Students & Wellbeing
Mr Ian Thompson
Mandela wins House Cup
The 2025 House Cup was once again keenly fought in its final year as a three horse race. I am already wondering what Cowan will add to the competition. However, this year Gandhi, Lincoln and Mandela all won events as they strived to take the cup and avoid another tie.
The points were as follows
So it is congratulations to Mandela. It was wonderful to have the 2025 Mandela House Captain, Zuri Hawkins, at Presentation Evening to join Benji Yan, 2026 Captain, in receiving the trophy from Mrs Campbell.
Next year the competition will be even more intense, I’m sure.
A new age unfolds
We made it! Somehow, we have arrived at the end of one of the busiest years in the life of St George’s Anglican Grammar School. Not only have we completed all of the usual classes and events, but we have also included celebrating 10 years in the city, 40 years of AngliSchools and the opening our new campus at 441 Murray Street. While all of these events have been memorable and represent significant moments in the life of the school, they do add to the fatigue we are all feeling as the holidays approach. As always, I would like to wish all families a restful summer. Please take the time to do what brings you joy, relax and unwind.
However, I know for some families the social media ban will cause some anxiety. I would like to suggest that we do not ignore the challenges but look them square in the face together. The expert advice, which can be found on our SchoolTV account is as follows:
What families should do now
Talk about it
Help your child understand the purpose of these reforms. Reassure them it is about protection, not punishment.
Audit your child’s digital life
Know what apps they use and how they use them.
Download their data
Encourage them to save photos, videos and messages early, as some accounts and content may be deleted permanently.
Set healthy boundaries
Keep bedrooms screen-free overnight, enjoy device-free meals. and promote balance through outdoor play and creative activities.
Stay informed
Follow updates from the eSafety Commissioner for the latest advice and support tools.
I encourage you to take this advice to heart and act on it. I know social media feels more like their space than ours sometimes, but we all need to look to the positive impacts that less time online can have for our under 16s.
As part of our ongoing support for you, and in line with our phone use policy, I announced in the last Dragon that we will be introducing phone pouches for all Year 7 to 9 students. They will be given out at the beginning of the 2026 academic year and the rules and expectations around their use will be explained. The pouch provider is Yondr. Please feel free to investigate this company and its growing reputation across Australia.
I hope you can all support us in what I believe is a significant step forward in the support of the wellbeing of our most vulnerable students.
I would like to thank all families for their commitment to the school this year. The St George’s family keeps growing and getting stronger and better and I love being a part of it.
Mr Ian Thompson
Dean of Students & Wellbeing