FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

As we draw Term 3 to a close, I would like to thank students, staff, and families for the energy, commitment, and resilience shown throughout what has been another very busy term. From academic assessments to extra curricular commitments, and the many pastoral activities across the College, it has been wonderful to see many students engaging wholeheartedly in the opportunities provided.

The holiday break offers an important chance to pause, refresh, and prepare for the final term of the year. I encourage students and parents to consider a few key areas over the coming weeks:

• Rest and Wellbeing: Ensure time is taken to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Balance is essential for overall wellbeing.
• Organisation: Take the opportunity to check uniforms, stationery, and subject materials, ensuring students are ready to return to a busy Term 4.
• Reflection: Holidays can be a time to reflect on personal and academic goals, and set intentions for finishing the year well.
• Connection: Make the most of the break to connect in person with family and friends, and check in on one another.
• Screen Balance: Consider taking a break from social media and instead engage in other hobbies and interests that take advantage of the beautiful outdoors.

Looking ahead, it is important to note that the Australian Government is introducing new social media restrictions to better protect young Australians. From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining an account.

These changes are designed to protect young people from the pressures and risks associated with extended screen time and exposure to harmful online content. While formal assessments are yet to be made, the restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other similar platforms.

We encourage parents to take this opportunity to begin conversations with their child about these upcoming changes and to reflect as a family on healthy approaches to social media use and management of these incoming age restrictions. More information can be found on eSafety’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub, including frequently asked questions and summaries of stakeholder consultation. Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner.

Term 4 will be an exciting and important period as we celebrate the achievements of 2025, farewell our graduating Year 12s, and support all students in finishing the year strongly. Thank you once again for your ongoing support of your child’s education and wellbeing. I wish all families a safe and restful break, and I look forward to welcoming students back in Term 4.

Tenille Hambly

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS