Principal's Report
Dear Families,
2026 Classes
As we look ahead to Thursday 11th December in Week 8, our students will meet their new teacher and classmates for the year ahead. This is an important moment for every child. It helps them feel prepared, reassured and ready for the transition into a new learning environment.
Our staff have spent many hours shaping each class group. They draw on their deep knowledge of student needs, learning styles and social dynamics. They use clear criteria and their professional judgement to create balanced, productive and supportive class communities.
I ask for your continued support as we finalise this process. We understand that families may have hopes for particular combinations of friends or teachers. While we consider every piece of information, it is not possible to meet every preference. What we can promise is that every decision is made with care and a strong focus on your child’s wellbeing and growth.
Thank you for trusting us. Your support helps your child begin the year with confidence and optimism, and it strengthens the partnership between home and school.
Safe Use of Technology
You may have seen recent updates about upcoming federal laws that will restrict the use of social media for anyone under the age of 16. These changes highlight an important conversation for all families, especially those with primary aged children who are already navigating online spaces in different ways.
This is a good time to talk with your child about healthy screen habits, responsible online behaviour, and the risks that come with social platforms. Even if they are not using social media yet, the groundwork you lay now helps them make safer choices later.
How to support your child under 16 with the new social media age restrictions...
From 10 December 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will require social media platforms to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account. Platforms will also need to deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by young people under 16.
Delaying access to social media protects the health and wellbeing of young people. It gives them more time to build real world friendships and develop stronger digital literacy skills. The responsibility for enforcing these changes sits with the social media platforms. It does not sit with parents, carers, children or schools.
Most of the major platforms will be affected. This includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Reddit and YouTube. Messaging services, online games and educational apps can continue to be used.
Parents and carers play a key role in helping children understand these changes. The eSafety website provides clear information about the new age restrictions and offers guidance on how to talk with young people about responsible technology use.
At our school, most age restricted platforms are blocked on the school network. We allow student access to YouTube in a logged out state. This access is limited so mature content cannot be viewed. We will continue to focus on getting the balance of screen time right and reducing the influence of any harmful online content. The primary years are a crucial time for teaching safe and healthy technology habits.
For more information about this the upcoming restrictions and how Roblox is making changes in response to them, please read the article on the Technology News page.
We value the strong partnership we have with our families. Your continued support helps us guide children towards positive and safe experiences both at school and at home. To stay up to date, visit the eSafety website and subscribe to their newsletter.
PARISH CHRISTMAS FAMILY MASS - HELP NEEDED
Dear parents and carers,
We invite all St Cecilia’s families to our Christmas Eve Children’s Mass at 5pm in the hall of the school. Come along and join in the singing of all our favourite Christmas Carols. Angels and shepherds are welcome too!
It is a St Cecilia's tradition that the children perform a nativity play during the Mass for the telling of the Christmas story. It's a very simple and much loved feature of our mass.
We are currently looking for a parent or small group of parents to take the lead on this for 2025.
What is required?
- A short (under an hour) rehearsal on Christmas Eve morning .. usually 10am, where you will allocate roles (F- gr2) and readings (gr3-6) and "direct" the play.
- Be at the 5pm mass to run the nativity play (run time: about 5 minutes)!
- I am available to support and hand-over prior, but am unavailable on the 24th itself. Other members of the parish will be on hand on the day.
Please contact rita.zambruno@hotmail.com if you can help with this role.
Rita
St Cecilia’s Parish Children's Liturgy and Grade 4 mum
Have a great weekend everyone!
Marty McKenna
Principal
St Cecilia’s Primary School