From the Principal
Happy Families / Roboblox Concerns
We recently received an update from the eSafety Commissioner regarding online gaming safety, particularly in relation to platforms such as Roblox, which are widely used by children. If Roblox is used in your family we strongly advise that you read the article link at the bottom of this message. The eSafety Commissioner is currently reviewing how well gaming platforms are meeting their safety commitments, following growing concerns around online safety risks, including inappropriate interactions. While this work is happening at a national level, it’s a good reminder of the important role we all play in supporting children to use online games safely and responsibly.
To help with this, the eSafety Commissioner has developed a range of practical resources for families, including:- A Gaming Toolkit for families to help create safer gaming environments at home- Tips for young people on how to stay safe and have positive experiences online-Advice on what to do if something goes wrong while gaming.
We encourage you to explore these resources and have regular conversations with your child about their online activities, including who they are interacting with and how they can stay safe. You may also wish to subscribe to the eSafety Commissioner’s newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information and advice around online safety.
Below are a few handy links with more information.
eSafety Newsletter Subscription Link
Happy Families Roblox Blog Post
I encourage all families to read the linked article from Dr Justin Coulson (Happy Families).
If you have any questions or would like support, please feel free to reach out to your child's classroom teacher or any of the leadership staff listed below:
Patrick Green (Principal) - patrick.green@scsyndal.catholic.edu.au
Silvia De Filippis (Deputy) - silvia.defilippis@scsyndal.catholic.edu.au
Adele Nittoli (ICT Leader) - adele.nittoli@scsyndal.catholic.edu.au
Danika Rait (Wellbeing Leader) - danika.rait@scsyndal.catholic.edu.au
Reconciliation
On Wednesday evening at our lovely St Christopher's Church, seven of our Year 3 students will join other parishioner children to participate in their First Reconciliation. Please join me in keeping all these candidates in our prayers and we will share a short report in next week's newsletter about this Sacrament.
Year 6 Hoodies
Our Year 6 Leaders are very excited to be able to wear their hoodies for the remainder of the year. Part of the excitement is that it creates a sense of unity amongst the Year 6s to allow them to stand apart as the most senior learners in our school. All students added their own nicknames to the tops and they feel a collective sense of identity as leaders in their final year of primary school.
The Yr 5/6 students will be attending a 2 Day Outdoor Ed experience at the Briars on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st March in Mount Martha and Day 3 Reflection Day on Wednesday at school. Could parents please ensure they have signed the permission forms for these activities.
Year 5/6 Music
Grade 5/6 students composed and performed music on the theme of ‘About Me and my culture’ in small groups. You will notice that at the moment we are having more of a focus on our heritage and cultures, which is so rich in our school. This helps provide all students with the knowledge that all are welcome and appreciated for their cultural backgrounds. This connects to the History curriculum and informs students about how Australia became populated with the diverse cultures we see today. Well done!
Year 5/6 Sport Reports
Our Year 5/6s and a few lucky Year 4s recently participated in a Summer Sports Gala Day. Some of our students have eagerly prepared reports to share their experience. I encourage you to read their reports and have a look at the photos from the day.