Wellbeing - Whole School

The Concerning Rise of Deep Fakes  

The rise of generative AI has brought remarkable innovation and an alarming trend of the creation of deepfakes: digitally manipulated images, videos, or audio that falsely depict real people, often in sexually explicit or harmful ways. These deepfakes are increasingly realistic and accessible, raising urgent concerns about privacy, consent, and emotional wellbeing. Many would be aware of significant cases and recent prosecutions of school students who have engaged in creating and sharing inappropriate and explicit material.

At a recent NSW Police forum at Auburn LAC, an officer from the Digital Forensics Unit spoke about how victims of deepfake abuse often experience severe psychological distress, including anxiety, shame, and social isolation. The impact can be especially significant for young people, who may face bullying, reputational damage, and long-term trauma. 

The officer explained that in response, the NSW Government has introduced amendments to legislation which criminalises the ‘creation, distribution, and storage’ of sexually explicit deepfake content with offenders facing the prospect of prison for some offences. It is essential that our students are aware of the potential consequences, even if they are sharing or storing material on their devices that they did not generate.

As educators and parents/carers, it’s vital we stay informed and foster open conversations about digital safety. Students should be encouraged to report concerns and understand that ‘consent and respect’ must extend into the digital world. Together, we can help protect our College community from the harm of manipulated technologies.

Requests for Leave in Term 4 2025 

With the approaching end of the academic year, parents/carers are reminded that ordinarily the College requires advance notice of Applications for Leave; this includes requests for the final day of the academic year- Wednesday 3 December. As indicated in previous years, it is an expectation that all students attend school for the Annual Prize-Giving and Speech Ceremony on Wednesday 3 December.

The forms for Application for Leave and Exemption from Attendance are available on the College’s website for parents/carers to download, complete and return to Leave Requests.

Attendance in 2026 

To assist with planning in 2026, parents/carers are advised of the following key dates for compulsory College events. Given the generous holidays provided during the year, it is expected that students are attending school for these key events and that parents/carers do not seek leave on these occasions:

Alexandros Sinadinos                                                                    Robert Simpson

Director of Middle School                                                               Director of Senior School