Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Wow, what a performance our students put on Tuesday.  As a school we are so incredibly proud of each and every one of them.  The vibe and energy they brought to the stage especially at the end of the evening performance was amazing.  Sitting back and reflecting last night about the day it really brought home to me “This is why we do what we do!”

A special mention to our amazing Performing Arts Teacher, Sammie Grumley.  Many of you may not know Sammie is studying to be a teacher and is working under Permission to Teach from the VIT.  The way she has directed this production is truly inspiring in what is effectively her first year of teaching.  Thank you Sammie. We are so grateful to have you in this role.

Staffing Announcement

We wish to congratulate Mrs Tennille Ellis on her appointment to a teaching position at St Angela of the Cross in Warragul.  We are sad to see you leave the St Gabriel’s team but we wish you every success in your new role.  Enjoy working closer to home and spending more time with your family.

Weekly Assembly

Our weekly assembly will now return to normal on Monday 27th November at 2.35pm.  Our final assembly for the year will be held on Monday 4th December. On this day children are invited to add a touch of Christmas to their uniform.  This could be a Christmas t-shirt, earrings etc.

School TV SPECIAL REPORT: Gambling & Young People

The digital era has made gambling more accessible, and certain factors are elevating the risk of problematic gambling among young people. A new grey area is emerging, with smartphones at their fingertips blurring the boundaries between gambling and entertainment, especially within the realms of video games and social media. The current generation of young people are growing up in an unprecedented time and research highlights that a significant percentage of adolescents are involved in gambling activities.

Reports of young people gambling are frequent with many experiencing adverse consequences such as diminished academic performance and strained relationships. Today’s youth are growing up in a digital age characterised by constant connectivity, and the gambling industry has evolved significantly during their formative years. Simulated gambling, such as in video games, can further increase the likelihood of teenagers transitioning to real-money gambling and developing future gambling-related problems.

It's crucial to foster open discussions about positive media choices to help children navigate through responsible online gaming and gambling. By encouraging a balanced approach to screen time and promoting alternative activities, will help set some clear boundaries to avoid potential gambling-related issues.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to empower young people to make responsible choices in this digital age. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://stgtraralgon.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-gambling-young-people-au