Deputy Principal's Message

Year 5 and 6 Things Are Changing Program, facilitated by Choicez Media 

As part of our Health curriculum, we are pleased to offer our Year 5 and 6 students the Things Are Changing program, facilitated by Choicez Media, an Australian provider of values-based and faith-based educational resources for Catholic schools.

Choicez Media works with Catholic schools and families to support children and young people as they navigate important stages of growth and development. Their experienced Family Life Educators bring over two decades of experience in supporting families through conversations about puberty, relationships, body image and personal wellbeing.

Earlier this year, all students participated in learning focused on body safety, personal boundaries and the changes that occur as we grow and develop. The Things Are Changing program is the final part of this learning for our Year 5 and 6 students, providing age-appropriate information to further develop their understanding of puberty and the physical, emotional and social changes associated with growing up.

This program supports our Health curriculum and, importantly, aims to help parents and carers have open, positive, and informed conversations with their children about these changes. We recognise that families play a vital role in helping children feel comfortable, confident and supported as they navigate this stage of life.

Year 5 and 6 parents and students are invited to the parent nights via Zoom. Each session runs for about 60 minutes and gives parents and children an opportunity to explore the content together, discuss growing up, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

Year 6 Parent Night – Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at 6:30 pm

The session will cover:

• What puberty is, including hormones and the period of rapid growth and development.
• General physical changes, including hair growth, body odour, body shape and perspiration.
• The male and female reproductive systems.
• The female fertility cycle and menstruation.
• Emotional changes and changes in friendships.
• Online safety.
• Body image.

Year 5 Parent Night – Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 6:30 pm

The session will cover:

• What puberty is and how hormones trigger growth and development.
• How and why changes happen during puberty.
• General physical changes, including hair growth, body odour, body shape and perspiration.
• Physical changes, including breast development, changes to a boy's voice and menstruation.
• Emotional changes.
• Social changes, including choosing good friends and being a good friend.
• Making wise decisions.
• Device use and online safety.

Please note that the Year 5 session will not cover conception or provide a detailed explanation of the reproductive system.

Supporting Conversations at Home

At the end of each parent session, families will receive a link to a digital parent pack, including a video, a parent book, and a student workbook. These resources help parents and carers continue conversations with their children at home and provide ongoing support as children learn about growing up.

During the facilitated session, parents and children will have opportunities to discuss the content together. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and talk openly with their parents about the changes they may experience as they grow.

We encourage families to take this opportunity to participate in the program together, helping ensure children receive consistent, accurate, age-appropriate information in a supportive environment.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child's learning, wellbeing and development. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss the program further.

Vira Pirrotta 

Vira Pirrotta | Deputy Principal 

Learning and Teaching /Learning Diversity Leader

vpirrotta@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au