NewsBites - Term 4, Week 5, 2025
Having just passed the midway point of the final term of the year, we are fast approaching a season filled with important events – times when we will celebrate the achievements of many students and also acknowledge those departing from Faith.
Most notably, we will farewell our graduating Year 12 cohort at the upcoming Valedictory Service. Each year, this milestone brings mixed emotions. While I am saddened to see these wonderful young people leave our College, I am comforted by the knowledge that they will always remain part of the Faith community.
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This promise reassures believers that they are never alone, and that Jesus’ presence continues through the Holy Spirit even after His ascension. This verse is a blessing in many ways, but it also serves as a reminder to our Christian community: for the students who have been part of our College, your legacy and connection to Faith will endure. For some, this connection will be especially strong; for others, it may take different forms. Yet I have no doubt that for most, it will include lasting bonds with peers who have supported, cared for, and even challenged them. The relationships formed and nurtured here at Faith will continue to shape your lives as you seek new opportunities and connections beyond the College.
At Faith, we recognise that relationships are one of the cornerstones of our community. These relationships extend beyond classmates to include the positive connections students share with our incredible staff. For many, this also encompasses a relationship with God through Christ, who continually seeks a relationship with us. Through these relationships, we are encouraged and equipped to confidently go out, even beyond our time at Faith, to use our God-given gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our graduating Year 12 students in the coming weeks, and also to welcoming our incoming Year 7 cohort at their Orientation Day. I have no doubt that many meaningful and lifelong relationships will begin to take root there as well.
Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal
College Fees Notice
The College’s budget for 2026 was tabled for discussion on Monday night with the College Council and the fees were confirmed during the meeting. The full schedule of Fees is now available on the College website. Increases have been made with careful reference to CPI cost growth and known expenditure forecasts while trying to keep increases to a minimum for our families. A more detailed letter was sent to families earlier this week from the College Council Chair and the Acting Principal on the fees set for 2026.
The College is looking forward to the Block Grant Authority funding announcements in early December to confirm the funding level for the first stage of the College’s Primary School. Behind the scenes the College has been working on being as well prepared as possible to urgently contract for the construction and meet the planned open of Years 5 and 6 commencing in the new building from January 2027.
The College has also taken the step of confirming the starting fee levels for the Primary School to give families greater certainty. The indicative fees published for 2024 were adjusted for CPI Education Brisbane group for 2024 and 2025 and an estimate of CPI for years 2027 to 2029. The confirmed fees for the opening of the Primary School will be as summarised below:
| Year | Prep-Year 2 | Years 3-4 | Years 5-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2027
|
|
|
$8,096
|
|
2028
|
|
$7,591
|
$8,500
|
|
2029
|
$7,116
|
$7,970
|
$8,925
|
Just a reminder also for buses, we are changing from RollCall to TransportMe app for the beginning of 2026. There will be a separate email coming out shortly to families seeking confirmation of bus needs for 2026.
Weston Davis
Chief Operating Officer
Year 7, 2027
We are rapidly nearing capacity for our Year 7, 2027 cohort - if you have a child who is currently in Year 5 and you haven't submitted an application form for their enrolment, please do so at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Here's the application form link:
Primary School Enrolments
We are continuing to process enrolments for Years 5 and 6 for 2027 with interviews taking place across both year levels. Families with students currently in Years 3 and 4 are encouraged to submit an application - we anticipate there will be strong interest in filling these spaces in Term 1, 2026.
If you have any questions about enrolling at Faith, please contact our Enrolments team by emailing enrolments@faithlcs.qld.edu.au.
Bianca Coleborn
Director of Marketing
2026 Book Lists
The 2026 Book Lists are now available. Visit our website to download book lists or you can order online through Browns Office Choice.
LYQ Community Update
Please click here to read the latest update from LYQ.
Social Media Age Restrictions – Important Update for Families
The eSafety Commissioner has released updated guidance in preparation for the Social Media Minimum Age obligation, which is due to come into place on 10 December 2025. This will mean that certain social media services will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from holding user accounts.
New platforms have recently been added to the list of services expected to be age-restricted, including Reddit and Kick, alongside platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X (Twitter), Threads and Facebook. Other websites will continue to be reviewed and potentially added to the list.
This means that from December 2025, under-16s will not be able to have accounts on these platforms, and platforms will be required to deactivate or remove accounts belonging to under-16s.
Will Under-16s Be Able to Keep Their Current Accounts?
No. Platforms will be required to identify and deactivate accounts held by users under 16.
Some platforms may allow accounts to be reactivated once a young person turns 16, but this is not guaranteed. If your child wants to save photos, videos or messages, eSafety recommends doing so before 10 December 2025.
Our School’s Approach
The school has already taken steps to support safe and positive technology use. These platforms are blocked on our school network and devices. We remind students that they are expected to remain on the school network at all times when using their laptops. Hotspotting from personal phones to bypass school safety settings is not permitted.
Mobile phones should be used responsibly and only under teacher direction (for example, when being used in class for learning, research, or as part of a structured activity). When not in use, phones should remain on silent and away during class time or lunch time unless a staff member has given permission. This helps ensure that devices are supporting learning and wellbeing, rather than becoming a distraction or a risk to online safety.
Supporting Young People Through This Change
We understand that social media plays a significant role in the lives of many young people - socially, creatively, and emotionally. Some students may feel confused, worried, frustrated, or upset about these changes.
What parents and carers can do now:
- Talk calmly and openly about how your child currently uses social media.
- Reassure them that the changes are to protect their wellbeing, not to punish them.
- Discuss the risks social media can pose, such as:
- exposure to harmful content,
- online harassment,
- impacts on sleep, stress and attention,
- pressure around appearance and identity.
- Help them explore alternative ways of staying connected with their friends.
- Let them know they can always speak to you or another trusted adult if they are unsure or uncomfortable about anything online.
The eSafety Commissioner has created helpful guides, conversation starters and support resources for parents and young people. You can find them at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Looking Ahead
The aim of these changes is to give children time to develop the digital, emotional, and social skills needed to use social media safely and responsibly when they are older. We will continue to support students to learn safe, positive and respectful online behaviour as part of our wellbeing and pastoral care programs.
If you have any questions or would like support in navigating these changes, please contact the relevant Head of Wellbeing.
This week brought plenty of excitement for our Year 7 students, with many heading out to Lake Wivenhoe for an engaging learning experience with SEQ Water. As part of their integrated unit Water in the World, students explored key concepts around water distribution, access, quality, and conservation. They enjoyed hands-on activities such as water testing and observations, a simulation of the water treatment process, and a guided visit to the Spillway Common Platform. It was a memorable day that deepened their understanding of this vital resource — thank you to SEQ Water for providing such an enriching opportunity to learn alongside industry experts.
Our Year 8 students have also been busily engaging in a range of exciting projects across their subjects, including Christian Studies, Technologies, and PBL (Arts). Each learning area has encouraged students to take on hands-on, inquiry-based tasks that foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. As part of these projects, many students have reached out to members of the community to seek advice, gather materials, and gain real-world insights to support their work. A huge thank you to all who have generously contributed resources and expertise — your support has greatly enriched our students’ learning experiences.
Finally, we are delighted to invite all families to join us for our upcoming Foundation Festival, a celebration of our students’ outstanding achievements throughout the year. This special event will feature a vibrant student exhibition, showcasing the collaborative, creative, and inquiry-driven learning that continues to flourish across our classrooms. We warmly encourage families to come along, explore the displays, and share in the pride of our students’ hard work and growth.
Beck Smith
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation 8
Finish Strong
This week marks the midpoint of the term. While it may feel tempting to view the remaining weeks as a downhill run to the finish, it is more constructive to focus on finishing strong - leaving nothing in the tank.
The next four weeks will bring a flurry of assessments, and both students and staff may start to feel weary. We need to keep our eye on the prize; four solid weeks will bring a sense of accomplishment, allowing us to know we did our best before we can finally rest.
These weeks are an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities when we apply ourselves to the task at hand. Every day during this period counts. Engaging fully in each lesson will help lighten the burden that assessments can bring. While it may be tempting to procrastinate on our phones or socialise with friends, there will be time for that once the work is done. Even courses with exams offer ample in-class opportunities for preparation and utilising that time is crucial for success.
In the last week of term, Year 10 students will say goodbye to the Exploration phase and begin preparing for Year 11. This transition is critical as students familiarise themselves with the QCAA portal and their new roles as graduate students. The senior years are significantly shaped by the QCAA, and the freedoms of the Exploration phase will soon feel like a distant memory.
Now is the time to dig deep. Let’s view this not as a sprint to the end, but as a chance to prove to ourselves what we are capable of achieving. Let's finish strong!
Lou Bruce
Head of Wellbeing - Exploration Phase
Leading with Purpose
As we enter the final stretch of Term 4, our Graduate Phase students continue to demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and learn with perseverance. These final weeks have been filled with reflection, preparation, and anticipation as our senior students approach significant milestones in their learning journey.
Preparing for Success
Our Year 12 students are now completing their External Exam Block, marking the final stage of their secondary schooling. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, resilience, and quiet determination as they prepare to take their next steps beyond Faith. Teachers have provided ongoing academic and emotional support to help students approach these final exams with confidence and clarity. Meanwhile, Year 11 students are finalising their assessment drafts and preparing to step confidently into their final year.
Living Our Vision
The work of the Graduate Phase is deeply anchored in our College Vision:
“Awakening potential and empowering learners for purposeful lives through Christ.”
Every experience — whether it’s academic preparation, service opportunities, or the daily rhythm of school life - is designed to help students recognise and grow into the unique potential God has placed within them.
As students progress through the Graduate Phase, they are encouraged to develop self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond the classroom. We aim to empower each learner to see their future not only as a career pathway, but as a calling - an opportunity to use their gifts to make a difference in the world.
Through this Christ-centred approach, our senior students are learning that leadership begins with service, and that success is measured not only by achievement, but by integrity, compassion, and the impact we have on others.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will see a number of significant celebrations and transitions, including the Exploration to Graduate Phase Transition Evening, Year 12 Retreat, and Valedictory events. These moments remind us of the shared journey that connects every learner at Faith - from their first day of school to their final steps as graduates ready to contribute to the wider community.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
Andrea Blakely and Emma Saal
Heads of Wellbeing – Graduate Phase
