Principal

New Hate Speech Laws in NSW and the Implications for School Students

In NSW, the new hate speech laws most people are referring to are (1) the new criminal offence of intentionally and publicly inciting racial hatred and (2) the expanded civil (anti-discrimination) vilification regime. For high school students, the practical implications are mainly about online posts, chants/slogans, gestures/symbols, and group intimidation - because those are the settings where “public” conduct happens.

1. A new criminal offence: intentionally inciting racial hatred

NSW introduced a crime for intentionally and publicly saying/doing something that encourages others to hate a person or group because of race (including ethno-religious background), where it would cause a reasonable person in the targeted group to fear harassment/intimidation/violence or safety threats. It commenced on 15 August 2025 and carries serious penalties (including possible imprisonment). (Communities and Justice)

What does this mean for students:

• Online counts as “public”: posts, stories, group chats that are widely shared, livestreams, comment threads - anything accessible beyond a private 1:1 conversation can become “public” in effect, especially if reposted or circulated. (Communities and Justice)

• Intent matters: the offence is not “being offensive”; it’s intentionally trying to whip up hatred against a racial/ethno-religious group. (Communities and Justice)

• Group dynamics matter: conduct that tries to get a crowd/class/online followers to pile on a group is the risk zone (chants, “call-out” posts, “go after them” narratives). (Communities and Justice)

   

2. Civil vilification laws still apply (and are often the more common pathway)

Separately from criminal charges, NSW has civil vilification provisions under anti-discrimination law. Notably, NSW’s religious vilification prohibition has been in effect since 12 November 2023, making certain public acts that incite hatred/serious contempt/severe ridicule on religious grounds unlawful (handled via complaints processes rather than criminal court). (Anti-Discrimination NSW)

What this means for students:

• Even where something doesn’t meet the criminal threshold, it may still trigger complaints, investigations, and consequences through school processes and/or anti-discrimination pathways. (Anti-Discrimination NSW)

   

There are now real-world implications that students need to be aware of:

A) Social media and memes

• Sharing or creating content that frames a racial/ethno-religious group as an enemy and tries to rally others into hatred is now a much higher risk.

• “I didn’t mean it” is weaker if the content is plainly aimed at stirring hostility; the legal test turns heavily on intent + public act + inciting hatred.

   

B) Chants/slogans at rallies or school-adjacent events

• NSW has been actively examining slogans that “incite hatred” and whether additional prohibitions are needed, which signals heightened scrutiny in this space. 

• The practical takeaway for students: assume slogans and crowd chants will be interpreted literally when complaints are made or footage goes viral.

   

C) “Edgy” gestures/symbols

• Symbolic conduct (gestures, signs, images) can be treated as part of “saying or doing something” publicly—especially if it’s used to intimidate or mobilise hate.

   

D) Age and responsibility

• This isn’t a “school-only” issue: students can face youth justice consequences if police pursue matters. (In practice, schools will often respond first, but serious matters can escalate.)

Lent

St. John Chrysostom on Fasting (taken from St. John Chrysostom’s “Concerning the Statues”, Homily 3.)

Fasting is like medicine. But like all medicines, though it be very profitable to the person who knows how to use it, it frequently becomes useless, and even harmful, in the hands of him who is unskilful in its use.

The honour of fasting consists not in abstinence from food, but in withdrawing from sinful practices.

Let the mouth fast from disgraceful speeches (1) to speak ill of no one, (2) to hold no one for an enemy, and (3) to expel from your mouth altogether the evil habit of swearing. Commit to good habits.

Let the ear fast in refusing to receive evil speaking and speaking to injury someone’s reputation.

Let the eyes fast (looking is the food for the eyes), not to fix on handsome faces or strange beauties, not resisting temptations.

If the harvester in the field comes to the end of his labours little by little, so we too, if we make this rule of ourselves. If we practice the above, we shall reap the harvest of a favourable hope in this life, and in the life to come, we shall stand before Christ with great confidence and enjoy those unspeakable blessings of which God grant.

Term 1 eSafety Webinar for Parents

A Dynasty on Display – February 2026

Last week will be remembered as one of those rare couple of days when legacy, brotherhood, and excellence converged.

From 12-14 February 2026, the SPC cricket fraternity witnessed something remarkable: three sets of brothers — all forged in the same system - competing at the highest levels of the game, across domestic and international stages. It was not just a good day for SPC Cricket. It was a powerful statement about culture, continuity, and standards.

1. The Manenti Brothers – World Cup Stage

At the international level, Ben Manenti ('14) and Harry Manenti ('18) were representing Italy national cricket team at the World Cup.

To have two brothers sharing the field in national colours is rare. To have them both emerge from the same school cricket program makes it extraordinary.

The Manenti brothers have built reputations on resilience and professionalism. Their selection is not just a personal milestone — it is a testament to years of disciplined development. They were ambassadors not only for Italy, but for SPC’s enduring cricket culture.

2. The Gray Brothers – First Grade for Wests

At the premier club level, Finn Gray (Class of 2021) and Charlie Gray ('25) were lining up in First Grade for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club.

First Grade cricket demands consistency, tactical maturity, and competitive steel. To earn selection is difficult. To sustain it is harder still.

Watching the Gray brothers compete side by side is to witness trust built over backyard battles now translated into structured, elite performance. They represent the depth of the SPC pathway - boys who have progressed methodically through the ranks and now perform in the most demanding club environments.

3. The Malone Brothers – Opens Cricket for St Patrick’s College

Closer to home, Hamish Malone (Year 11) and William Malone (Year 9) were representing St Patrick's College in the Senior Opens.

This is where dynasties are formed - not just at World Cups or premier club grounds, but on school ovals where standards are set and character is shaped.

The Malone brothers embody what the program stands for: discipline, humility, and competitive pride. Their selection together in Our First XI reinforces a powerful truth - excellence is not accidental. It is cultivated. The third member of the Malone clan, Joshua Malone ('25) was also playing cricket at the same time his younger brothers took the stage on Breen Oval. Joshua played for Mosman Cricket Club and took two wickets.

A Reflection on Legacy

Three sets of brothers. Seven players. Four different levels of elite cricket. One shared foundation.

This was more than coincidence. It was the visible outcome of:

• A culture that values hard work and accountability
• Families deeply invested in the game
• Coaches who demand standards
• Teammates who elevate one another.

Dynasties are not built in a season. They are built across generations. Last week reminded us that SPC Cricket is not simply producing players - it is producing enduring family legacies.

To the Manentis, the Grays, and the Malones: your performances from 12-14 February 2026 reflect not only your own commitment, but the strength of the system that shaped you.

It was a proud day for SPC Cricket. And a powerful reminder - the standard continues to rise.

Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Awards, 12 February 2026

The CIS Blue and Red Awards are prestigious recognitions for students' outstanding achievements in sports. These awards are part of the NSW Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (CIS) program, which connects independent schools across New South Wales and offers structured pathways to state and national-level competition.

I was proud to attend these awards, where we won a secondary Blue Award to Old Boy Alessandro Piccin (’25) for Football and Malietau Davis (Year 7) for Rugby.  We congratulate these boys for reaching such a high level in the sport they love and wish them well as they follow further representative pathways and competitions.

Community Prayers

We keep Mrs Ingrid Viney, Events Manager, in our prayers following the loss of her beloved mother during the week. No longer in any pain, may she rest in perpetual peace.

We pray for Salvatore (Year 6), Filippo (Year 9) and Old Boy Carmelo Previte (’00) on the loss of their beloved grandmother, Mrs Maria Taormina. She was 100 years old.  

We also pray for Noah Young (Year 11) who has recently suffered the loss of his beloved maternal grandmother, Maria Christina Labalan. She was 83 years old.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero