Dear Boarding Community,

Hi Everyone,

I trust this edition of Boarders' Buzz finds you all well despite the onslaught of Winter.

It is official, the shortest day, Tuesday 21 June has passed so things are looking up.

Whilst Covid is still with us, it is the 'flu that seems to be the dominant cause of both student and staff absence. We are in the last days of June and heading towards the end of Term 2 with still much to do during this normally busy time of the school year.

Boarding EXPO

It was great for Mount Erin to be part of the Wagga Wagga Boarding Expo. We had very good interest from Riverina families and visits by current families and past students. Our presence was a return after two years of absence due mainly to Covid -19 and it was good to catch up with colleagues from the visiting Boarding schools from NSW and Victoria.

I would like to thank and acknowledge the support and attendance of Principals Chris Brown (Kildare) and Val Thomas (Mater Dei) on both days. I would also like to thank Mr. the Director of Education, Dr. Andrew Watson, Matt Humphrey (CEDWW) and the Boarding staff, Amanda Hilton, Robin Bussenschutt, Lara Plum, and Jody Siegwalt for their presence during the event. Matt's energy into the MEBS prospectus and advertising materials is very much appreciated.

Barabara, Cindee and Jodie.

Future Leaders

Congratulations to Year 11 Boarders Kate Bulle and Hayley Writer who attended the Digital Agrifood Summit 2022 where the latest developments affecting agriculture were discussed.

Mobile Phones - the good and the bad.

Most adolescent children now have a mobile phone provided for them by parents. These devices provide contact and security but it is essential that safety and responsibility are taught. The mobile phone enables students and families to stay in touch on a regular basis and offers a level of security and communication for boarders when off-campus. However, in line with Australian Boarding standards, there are strong guidelines including "nonblue screen" time and legal guidelines regarding appropriate and responsible use. Mount Erin's current mobile phone policy has been in place for some time now and as part of that policy, Year 7-9 students hand their phones in at night time before bed. Mobile phones are not to be used during meal times, study or meetings.

The CEDWW Technology guidelines apply to Mount Erin and both Colleges and should be read carefully by parents and their sons/ daughters. As mobile phones are private pieces of technology, Boarding staff like all adults including parents, will not know what has been written in messages or other social media.

If we find that a student has been messaging other students inappropriately, we intervene. Students need to know how to block unwanted senders/ users and they should report immediately to any trusted adult if feeling harassed. The misuse of mobile phones in Boarding is condemned - I would ask that parents do talk to their children about mobile phones. From very reliable research data, boys and girls generally message/ SMS equally as much but boys mainly use this for information sharing and girls use it for social discussion and relationships. We do know that some feel emboldened when being able to express themselves from a distance including negativity. Images are not to be taken of another person in Boarding without permission and need to be appropriate at all levels.

If there is a need to confiscate a student's phone, it is normally done following two prior warnings of misuse. Parents are notified usually after warning two. The use of Mobile phones and Bullying, including cyberbullying are two topics discussed at enrolment interviews Students sign a Use of Technology form prior to admission. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the use of mobile phones further.

There are a number of resources available online for parents, staff and students:

The digital lives of Aussie teens - eSafety Commissioner

Staff Farewell

Ms Charlize Lotter is about to make a move to Albury for personal reasons and to start a new phase of her life. We will miss her but wish her all the best in her future roles. Charlize was the first to notice a flame and smoke coming from a ceiling light during the week causing the Boarding House to evacuate. Well done Charlize.

Ms Lara Plum will be leaving us as she takes up a new role with REX Airlines from Term 3 We will miss having Lara as Junior Girls' Boarding Supervisor but wish her well as she takes on this new adventure.

End of term - students can leave large items in their wardrobes. Beds, surfaces, and the floor need to be cleared for cleaning. All used clothing needs to be taken home for washing.

All the best for the coming holiday break. Please have a safe and happy holiday period.

John Bussenschutt I Leader of Boarding

Heritage Matters