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Secondary School Update - 20 March 2026

  • Writer: ACC Marsden Park
    ACC Marsden Park
  • Mar 20
  • 7 min read

Updated: Mar 20

SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw

Social Media Minimum Age Legislation Recently, I spoke with our Secondary students about the nature of cyberbullying, online behaviour, and changes to social media laws in Australia, with the aim of equipping students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 

Students were reminded that cyberbullying is unfortunately common among teenagers in Australia, and can include behaviours such as hurtful messages, spreading rumours, impersonation, exclusion, or sharing images without consent. It was highlighted that some online behaviours carry serious legal implications, particularly the sharing of inappropriate images of minors, which may be classified under Australian law as child abuse material. 

Students were also informed about the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which was introduced at the end of 2025. This legislation requires social media platforms (including YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, Reddit, Threads and Kick) to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. The intent of this change is to better protect young people from risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators. 

Research continues to show that social media can negatively impact young people’s wellbeing, including sleep, concentration, and their sense of self through constant comparison and exposure to negative content. While responsibility for enforcing age restrictions sits with technology companies, this remains an important area for awareness and vigilance within families. 

In supporting this legislation, the College’s expectation is that students under the age of 16 do not have their own personal accounts on these social media platforms. We ask for the support of parents and carers in upholding this expectation at home. 

Importantly, students were reminded that their online actions have real-world consequences. They were encouraged to pause before posting, to treat others with respect, and to report anything that is not right. In some cases, online behaviour may also require police involvement.

At our College, we take cyberbullying very seriously and do not tolerate behaviour that harms others online. At the same time, we recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in shaping safe and responsible technology use outside of school hours. 

We encourage families to:

  • Take an active role in how their child is using their device outside of school hours

  • Be aware of the platforms their children are using, particularly in light of the new age requirements

  • Have regular conversations about respectful and safe online behaviour

  • Monitor and guide device use, especially during evening hours

  • Partner with the school in addressing any concerns that may arise

Helpful resources for families: 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting the wellbeing of our students, both at school and online. 


SECONDARY HERITAGE ASSEMBLY: ONE IN CHRIST Mrs Tiarne Tranter

On Monday 16 March, our Secondary students gathered for our annual Heritage Assembly, celebrating the many cultures represented within our school community. The theme of the assembly was ‘One in Christ, reminding us that while we may come from different cultural backgrounds, we are united together through our shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Over the past few weeks, our Secondary classrooms have been full of activity during recess and lunchtimes, with students preparing a range of performances that highlighted traditions from around the world. The audience enjoyed a series of creative and colourful performances representing the Philippines, India, African nations and Polynesian nations. Through traditional dance, music and cultural expression, each group shared something unique about their heritage and the traditions that are important to their communities.

We were encouraged to see our students step forward with confidence, work together as teams and celebrate the cultures that make up our school community. These moments not only showcased the talents of our students but also helped build greater appreciation and understanding of the diverse backgrounds represented at our College.

Earlier in the day, many of our Secondary performers also visited the Primary assembly to share their performances with younger students. This created a special opportunity for connection across the school, as Primary students were able to experience the same celebration of culture and learn from the examples set by our Secondary students.

As a Christian school, we recognise that diversity is a gift from God. The Bible reminds us that people from every nation, tribe and language will stand together before God (Revelation 7:9). Our Heritage Assembly was a wonderful reflection of this truth as students from many backgrounds came together in unity.

During the assembly, students also heard about the work of Compassion Australia, an organisation dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Through short testimonies and stories, students learned about the impact Compassion is having around the world by partnering with local churches to support children and families in need. These stories helped students see how practical acts of generosity and compassion can make a real difference in the lives of others. As a school community, we also explored simple ways we can support this ministry, including praying for children and families around the world and contributing to fundraising efforts that help provide education, care and hope for those living in poverty.

We also took time to pause and pray for our world. While we celebrated the beauty of culture and community, we acknowledged that many parts of the world are currently experiencing conflict and hardship. We prayed for peace, justice and hope for those affected by war and unrest.

We invite our wider College community to join us in continuing to pray for our world, asking God to bring peace where there is conflict and comfort to those who are suffering.

A big thank you to the students who prepared and performed, as well as the staff who supported the organisation of the assembly. Their efforts helped create a meaningful celebration that reminded us that although we come from many different cultures and backgrounds, we are united as one in Christ.


THE ENGLISH LAB: YEAR 12 TERM UPDATE Mrs Emily Van Bentum

The English Lab is a series of fortnightly workshop sessions designed to support students in developing key HSC English skills. These sessions bring Year 12 together in a tutorial-style environment where students work collaboratively, practise exam strategies, and refine their analytical and writing skills through guided activities.

This term in The English Lab, our Year 12 students focused on strengthening their skills for the Module B essay, with a particular emphasis on building confidence in exam-style writing.

In our first session, students explored the structure and expectations of a strong Module B essay. We began by examining historical HSC-style questions to identify common patterns and themes in the way questions are framed. This helped students better understand what examiners are looking for and how questions can guide the direction of an argument. Together, we then deconstructed a sample introduction, analysing how an effective thesis, contextualisation, and conceptual framing work together to establish a clear line of argument. Students then applied these insights by practising writing their own thesis statements. 

Our second session shifted from analysis to application. Students were given a practice essay question and worked collaboratively in small groups to brainstorm possible ideas, arguments, and textual evidence. This collaborative discussion allowed them to test different interpretations of the question and refine their thinking before writing. Following the brainstorming activity, students completed a 40-minute timed essay under exam conditions, giving them valuable experience in managing time and organising their ideas effectively during a real exam scenario.

The English faculty are extremely proud of the effort Year 12 have put into these sessions. Students have shown a high level of engagement, thoughtful discussion, and a willingness to challenge and extend their ideas. It has been wonderful to see how involved they have been in the process, supporting one another and taking their learning seriously as they prepare for their final examinations.

We look forward to continuing to build on these skills in future English Lab sessions!


YEAR 12 LEGAL STUDIES EXCURSION: PENRITH COURTHOUSE Miss Tamara Kunz

On the 4 March, Year 12 Legal Studies students had the opportunity to attend Penrith Local Court for the afternoon session. Divided across three different courtrooms, students observed a diverse cross-section of the legal system in action. The proceedings were detailed and varied, covering critical areas of the syllabus including: bail applications, domestic violence and common assault matters. 

Students were highly invested in understanding the processes they saw operating in the courtroom and were able to see the practical application of concepts we had been discussing in class such as judicial discretion, burden of proof and sentencing procedures.

Upon returning to the classroom, it was so encouraging to see the excitement and engagement of the students through the excellent debrief and discussion of what was seen and heard in the courts!

Overall this was a fantastic experience for the students to immerse themselves in, and better understand, the legal system through the courtroom procedures. 


INNOVATION AND STEWARDSHIP: SENIOR STUDENTS VISIT SHAPE EXHIBITION Mrs Sarah Aydin

Recently our Year 11 and 12 Design and Technology and Industrial Technology Multimedia students travelled to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) for the annual SHAPE Exhibition. This event showcases the top-tier Major Projects from last year’s HSC cohort, offering our students a direct look at the standard of excellence required for their own studies.

The exhibition featured a vast range of work, from sustainable architectural models to high-end digital animations. As we explored the gallery, we discussed these projects through a Christian lens, recognising that our ability to create is a gift from the Creator.

Just as God designed the world with both beauty and function, our students were challenged to consider how their designs can serve the ‘common good’. We encouraged them to see their work not just as a school requirement, but as an opportunity to solve real-world problems with empathy and integrity—using their talents to steward resources wisely and help others.

A key highlight of the day was a specialised seminar focused on the Major Design Project Portfolio. For our Year 12s currently in the thick of their projects, and Year 11s preparing for next year, the session provided essential 'insider knowledge'. The presenters emphasised:

  • The Power of Process - Highlighting the importance of documenting failures and iterations, not just the final result.

  • Authentic Innovation - Identifying a genuine community need and addressing it creatively.

  • Narrative Clarity - Using sketches, testing, and evaluation to tell the ‘story’ of the design.

In Colossians 3:23, we are encouraged to "work heartily, as for the Lord." The seminar reinforced that a high quality portfolio is an expression of this commitment, and a way for students to do their absolute best with the skills they have been given.

Beyond the technical displays, the chance to experience university life at UTS was a fantastic bonus. Immersed in the modern campus environment, our students gained a tangible sense of what their future tertiary studies could look like.

We hope this excursion not only provided our students with practical HSC strategies but also expanded their vision for how they can contribute to the world as Christian designers and creators. We look forward to seeing these insights reflected in their upcoming Major Projects.


 
 
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