Assistant  Principal's Message

eSmart Digital Licence+– Yr.5/6

This term the Year 5/6 students have been learning about how to be responsible digital citizens by completing a range of modules and tasks related to ‘digital intelligence’.

What is the eSmart Digital Licence?

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has developed a new and innovative online learning experience that builds digital intelligence in students aged 10-14, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the digital world. Aligned to leading international frameworks for digital intelligence and future readiness, the Digital Licence+ offers cutting edge, evidence-based learning materials that educators can use in remote and blended learning environments. You can view a short video explaining the eSmart Digital Licence+ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4-iOAUqKF0

Why digital intelligence?

Digital technology mediates and augments almost every aspect of a young person’s life, even more so since the prevalence of COVID-19.

It is crucial that young people develop social and emotional competencies, along with technical knowledge and skills that enable them to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the digital world.

Beyond IQ and EQ, DQ (Digital Intelligence) represents a comprehensive set of skills needed for young people to thrive in the digital age. The DQ framework developed by the DQ Institute is the global standard related to digital literacy, digital skills, and digital readiness as approved by the IEEE Standards Board (IEEE 3527.1™).

More than technical know-how, digital intelligence enables young people to use technology in a safe, balanced and healthy way through active self-regulation, self-awareness, and encourages them to communicate and collaborate online with respect, kindness and empathy.

To acknowledge their time and commitment working through the program, all Yr.5/6 students will have the opportunity to receive a special ‘eSmart Digital Licence Certificate’ on successful completion of the four learning modules. We will be presenting these certificates at an assembly later in the term.

Remembrance Day Assembly Last Friday 10th November

Thank-you to the parents, grandparents and friends who joined us Friday for our Remembrance Day Assembly. Our School Captains and Vice Captains did a great job leading a reflective and moving celebration.

Thank you to the teachers and students from each class for creating a class wreath, which was presented at the ceremony. Lest we forget.

Bike Education (Yr 3-6) – Week 1 of 3

Last Friday our year 3-6 students experience their first bike education session. Apart from being a lot of fun, the students were able to learn important safety considerations when riding. The first session focused on learning the ‘ABCD’ – strategies for ensuring you are safe and ready to go before riding:

The students practised riding around cones to develop control. They also had a competition to see who could take the longest time riding from point a to point b, aiming to develop their sense of balance.

A reminder for students to bring bikes to school for the next two Fridays. Bike helmets are a necessity!

Also a reminder that all students must walk their bikes into the school grounds and again, out, at the end of the day, for everyone’s safety. 

Student Leadership Positions 2024

Next week we begin the process of selecting our student leaders for 2024. We look forward to hearing from all the students who have prepared a ‘leadership speech’ in preparation for the role or roles they believe they are best suited for. Our year 3-5 students will have the opportunity to listen to these speeches, reflect, then vote for their preferred candidate. Students identified as potential leaders are then interviewed by Mrs Drew (Principal) and me, to finalise. Preferred candidates are students who have already demonstrate leadership skills, as well as our school values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility, and are committed to doing their best.

All successful candidates will be announced at our final assembly, commencing at 12.30pm, Wednesday 20th December.

Coming Up: Working Bee - Friday 1st December 4-6.30pm (repeat)

A reminder our next working bee will be held on Friday 1st December (afterschool). 

The main tasks to be completed include:

• Spruce up before carols night and before the break.
• Garden beds & hedging
• Playground behind Arc tidy-up           
• Drains
• Gutters
• Cobwebs
• Setting up new storerooms
• Dispose of old chairs outside hall
• Odd jobs in classrooms
• Repaint dots (Arc)

A free BBQ will be provided for those families who attend. A separate notice will be sent home to all families soon to indicate intention to take part. Many hands make light work.

Coming Up: Year 6 Graduation 2023 (repeat)

Our Year 6 Graduation will be held at the school this year, on Wednesday 13th December. The graduation includes the presentation of awards, speeches by our school student leaders (past and current), dinner and a disco for the students.

We have already had some amazing support from parents eager to assist with planning and connecting with the community for supplies and decorations. Families who are interested in supporting the planning of the evening can contact the year 6 teachers directly, or the office. We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration on the night! 

Coming Up: Election Day Fundraising BBQ – Saturday 18th November (repeat)

Saturday November 18th is a by-election day for our local community and ARPS amazing Parents’ Association are again planning an Election Day BBQ fundraiser to support the school. 

We need volunteers to make this happen. At this stage, we are looking for volunteers from 7:30am through to 2.00 pm. If you can volunteer for an hour or so, please contact the office to add your name to the list! 

Michael Mottershead

Assistant Principal

2024 Year 7 Transition Day  - Wednesday  January 24th, 2024 (City of Monash)

Parents are reminded that the Staff Car parks at the front and rear of the school are not for parent parking. Parents with a valid disabled pass may use the designated space at the front of the school..