“Social companions” or “AI companions” are chatbot services designed to simulate conversation and personal relationships. The eSafety Commissioner explains that these apps aim to create “human-like conversations” and may present themselves as friends, guides, emotional support or even romantic partners.

There are several reasons AI companion apps can be risky for children and teens:

* Many apps are not designed for children, with minimal age verification.

* Young people may develop emotional bonds with chatbots, potentially reducing real-world social interaction or making them vulnerable to harmful advice.

* Some apps expose users to sexualised themes, discussions of self-harm, or other unsafe content without effective moderation.

* The number of available AI companions has rapidly increased, while safety regulation is still developing.

National and international trends indicate widespread use of Social Companions:

* According to eSafety, there are now more than 100 AI companion apps available, and many young people are using them for extended periods.

* One popular service, Character.AI, recorded almost 160,000 monthly active users in Australia , across all age groups.

* International research shows that around 72% of children have used an AI companion app , with more than one-third describing the chatbot as feeling like “a friend.”

These figures suggest that Australian students are likely engaging with these technologies - often without fully understanding the risks.

RGS encourages parents and carers to take simple steps to support safe digital habits:

* Talk regularly with children about the apps they use and why they use them.

* Check app ratings and safety features , as many AI companions lack robust protections.

* Encourage children to seek help if a conversation feels uncomfortable , confusing or upsetting.

* Promote real-world social connections and balanced technology use within the household.

* Seek information from trusted sources such as the eSafety Commissioner , which provides guidance for families, educators and young people.

Read more information about Social Companions here.

Our teachers are currently in the process of building classes for 2026. This is a thoughtful and detailed process that takes considerable time and care. Teachers work collaboratively to ensure that each class is balanced academically, socially, and emotionally to provide the best learning environment for every child.

While we always strive to keep positive friendships together, there are times when children who are great friends may be placed in different classes. These decisions are made with great care and with each child’s learning and wellbeing in mind. We ask for your support and trust in these professional decisions, as our goal is always to set every child up for success in the year ahead.

We are also preparing for Up and Move Day, scheduled for Week 7. On this day, students will find out who their teacher will be for next year and meet their 2026 classmates. This experience is designed to help reduce anxiety over the holiday period by giving students time to process this change in a positive and supportive environment.

We kindly ask that, as trusted adults, you are in a position to support the School’s decisions and help your child view this transition with optimism and confidence. It is often the response of adults around children that either adds to or helps ease feelings of uncertainty. If your child requires additional transition support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr Bob Bartley – learning Enrichment Coordinator for assistance.

As we look toward the new school year, we also take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate two long-standing members of our Primary team who will be leaving us at the end of this year.

Mrs Linda Irwin will be retiring after 21 years of dedicated service at RGS. She has made a remarkable contribution to the education and care of countless students and families and now looks forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing personal interests.

Mr Gareth Saunders will be embarking on an exciting new chapter, moving into a secondary teaching role at another school. His passion for education and commitment to his students have been truly valued by our community for fifteen years, and we know he will continue to make a difference in his new role.

We will greatly miss both of these wonderful educators and thank them sincerely for their enormous contribution to The Rockhampton Grammar School. Their professionalism, care, and spirit have left a lasting mark on our Primary School, and we look forward to celebrating them at the end of the school year.

Understanding Emotions and Supporting Regulation
Before children can regulate their emotions—pause, take a breath, or make a positive choice—they first need to be able to recognise, name, and understand what they are feeling. This skill, known as emotional literacy, is a vital foundation for lifelong emotional wellbeing.

At school, we teach and revisit these skills through The Zones of Regulation framework, developed by occupational therapist Leah Kuypers. The Zones give students a shared language to describe their emotions and identify strategies to help them return to a calm, ready-to-learn state.

* The Blue Zone describes low-energy emotions such as sadness, tiredness, or boredom.

* The Green Zone represents calm, focused, and content feelings.

* The Yellow Zone captures heightened emotions such as frustration, excitement, or silliness.

* The Red Zone includes strong feelings such as anger, fear, or overwhelm.

By helping students identify which Zone they are in, we build self-awareness—the essential first step to self-regulation. However, children don’t learn to regulate in isolation. They learn best through co-regulation—when a calm, caring adult models emotional steadiness, helps name the feeling, and guides them back to balance.

As Dr. Stuart Shanker reminds us, “Self-regulation develops in the context of relationships.” When we connect first, teach second, and correct last, children begin to feel safe enough to practise these skills. That’s how they learn to manage the big feelings that come with growing up.

When children develop emotional literacy and regulation skills, they gain more than just tools for managing behaviour—they build the foundation for positive relationships, empathy, and resilience . These are the same skills that help them navigate friendship challenges, persist through learning difficulties, and approach the world with confidence. By teaching students to understand and manage their emotions, we are not only supporting calmer classrooms, but nurturing capable, compassionate young people who can recognise feelings in themselves and others—and respond with care rather than reaction.

Digital Wellbeing: The Power of Shared Spaces
Following on from our Day for Daniel conversations, it’s also timely to reflect on digital wellbeing—particularly as many social media platforms are reviewing age requirements and safety settings.

A growing body of research, including from the eSafety Commissioner and the Gonski Institute’s Growing Up Digital Australia project, highlights that device use in bedrooms or isolated spaces can increase risks for children—not just through exposure to unsafe content, but through social isolation and removal from protective supports.

When children use devices in shared family spaces, there is naturally greater access to connection, conversation, and care. A parent or sibling nearby can help interpret something confusing, intervene when something feels unsafe, or simply share a laugh at a funny video. This proximity matters—it keeps children grounded in relationships, which are their strongest safety net.

Creating open, shared digital environments doesn’t mean removing independence; it means surrounding it with support and connection. By keeping devices out of bedrooms, especially overnight, families help ensure that children remain connected to the people who love and guide them most.

Year 6 Zooms Into Antarctica!

Year 6 students were treated to an extraordinary learning experience when they connected live via Zoom with 6R’s Peter Kininmonth’s dad, Stuart, who joined the class all the way from Antarctica on 29 October!

Mr Kininmonth, a biologist currently stationed at New Zealand’s Scott Base, gave students an insider’s view of life and work on the icy continent. He spoke about his role overseeing daily operations, the challenges of living in extreme conditions (it was between –15°C and –20°C during the call!), and shared fascinating insights into Antarctica’s geography, wildlife, and unique plant life.

Students were enthralled as Mr Kininmonth answered a flood of thoughtful questions and shared stories from his time at the base. It was an inspiring reminder of the possibilities science and exploration can offer — and a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from someone living and working at the end of the Earth.

A huge thank you to Mr Kininmonth for generously giving his time to bring Antarctica to life for our students.

Student Recount:

Written by: Sloane Bridges

"During the Zoom call with Stuart Kininmonth, whom is a biologist that is training in Antarctica for 1 week , I learnt multiple facts about the animals and the land but my favourite fact was how the penguins find their partners by calling them and recognising their voices which is really cool because if they didn’t do that they wouldn’t know who their partner is because most penguins look very similar. I also learnt that the temperature can be down to -89̊ Which is extremely cold. Antarctica also can get extremely windy which causes the temperatures to drop rapidly. The average temperature there is around -20̊ which means they have to wear heaps of warm clothes like big boots that have a big layer of warm material in them, they also need to wear many jumpers and a special one that is very heavy and thick to keep them nice and warm lastly they have to wear a warm beanie hat that keeps their head nice and warm. Overall I found this video call very interesting and learnt heaps of fun facts."

Year 12 2026
In 2026, The Rockhampton Grammar School will transition from the previous Summer School model to the new Start Strong programme for students entering Year 12.

This evolution reflects timetable changes that now allow for small-group, subject-based sessions to be offered during the first five weeks of Term 1 during timetabled study sessions. This ensures greater accessibility for students while maintaining the strong academic focus and proven success of previous years.

The Start Strong programme builds on the positive outcomes historically achieved through Summer School, providing targeted support to help students consolidate foundational knowledge and prepare for their initial Year 12 assessments. General tutorials will be offered to all students who are not participating the Start Strong programme.

Participation incurs no cost to parents, and students who engage in the sessions will be recognised for their commitment and effort. Further details about the programme will be provided early in the new year.

The Year 7 Mathematics exam takes place tomorrow, leaving only a few pre-elective subject assessments and catch-up exams for those who have been away. Once assessments are completed, students will have the opportunity to review their results with their teachers before beginning a range of exciting mini units designed to reinforce skills required for Year 8 and introduce concepts that will be further explored in 2026.

As we approach the end of the year, several students have spoken with me about finishing early. For any absences of three or more days, families are required to submit an Application for Extended Leave form. Before committing to an early finish, I ask you to consider the valuable learning opportunities that will be missed, and the impact this may have - particularly at the start of 2026. If you have any questions, require a form, or would like to discuss upcoming leave, please feel free to call or email me.

On Thursday, our Year Form SRC representatives, Karryn and Oliver, will deliver their final ‘Wrap Up’ at the Secondary School Assembly. When you pause to consider everything that has occurred in 2025, it truly has been a monumental year in their schooling lives. Thank you, Karryn, Oliver, and all our Year 7, 2025 Form Captains, for the wonderful job they have done in representing us this year. I look forward to seeing who will put their hand up to lead in 2026.

We are looking forward to Carols in the Frame this weekend. This is always an exciting event to be part of, especially as it brings together our Primary and Secondary students. I am still seeking a few helpers for our Snack Stall; if your child would like to be involved and has some time available on Saturday afternoon, please encourage them to see me or send me an email. Profits from the stall will be combined with our donated non-perishable food items and passed on to the Salvation Army. Food item collection continues in our Form classes, and I thank you in advance for your generosity.

Thank you for all the support, encouragement, and care you have offered the Year 7s over these very busy weeks. Especially around assessment time, we see just how important the partnership between school and home is. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

This week, students will complete the remainder of their Term 4 exams. They have worked hard over the past week, and I wish them all the very best for the days ahead.

Several students have spoken with me about finishing early. Please note that for any absences of three or more days, families are required to submit an Application for Extended Leave form. There are very few circumstances in which extended leave can be approved, so in most cases this will be recorded as ‘Unapproved Leave’. If you have any questions, require a form, or would like to discuss upcoming leave, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We are also looking forward to Carols in the Frame this weekend. This is always such a lovely community event, and I encourage you to bring your family along. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our collection for the Women’s Shelter. A basket will remain in my office until the final week of school, so please continue to bring items in - they truly make a difference.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, please feel free to contact me.

While a few elective subjects still have outstanding tasks, and there are catch-up exams for those who have been away, they are almost through this busy period. I could not be prouder of the Year 9s, who have shown great resilience and dedication to their studies this term. It is normal for students to feel some pressure at this time of year, but if you are concerned about how your child has coped, or have any other questions, I would welcome you contacting me.

As we approach the end of the year, some students are considering finishing early. For any absences of three or more days, families are required to submit an Application for Extended Leave form. Before committing to an early finish, I ask you to consider the valuable learning opportunities that will be missed and the impact this may have - particularly on the start of 2026. Valuable learning experiences will take place in the last two weeks, including the introduction of new skills and concepts that will be used next year, and students are strongly encouraged to stay until the final day. If you have any questions, require a form, or would like to discuss upcoming leave, please feel free to call or email me.

As a cohort, we are looking forward to our upcoming presentation from Adair Donaldson. Please note that an unforeseen but necessary change means Adair will now join us on Tuesday, 18 November. With new social media age restrictions beginning in December this year, we look forward to hearing his views on the impact this will have on our students.

This weekend, we are looking forward to the School’s annual Carols in the Frame event. This celebration is always a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends, enjoy seeing our staff and students showcase their musical talents, and support some very worthy charities. I hope to see many of our Year 9s and their families there.

This has been a year-long commitment, and it is wonderful to see so many students reaching the final stages and preparing to receive their certificates. For any students still requiring volunteer hours, please feel free to contact me regarding upcoming opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the Year 10 Form Teachers for their ongoing guidance and encouragement throughout this process - your support has been invaluable. A special acknowledgement also goes to Ms Cindy Murray for her dedicated management of the programme, including marking, coordination, and the personalised support she provides to every student.

As we enter the busiest part of the term, Year 10 students will soon complete their final assessments and exams. Please remember that regular learning will continue once assessments are completed, right up until the final day of term. This time remains important for skill-building and preparing students for their transition into Year 11.

If holiday arrangements require your child to finish early, please ensure they collect a Request for Extended Leave form from the Secondary School Office. This allows teachers to meet with students beforehand so that no essential learning is missed. As this process requires time, we encourage students to organise this as soon as possible.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Three weeks to go - but who is counting?

The exam schedule was emailed to all students two weeks ago, and these assessments form an important part of our overall programme. They provide valuable insight into student progress and understanding, helping identify areas for further growth as they continue their Year 12 studies.

Students have also been developing their Kloodle profiles, which will contribute directly to their end-of-year reports. These profiles are entirely student-driven, reflecting each individual’s effort and engagement. Those who have taken ownership are producing impressive results, while incomplete or underdeveloped profiles clearly indicate a lack of personal investment.

On a lighter note, the Halloween bake sale brought plenty of colour and energy to the campus -thank you to those who contributed baked goods and time. However, recent participation in fundraising and community events has been very limited, which is concerning at this stage. To date, we have received only two donations for the Christmas raffle, and just 29 students have collected raffle books. In addition, involvement in the bake sale and volunteering for the upcoming Valedictory set-up and service has been minimal.

It is important that Year 11 students understand that these activities are not merely optional extras. Their support and involvement directly determine the quality and success of key Year 12 events, including the Formal and Valedictory functions. Continued lack of participation will seriously affect our ability to fund and host these milestone occasions.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your child to engage fully in both their academic and community commitments as we move towards the end of the year.

I have noticed many individuals studying independently on campus, and tutorials have been consistently well attended. It has been wonderful to check in with students before they enter their exams. Although many are feeling nervous, they also appear confident and enthusiastic as each exam is completed. Tutorials will remain available for upcoming exams, and I strongly encourage students to continue taking advantage of these throughout the remainder of the external exam period.

As we edge closer to the final day of school, there are a few housekeeping matters that must be addressed:

Laptops – these must be handed in to the Tablet PC Centre as soon as possible after each student’s final exam, and no later than Friday 21 November. There is an option to purchase the device for a $10 fee, payable by card or cash at the Tablet PC Centre. Please note that if the computer is not returned, the full cost of the device will be billed to families.

Returning items/emptying lockers – all school items (e.g., library books) must be returned, lockers cleared, and any personal belongings collected before the final school day.

A reminder of key remaining Year 12 dates:
* Valedictory – Friday 21 November, 5:00 pm
* Speech Day – Wednesday 26 November, 1:00 pm

Friday 21 November is the students’ final school day, and attendance is compulsory. It is a half day, with students to arrive at 8:45 am at the Auditorium. Students are welcome to depart after the annual Pool Jump at 10:45 am. We will welcome them back that evening for Valedictory, beginning with pre-dinner drinks at 5:00 pm in the Spaceframe, with the programme commencing at 6:00 pm sharp in Duggan Hall. I am very much looking forward to celebrating this day with the Year 12s and their families.

Although many have completed their studies, some are still preparing for and sitting their final exams. Best wishes to those finishing up, and I look forward to seeing the whole cohort on their very last day of school.

The library team has been working with Preps over the last few weeks as they explore community careers. Each week we have read a story about the community worker they have met during the week. After learning about librarians, police, engineers and builders, doctors and nurses and geologists, the preps have become experts and know exactly what equipment each worker I the community needs to do the job!

After each story the preps choose the tools that matches the community worker that we have focused on. They certainly can’t be tricked into giving a builder a stethoscope or a doctor handcuffs!

Sadly, we will be closing our borrowing after this week. We ask that all our students start to return the books they have borrowed by Week 7, so that we can get the collection ready for more borrowing next year.

This fortnight I have been busy meeting with the Year 11s after their SET Plan meetings to make sure they are on the right track for their post school careers.

It is great to see so many motivated and passionate students with a clear idea of what they want to do after they graduate.

I have also been working with the Year 12s to support them with QTAC applications and preferences as well as confirming signups for Year 10s moving into Year 11 next year for their VET courses.

In the coming weeks, the Year 9s will prepare to begin their Certificate I in Active Volunteering in Year 10 and we will also have the ADF coming in to chat to students about possible career pathways.

RGS Careers Newsletter - Issue 15

Year 10 High Tea
Despite the unkind weather, the recent Year 10 High Tea proved to be a truly memorable occasion. Held in a beautifully transformed MAH, the event brought together our Year 10 cohort in celebration of their achievements and growth throughout the year. The wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of those present, and the sense of community, pride, and joy was evident throughout the afternoon. It was a fitting acknowledgment of the students’ efforts and a wonderful opportunity for reflection as they prepare to move into their senior years.

Year 12 Update
Our Year 12 students have now completed, or are in the final stages of completing, their External examinations — a significant milestone marking the culmination of their schooling journey. We extend our congratulations to all for their perseverance, focus, and maturity throughout this demanding period.

As the academic year draws to a close, we look forward to celebrating our departing Year 12 boarders at two upcoming events:

Boarding Community Farewell: Wednesday, 19 November
Boarder Mocktail Event: Thursday, 20 November — where our Year 12s and their families will join us for an evening of reflection and celebration.

These occasions are always deeply meaningful, providing a final opportunity for our community to honour the contributions and spirit of this remarkable group.

Orientation 2026
Preparations are well underway for our upcoming Orientation Weekend, a key event in the Boarding calendar as we welcome our newest members into the community. Our sincere thanks go in advance to the Year 11 cohort, who once again will play an integral role in greeting, supporting, and guiding new Boarders during this important transition. Their leadership and warmth ensure that every new Boarder feels a genuine sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.

Orientation will also feature a Campus Tour for new families on the Saturday, concluding with a social gathering at the Rowing Shed. This informal event offers a wonderful opportunity for families and staff to connect and celebrate the beginning of another exciting year in Boarding.

We are now also able to confirm and share with you our Parent Year Level representatives for 2026:

Year 7 - (Girls) Kym Simmons / (Boys) Fiona Barlow
Year 8 – (Girls) Rebecca Hutson/ (Boys) Andrew Crowther
Year 9 – (Girls) Teleatha Werner / (Boys) Angela Mallinson
Year 10 – (Girls) Larnie Mackay/ (Boys) Nichole Swaffer-Selff
Year 11 - (Girls) Krista Becker/ (Boys) Toni Frame
Year12 - (Girls) Bernadette Paine/ (Boys) Kim Lewis

A Note of Gratitude
It is a perfect segway from announcing our new Parent Year Level supports, to express our deep gratitude to the many individuals whose tireless efforts underpin the success of our Boarding programme. To our maintenance, catering, and cleaning teams, and to the numerous others who work behind the scenes each day — thank you. Your dedication, reliability, and quiet professionalism ensure that our boarders are supported, nourished, and cared for in every way.

Boarding thrives because of this collective commitment, and we remain immensely grateful for the unseen heroes who make our community what it is. Our parents are high on this list.

Maths Society
On Thursday 6 November, following their success at the regional round of the Year 7/8 quiz, students Ranu Weerasinghe Meegahawattage (Year 8 - team captain), Robert Muller (Year 8), and Joshua Attokaran (Year 7) competed in the State Final. The boys competed very well and placed third, only 1.5 points away from first place.

Student Achievements
Swimming - Open Water Swimming
Congratulations to Ashton Rodgers (Year 10) who competed in the 2025 Queensland Open Water Championships, placing first in the 16 Years 7.5km open water race.

Swimming - National School Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Oliver Lau (Year 7) who represented Queensland as one of the Queensland Captains at the national swimming championships. Oliver competed in 12 finals, coming home with 1 individual gold (100m backstroke) and 3 relay medals (1 gold and 2 silver).

Rugby Union
The CQ Primary 7s were held in Rockhampton with teams from Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone participating. The carnival is growing every year with record number of girls teams nominated in the competition.

Nate Cowan (Year 8) and Rylan Attard (Year 11) were the Junior Referees for the carnival. Both covering a staggering number of games. At least - 12 games each. Nate and Rylan were under the supervision of Mr Jack Lloyd - CQ’s Regional Rugby Manager for Queensland Rugby and Ashley Knight - female project manager for Queensland Rugby.

Congratulations to both Nate and Rylan on this achievement.