Tech Learning & Innovation

Jessica Hallal

Leader of Tech Learning & Innovation

At St Mary’s we are committed to building the Digital Citizenship of every student. The rapid advances in technology have resulted in significant and swift changes in the way in which our children live their lives online, and consequently how you can best support, and we can best educate, them.

According to research conducted by national children’s charity Alannah & Madeline Foundation, one in five young Australians have reported being cyberbullied. The eSmart Digital Licence is an online safety education program that teaches students how to play, learn and socialise safely in the digital world.

Here at St Mary’s, we know that digital technologies provide many benefits for our students, but we are committed to ensuring they are educated about how to participate in the digital world safely and safeguarded against cyberbullying and other online risks. We are implementing the eSmart Digital Licence in Years 8 and 9 and invite you to visit digitallicence.com.au to learn more about the program.

While the internet is an amazing tool for communication and education, everyone also needs to understand the downside of it: exposure to inappropriate content, sexual exploitation, fraud and scams, as well as bullying. These are just some of the hazards your kids are exposed to on a regular basis. We have implemented multiple programs throughout your child's journey with us to continue to develop their digital literacy.

Year 7’s will be participating in the Cyberpass through JacPlus Australia in the coming terms. Information about the Cyberpass will be shared to parents and students at the beginning of Term 2.

For more information on how you might engage in these discussions with your child please visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/ there are ample resources for learning available for both students and parents. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions.