Dear Parents and Carers
I'm writing to provide an update on the global security incident affecting Instructure, the third-party provider whose online platform is used for staff and student training.
You may have seen media stories about the incident and how approximately 9000 educational institutions across the world are implicated by the data breach.
Here are some important updates for you about the impact on the Queensland Department of Education:
- The affected platform is currently unavailable in schools. We have removed all access for staff and students.
- The third-party provider has provided assurances that passwords and financial data are not affected.
- All staff and students dating back to 2020 – whether they used this specific platform or not – are affected. Our current understanding is that the data in question is names, email addresses, and schools.
- There is still no indication any data has been released. This remains a threat only.
We again advise you to be extra vigilant online. The department has established a dedicated webpage for parents with the latest advice and resources for how to be esafe.
We must stress, if your child receives any suspicious communications:
- DO NOT click on the links and attachments.
- DO NOT respond in any way.
Please urgently advise the school if you receive any such contact.
I do understand that this incident may cause concern. Your child's safety is our number one concern and I am providing you with the latest, verified advice in what is by its nature a fast-changing situation.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific concerns.
Yours sincerely
Kylie Cochran
College Principal
17/9/25
Dear Parents and Carers
Social Media and the School Community
At Bentley Park College we take our responsibility to maintain the health and safety of our students and staff very seriously. This responsibility includes issues related to online choices and behaviours.
Participating in the online environment can be a positive experience, but there are also a broad range of concerns that may need to be considered, including online privacy and information protection, online etiquette, digital citizenship and knowing how to get help to deal with online issues.
As you may be aware, comments posted online about people and organisations may impact permanently on their digital reputation. This includes teachers, other staff, students and the school. There can be very real negative consequences from online posts – relationships between school staff, students and parents can be permanently damaged.
Facebook and other social networking sites are generally not private communities and, depending on an individual's privacy and security settings, comments may be read by many people and remain online indefinitely.
If you or your child are posting information online about the school, staff or students, I ask that you consider the ramifications of these comments on the school and any individuals in the school community. As a rule of thumb:
· Public discussion is most effective when it is conducted in a polite and respectful manner.
· Before posting, it is important to consider whether those people you are posting about want information, including photos and comments regarding them and their children, posted on Facebook or on other sites. Perhaps ask the people involved in the post for permission before you publish something or tag someone online.
· Rather than airing complaints or grievances in a public forum like Facebook, come and talk to the school first about how to resolve your concerns.
· Remember that as a parent/carer you have a responsibility to supervise and regulate your own children's online activities at home and their impact on the reputation and privacy of others.
For more information, please see the following links from the Queensland Department of Education:
· Social media and the school community
· Cybersafety: Information for parents and carers
If you have any concerns and would like to discuss further I invite you to make an appointment with me.
Yours sincerely
Kylie Cochran
College Principal