Year 7/8

Where does the time go? We are already halfway through term 2 and fast approaching the end of semester 1. Not only that, but the end of autumn is also near, and winter is upon us. Though, Melbourne weather sure keeps us guessing!

Thanks to parents and guardians for supporting the transition into winter uniform. Winter uniform is required to be worn by students for the duration of term 2 and 3. One of the biggest differences for students is the addition of the college tie. Staff have been excellent in supporting students to learn the art of the half windsor knot in locker bays, Home Group and even lunch breaks. A huge well done to those students that have mastered the skill already. For those not there yet, keep practising, and remember help is available.

There is currently a high expectations blitz being undertaken by staff that include targeting pre-requisites of learning and pride in school. This includes all staff focussing on:

correct full school uniform
classroom entry and exit routines
being ready to learn
absence of prohibited items (chewing gum and mobile phones in particular)

These clear and consistent messages assist students to develop, embed and maintain good habits and high expectations now, holding them in excellent stead as they progress through the college.

Term 2 also sees the annual undertaking of NAPLAN testing. Our year 7 students are to be commended for their efforts during this time. NAPLAN results assist with guiding teachers to meet students at their point of need in the classroom. We appreciate the support of all parents and guardians assisting to ensure laptops were charged and headphones packed so that the online testing could be completed.

In the early years of secondary schooling and becoming a teenager, students are often commencing engagement with social media platforms on their mobile devices. This is a timely opportunity to offer some advice and ideas to parents and guardians regarding social media for your first-time users.

Rest assured that the college proactively teaches students to communicate and use technology safely and responsibly at school through curricular and co-curricular programs, but the reiteration of such messages at home is highly encouraged.

Understand the apps (applications) and social media sites your student is using. There are many options so they may be using a combination of platforms to communicate with peers. Many of these can be accessed from multiple devices (e.g. laptop, phone, tablet and gaming console).
Set some ground rules for your student's social media use. Consider pre-approving the platforms your student can join, encourage open conversations about their use, 'friending' or 'following' your student (and vice-versa) to ensure transparency, and or agree that they hand over their devices overnight/charged outside of the bedroom.
Teach your student about responsible sharing of information and protecting their confidentiality. Social media sites often ask users for personal details, such as date of birth, home address, or phone number. Most young people don’t realise that their profiles can be viewed by others. Adjust privacy settings and know what information your student is providing/available to those that 'follow' or 'friend' them on social media platforms.
Ensure your student understands the implications of online behaviours. A great acronym is T.H.I.N.K. (before I leave a comment or send a message). This stands for True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. Simply asking for each letter, 'Is it ...?', will help students preview the impact of a post, status, image or message whether 'public' or 'private'. Once something is out in the digital world, it is almost impossible to get back.

For more information regarding social media, consider the following Australian Government links.

Russell Lee

Assistant Principal - Year 7 & 8