Deputy Principal

Progress is built on effort, not perfection

In today’s world, there can be an unspoken pressure to get everything right the first time, to achieve the top mark, to be the best in the class, to never make mistakes. But having this mindset can actually hold us back. 

Because the truth is this: your journey is not defined by a single test, a single assignment, or even a single term. It is defined by the habits you build each day:

• Showing up prepared
• Giving your best effort, even when it’s hard
• Learning from feedback instead of avoiding it
• Trying again after something doesn’t go your way

Real growth happens when you’re willing to be uncomfortable. It happens when you don’t quite get it… yet.

This mindset is vital with exams around the corner for our Senior School students. So I strongly encourage our young men to get into some good study habits and routines early to take the stress away and give them the confidence needed to take on this challenge with confidence. 

Safe Social Media Use at Home — Parent Information

The online world our young men are exposed to isn’t going away any time soon. I encourage parents to be mindful of some of the tips below and suggestions to be better equipped to manage and inform online behaviour and habits.  

1. Shared Responsibility

Online safety is a partnership between school, parents, and students. What happens outside school hours can still impact: 

• Wellbeing
• Learning
• Relationships at school

• The goal is not to remove technology — but to use it responsibly

   

2. Start With Clear Expectations

Parents are encouraged to:

• Set age-appropriate boundaries for social media use
• Be clear about when devices can be used (e.g. not late at night)
• Where they are used (e.g. common areas, not bedrooms)

3. Know the Platforms

Parents should:

• Be aware of the apps their child is using (e.g. Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, gaming chats)

Understand:

• Minimum age requirements
• Privacy settings
• Risks around messaging and sharing

Simple message to parents:

“If your child is using it, you should have a basic understanding of it.”

4. Privacy and Digital Footprint

Students need to understand that anything shared online can be:

• Screenshotted
• Forwarded
• Permanent
• Encourage: Private accounts

Students should only connect with people they know in real life. Promote the idea: 

“Post nothing you wouldn’t be comfortable with your family or school seeing.”

5. Respectful Communication

Set expectations that online behaviour reflects character. 

No to:

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Anonymous commenting

Reinforce:

• Respect, kindness, and accountability apply online and offline

A useful line:

“If you wouldn’t say it face-to-face, don’t say it online.”

6. Recognising Warning Signs

Parents should look out for:

• Sudden withdrawal or secrecy around devices
• Changes in mood after using social media

• Reluctance to attend school or engage with peers

   

Parents should encourage:

• Open, calm conversations 

• Avoiding overreaction so students feel safe to share concerns

   

7. Encourage Balance

Promote healthy habits:

• Device-free times (meals, before bed)
• Sleep
• Exercise

• Face-to-face friendships

   

Key message:

“Technology should support life — not replace it.”

8. What To Do When Issues Arise

Provide clarity:

• Keep evidence (screenshots if appropriate)
• Communicate with the school early
• Avoid escalating conflict online between families

Our aim is not to remove social media from young people’s lives but to equip them with the judgement, resilience, and responsibility to use it well. The most powerful influence is not the device, but the guidance they receive at home.

Term 2 Events: