Wellbeing and Engagement
Remembrance Day
Each year on 11 November, we pause to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in war and peacekeeping. Remembrance Day helps students understand the true cost of freedom and the importance of peace.
Through ceremonies, poems and the wearing of poppies, young people learn to appreciate the sacrifices made for their freedom and are encouraged to build a more peaceful future. As a College community we gathered together to commemorate the occasion and our student leaders and choir also represented Kilbreda at a moving service at the Mentone RSL.
Lest we forget.
New Social Media Laws
From 10 December 2025, new Australian laws will require social-media platforms to take reasonable steps to stop children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. This change, part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, shifts responsibility from parents and young people to the platforms themselves. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties. The rules apply mainly to platforms designed for open social interaction, while services like gaming or private messaging apps are generally excluded.
The eSafety Commissioner explains that the legislation aims to give young people more time to develop emotional and digital skills before facing the pressures and risks of social media. Research has linked these platforms to issues like sleep loss, online manipulation and exposure to harmful content.
For parents, this law offers a chance to pause and start conversations about online safety and wellbeing. It’s a reminder that delaying social media use can help protect teens’ mental health and build resilience. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about how they stay connected, manage screen time and handle online challenges. The eSafety Commissioner’s website provides practical resources and guides to support families in navigating this transition.
Useful links
Esafety Commission website
SchoolTV
Happy Families article
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:3b807f4e-3874-421d-9b33-984d4da719e0
Parent Resources
Dr Justin Coulson Parent Seminars
Kilbreda has subscribed to the website https://happyfamilies.com.au/.
Dr Justin Coulson has a PhD in psychology, is a parenting expert, and founder and co-host of happyfamilies.com.au. He will host a series of online presentations this year, available to view on the website.
Topics available include:
- Emotional Regulation: A heart-centred approach to supporting your child
- Carrots & Sticks: Better ways to build boundaries with your kids
- Anxious: Helping your child navigate a world of worry
- Entitled: Raising responsibly, respectful kids
SchoolTV
The SchoolTV platform provides schools with an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents. See https://kilbreda.vic.schooltv.me/ for more info.
Jane Delahunty
Acting Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement