DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It … 

Even Online 

As Deputy Principal of Community & Culture, I am writing to you with both a warm heart and a deep sense of responsibility regarding the use of TikTok and other social media platforms by our students, particularly those under the age of 16. 

At St Mary MacKillop College, we are guided by the spirit and teachings of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint and a woman who believed deeply in the dignity of every person, the power of kindness, and the importance of integrity in all aspects of life. Her words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” call us to respond with courage and compassion when challenges arise in our community. 

Recently, we have become aware of incidents occurring both in the school yard and online that involve unkind behaviour, targeting individual students, and the inappropriate use of social media platforms, including TikTok. We have also noted instances where students have posted content while wearing their school uniform and have used the MacKillop name and logo in ways that do not reflect the values of our college. 

While social media can be a creative and positive space for connection, it can also amplify harm when used without maturity, empathy, or guidance. Most social media platforms, including TikTok, have a minimum age requirement of 13, and for many features and safe use practices, maturity beyond this age is strongly recommended. As educators and as parents, we share the responsibility of helping young people navigate these spaces safely and ethically. 

When students wear their college uniform online or reference the MacKillop name and logo, they are publicly representing not only themselves but our entire community. The uniform is a symbol of belonging and pride. The MacKillop name carries the legacy of a saint who championed humility, justice, and respect. Any content that mocks, excludes, targets, or humiliates others stands in direct contradiction to the values we strive to live each day. 

Bullying, whether in person or online, is never acceptable. Online behaviours such as filming others without consent, posting hurtful commentary, creating exclusionary content, or encouraging pile-ons (add more to an existing problem or pressure), can have serious emotional and psychological consequences. What may seem fleeting or humorous to one student can be deeply distressing to another. As a Catholic community, we believe every child is made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity and care. 

In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, we ask our students to: 

• Pause before posting. 

• Consider whether their words and actions reflect kindness and respect. 

• Protect the dignity of others. 

• Seek help when they witness or experience harm. 

   

We are addressing recent incidents directly with the students involved and will continue to reinforce clear expectations regarding online conduct, uniform use, and respectful relationships. The misuse of the College logo or name on social media, as well as behaviour that brings the College into disrepute, will be managed in accordance with our behaviour and digital technology policies. 

However, policy alone is not enough. Partnership with parents is essential. 

We encourage you to: 

• Be aware of the platforms your child is using. 

• Review privacy settings together. 

• Discuss what respectful online behaviour looks like. 

• Remind your child that wearing their uniform in posts connects their actions to the College community. 

• Reinforce that “private” accounts are never truly private. 

Open conversations at home make a significant difference. Young people need guidance to develop digital wisdom, not just digital skills. 

Mary MacKillop faced great challenges in her lifetime, yet she responded with courage, forgiveness, and steadfast commitment to doing good. Let us model the same for our children. Let us teach them that true strength is shown not in gaining attention or followers, but in standing up for others, choosing compassion, and acting with integrity, even when no one is watching. 

Together, as a faith community, we can ensure that our school yard and our online spaces reflect the values we cherish, respect, kindness, inclusion, and responsibility. Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing not only the minds of our young people, but their hearts. 

Kath Jones

Deputy Principal Community & Culture