From Mrs Sweeney
Childhood in the Digital Age
Cybersafety education plays an increasingly important role in supporting childhood wellbeing, informed decision-making and the development of safe online behaviours. Both UNICEF and UNESCO highlight digital literacy and online safety as essential components of childhood education, with schools playing a critical role in helping young people navigate online environments safely and responsibly.
Recent research from the eSafety Commissioner highlights the growing importance of cybersafety education in Australia. eSafety research found that almost three in four Australian children have encountered harmful online content, while 57% reported seeing online hate and 24% experienced online harassment. Research also indicates that many young people are exposed to harmful online content, including hateful material, dangerous online challenges and distressing online interactions. These findings reinforce the importance of proactively teaching children how to respond safely, seek support and make informed decisions in digital environments.
This week, students in Year 2 - Year 6 will participate in cybersafety education sessions facilitated by ySafe. ySafe delivers engaging and age-appropriate programs designed to empower students to make safe and informed choices online. Their sessions support students to develop practical strategies for protecting personal information, recognising unsafe online behaviours, managing digital communication and understanding how to respond when something online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
A collaborative approach to cybersafety education is increasingly important as many families navigate the growing presence of smartphones and social media in the lives of children and young people. For parents and carers who are concerned about the increasing intrusion of smartphones in childhood, WAIT Mate is a parent movement encouraging families to “hit pause” on smartphones until at least Senior School. The initiative supports parents to make informed decisions about smartphone use while connecting families with other like-minded parents who are seeking to delay access to smartphones and social media.
Educators and researchers continue to raise important questions about the impact of digital access on childhood development. Sophie Winkleman, in her address to the Alliance of Responsible Citizenship Conference, warned that, “We left the doors to our children’s classrooms, their bedrooms and their minds wide open to the world. Perhaps we thought we were giving children the right to access everything which might be good out there, but instead we’ve given everyone else - the good and the bad - access to our children.” Her reflection reinforces the growing body of research emphasising the importance of delaying access to smart devices and equipping children with the skills required to navigate online spaces safely.
On Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00pm, ySafe will be hosting a parent webinar. Packed with real-world, relevant and evidence-based information, these sessions provide strategy-rich content that can be implemented immediately at home to promote safer online environments for kids. Please register using the ySafe parent webinar link. The student workshops and parent webinar provide an important opportunity for schools and families to work collaboratively in supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and informed decision-making in an increasingly connected world.
Whole School Survey
As part of our continuous improvement process, Kambala will be providing an opportunity for parents (Hampshire House to Year 12) and students (Year 5 - Year 12) to provide feedback relating to their views of the school across a number of areas.
Parents are invited to complete questionnaires over a two-week period commencing today Thursday 21 May 2026. Students will complete their questionnaires at Kambala during this period.
This afternoon, MMG Education will email you an invitation to participate and provide you with your confidential and secure access to your questionnaire.
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG will provide Principal Danvers with a report. There will be opportunities for members of the school community to receive feedback from the research.
In anticipation, we thank you for the valuable contribution you will be making by completing the questionnaire.
2026 Years 4 - 6 Term 3 Sport Choice
Please be advised that you can find the letter containing all the 2026 Term 3 Years 4-6 Sports information here.
Please read the document carefully as it contains the options for Term 3, the directions for trials and training, and the link to the Google registration form to be completed at the bottom of the letter.
The cut-off date for registrations is Wednesday 27 May. Late registrations will be placed on a waitlist, and a spot in the sport is not guaranteed.
The options for Term 3 2026 are:
- IPSHA Touch Football
- Badminton Clinics (Saturdays Only)
- Track Club (Thursdays)
2026 Year 3 Term 3 Saturday Sport Registration
Please click here to access all the information in regards to the Year 3 Saturday Sports offer for Term 3 2026.
Year 3 will be given the opportunity to play Netball in Term 3.
Please note that the final day for registrations is Friday 4 June. The Google Registration form can be found at the bottom of the letter.
Welcoming Dr Mann to the 6U Classroom
Next week, we are pleased to welcome Dr Jeff Mann, who will be working alongside Ms Badin in 6U until Week 9. Dr Mann is a primary school practicum student from the University of New South Wales with extensive knowledge and experience in the education of young people. He has a keen interest in experiential learning, having previously worked at The Scots College, Glengarry and Bellevue Hill Campuses.
Pupil Free Day - Friday 5 June, 2026
We advise our Preparation to Year 6 parents that Friday 5 June, 2026 is Staff Development Day and students will not attend school on this day.
Please also note that Monday 8 June is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.
Junior School Events
Please see the next page for exciting Junior School Events and Dates for your Calendars!