STRONG MINDS, 

GENTLE HEARTS

As we come to the close of another school year, I extend my sincere gratitude to all parents, carers and families for your ongoing support throughout 2025. Your partnership remains central to the success and wellbeing of our young men, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2026. 

In the spirit of our Marist tradition, we are reminded of St Marcellin Champagnat’s wisdom: “We must form good Christians and good citizens.”  This year, our students have exemplified this through their dedication to learning, their persistence and their desire to grow. Their focus and enthusiasm reflect the vibrant learning culture we strive to nurture at Saints. 

A heartfelt thank you is extended to our staff, who – through their presence, encouragement and unwavering support –  continue to embody Champagnat’s call to “love your students and love them all equally”. Their commitment to meaningful, well-prepared teaching right up to the final days of the year is a testament to the family spirit that makes our community so strong. 

Contact information 

As we prepare for the new year, please ensure your contact details are up to date on the Parent Portal, particularly if changes have occurred during the year or over the holidays. Accurate phone numbers, email, residential and postal addresses enable us to communicate effectively and promptly contact your family when needed. 

Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 

This Australian Government legislation comes into effect on 10 December 2025 and requires social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. 

Platforms affected include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), among others. Each company will introduce its own approach to age verification or account management to comply with the new requirements. Parents and carers are encouraged to remain informed and engaged with their sons' online activity as these changes are rolled out. 

Group chats and online conduct 

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting positive digital habits at home. Safe on Social recommends: 

• Set device boundaries: Encourage devices to be put away before bedtime to promote healthy routines. 
• Encourage healthy exits: Teach your sons how to leave negative chats politely (e.g., “I’m not comfortable with this conversation,” or “This is getting a bit nasty, I’m going.”). 
• Reinforce kindness and respect: Remind them that respectful online behaviour is always  expected. Cyberbullying can have serious and lasting consequences. 
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In the words of Champagnat, “May their hearts speak before their lips”. Teaching our young men to act with kindness –  online and offline –  remains essential. 

Preparing for 2026 

Term dates for 2026 are now available on the Parent Portal. As you begin preparations for the year ahead, please pay particular attention to grooming standards and uniform expectations. Updated guidelines for haircuts and presentation are also on the portal. 

Wishing you a safe and blessed Christmas 

On behalf of the College, I wish you and your families a safe, joyful and blessed Christmas. May this season of hope and renewal bring peace to your homes. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year.