As we reach the middle of term 2, I am proud of our students and how they have demonstrated respect by greeting staff and offering to help when needed. Respect is one our of CARES values and one we speak to students most frequently about. Which leads me to a quote by Dalai Lama that I would like for our whole school community to reflect and enact, Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

School drop-off policy

Be advised that students are not to be dropped off at school before 8:15 am. Supervision of students does not begin until 8:30am, and it is important to ensure that children are not left unattended on school grounds before this time.

If a student arrives prior to 8:15am, families may be contacted to return to school or make alternative arrangements for supervision until that time.

Any primary student on school grounds before 8:15am may be directed to the Main Administration Building (Burn Street) and will be asked to wait; a follow up message will be sent to parents as a reminder of our school’s supervision expectations.

We understand that mornings can be busy, and we appreciate your cooperation in making alternative arrangements for your child to be supervised before 8:15am.

Social Media

In today’s digital age, our children are growing up in a world where communication, friendships, and self-expression often happen online. While social media and digital platforms offer many benefits, they also come with risks and responsibilities. As parents and caregivers, it's important to be aware and involved in your child’s online life—just as you are in their everyday life.

While much use of social media is harmless, it is essential to stay alert to how they are communicating, what they are saying, what they are sharing and with whom.

Important questions to ask yourself as a parent and to open face to face communication with your child:

• Do you know what apps your child is using?
  Take time to explore the platforms together. Are they of a legal age to be using the app?
• Who are they talking to?
  Remind them never to communicate with strangers or share personal information. Do they understand what a friend is? Often online ‘friends’ are strangers who they have connected with through social media or gaming.
• What are they posting or sharing?
  Photos, videos, and even comments have a lasting digital footprint.
• How are they treating others online—and how are others treating them?
  Cyberbullying, exclusion, and online harassment are real concerns.

How to be a supportive and responsible parent

• Open the Lines of Communication
  Talk regularly about your child’s online activities without judgment. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing both positive and negative experiences. Listen, not react.
• Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
  Establish age-appropriate rules around screen time, privacy settings, and acceptable content. Encourage them to think before they post.
• Stay Informed
  Familiarise yourself with the platforms your child uses. Consider using parental control tools or monitoring apps, but pair them with trust and conversation.
• Model Healthy Digital Habits
  Children often mimic adult behaviour. Demonstrate respectful and mindful social media use yourself.
• Teach Empathy and Responsibility
  Remind them that there are real people behind screens. Kindness, respect, and consent should extend to their digital interactions.

Being involved in your child’s online world doesn't mean invading their privacy—it means guiding them toward safe and respectful digital behaviour. With your support, they can learn to navigate social media with confidence and care.

Let’s work together to ensure our children are not only safe online but are also kind, thoughtful, and responsible digital citizens.

The following point is an important one to be aware of:

• When student conduct on social media disrupts the good order and management of the school, brings the school into disrepute, or qualifies as bullying behaviour, the Whites Hill Student Code of Conduct will be used to address this behaviour.

Videoing and photographing on school grounds

We kindly remind you that filming or photographing on school grounds is not permitted, particularly when it involves other students. While we understand that capturing special moments is meaningful and provides lasting memories, we must prioritise the safety and privacy of all children in our care.

Many students do not have parental consent for photography or video, and in some cases, this is due to important child protection reasons.

School assembly and Student of the Week

As PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) and CARES continues to be the behaviour framework in the College, we will no longer be doing Student of the Week awards. The success of students will be acknowledge and celebrated through CARES assemblies. 

We will be moving to a model of CARES assemblies, similar to high school, again for ‘College-ness’.

School uniform

The weather is getting cooler and we’re starting to see jumpers being worn. I would encourage you to check the college uniform policy which is available on our website. Information about the uniform shop is available on our website. Gloves are not part of the school uniform and students will be asked to remove them.

Class newsletter – Term 2

These have been sent to all parents, and they provide an update as to the learning and assessment focus in a year level or class for term 2. Please check with the administration if you have not received an email (check your junk folder) and we can confirm your email details.

Briohny Cuskelly
Head of School - Primary