From the Office

Being Safe Online

As a school community the safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority.

An issue has been brought to our attention from a number of sources, in regards to some senior level students using Snapchat groups. Students love to chat to their friends after school hours and how the students use internet and technology in your home is your decision. We know a lot of you have already set in place clear rules and guidelines for your children and this is fantastic. Please use this as a teachable moment to have a conversation with your child about their communication and accounts. We also encourage you to have a conversation with your child about what to do if they see something online that upsets them or if they feel someone is being treated unfairly.

All social media platforms (including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Discord and Tik Tok) have a minimum age of 13 that is clearly outlined in the terms of service. Irrespective of the age rating mentioned in the App Store, 13 years is the mandated minimum age whether or not they have parental permission.

Please also be mindful that our past experiences have also seen examples where students have multiple accounts (one that parents are aware of and one or more you may not be aware of). Further information about specific social media platforms, as well as games and apps, can be accessed via the parent eSafety Guide (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner).

Please reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. We thank you for your support.

Security of OLA grounds and buildings

Over the last couple of years we have seen an increase in visitors onsite at Our Lady of the Assumption both in the evenings and over the weekend. While many visitors enjoy our beautiful grounds we do have some visitors engaging in unsafe practices. In consultation with the police, our neighbours and members of our community we have decided to lock the pedestrian gates at the close of business each weekday as well as over the weekend with the gates being opened at the start of each school day and for Mass. We apologise for this inconvenience but please know that this decision has been made for the safety and wellbeing of all in our community. Thank you for your understanding and support.

School Routine Reminders

Drop Off between 8:30am and 8:40am. Children must only access the playground or classroom from 8:30am, as the playground is unsupervised before then.
Pick-up between 3:15pm-3:30pm. If you are running late please contact the office.
Late arrivals to sign in using PASSTAB at the front office before heading to class.
Bike/Scooter Shed - if the shed is locked at the start or end of the day please collect the gate key from the front office. A reminder that bikes and scooters are to be pushed/walked when entering and departing the school grounds/car parks.
Emails/Communication are always welcome, however, we find a brief exchange at drop-off or pick-up can often address any matters promptly. The priority for staff members at OLA is the welfare and education of all students at our school. Staff are unable to respond to emails and telephone calls instantaneously. They will, however, ensure that they attend to all correspondence within a reasonable timeframe (24-48 hour turnaround). Parents are also reminded that a response to communication should not be expected outside normal working hours, or during school holidays, unless it is an emergency. Thank you for your support and understanding with these expectations.
Ways of Working - At the beginning of the school year and throughout the school year we provide reminders to our community on ways of working at OLA. This is one way that we work together to create a respectful, inclusive and safe environment for all at OLA. These reminders are provided at parent workshops, assemblies, newsletters and in Operoo communications. Our OLA website is also a great platform to locate important documents and Policies and Procedures for OLA. These policies can be found under two tabs on the website: Our School and Child Safety. These documents were updated on 1 July 2022 with the guidance from MACS to include all Child Safety Standards.
Important reminder to families that when there is a friendship/relationship issue or any kind of issue between your child and another child or family at school that you are to contact the school directly via a phone call or email. We ask that the emails be two sentences or less and we will be back in touch within 24-48 school working day hours. For example, “Dear X, My child has come home today feeling really sad about a friendship at school. I am available on xx to meet or speak with you about this. Kind regards. X” The school will then manage the situation. The following is reiterated in the Parent/Guardian/Carer Code of Conduct (see attached): Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to:
approaching a child that is not your own with a view to disciplining that child for their behaviour (such matters are only to be dealt with by school staff)
approaching other school parents to resolve issues arising between students at school (such matters should be referred to school staff)
any form of threatening language, gestures or conduct
language or conduct which is likely to offend, harass, bully or unfairly discriminate against any student, employee, contractor, volunteer or other
WWCC - Working With Children Check - OLA is committed to providing a child safe environment and takes active steps to ensure any person authorised to conduct ‘child connected works’ or ‘child related works’ does not pose a risk to their safety or welfare. To achieve this, the school requires a Working With Children Check (WWCC), to assess and verify their suitability. It is the responsibility of non-teaching staff, volunteers and visitors to:
Apply for and receive a WWCC prior to expressing an interest to participate in ‘child connected works’.
Provide OLA with a valid WWCC card prior to commencement. This needs to be shown and registered at the front office upon receipt.

School Fees

Please note school fee statements are emailed at the end of each month.

Please check your Junk Folder or contact the office on 9584 9488 for a copy.

Thank you all for working together to keep OLA a safe and happy place to be.

Richard Jacques

Principal