Wellbeing 

Dear Parents / Guardians, 

As we reach the end of the year, it is the perfect time to reflect on how the Academy College Community has truly embodied our 2025 theme of 'Pave the Way.'  Throughout these past twelve months, I believe that we have witnessed our students breaking new ground, challenging themselves academically and personally, and creating pathways for those who will follow in their footsteps.

This year, our girls have been trailblazers in so many ways.  From participating in service projects in our local community as well as global community to achieving outstanding results in academics, sporting events and creative endeavors, they have demonstrated what it means to forge ahead with determination and purpose.  Our Year 12 Senior Student Leadership Team, in particular, have paved the way with grace and resilience, modelling leadership, wellbeing and compassion for all.

We've seen pathways created through our Pastoral Care and Mentoring Programs, where older students have guided their younger peers.  We've witnessed new initiatives in leadership, STEM and social justice in particular that have opened doors.  Our students haven't simply walked the paths laid before them—they've carved out new ones, showing us both courage and faith.

As we look toward 2026, we embrace our new theme: 'Courage to Care.'  As the Senior Student Leadership Team all mentioned in their inaugural speeches at the end of year Liturgy and Assembly, this theme calls us to build upon the foundations we've established this year, reminding us that true courage isn't found in grand gestures alone, but in our daily choice to show compassion, to reach out to those struggling, and to put others' needs alongside our own.

In a world that often celebrates individual achievement above all else, 'Courage to Care' asks us to buck this trend.  It asks us to notice the student sitting alone, to stand up against injustice, to look after our earth and environment, to volunteer our time even when we're busy, and to choose kindness when indifference would be easier.  It requires us to be vulnerable at times, to admit when we need help, and to offer our support without expecting anything in return.

Mobile Phone Policy

Thank you to all students for the manner in which they have responded to the tweaking of the Mobile Phone Policy this year.  The policy is there for the future and for the benefit of all in our community.  Next year we will be extending it to include mobile phones not being able to be used to purchase food at the canteen.  Students will need to use cash, a physical card or use the online ordering system that is available.  Students were made aware of this at the end of year Liturgy and Assembly so they have ample time over the Christmas holidays to organise a physical card if needed.

Social Media Regulations

You will be aware of the upcoming changes to social media laws in Australia.  From 10 December 2025, several major social media platforms will be legally required to take reasonable steps to stop anyone under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account. These changes follow the Let Them Be Kids campaign, which highlighted the daily harm that social media can cause for young people.

At Academy, we will fully support these changes through education and conversation with students, staff and parents but also punitive measures if we become aware that students are not adhering to these changes.  Information has already been published in previous editions of the College News and on Compass and our students have been able to scan QR codes around the College, which will take them directly to the office of the e-safety commissioner website where all of the latest information can be found.  Parents can use this link as well  https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

At the Academy through our Positive Education, Extended Mentor Group and Health & PE programs, students will continue to learn about digital safety, privacy  and responsible online behaviour, and we will try to continue to provide guidance and suggestions to parents on age-appropriate technology use and managing online access at home. Together, we hope to ensure every student is both protected and empowered in their digital lives.

Consent2Go

As per the notification on Compass, in recent days, we have decided to partner with Consent2Go to assist us in managing our event and excursion processes.  Consent2Go is a digital solution that also enables you to keep your child’s health records accurate and provide consent for school events, excursions and camps in a secure and timely manner. Consent2Go is used in schools across Australia and New Zealand and has been proven to be easy to use for parents and the schools. 

Why are we changing?

Consent2Go will replace Operoo as Operoo is ceasing operations in Australia as of January 2026. 

Similar to Operoo, it will be used to inform you about school incursions, excursions and camps, allowing you to provide your consent and keep your child’s information up to date. For student safety, it is essential that their information is kept as up-to-date as possible and complies with government regulations.  Consent2Go will help make this process as easy as possible for all involved.  Consent2Go features an easy-to-use parent interface, including a parent app that will allow you to access your child's information anytime, anywhere.

Consent2Go is compliant with all national privacy requirements and ensures that all data is stored in accordance with  Academy of Mary Immaculate’s Privacy Policy, which can be viewed at: https://www.academy.vic.edu.au/

When will this change occur? 

We are currently working through our implementation schedule and plan to introduce the new system at the beginning of Term 1, 2026. 

Further instructions on how to use Consent2Go will be emailed to families shortly.  After receiving this information, if you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our College Business Manager. Mr. Andrew Baker.

As we approach Christmas, I sincerely hope that each of our Academy families is able to have a truly special and restful break.  2025 has been a year of great success, and I’m sure we’re all eager to build on everything we’ve achieved while welcoming the exciting opportunities that 2026 will bring.  

Thank you for your support and dedication throughout the year.  May our community continue to be a place where every young woman feels empowered to both forge her own path and extend her hand to lift others along the way.

Wishing you all a joyful and safe Christmas, and may the New Year be filled with fresh opportunities, happiness and grace.

Mr Sam Di Camillo 

Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Operations