Executive Principal

Partnering with Families: Supporting Online Safety Together

This summer brings an important change for Australian families: from this week, 10th of December 2025, children under 16 can no longer have accounts on major social media platforms under the new Social Media Minimum Age law. This is a big shift, and we know it may raise questions for parents and carers.

At Leighland, we believe online safety is a shared responsibility. We want to walk alongside families as we navigate these changes together.

How We Can Support You

Open Conversations: Our leaders and teachers are ready to help you start age-appropriate discussions about why these laws exist and what safe online behaviour looks like. Please reach out if you would like some advice.
Practical Guidance: We have been sharing trusted resources from the eSafety Commissioner, including family tech agreements and tips for managing screen time.
Student Wellbeing: We’ll continue to teach digital citizenship in class, helping students develop healthy habits and resilience online.

What You Can Do at Home

Talk Early and Often: Explain the new rules and listen to your child’s feelings.
Set Clear Boundaries: Use parental controls and agree on safe online activities.
Explore Alternatives: Encourage creative projects, games in safe spaces, and educational apps.
Reach Out: If you need support, contact your child’s teacher or our wellbeing team.

Together, we can make this summer safe, positive and screen-smart for every child.

A Final Note…

Dear Leighland community,

As I draw this chapter to a close, my heart is full of gratitude for the privilege of serving a school that aspires to be a hope filled Christian community pioneering personalised, real world education. This aspiration has shaped every decision, conversation and celebration we’ve shared, and it remains my prayer for Leighland as you continue to flourish.

Thank you to our School Board and Senior Leadership Team for your wise stewardship and unwavering support. You have held fast to our mission of Christcentred K–12 education that inspires, nurtures and equips students to connect learning to life, keeping Christ at the centre while enabling practical, student focused innovation across our campuses. Your governance and partnership have undergirded initiatives that connect learning to life, from strengthening Christian Living programs to deepening student led worship and service, so that faith and learning are inseparable in daily school experience.

To our staff: you have lived out our values, Christian to the core; leading with innovation; committing to personalised learning; embracing partnerships; and seeking to serve. Not as slogans, but as habits of the heart. I have seen these values at work in countless ways: in point point-of-need teaching and Personalised Learning Plans; in project-based of need teaching and Personalised Learning Plans; in project based learning that moves beyond the classroom and into our community; and in authentic industry links that help students develop the skills and character needed for life.

To our students: you are the reason this mission exists. When you explore God’s “outdoor classroom” at the beach, design and build, ask brave questions, and collaborate on projects with local partners, you embody personalised, real world learning in a way that is joyful, rigorous and deeply meaningful. Keep going! Be curious, courageous and kind.

To our families: thank you for your trust and partnership. Your commitment has helped us shape a school where learning is connected to life and where community thrives. Whether it’s volunteering at events, supporting excursions, or simply encouraging your children to persevere, you have strengthened the fabric of Leighland. Your willingness to walk alongside us in times of change and growth has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful.

Together we have taken tangible steps that express our vision in brick, mortar and pedagogy alike: progressing the Burnie and Ulverstone campuses master plans and launching distinctive programmes (like an intentionally crafted Year 9 experience, NSATIS, CATS and PIGS, to name a few) that are spiritually rich, academically rigorous, physically challenging and practically engaging. We have also continued to integrate Biblical Threads through planning and teaching, and to partner with Christian Education National, drawing on Transformation by Design, so that a biblical worldview permeates curriculum, culture and community.

As I reflect, certain Scriptures frame our shared journey:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3) Thank you, Board, SLT, staff, students and families, for your faithfulness and friendship.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23) This has been the posture of our staff and students; excellence offered as worship.

Looking ahead, I am confident Leighland will remain true to its Christcentred mission, building on strong foundations to bless the NorthWest Coast and beyond. The work is in good hands, the vision is compelling, and the Lord is faithful: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Thank you, once again, for the privilege of serving you. I will carry with me the joy of a community that connects learning to life and lives its values with courage and grace.

With gratitude and every blessing,

Natasha Mackinnon

Executive Principal