St Columba's News

STEM News

Science Week: Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability

Science Week has been a tremendous success, with our students diving into activities that highlight the importance of species survival and sustainability. Here's a look at what each year level has been up to:

Preps, Grade 5, and Grade 6: Our youngest and oldest students concentrated on the Melbourne Zoo STEM Design Challenge. They put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by designing enrichment toys for various focus animals:

  • the short-beaked echidna at Healesville Sanctuary, crafting toys that stimulate their natural foraging behaviors.
  • the Alpine Dingo at Kyabram Fauna Park, ensuring these intelligent animals stay mentally and physically active.
  • the Little Penguins at Melbourne Zoo
  • the African Lions at Werribee Open Range Zoo, focusing on encouraging natural behaviors and enhancing their habitats.

They also had a chance to create artwork for a range of endangered animals from the World Wildlife Federation using the Makedo cardboard cutting tools. 

 

Grade 1 and Grade 2: Students explored the importance of clean water through a fascinating experiment in water filtration. They investigated whether they could turn muddy water clear again, sparking discussions about why access to clean water is crucial for all living beings. This hands-on activity emphasized the importance of water sustainability and the impacts of pollution on life.

Grade 3 and Grade 4:Participating in the Britannica: Ocean Innovators Challenge, these students delved into the science and literacy resources titled "How Humans Change the Environment." Working in teams, they chose an environmental problem and designed potential solutions for issues such as:

  • Deforestation
  • Water pollution from chemicals and fertilizers
  • Rising water temperatures
  • Introducing invasive species
  • Manmade structures like dams

Their innovative solutions showcased their understanding of environmental challenges and their commitment to making a positive impact.

National Bullying Prevention Week - Cyber Safety with Rachael

During National Bullying Prevention Week, students from all year levels participated in a series of activities with a strong focus on eSafety, emphasizing the importance of staying safe both online and offline.

 

The junior years engaged in a hands-on activity where they built a house, symbolizing the need to keep our homes secure. This activity served as a springboard for discussions about how we protect our personal spaces and belongings, such as keeping doors locked and being cautious about strangers. The conversation then shifted to the digital realm, where students drew parallels between keeping their homes safe and securing their devices and personal information. They learned about the importance of strong passwords, not sharing personal details online, and being aware of the risks associated with using devices both at home and at school.

 

For the middle year levels, the focus was on understanding positive online behavior and the importance of digital respect. These students attended an eSafety Commissioner's online webinar titled "Be an eSafe Kid: Better Together." The webinar covered a range of critical topics, including online security, respectful online relationships, the nature of online friendships, and the importance of critical thinking when interacting online. Through engaging discussions and scenarios, students explored how to behave positively in digital spaces, how to recognize and avoid online threats, and how to nurture healthy relationships online.

 

The senior years continued their work within the Digital Safety and Citizenship Curriculum, diving deeper into the complexities of online safety through the "Don't Fall for Fake" lesson. This session focused on identifying and avoiding online scams, such as misleading popups, catfishing, and other deceptive practices. Students learned about the tactics used by scammers, the red flags to watch out for, and the steps they can take to protect themselves from becoming victims. By analyzing real-world examples and discussing strategies to stay safe, these students further developed their ability to navigate the online world with confidence and caution.

 

Overall, National Bullying Prevention Week provided a valuable opportunity for students across all year levels to enhance their understanding of eSafety, reinforcing the importance of being vigilant and responsible in both their digital and physical environments.

New Parent eSafety Resources Tab

We are excited to announce a new addition to our school website! Under the 'News & Events' tab, you will now find a section titled 'Parent eSafety Resources.' This section provides valuable tips and advice on various eSafety issues, including:

  • Setting up parental controls to enhance child safety online
  • Information on the latest apps and games
  • Guidance on how and when to report online incidents

These resources are aligned with the eSafety Commissioner's guidance, with direct links to their website for further information. We encourage all parents to explore this new tab to help ensure our students' online safety.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making our school a safe and inspiring place for learning and growth.

ROBLOX

Recently, we’ve received several queries and concerns from parents, staff, and even some students regarding the popular online gaming platform, Roblox. In response, we felt it was important to share some helpful hints and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your child while using this app. 

These recommendations are designed to supplement the information provided in the Parent eSafety Resource tab on our school website, helping you stay informed and engaged with your child’s online activities.

 

  • Set up your own Roblox account: This will give you access to parental controls and help you keep an eye on your child's activities.
  • Enter accurate information: Ensure you input your child's correct birthdate when creating their account, which will activate appropriate age-based settings and restrictions.
  • Review and adjust privacy options: Access your child's account settings to customize privacy controls. You can limit who can contact them, view their inventory, and join them in games. Consider turning on 'Account Restrictions' to allow only Roblox staff-curated games.
  • Manage communication settings: Control who your child can chat with by disabling chat entirely or restricting it to friends. You can also disable their inbox to block direct messages.
  • Turn off in-app purchases: To avoid accidental or unauthorized spending, disable in-app purchases on your child's device or set spending limits using Roblox's parental controls.
  • Discuss online safety: Educate your child about online safety, including the dangers of sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, and cyberbullying. Teach them how to block and report users if needed.
  • Play Roblox together: Join your child in their Roblox games to understand their experience better and address any concerns. This also creates a bonding opportunity for shared fun.
  • Keep track of their activity: Regularly review your child's Roblox activity, such as their friends list, chat history, and the games they play. Consider using parental control apps or software to monitor their overall online activity if necessary.
  • Stay updated: Keep informed about Roblox's new features, updates, and safety tools. Familiarize yourself with the platform's parental resources and guidelines to ensure your child’s safety and enjoyment.
  • Promote open communication: Encourage your child to talk openly about their Roblox experiences, both good and bad. Assure them that you're there to support them and help them navigate any challenges they might encounter online.