Chev Need to Knows
14 March 2025
IMPORTANT – Please read this social media update
Dear Parents and Carers of Chevalier College,
Wherever you are as you read this, I trust you are enjoying this fine, warm Spring weather.
With increasing regularity, the use of social media by students is adversely impacting relationships within the Chevalier College community. Almost always, this is taking place outside of school hours and almost always without the knowledge of parents until a member of College staff contacts the parents of the students involved and/or impacted.
Across Australia, teenagers are increasingly engaging in inappropriate and unhealthy use of social media. This includes sharing personal information without considering the consequences, engaging in cyberbullying, participating in risky online challenges and much more.
Many teens spend a hugely significant amount of time online. Data from the Australian eSafety Commissioner report, ‘The digital lives of Aussie teens’ (Feb 2021) shows that teens were online for upwards of 14 hours per week, whilst more recent data from the US shows that by 2024 this had more than doubled to 35 hours online per week. Too often when online, they encounter negative experiences such as harassment, and can be exposed to explicit sexual or violent content which is ‘fed’ to them whether they seek it out or not. To quote Anne Longfield CBE, Chair of the British Commission on Young Lives, “The internet was not designed for children.” Exposure to this content and these behaviours not only puts their safety at risk, but also contributes to a culture of online irresponsibility, and desensitivity.
The adverse impact of social media on relationships is well known and recorded through books, blogs and credible research. Within the Chevalier College community, at times, it can, and does, have a significant negative impact on relationships. Social media can perpetuate jealousy, decrease the quality time spent with loved ones, and set unrealistic relationship expectations. These negative effects are often exacerbated by a lack of parental awareness and intervention, meaning it is crucial for parents to stay informed and engaged in their children's online activities.
These impacts, combined with the increasing use of social media by teenagers, justify why in December 2024, the Australian Federal Government passed legislation which will require all companies who provide social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent age restricted users having accounts, effective within 12 months.
Interestingly, according to the eSafety Commissioner, most social media platforms currently have a minimum age requirement of 13 years old for account holders – these include Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. However, current measures to enforce the minimum age are often absent or ineffective, for example a date of birth can be entered without verification. Therefore, by the end of this year, greater expectations will be placed on social media platforms to ensure 13 to 15 year olds do not have accounts.
Much of the time, social media is accessed via smartphones, making it a constant presence in teenagers' lives. This easy access can lead to excessive screen time, which often interferes with sleep, academic performance and face-to-face interactions. The allure of instant gratification from likes and comments can create a dependency, making it difficult for teens to disconnect. Additionally, the anonymity provided by social media platforms can embolden negative behaviours such as cyberbullying and spreading rumours. These challenges highlight the need for parents to monitor their children's smartphone use and encourage healthy online habits.
The College Educational Leadership Team met earlier this week to discuss the growing concerns surrounding social media use among our students, not least in the wake of recent online activity which, on more than one occasion, had significant ramifications for many in our Chev community. We believe it is worth our while to host a parent forum later this term or early next term. This forum will provide an opportunity for us to work with our parent community to determine what changes, if any, we should make to our mobile phone policy, our online learning monitoring software, and our response to social media incidents, especially for those who are 'under age'. Details of the forum, once organized, will be published in the weekly Chev Need to Knows. We encourage our parent and carer community to collaborate and engage with us with the aim of creating a safer and more supportive environment for your children, our students, both online and offline.
On another note, I know you will join me in offering the very best of wishes to all those teams participating in ISA finals this weekend. May they walk from the field or court with their heads held high.
Onwards and Upwards
Mr Greg Miller
Principal
The Big Water Walk
Did you know that in the developing world people walk an average of 6km a day to collect water for their families. That’s like walking from Chev to the first roundabout into Bowral and back everyday just to collect water. Water which is often unclean and contaminated. To raise awareness of this issue and help provide clean water to communities, we’re going to be running a Big Water Walk for Caritas.
The Big Water Walk will occur on the Chev Open Day between 9am and 1pm where students can walk 6km or as much as they are able (every step counts). There will also be a competition to see which house can walk the greatest distance combined. Student can register their interest via a link in the student notices.
Alexander Abbey
Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission
Adult Reader/Writer volunteers for HSC exams
The College is seeking adult volunteers to perform Reader/Writer duties during the 2025 HSC trial examinations, Year 11 Preliminary examinations, and the HSC examinations at the College.
Adults who act as readers and writers:
- do so on a voluntary basis
- will be required to have a volunteer Working with Children Check
- cannot be a relative or friend of the student or have a close relative sitting the same examination.
Readers may be approved for students whose diagnosed disability prevents them from independently reading and/or comprehending written questions. Writers may be approved for students with a diagnosed disability preventing them from independently communicating their responses in a handwritten format.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please click here to complete a short form, and our Diverse Learning Team will be in touch to discuss the duties further.
The examination periods are listed below. Specific dates and times will be advised closer to the time.
- Year 12 HSC Trials - 11 to 22 August
- Year 11 Preliminary examinations – 15 to 24 September
- Year 12 HSC examinations – 16 October to 10 November
Margaret Hampton
Leader of Learning – Diverse Learning
Skodel – Wellbeing Assistant
As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, we are continuing Skodel access for all students at Chevalier College. Skodel is a wellbeing assistant for students, and is supported by leading psychologist, Andrew Fuller.
It helps students unpack their feelings and provides action steps they can take to improve their wellbeing. Following the successful implementation in 2024, we are commencing Skodel across the College towards the end of week 8.
If for any reason you have concerns about your child participating in the wellbeing check ins, please contact Kelly Walker, Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Growth by midday Tuesday 18 March via email walkerk@chevalier.nsw.edu.au
For more information on Skodel, you can visit their website www.skodel.com.
SchoolSpeak 101 Webinar
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Term 1 free webinar. They are great opportunities to up your skills so that you can support your child's learning at home and at school.
ALGORITHMS AND ADOLESCENTS
Presented by eSafety Commissioner team
For parents and carers of upper primary and secondary school students.
Find out about the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people.
Wednesday 19 March - 7.00 to 7.30pm
Talking Mental Health
In a world where mental health conversations are more crucial than ever, we're thrilled to invite you to an important session designed specifically for those who wish to support young people with their mental well-being.
This interactive event will feature a panel of three expert speakers, each bringing their unique insights and perspectives on youth mental health.
Tuesday 18 March - 2.00 to 3.00pm
ISA Finals
ISA Finals are on Saturday 15 March. Team fixtures and bus information can be found in the Parent Lounge and on the Parent Orbit app under School Links >> Extra Curricular.
IMPORTANT: We aim to have the fixtures and bus times uploaded to School Links by Wednesday each week. Please check the fixtures on a Friday afternoon/evening for any last minute changes to bus times and/or game cancellations.
All buses will leave from the bus zone on Charlotte Street. Students leaving the College should be dropped off in the JFC car park.
CIS and ISA Representative Sport Nominations
Students wishing to trial for the following ISA or CIS Sports Teams in 2025 are invited to submit an expression of interest via the student nomination form.
ISA Student Nomination Form_2025
Nominations for these sports close 9:00am Tuesday 18 March. Late nominations will not be accepted.
ISA/CIS Representative Opportunities
- NSWCIS 15&U BOYS AFL
- NSWCIS 18&U BOYS AND GIRLS RUGY LEAGUE
- NSWCIS 15&U BOYS RUGBY LEAGUE
- NSWCIS 16&U GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE
- NSWCIS 15&U BOYS HOCKEY (There is no longer an ISA selection for 15&U Boys Hockey)
- ISA 16&U AND 18&U BOYS AND GIRLS RUGBY UNION
- ISA 18&U BOYS AND GIRLS FOOTBALL/SOCCER
- ISA 15&U AND 18&U BOYS AND GIRLS TOUCH FOOTBALL
- ISA 19&U BOYS HOCKEY
- ISA 15&U AND 19&U GIRLS HOCKEY
ISA 15&U AND 19&U GIRLS NETBALL
- Students are reminded that, for ISA nominations, they must be playing the relevant sport for the College (where applicable) and must be playing in the 1st or 'A' team for their age group to be considered.
- Students interested in nominating for NSWCIS should have a significant history of playing at a representative level in the relevant sport.
Winter Sports Trials
- Winter sports trials will be held from Weeks 8 -10.
- Students and parents will need to check the trial schedule for specific details
- Students who do not attend will not be selected in a team.
- Teams will be released via Student Café by the end of Week 10.
- Regular training will begin Week 11.
Winter Sports Uniforms
Students selected for a Winter Sports team will be able to purchase uniforms on Tuesday 8 April during the below listed times. Payment must be made via cash or card on the day. Payment over the phone will not be available on this day.
Break 1: Boys Sports Teams
Break 2: Girls Sports Teams and Tennis
Students selected in a 1sts team must also attend to be sized for their dress/jersey and purchase any other relevant Items.
Chevalier College Netball Camp
We are excited to announce an upcoming Chevalier College Netball Camp. Ali Smith and Teigan O’Shannassy, two star players who have played with the Sydney Swifts, will be sharing their skills.
Details
Tuesday 22 April
John Fahey Centre
9.00am – 1.00pm
$70 per student
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
If you are keen for your daughter to participate, please click here to register your interest.
Coach Phillips
Extra Curriculum Administrator
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
If you would like your child to take up private music lesson in any instrument at the school, please contact Josh Combes, Leader of Learning – Creative Arts, Performing Arts and Languages on combesj@chevalier.nsw.edu.au He will send you an information package to begin the process.
Winter Uniform Preparation
As Term 2 approaches, we would like to remind you that the winter uniform is mandatory for Terms 2 and 3. To avoid the inconvenience of having to visit the school during the break, we encourage you to begin preparing your winter uniform now.
You may either visit the clothing shop in person or place an order over the phone during the shop's opening hours listed below.
For further details, please refer to the Chev Shop link on Parent Orbit.
Term Opening Hours
Thursday and Friday: 8.30am – 2.30pm
Closed for lunch: 12.30 - 1.00pm
No appointment is necessary
School Holiday Opening Hours
Thursday 24 April: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Monday 28 April: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 2.30pm
Sports Winterfest 2025
We are currently planning this year's Sports Winterfest event and would love your feedback to make 2025 even bigger and better. If you have attended the event in previous years, your help in completing this short survey by 14 March would be appreciated.
https://forms.office.com/r/qxPn096R8t
Student ID Cards
Please be aware that all students are expected to have their Student ID card with them at school. Students currently in Years 7, 9 and 11 will be issued with a complimentary ID card this year. Students currently in Years 8, 10 and 12 will be issued with a complimentary ID card in 2026.
If your child is in Years 8, 10 and 12 and they have misplaced or lost their ID card, they can purchase a replacement card for $15 through the MSP Photography ordering website.
Apply Now for Year 7 2027!
If you have a child currently in Year 5, now is the time to submit your application for enrolment in Year 7 2027. Applications due 1 June 2025.
We are receiving a high number of applications for this year group and we don't want our current families to miss out on a place. If you know any friends who are also hoping to enrol their children, please encourage them to submit their application now.
Click here for a link to the online application form.
Mother's Day Morning Tea Committee
Once again, we will be hosting a Mother’s Day Morning Tea to celebrate the wonderful mums, grandmothers and special people in our student’s lives. This is a very special event, with beautiful food, lucky door prizes and community connection. We would love to have members of our school community helping us organise this event.
If you would like to join the committee, please register your interest by filling out this form.
Please contact Averil Cutroni on 02 4861 0519 if you would like to find out more, or if you own/manage a business and would like to donate a lucky door prize.
ParentConnect
ParentConnect offers a wide range of opportunities for parents and carers to get involved in College life. From lending a hand on sports BBQs and cheering on our students as spectators, to assisting with coaching and managing sports teams, joining event committees, supporting performing arts events, and contributing to fundraising initiatives and donation appeals—there are many ways to make a meaningful impact and be part of our vibrant school community.
Our current approach is to encourage our families to become involved in individual projects, giving of their time and expertise. We hope you will find a project you can contribute to and enjoy!
We invite you to fill out this form and let us know what you might like to get involved in, and we will be in touch as opportunities arise.
- ISA Finals - 15 March
- Robertson Show - 15 March
- Year 7/9 NAPLAN Back up Day - 17 March
- St Patricks Day - Reid House Cake Stall - 17 March
- ISA Swimming Carnival - 18 March
- Pupil Free Day - 21 March
- Moss Vale Show - 22 March
- Term Break - 24 March
- CAPALoT Concert - 27 March
- Chev Mountain Bike Club Championship - 29 March
- Open Day - 29 March
- Cross Country - 31 March
- Years 10/12 Hospitality Excursion - 31 March
- Years 11/12 Ancient History Excursion - 31 March
- Mock Trial Round 1 - 31 March
- Camden Show - 4 April to 5 April
- Mountain Bike The Willo - 6 April