Chev Need to Knows 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I trust you are well as we start to enjoy the season of Spring.

Social Media Ban

As has been known since the beginning of this year, from 10 December 2025, social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

To assist families to be ready for such as step, I share with you information from the eSafety website. Most notably, you can find advice on how to discuss the changes with your child.

Next term, I will provide an update about how we, as a College, are trying to improve the way we assist students to manage social media, as well as how we can better monitor their use of devices whilst at school.

On other news, on Wednesday evening of this week, we celebrated the extracurricular achievements of some 150+ students from Years 7 – 12. Please find below my opening address for the evening. I trust it conveys the importance of extracurricular activities in school settings, and how they have positively impacted the learning and growth of each student who has participated this year.

Chevalier College Extracurricular Awards Evening – Principal’s Opening Address

Good evening students, staff and families,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our annual Extracurricular Activities Awards Evening, a celebration of the spirit, talent and commitment that define Chevalier College.

Tonight, we gather not only to recognise achievement, but to affirm something deeper: that a thriving extracurricular program is not an optional add-on to education, it is central to the holistic growth of every student.

At Chevalier, around 75% of our students participate in extracurricular activities outside of school hours, as part of an extended school day or an extended school week. From the summer fields of cricket, touch football, basketball and mountain biking, to the winter arenas of hockey, tennis, netball, rugby union and football, our students learn to test themselves, to work with others to pursue a goal, and, in some cases, to lead others. Beyond the sporting arena, our performing arts program flourishes with annual productions, bands, ensembles, debating, public speaking, Mock Trial and our vibrant Wednesday afternoon clubs.

These are not just activities. They are arenas of challenge and can assist with the transformation of young girls and boys to become mature, resilient and persistent young adults. 

25 years ago, this very week, we had the opening of the Sydney Olympics. Cathy Freeman was not only an Olympic Gold Medallist on the track, but she also lit the Olympic Flame at the opening ceremony. I remember her once saying, “You got to try and reach for the stars or try and achieve the unreachable.” This quote captures the spirit of aspiration and courage, ideal for encouraging students to stretch beyond their comfort zones, whether on the field, stage, or in life.

A more recent Australian Olympian swimmer, Bronte Campbell, once said, “The only thing you have to do to win is to be in the race. Once you’re in it, you can win it.” That’s the spirit we see in our students who show up week after week, rain or shine, not just to compete, or perform, but to grow.

Over the past three years we’ve raised the bar, expecting more of our students and our programs. Weekend commitments and weekday training have become the norm. And the results speak for themselves: more regular appearances in ISA finals, more exceptional public performances in the Arts, and most importantly, young people growing in confidence.

Of course, sport is only one part of the story. The arts, too, are vital to the human spirit. They offer a different kind of challenge, one that calls for creativity, vulnerability, and expression. For many of our students, the stage, the music room, the debating floor, or the art studio is where they come alive. These spaces are not just about performance; they are about discovery... of self, of others, and of the world.

In a very famous TED Talk, the late Sir Ken Robinson contended that fostering creativity through the arts is not a luxury, but a necessity, as important as foundational academic skills. Closer to home, Australian actor Cate Blanchett once said, “The Arts are not a luxury. They are a vital part of our existence. They help us understand who we are and imagine who we can become.” This speaks directly to the transformative power of the arts in shaping identity and aspiration, especially relevant for teenagers navigating their formative years.

This excellence in our performing arts, and the success of our sporting program, is only possible because of the extraordinary dedication of our staff and coaches, teachers who give generously of their time and expertise, and other specialist coaches who bring passion and professionalism to every session. Your work shapes lives. On behalf of the entire Chevalier community, “Thank you.”

So tonight, as we celebrate excellence, let us also celebrate participation, competition and achievement. Let us honour not only the trophies and titles, but the quiet victories: the student who tried something new, the team that lifted each other up, the ensemble that found harmony, the stage performance that was delivered with precision.

To our students: thank you for saying “yes” to the challenge. To our families: “thank you” for your support. And to our staff and coaches: thank you for believing in the power of extracurricular life to shape our young people here at Chev.

Let this evening be a reminder that at Chevalier, we don’t just educate minds, we nurture hearts, bodies, and spirits.

Thank you and enjoy the celebration.

Greg Miller

Principal

Fiesta Foodies – High Schoolers

The Community Cooking School

Tuesday September 30

This class is for our older cooks from 12 – 16 years 

• Corn Tortillas with Pulled Chicken, guacamole & home made salsa
• Corn Ribs
• Oven baked churros with chocolate dipping sauce

Morning tea & lunch included (kids cook their own!). Left overs go home with their makers! 

To book, please register here.  

Sandy Abbey

Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission

Enrolments

If you have a child in Years 7 – 11 who will be leaving the College at the end of this academic year, please send an email as soon as possible to enrolments@chevalier.nsw.edu.au.  As per your enrolment contract, a full term's notice is required.

Please also be aware that:

• If your child is planning to withdraw from the College to pursue an apprenticeship, we are required to sight signed apprenticeship documentation, a copy of which should be sent through to Enrolments.
• If your child is planning to withdraw from the College to pursue employment, we are required to sight an employment contract showing a minimum of 25 hours, which should be sent through to Enrolments.

Year 7 2027 is almost at capacity, so if you have a child currently in Year 5 and you have not yet submitted an application, please do so without delay so your child does not miss out on a place.

Thank you,

Enrolments Office

Year 11 Preliminary Exam Timetable

Diverse Learning

Positive Partnership Program - FREE Autism One Day Workshops for parents, carers and grandparents

Positive Partnerships is a national project funded by the Australian Government Department of Education delivered by Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia). The program is offering two free neuro-affirming workshops locally for parents/carers of autistic young people, including those on the pathway to identification.

Please visit the Positive Partnerships website to register using the following links:

Goulburn - 23 September, 2025: 9:15 AM - 3:00 PMat Goulburn Race Club Racecourse Drive Goulburn.

 To register for the Goulburn Positive Partnership workshop. 

Bowral - 11 November, 2025: 9:15-3:00pm at Park Proxi Gibraltar, 7 Boronia Street, Bowral.

To register for the Bowral Positive Partnership workshop. 

Use this link to find out more information about the Positive Partnership workshop content:

Eager to Help? Be a Reader/Writer Volunteer for HSC exams!

The College would be most grateful for adult volunteers to perform Reader/Writer duties during the upcoming examinations. If you cannot commit but wish to help, please pass on our request to suitable adults.

Who? 

Adults who act as readers and writers must:

• do so on a voluntary basis
• have a volunteer Working with Children Check (free for volunteers, online application)
• not 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.

When? 

The examination periods are listed below. Specific dates and times will be advised closer to the time.

• Year 11 Preliminary examinations – 15 to 24 September
• Year 12 HSC examinations – 16 October to 7 November 

How? 

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.

You are welcome to direct any questions to diverselearning@chevalier.nsw.edu.au.

Margaret Hampton

Leader of Learning - Diverse Learning

How to Manage your Teen's Expectations after Exams 

We encourage parents and carers of Year 12 students to read the article below from REACHOUT, as their Year 12 students prepare for examination feedback.

For further information please visit Reachout.

Year 12 Study Opportunities at the Local Libraries 

Wingecarribee Public Libraries are offering a range of opportunities to support HSC students in the lead-up to their exams. 

HSC Study Spaces

• The Old Town Hall building in Bowral and the Theatrette in Moss Vale Civic Centre will be open for dedicated study.
• Old Town Hall will be available from 30 September – 10 October, while the Theatrette will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays during the holiday period.
• Morning/afternoon tea will be provided daily while lunch will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

HSC Lock-In at Bowral Library

• Tuesday 14 October, 6:30–9:00pm
• After-hours study session with pizza provided.
• Registrations are required via our TryBooking page: https://www.trybooking.com/DFOIO

Social Media

From December 10, 2025, social media platforms in Australia will be legally required to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. 

This legislation is not about punishment - it’s about protection, and signifies a national shift to prioritise giving give young people more time to grow, connect, and build resilience, before being handed over to systems designed for profit, not their wellbeing.

As a follow up from our earlier Parent Forum, we would like to provide some information on the upcoming legislation that will impact some of our students' social media use. The information comes from the lens of offering parent support delivered by Kirra Pendergast*, publisher of a support document titled, 'Parent and Carer’s Guide - The Australian 16+ Age Delay’. 

Please see full article below. 

*Kirra Pendergast has been a pioneer in Australia's cybersecurity and online safety sectors since the early 1990s.  Kirra is the Founder and Principal Strategist of Safe on Social and Ctrl+Shft. She is an in-demand keynote speaker, expert witness, writer, and media commentator.

Kelly Walker

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Growth

Summer Sports Teams and Uniforms

The announcement of summer sports teams has been postponed due to some sports requiring additional trials. 

• Teams will be announced via Student Café
• Parent permission forms will be sent via Parent Orbit once teams have been announced.

Please see below for important dates.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Coordinator

Summer Uniform

Term 4 is fast approaching and students are required to return to school in full summer uniform.

Please pop into the Chev shop during the term-time opening hours or during the holiday break. We will be opening over the break the on following days and times: 

• 8 October 

  9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 2.30pm

                                                          

• 9 October

  9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 2.30pm

You can also call and place an order on 4861 0540.

Chev Shop

Winter Warmers – Only While Stock Lasts!

Come and get your winter warmers while stock lasts, limited stock available on both items.

CHEVALIER COLLEGE BEANIE - $25

WOOL CHEVALIER COLLEGE SCARF - $38

• Year 11 Exams - 15 to 24 September
• Camden Agricultural Expo - 20 September 
• Flexible Monday - 22 September
• Year 12 Primary Industries Tractor Driving - 22 September
• Year 9 iSTEM Excursion - 22 September
• Year 7 MSC Mission Office Talk - 22 September
• Year 8 Retreat Mass - 22 September
• NSWCIS Athletics Championships - 23 September
• Year 12 Graduation - Ceremony, Mass and Dinner - 25 September
• Mock Trial Quarter Final - 26 September
• Last day of Term 3 - 26 September
• School Holidays - 27 September to 13 October
• Students return for Term 4 - Tuesday 14 October