Chev Need to Knows 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Helping Teenagers Navigate Social Media Safely

I write further to my article in the Need to Knows from last week.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak with our students about the challenges and responsibilities that come with using social media. It was an important conversation, one that I would also like to share with you as parents and guardians, as we all play a role in guiding young people toward safe and healthy online habits.

Social media is an undeniable part of teenage life. It offers connection, entertainment and learning opportunities, but it also comes with risks - cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, excessive screen time, and the pressure to maintain a ‘perfect’ online image. Our discussion focused on ways students can navigate these challenges responsibly. 

Here are some of the key messages I shared:

1. Set boundaries for screen time – Social media should not take over daily life. I encouraged students to create screen-free periods each day to focus on study, family time and real-life interactions.
2. Be mindful of mental health – If scrolling through social media makes them feel anxious, insecure or overwhelmed, it’s important to take a break. I advised them to unfollow accounts that negatively impact their self-esteem and to talk to someone they trust if they need support.
3. Remember that social media is not reality – Many posts are carefully curated to show the best parts of someone’s life. I reminded students not to compare their everyday experiences to the highlight reels they see online.
4. Think before you post – One of the most crucial points we discussed was the permanence of online content. I told students that ‘posting is posting for life’ - even if something is deleted, screenshots and digital footprints remain. Employers, universities and future connections may be able to trace what they have posted. Before hitting ‘post,’ they should ask themselves: Would I be comfortable if this were seen by my family, teachers, or a future employer? If not, it’s best left unposted.

Social media is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it must be used wisely. As parents, your guidance and conversations at home can reinforce these messages. Encourage open discussions with your children about their online experiences, and remind them that their value is not determined by likes, followers or comments, but by the real-world relationships and character they build.

At Chevalier, social media features as a topic within the PDHPE and SIM+ curricula, where we cover the groundwork around content and legislation of social media. This occurs as follows:

PDHPE

Year 7, Term 1: Positive Relationships

• Lesson Sequence 5: Bullying and Cyberbullying
• Lesson Sequence 8: Digital Citizenship (staying safe online, online sharing, iPhone/internet use, and digital footprints).

Year 8, Term 2: Digital Citizenship: The whole unit is dedicated to the topic and covers the following;

• Brain and Devices
• Cyberbullying
• Sexting
• Ethical Use and Deep Fakes
• Digital Footprint
• Changing behaviours for wellbeing and balance
• Design a digital safety campaign 

Year 9, Term 1: Mirror Mirror

• Lesson sequence 4: Social Media and Body Image
• Lesson sequence 6: Photoshopping

Additionally, Open Parachute modules are taught to support the PDHPE curriculum areas of digital citizenship. Open Parachute is a program created by Clinical Psychologists and Educators that helps to increase resilience in students through mental health skill-building sessions. 

SIM+ 

Students are educated on creating strong rapports and safe environments, reinforced by the Big 5 Check In and Wellbeing connection practices. 

Students learn about:

• who they are;
• developing soft skills (empathy, resilience, friendship, kindness, respect etc);
• connecting with peers and the staff member in the room, which may down the track lead to students feeling comfortable to disclose information if ever needed;
• exploring their values when addressing their motivators, and aligning these to who they are and to who they wish to continue to be in the way of helping others;
• linking choices, responsibilities and actions to real life situations, such as using social media and technology responsibly.

Stages 4 and 5 - Think U Know social media presentation by the Police Youth Command Officer.

All the content outlined above can be accessed and viewed by parents throughout the year via our Learning Management System, Canvas.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow into responsible digital citizens. If you would like further resources or support on this topic, please feel free to reach out.

Best wishes for the weekend and Term Break on Monday.

Yours sincerely,

Greg Miller

Principal

 Heartworks@Chev

Heartworks@Chev will be on Friday 4 April in McGrath Hall (3.30pm-5.30pm) and is open to all students in Years 7 to 12.

Our social focus will be on fast fashion and will be facilitated by our Stewardship Captains. Students are invited to bring in unwanted clothes (in good condition) to have a clothes swap. One student’s trash may be another student’s treasure and helps reduce what ends up in landfill.

To assist with catering, students will be asked to register their interest in attending through the student daily notices during Weeks 9 and 10.

The Big Water Walk

Did you know that in the developing world people walk an average of 6km a day to collect water for their families. That’s like walking from Chev to the first roundabout into Bowral and back everyday just to collect water. Water which is often unclean and contaminated. To raise awareness of this issue and help provide clean water to communities, we’re going to be running a Big Water Walk for Caritas.

The Big Water Walk will occur on the Chev Open Day between 9am and 1pm where students can walk 6km or as much as they are able (every step counts). There will also be a competition to see which house can walk the greatest distance combined. Student can register their interest via a link in the student notices.

Alexander Abbey

Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission

Student Diary replacements

It is mandatory for students to use their diaries and we thank you for your support with signing the diary weekly and signing the front pages with our College expectations. Diaries that are lost or have unremovable graffiti in them will need to be replaced.

The replacement cost of a diary is $15.  They can be purchased using the link below:

https://www.bpoint.com.au/pay/CHEVALIERCOLLEGELIMITED

If your child requires a replacement diary, pay the $15 using the link above and take a screenshot of the receipt.  Students are to bring the screenshot to Student Services, where their name will be recorded and a replacement diary will be handed out. This will be checked against our records.

ISA/CIS Expressions of Interest

Students who have successfully submitted an expression of interest to trial for an ISA or CIS representative should have now received an email from Coach Phillips confirming that their EOI has been received.

Any student who completed an expression of interest but DID NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL needs to see Coach Phillips before Break 2 Tuesday 25 March

Winter Sports Trials

• Winter sports trials will be held from Weeks 8 -10. 
• Students and parents will need to check the trial schedule for specific details
• Students who do not attend will not be selected in a team.
• Teams will be released via Student Café by the end of Week 10.
• Regular training will begin Week 11.

Winter Sports Uniforms

Students selected for a Winter Sports team will be able to purchase uniforms on Tuesday 8 April during the below listed times. Payment must be made via cash or card on the day.  Payment over the phone will not be available on this day.

Break 1: Boys Sports Teams

Break 2: Girls Sports Teams and Tennis

Students selected in a 1sts team must also attend to be sized for their dress/jersey and purchase any other relevant Items.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Administrator

Private Music Lessons

If you would like your child to take up private music lessons in any instrument at the school, please contact Josh Combes, Leader of Learning – Creative Arts, Performing Arts and Languages on combesj@chevalier.nsw.edu.au. He will send you an information package to begin the process.

Winter Uniform Preparation

As Term 2 approaches, we would like to remind you that the winter uniform is mandatory for Terms 2 and 3. To avoid the inconvenience of having to visit the school during the break, we encourage you to begin preparing your winter uniform now.

You may either visit the clothing shop in person or place an order over the phone during the shop's opening hours listed below.

For further details, please refer to the Chev Shop link on Parent Orbit.

Term Opening Hours

Thursday and Friday: 8.30am – 2.30pm 

Closed for lunch: 12.30 - 1.00pm

No appointment is necessary

School Holiday Opening Hours

Thursday 24 April: 9.00am - 1.00pm

Monday 28 April: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Pupil Free Day + Term Break

There is no school for students this Friday 21 March or Monday 24 March.  

• Friday 21 March:  Staff Spirituality Day - all staff will be in attendance. The Main Office and Chev Shop will be closed.
• Monday 24 March:  Term Break.  Reception and Chev Shop will be closed. Student Services will be open from 1pm - 4pm.

Student ID Cards

Students in Years 7, 9 and 11 have been issued with their complimentary ID card this week.  Please be aware that all students are expected to have their Student ID card with them at school.  

If your child is in Years 8, 10 and 12 and they have misplaced or lost their ID card, they can purchase a replacement card for $15 through the MSP Photography ordering website.

Apply Now for Year 7 2027!

If you have a child currently in Year 5, now is the time to submit your application for enrolment in Year 7 2027.  Applications due 1 June 2025.

We are receiving a high number of applications for this year group and we don't want our current families to miss out on a place.  If you know any friends who are also hoping to enrol their children, please encourage them to submit their application now.  

Click here for a link to the online application form.

• Moss Vale Show - 22 March
• Term Break - 24 March
• CAPALoT Concert - 27 March
• Chev Mountain Bike Club Championship - 29 March
• Open Day - 29 March
• Cross Country - 31 March
• Years 10/12 Hospitality Excursion - 31 March
• Years 11/12 Ancient History Excursion - 31 March
• Mock Trial Round 1 - 31 March
• Camden Show - 4 April to 5 April
• Mountain Bike The Willo - 6 April
• Sydney Royal Easter Show - 7 April to 13 April
• Years 10 Cookery Excursion - 7 April
• Years 11 Studies of Religion Incursion - 7 April
• Year 8 Future Anything Day 1 - 7 April
• Year 8 Future Anything Day 2 - 8 April
• Youth Council Meeting - 10 April
• Easter Liturgy - 11 April
• School Holidays - 12 April to 28 April