I recently had the opportunity to speak to Year 7 parents at the Meet the Teacher night, about our approach to technology at the College. Our BYOD program and our learning platform, Canvas, provide many opportunities for increased engagement and support for students on their learning journey.

Technology has brought so many benefits to education; it enhances engagement in the classroom, assists with study and revision, cuts down on paperwork, allows us to communicate quickly and easily with you as parents, and saves students carrying around the heavy trove of textbooks that we had to when we were at school! However, it also raises questions about how to set boundaries and support healthy screen habits.

Here at the College, our boundaries over device use are made clear to students:

• - If at College, phones must not be out or on students’ possession from the moment they arrive in the morning until 2.35pm each day; if phones are at the College, they must be in lockers. If students or parents need to contact each other during school hours, they can do so through the front office. If students are seen using their phones during this time, they will first be asked to take them to the Senior School Hub and will receive a lunchtime detention. From there, there is an escalation process involving contact home and after-College detentions.
• - Laptops are only to be opened in class when the teacher gives permission. While laptops are often used for textbooks, lesson outlines and interactive learning activities, some lessons will be laptop-free. There is also an expectation in most classes that notes will still be handwritten, rather than typed.

However, these are not always foolproof, and it can be even harder to set boundaries in the home.

The best way to help your child navigate the online world is by being aware and actively engaging in conversation with your kids about their online and social media use.

Ten Tips for managing your teen’s technology

Here are ten tips to help you in this journey:

1. Frequently talk with your child about their technology use - Ask about their favourite apps, websites and online interactions to foster open dialogue. As I speak to parents, it’s great to hear that many of these conversations are already happening. As part of this, make sure you create open lines of communication - reassure your child that they can come to you if they feel unsafe online.

2. Have access to or follow your child’s accounts - Know who they are interacting with and be aware of any potential risks.

3. Check whether they are old enough for the Social Media they are using - The government has brought in new minimum ages for various social media sites. If your child is under the minimum age, don’t let them create an account.

4. Use filters and parental controls - Tools such as Family Zone, Bark and Covenant Eyes can help manage access to inappropriate content.

5. Set time limits on device use - Encourage balance by allocating specific times for study, relaxation and screen-free activities.

6. Charge devices outside the bedroom - Keeping both laptops and phones in a public area overnight, such as the kitchen or dining room, can prevent late-night screen use and improve sleep quality. It’s also essential for school that devices are adequately charged for the next day, so it’s a win-win!

7. Encourage stopping computer use an hour before bed - This allows the brain and eyes to wind down for a better night’s sleep. Encouraging your child to read before bed instead of being on their device may also promote literacy.

8. Model healthy digital habits - Children learn by example, so demonstrating good technology use yourself is essential.

9. Encourage balance - Help them find a balance between online and offline activities. Facilitating your child’s participation in social activities outside of school, such as sporting groups, extracurricular activities, youth groups and church can help your child feel connected to those around them without spending lots of time online.

10. The Importance of Consistency - Like with all boundaries, consistency is key. Enforcing screen time rules, setting expectations and maintaining open communication might not always be easy, but it is crucial in helping your child develop healthy technology habits. It is worth the energy investment and initial tension that having these conversations might cause!

Further resources

• - The eSafety Commissioner website provides a wealth of resources on online safety, including guidance on cyberbullying, privacy, gaming and social media. Parents can access tips, expert advice and step-by-step support on managing their child's online experiences. You can also use this website to report illegal online activity such as cyberbullying, to the authorities.

eSafety

• - Our Director of Student Counselling, Mrs Peterson, often shares special reports and articles from SchoolsTV through this newsletter, covering topics such as screen time, internet addiction, social media and cyberbullying. To access the full range of articles, videos and reports by SchoolTV click the button below. 

SchoolTV

• - The College subscribes to an online wellbeing platform called Wellio. Wellio is hosting a free upcoming webinar for parents on Parenting Through the Under-16 Social Media Age Restrictions, on Thursday 24 March at 6.30pm.

Register for Webinar

Mr Samuel Mills
ICT Leader

Our College ensembles delivered a fantastic series of performances at the Camden Show recently, showcasing teamwork, musical growth and vibrant stage presence. Intermediate Concert Band and Stage Band visited the show during the day and played a strong set full of a variety of pieces that brought a great energy to the show stage. All students performed extremely well and it was great to see all students work as a team to load musical equipment on and off the bus. They were a positive support when watching other schools perform too and students even had time to take a quick tour of the show and walk around to look at all the exciting rides and showbags on offer.

Later in the evening, two more of the Colleges groups returned to the stage; the Guitar Ensemble and the Senior Stage Band. Guitar Ensemble, featuring students from Years 8–11, impressed audiences with their technical precision, rich tone, and wall of sound. Their performance added a unique musical flavour to the day’s lineup. The Senior Stage Band closed our contributions with a funky, high‑energy set of reimagined classics. Their professionalism and support for other schools reflected the strong community spirit of the event. Overall, it was a wonderful day of music‑making and a proud moment for all students involved.

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles

Cross Country Carnival

The annual Cross Country Carnival, held on Monday 23 March at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, proved to be a tremendous success and a highlight of our school sporting calendar.

The venue once again provided an excellent setting for the event, with its expansive grounds and despite the recent weather, the well-maintained course allowed students to perform at their best. Conditions were ideal for running and the atmosphere throughout the day was energetic. 

Students from all year levels demonstrated outstanding effort and determination across a series of highly competitive races. It was fantastic to witness so many participants pushing themselves to achieve personal bests while also contributing valuable points to their respective houses. The level of competition continues to rise each year, reflecting the talent and growing enthusiasm for cross country within our school community.

House spirit was on full display, with students proudly wearing their colours, cheering on teammates, and creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. The encouragement from peers played a significant role in motivating runners to persevere, particularly during the more challenging stages of the course.

A standout moment of the day was the Year 12 Colour Run, which provided a fun and memorable conclusion to the carnival. It was wonderful to see our senior students embracing the occasion with enthusiasm, celebrating their final cross country event in such a spirited and joyful way.

The House competition was tight at the top! This is how the final standings came out in the wash:

CONGRATULATIONS LEWIS HOUSE ON THE WIN!

Age Champions

Congratulations to the following students who were crowned Age Champions. 

King and Queen of the Track

Each year, we hold a race where the fastest 3 students across each age group for both Males and Females compete to be crowned the King and Queen of the track in a shortened run. This year, both races were hotly contested, with the Female race in particular being decided by the narrowest of margins. Congratulations to Adrian T, who defended his crown to win King of the Track for the second Year in a row. Congratulations also goes to Charlotte P who was crowned ‘Queen of the Track’.

I would like to thank all staff, student helpers, and organisers who contributed to the smooth running of the event. Their efforts ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Congratulations to all students on their participation and effort it was truly a fantastic day.

Term 1 MISA Sport

Whilst there have been some mixed results this term during MISA Sport on a Tuesday afternoon, students continue to represent the College with pride, displaying qualities such as determination and teamwork. Across all teams and sports, it has been pleasing to see students consistently demonstrate positive sportsmanship, support for one another and a willingness to improve each week.

Our teams have embraced the challenges of inter-school competition, often coming up against strong opposition, yet continuing to compete with enthusiasm and commitment. These experiences are invaluable in developing not only athletic ability, but also character, as students learn to respond to both success and setbacks in a constructive manner.

I would like to commend all students for their efforts and attitude throughout the season, as well as thank staff and coaches for their ongoing support and guidance.

The following teams have had very successful seasons and will compete in Grand Finals tomorrow Tuesday 31 March:

• - Boys 7-9 Div 1 Volleyball
• - Boys 10-12 Div 1 Basketball
• - Girls 10-12 Div 2 Oz-Tag

We wish all students the best of luck in trying to win their respective competitions!

Boys CIS Cup Round 2 vs Penrith Anglican College

The Open Boys CIS Cup football team delivered a commanding performance in Round 2 of the knockout tournament, securing an emphatic 8–1 victory over Penrith Anglican College.

Despite the final scoreline, the match began with early pressure from the opposition. Penrith Anglican came out strong, testing the defense and forcing the team to stay disciplined and composed. However, after weathering this initial storm, the boys settled into their rhythm and began to assert control over the game.

Once momentum shifted, the difference in skill and cohesion became clear. Crisp passing, intelligent movement and relentless teamwork allowed the side to break through repeatedly, creating chances and finishing with confidence. Each goal reflected not just individual talent, but a collective understanding that kept the opposition on the back foot.

By the final whistle, the 8–1 result was a testament to both resilience and quality. It was a performance that highlighted the team’s ability to overcome early challenges and dominate through superior skill and unity an encouraging sign as they progress further in the competition.

Mr David Tomich
Senior School Sports Co-ordinator