From the Principal
Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful.
(SH 248:3–5)
At a recent educational conference, a Professor from Melbourne University presented an intriguing contrast: while social media use ranks as the primary concern for parents, it places only 24th on the list of student concerns. Adding to this, a 2022 report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Australian teenagers spend an average of 20 hours a week on social media, with TikTok being the preferred platform for 63% of adolescents. Considering the popularity of social media phenomena like Zach King’s Harry Potter illusion, which has amassed 2.3 billion views, you may wonder where the real concern lies.
As I have discussed with our students, the real worry is not the sharing of impressive wizardry tricks on these platforms, but the potential for virtual connections to replace genuine friendships. The 'likes' received on posts cannot substitute for the warmth and companionship that come from real-life peer interactions. This concern is central to our new Mobile Phone Policy, which has been rolled out across the school this Term. I am grateful for all the families who have supported this initiative.
Additionally, the opaque nature of the algorithms that govern social media, often referred to as 'black box' algorithms, warrants caution. These algorithms operate in a non-transparent manner, influenced by how users interact with content, as well as their account settings, language, location, and device type. The capabilities of AI, integral to these algorithms, present further areas for vigilance.
In response to these challenges, Huntingtower is committed to equipping students with the skills to manage these popular forms of communication safely. We've introduced a variety of educational opportunities, including project-based learning (PBL) projects in the Middle School and a six-week Introduction to AI course for students in Years 10-12. We have also developed comprehensive guidelines for responsible AI usage, which are available HERE.
Beyond these structured educational measures, it's the spontaneous interactions and experiences that truly define our school community. Recent weeks have seen the Senior School alive with preparations for the House Performing Arts Carnival, featuring performances from our favourite musicals. Similarly, the Junior School has been bustling with activities such as the Cross Country Carnival, the Years 5-6 excursion to Canberra and the Grade 4 trip to Pollywoodside. These are the experiences that make Huntingtower truly special.
To echo the sentiments of Warrell House’s Large Group Choir, Huntingtower is indeed a place that is "shining, shimmering, splendid."
Mrs Shan Christensen
Principal