As we find ourselves halfway through the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, declared by Pope Francis, we are reminded of the invitation to renew our faith, rediscover God’s mercy, and move forward with a spirit of joyful trust. This Jubilee is a celebration of hope grounded in Christ—a call to look beyond challenges and to recognise the signs of God’s love at work in our world, especially in our families and children.

At Holy Family, we see hope lived out daily in our students - in their resilience, their sense of wonder, and the simple joy they bring to our community. For families, this Jubilee offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen bonds, deepen faith, and reflect on God’s presence in everyday life.

Rooted in the Benedictine values of stability, hospitality, and listening with the ear of the heart, we are called to be people of hope. These values invite us to be steady in our commitments, generous in our welcome, and attentive to the needs and voices of others. As we continue through this sacred year, may our Holy Family community remain a beacon of hope - nurturing hearts, inspiring faith, and walking together in love.

I invite you to join in the prayerful celebration of the Jubilee by praying this prayer with your family.

Heavenly Father,

Guide us as pilgrims of hope, walking together in faith and love.
May our hearts be open in prayer, seeking Your wisdom and grace each day.
Teach us to be faithful stewards of Your creation, caring for all with gratitude and respect.
Fill us with the love of Christ, that we may serve our neighbours with kindness and compassion.
Help us embrace conversatio, a spirit of continuous growth, learning, and transformation.
Bless our school community, that we may journey together in faith, always striving to reflect Your light.

Amen.  

Have a lovely week!

Kind regards,

Miss Elise Laidlaw

What is social media?

The internet and connected devices allow people to meet and connect online, this can be through social media. Social media includes websites and apps that allow users to create and share content and participate in social networking.  Social media allows your child to generate their own content, including status updates, comments, images, and videos. Your child can share these on their own accounts for other people to engage with. They might also comment or 'like' a post on another person's 'wall', page, account or forum. Different platforms for social media exist Instagram, tik tok, snapchat, facebook, threads, wAPP Slay, etc. 

Why 13+?

Age restrictions on social media apps come from US legislation ‘Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule’ or ‘COPPA’

COPPA imposes specific requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age; some examples include requiring verifiable parental consent and allowing parents to review personal information collected from their children.

Although at age 13 a young person is legally allowed to create a social media account in their own name, it does not necessarily mean that the content and images they will see is appropriate for that age group.

Supports and considerations if your child is accessing social media platforms (attached are some resources)

? Have a discussion with your child about how they will use social media

? Research the apps and sites that are most suitable for your child  -  https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide

? Include your child in the sign-up process

? Choose strong privacy settings

? Set up profiles and usernames that limit personal information

? Establish rules for approving new friends or followers

? Set boundaries and expectations through the Family Online Safety  Contract

? Explain what to do when they need help, reassure them that nothing is too big or

small

? Develop a system for regular privacy ‘check-ups’ to ensure privacy settings are still in

place

? Stay up-to-date with new app features and functions for the apps your child uses