PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
03/11/25
It has been a busy and productive fortnight as we move into Week 5 of Term 4. The energy across the College continues to build as we approach the final weeks of the school year, with students and staff alike working hard to finish well.
Year 12 Exams
On Tuesday last week, our Year 12 students commenced their final VCAA examination program, beginning with English and EAL. This marks the culmination of 13 years of schooling, and we are incredibly proud of the way our students have approached their studies and preparations.
We wish all our Year 12 students every success as they complete each of their final exams and look ahead to their next exciting chapter beyond Western Heights College.
World Teachers’ Day
Although World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally on the first Friday of October, this coincides with our school holidays. In Australia, we celebrated this special occasion on Friday 31 October.
World Teachers’ Day is an important opportunity to recognise and thank the dedicated teachers who make a difference in the lives of children and young people every day. I am extremely proud of the commitment, care, and professionalism our teachers at Western Heights College demonstrate daily in supporting our students to learn, grow and thrive.
Thank you to all staff who contribute to creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning community — your work matters deeply.
Social Media Changes for U16’s in Australia
There is an important regulatory change coming into effect on Wednesday 10 December 2025 that will affect students who are under 16 years old and their use of social media.
What’s changing?
Under the new regulations introduced by the Australian Government, many social media platforms will be required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or holding an account. eSafety Commissioner+2DITRDC+2 In simpler terms: if you are under 16, you will not be eligible to open (or continue using) an account on certain major social media services from 10 December.
Which platforms are affected?
Although the full list of every platform is not published in one place, the changes target services defined as “age-restricted social media platforms” — that is, services whose significant purpose is social interaction (two or more users), allow users to link or interact, and let users post material. DITRDC+1Examples include major services such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube (for account-holding) and others. minister.infrastructure.gov.au+1
What does this mean for existing accounts?
If you are under 16 and already have an account on a covered platform, the provider must take steps to prevent ongoing access or maintain the account. This might include account de-activation or restrictions. eSafety Commissioner+1The key point: the law does not impose penalties on students or parents for use of the account. The obligation is placed on the platform providers. DITRDC
Why has this change been introduced?
The Government has made clear that the aim is to protect young Australians at a critical stage of development. Risks from social media include: excessive screen-time, exposure to harmful content, online bullying, and design features that encourage continuous engagement. eSafety CommissionerIn short: the change is part of a broader effort to promote safer online environments for children and adolescents.
What should students and families do now?
Here are some suggested steps to help with the transition:
- If you (or your child) are under 16 and using social media, start to review your account now: consider what content you might want to save (photos, posts, chats) and explore how you can back it up. eSafety Commissioner
- If you rely on social media to stay connected with friends/family, discuss alternatives now: other communication tools, messaging apps (where appropriate), safe online communities.
- Talk as a family about expectations and strategies for online behaviour: screen time, posting, online friendships, privacy.
- Use this as an opportunity to build good digital habits: checking facts online, managing your digital footprint, balancing screen time with other activities.
- Educators and parents should support students by having open conversations about how they'll stay connected and safe once the change takes effect.
What will not happen
- This is not a criminal offence for students under 16 who access social media; the regulation is targeted at the platforms, not the young users themselves. eSafety Commissioner+1
- Messaging apps or game platforms which do not meet the “social media” definition may be exempt. The rules specify exclusions for some services. DITRDC
School-relevance & our role
At Western Heights College we recognise that many students use social media to keep in touch, collaborate on projects, socialise and express themselves. As this change comes into effect, our role includes:
- Ensuring students understand the change and implications.
- Supporting students in developing and maintaining safe and responsible online practices.
- Encouraging use of school-approved channels for peer-collaboration and communication where appropriate.
- Engaging parents and carers in partnership so every student has guidance and support.
We encourage all students, parents and carers to begin considering these changes now, so the transition is smoother, and students can continue to thrive online and offline.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Learning Technologies team or Student Wellbeing Coordinator if you have questions or need further guidance.
Early Commencement Program (ECP 2025)
Our 2025 Early Commencement Program (ECP) will begin on Monday 1st December for all students entering Years 11 and 12 in 2026 (and current Year 9 students who will be studying a VCE subject next year).
This week-long program provides students with a valuable head start in their 2026 studies, introducing key learning expectations and course content to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the new academic year.
A timetable and further details will be released shortly. It is essential that all students attend the program through to its conclusion on Friday 5 November, which will also mark the final day for our current Year 10 and 11 students.
End of Year Key Dates
- Year 12 Graduation – Thursday 20 November, GMHBA Stadium
- Final day for 2025 Year 10 and 11 students – Friday 5 December
- College Awards Evening – Thursday 11 December, GMHBA Stadium
- 2025 Report Feedback (by appointment) – Thursday 18 and Friday 19 December
As we continue through Term 4, I thank all staff, students, and families for their ongoing efforts and engagement. The coming weeks will be filled with celebration, reflection, and planning for the exciting year ahead.
Enjoy the next fortnight,
Fiona Taylor
Principal
Child Safety at WHC
Western Heights College is a child safe organisation committed to protecting students from all forms of abuse. Our College has stringent protocols in place and endeavours at all times to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards set out under Ministerial Order 870.
Our College has the following documents and policies in place to achieve compliance with the Standards. All of these documents are available for downloading on our website.
Commitment to Child Safety
Child Safety Policy
Child Safety Code of Conduct
Child Protection Policy and Procedures
Annual Privacy Policy Reminder for 2025
Our school collects, uses, discloses, and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy (found on the college's webpage).
Please take time to remind yourself of our school’s collection notice, found on our website. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents and carers on the webpage. This information is also available in nine community languages:
* Amharic
* Arabic
* Dari
* Gujarati
* Mandarin
* Somali
* Sudanese
* Turkish
* Urdu
* Vietnamese