The View

From the Director of Primary

Think U Know

Last Thursday the Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 students participated in the THINK U KNOW program facilitated by Constable Simon Jones alongside Constable Jo Banks-Smith and Constable Louise Howard.  Both sessions were incredibly informative as a number of issues were discussed. 

 

For the Year 5 and 6 students, attention was given to usernames, passwords and privacy settings when using websites and apps.  Students also learnt about true and false information, safe searching and staying safe while using instant messaging.  Sharing images and videos, online gaming and how to seek help were also addressed.   The Year 7 and 8 students discussed the benefits of technology, how to keep themselves safe online, the importance of being respectful and building skills to deal with online challenges.  How to protect personal information, giving consideration to what photos, videos and content being shared online were also discussed in addition to the impact that social media may have on their futures.

At the conclusion of both sessions Constable Jones presented the students with a “homework” task, namely to research the potential dangers of social media apps like TikTok.  Not only was it concerning that the students were unaware of the potential risks of this popular app but the fact that so many have access to it when it is intended for older users (15+) given the privacy issues and mature content.  In fact, if under the age of 18 years parental or guardian approval is required. Upon conducting my own research, it was alarming to discover that anyone can see your uploaded videos, send you direct messages and use your direct location.  Therefore, it is important that you turn on all privacy settings for accounts that children are using. 

 

Ultimately, we all want the students to navigate their digital world safely.  Sessions such as THINK U KNOW highlight the importance of parents, carers and teachers working together with young people so that they have the tools to create a safer online environment.  If you have not done so, I encourage you to take the time to view the resources available on the THINK U KNOW website 

Primary Swimming Carnival

I would like to thank our Health and Physical Education staff for the organisation of the carnival, resulting in, not only the smooth running of this event, but also enabling children of different ages and abilities to participate in such an enjoyable day of swimming fun and competition.  We also appreciate the invaluable assistance of parents, carers, friends, senior students and staff.  Finally, the students must be acknowledged for their amazing performances on the day not only in the pool but from the side-lines.  The house spirit was simply electric and it is such a joy to witness students encouraging one another across the year groups. 

Harmony Day

Consider the following:

  • Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was.
  • We identify with over 300 ancestries.
  • Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia.
  • 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia.
  • Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi.
  • More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity.  It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the globe.  The ongoing theme of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs.’  This will certainly be the theme for the Primary Liturgy on Friday, March 20 in the Dance Studio commencing at 10:20am.  Parents and carers are warmly invited to our gathering which will be led by the Year 4 class.

 

Furthermore, the Year 6 Leaders and House Captains will facilitate a range of activities at lunch time inspired by games that children play around the world.  Through such activities it is intended that we can learn and understand how all Australian equally belong to this nation and enrich it.

Learning Conferences

The partnership that parents, teachers and students share is crucial if we are to achieve the best educational outcomes for our students, and foster their learning both in and out of the classroom.

 

The Kinder to year 10 Learning Conferences will take place on Monday 23 and Tuesday 31 March.  The interviews will take place in Providence House.   Parents and carers will receive information via EdSmart about the Learning Conferences and how to book using the Parent Teacher Online system.  If you encounter any problems, please contact the College Office so that appointment times can be arranged.

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Director of Primary