Junior School News

🌱 Year 3 Explore Biomes in the Environment

This term, our Year 3 students have been diving into the fascinating world of biomes—the unique environments that cover our planet. Each student has chosen a biome to research, exploring the plants, animals, and climate that make it special.

🔍 Research and Discovery

Students have been working like young scientists, gathering facts about their chosen biome. They’ve asked thoughtful questions, used digital resources, and shared their findings with classmates. This learning as a class and research has helped them understand how living things adapt to survive in different environments.

🎨 Creative Dioramas

To bring their learning to life, Year 3 students are designing and building 3D dioramas that showcase their biome. Their creativity is shining through. The dioramas are not only colourful and imaginative but also demonstrate careful planning and attention to detail.

🤝 Collaboration and Teamwork

An important part of this project has been collaboration. This teamwork has helped them develop communication skills and learn the value. Their projects remind us all of the importance of caring for the diverse biomes that make up our planet.

Social Media Ban for Under 16s

Australia’s world‑first social media age limit for under‑16s kicks in on 10 December 2025. Australia’s eSafety Commission has identified nine “age‑restricted” social platforms that must prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. The platform list may grow as more services meet the criteria of enabling public interaction and user-generated content. 

Platforms Banned for Under‑16s

These nine platforms must block access for users under the age of 16:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Snapchat

• TikTok 

• Threads

• X (formerly Twitter)

• YouTube (main platform)

• Reddit

• Kick (live‑streaming service) 

Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, Threads) has already begun removing under‑16 accounts and may use age verification tools like ID or video selfie checks. 

Platforms Still Accessible to Under‑16s

These services are exempt because they aren’t classified as public social media platforms:

• Messenger

• WhatsApp

• YouTube Kids

• Discord

• GitHub

• LEGO Play

• Roblox

• Steam and Steam Chat

• Google Classroom

Why Nine, Not More?

eSafety defines “age-restricted social media platforms” as services that:

1. Primarily enable social interaction between users

2. Allow public posting and sharing

3. Facilitate broad user interaction

    

Other services currently offering different types of digital interaction fall outside this definition—but the list remains dynamic, subject to expansion if platforms evolve. 

This significant regulatory move aims to safeguard children’s mental health and wellbeing while encouraging families to build digital literacy before teens gain unrestricted access. For more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/classroom-resources

Regards, 

Mrs Christine Pitman

Head of Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6)