Dear Blue Mountains Grammar School Community,

I hope this message finds you well as we begin a new and exciting term at BMGS. Term 4 is always busy, but it has a festive feel as we head towards Christmas. As we welcome the warmer weather and the beauty of spring, I extend a warm welcome back to our students and families. It's nice to have everyone back on campus, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that Term 4 has in store.

HSC Journey Begins

To our HSC students and their families, we wish you all the best as you embark on the HSC journey. This is a significant moment in your academic career, and we have every confidence in your abilities. Remember, while hard work and dedication are crucial, maintaining a degree of normalcy in your life, continuing to exercise, and getting plenty of rest is essential to complement the effort you've already put in. You've got this!

Global Connections and Reflections

Over the holidays, a team from BMGS had the incredible opportunity to travel overseas and connect with leading schools from across the globe. Mrs Sandie Naumann, Mr John Forbes, Ms Danie Evans, and Mr Chris Sanders will be sharing their reflections on this enriching experience over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for their insights into the global educational landscape.

John Cunningham Student Centre Update

I am thrilled to share that the John Cunningham Student Centre is nearing completion and has already established a substantial presence in our Senior School space. In the coming weeks, I will provide further updates, and once the building has been handed over, I will invite parents and friends to come for a tour. This new facility will undoubtedly enhance our students' learning experience.

Exciting Changes in Executive Structure for 2024

I am pleased to announce a change in our school's executive structure for 2024. Mrs. Alicia Michielsen has been appointed the Head of Senior School, while Mr. Owen Laffin will continue as Deputy Principal. This change allows us to distribute senior roles more evenly across our Senior School and Junior School, ensuring greater support, particularly for our Springwood campus. In the coming weeks, I will provide more details on how this change will impact the day-to-day running of our school. Many Junior School parents will recognise Mr Laffin from his time spent with students on the recent Stage 3 trip to Canberra.

Social Media Responsibility

In light of recent advice regarding the potential posting of harmful content by certain groups on social media, I want to emphasise the importance of diligence among parents in monitoring what their children are exposed to online. Over the weekend, Hamas took several hostages and has threatened to broadcast their executions if Israel continues its retaliatory airstrikes.

As responsible adults, there are moments when our children's desires to engage heavily on social media may not align with their best interests. This is a moment where adults must decide for our young people. I strongly encourage parents to insist their children remove social media from their phones for now, to ensure their safety and well-being. Several government agencies also recommend this.

For now, I have included the most recent update from the eSafety Commissioner who have stepped towards this matter with a number of resources and advice for schools and for parents. I have included a document support in the event that distressing content is viewed.

For now, the advice that has been received from the eSafety Commissioner includes:

1. eSafety has contacted social media companies about this content and will continue working with them to identify and remove illegal and restricted material wherever possible.

2. To support this work, parents are encouraged to make themselves aware of eSafety’s guidance at www.esafety.gov.au/report/illegal-harmful-content and report content where appropriate.

3. Please follow your school or sector policies and procedures when communicating with students, staff and families about disturbing online content. We recommend avoiding raising the issue with students explicitly unless it is apparent that they are already aware of it or have been exposed to it. Drawing students’ attention to the content may cause unnecessary worry or distress and increase exposure.

4. eSafety has prepared the attached document and this webpage to assist.

5. The eSafety Commissioner encourages staff, parents and carers supporting young people who may be more vulnerable to check in with them. If a child or young person is presenting with signs of distress, follow your procedures for managing and supporting students at risk.

Support services:

If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.

Please encourage anyone who may be at risk or experiencing emotional distress, including worried family and friends, to contact one of the following services:

1. Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds, on 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au(webchat is also available).

2. headspace support for young people, professionals, educators and families

3. Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

4. Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 orbeyondblue.org.au

More support services, including state-based services aimed at parents and carers, are listed onesafety.gov.au/counselling-support-services.

Thank you

I am excited about all the opportunities this term holds for our students and look forward to sharing more updates, achievements, and insights with our community. I am looking forward to Term 4 being memorable and successful for us all.

Warm regards,

Steven Coote

Principal

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