From the Principal

Do all that you do with love~

Dear Families,

Christmas Concert

It is nearly that time of year! All year levels are busy learning their songs and students are rehearsing their lines in readiness for our whole school Christmas concert. This year we are 'Tracking Santa' on his journey around the world, learning about many of the Christmas traditions of different countries. We will also feature our traditional Foundation Nativity performance.

Please join us on Wednesday 3rd December. Our annual Christmas picnic will take place on the oval from 5:00pm, just remember it is B.Y.O. All children need to be in the classrooms at 6.15pm ready for the concert to start at 6.30pm. We look forward to celebrating with you all.

Social Media Minimum Age Legislation

I shared an email with you a few weeks ago around the new laws coming into effect regarding social media use for those under the age of 16. 

Research shows that social media can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, online pressure and harmful content long before they are emotionally ready to manage it. While regulation is a positive step forward, real safety begins at home. Families continue to play the most powerful role in helping children build confidence, resilience and awareness in the digital world.

Whilst current age limits state that children under the age of 13 are not permitted to have accounts on a range of social media platforms, in reality, many children do. The change to the laws around this have the potential to affect a great many students at our school. 

These new regulations provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child about their online experiences and what these changes mean for them. It's also a chance to review family technology habits, reinforce healthy routines, and explore age-appropriate ways for young people to connect, learn and express themselves.

A letter has been sent to all families via email this week seeking your assistance in sharing an important message with the children and young people in your care regarding Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) legislation.

For families wishing to access additional information, I encourage you to access the SchoolTV platform - under special reports you will find videos and resources. You may also find the eSafetyCommissioner site of use.

As always, if you do have concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school and speak with their class teacher or seek medical or professional help.

Enrolment Waitlist

We are now well into the process for developing class lists and allocating staff for the 2026 school year. We still have spaces for Year 1 and Year 2 students. There is currently a waitlist for Foundation, Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. If your child is currently in Foundation to Year 5 and you are not returning next year, please notify the school as soon as possible so that places can be offered to those on our wait list.

Felicity Broughton

principal@sttcbourne.catholic.edu.au