrys, a Respectful Relationships and Consent Education Consultant with Queensland Catholic Education Commission, will be leading the session. Caitlin has a deep commitment to supporting schools in building strong and effective programs in this space. With extensive experience in both education and Catholic ministry, Caitlin brings a unique perspective that blends faith-based values with practical, evidence-based strategies to support and model healthy relationships. She will also explore the growing influence of digital technology on respectful relationships and consent, including issues such as AI-generated deepfakes and the sharing of intimate images. This important session will be held on Thursday 7 August from 6.00pm–7.00pm in the College Auditorium. An email with further details and a registration link has been sent to all parents and guardians. I hope to see many of you there as we continue working together to create a safe, supportive environment for our young people.
Below are some valuable links to support parents and guardians in continuing important conversations with their children at home:
Addressing deepfake image-based abuse | eSafety Commissioner
Sharing intimate images without consent | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government
We look forward to a great term ahead, one filled with growth, learning, connection, and meaningful experiences for all. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Tenille Hambly
ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS
