Mission and Wellbeing (AP)
Socktober
This year, our school is participating in Socktober for Mission Month. This program, run by Catholic Mission, invites students to connect with the challenges in the developing world through education and involvement in Socktober initiatives.
In 2025, our collective fundraising efforts this year will support raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. Through Socktober, we can contribute towards this critical mission program and make a positive impact for these children in Zambia and more in need worldwide.
Students are asked to wear crazy socks to school on Thursday, 23rd October, and bring a gold coin donation. Other initiatives will include a Soccer Net challenge. All students are asked to participate and donate to this cause.
Sun Safety
As the weather continues to warm, parents and students are reminded about our sun safe practices. All students must have a College hat and wear it when outdoors in the sun. Students are reminded to have this hat for Sport and all practical lessons outside, for example, PDHPE and Agriculture.
Students are encouraged to have a water bottle and take it to class each lesson.
Sunscreen is also available at the office.
Mobile Phone Policy
Thank you for your support in ensuring your child follows our Mobile Phone policy. Just a reminder after the third Mobile Phone Infringement a parent or carer will need to collect the phone from the front office.
As a College we are reviewing and researching lockers for phones and personal items and alternative methods of payment at the canteen. We will continue to keep our parents up to date with the progress in this research.
The Mobile Phone Policy is attached for you to read.
Australian Under-16 Social Media Minimum Age Law
From 10 December 2025, you must be 16 or older to have an account on certain social media platforms in Australia. This includes:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- And others
If you're under 16, these platforms are legally required to:
- Find and remove your existing account
- Stop you from creating a new one
- Prevent you from rejoining immediately with a new account
Why Is This Happening?
This change is meant to protect you from some of the risks that come with having a social media account too early, like:
- Endless algorithm feeds that increase screen time
- Harmful or unsafe content
- Pressure to perform, compare, or be online constantly
- It also gives you more time to build digital literacy and learn how to stay safe and balanced online.
Attached is a Student Guide from CTRL+SHFT for families to read with their child.
Free Online Program to Support Children’s Mental Health
Are you a parent, grandparent, carer or other adult living in a regional, rural area, or supporting a child aged 10–13 who has unmet mental health needs? Southern Cross University is offering a free online education program designed to help you better support the mental health needs of the children in your care.
The program includes flexible online learning and a weekly 90-minute group session led by experienced mental health clinicians. It has been co-designed by parents, carers, teachers, and children’s mental health experts.
Participants will also be contributing to valuable research that aims to strengthen community responses to children’s wellbeing. Those complete the program and the survey at the end will receive a $50.00 voucher.
To learn more or express interest, please email Professor John Hurley at john.hurley@scu.edu.au.
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing