Wellbeing 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we reach the end of a busy term, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the significance of the Lenten season and the hope it brings to us all.  While this time of year is often associated with the sorrow of Jesus’ death, it is, in truth, a season of renewal and hope.  It offers us an opportunity to pause and consider how we can strive to be not only better Christians, but also better individuals in our words and actions.

During the holiday break, I encourage you to engage in conversations with your daughter about the positive contributions she can continue to make within the College and beyond. Challenge her to think of ways she can uplift and support others, both within our Academy community and in the wider world.

I also invite you to attend Easter services at your local parish with your daughter.  This is a wonderful opportunity to share in a reflective and contemplative space as a family, where we can encounter Christ not only as individuals but as a community.

Online Behaviour & Social Media Apps

In recent days, we have become aware of the online behaviour of some of our students.  It appears that much of this behaviour is occurring at home, and at times, well into the night or early hours of the morning.

As the world continues to integrate technology into everyday life, we are aware of the importance of guiding our girls in using the internet safely, respectfully and responsibly. This is something that we try and do, both internally and with guest speakers as part of our Pastoral Program.

While the internet is a powerful educational tool, it also presents several risks, especially for young people who are still developing their digital literacy and critical thinking skills.  It is essential that students use the internet only for appropriate, educational and purposeful activities.  Inappropriate online behaviour not only violates school policy but may also lead to serious emotional, physical and psychological harm.

Another area of particular concern is that it appears that several of our students are still active on banned social media platforms such as Snapchat.  I express my significant disappointment that, despite clear legislation and repeated school communication, several students continue to maintain active accounts, with many indicating that their parents are aware.  Due to the emotional and physical safety risks that Snapchat presents, it is one of the restricted apps currently listed under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 for anyone under the age of 16.  This is not a guideline or a suggestion — it is the law.   As a school, we are firmly and unequivocally committed to upholding this legislation in the interests of our students’ safety and wellbeing.

We will continue to educate your daughters on all of the above through our Extended Mentor Group and Positive Education Programs, but please be advised, if we become aware that any student is using a social media platform from which they are legally banned, and/or they are anyway involved in inappropriate online behaviour, severe consequences will be issued.  We will not be treating these matters lightly.  The safety and wellbeing of our young women is non-negotiable, and we expect all members of our school community to honour that commitment.

We recognise that monitoring technology use at home is challenging.  However, we are asking for your active partnership in ensuring your daughter is not accessing social media platforms that she is legally prohibited from using.  Please check her devices, review the apps installed and have ongoing conversations with her about responsible and lawful use of technology.

We want to reiterate that our main priority is keeping all students safe and ensuring that they are free from bullying, distressing online content and physical safety risks.  The Academy of Mary Immaculate is proud to be a place where young women are supported to grow with strength, wisdom and integrity.  Achieving that requires all of us working together. 

Energy Drinks

Staff on yard duty in the mornings have recently noticed an increase in the number of students arriving at school consuming or having consumed energy drinks.  Some of the more popular and recognisable are ‘Red Bull’, ‘V’ or ‘Mother’.  Whilst we cannot control what food and drinks students consume outside of school, we have some serious concerns with students consuming drinks of this nature.

Studies conducted suggest that the consumption of energy drinks can pose several dangers for young people.  Some of these potential risks and concerns have been outlined below:

• Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine.  Excessive caffeine consumption can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and in severe cases, even cardiac arrest; 
• Energy drinks are diuretic in nature, meaning the combination of caffeine and high sugar content can contribute to dehydration, especially when consumed in large quantities or during physical activity.  Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness and reduced cognitive function;
• The combination of caffeine and other stimulants present in energy drinks can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system.  It can increase heart rate, blood pressure and the risk of arrhythmias;
• The high caffeine content in energy drinks can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.  Regular consumption, especially in the evening or at night, can result in chronic sleep deprivation, which can have a negative impact on overall health, cognitive function and school performance; and
• Some studies have also suggested a link between energy drink consumption and increased risk-taking behaviour in young people.  The combination of high caffeine levels and other stimulating ingredients may lead to impulsivity and a reduced perception of risk, which can have negative consequences in various situations. 

It's important for all of us to take an educative first approach about the potential dangers of excessive energy drink consumption and really promote healthy alternatives such as water, natural fruit juices or herbal teas.  Encouraging a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are also crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. Please note,  that going forward, any students who are seen with any of these energy drinks will be asked to dispose of them immediately.  We ask that all parents and guardians spend some time speaking to their daughters about this. 

Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences

As per the College Calendar, Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences will be available for all year levels on Thursday, 23 April from 3:30pm – 8:30pm and Monday, 27 April from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Parents/guardians will be able to participate in a conference with a subject teacher via the online 'Google Meets" platform.  Students are strongly encouraged to be part of these conferences wherever possible. 

Parents/guardians will be able to make bookings through our Compass Learning Management System from 9:00am on Wednesday, 1 April.  Bookings will close at 9:00am on Tuesday, 21 April.   Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to make a booking as soon as the portal opens.

The procedure to make a booking and to participate in a conference has been outlined in the Compass News Post sent to all families this week. 

In the event that you have any trouble making bookings or experience difficulties accessing the conferences, please do not hesitate to contact our IT Helpdesk. 

The feedback that we have received from families has been an overwhelming desire to continue with online conferences.  This has meant more families booking conferences than ever before.  Unfortunately, this does sometimes mean that families cannot book to see a teacher who is already fully booked.   If this is the case, please do not hesitate to email the relevant teacher for an update as to your daughter’s progress.

Changeover to Winter Uniform

A reminder to parents/guardians of the uniform requirements for Term 2.

Due to the variable weather conditions, students may wear either the summer or winter uniform in the first TWO weeks of Term 2.   However, the winter uniform is compulsory for all students from Monday, 4 May.  We ask that all students be respectful of the College expectations around this and wear their uniform correctly and with pride. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents for your continued support throughout this term and for the support you offer the College and to your daughters.  I hope and pray that the Easter period is a safe and happy time for all your families and friends and I look forward to continue working in partnership with you in Term 2.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal - Wellbeing & Operations