From the Principal
March 24, 2026 – Edition 4
Student Mobile Devices Policy
Many of you may have seen the recent article in The Age featuring Casey Grammar School, or heard from your children about Channel 9 News visiting the school. The media coverage highlighted the positive impact of our Student Mobile Devices Policy, and I am pleased to share that we are already seeing significant benefits for our students.
The changes to our policy were not made lightly. Careful consideration and research confirmed this was the best path forward to support student wellbeing, engagement and learning.
The results have been clear: students are already more focused, classrooms are more productive, and there is a renewed sense of connection in learning spaces and the playground. Quite simply, students are free to learn and teachers are free to teach.
I am sincerely grateful to all parents, guardians, and staff for the support you have shown as this policy was introduced. We know that, over time, it will have a lasting and positive impact on the wellbeing of our students.
We also understand that each child’s circumstances are unique. Exemptions on medical grounds will continue to be considered in consultation with the school.
If the recent media attention has prompted conversations at home, I encourage you to review our summary of statistics here and the full Student Mobile Devices Policy here.
For families still considering when to introduce smart devices, the WaitMate website offers valuable, parent-informed guidance to support your decision-making.
Thank you to the parents who reached out to me about the 60 Minutes segment on digital dementia that screened on Sunday night. If you’re interested in watching that, please follow this link.
Harmony Week Celebrations
Harmony Week at Casey Grammar School has once again been a spectacular celebration of our diverse and inclusive community. Under the outstanding leadership of Mrs Riviere-Pendle, supported by staff and senior students, the week was filled with energy, colour and cultural pride.
Students participated in a wide range of activities including dancing, singing, drumming, cooking, language experiences and traditional dress. Among many memorable moments, the Year 2 Kookaburra dance and the Year 12 performance featuring Mr and Mrs Subban were particular highlights.
However, what stood out most during the week was the spirit of mentorship. Over recent months, our Senior School students have worked closely with younger students, teaching and sharing cultural dances. This sense of connection across year levels is something we deeply value and of which we are incredibly proud.
Senior School House Swimming Carnival
Our Senior School House Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day of friendly competition and school spirit. There was strong participation across all events, with students demonstrating determination, teamwork and enthusiasm both in and out of the pool. Our non-swimmers were also able to participate through a range of poolside events. I extend my thanks to our Head of Sport Mr Ryan Murdock and staff who contributed to the smooth running of this day.
Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the importance of participation, resilience and house pride in building a positive school culture.
Senior School House Debating Competition
Congratulations to Ms Weiler and our Debating Captain, Arpita, for their excellent organisation of the Senior School House Debating Competition.
I am continually impressed by the confidence, critical thinking and composure of our student debaters. Their ability to construct persuasive arguments and respond under pressure is commendable. Well done to all students who participated! You represented your houses with distinction.
NAPLAN
Following a challenging start due to technical difficulties on the first day of testing, I am pleased to report that we have now successfully concluded this year’s NAPLAN assessments.
I would like to thank our students for their patience and adaptability, and our staff for their professionalism in ensuring the testing process ran smoothly despite the initial disruption.
Fiona Williams
Principal
Harmony Week – ‘Everyone belongs’
Last week, we celebrated Harmony Week in a joyous and diverse range of activities led by our Mrs Riviere-Pendle. The theme of Harmony Week is ‘Everyone Belongs’ and one of the ways we can make people feel that they belong is by recognising and celebrating their cultural heritage.
It has been heart-warming to see the support and encouragement shown to performers as they shared aspects of their cultural heritage with the school community and equally wonderful to see the pride with which they did so. Of course, we want students to experience a sense of belonging every day at our school, not just during Harmony Week.
To achieve this aspiration, every member of the community needs to play their part by showing respect and inclusion in their day-to-day interactions. The feeling of belonging that may arise in Harmony Week can be quickly undone if our actions everyday communicate something else.
Hurtful and unkind comments or ill-considered ‘jokes’ can communicate that some members of our community do not belong if left unchallenged.
Let’s work towards making Casey Grammar School characterised by inclusion of others in all our interactions, everyday.
Dr Robert Jacob
Deputy Principal & Head of Wellbeing
