Letter from the Head of Campus

Dear Parents and Guardians

As we end another wonderful and productive school Term, I would like to take a moment to share an important focus that we must all consider. It is the increasing impact of device use on our children and the role we play in shaping their growth and well-being.

Recently, Federal Government has expressed growing concern about the excessive use of devices, particularly smartphones, by children and adolescents. This is not a new topic of discussion by us all. While technology offers many benefits, it is becoming clear that too much screen time can have significant negative effects on mental health, social skills, and overall development. This has a communal responsibility in which we all must address, and it is a battle we need to undertake.

Our shared goal is to support our students to grow in resilience, independence and confidence. To achieve this, we must guide them in making good choices about their time and energy, encouraging them to engage in healthy, productive activities rather than being absorbed by their devices.

As the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse speaks to the power of intentional guidance and the lasting impact we can have on our children’s lives by teaching them to make wise choices now.

A few points of consideration:

• Monitor Device Usage: Take an active role in knowing when and how often your child is using their device. By setting limits and encouraging balance, we can help them form healthier habits.
• Prioritise Playtime: Unstructured play and outdoor activities are essential for physical, emotional, and social development. Let’s encourage our children to spend more time playing and exploring the world around them, rather than being consumed by digital entertainment.
• Foster Strong Character: Independence, resilience, and confidence come from facing challenges and solving problems in the real world—not the digital one. Help your child develop these qualities by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone, take on new responsibilities, and persevere through setbacks.

Our hope is to see our students growing into young people who are strong in character, wise in their decision-making, and able to navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital world with maturity and balance.

Together, we can help them develop into well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in all aspects of life. Thank you for your support in making this a reality.

Blessings

Kerrie Neophytou

Head of Campus