From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing
By Kerryn Boyko
College Connection
As Term Four draws to a close, we want to thank our families for the many ways that you have supported our students during this special 150th year. We know that wellbeing is strengthened when young people feel a real sense of belonging and purpose, and this year has offered plenty of chances for our students to grow and connect with their community.
This term alone, we have seen that strong sense of belonging at events such as the Christmas Concert, the Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp, the Years 7 & 8 Let’s Connect Day, in Summer sports teams and in the camaraderie of our senior students sitting examinations. Each of these experiences has helped students grow their friendships, confidence, and resilience.
We would also like to highlight the importance of the final day of term. It’s a time for all students to come together, celebrate their achievements, and recognise the contributions they have made throughout the year. More than just a final day, Friday 5 December has events and activities that strengthen students’ identity and belonging within each year level and across our College community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
Upcoming Social Media Delay
Important Information for Families
From December 10, 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will come into effect. Under this law, children under 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on major social media platforms. Existing accounts for under‑16s will be deactivated, and new sign‑ups blocked.
This change is designed to protect the health and wellbeing of young people by reducing risks such as harmful design features, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. It also aims to give teenagers more time to build resilience, strengthen real‑world social skills, and develop healthy digital habits.
Families play a vital role in supporting young people through this transition. For older teens, this is also a chance to pause and reflect on their online routines. Simple steps—such as limiting notifications, unfollowing accounts that negatively impact mood, and scheduling regular screen‑free time—can benefit wellbeing at any age.
We encourage parents to explore the eSafety Commissioner’s resources, which provide practical guidance for navigating these changes and supporting safe online practices at home visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/conversation-starters
Parent Checklist: Preparing for the Social Media Delay
- Review your child’s accounts: Check if your teenager has any social media accounts that will be deactivated under the new law.
- Start the conversation: Talk openly with your child about why these changes are happening and how they can stay connected offline.
- Set healthy habits: Encourage screen‑free time, limit notifications, and unfollow accounts that negatively affect mood.
- Explore alternatives: Suggest other activities that support creativity, learning, and social connection.
- Use trusted resources: Visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website for guidance and tools to support safe online practices.
Child Safety
At Loreto College Ballarat, the safety and wellbeing of our students is crucially important to us. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and connected, and where families know their young people are valued.
Our approach is guided by a number of important policies that help shape our practices in this area. We also believe that strong partnerships with families are essential. Your insights and feedback are always welcome, and we encourage you to reach out to Assistant Principal: Wellbeing, Kerryn Boyko at kboyko@loreto.vic.edu.au with any suggestions, questions, or comments regarding our Child Safe policies and procedures.
Together, we can continue to nurture a community where students feel safe and valued.